Monday, September 5, 2011

Rajasthan Tourist Places to Visit | Rajasthan Forts-Desert-lakes places tour | Rajasthan Forts - Lake and Desert | Rajasthan Tourist Places - Ajmer Tour | Bikaner Palaces | Jaipur - Jaialmer Forts



Rajasthan is most divergent Indian State. The State climate varies from hot-cold of desert to the cold of hills to moderate in other parts. The state is a heritage to old Forts, lakes, Palaces, Temples etc. The beauty of Rajasthan is unparallel and community is mixed. The state was remained under ruling of Mughal’s for long time and indelible marks are left here.
    
Ajmer - Invincible



Ajmer City is located 120 Kms west of Jaipur. The City is well connected with rail and road passing through Ajment city. It was founded by Raja Prithvi Raj Chauhan in 7th Century. It derives its name from `Ajaya Meru' the invincible hill as the city is surrounded from all sides by hills. The city was designed at the bottom of hill sides. The city remained under the ruling of Chauhan dynesty until Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Thereafter, Ajmer witnessed 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 blend of Hinduism and Islam. Ajmer's pre-eminence is due to the shrine of Khwaja Mu'in-ud-din Chisti (1142-1236) a Muslim saint who is believed to had power of fulfilling one's wishes.

Ajmer is also known for one of best educational schools and colleges from the time of British Rulings for its colleges Sophia College (Girls) and Mayo College (Boys).

Bikaner - Citadel of Cultural and Camels

The Bikaner City is located 330 kms on way to Jaisalmer, the famous desert area of Rajasthan.  The Bikaner city, named by its founder, was founded in the in 1488 by Rao Bika, sixth son of the Rathor Rajput prince Rao Jodh. Bikaner is a desert built on an elevation and surrounded by a long wall with five gates. A magnificent fort built between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Raj Singh dominates the city. The city is predominated by weavers community who are known for their weaving skills in durries, carpets, hand painted lamp shades and mojari slippers.

The tourist destinations in Bikaner include the Lallgarh Palace, a palace built by the red sandstone by King Ganga Singh. The palace is also known for beautiful latticework and filigree work. A part of the palace is partially converted into a luxury hotel and the remaining part into a museum by the name of Shri Sadul Museum.

The magnificent forts and palaces, made of red and yellow sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience in Rajasthan tourism. The Bikaner city is also home to best riding camels in the world.

The Ganga Canal built between 1925-27 covering a large area in and around Bikaner is another must visit.

Bharatpur

The city is located 185 Kms from Delhi and 175 Kms from Jaipur.  Bharatpur is famous for its Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, just outside of its city area, playing vital role in greenery of Rajasthan tourism.  The City is also a halting place due to its proximity to Agra which is 55 kms from Bharatpur. The park originally called Ghana meaning "dense" takes its name from the ancient temple of Keoladeo, or Lord Shiva.

Bharatpur, a 29 sq kms of marshland, is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world with over 360 species of birds.  It used to be part of the private shooting reserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur and during the season he and his guests shot enormous numbers of birds. It has the largest concentration and variety of birdlife in Asia. The sanctuary is renowned for being the winter home of several migratory species including the endangered Siberian crane. Among many other birds to be seen are egrets, ducks, coots, storks, kingfishers, spoonbills, Sarus Cranes and several birds of prey, include lager falcon, greater spotted eagle and many more.

Bundi - The Undiscovered Splendour

The City is located 206 kms from Jaipur and 40 Kms from Kota. The City is surrounded by the ‘Aravalli’ hilly terrain on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways to the city. Bundi was the capital of one of the erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan. It is known for its palaces, impressive medieval forts, baolis (step wells) and water tanks. The monuments and their architecture reflect the splendor of the local Rajput chiefs. The walls of the palaces at Bundi are decorated with life-size frescoes depicting the glory of its rulers. Temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm.

Jaipur - The Gateway to Rajasthan

Jaipur is the Capital of Rajasthan State and is famous as “Pink City”. The City is located about 250 kms from Delhi and could be considered as the starting point of Rajasthan for tour exploration. The City was founded by King Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. Jaipur had been like that and still alive with Colour, Joy, Regality, People, Art and Culture.

The Jaipur City is famous for Amber Fort, jantar mantar, hawa mahal, city palace & Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh. Also for the textile block prints, semi precious jewelry, handicraft items and Raj Mandhir (Movie theater).

Jaisalmer - The Golden City

The Jaisalmer City is located around 250 Km from Jodhpur and is the westernmost town of India. The city is also named as ‘Golden City’ due its famous Golden Fort.  The city was founded by Rao Jaisal.  A camel safari would take you right into the desert, which is one of the prime tourist attractions in Rajasthan. The yellow city lying in the heart of the desert, is surrounded by sand dunes with an imposing and impregnable sand coloured forts and palaces. Today it is an inhabited city busy city whose chief attraction is meticulously stone carved havellis and private houses, and a series of ornately carved Jain temples.

This amber-hued city, in the heart of the desert, dazzles gloriously in the early morning. The sunset has a peculiar glow here. As the night descends, the sky goes up in flames, which fade leaving a few embers, till it becomes black. A breathtaking sight indeed while going for Rajasthan tourism.

