Rajasthan : The Magical land set amidst the desolate desert beauty. The land synonymous with romance and chivalry. Immensely rich in culture, history and natural beauty that's Rajasthan.

Always teaming with colour, joy and friendliness that's  unique to this part of the country. everything about Rajasthan fascinates from miles of golden starches of sand to the kaleidoscope of magnificent Forts, opulent Palaces and splendid architectural creations having a legend of its own. one needs a considerable time span to be able to enjoy the magical charm of  Rajasthan. The cities of Rajasthan still retain the medieval flavour keeping alive the timeless traditions in their rich art and crafts, colourful bazaars and vibrant people wearing multi-hued costumes and a bright smile. A perfect paradise for tourists. Rajasthan is the ultimate destination not to be missed...it is an experience you'll cherish for a life time.

Rajasthan is where all the country’s similes and metaphors appear to have come together to create a visual extravaganza. Majestic palaces and rugged forts, spectacular deserts, wooded hills and tranquil lakes, bustling towns and quiet villages, amazing flora and fauna and of course, the colorful and vibrant people of Rajasthan form an intricate tapestry of mysticism, grandeur and rusticity. Behind the breathtaking beautiful facade, expect to find contradictions to the ordinary and mundane aspects of vacationing. Wherever you travel, particularly when you escape from the popular tourist destinations, you will come across the unexpected, whether it is a local fair or a bustling bazaar or mind-blowing architectural wonders. The mood and the rhythm of the countryside changes from one region to another, and from season to season. It is  a land of magical fantasies that remain a lifetime memory

The most colourful region in India. An exotic land of valiance and chivalry. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces and havelis. Unending hilly ranges and waves of sand dunes serene lakes. The State represents an unusual diversity in all its forms-people, culture, customs, costumes, cuisine, dialects and music.

No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India as does the desert land of Rajasthan. Unexpected forest glens, lakes and temples appear like mirages in the deserts. On the crag are seen rugged forts, testimony to a turbulent history. Innumerable temples dating back to the 7th century still survive amidst scattered ruins, medieval cities exist around turreted marble palaces and spacious gardens.

Rajasthan, a land of princes, palaces and preening peacocks is renowned for its monuments, art and culture that go back to several centuries. Admire a range of miniature paintings and frescoes of exquisite refinement. There is romance in Rajasthan’s forts and palaces and arts of gallantry retold in ballads and legends. Then there are sanctuaries sheltering rich and varied species of flora and fauna. And the shimmering Thar desert belt charms with a rare and amazing sight.

Rajasthani' s are a handsome people with colourful costumes. They express themselves in colour and sound not easily seen or heard anywhere else in the country. Rajasthan overwhelms with colour found inbustting bazaars; in wide-ranging costumes of its people; in streets where elephants and camels vie with buses and cars. The irresistible gamut of art and handicraft souvenirs will bewitch you. An exciting variety of Rajasthani delicacies will pamper your palate with a never-before gastronomic delight.

Staying is no les enjoying and exhilarating. Choose from a wide range of accommodation-inexpensive to five star deluxe-to suit every budget. Or for a change, go in for the heritage hotels, a recent concept, where you get an opportunity to taste the royal environs of a bygone era. Travelling too is a rewarding experience in Rajasthan. For it is organized on the lines of superlative standards. Modern air and train services, deluxe coaches and chauffeur-driven cars transport you quickly and comfortably to every wonder- packed corner of the state.

You can’t have enough of Rajasthan. In a hurry considerable time span is needed to know about the marvels of this fabled land. Rajasthan with a treasure of history, picturesque architecture and bewitching landscape is an unparalleled destination on the tourist map of India. A destination that defies definition.

Alwar

 The Tiger gate of Rajasthan

150 kms from Jaipur and 170 kms from Delhi, Alwar is nestled between a cluster of small hills of the Aravali range . Perched on the most prominent of these hills is a massive ancient fort that whispers tales of the rich history of the city . Once an ancient Rajput state, formally known as Mewat, Alwar was the nearest Princely State to the Imperial Delhi. The people of the state did not accept any external interferences and daringly resisted against the foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries, they formed a group and raided Delhi. But finally Sultan Balban (1267 A.D. - 1287 AD ) suppressed them, bringing the area under the Muslim rule.

In 1771 AD Maharaja Pratap Singh a Kuchhwaha Rajput belonging to the clan of Jaipur rulers won back Alwar and founded a principality of his own. Apart from its long history, the city has a rich natural heritage with some beautiful lakes and picturesque valleys thickly wooded in parts. Some of the finest variety of birds and animals are spotted here. Alwar has one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan - Sariska (covered under Project Tiger), which is an excellent Tiger Reserve.

