Monday, December 22, 2008

Tourists Attractions In Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the only land where much of the medieval character has been retained through its magnificent forts, palaces and Havellis। Here, the remains of the medieval times have perfectly blended with the modern buildings that have cropped up in the present tims.

Siliserh Lake Palace, Alwar
Siliserh is famous for the beautiful Siliserh Lake which was built in 1845 AD by Maharaja Vinay Singh The Siliserh lake, which was built by constructing an earthern dam between two hills is a must to see destination in Rajasthan.

Siliserh Lake, an idyllic picnic spot is situated about 13 km south west of Alwar The shimmering Siliserh lake covers an area of 10.5 square km. This lake is surrounded by thick wooded hills with beautiful chhatris on the embankment. This lake was once a source of the Alwar's water supply and various fishes and water birds can be seen in this lake. Situated between the Aravalis and overlooking the lake is the magnificent royal hunting lodge or Siliserh lake palace. This lake palace was built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845 AD for his queen Shila. This palace has now been converted into a heritage hotel. This lake offers boating and sailing facilities and is a delightful spot for various photographers and film makers.

Sariska National Park In Alwar
Sariska National Park is situated in Alwar district of Rajasthan Although larger than Ranthambor, it is less commercialized and has less tigers but a similar topography.

Coverage Area : 765.80-sq-kms.

Nearest Access : Alwar (37-kms)

Sariska National Park (near Alwar) is situated in the state of Rajasthan in the backdrop of the Aravali Hills. This park, which is quite near to Rajasthan's capital Jaipur, was declared a sanctuary in 1955. It came under the Project Tiger in 1979 and became a national park in 1982. The park boasts of a quite a few tigers and other interesting flora and fauna. There are also historical ruins and monuments within Sariska's confines that are symbolic of its past.

Sariska is about 200 Kms away from Delhi. Total area span some 800 sq. Kms. of dry deciduous forest and had been known for its tiger and leopard activity. Large herds of Sambar and chital can also be found here. just at the edge of this wildlife reserves is the Siliserh lake ehere crocodiles can be swimming and basking on the banks of the river. The area also abounds in places of historical interest. The Neelkanth temples ( 6th - 13 th century ) are only 32 kms. from sariska wildlife reserves.

Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar
The property covers 25 acres/10 hectares & the steped palace of this architectural jewels cut into the hillside to sprawl over 3 acres/1।2 hectares & rises to 10 levels commanding the most splendid views.
he travel site, Heritage Hotels of Rajasthan, is a rich resource of information and details about the heritage hotels in Alwar as a travel tour to Alwar, located in Rajasthan, India, would showcase. Heritage Hotels of Rajasthan, provides the tourist who has undertaken a travel tour to Alwar, Rajasthan, India, with a golden opportunity to unearth the delights of the heritage hotels in Alwar, located in Rajasthan, India.

Hotel Neemrana Fort and Palace is one of the key heritage and premium hotels in Rajasthan, India, which needs to be marketed and advertised so that its wares attract a large number of travelers and tourists who are on a visit to the chain of heritage hotels in Alwar, Rajasthan, India.

Neemrana Fort Palace Hotel was built by the hands of Maharaja Devi Singh ji in the year 1464 AD. in a horseshoe cavity placed in the old Aravalli range in the ancient village of Neemrana, Rajasthan, India, as a travel tour to Alwar, located in Rajasthan, India, would reveal. The Palace was home to the direct descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III who was defeated by Mohammad Ghauri in the battle of Tarain, India. Neemrana Fort Palace Hotel is a unique hotel in the sense that apart from being home to 42 odd rooms within its confines, it has an old tale attached to each room serving as the theme of that particular room. Rooms of the order of Sheesh Mahal, Chand Mahal, Surya Mahal and Barsat Mahal are the ones which have a separate legend attached to them. The cuisine on offer in the hotel restaurant is largely Rajasthani and Continental in nature.

Dargah Sharif Ajmer
The Dargah Sharif Ajmer is the burial place of the Muslim saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti Every year hoards of Muslims as well as pilgrims of other faiths come to visit the Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
Ajmer is venerated as a holy place for both Hindus and Muslims. It has the mausoleum of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, whose blessings are eagerly sought by pilgrims to his dargah. Known as the ‘Dargah Sharif’, the last resting place of the saint who died in 1235 lies at the foot of a barren hill. The saint’s marble domed mausoleum is India’s most important shrine for Muslims and receives an endless flow of visitors of all religions as the sick, the troubled and the childless come here seeking a boon, a blessing or just peace of mind. Legend has it that the Mughal emperor, Akbar came here to the saint in the 16th century in quest of a boon for an heir and the saint obliged.

