Archive for the ‘Deserts of India’ Category
March 22nd, 2009 | 
Author: Padam Talao
This is the largest of the lakes present in the park. The Padam Talao gets its name from the lotus flowers that bloom in the lake. The Padam Talao is a favorite watering hole of the animals of Ranthambore. Tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys and peacocks can be seen drinking at the lakes edge. It is also along this lake’s edges that the rare sighting of the chinkara is most probable.
Rajbagh Talao
The second of the three lakes in Ranthambore in size, the Rajbagh Talao has ruins that extend to the edge of the lake. This is probably the most picturesque of the three lakes. The lake is often ringed with animals drinking from its banks. The water plants in the lake provide the swamp deer or Sambhar with vegetation to graze on. Cattle egrets often accompany the Sambhar feed on insects and frogs displaced by the Sambhars movement through the water. Tigers can often be seen near the Rajbagh Talao.
Malik Talao
This is the smallest of the three lakes in Ranthambore National Park. But, as they say, all the best things come in small packages.This definitely holds true for Malik Talao. It is an area full of concentrated action all the time. It always seems to have a healthy population of birds of all kinds. It is best known for its many species of birds seen on its banks and within the lake. Kingfishers, egrets, herons, ibis, storks and cranes can be seen around the Malik Talao. Watch out for the crocodiles in the Malik Talao.
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There are about 400 temples in Pushkar famous as a spiritual tourist attraction.
BRAHMA TEMPLE
The most remarkable thing about the Brahma temple is that it is the only one temple on earth dedicated to Lord Brahma. Pushkar literally means a pond created by flowers. Legends have it that Lord Brahma, when wanted to perform a yagna, dropped a lotus to determine the place on earth. That is how Pushkar was created.
SAVITRI TEMPLE
Savitri Temple in one of the most renowned one in Pushkar. According to the Hindu mythology Savitri is the first wife of Lord Brahma. When He was all set to start a Yagna on earth in the place of Pushkar (determined by drooping a lotus flower), Savitri’s presence was the prerequisite. But She had kept Him waiting. Lord Brahma, irritated at this, married Gayatri the milkmaid to start the yagna on the most auspicious moment.
PUSHKAR FAIR
The ancient town of Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground in the month of Kartik. The fair attracts a great number of tourists from far and wide. The fair-grounds reverberate with festivity, as rows of make shift stalls display a bewildering array of items that compete with each other for the visitors’ attention. But the highlight of Pushkar fair is the trading in camels. Camels are bought, sold, decked up and paraded on the sand dunes, presenting a picturesque sight. The camel, horse and donkey races are events that draw huge attendance. Body tattooing is yet Horse race. Pushkar another favorite activity that attracts a large number of enthusiasts.
General Information
Pushkar is a small, mellow town with no vehicle traffic on the main street. There are over 400 temples in Pushkar. Some of the important temples are dedicated to Brahma, Raghunath, Varaha, Savitri ,and Gayatri. It is famous for the Camel Fair, which takes place here in Oct/Nov. Alcohol and meat are supposed to be banned here. Pushkar is on the edge of the Rajasthan desert, ten km northwest of Ajmer, 400 km southwest of Ajmer, 400 km southwest of Delhi, and 145 km southwest of Jaipur.
Fooding is no problem over here
8th July Restaurant
In Fort above the main square, is a good veg (with eggs) place with a big menu. It is a very interesting place to sit and watch the world go by, as you have a great view of the square. They have mashed potato with cheese, baked beans, spaghetti, apple pie, Indian preparations, and pizza.
There is also an A/C branch of the 8th July in the town below the fort.
Surya Restaurant
In Fort, is a well-managed veg (with eggs) place with good food and atmosphere. The restaurant is located just above the wall of the fort, therefore, you can get some great views of the city and you can look out at endless desert.
Vyas Meal Service
In Fort upstairs near the Jain Temples, is a family-run veg restaurant. It has traditional Jaisalmer cuisine, which includes a good Rajasthani thali for Rs 50. The fancy thali for Rs 100 includes a rice dish with dry fruits and nuts, puris and yogurt.
Moti Mahal
opposite Salim Singh ki Haveli, has good vegetarian breakfasts. It is a good value.
Kanchan Shree Restaurant
It is down a small road which has 20 different types of lassis. The chocolate banana lassis are good.
