Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Kuchaman Village In Rajasthan

Founded by Thakur Zalim Singh in 1781 AD, Kuchaman is a small village known for its impressive fort that has been converted into a grand heritage hotel today। Untouched by the forces of commercialization, Kuchaman exists in a state of blissful ignorance.

Kuchaman is a small village known for its impressive fort that has been converted into a grand heritage hotel today. Founded by Thakur Zalim Singh in 1781 AD,Untouched by the forces of commercialization, Kuchaman exists in a state of blissful ignorance.

In fact, Kuchaman is a wonderful place where you can observe the rural population of Rajasthan at its colorful and charming best.

Perched atop a 1000 ft high cliff, the Kuchaman Fort is the most important attraction of Kuchaman village. Converted into a heritage hotel now, the fort displays a rich collection of original inlay work in semi-precious stones, glass and gold paint.

The Sheesh Mahal (glass palace) is a sight to marvel at. Meanwhile, a colorful bazaar located below the fort is a great place to shop for handicrafts and fabrics.

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Kuchaman Village In Rajasthan

Founded by Thakur Zalim Singh in 1781 AD, Kuchaman is a small village known for its impressive fort that has been converted into a grand heritage hotel today। Untouched by the forces of commercialization, Kuchaman exists in a state of blissful ignorance.

Kuchaman is a small village known for its impressive fort that has been converted into a grand heritage hotel today. Founded by Thakur Zalim Singh in 1781 AD,Untouched by the forces of commercialization, Kuchaman exists in a state of blissful ignorance.

In fact, Kuchaman is a wonderful place where you can observe the rural population of Rajasthan at its colorful and charming best.

Perched atop a 1000 ft high cliff, the Kuchaman Fort is the most important attraction of Kuchaman village. Converted into a heritage hotel now, the fort displays a rich collection of original inlay work in semi-precious stones, glass and gold paint.

The Sheesh Mahal (glass palace) is a sight to marvel at. Meanwhile, a colorful bazaar located below the fort is a great place to shop for handicrafts and fabrics.

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Osian Village In Rajasthan

Osian, an ancient small temple town in the Thar Desert, is located about 65 kms, north west of Jodhpur। Osian is a great centre of Brahmanical and Jain religions and contains the largest group of the Hindu and Jain temples in Rajasthan.

Osian, an ancient small village in the Thar Desert, is located about 65 kms, north west of Jodhpur. Osian is a great centre of Brahmanical and Jain religions and contains the largest group of the Hindu and Jain temples in Rajasthan. These temples belongs to the two periods, namely 8th century represented by nearly 12 temples and 12th century represented by 6 temples.

In the medieval period, Osian was a large and bustling town and caravans from Arabia, Persia, Afghanistan and central Asia arrived here for trade. Osian was also the capital of the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty from the 8th to 12th century. Osian was an important centre of pilgrimage between the 8th and 9th centuries. This can be known from the surviving Hindu temples of the Vaishnava, Surya (Sun) and Shakti (mother goddess) sects. The Brahminical influence was very strong in Osian during that period and later, Jainism also flourished in the place through the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty. But still, various Hindu devotees visit the Osian temple dedicated to the goddess Sachiyamata. In ancient times, Osian was known as Ukeshpur.

The major tourist attraction in Osian are the 15 Brahmanical Hindu temples and shrines and Jain temples. These temples were built during the rule of the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty between 8th and the 12th century. These temples are very small and beautifully built and richly sculpted. The main feature of these temples is is that no two temples are alike in any manner and each temple has its own unique design, planning and layout. The stone from which these temples were built was extracted from local quarries, and has managed to withstand the vagaries of nature for various centuries.

The main temple of Osian is set on a terrace whose walls are decorated with mouldings and miniatures. The temple is called a panchavatan temple as the central shrine is surrounded by four small shrines. The walls of the temple have central projections with carved panels and above these rise the curved towers topped by an amalaka and pot finial. The doorways are usually decorated with river goddesses, serpents and scrollwork. A group of 11 temples belong to the 8th-9th centuries and lies within and on the outskirts of the Osian village.

The temples are grouped in several groups like the North group, West group and South group. The architecture of the interiors of this temple is very impressive and is known for the beautifully decorated walls. The West group contains a mixture of Hindu (Surya, Vishnu and Pippala Devi) temples, an 8th century tank and an 11th century Jain (Mahavira) temple. The main Sachiya Mata temple appears to be made in 1178 AD and has a shikhar clustered by two rows of turrets, an ambulatory and a large assembly hall with an elaborate ceiling. The Sun temple is the oldest temple of the group. Its doorway is regarded as one of the finest temple doorways in India.