The Urs or annual pilgrimage of the devout is celebrated each May at the Dargah with millions of pilgrims arriving in Ajmer to pay homage. Lengthy queues of several kilometres snake their way past the tomb at the shrine while outside the Dargah precincts, two massive cauldrons cook sweet rice garnished with dry fruits and condiments to be served as ‘tabarukh’ or sanctified food. Within the dargah lies a mosque, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan Like all of Shah Jahan’s buildings, the mosque too, is an architectural marvel - a magnificent building in white marble with a long and narrow courtyard for the faithful to pray in, richly embellished with ornate calligraphic inscriptions, delicate carvings and detailed trelliswork. Getting there and around Although Ajmer does not have an airport of its own, there is an airport at Jaipur (130 km away), from where regular buses and taxis come to Ajmer.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary or the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, India’s most famous bird sanctuary is located at Bharatpur in the state of Rajasthan This bird empire is spread over an area of about 230 square kilometres.

Location : Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Nearest Access : Bharatpur
Main Wildlife Found : Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Boar, Migratory Birds
Coverage Area : 29-sq-kms

About Bharatpur Bird SanctuaryBharatpur
One of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Nesting indigenous water- birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.

Flora in Bharatpur
More than 300 species of birds are found in this small wildlife park of 29-sq-kms of which 11-sq-kms are marshes and the rest scrubland and grassland. Keoladeo, the name derives from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the park. 'Ghana' means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the area.

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
Junagarh Fort is an impressive fort in the city of Bikaner, Rajasthan It was built in 1588 AD by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled from 1571 to 1611 AD.
Junagrah Fort, a historic fort is one of the most impressive fort in Bikaner in Rajasthan. Junagarh fort and it's palaces were built between 1588-1593 by Raja Raj Singh, a general in the army of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Junagarh Fort has remained unconquered till date. This fort has a 96 meter long wall to protect 37 palaces, temples and pavilions within it. The 37 bastions guard the fort and only two gates provide the access inside the fort. The main entrance of the fort is Suraj Pol or Sun Gate. The palaces, exquisitely built in red sandstone and marble are ornate with mirror work, carvings and paintings

There are about 37 palaces, temples and pavilions built inside the fort which are made up of red sandstone The palaces have exquisitely carved windows, balconies, towers and kiosks. The interiors of palaces is done by lacquered furniture, mirror work, murals, gold polish, enamel work, shell finish and lime plaster. Inside the fort you will be able to see the low bed of the Maharajas decorated with mirrors, Durbar and coronation halls, medieval Mughal swords, Second World War plane, miniature paintings of the Bikaner school and an oil painting of the Versailles treaty. The fort museum has an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, jars, carpets, arms and weapons, treaties and rare antiques.

Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner
Karni Mata Temple, 30 miles south of Bikaner in Deshnoke, is one of the strangest holy spots in India We left Bikaner and were on route to Jodhpur when Bela asked us if we wanted to stop at the "Rat Temple" which was on our way.

The Karni Mata Temple situated in Deshnok near Bikaner is one of the strangest holy spots in the whole of India. It is certainly not for the diffident as rats are much revered here. The resident deity of the complex is Karni Mata, considered an incarnation of Durga, who lived in the 15th century. She was patronised by the Rathore clan of Bikaner. It was she who predicted great glory for Bika when he set out to establish a kingdom for himself (see History of Bikaner ).

The Rat Legend
How the furry rodents came to acquire holy status has an interesting anecdote behind it। Apparently Karni Mata once tried to restore a dead child of a storyteller back to life but failed, as Yama, the god of death had already accepted his soul and re-incarnated him in human form. Karni Mata, famed for her legendary temper, was so inflamed by her failure that she announced that no one from her tribe would fall into Yama’s hands again. Instead, when they died all of them would temporarily inhabit the body of a rat before being reborn into the tribe. Hence the mousy creatures – known as kabas – are considered to be incarnations of storytellers and are much revered.

