Archive for the ‘Rajasthan’ Category
September 27th, 2011 | 
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Jaisalmer, popularly referred as the “the Jewel of the Desert,” is one of the most fascinating cities of Rajasthan, India. Also known as “the Golden City of India,” Jaisalmer is popular for its centuries old magnificent forts, palaces havelis (mansions) and amber-hued houses. Jaisalmer is also known for its exotic sand dunes, offering exciting and unforgettable camel safaris. The vivid and colorful festivals of Jaisalmer are other major attractions for tourists visiting the city.
Situated amid picturesque Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer city commands premiere position among the tourist attractions scattered all over Rajasthan. The Jaisalmer city is revered both by Indian as well as foreign tourists.
Who would have dreamt in such a vast sand oasis a castle worthy of an ancient throne, such an art in carven work of stone? It is like straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The name Jaisalmer induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile terrain not withstanding the warmth and color of people is simply over whelming.
Like various other cities of Rajasthan, in Jaisalmer too you will find different facets of its own glorious heritage too. Tough you can find historical monuments scattered all over the city, the Jaisalmer Fort will immediately command your attention. Made of sand stones and locally known as Sonar Quila, the Jaisalmer Fort is a dominating structure between the sands. The Jaisalmer city is also revered for its Havelis. Among many of them you will find Salim ji ki haveli and Nathmal ji ki haveli as the most striking. There are other monuments too, which are equally important because of there distinct and individual architecture. The amalgamation of ancient and the medieval era architecture will catch your fancy.
Jaisalmer Fort: The 12th century Jaisalmer Fort has been regarded as one of the most magnificent and invincible forts in Rajasthan. Built over the Trikuta hill, Jaisalmer Fort is 250 ft tall structure surrounded by a 30 ft high sandstone wall with 99 bastions. The Fort houses the famous Jain Temple, a place worth visiting on your Jaisalmer tour.
Jaisalmer Havelis: Built by the wealthy merchants, the havelis (mansions) of Jaisalmer are famous for their exclusive cutwork, yellow and red stone treatment and the bracket-shaped decoration of peacocks. The splendid havelis like the Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli and Nathmalji ki haveli are major tourist attractions in Jaisalmer.
Gadsisar Sagar Tank: Gadsisar Sagar Tank is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. A famous picnic spot, the Tank attracts hundreds of migratory birds during the winter season.
Bara Bagh: Baba Bagh is an oasis on the bank of Gadsisar Sagar Tank. It has greenery all around to give a much-needed relief to the local people.
Tazia Tower: The Pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds). Each storey of this five-tiered tower has a beautifully carved balcony.
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‘Dargah Sharif’ or ‘Holy Dargah’ is one of the most sacred Muslim shrines in the country. Venerated by both Hindus and Muslims, it is the tomb of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, a Sufi saint who came from Persia and devoted his life to the service and upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. The Dargah has a massive gate with silver doors built in several stages. Revered by the Mughal rulers, it has touches of Humayun to Shah Jahan in its structural architecture. A silver railing and a marble screen surround the actual tomb of the saint, made of marble with a gold plated dome.
Every year Urs is held here for six days in his remembrance. It is said that when he was 114 years old, the saint locked himself in a room for six days to pray and left his mortal body in solitude. Several thousand devotees throng to this place during this time of the year and food is cooked in huge cauldrons and served to the devotees. The surprising part is that the people serve the food while standing inside the scalding hot food in the cauldrons. These cauldrons are said to be offered by Emperor Akbar when the saint blessed him with an heir for the throne.
The pilgrims make rich offerings called ‘nazrana’ at the sacred spot where the saint has been entombed that include rose and jasmine flowers, sandalwood paste, perfumes and incense that put in to the fragrance that floats in the air inside the shrine. Cash offerings are also made. Also offered by devotees are the ‘chaadar’, ‘ghilaph’ and ‘neema’, which are votive offerings for the tomb. Outside the holy place of the Dargah, professional singers called ‘qawwals’ sit in groups and sing hymns in the praises of the saint in a characteristic high-pitched voice. One can also see ‘fakirs’ on the main gate begging for alms in the name of the Khwaja. Qawwalis at the shrine and fragrance of the incense sticks together create a divine effect.
