Rajasthan, once the land of the Maharajas and Maharanis is a state as rugged as the camel and as colourful as the myriad colours of the rainbow. It is at its exotic and colourful best with its forts, Palaces, Deserts, wild life sanctuaries, lakes, religious places, folk music, and romantic sense of pride and honour. Rajasthan is one of India’s prime tourist estinations. Tourist carry with them priceless me
-mories, souvenirs and address book full of new friends.
We are listing below some of the tourist destination of Rajasthan
NEEMRANA
it is an ancient historical town in alwar district of Rajasthan situated at a distance of approx 125 kms from New Delhi. This area is also known as Raath region, It is the site of 16th century hill-fort occupied by Chauhans till 1947. Close to Neemrana is another fort, Kesroli in Alwar district, that is one of the oldest heritage sites. Neemrana fort built from 1464 AD is located on a high hillock and provides a magnificent views of the surrounding beauty. It is among India’s oldest heritage resort hotels, as it was created in 1986 . Its name derives from a valiant local chieftain named Nimola Meo. The Chauhan capital was shifted from Mandhan (near Alwar) to Neemrana when the fort was established by Raja Dup Raj in 1467. Nowadays, the Neemrana fort is a heritage resort. In Kesroli one gets to see the oldest remains of Buddhist Vihara at Viratnagar where the Pandavas spent the last year of their exile. Today its an Industrial Hub of Rajasthan
BIKANER
It is situated in the north of this state, the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. The city is distinguished for the best camels in the world The history of Bikaner dates back to 1486 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji- one of the five sons of Rao Jodhaji (founder of Jodhpur) founded his Kingdom . Negative remarks from his father provoked him to establish his kingdom on 84 villages and when he died in 1504 his rule had extended to over 3000 villages.
Sightseeing and Excursion
Visit the Jungadh fort built in 1593 by Raja Raj Singh –distinguished General in the army of Akbar. Lallgarh Palace- is a grand palace an architectural masterpiece in red sandstone and was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Lall Singh in 1902 and Sir Swinton Jacob designed this oriental fantasy. Bhandeswar Jain Temple is a fifteenth century temple and is the oldest monument of Bikaner. It is decorated with rich mirror work, frescoes and gold leaf painting Ganga Government Museum is one of the best museum of the state and houses an interesting collection of sculptures,terracotta ware, paintings and musical instruments. 30 kms from Bikaner is the Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok also known as the temple of the Rats.
JAISALMER
It is in the heart of the Thar Desert has a golden glow blending with the yellow sands. The sunsets here when the heavens seem to be aflame leave behind an unforgettable experience
Legends traces the origin to this city to a prediction of Lord Krishna himself that a descendant of the Yadav shepherd clan would rule it. In 1156 Rawal Jaisal moved his capital here and built forts, palaces and temples.
Sightseeing and Excursion
The Citadel, the fort built by Rawal Jaisal. A fourth of the population live inside the fort. Exquisitely carved balconies, havelis and mansions palace and towers present a feast to the visitor. Janin temple of the 12th to 15th centuries with intricate and delicate carvings are superb. Patwon ki Haweli a five story spectacular mansion with carved pillars and painted murals. Salim Singh Ki Haveli noted for its arched blue roof and peacock brackets. Nathamlji ki Haveli built in two parts by two brothers. Sam Sand dunes (42 km) The vast expanse of the Thar Desert with its endless vista of golden sands is a sight to behold. Camel rides in the desert are unforgettable experience. Amar Sagar Lake, Bada Bagh, Lodurva-ancient capital of Jaisalmer, wood fossil park –known for 180 million year old fossils of this desert area.
JODHPUR
This historic city stands at the entrance to the Thar desert. The city was founded in 1459 by rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan. The fort 125 mt high is situated on top of the Rocky Hill. The Palace within is known for its lattice work in Red Sand stone. The lakes and the temples add to the beauty of Jodhpur. A view of the desert landscape and the fort against the suns rays at sunset presents an unusual glow giving the fort a formidable look
Sightseeing and Excursion
Mehrenangarh fort which has a high stone wall protecting the well fortified city. Within the the palace inside the fort are rooms with rich collection of palanquins, elephants howdahs, musical instruments,costumes,furniture and armouny. The display of cannon here is one of the rarest in India. Jaswant Thada- white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Umaid Bhavan Palace – huge palace buit by Maharaja Umaid singh . Part of the palace has been converted into a hotel. Government museum has exhibits of armoury,textiles,local arts and craft, miniature paintings etc. Mahamandir Temple built on 100 pillars has carvings depicting yoga postures.
One can undertake some local excursion to Basalmand Lake and Palace (7 km)-artifical lake with a summer palace on the embankments. Mandore Gardens (9 km) which has 16 gignatic figure of Heroes chiselled out of one single rock. Sardar Samand Lake and Palace (55 km),Dhawa wild life sanctuary (45 km) has the largest no of black Indian antelopes, Osian (65 km)-ruins of the ancient city was the cardle of Rajasthan temple art was destroyed by Muslim invaders. Nagaur (135 km) is an impregnable fort and a grand palace rich in murals of the Nagaur style.
