Rajasthan TourismVibrant Rajasthan – Travel to the Land of History, Legends, Valorous Warriors And Heritage Hotels….

Having a great interest in Indian Mythology, I read the literature off and on. While doing the same, I came across the importance of elephants. The animal is among the most revered animals.

Jaipur Elephant Festival

It was believed to be emerged from the ocean after the churning of the ocean took place between the demons and gods to attain the immortality.

Reading this, my memories of the tour to Rajasthan got alive. I was there with my husband during the time of elephant festival. Among the most popular festivals of Jaipur, it offers you the opportunity to view the grandeour of the city.

All royal guests were being taken to the renowned Amber Fort on elephant back. Not only this, but some special elephant fights were also conducted to offer entertainment for the guests.

This spectacular elephant festival in Jaipur is organized in March every year. The grand procession just enthralled us. The elephants were bedecked on their heads and the tips of tails with heavy jewellery, flowers and other ornamentation you could imagine.

To our surprise, they were also wearing anklets that tinkle once they walk down in all their glory.

We enjoyed being witness to the various games like polo, races and Holi. Splashing each other with bright colours, they create a wonderful scene.

What could be more fascinating than the performance of folk dancers! It felt like we were in a grand celebration that would never end.

Besides elephants, other decorated animals like horses and camels can also be seen there. The highlight of the procession was, it could be seen with all the original grandeur of the old era.

Rajasthani Folk Dance

With the end of the procession, we were invited to mount the elephants. Many other tourists like us also grabbed this wonderful opportunity and enjoyed a lot. Some enthusiastic visitors also started playing with colours.

We also joined in the parade. The whole atmosphere soon became jovial.

The musical notes of the folk performers also added charm to the festival. With much enjoyment and recreating the age-old legacy, the grandeur of the festival ended.

The memories of the elephant festival are still fresh and takes me to the world of royalty.

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Next day, we left for Udaipur, the city of lakes. As we reached there, the splendor of royal era grabbed our attention. The rolling hills, beautiful lakes and white marble palaces give Udaipur a special appeal.

We came across the spectacular monument-City Palace. Depicting the history of the city with honor, the palace boasts of its marvelous architecture.

Lies in the centre of Pichola Lake, Lake Palace is another beautiful monument of Udaipur. Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir are also lying nearby. We also came across some old monuments like Bagore ki Haveli and Maharana Pratap Memorial.These buildings still showcase the local culture and tradition. The exquisite glass and mirror work done on the interiors is amazing.

Pushkar Festival

On our afternoon trip, we explored the Monsoon Palace. It rewarded us with amazing views of the lakes and hills. In the evening, we witnessed the Rajasthani folk dance and music that made us drawn deep in its authenticity.

The day started with Pushkar visit. Though it is a small city yet is has its own charm and appeal. This city offers a more serene escapade to visitors as compared to any other tourist destination in Rajasthan. We got to know the famous Pushkar festival, when we visited the Pushkar Lake. It is said that huge livestock like cows, goats and sheep are sold in the fair.

Neha insisted us to visit Brahma Temple; we both agreed and moved ahead. Counted among the most significant Brahma temples, it has the shrine of presiding deity of Lord Brahma. Built in the 14^th century AD, this temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma.

Thinking of our next destination, we landed in the dream world.

Next day, we headed to Jaipur, the Pink City of India. It is the largest city of Rajasthan. It houses some magnificent forts and palaces which add to the place. Started from City Palace about which we had already heard a lot, we moved ahead inside the palace. Standing apart with its exemplary architecture, the palace complex covers a huge area. As we started walking ahead, we come across a series of gardens, buildings and courtyards.

Located near the boundary of the city palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is a worth visiting place. Khusboo was so excited to see this place that she could not help herself clicking some photographs. Named after Palace of Winds, this mahal boasts of its more than 950 huge windows. It was especially built in such a way to allow the royal women the views of the market areas.

Nahargarh Fort was another fort, which became a part of our exploration. Located on the aravali hills ridge, the fort was built by Jai Singh. This magnificent fort presents an enticing sight at night.

Chokhi Dhani

The most memorable thing of our Jaipur visit was Chokhi Dhani where we spend some time exploring the beauty of the place. Capturing the spirit of desert land, it ensures a perfect traditional Rajasthani experience. We enjoyed our food at this village resort. We relished authentic Rajasthani Food, which obviously had a lot of calories. Even I am very particular about my food though I could not help myself from enjoying the food with much ghee.

In the evening, there were some cultural programmes, which filled our heart with fun and enjoyment. The traditional performances and the puppet show just took away my heart.

With delightful memories, we left back for Delhi.

Lies in the centre of

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Rajasthan, the land of kings has always been my center of attraction. Its royalty, rich culture, glorious past, ancient monuments and warm hospitality have captivated my interest since my childhood. My most awaited dream came true when I embarked on this 14 days Rajasthan Tour with my two of my comrades-Khushboo and Neha.