Mount Abu, which is set amidst lush surroundings of Aravali hills at an altitude of 1,220 m above the sea level, is the only hill station in the desert state of Rajasthan. It enjoys a cool and pleasant climate all round the year with temperatures hovering between 21 degrees to 33 degrees celcius during summer and between 11 degrees to 28 degrees celcius during winter, offering much-needed relief from the heat and dust of Rajasthan. Besides its exceptional scenic beauty, Mount Abu is also famous for its 11-13th century Hindu and Jain temples.
The physiography of Mt Abu bears quite a distinction from the rest of the state. The places features productive lands and a pleasant climate. The place lies, comparatively, at a higher altitude and is the is the lone hill station in the region around. The place is what can best be described as Cool. The road that leads to the place is rocky and arid. One finds a lot of odd shaped rocks piled along the roadside. Mt Abu is a very famous pilgrimage centre in the state. The place is believed to have been blessed by the sages and saints that travelled to this part of the country. Located here are some important shrines and temples of Jains and Hindus.
Guru Shikhar Mount Abu
A much revered Hindu pilgrimage site, the Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the Aravali range situated at 15km northeast of the hill town.
Dilwara Jain Temples Mount Abu
One of the renowned Jain pilgrimage, the Dilwara Jain Temples constructed between 11th and 13th century are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. The temple complex comprising of five marble temples out of which the oldest temple is the Vimal Vasahi Temple is one of the exquisite specimen of Jain architectural splendour.
Sunset Point Mount Abu
3km away from the town to the west, within a walkable distance, where the valley ends, there is the Sunset Point.At the foothills down below is a deep gorge or pit.It looks as if the setting sun has just fallen or dissapeared from the sky into the mountains. This point offers one of the breathtaking mountain view from this point.
Honeymoon Point Mount Abu
Another popular spot to enjoy the scenic beauty especially the magical moment when the setting sun spreads its orange wings, the heavenly view of the Abu Valley and acres of lush greenary.
Trevor’s Tank Mount Abu
Situated just 5kms from the hill town, the Trevor’s Tank derived its name from the British engineer who built it is a well known hang out spot for those who want to enjoy several moods of nature where thick wooded hills provide the perfect abode for the different varieties of birds like peacocks and pigeons.
Junagarh fort in Bikaner is considered one of India’s most impressive fort complexes. It’s exquisitely decorated interiors are in an excellent state of preservation. Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh, it is one of the few major forts, which were not built on a hilltop. The complex consists of palaces, courtyards, pavilions, and balconies. The walls are adorned with carved stones, marble, paintings, and inlaid semi-precious stones. Each palace in the complex was built by a different ruler, over the centuries.
The Anup Mahal is one of the most impressive rooms in the fort complex. The ornately lacquered walls are covered in red and gold with colored glass inlay. White plaster pillars are decorated in delicate patterns and covered with gold leaf. In a land where water is rare, the Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace’s walls are painted with a fresco of rain clouds. The Rain Fresco photograph shows a painting of Krishna and Radna surrounded by the blue cloud motifs.
It is an unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat. The main entrance to the fort is Karan Pol (Gate) that is east facing. Next to it is the Suraj Pol, the sun gate. The fort situates in it some very magnificent palaces like Anup Mahal, Ganga Niwas and Rang Mahal or palace of pleasure. The Har Mandir is the majestic chapel for the royal family for worshipping their gods and goddesses. These palaces, constructed in red sandstone and marble, make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks and windows dotted all over the structure. The premises also house a museum which is an array of a rich collection.
Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan make for a startling landscape. Set against shifting sand dunes, rugged hilltops and placid lakes, these majestic forts and palaces in Rajasthan are an integral part of the state’s daily life and a reminder of the chivalry and sacrifice synonymous with the land of Rajputs.