Gajner Palace, Bikaner

Gajner Palace is an incomparable "Jewel in the Thar Desert" built on the embankment of a lake by His Late Highness Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner।

GAJNER Palace, an incomparable 'Jewel in the Thar Desert' is built on the embankment of a lake. Built by H.H. Maharaja Sir Ganga Singhji of Bikaner, Gajner Palace is approximately 30 kms from the city of Bikaner. Spread over 6000 acres, the Palace was used as a hunting resort by the former Maharajas and visiting British dignitaries during the days of the Raj. Some of the dignitaries who have visited the palace for the shoots are Governor General Lord Elgin, Lord Mountbatten Viceroy of India, Prince of Wales (1905) and Lord Erwin (1927). The Palace has a wildlife sanctuary, adjacent to the imposing palace, and is home to endangered antelopes, chinkara, black buck, neelgai and other animals. The sanctuary and the lake attract more than a hundred species of migratory birds during the winter months. Today Gajner Palace is a grand heritage palace of the HRH Group of Hotels, Udaipur.

Accommodation
Gajner Palace is divided into four different wings: Dungar Niwas, Mandir Chowk, Gulab Niwas and Champa Niwas The eleven historic suites are in Dungar Niwas These suites were primarily used by British dignitaries during their leisure trip to the Palace- in addition, the Palace offers thirty-one deluxe rooms that form part of Gulab Niwas, Champa Niwas (the recently built section has a beautiful courtyard with rooms all around it) and Mandir Chowk (was part of the reception area for dignitaries arriving by train and dominated by the presence of an ancient temple and age-old banyan trees). Each suite has been meticulously restored to its original grandeur, right from the furniture to the wallpaper, the four-poster beds and large windows. Every little detail has been meticulously recreated exuding an aura of a bygone era but nonetheless fitted with every modem convenience such as air-conditioning. The hotel provides laundry and room service and 24 hour hot and cold running water. Other basic facilities like telecom, travel desk, money exchange and safety lockers are provided.

Taragarh Fort, Bundi
Your tour to Taragarh Fort located at Bundi is a visit to a dilapidated fort which has seen better days in the past Other attractions to watch out for are Bhim Burj and Dudha Mahal.
The Taragarh fort is located at a distance of around 39 km from Kota. Taragarh Fort was the home of a major princely state at the height of the Rajput heydays. It is a massive fort built in the year 1354 and accessible by a steep pitched road leading to its main gateway. Rampant elephants top the gateway of the Taragarh Fort. It consists of huge reservoirs carved out of solid rock and the Bhim Burj, the largest of the battlements, on which is mounted a famous cannon. An excellent bird's view of the town from the fort is another attraction among tourists.

The main gateway of the fort has some meticulous carvings of elephants. Infact, there are three gateways to the fort. They are named Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak. Most parts of these impressive gateways are now in ruins. During its heydays, Taragarh fort was renowned for its tunnels crisscrossing the entire hillside. These tunnels allowed the king and his deputies to flee in case there was an imminent danger to their lives from enemies. Unfortunately, no maps of these tunnels are available in present times. From the Taragarh Fort, a spectacular view of Kota town is available.

Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh Fort is known for its heroic history The stories of the valiant Rajput men and women, who sacrificed their lives in the defense of their honor and this grand fort, live on in the ambience of this impressive structure in Chittorgarh.

Constructed By : Bhim, a Pandava (As per the legend)
Highlights : Numerous palaces and towers inside the fort.

Chittorgarh is the most sought after seat of power in India. It is situated 175 km to the east of Udaipur and is named after Chitrangad Maurya. Bappa Rawal, founder of the Sisodia dynasty, received Chittor as dowry from last the princess of the Solanki dynasty in mid-8th century AD. It covers an area seven mile covering 700 acres of land with its fortifications, palaces, temples and towers.

The Chittorgarh fort stands on a 180 m high hill that rises rapidly from the plains below। It is a massive structure with a 1 km zigzag accent to it. The road leads through seven gates namely Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jorla Pol, Lakshman Pol, to the main gate Rampol. When you are between the second and third gate you will see two Chattris or cenotaphs built in honor of Jaimull and Kulla, who were the heroes of 1568 AD siege by Emperor Akbar. The main gate of the fort is called the Surajpol meaning the Gate of Sun. There are many palaces within the fort like the Rana Kumbha Palace, the Fateh Prakash Palace, the Tower of Victory and Rani Padmini's Palace, which are significant for their Rajput architectural features. The fortress of Chittorgarh epitomizes the romance and chivalry of the Rajput tradition.

