Friday, December 19, 2008

Rajasthan Tourism Guide

Tourism in Rajasthan is rich in every way! Whether the context is monuments tour in Rajasthan, Rajasthan Cultural & Heritage Tour, Romantic Rajasthan, architectural splendour in Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Tourism go side by side. As you travel to Rajasthan with us, you will explore so many new facets of Rajasthan. Whether it is the sand dunes or the massive forts and palaces in rajasthan, you will realize that there is no other place like Rajasthan. For a traveler who is interested in the history, culture and the lifestyle of the people of the Oriental world, Rajasthan is just the perfect tourist destination india. Unlike what its barren scenery suggests, you will find that Rajasthan is the most colorful and interesting place inhabited by humans. An exotic land, a dream come true for the Western world, Rajasthan was home to the Rajputs, the martial races of India known equally for their love of arts and architecture as well as valor and chivalry.

Tourism opportunities in Rajasthan are immense. Rajasthan tourism offers a great variety of travel experiences. Whether it is sand dunes, Desert safari, forts and palaces, the colorful tribal life or the fairs and festivals of Rajasthan, travelers to Rajasthan are assured of a truly regal experience. Come, feel the royalty of Rajasthan yourself

Jaisalmer Tourism Jaisalmer has been dubbed the `Golden City` because of the honey colour imparted to its stone ramparts by the setting sun.

Kota Tourism Kota is a famous for its industries as well as natural beauty. It is situated on the bank of the river Chanbal in the southeast Rajasthan.

Jaipur Tourism The royal city Jaipur was founded by Sawai Jai Singh and came to be popularly known as the Pink City when it was painted pink to enchant the Prince of Wales in 1876.

Jodhpur Tourism Jodhpur is the second largest city of the state of Rajasthan. It has been drawing the attention of tourists from all over the world. Standing as the sentinel of the country's western border, Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces.

Dungarpur Tourism Dungarpur district is the stronghold of the Bheels, a tribe whose history of occupancy in the Aravalli range is said to date back to 4000 BC.Founded in 1197.

Pushkar Tourism Pushkar city is regarded to be the abode of Lord Brahma. Brahma is one of the three Hindu gods forming the great Hindu trilogy. Lord Brahma symbolizes birth and is regarded as the creator of the world.

Bundi Tourism Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.

Bharatpur Tourism 175 km from Jaipur & 185 km from Delhi, is know for the Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bird Sanctuary) and also a halting place on the way from Agra (55 km). The only city that was ruled by Jats. And you can also see the old fort and museum.

Ajmer Tourism Ajmer always had great strategic importance and was sacked by Mahumud of Ghazni on one of his periodic forays from Afghanistan.

Udaipur Tourism Udaipur is known as the Venice of the east. It is also called the city of lakes. The Lake Palace on Jag Niwas Island in the middle of Pichola Lakes is the finest example of its architectural and cultural explosion.

Tonk Tourism It is located, 96 kms away from Jaipur. This is a quiet town which was ruled by tribes of 'Pathans' from Afghanistan. The focal point of Tonk is the Suneri Kothi, the Golden Bungalow. A fairly ordinary monument from outside,

Baran Tourism Baran town is carved out of Kota city is situated further into the Hadoti region of Rajasthan. The region is less crowed and attracts tourists who like to wander through isolated areas and in the interiors one can chance upon a ruined temple here and an abandoned fortress there.

Barmer Tourism Barmer is situated at a distance of 224km from Jodhpur on the Luni-Munabao section of the Northern Railways. Located atop a hill as so many of the cities of western Rajasthan are, it houses the remains of an old fort called Garh right on its peak.

Sikar Tourism Sikar is one of the three district which come under Shekhawati, the land of murals. The region belonged to the Shekhawat thakurs (chieftains), descendents of the enterprising Rao Shekha who founded this principality sometime in the 15th century (see History of Shekhawati for more).

Hanumangarh Tourism The worth visiting places of tourist’s interests in and around Hanumangarh are: Bhatner Fort, Brahmani Temple, Temple of Mata Bhadrakali, Sila-Mata Temple, Indira Gandhi Main Canal and Shahid Bhagat Singh Chowk.

