Rajasthan Tourism

Get desert – burning sand in the long summers, large tracts of dune-decked plains, with scare water and even scarcer vegetation – and create a habitation with the mind’s eye, if you can. And then come to Rajasthan to see if your imagination can begin to match where reality take over.

A period ago, it is believed Shree Ram drew an arrow in his bow. The target was Lanka, the Island capital where his wife was captive by the demon King Rawana. However, such was the power of its annihilation that the God’s pleaded with Ram to desist from his intended purpose. Unfortunately, the arrow, once drawn, could not be withdrawn. Ram pointed the arrow at a distant sea, and let it escape. The heat generated by the arrow dried the sea and in its place there arouse desert, dry, arid, and hot.

Not surprisingly, myth and reality join together. Fossils dig up in the Thar Desert reveal the remains of marine life. And the sand on the surface of the desert ripples and moves, forever creating new layers of waves as the wind dances across its surface. For in its unconscious heart, perhaps, lies the memory of the sea that once shimmered in its place.

Rajasthan’s medieval history is as rich in tales of valor and chivalry as it is in folklore. Deeply religious, the people built, besides there fortifications and their palaces, splendid temples, elaborate wells, handsome mansion and memorials to their dead. Celebrated for their valor on the field, the rulers were also known for the sensitivity with which the offered patronage to artists. No wonder, Rajasthan is also known as the walled richest center of arts and crafts.

Rajasthan is packed with history, art and culture that goes back several centuries. Rajasthan – where the mood and rhythm is so overpowering that it impresses even the most seasoned traveler. It has rightly been called a huge open air museum where the relics of a golden past have been carefully preserved for the benefit of the tourist. It has something for almost every kind of traveler – for those looking for an active, action-packed holiday there are several places which allow one to enjoy the great outdoors, there is trekking, there are horse and camel safaris through desert sands or along the Aravallis. Take a royal tour and live like a Maharaja or spend a peaceful and quiet holiday in one of the several off-beat destinations in historic towns, wildlife lovers can spot tigers and other rare species in various wildlife sanctuaries.
Rajasthan Ready Reference

Rajasthan is of the 28 states and biggest among all, along with the 7 union territories forms the Republic on India. Located in the North-West, it shares its borders with Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat and an international border with Pakistan. The 3, 43,000, sq. km of its topography and most striking feature of this land is its division by the majestic Aravali range – the oldest mountain range in India which runs from north-east to south-west for about 688 km. It is the backbone of the state and divides it into two regions with totally different geographical feature. It comprises 22 former princely states that merged at the time of Indian Independence.

Climate – Rajasthan basically has tropical climate with three main seasons Summer – April to June, , Monsoon – July to September and Winter – October to March.
Language – English is commonly used in all business transactions. However, the main language is Hindi, Rajasthani, Marwari and Shekawati both in regional.
Rajasthan Principal Destinations

Ajmer - situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has been a witness to interesting past. The city was founded by Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan in the 7th century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till 93 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it Mohammed Ghori. Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left-leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the city’s history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and a blend of Hinduism and Islam. Ajmer is a pilgrimage centre for Muslims though people from all religious backgrounds come and pray at its dargah. The British developed Ajmer asan educational centre, and Mayo College, once an exclusive school for boys from royal families, is now among the country’s one of the best private schools

Alwar – Once known as Mewat, The Rajput Kingdom came Muslim domination during the 13th-18th centuries with intermittent attempts to win it back which, Kachchawaha prince succeeded in doing in 1771. Alwar has some beautiful lakeside palaces, not open to the public.

Barmer- A 13th century fortified town, Barmer is in the heart of the desert and is known for the quality of its wood and stone carvings. Earlier fortifications reveal the far limits where Rajputs raised defense out – posts.

Banswara– Ribbed with streams and covered with dense forests, Banswara lies off the conventional tourist circuit. Artificial lakes, dams, and the ruins of ancient temples make this an exciting place to discover.

Bharatpur – The only Jat kingdom in the state, the rock-hard mud fortifications of its fort proved invincible even under repeatedsiege. The fort houses early remnants of artifacts and sculpture, while the modern palace outside is a sprawling structure. However, BHaratpur is better known as a bird sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park).

Bikaner – wasa bustling trade centre in the yesteryears, on account of its strategic positioning on the caravan routes that came from Africa and West Asia. Once known as Jangaldesh, it was converted by the Gurjar, Pratihara, Chauhans and the Bhatti clans. However, Rao Bika eastablished a dynasty here that ruled for almost four and a half centuries. The walled city of Bikaner stands on the northern tip of the desert triangle. It is situated on an elevated ground, surrounded by seven km. long embattled wall marked by five gates.

Bundi – Nestled in a fold of the Aravali hills, Bundi bristles with medieval enchantment. Its fortifications house palaces and apartments, artificial lakes and water-side pavilions. Ruled by the Hada Rajputs, Bundi is renowned for its Rasleela frescoes.

Chittaugarh – The former capital of the Sisodia rulers of Udaipur, Chittaur perches atop the scraggy spine of the Aravallis. Sacked by Allaudin Khilji in the 14th century, the sultans of Gujarat in the 16th century, and finally by the Mughals emperor Akbar’s forces, it was abandoned by its rulers who vowed never to return unless they could avenge their defeat. The few remaining palaces and towers are part of its stirring history.