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Amber is a classic romantic Rajasthan city-fort-palace. Man Singh I started the construction of this beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples in 1592 and his descendant Jai संग

City Palace, Jaipur

A blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture, it houses a number of palaces inside the complex. Other attractions include an art gallery and a rich collection of some rare इतेम्स

City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture. City Palace complex covers a huge area, which is divided into a series of gardens, courtyards and buildings. Initially, Raja Jai Singh built the outer wall occupying a huge area. The additional grand buildings were constructed later by the succeeding rulers.

A part of the exquisite Palace still makes home for the former Maharaja/ King. The premises consists several buildings like Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Maharani's Palace, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. One would come across the Mubarak Mahal, as one enters the first square. Mubarak Mahal was built by Sawai Madho Singh in the 19th century to entertain his guests. Today, it has converted into a costume gallery, which displays royal attires of the Kings.

After crossing the first square, a beautiful gateway welcomes to Diwan-I-Khas, a hall meant for private audience। It has two sterling silver vessels on display and they are acclaimed to be the world's largest silver vessel. These vessels were made for Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II to carry water from River Ganga to drink on his trip to England. Diwan-I-Aam, which was meant for public audience, forms the other attraction of this courtyard. At present, it makes an art gallery showcasing enthralling painted ceilings and rare ancient handwritten original manuscripts of Hindu scriptures.

Jal Mahal, Jaipur

It is an architecturally beauty, situated amidst the picturesque surroundings of Mansagar Lake and Nahargarh hills।

Jal Mahal is an 18th century pleasure palace and is located in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. The palace is perched amidst Mansagar lake, Jal Mahalwhich is in turn nestled amongst the Nahargarh hills. The Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur is noted for its sophisticated design and grand architecture. The Palace was developed as a pleasure spot and was used for the royal duck shooting parties. A causeway leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar lake, opposite the cenotaphs. The first four floors of this building is under water, only the top floor remains outside. One can have a wonderful view of the lake and the palace from Nahargarh Fort Built in 1799, the palace is now abandoned, but reasonably well preserved. The lake eco system is home to a variety of migratory and resident birds. The Mansagar Dam on the eastern side of the lake acts as a vantage point for viewing the lake and the valley.

Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

Fort Rajwada is an successful attempt by Shri Dileep Singh Rathore & Shri Jitendra Singh Rathore to rediscover and restore the art & craft that made 'BHARAT' the "ETERNAL GOLDEN SPARROW"।

Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur

Palaces, granary, cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower, etc। The fort also houses a collection of weapons, puppets and ancient coins and the largest cannon in the world.

Jaigarh Fort is located on the top of the hill, by the name of Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles). Jaigarh Fort is also known as the 'Victory Fort', located at a comfortable distance of 15kms from Jaipur. Jaigarh Fort is considered as one of the spectacular forts in India. This Fort is on top of the hill, while Amber Fort is at the bottom. Many people regard the two as one complex however both of them are well connected with well guarded passages. Jaigarh Fort positioned centrally in the thorn-scrub hill, leaves a stern impact on the spectator at once.

Jaigarh Fort was made to tighten the security of Jaipur and Amber. Due to this fact, one may not find this fort as artistic as other forts and palaces, but it certainly has its own charm. The Fort has many structures of medieval India, which are worth exploring. It has several palaces, granary, well-planned cannon foundry, several temples and a tall tower. Jaigarh Fort used to serve as the center of artillery production for the Rajputs.

The highlight of this Fort is the massive cannon by the name of Jaivan, which was made in the same production house। Jaivan, the cannon, is believed to be the largest cannon in the World and the main attraction of the Jaigarh Fort. The Fort discloses the mastery over architecture of the former age. Jaigarh Fort has many wide water channels, which were a part of a rainwater harvesting system. The Fort also has 3 underground tanks, the largest one of which can store 60, 00,000 gallons of water. One can plan to visit the armory and museum, which are worth seeing.

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur was the culmination of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh's astronomical aspirations.

Jantar Mantar was also included in my sightseeing tour and some how the tour helped me to save my time and energy. Jantar Mantar is the most famous and elaborate observatory of its time.