Jawahar Niwas Palace
Address 1, Bada Bagh Road, Jaisalmer – 345001.
Rooms Total : 22, Deluxe : 15, Super Deluxe : 7. ( AC).
Facilities
Restaurants : Cuisine : Indian, Chinese, Continental.
H/C Running Water
Telephone
Horse Riding
Camel Carriage
Swimming Pool
Gym etc
Deoki Niwas Palace
Address Jetwai Road, Jaiselmer, Rajasthan
Rooms Total 12,deluxe 8,suite4
Facilities
Restaurants bar-1, cuisine-Indian, Continental, Rajasthani
Hotel Rawal-Kot
Address Jodhpur-Jaiselmer Road, Jaiselmer, Rajasthan
Rooms Total- 31 all double ( AC- 28, non AC- 3)
Facilities
Telephone with direct dialling facility
Running hot and cold water
Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine
Folk music and dances
Tents for sand dunes on request
Camel and jeep safari
Doctor on call
Sonar Kila – The Golden Fortress
A visit to Jaisalmer will make you realize just how different a desert city can be. The glorious fort of Jaisalmer seems to rise out of the desert haze, its yellow sandstone walls and bastions taking on a golden hue in the afternoon sun. In fact, at whatever time of the day you look at the ‘Sonar Kila’ (golden fortress), it looks like a fairy tale creation dominating the amber tinted city.
This magnificent fort, with its 99 bastions, is probably the planet’s only living fort, with about a quarter of the old city’s population dwelling in it. It is fun to wander around in this living fort, packed with houses, temples, handicraft shops, beauty parlours, and honeycombed with slender winding lanes, in same or different incarnations of stone.
The Sand Mirages At Sam Dunes
About an hour drive to the west and towards the international border with Pakistan, is the fairly extensive shifting sand dunes of Sam. Hop on to a camel for an hour around sunset, and wander over the virgin sands of Sam. It give the holiday tours an impetus of adventure camping in Rajasthan and meet the Thar from a completely different angle. The terrain which was once rugged, have been modified into deluxe dwells; portable Swiss tents, electrified and, complete with bath and running water facilities will make one’s stay on the dunes a truly comfortable and memorable experience. Dinner with delicious barbecue is accompanied by music from the folk musicians, creating melodies with their ‘dholaks’ and ’sarangis’. The tourist reception centre near Garhisar Circle on the National Highway can help travellers to find a safari, by car or camel on request, to match respective budgets and interests. One can find travel agencies near the Akshaypol at the fort entrance. Generally these are organised from 8 am- 12 noon in summer and 9 am- 1 pm in winters.
UMAID BHAWAN PALACE
Rajasthan’s royalty was always fashionable, and Maharajah Umaid Singh of Jodhpur, added a fine touch to the cult by constructing a grand Art Deco, the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Rajasthan’s best known architectural epitome of the 20th century. It is now converted into a magnificent heritage hotel. It is Designed by eminent Edwardian architect Henry V Lanchester, this grand palace is a magnificent blend of Renaissance framework and Rajput tradition. Each suite is different, with ethereal underlying themes of a royal grandeur or princely passion; elegant interiors with gilt furniture and exquisite artwork, makes one travel on the rails of antiquity. Within safe hands, the Taj Group has recently taken over the management of this awe-inspiring property.
The Kaylana lake, the Lake of Love
The Kaylana lake was made by Jodhpur’s beloved regent, Sir Pratap Singh, in 1872 and has now into a popular picnic spot. One can enjoy boating on the shimmering waters of the artificial lake, a courtsey provided by RTDC.
Sardar Government Museum
The museum is located inside the Umaid Gardens, the latter is open to the public free of charge. The archaic treasure alcove has an interesting crafts section, including curiosities like the rock-salt carvings, Murano glassware and miniature paintings in Marwar style. The museum is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm, throughout the week (except Fridays).
A-ONE DAL BHATI CHURMA
Address: Opp.Kohinoor Cinema, 5th Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Telephone: 0291-627637
DURIAN NISWAS HOTEL
Cuisine: Multi-cuisine
Address: Daspan Vihar, Old Loco Shed Road, Ratanadha, Jodhpur,Rajasthan.
BLUE MOON RESTAURANT
Address: Circuit House Road, Ratanada, Jodhpur,Rajasthan.
Telephone: 0291-430882