Deeg – The summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur, it is known for its Jat architecture and for the coloured fountains and pleasure pavilions that are contained with a fortified environment.

Dungarpur – A Bhil stronghold in the foothills of the Aravallis, this fertile region was created into a state in the 13th century. Since the natural protection afforded it isolation, a highly decorative style of architecture developed.

Jaipur – The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is not only the gateway to the state but is also the most natural place to begin a discovery of Rajasthan multifaceted attractions. For visitors ungamiliar with its history, alittle explanation may be necessary, since it will aid their understandings of one of the most fascinating cities of India.
As a city, Jaipur is new, less than three centuries old. It was laid out by Maharaja sawai Jai Singh II of the Kachchawaha dynasty from Amber which is 10 km away, was the former capital of the state. Markets and residential areas have bridged this gap so that, for all practical purposes, Jaipur includes within sway.
Jaipur has been laid according to the conventional nine-grid pattern that astrologers believe to be lucky, and which has been recommended in the ancient Indian treatise on architecture. Each grid consist of a square, and these have been planned so that, at the heart of the city is The City Palace. Spread around it, in rows, are public buildings, the residences of noblemen, the living and trading quarters of merchants and artisans. Straight, wide roads through the city, while high, crenellated wall that forms its defense is pierced with seven gateways that serve as an entry points. Today, these walls may be more difficult to spot since the city has grown far beyond its original plan, but they are still there, proof that though Jaipur saw no great siege, it was more than adequately prepared for it.

Jaisalmer – The westernmost citadel of the desert, Jaisalmer has an ancient history linked with its development as a trading centre. The Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were the most feared chiefs as they forced levies on the silk and spice laden caravans that crossed their region, which was the major source of their income. The buildings of Jaisalmer bear witness to its flourishing trade. Part of its ‘golden fort’ fort continue to be inhabited, and its cobbled streets lead through a journey of medieval enchantment. Jaisalmer is celebrated for the exquisite stone-carved havelis or mansions of the merchants who held the reins of its destiny.

Jhalawar – A 19th century offshoot of Kota, its verdant landscape is unusual for a desrt state. Its fort functions as a government office but the 9th century Gagron Fort close by is one of the most important citadels of Rajput history.

Jodhpur – The 16th century capital of the Rathore Rajputs, and a bustling trade centre, being located on the ancient trade route that linked Central Asia and Northern India with seasports of Gujarat. Jodhpur’s history is evident in the hilltop eyrie. Mehrangarh, from where its destiny was written. Narrow paths wind up the steep path, leading to the innards of the fort. Once within, the architecture is less formidable. Jodhpur today is a fascinating blend of palaces, forts, temples and cheerful people. The city stands sentinel to the Thar desert and is a gateway to the wonderland of sand dunes and shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny trees.

Kota – One of few perennial rivers in rajasthan, the Chambal is flanked by verdure and fertile plains. Located on its banks, Kota is a modern, industrialized city, but its antecedents areas romantic as any other Rajput kingdom. This is evident in its many palaces, and the large fort with its fabulous paintings known for their hunting scenes.

Kumbhalgarh – Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha of Chittaurgarh, Kumbhalgarh is Rajasthan’s highest fort, andf its most formidable. If its air is rife with medieval tales of intrigue and treachery, it is because its history is characterized by some of the pivotal points that characterized the Sisodia dynasty.

Mount Abu – This holy mountain lies at the southern extremity of the Aravallis range. Surrounded by forests, rich in flora and fauna, the town appears as an oasis. A summer retreat in the Aravallis, with a large lake and several temples, it is also doubles as a pilgrimage centre with its 11th-13th century Dilwara Jain temples known for the quality of their sculpturing.

Nagaur – Located between Bikaner and Jodhpur, yet largely bypassed. Nagaur serves as an important link in the state’s martial history, and its fort has frescoes in the Mughal and Rajput styles.

Pushkar – 11 kms. from Ajmer on the edge of the desert lies the tiny tranquil town of Pushkar along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake – an important pilgrimage spot for Hindus with the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma, the Creator. Pushkar is the venue of an annual cattle / camel fair.

Ranakpur – A 15th century group of temples raised by Jain merchants, these are characterized by the fine quality of their carving.

Ranthambore – The fort of Ranthambore has been abandoned to nature for in this national park, the tiger right of stay. One of the country’s finest tiger reserves, its topography of low hills and large lakes provides a tranquil idyll.

Sariska – A tiger reserve, Sariska is densely wooded, making sightings difficult, though the picturesque park is also home to deer, langurs and avifauna.

Shekhawati – Aregion of small towns, Shekhawati is primarily known for its havelis or mansions richly ornamented with frescoes that, over time, ranged from the sacred to the secular, and from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Udaipur – A lake city, and the capital of the Ranas of Mewar, founded in the 16th century, Udaipur is known for its fairytale palaces that nestle along the banks of a lake, or completely cover islands in its midst. The Sisodia rulers of Chittaurgarh who ruled here obviously had more leisure to exercise their taste than Chittaur where much of their time was spent at war.