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Rajasthan
Travel
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Rajasthan
is where
all the country’s
similes and metaphors appear to have come together to create
a visual extravaganza. Majestic palaces and rugged forts,
spectacular deserts, wooded hills and tranquil lakes,
bustling towns and quiet villages, amazing flora and fauna
and of course, the colorful and vibrant people of Rajasthan
form an intricate tapestry of mysticism, grandeur and
rusticity. Behind the breathtaking beautiful facade, expect
to find contradictions to the ordinary and mundane aspects of
vacationing. Wherever you travel, particularly when you
escape from the popular tourist destinations, you will come
across the unexpected, whether it is a local fair or a
bustling bazaar or mind-blowing architectural wonders. The
mood and the rhythm of the countryside changes from one
region to another, and from season to season.
It is a land
of magical fantasies that remain a lifetime memory.
Come and discover it for yourself .....
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The history of Rajasthan
dates back to 5000 years and boasts a heritage as rich as its
landscape. There is something for everyone in this land - those
looking for an action packed holiday will find endless opportunities,
right from jungle and desert safaris, adventure tours or just a
laid-back cushy royal experience in one of the several palace hotels
or heritage hotels found in each and every part of Rajasthan.
Whether you are visiting Rajasthan's big cities, or exploring
historic towns or quaint villages, you will find the people very warm
and friendly. Rajasthanis, are one of the most flamboyant and
multi-hued people of the Indian sub-continent, known for their
cultural and artistic works, rich lifestyle and rusticity blended with
modern ideals. Their history has been witness to many acts of valor
and bravery shown by these people, which has passed on from generation
to generation.
Rajasthan is one of the 26 states that, along with seven
union territories, forms the Republic of 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 3,42,274 sq km of its topography comprises 22 former
princely states that merged at the time of Indian independence.
Geographically, located between 22 and 30 north latitude, and 69
and 78 east longitude, the region consists of the Aravalli hills, the
plateau of Hadoti and the Malwa tableland that blocks the flow of the
monsoons to the region, creating the vast desert land that lies to the
west. Temperatures here can be sub-zero in winter nights, though at 12
to 25 degree Celsius during the daytime, this is the best time for
visitors to travel within the state. Summers, not surprisingly, are
hot and dry, and though the fierce winds have now ceased as a result
of the large-scale plantation, the temperature hovers in the vicinity
of 45 degree Celsius during the day.
From the most discerning and seasoned traveler to the
first-timer, Rajasthan has something for everybody. Beautiful vistas
to imperial locales, artistic antiquities to traditional handicrafts,
exotic wildlife to unusual getaways, sufficient memories of memorable
vacation to last forever.
It is among the richest states in the
country as far as handicrafts are concerned. The craftsmen here have
been creating some of the most exotic and unusual forms of arts
through generations. Stone, clay, leather, wood, ivory, lac, glass,
brass, silver, gold and textiles are given the most brilliant forms,
for visitors to take back the vivacity and wealth of the Indian state
of Rajasthan.
PRINCIPAL DESTINATIONS
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So
rich is the history of the land that every roadside
village has its own tales of valor and sacrifice for the
telling. However, for most visitors, lengthy forays would
be difficult, though camel safari’s sometimes offer them
the opportunity to interact with people who may have never
stepped out of their villages - or seen rainfall. A quick
reference to the principal settlements is provided
alphabetically below |
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AJMER
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ALWAR |
BARMER
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A 7th
century Chauhan dynasty stronghold, Ajmer is
now a pilgrimage center for Muslims, though people from all
faiths and religion come to pray at its famous mosque. The
British developed Ajmer as an educational
center, and Mayo College, once an exclusive school
for boys from royal families, is now among the country's
best private schools.
More... |
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Once known
as Mewar, the Rajput kingdom came under Muslim
domination from the 13th to 18th
centuries with constant attempts to win it back which, the
Prince of Kachhwa dynasty succeeded in doing in 1771.
Alwar has some beautiful lakeside palaces, not all
open to the public.
More...
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A 13th
century forfeited 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
the Rajputs raised defense out-posts.
More... |
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BANSWARA
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BIKANER
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Ribbed with
streams and covered with dense forests, Banswara lies
off the conventional tourist circuit. Artificial lakes and
dams, and the ruins of ancient temples make this an exciting
place to discover.
More... |
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Founded by
one of the scions of the house of Jodhpur, Bikaner's
history combines adventure with enterprise. In later
centuries, as an ally of the Mughals and the
British, is was able to develop as a modern state,
though its architectural attractions remain splendidly
Rajput. One of the principal outposts of the desert, it is
also a major center for camel breeding.More... |
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BHARATPUR
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BUNDI |
CHITTAURGARH |
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The only
Jat kingdom in the state, the rock-hard mud
fortifications of its fort proved invincible even under
repeated siege. The fort houses early remnants of artifacts
and sculpture, while the modern palace outside is a
sprawling structure. However, Bharatpur is better
known for its Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National
Park).