Places of interest :- City Palace, The Fort, Cenotaph Of The Queen.

Excursion :- Siriska Palace & Tiger Reserve (37 Kms)  Siliserh (Monsoon Palace )                                     Back to Top

Bharatpur

The favorite Bird retreat

The 55km. long journey by road from Agra drives you to the town of Bharatpur - the eastern gateway to Rajasthan. Bharatpur is popular for its bird sanctuary KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK finest in Asia with a rich avian variety. Every year the rare Siberian cranes comes to spend the winter in the warmer climate of Bharatpur.
Of the remnants of the royal past remains the marvelous Bharatpur Palace housing a rich repository of a large number of ancient exhibits that date back to the early 15 the century.

Places of interest :- Lohagarh Fort, Govt. Museum, The Palace, Keoladeo National Park

Excursion :- Deeg Palace(35kms)

Bundi

 The Undiscovered Spendour

Bundi was ruled by the Hada Chouhans - An offshoot of the famous Chouhan Clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer. In 1193 A.D., Prithviraj Chouhans was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghouri, some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar ( UDAIPUR ) and became allies to Rana while other young warriors moved towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena & Bhil tribal - thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later two branches of Hadas Rajput's formed two separate states of Kota & Bundi, on either side of the river Chambal.

Bundi is surrounded by Aravali hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. Interesting monuments including Step wells,  impressive medieval Forts, Palaces, Havelies, Temples with beautiful stone idols and cenotaphs with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for it's Rasleela frescoes, intricate carvings and murals.

Places of interest :-Taragarh  Fort, Garh Palace, Chitrashala, Royal Cenotaphs,  Rani Ji Ki Baori, Shikar Burj, Nawal Sagar Lake, Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph.

Excursion :- Rameshwaram (20 kms) Keshavrai Patan (45 kms) Bijolia (50 kms).                                      Back to Top

Bikaner

Citadel of Culture and Camels  

The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the North of the desert state, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle.  Bikaner's history dates back to 1488 AD. when  Rathore Prince Rao Bika, a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodha had 5 sons, Rao Bika was the most enterprising of them. Bikaji transformed Bikaner into an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder's name. More popularly called the Camel Country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here.

The wells in Bikaner an important source of water, are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender minaret towers on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from West / Central Asia made it a prime trade center in the times of yore. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a 7 km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy in reddish pink sandstone bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colourful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.

Places of interest :- Junagarh Fort Museum, Lal Garh Palace,  Jain Temple, Camel Research Farm

Excursion :- Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary (35 kms), Kolayat (50 kms), Deshnok Temple (30Kms)              Back to Top

Chittaurgarh

The Epitome of Romance and Valour 

Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular cenotaphs. This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was "Jauhar" ~ when woman and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in "Saffron Turbans" of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death. Allauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 A.D., overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, Queen Padmini. Legend has it, that he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerizing beauty. but the noble queen preferred death to dishonor and committed Jauhar. The indomitable pride of Chittaur, the fort is a massive structure with many gateways built in 7th century AD perched on a height of 180 mts. high hill. It is sprawled over 700 acres. The temples and palaces within are impressive reminders of the Rajput Architecture.

Places of interest :- The Fort, Victory Tower, Tower of Fame, Rana Kumbha's Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Bai Temple, Govt. Museum

Excursion :- Bijaipur (40kms)                                                                        Back to Top

Jaipur

Sheer Symphony in pink

Jaipur capital of Rajasthan also called Pink City  ~ the colour of Rajput culture & hospitality. Jaipur was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh IInd in 1727AD. The ancient heart of the the pink city still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of it's time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall.

A young Bengali architect Vidyadhar formalized the city's plan in a grid system. The wide straight avenues, roads, streets, lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of main bazaars were arranged in nine rectangular city sectors, in accordance with the principles of town planning set down in the "Shilpa Shashtra" - an epochal treaties on the Hindu architecture.

There is timeless appeal to Jaipur's colourful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to the pink city a memorable one.

Places of interest :- City Palace Museum, Janter Manter (Observerty) Amber fort, Hawa Mahal( Palace of Wind) Nahargarh Fort, Jai Garh Fort, Sisodia Rani Garden, Galta (Monkey Valley)

Excursion :- Samode (45 kms)                    Back to Top

Kota

Magic along the mighty Chambal

The history of the city dates back to 12th century AD., when the Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva conquered the territory and founded  Hadoti with it's capital at Bundi. Later in the early 17th century AD during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi - Rao Ratan Singh, gave the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Rao Madho Singh. Since then Kota became a hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture.