We went to Rajasthan by car, and it took around five hours to reach there from Delhi. After reaching Mandawa, we took rest for sometime in our hotel. Then, we moved around the city to explore its fascinating havelis. The architectural splendor, the glorious past and the royal palaces just take you to a completely different world.

Our next halt was at Bikaner, which is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces. I was too eager to visit the Junagarh Fort for which I have heard a lot. We entered through the Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate, which is the main entrance of the fort. The fort includes 37 palaces and pavilions. It also houses a museum which has a rich collection of rare manuscripts, carpets, weapons, treaties, utensils and much more.

Lalgarh Palace Bikaner

While visiting the Lalgarh Palace of Bikaner, we were completely enthralled. Khushboo clicked some photographs at different locations. Some part of the palace has now been converted into a heritage hotel. The amazing filigree work and meticulous latticework speak volume about the fort. As I have already read a lot about the fort, so I was aware of the library that it houses. I could not believe when I saw the rare collection of original Sanskrit manuscripts. It reflects that how rich the city was in terms of education. People were really inclined towards education and got all the support from the kings in old era as well.

While relaxing at night, we all were sharing our knowledge about the forts and palaces we visited during the day. The magnetic charm of the attractions kept us delighted during the tour and soon we were in the next destination-Jaisalmer.

Popularly referred as the Golden City of India, it is situated in the heart of the Thar Desert. Neha had already been to Jaisalmer, so she decided for us the must visit places in the city. Trusting on her knowledge of Rajasthan Travel Guide, we followed her and reached Sonar Kila (Also known as Jaisalmer Fort or Golden Fort). We could see both the excellence of Indian artwork and the magnificence of military. Neha insisted us to go for a Camel Safari and her decision was good. Riding on a camel’s back is not only exciting but also it enables you to explore the glimpses of rippling sand dunes.

After taking rest in hotel, we moved forward to our next destination-Jodhpur. Mehrangarh Fort was the first attraction, we visited there. This huge fort is located just five km away form the town. It houses a museum that comprises an interesting collection of weapons, wood antique furniture, musical instruments, costumes, paintings and many more.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

When we reached Umaid Bhawan Palace, we felt as if we were in a royal era where all we could see the architectural splendor. Sprawled across 26 acres of land, the palace boasts of a marvelous architectural of ancient time. It has 347 rooms which reflect the marvel of the Indo-colonial and art deco style of the olden times.

A lie to the left of the fort complex is Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph. It is built of white marble. Some unique portraits of the earlier rulers of Jodhpur can also be seen here.

Enjoying each moment of the tour, we fell asleep and retired ourselves on the bed.

To be continued…

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My strenuous work schedule made me so tired that I felt like taking a break. To regain my energy, I thought of visiting Jaipur in Rajasthan. As history always interests me, what could be the better option than that of Jaipur. Renowned as the ‘Pink City’, this royal city has always captured my attention.

Jaipur City

The day when I embarked on Jaipur tour with my sister Ekta and a friend, Deepti was like a new day for me. We all three managed to take 3 days leave from our offices and got ready for a change. We took a bus from Delhi and reached there within six hours. The moment I entered the glorious city of Jaipur, my joy knew no bounds. The city is renowned for its Rajput heritage and culture.

Jaipur has numerous palaces that are renowned across the world for their architectural grandeur. The architecture beauty of these palaces showcases the perfect amalgamation of Rajputana and Mughal style. We stayed in a good hotel, which was equipped with all the modern amenities.

To see the buildings painted in pink color is an amazing experience in itself. Our exploration of the city started with a visit to Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Built in the year 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, it is the most striking palace of the city. Its five-stories, hanging cornices, arched roofs, 953 tiny windows and pyramid-shaped structure make it a worth-visiting site.

Hawa Mahal

The City Palace is among the most predominant landmarks of Jaipur. I won’t be wrong if I call it as a perfect illustration of architecture. The palace also exhibits museum which has a rich collection of royal costumes and Rajput weapons. Though we felt tired walking in the huge palace, yet the charm to see the other parts of the palace did not allow us to stop and we moved on. We explored the beautiful Art Gallery, Mukut Mahal, Chhavi Niwas and Shri Govind Dev Temple of the palace.

The old Amer fort was our next destination. It was truly a delight to watch the fort. We got to see a big wall of ancient times and the stunning Sheesh Mahal (the hall of mirrors), Sukh Niwas and Ganesh Pole. Ekta insisted us to go for an elephant ride. Taking a ride while sitting on elephant’s back was just wonderful and a great experience.

Another fort which we visited was, Nahargarh Fort. Perched high on the Aravali hills, the fort overlooks the city. It offers charming views that can be best seen at the time of sunset.

Sheesh Mahal Suite Samode Haveli Jaipur

Being a shopping freak, I could not help myself from shopping in Jaipur. Based on our experience, I can say that one must visit the lively bazaars of Jaipur. You can find here popular shopping items like brass ware, textiles, kundan, quilts and much more. I bought some jewellery and textiles.

At last, we decided to visit Samode as we had some time in our hand. Located at a distance of 42 km from Jaipur, it is a great place to see. During this, the famous Samode Palace became the part of our exploration.