" Hey, will you please tell us about its history" I asked the guide. He then detailed that the monument was constructed in the year 1724 A.D. by Sawai Jai Singh II, even before the city of Jaipur was built, and has been described as the most surrealistic and logical landscape instone. He added that the monument was built to measure the local time, the sun's declination, altitude, the declination of stars, planets and to determine eclipses .

oh! yes he also told that this observatory is the most famous and largest of the five observatories in India built by Sawai Jai Singh.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Hawa Mahal is located in the Tripolia Bazaar in the west of GPO. This most famous landmark of Jaipur is not actually a palace but a series of sandstone स्क्रीन्स

Hawa Mahal is a major landmark and a famous tourist attraction of Jaipur. The Palace offers a beautiful sight to behold. The splendid Rajputana architecture of Hawa Mahal, still speaks the glory of the royal family. However, one can also find a glimpse of Mughal architecture, which is blended perfectly to make it different from others. The literal meaning of Hawa Mahal is Palace of Winds. Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799.

Hawa Mahal is a pyramid-shaped facade with five stories। It has 953 small windows decorated with tiny lattice work. These pink sandstone windows commonly known as "Jharokhas" are constructed in such a style, that it looks like a giant honeycomb. The air circulation through windows represents the marvelous touch of Mughal designing, which keeps the Palace always cool. The small screened balconies and arched roofs with hanging cornices enhance the beauty of the Palace. The Pyramidal outline and replication of pattern makes it more attractive in appearance.

Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer

Sam Sand Dunes, 42 away km from Jaisalmer, is the most popular excursion to see the total sandy bush less desert। It has a truly glorious stretch of sweeping sand dunes.

Desert Adventure
Undoubtedly the most well known destination in Jaisalmer after the ‘golden fort’, the Sam Sand dunes are a tourist hot spot in more ways than one. 3km long, 1km wide and as much as half a kilometer high, the dunes are as treacherous as they are scenic. If you opt for a camel ride stay very close to your raika (guide) as only he can manoeuvre you through the quicksand, which has sucked many an unwary goat to its gruesome death. There is no vegetation here and the swirling winds are almost as intense as the khamsins (sandstorms) in the Sahara.


Sam Sand Dunes-A Picturesque Spot
However, we don’t want to dissuade you too much from visiting the area – the Sam dunes are also the most picturesque spot around Jaisalmer, and perhaps the whole of western Rajasthan. Sitting there in the evening with the sun setting, listening to the ballads of the legendary lovers Moomal and Mahendra (see Moomal Ki Meri for details) on the jew’s harp or the narh (a traditional musical instrument), you might feel that time has come to a grinding halt. The silken smooth sands of Sam look like a tale out of the Merchant of Venice and camel safaris are much in vogue here. An overnight trip to the area is a must if you really want to enjoy all the sights and sounds, the ruins and the temples. Sleeping out in the open, stretched out on the sands while facing the twinkling sky is an out of the world experience. Many a tourist has fallen in love with the haunting beauty of the dunes – there is a definite aura of romance about it.

Ludurwa Temple, Jaisalmer

Introduction of Jaisalmer, History of Jaisalmer, Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer।

Jaisalmer is a place where one can enjoy the past in bounty. The Jaisalmer Fort opens to an entire living area dotted with magnificent palaces, mansions, museums and famous Jain temples.

Ludurva is an important tourist site which is located about 16 km north west of Jaisalmer. Ludurva was the capital of the Bhati Rajputs befor Rawal Jaisal founded Jaisalmer in 1155 AD. Ludurva was a flourishing town in the 10th and 11th AD. It was a centre of art and architecture. The exquisite carvings and other remains of the ancient monuments provide a glimpse of Ludurva's glorious past. The Ludurwa Temple is a pilgrimage center of the Jains. The high ornate arch at the temple entrance with splendid carvings and the divine tree "Kalpataru" are the major attractions of this temple. This temple attracts pilgrims and devotees for all over the world.

Other attractions in Jaisalmer
The other attractions in Jaisalmer besides the Jaisalmer Fort and Ludurwa temple is the Wood Fossil Park and Desert National Park।

Patwon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer

This five stories high mansion is exquisitely carved and is adorned with beautiful paintings and mirror work on the inside।

The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer is yet another interesting aspect of Jaisalmer. Manak Chowk is the main market place outside the Jaisalmer Fort. Manak Chowk forms the gateway to visit the beautiful havelis of the famous Jain merchants of medieval time like Nathmalji ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli.