Kota - Magic aling the mighty Chambal

The Kota city is located around 240 km from Jaipur and 131 km from Ajmer City. Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River lies Kota - This is an ancient city, too, reflecting the glory of its olden days through its wonderful Forts and palaces the prominent being City Palace. Situated on the bank of Chambal river, Kota is famous for its painting work, unique of its kind has many beautiful temples and palaces relating stories of an age gone by. Jag Mandir, Brij Vilas Palace Gardens, Darra Wildlife Sanctuary, the ruins of the ancient city named Chandravati are the most enjoyable sites.

Jodhpur

The Jodhpur city is located around 250 km from Jaipur and is also called as ‘Blue City’. The Rathore Rajputs had moved there in 1211 after their defeat at Kanauj by Muslim invaders but in 1459 Rao Jodha forced to leave the Rathore Capital of Mandor, 8 kms to the north, chose this as his capital because of its strategic location on the Thar Desert.

The city is flanked by the massive 15th century Mehrangarh Fort built on a 122 m sandstone bluff, looming on the top of a rocky hill and the sprawling Palace of Umaid Bhwan.  The city is surrounded by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. Jodhpur city is also known as the city of forts and palaces in India. The magnificent beauty and past of city comes alive with the monuments, temples and gardens strewn around the city.

Mount Abu - Verdant Oasis in the Hills

The city is located 190 km from Udaipur and 27 km from Abu, is the only hill resort of Rajasthan. The city is surrounded by the lush forested green hills, is like an oasis in barren desert Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range of the hill, is also a pilgrim center for the Jain disciples. The city is home to the Dilwara group of temples dating back to the 11th century, finest example of the Jain architecture in India, carved exquisitively from marbles.

Mount Abu (1219 metres) is a pretty hill resort in the State of Rajasthan too. Being the only hill resort of Rajasthan, it is also traveled by the newly married couples in India, making it a popular honeymooner's paradise.

Pushkar


Pushkar a small town is located 11 km from Ajmer, the abode of Lord Brahma, one of the very few temples dedicated to Brahma the Creator is located here. The sleepy town with its placid lake considered a very sacred spot for Hindus is catapulted into prominence for 10 days every November as India's most splendid camel fair takes place here, attended by thousands of locals flashing jewellery and exuding colour. Ajmer has become vital in the plans for Rajasthan tourism.



Ranthambore Tour

Situated 14 kms from Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore National Park is one of India's finest tiger reserves. Named after the Ranthambore Fort situated within its precincts, the park covers and area of 1300 sq kms and is abundant with animal as well as bird life. There are good chances to see the tiger here, but even if it doesn't happen, it's worth a visit for the scenery alone. The close view of wildlife in jeep and elephant safari or the high watchtowers makes your tour to Ranthambore National Park quite memorable.

Sariska National Part

The city is located 135 km from Jaipur and 21 km from Alwar is famous for Tiger Reserve Sanctuary. The 765.80 sq km thickly wooded reserve is located in the Aravalis hills valley. Sariiska, the erstwhile royal preserve of the rulers of Alwar, was established in 1955, and became a sanctuary in the year 1958. The sanctuary came under the Project Tiger in 1979 and became a national park in 1982. The beautiful Siliserh Lake running along the edge of the Park has a large number of crocodiles. This tiger reserve is one of the best tiger reserves in India and is frequently visited by the tourists for watching tigers closely.

Sawai Madhopur

Swai Madhopur is the gateway to the world renowned Ranthambhor National Park- the famous Tiger Reserve , Tigers can be spotted quite often in their natural habitat even during daytime. There are about 264 species of birds found within the park including painted storks, white-necked storks, black storks, peafowl, etc. During winters migratory birds like graylag goose, ruddy sheiduck and pintails may also be spotted. Monitor lizards and marsh crocodiles are also found here. Ranthambore is one of the most suitable places for wildlife photography in world tourism.

Udaipur - Venice of the East

The landscaped city was founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh.  The city is full of temples and fountains and is surrounded by hills. The city is famous for its Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake and often referred to as the 'Venice of the east'.

The city palaces, hilltop fortresses, palace in the lake, temples and gardens is a favourise tourist destination both Indian and foreign.

A palace constructed in the middle of Lake Pichola ‘lake Palace’, and currently used as a hotel, is one of the most sought after hotels by the tourists. An evening boat cruise in the Lake Pichola, around which picturesque forts, palaces and havelis stand, would amount to a fairytale experience.

The other places to Visit in Rajasthan

Chittaurgarh

110 km from Udaipur and 300 km from Jaipur was founded by Bappa Rawal in 8th century. Known for the massive fort 3 mile long and 495 feet high. Mirabai, 16th century poet and saint was from here. Also known fro Vijaystambha, Kirtistambha (Tower of Victory), and Rani Padmini.

Dungarpur

Situated about 110 km south of Udaipur, Dungarpur, or the City of Hills, was founded in the 13ht century. One can visit the Juna Mahal which is adorned with beautiful frescoes, paintings, mirror work and glass inlays; the well maintained Government run Rajmata Devendra Kanwar Museum and the beautiful Deo Somnath Temple.

Nathdwara

48 km from Udaipur in Rajasthan lies the popular relegious place, Nathdwara. The temple is famous for its fine engravings on stones which has no parallel.

Ranakpur

Ranakpur is amongst the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region.