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Roopangarh Village In Rajasthan

Rooprangarh was the capital of Kishangarh for about 100 years and was never conqured despite being repeatedly ttacked by neihbouring states। The roopangarh fort was founded in1653 by Maharaja Roop Singh.

Rooprangarh was the capital of Kishangarh for about 100 years and was never conqured despite being repeatedly ttacked by neihbouring states. The roopangarh fort was founded in1653 by Maharaja Roop Singh, the fifth rular of Kishangarh. He was inspired to make this site his capital after watching a mother sheep gallantly protecct her lambs from a pack of hungry wolves. The road to the fort passes through an intresting village where you get a glimplse of everyday life as it was long ago. The fort has now been converted into an evocative hotel by the Maharaja and Maharani of Kishangarh.

The Roopangarh Fort was built in 1648 AD by Maharaja Roop Singh of Kishangarh. It was basically a military structure that has been converted into a fine heritage hotel today. In spite of many new additions being made over the years, Roopangarh Fort has still managed to retain its old worldly charm and romantic appeal.

While exploring the grand fort turned hotel, one is simply awed by the medieval splendor that surrounds the entire structure. The walls still reverberate with numerous old tales of Roopangarh Fort's glorious past. Today, this grand heritage hotel is a delightful combination of tradition and modernity that add up to a stay to remember.

Accommodation wise, the hotel offers 20 elegant rooms that come with a host of modern day amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Meanwhile, the hotel offers other facilities like conference rooms, ISD/STD lines, fax, car rentals, laundry and doctor on call. Recreational facilities at the Roopangarh Fort hotel include a library, tennis court, croquet, indoor games and live entertainment.

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Villages In Rajasthan

Rajasthan has a rich architectural legacy dating to an ancient past। Timeless monuments, magnificent temples, and breathtaking sites...Rajasthan never ceases to lure the travelers. Of its prestigious monuments and natural wonders, UNESCO has already declared sixteen cultural and five natural sites of Rajasthan as the World Heritage Sites.Religion is the way of life in these remote hamlets. Each home has a separate room where they offer prayers and seek benevolence. The images of local deities daubed with vermilion can be seen outside every village.

Villages in Rajasthan are :
  • Abhaneri
  • Bishnoi
  • Deshnok
  • EklingJi
  • Fatehpur
  • Kheechan
  • Khimsar
  • Khudi
  • Kuchaman
  • Kumbhalgarh
  • Luni
  • Osian
  • Mount Abu
  • Nagaur
  • Narlai
  • Neemrana
  • Pushkar
  • Phalodi
  • Pokhran
  • Ramdevra
  • Ranakpur
  • Roopangarh
  • Sam
  • Samode

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Friday, December 19, 2008

Abhaneri

Abhaneri is a small town village, situated at a distance of 95 km from Jaipur, on Jaipur-Agra road. The place is popular for the amazing 'Baoris' (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. The village of Abhaneri is believed to be established by the King Raja Chand. Originally Abhaneri was named as Abha Nagri, which means the city of brightness, but due to mispronunciation of the term, it is changed to the present name.

In the present day, this city of brightness is in ruins; still it attracts tourists from across the globe. Abhaneri is prominent for 'Baoris', which are the unique invention of the natives for harvesting rain water. Amongst the other step wells, Chand Baori is the most popular one. This colossal step well is located in front of the Harshat Mata Temple. Chand Baori is one of India's deepest and largest step wells. The huge tank with delicate carvings is certainly delightful to the eyes.

Step wells are the unique concept of India. These big tanks were used as cool places of resort and water reservoir in parched days. It was a ritual to wash hands and feet before visiting the temple. Adjoining the Chand Baori, there is a temple, dedicated to Harshat Mata. This temple serves as the other tourist attraction of Abhaneri. Raised during the 10th century, the wrecks of the temple still boast of the architectural and sculptural styles of ancient India.

Harshat Mata is considered to be the goddess of joy and happiness. As per the beliefs, the goddess is always cheerful, who imparts her joy and happiness to the whole village. The temple is worth visiting for its amazing architecture and that too, which belongs to the medieval India. Abhaneri has a glorious past and this hoary magnetism of the place, attracts tourists to its threshold, from all over the world.

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