Patwon ki Haveli is the largest and most elaborate haveli in Jaisalmer which stands in a narrow lane। This five-storeyed building is extensively carved and is known for its jharokhas (balconies). In the early 19th century, the family of Ghuman Chand Patwa, an extremely rich patwa (trader of brocades and expensive embroidery) began construction of this haveli. The construction of this haveli was undertaken by two architect brothers. This construction took about half a century.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

A majestic palace built up of red sandstones, was palace residence of the royal family of Jodhpur। Now it is grand heritage hotel offering pleasant & unforgettable stay.

Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India and one of the largest residences in the world – set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens.

Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present Maharaja of Jodhpur, this golden-yellow sandstone monument was conceived on the grandest possible scale, in the fashionable Art Deco style of that time. After 15 years in construction, the 347-room palace was finally completed in 1943 – and has served as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family since.

Designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences। Its majestic 105-foot high cupola is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. The lavish interiors with gilt furniture and elegant artwork follow the Art Deco style, complemented by the exotic murals of the self-exiled Polish artist Stefan Norblin.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

The Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur crowns the acme of a 125-meter steep hill। Explore the palatial treasures of this gigantic fortress on Jodhpur tours.

Introduction
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is one of finest fort among various other forts of Rajasthan. Mehrangarh fort has a magnificent and imposing structure, with a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. This fort is perched on the rocky cliff. The fort is situated at an altitude of about 125 metres and is spread over an area of 5 square km with seven gates. The Mehrangarh Fort is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

Architecture of the Mehrangarh Fort
The Mehrangarh fort is a labyrinth of wonders, not knowing what the next doorway might lead to। In front of the mammoth gate of Mehrangarh Fort, you can find a bearded Jodhpur resident, dressed in traditional threads with turban, sword, shield and hookah welcoming the tourists. You can also find a couple of local musicians singing Rajasthani folk music.

Chambal Garden, Kota

Chambal Garden is the lush green garden at Amar Niwas। This place is a lovely picnic spot. While enjoying the beauty of the place one can even enjoy a boat ride.

Kota is situated at a center of the southeastern region of Rajasthan a very region widely known as Hadaoli the land of the Hadas. Kota lies along the banks of the Chambal river. the historical places and temples are getting surrounded with signs of modern development. . Kota is on a high sloping tableland forming a part of the Malwa Plateau. The Mokandarra hills run from southeast to northwest axis of the town. It is 36 km from Bundi.

The town of Kota was once the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi। It became a separate princely state in the 17th century. Apart from the several monuments that reflect the erstwhile glory of the town, Kota is also known for its palaces and gardens.

Kumbhalgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh

Kumbhalgarh is about 84 km from Udaipur which is situated in the north western Rajasthan। Kumbhalgarh is one of the finest examples of defensive fortification in Rajasthan.

AREA
Kumbhalgarh covering an area of 12sq km.

Kumbhalgarh fort in rajasthan The massive mountains fortress of Kumbhalgarh was built by Maharana Kumbha in 15th century. It perches atop cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of Aravlli. The awe inspiring fortress is the second most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh. It is encompassed by a 36km. Long wall, has seven magestic gates and seven ramparts, one within the other. Also found here are ancient gain and Hindu Temples with exquisite carving and few cenotaphs or chattris

Notable sites around Kumbhalgarh are -Kumbhalgarh wildlife Sanctuary, Halidighati- the scene of famous battle of 1576 fought between Rana Pratap And Mughal Emperor Akbar. The beautiful Jain temples of Rankpur are located 50kms. From Kumbhalgarh. These temples are fine example of temple architecture.

Kumbhalgarh Fort is approachable only by a jeepable road। Kumbhalgarh, a two hour drive from Udaipur.

Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu

Dilwara Temple, Vimala Vashi Temple, Luna Vashi, Pittalhar Temple, Parshavanath Temple, Mahaveer Swami Temple।

Mount Abu is a famous and only hill station of Rajasthan located in the southwest part of Rajasthan. It is a part of the Aravali range. Mount Abu is separated from Aravali by a narrow valley and Guru Shikhar is the highest point towards the northern end. According to legend, Hindus revere this place because once Nandini, the cow of the sage Vashisht was trapped in a deep gorge and could not free itself. The sage asked for Lord Shiva's assistance. Shiva sent Saraswati, the divine stream, to help flood the gorge so that the cow could float up. Sage Vashisht then decided to ensure that such mishaps would not occur in future and asked the youngest son of Himalaya to fill the gorge permanently. He took the help of the snake, Arbud. This spot came to be known as Mount Arbud since then and was later reduced to its present form Mount Abu.