Chittaurgarh Fort is one of the famous forts in Rajasthan. Located on a hilltop, 180 m above sea, Chittaurgarh Fort covers a staggering area of 700 acres. Constructed by the Mori rulers in the 7th century, umbrella shaped rooftops (chattri) and tablets are its distinct features. The chattris would later become an integral part of Rajasthani architecture.
Kumbhalgarh Fort, in Udaipur, was constructed after the Chittaurgarh Fort to further strengthen the empire against invasions. Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, Kumbhalgarh Fort is a massive structure. The prominent places to see at the fort include the long walks, towering gates, seven ramparts encased within each other, bastions and watchtowers that have made this fort undefeated for centuries.
Set on a hilltop on the outskirts of Jaipur, Amber Fort has several sites worth visiting namely Maota Lake, Palaces with intricate mirror work, pavilions and murals depicting hunting scenes.
Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, built by Rao Jodha in 1459, has many palaces such as Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal within its premises that are worth a visit on your tour of Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan. Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan, also known as Sona Qila, is still inhabited by the Jaisalmer citizens. The five Jain temples and 99 bastions can also be visit on you tour to forts in Rajasthan.
Junagarh Fort (Bikaner), Jaigarh Fort (Jaipur), Nahargarh Fort (Jaipur) and Taragarh Fort (Bundi) are other popular forts in Rajasthan that you can visit on your tour to Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan.
The City Palace in Rajasthan is a popular tourist attraction in Jaipur. Here you can visit the City Palace museum, Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Am, Shri Govind Dev Temple besides the courtyards, gardens and buildings, on your tour to palaces in Rajasthan. Similarly, the City Palace at Udaipur has many sites worth visiting including Bara Pol (great gate), Tripolia (triple gate), toranas, pavilions, terraces, courts, Chini Chitrashala, Sheesh Mahal and City Palace museum.
Tours to Jaipur at no time can be declared as a dull affair. There are many tourist attractions in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, which will enchant you with their distinct architectural style and artistic finesse. Rajasthan inspires images of chivalrous Rajputs, grand palaces, fortified forts, manicured gardens and dominating temples. Jaipur is no different.
Amber Fort is the first on the list of many tourists on a sightseeing tour of the major tourist attractions in Jaipur. Set on a hilltop on the outskirts of Jaipur, it too nearly 2 centuries to complete this fort. Built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century, the Amber Fort has several sites worth a visit.
Some of the prominent attractions within Amber Fort in Jaipur include Maota Lake, Palaces with intricate mirror work, pavilions and murals depicting hunting scenes. A blend of Mughal and Rajasthan architecture, Amber Fort can be toured either by road or an elephant ride. Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort are the other forts that are popular tourist attractions in Jaipur.
Another popular tourist attraction in Jaipur is the Hawa Mahal. Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the purpose of this intricately carved five-storey Mahal was to allow women from royal families to observe the processions passing on the road below. A must visit tourist attraction in Jaipur, Hawa Mahal also provides magnificent views of Jantar Mantar, City Palace and the famous local market below that are the other popular tourist attractions in Jaipur.
A stunning example of Mughal architecture blending with the Rajasthan styles, the City Palace is a museum that houses rare manuscripts, Mughal and Rajasthani miniature arts, weapons and other items used by the royal family members. Jantar Mantar, built in stone and marble, is the most extensive of the five observatories built by the warrior-astronomer Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. It is a popular tourist attraction in Jaipur as it showcases India’s scientific prowess in a time when US didn’t exist.
If you are the rough and ready adventurer who is looking for an unusual adventure, a camel safari through the deserts of the Great Thar is just for you. For this is one adventure activity that is sure to test your grit and determination if you want to see it through till the end! You could always opt for an easier and less rigorous route, of course, but the true fun and excitement of a camel safari is in doing it in the authentic style.