MOUNT ABU
It is the only hill station of Rajasthan located at an elevation of 1220 mt (4003 ft.) has been a popular retreat from the heat of Rajasthan and neighbouring states. This is also place of several Hindu temples including Adhar Devi Temple-carved out of a solid rock, Raghunathjee temple , Shrine and temple to Dattatreya built a top the Furu Shikhar peak and number of Jain temples including the Divlara temple built with white marble between 11th and 13th centuries AD. Oldest of these is the Vimal Vasahi temple, built in 1021 AD by Vimal Shah and dedicated to the first of the Jain Tirthkaras.The Achalgarh fort, built in the 14th century by Rana Kumbha of Mewar is nearby and at its center is the popular visitor attraction of the Nakki Lake. There is the Toad Rock on a hill near the lake. The Durga temple, Ambika Mata Temple lies in a cleft of rock in Jagat, just outside Mount Abu town. In Mount Abu, the faith community of Brahma Kumaris has its spiritual headquarters, which are represented by its own account in 85 countries.[3] Every year about 2.5 million visitors are supposed to visit the sprawling campus of that spiritual movement.[
UDAIPUR
It is described as the most romantic city of India. It is a city of lakes, marble palaces and fountains vying with each other to capture the visitors attention.
The founder of the city Maharana Uday Singh sought shelter here from the Mughals and was advised by a holy man to build his capital on this spot as it would then be unconquered. The three lakes of Udaipur Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar and Lake Udai Sagar makes one forget that the land is part of Rajasthan Desert.
Sightseeing and Excursion
The city Palace museum is of granite and marble with filigreed balconies, ornate windows and craftsmanship in Gkass. Each palace within is an outstanding creation of art. Jagdish Temple built in 1651, Bhartiya Lik Mandar- a folk art museum, Saheliyon Ki Bari- a garden with fountain once used by the Royal ladies, Pratap Memorial- overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake- a homage to the great king Maharana Pratap. Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola and Lake Udai Sagar. Jag Niwas ( lake palace ) Jag Mandir Palace and Ahar Museum where in the ruins of the ancient city of Ahar there are cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. Eklengji (22km) built in 8th Century is the family temple of Maharanas of Udaipur. Ranakpur (98 km)- 15th century chaumukh Jain temple is noted for its sculptures and the tremendous height of its carved pillars. No two of its 1444 pillars are alike. Nathdwara (48 km) is the famous Hindu shrine of Nathdwaras dedicated to shri Nathji (Krishna).
CHITTAURGARH
It is approx. 115 kms from Udaipur reached the pinnacle of Rajput courage and chivalry and still reverberates with stores of courage and bloodshed of Heroism and sacrifice. Some of the Monuments to be seen are the Victory Tower, Fort, Kirti Stambh, Rana Kumbh Palace , Rani Padmini’s Palace.
BUNDI
It is a picturesque and captivating a little town which has retained a medieval atmosphere. It was capital of a major princely state of the Rajputs and the massive Taragarh fort in town has well preserved the Rajput’s legacy.it also has a huge palace (Bundi Palace) with the famous Bundi murals It is or particular architectural note for its ornate forts, palaces and stepwell reservoirs known as Borris. The Nawal sagar is a large square shaped lake in the centre of Bundi containing many small islets. A temple dedicated to Varuna-the vedic god of water stands half submerged in the middle of the lake. The Dabhai Kund also known as the jail kund, is the largest of the kunds in Bundi. Though slightly overgrown, it is well worth a visit for the spectacular carvings on the numerous steps leading down to the water level.
AJMER AND PUSHKAR
Ajmer has the tomb of the sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, the Dargah Sharif. The annual festival, the urs Mela attracts the muslims from all over the world. Pushkar -11 km from Ajmer is a place of pilgrimage for the Hundus. It is famous for the the sacred Pushkar Lake. Every year in the month of Kartik Purnima (October-November)- 15 days from Diwali is the Puskhar Festival which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.
JAIPUR
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. It is a well planned city with buildings of pink sandstones. It was founded in 1727 by the astronomer King Sawai Jai Singh II and built according to Shilpa Shastra, the ancient Hindu treatise on architecture and sculpture. It is a walled city with 7 gates, paved roads and the city itself divided into seven rectangular blocks. Amber, the old capital is a fairy tale journey into the past. Jaipur with its historic past, revives legends of the ancient Rajputs. The dresses of women and the turbans of men add colour to this fascinating city.
Sightseeing and Excursion
City Palace and Museum within the walled city are several glittering palaces and a museum resplendent with collection of the princely era. Jantar Mantar-Outdoor Observatory built in 1726 is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions to this day. Hawa Mahal-Palace of the winds is the landmark of Jaipur. It is 5 storied high.The cool wind blows through its façade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city. Govind Devji Temple of Krishna inside the Palace. Amber fort (11 km) perced on ahill has a marble palace, Temple of victory and sheesh Mahal which are marvellous examples of ancient Rajput architecture. One can enjoy Elephant ride to go on top of the Fort. Sisodia Palace and Gardens , Nahargarh fort (7 km), Sanganer (16 km) known for its Jain temple.
WILDLIFE SANCTURIES IN RAJASTHAN
Sariska Game Sanctury – 37 Kms from Alwar is one the route to Pink City express is the site of one of the Project Tiger Reserves. Apart from tiger there are panther, leopard and varieties of deer in the sanctuary. It can also be visited on the way from Delhi to Jaipur.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is the venue for bird watching. Migratory birds from all over the world come here during the winter. It can be visited on the way from Jaipur to Agra.
Ranthambor Game Sanctuary is one of the tiger preservation projects. There are tiger, leopard, sloth bear and deer of various kind to be seen.