Bikaner Tourism Bikaner has a number of hotels and lodges to accommodate its guests. The price range varies noticeably to meet the demand for various levels of tourists.
Dausa Tourism Dausa is an ancient town of archaeological importance. it is one of the erstwhile kingdoms of Kachhawah rulers of Dhundhar. An old fort and many havelis are located in and around Dausa.

Chittorgarh Tourism The history of Chittor is one of the most stirring chapters in Indian history for it was there that the flower of Rajput chivalry sprang to life and the immense stretch of its sacred walls and ruined palaces relate the saga of innumerable sieges

Bhilwara Tourism The best time to visit Bhilwara is during the winter months from October to March. Winter months are pleasant enough for long stays. The summer months are best avoided for visiting Bhilwara.

Sawai Madhopur Tourism Various hotels in Sawai Madhopur also arrange sight-seeing trips for the guests. So, what are you waiting for? Make your vacations a lifetime experience by traveling to Sawai Madhopur and enjoy its great tourist attractions.

Nagaur Tourism Notwithstanding the story, the people of Nagaur still hail Amar Singh as a hero who had the courage to stand up to protest against the power of the great Mughal rulers. The respect for Amar Singh is still evident when incence sticks are lighted at his cenotaph.

Jalore Tourism Jalore is a rich region boasting of ancient monuments, cultural heritage and interesting traditions. Udayasimha was thegreatest of the Chauhan rulers of Jalore. He successfully resisted the Muslim invasions of Mohammad Ghori.

Sariska Tourism Sariska is a storehouse of wild flora and fauna. It houses some of the famous species of deciduous plants and wild animals. It also cradles some of the rare species of birds, both native and migratory.

Shekhawati Tourism Shekhavati is a semi desert region in north Rajasthan and it is situated in the triangle between Delhi-Bikaner-Jaipur. Shekhawati is a region and not just a town or fort it takes its name after its ruler Rao Shekha. Shekhawati means the garden of Shekha.

Dholpur Tourism Dholpur is an interesting town to visit, especially because it is far from the usual tourist track and thus, quite 'undiscovered'. But Dholpur is well known in another way – for its excellent sandstone

Banswara Tourism Banswara District has an area of 5,037 km², 1.47% of Rajasthan state, India. The city of Banswara is the district headquarters.

Karauli Tourism Karauli is a sylvan delight packed in a rural ambience. It was founded in 1348AD by one Raja Arjun Pal. In those days Karauli used to be the capital of a small state of the same name.

Pali Tourism Pali is named after the Paliwal Brahmins who once inhabited the area. Ancient Pali housed a highly evolved civilization.

Churu Tourism The district is located in the North-Eastern Rajasthan. It is bounded by Sri Ganganagar district in the North, by Sikar and Jhunjhunun and Hissar district of Haryana in the East, by Nagaur in the South and in the

Rohet Tourism Rohet is famous for village safaris, which introduces its guests to local cultures and traditions. Guests are taken into homes and received with warmth and affection.

Chittaurgarh Tourism A standing sentinel to the courage and valour of Chittaurgarh, it stands tall over a 180 meter high hillock, covering a massive area of 700 acres. The fort is believed to have been built by the Maurya rulers in 7th century AD.

Kumbalgarh Tourism This jungle adjoins the historical Kumbhalgarh Fort and used to shield the fort from invaders. Now it protects the rare species of animals, struggling for their survival.

Nathdwara Tourism Nathdwara is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. This is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage shrines of India, enshrining Krishna as Govardhana Giridhari.

Alwar Tourism Surrounded by Aravalli hills, the erstwhile state of Mewat, Alwar is crowned by a magnificent fort that has been a witness to many-a-battles and wars in the turbulent history of Alwar.

Jhalawar Tourism Jhalawar in Rajasthan, India is an interesting tourism & travel destination. Travel to Jhalawar city to find more.

Kumbhalgarh Tourism Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan, India is a prominent tourist destination.

Mandawa Tourism Mandawa is a town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan in India. It is part of Shekhawati region. Mandawa is situated 190 km off Jaipur in the north.