More... |
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Nestled in
a fold of the Aravalli hills, Bundi bristles with
medieval enchantment. Its fortifications house palaces and
apartments, artificial lakes and waterside pavilions. Ruled
by the Hada Rajputs, Bundi is renowned for its
Rasleela frescos. |
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The former
capital of the Sisodia rulers of Udaipur,
Chittaurgarh perches atop the scraggy spine of the
Aravallis. Ransacked by Allaudin Khilji in the 14th
century, by the Sultans of Gujarat in the 16th
century, and finally by the Mughal Emperor Akbar's
forces, it was abandoned by its rulers who vowed never to
return until they avenge their defeat. The few remaining
palaces and towers are part of its stirring history.
More... |
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DEEG
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JAIPUR
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The summer
resort of the rulers of Bharatpur, Deeg is
known for its Jat architecture and for the colored
fountains and pleasure pavilions that are contained within a
fortified environment. More... |
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The capital
of the modern state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a
modern city built according to the specifications laid down
in ancient architectural texts. Known as a Pink City on
account of the flush color of its sandstone palaces, it is a
major center for handicrafts. Its former capital, Amber
consists of fortifications with an interesting range of
highly decorated public and private apartments.
More... |
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JAISALMER
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JHALAWAR |
JODHPUR |
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The
westernmost citadel of the desert, Jaisalmer has an
ancient history linked with its development as a trading
center. Parts of its `Golden' 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.
More... |
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A 19th
century offshoot of Kota, Jhalawar's verdant
landscape is unusual for a desert 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. |
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The 16th
century capital of the Rathore Rajputs, Jodhpur's
history is evident in the hilltop fort, 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, with delicate windows
and painted chambers. From its ramparts one has a view of
the 20th century art decorum from the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
More... |
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KOTA |
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MOUNT
ABU |
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One of few
perennial rivers in Rajasthan, the Chambal is
flanked by verdant, fertile plains. Located on its banks,
Kota is a modern industrialized city, but its
antecedents are as 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.More... |
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retreat in the Aravallis with a large lake and
several temples, Mount Abu also doubles as a
pilgrimage center with its 11th-13th
century Delwara Jain temples known for the quality of
their sculptures and artifacts.
More... |
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NAGAUR |
PUSHKAR
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RANAKPUR
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Located
between Bikaner and Jodhpur, yet largely
bypassed, Nagaur serves as an important link in the
state’s martial history, and its fort has frescos in
Mughal and Rajput styles.
More... |
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A
pilgrimage center with the only temple in India dedicated to
Lord Brahma, the Divine Creator, Pushkar is
the venue for the annual camel fair.
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Ranakpur
is well-known for its 15th century temples built
by Jain merchants, these are characterized by the fine
quality of their carving.
More... |
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RANTHAMBHOR
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SHEKHAWATI
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The fort of
Ranthambhor has been abandoned to nature for in this
national park, where the Royal Bengal Tiger rules the
jungle. One of the country’s finest tiger reserves, its
topography of low hills and large lakes provides a tranquil
idyll.
More... |
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A region of
small towns, Shekhawati is primarily known for its
havelis or mansions richly ornamented with frescos that,
over time, ranged from the sacred to the secular.
More...
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UDAIPUR
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DUNGARPUR |
KUMBALGARH
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A lake
city, and the capital of the Rana 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 at Chittaur
where much of their time was spent at war.
More... |
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A Bhil
stronghold in the foothills of the Aravallis, this
fertile region was created into the state of Dungarpur in
the 13th century. Since the natural protection
afforded the place complete isolation, a highly decorative
style of architecture and other arts developed.
More... |
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Built in
the 15th century by Rana Kumbha of
Chittaurgarh, Kumbalgarh is Rajasthan's
highest fort, and its most formidable. The air here 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.
More... |
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SARISKA
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A tiger
reserve, Sariska is densely wooded, making sightings
difficult, though the picturesque park is also home to deers,
langurs and avifauna.
More... |
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TRAVELING WITHIN THE STATE |
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Visitors coming from overseas can
choose to come via Delhi or Mumbai, with Delhi being closer, and
providing the ideal entry point through Jaipur. From Mumbai, the entry
point into Rajasthan is Udaipur. The only other national airport used
for civil aviation services is at Jodhpur.
All points within the state are connected by both road and rail.
While railway connections offer convenient overnighters, reservations
are necessary. Most principal road heads are an average five-hour
journey apart, making intra-state travel convenient. Scheduled tourist
bus services are available, and tourist cars can be hired.
Rajasthan is visitor-friendly. Credit cards are accepted in most
tourist towns, and certainly at hotels and shops. For visitors wary of
the local cuisine, continental cuisine is widely available: where it
may fail to be authentic, or come up to gourmet standards, it will
most certainly offer the familiar taste of home. Bottled mineral water
is widely available. The state has an extensive network of postal
services and banks, as well as telecommunication links with the rest
of the world. While it may not lack in modern amenities, Rajasthan's
flavor is delightfully medieval - truly a place where time, as the
cliché goes, has stood still. |
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