The famous Dilwara Jain temples are 2।5 km away from the Mount Abu, which in ancient Hindu and Jain scriptures is referred to as Arbudgiri. The Dilwara temples were dedicated to the Jain tirthankars and also served as storehouses of illustrated manuscripts and treatises. The temples at Mount Abu were constructed between 800 AD and 1200 AD. Traditionally, Gujarat and Rajasthan were the centers of the merchants and princes and became great centers of architectural activities. Vimala Shah, Vastu Pala and Teja Pala contributed a lot toward the development of Jain art and architecture. The Jain temples at Mount Abu are built in the Nagara style of temple architecture. The earliest temple of this group can be dated back to the same period as Brihadeeswar temple at Thanjur in Tamil Nadu. The inscription at Mount Abu suggests that it was basically the seat of Shaivism and Jainism made its appearance in the 11th century AD.

Nakki Lake, Mount Abu

Nakki Lake, situated eleven kilometers north of Mount Abu has a beautiful Shiva temple which has many interesting features, including what is said to be the toe of Shiva and group of colorful Jain Temples.

Pushkar Lake, Pushkar

This lake is believed to have appeared all by itself when the lotus flower fell off from the hands of Brahma.

Anything even remotely related to Pushkar Lake has a halo of sacredness and divinity. Legend has it that a dip in its waters cleanses all the sins and is the surest way to achieve salvation from the cycles of life. Circled by some five hundred odd temples, the lake has 52 ghats, which connect the temples to the water. These ghats were constructed by the rulers of the different erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan and some of them are aptly named after the states.

Prominent among the ghats are Gau Ghat, Brahma Ghat and Varah Ghat। Also called Main Ghat, Gau Ghat is the place from which ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were sprinkled into the lake. Brahma Ghat is believed to be the spot where Brahma himself is said to have worshipped. The Varah Ghat is famed to be the place where Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity, appeared in the form of Varaha (a boar), third in the line of his nine incarnations. It is advisable for the visitors, who travel to the Pushkar lake, not to take photos and to remove their shoes before going to the ghats.

Ranakpur Jain Temple, Ranakpur

Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha to whom a Jain businessman, approached to ask for the land for the temple construction। It is renowned for some splendidly carved Jain temples in amber stone.

Ranakpur Jain temples are situated in the mountain ranges of Pali district. They are approximately 23 km from the Phalna railway station. Dating back to the 15th century, the Jain temples of Ranakpur were constructed by Rana Kumbha. Enclosing the temples from all the sides is a strong wall. The entire temple area is enclosed within a wall. The main temple is the Chamukha temple, dedicated to the Tirthankara Rishabdeoji. This temple has contains a four-faced statue of Rishabdeoji in its inner sanctum.

Also, enclosed in the temples are four subsidiary shrines, 24 pillared-halls and 8 domes supported by over 400 columns। The most fascinating feature of the temples is its columns. There are 1,444 intricately carved columns, of which not even two are the same. The shrine also has a corridor around it, containing niches for tirthankara images, each having its own spire.

Village Tour In Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a diverse state। There is an effortless conglomeration of ethnicity and urbanization. A village tour in Rajasthan is a must if you wish to explore the 'other' side of the region. Villages of Rajasthan will prove to be a wonderful getaway from the hustling city life.

For what is referred to as a desert, Rajasthan is amazingly populated: its landscape scattered with a number of villages and hamlets, telltale signs of tree groves and populations of cattle being the only indication that there is such a settlement in close proximity.

The typical village has always been difficult to spot till one is actually upon it. Its simplest hamlets, the most basic form of civilisation with a way of life that has probably remained unchanged since centuries, consists of a collection of huts that are circular, and have thatched roofs.The walls are covered with a plaster of clay, cow dung, and hay, making a termite-free (antiseptic) facade that blends in with the sand of the countryside around it. Boundaries for houses and land holdings, called baras, are made of the dry branches of a nettle-like shrub, the long, sharp thorns a deterrent for straying cattle.



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