Ranakpur Tourism This is situated approximately 96 km from Udaipur. Enclosed within a wall, this complex houses exquisitely carved Jain temples in Amber stone.

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Thursday, December 18, 2008

General Information About Rajasthan

Rajasthan History

According to the Hindu Mythology, the Rajputs of Rajasthan were the descendants of the Kshatriyas or warriors of Vedic India. The emergence of the Rajput warrior clans was in the 6th and 7th centuries. Rajputs ancestry can be divided into two: the "solar" or suryavanshi-those descended from Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, and the "lunar" or chandravanshi, who claimed descent from Krishana, the hero of the epic Mahabharata. Later a third clan was added, the agnikula or fire-born, said to have emerged from the flames of a sacrificial fire on Mount Abu.

It has been accepted that the Rajputs were divided into thirty-six races and twenty-one kingdoms. The Rajput clans gave rise to dynasties like Sisodias of Mewar (Udaipur), the Kachwahas of Amber (Jaipur), the Rathors of Marwar (Jodhpur & Bikaner), the Hadas of Jhalwawar, Kota, Bundi& , the Bhattis of Jaisalmer, the Shekhawats of Shekhawati and the Chauhans of Ajmer.

Early History
Rajasthan is the north-western region of India, and has remain independent from the great empires. Buddhism failed to make substantial inroad here; the Mauryan empire (321-184 BC), whose most renowned emperor, Ashoka, Converted to Buddhism in 261 BC, had minimal impact in Rajasthan, However, there are Buddhist caves and stupas (Buddhist Shrines) at Jhalawar, in Southern Rajasthan.

Ancient Hindu scriptural epics make reference to sites in present-day Rajasthan. The Holy Pilgrimage site of Pushkar is mentioned in both the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Emergence of the Rajputs
The fall of the Gupta Empire, which held dominance in northern India for nearly 300 years until the early 5th Century, was followed by a period of instability as various local chieftains sought to gain supremacy. Power rose and fell in northern India. Stability was only restored with the emergence of the Gurjara Partiharas, the earliest of the Rajput (from 'Rajputra', or Sons of Princes) dynasties which were later to hold the balance of power throughout Rajasthan.

Whatever their actual origins, the Rajputs have evolved a complex mythological genealogy. This ancestry can be divided into two main branches: the Suryavansa, or Race of the Sun (Solar Race), which claims direct descent from Rama; and the Induvansa, or Race of the Moon (Lunar race), which claims descent from Krishna, Later a third branch was added, the Agnikula, or 'Fire Born'. These people claim they were manifested from the flames of a sacrificial fire on Mt.Abu From these three Principal races emerged the 36 Rajput clans.

The Rajput clans gave rise to dynasties such as the Chauhans, Sisodias, Kachhwahas and Rathores. Chauhans of the Agnikula Race emerged in the 12th century and were renowned for their valour. Their territories included the Sapadalksha kingdom, which encompassed a vast area including present- day Jaipur, Ranthambore, part of Mewar, the western portion of Bundi district, Ajmer Kishangarh and even, at one time, Delhi. Branches of the Chauhans also ruled territories know as Ananta (in present-day Shekhawati) and Saptasatabhumi.

The Sisodias of the Suryavansa Race, Originally from Gujarat, migrated to Rajasthan in the mid-7th Century and reigned over Mewar, which enc Udaipur ompassed and Chittorgarh.

The Kachhwahas, originally from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, travelled west in the 12th century. They built the massive fort at Amber, and later shifted the capital to Jaipur. Like the Sisodias, they belonged to the Suryavansa Race.

Also belonging to the Suryavansa Race, the Rathore (earlier known as Rastrakutas) traveled from Kanauj, in Uttar Pradesh Initially they settled in Pali, south of present-day Jodhpur, but later moved to Mandore in 1381 and ruled over Marwar (Jodhpur). Later they started building the stunning Meherangarh (fort) at Jodhpur.

The Bhattis, who belong to the Induvansa Race, driven from their homeland in the Punjab by the Turks, installed themselves at Jaisalmer in 1156. They remained more of less entrenched in their desert Kingdom untill they were integrated into the state of Rajasthan following Independence.

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