When on a camel safari in India, the ubiquitous hump-backed camel will be your ride and your constant companion, be it in the searing heat of the day, or the biting chilliness of the night. And as you travel through the desert, you will get a close glimpse of the rich culture, heritage and life styles of the colorful and royal state of Rajasthan. For what better way can there be of knowing about a people, than by actually being part of the activities and adventure of their lives?
The camel is known the ‘desert ship’ since time immemorial. It has been the confidant of the travails, disputes, laughter and love of the desert people as they roamed from place to place in search of water. And as you undertake a similar journey, the easy pace of the safari will make it possible for you to observe and enjoy the minutest detail of the land of citadels, colors and charming crowds.
The adventure of the camel safaris in the deserts of India are fast catching up with tourists and becoming the fastest selling adventure holidays in India. The idea of an authentic camel safari is irresistible for those who are searching for exciting ventures and willing to experience India for what it really is. It is a novel way of exploring the dry deserts and is bound to remind you of the great ancient armies that traversed these deserts and invaded India.
There are a variety of safaris offered by the Great Indian Desert. You could choose a short trek around the pretty town of Jaisalmer, or decide upon a longer safari that would take you all around the Thar, where like a medieval trader you would lead your caravan through the hostile spice route heading for one of the medieval kingdoms, in search of people to buy your wares. The desert safaris in India are mainly centered around the princely kingdoms of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner, all of which are integral to the royal state of Rajasthan. Besides offering the awesome view of the open desert sands they are a great way of getting introduced to the villages and the wildlife.
The camel safaris are also best for viewing the architectural heritage of Rajasthan.
Trade prospered here in the olden times owing to the trade caravans across the desert of India. And it was with this money that the nobility constructed the mansions, citadels, forts and palaces. Sandstone is the basic material used in the making these masterpieces of art that are today in a state of ruin due to age, weathering and neglect.
A typical safari will take you to the architectural ruins of Lodurva that are close to Jaisalmer, the oasis at Anasagar, the sand dunes of the Samm and the water source of Moolsagar. While the days are for traveling and sight seeing, the nights are for entertainment and rest. You will be able to experience the lives of the villagers on the camels-halts in the en-route villages amidst the desert scrubs. It is sure to be an unforgettable experience of true desert rural Indian life and warm hospitality.
It is best to be well prepared to face the blistering heat of the sun with large rimmed sun hats at all times. The temperatures range from zero degrees to 30 degrees. You should also have adequate amount of comfortable cotton and the woolen clothing. Cotton caps, scarves and balaclava, umbrellas, sunscreen creams, moisturizers and lip salve, mineral water torch and knife are some of the things you will be required to carry on the safari.
So the next time you think of an adventure-cum-culture holiday in India, let us know. We will take you on a camel safari that is definitely sans any luxuries, but truly beats the thrill of anything else at the end of the day!
Adventure Tours of India can also arrange for excursions from Jaipur besides sightseeing tours within Jaipur. Excursions from Jaipur can range from traveling to popular tourist destinations around Jaipur to tours of the two cities – Delhi and Agra- on your Golden Triangle Tour, arranged by Adventure Tours of India.
Excursions to Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve and Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve are a favorite with nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and tourists in search of a quiet refreshing vacation.
Excursions from Jaipur to the nearby marketplace of Bagru are apt for brief diversions from the sightseeing tours in the Jaipur city. Here, on your excursion from Jaipur, you can shop for the traditional Bagru prints made from vegetable dyes that are famous world over for their ethnic look.
Adventure Tours of India can also arrange for excursions from Jaipur besides sightseeing tours within Jaipur. Excursions from Jaipur can range from traveling to popular tourist destinations around Jaipur to tours of the two cities – Delhi and Agra- on your Golden Triangle Tour, arranged by Adventure Tours of India.
Excursions to Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve and Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve are a favorite with nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and tourists in search of a quiet refreshing vacation.
Excursions from Jaipur to the nearby marketplace of Bagru are apt for brief diversions from the sightseeing tours in the Jaipur city. Here, on your excursion from Jaipur, you can shop for the traditional Bagru prints made from vegetable dyes that are famous world over for their ethnic look.