The Hall of audience at city palace of Kota is ornate with beautiful mirror work and has ebony and ivory doors. Exquisite miniatures of the Kota school are housed within the Hall. Other noteworthy edifices of the bygone era are the Brij Raj Bhawan Place, Jag Mandir - an Island palace, a splendid haveli (mansion) with beautiful frescoes and and royal cenotaphs.

Places of interest :- Rao Madho Singh Museum, Govt. Museum, Jag Mandir, Royal Cenotaphs, Haveli Of Devtaa Ji

Excursion :- 12th Century Gagron Fort, Jhalawar (85 Kms), Badoli Temples (48 Kms.) 10th Century Sun Temple, 7th - 12th Century Chandrabhaga Temples, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam.                      Back to Top

Jaisalmer

The Glory of the Golden Fort

Rising from the heart of the Thar desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splandour, dominating the amber - hued city. The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna foretold that remote descendents of his clan would build his kingdom atop the triangular hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156AD.

When Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of his clan founded Jaisalmer, perched on triangular hill. Rulers of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute Delhi or Sind. These caravans earned the town great wealth. For years Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside influences. The rise of shipping trade and the port of Mumbai saw the the decline of Jaisalmer. But the desert fortress that seems to be straight out of the "Tales of the Arabian Nights", still enchants. Life inside the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelies, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. The setting sun turning Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight.

Places of interest :- Sonar Kila (Golden Fort), Gadhisar Lake, Jain Temples,  Manak Chowk, Nath Mal Ji Ki Haveli, Salim  Singh Ki Haveli & Vyas Cenotaphs

Excursion :- Lodorva (16 kms) Sam Sand Dunes(45kms), Amar Sagar (5kms) Bada Bagh (6 kms)                      Back to Top

Jodhpur

Tale of Great Heroes & Grandeur

City of Jodhpur which echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert is set at the edge of the Thar desert. It was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha - chief of the Rathore clan of Rajput who claimed to be the descendents of Lord Rama - the epic hero of Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 mts. above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall - 10 Km long with 8 gates and  innumerable bastions.

A major trade center of of the 16th century AD., the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. While graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city also called "Blue City". Life style of Jodhpur city is unusually fascinating with folks wearing lovely multihued costumes, artistically designed. Women folk wear wide gathered skirts and hip length jacket, with three-quarter length sleeves, covering the front and back. Colourful turbans worn by men folk add more colour to the city. It was from here that the popularly worn baggy-tight, horse riding trousers - "Jodhpurs" took their name. Countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture of the former princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza.

Places of interest :- Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada (Royal Cenotaphs), Ummed Bhawan Palace, Mandore Gardens. Cenotaphs at Mandore.

Excursion :- Osian Jain Temple (60 kms).                               Back to Top

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Pushkar

The Blessing of Brahma ~ the creator

11 Km from the town of Ajmer on the edge of the desert lies the tiny tranquil town of Pushkar along the bank of picturesque Pushkar lake - an important pilgrimage spot for the Hindus. The lake has a mythological significance associated with it. According to myth Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a fire sacrifice. While contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from three places one of them was Pushkar where Lord Brahma performed his yagna or fire sacrifice.

Every year thousands of devotees throng the lake around the full moon day of Kartik ( October-November) to take a "Holy Dip" in the lake. A huge and colourful cattle fair - the Pushkar Fair, is also held during this time. Dance, music and colourful shops spring up during this fair. Also on the sale are mouth watering traditional delicacies. Colourfully attired village folk enhance the fun of the occasion. A host of cultural events against the backdrop of this pretty setting are also organised including attractive puppet shows. Cattle Auction,  horse & camel races are also a part of the festivities. Visitors can stay over night in tented accommodation during this fair.

Places of interest :- Savitri Temple, Brahma Temple, Bathing Ghats, Man Mahal, Bazaars                                  Back to Top

Udaipur

Venice of the East

The "City of Lakes", Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences - an inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Udaipur is jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the lake Pichhola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favourably located spot with a fertile valley watered by stream, a lake, on agreeable altitude and an amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the advice of the hermit and founded the city in 1559AD.Exquisite  Palaces of Udaipur, shimmering like jewel on the Lake Pichhola is overwhelming in splandour

Places of interest :- City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon - Ki - Bari or Queens Garden, Lake Pichhola , Sajjan Garh ( Monsoon Palace ) Indian Folk Art Museum,

Excursions:- Eklingji Temple( 22 Kms ) Nagda (25 kms) Haldigaghadi (40 kms) Rajsamand Lake ( 70 kms) Kumbalgarh Fort (90 kms) Jaisamand Lake (50 kms) Ranakpur Jain Temples (90 kms)                                             Back to Top

Dungarpur

The land of varied Wonders

Dungarpur was founded in 1282 AD. by Rawal Veer Singh, when he took over this part of the state from the Bhil Chieftain Dungaria. Dungarpur is also noted for its wildlife variety - Jackal, Jungle Cat, Indian Fox, Hyena, Black faced monkey, Porcupine, Common Mongoose are common inhabitants. Gaib Sagar lake is flocked by many migratory birds during winters including Rosy Pelican, Pond Heron, Pintail Ducks, Bittern, Saras Crane, White Necked Stork, Black Ibis, Pere Grien Falcon, White Ibis, Lesser Flamingo, Spotted billed Pelican, Turtle Dove, White Breasted Kingfisher, Peafowl, Indian Long Billed Vulture, Large & Cattle Egret in all about 125 spices of birds are found in Dungarpur. Dungarpur is famous for its unique style of architecture as seen in its palaces and noble residences. These royal residences are adorned by balconies built in stone in a unique style typical of the area developed during the reign of Maharaja Shiv Singh ( 1730 - 1785 AD.). Silver smiths of the area are famous for lacquer toys and picture frames.

Places of interest :- Udai Bilas Palace, Juna Mahal, Gaib Sagar Lake, Govt. Archaeology Museum

Excursions :- Baneshwar (60 kms) Deo Somnath Temple (26 kms)                                        Back to Top

Sawai Madhopur

Gateway to The Tiger Den

Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the world famous & renowned "Ranthambhor National Park". Ranthambhor has been a witness to the rise and fall of many rulers and a series of battle scenes.

In 13th century AD, Govinda the grandson of Prithvi Raj Chauhan took over reign of the land. Later his successor Vaghbhatta,  beautified the city and built a noteworthy temple at Jhain. In the middle of 15th century ad, Rana Kumbha Captured and gifted the fort to his son, later to be occupied by the Hada Rajput's of Bundi and then by Mughal emperor Akbar and Aurangzeb. Mughal Emperor Shah Alam Gifted it to Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh Ist of Jaipur in 1754 and since then it was maintained as the hunting reserve of the Maharaja. Queen Elizabeth IInd & Duke of Edinburgh were part of the royal hunting parties who stayed here.

Places of interest :- Fort, Ranthambhor National Park, Kala Gora Bhairon Temple, Jogi Mahal.                        Back to Top

Shekhawati

The Open Air Art Gallery

The semi desert region of Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own. "The Open Air Art Gallery" as it is popularly called, is famous for its plethora of painted havelies, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region . Shekhawati derives its name from Rao Shekha (1433 AD to 1488 AD) a scion of the Kachhwaha family of Jaipur. Shekhawati's magnificent havelies or mansions built by rulers, merchants of the region, display a unique architectural style that evolve around the courtyard to ensure safety  and privacy of women folk and protection from the heat of long and harsh summer. The Havelies painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings, that adorn their walls. The earlier wall paintings (1830 ad to 1900 ad) were largely based on the mythological themes, depicting local legends, animals, portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes and a glimpse of everyday life. The turn of 19th century saw the appearance of new motifs, an outcome of the British Raj's influence upon the Indian culture and tradition. Now cars replaced elephants and traditional Indian miniatures mingled with naturalism of western paintings to produce interesting hybrid results. The mythological themes depicting god, heroes, epics and legends were substituted by European oleographs, lithographs and photographs. Trains, cars, balloons, telephones, gramophones, Englishmen in hunting attire and portraits of Haveli owners primly dressed, were painted all over the walls - thus making the havelies interesting for both Indian and foreign travelers .

Places of interest & Prime Sites :- Alsisar, Dundlod, Mandawa, Mukundgarh, Mehansar, Nawalgarh.               Back to Top

Mount. Abu

Verdant Oasis in the Hills

A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt Abu is a green oasis in the barren desertscape that's Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range, the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. The road leading to Mt.Abu is a curved one characterised by arid region dotted with huge rocks in weird shapes and high velocity winds. The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mt.Abu is more than a summer retreat. Its stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain temples, dating back 11th - 13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage center.  

Places of interest & Prime Sites :- Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temples, Sunset Point, Honeymoon Point

Excursions :- Trevor's Tank (5 Kms), Achalgarh Fort (8 Kms), Guru Shikhar (15 Kms)                                        Back to Top