Our tour was over and I was ready to get back to my hectic work routine but this time there was a big smile on my face.

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Hawa Mahal

Rajasthan has always been a place, where I wanted to visit and spend some time. Its forts and palaces, rich culture, unique festivals and desert safaris are something I wished to explore. After waiting so many years, I finally got an opportunity to visit the princely state. The opportunity came to me as official trip and the idea of going there with my colleagues was so exciting that I started counting the days.

Finally, the day approached when we were in this historical state which offers many attractions to its visitors. Some important cities which we could visit include Jaipur (the capital city), Ajmer, Udaipur, Mount Abu, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner.

While exploring these cities, I came across some of the fabulous forts and palaces and many other famous tourist attractions, which I of course, would like to share with readers.

Magnificent Monuments

Rajasthan is home to monuments including spectacular forts, palatial palaces, religious shrines, royal havelis and terrific temple. The architectural marvel of these monuments enthralls visitors from all over the world. All the cities are dotted with beautiful monuments. Some famous monuments of the royal state of Rajasthan are City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort and Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur, Mehrangarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Lalgarh Palace and Junagarh Fort in Bikaner.We also loved to explore Golden Fort in Jaisalmer and Fort Mandwa Castle in Shekhawati during our Rajasthan tour.

Amber Fort

Fabulous Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks

Having heard a lot about the wildlife of Rajasthan, I was eager to see it. However, due to short time in our hand, we could visit only Ranthambore National Park, situated in Sawai Madhopur. It is just 150 km from Jaipur. This wildlife sanctuary is a home to huge variety of birds, animals and reptiles. The park is popular for its tiger’s especially diurnal tigers. Fortunately, on our jeep safari, we could spot a tiger. The thrill, excitement and joy are beyond words to describe. Other wildlife sanctuaries and national parks include names like Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Desert National Park and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary.

Colorful Fairs & Festivals

While we were on Rajasthan tour, we also got to know about some interesting festivals of the desert land. The state experiences the jubilation of some vibrant festivals. Some popular fairs and festivals of Rajasthan include Pushkar Camel Fair, Udaipur Elephant Festival, Jaisalmer Desert Festival, Jaipur Elephant Festival and Jodhpur Marwar Festival.Celebrated with great enthusiasm, these festivals reflect the rich culture and heritage of the state. The fairs and festivals are also major attraction of tourism, attracting many visitors to come during the festive season here.

Festivals of Rajasthan

Rippling Sand Dunes

Like other tourists, we were also enthralled by the Sand Dunes here, which are among most appealing attractions of Rajasthan Tourism. We opted camel safari to explore the sand dunes which was indeed a good choice. The adventure took us to explore some traditional villages of Rajasthan like Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

Based on my tour experience, I would strongly recommend relishing the traditional Rajasthani Cuisines like Dal Bati Churma, Ghewar, Jodhpuri Mawa Kachori and Mirchi Vada.

Truly it’s an amazing experience for us, which we will cherish for lifetime.

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Mount Abu Tourism

Last week on the Eve of New Year 2011, I visited Mount Abu with my two friends to celebrate new dawn of coming year and last dusk of a previous year. Mount Abu is a pleasant hill retreat amidst the lush forested hills. It is a green oasis in the barren desert state Rajasthan. This captivating hill retreat is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan state. It is located in Sirohi district South West Rajasthan, 185 Km from Udaipur.

We boarded ADI SJ Rajdhani from Delhi on 30th December 2010 and reached the nearest railhead Abu Road Station next morning. From here we hired taxi and reached Mount Abu around 10 am after 2 hours of road journey. After taking refreshment at RTDC Hotel Shikhar, we went outside to explore the charm of this beautiful hill station.

The bone chilling wind and freezing weather almost shivered us, but at the same time it also heightens our joy and enthusiasm. The town of Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan, is located at an elevation of 1220 meters above sea level. It has been a popular retreat from the heat of Rajasthan and neighboring state Gujarat for centuries. The salubrious climate and array of attractions calls on scores of tourists to this place from several parts of the globe.

The hills of this place are known for rich flora covering. The entire hillside includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs, which heighten the serene and scenic charm of this pristine hill station. Because of its remote location and scenic charm, this place has been home to many sages and saints for many centuries. We also experienced the calmness and scenic beauty of this place during our Mount Abu Tourism.

It is situated down on the Abu Road side. We took 750 steps down to the valley to reach this place. Small stream flows from the mouth of a marble cow which designated this shrine its name. There is also a marble figure of the bull Nandi, Shiva’s vehicle. The tank here, Agni Kund, is said to be the site of the sacrificial fire made by sage Vashistha, from which four of the great Rajput clans were born. An image of Vashishtha is flanked by the figures of Rama and Krishna.

Next we visited Dilwara Jain Temples, which is another most popular attraction of Mount Abu renowned for its exquisite marble carvings. The older temple was built in 1031 by a Gujrati minister named Vimal and dedicated to the first tirthankar (Jain Teacher), Adinath. The central shrine contains an image of Adinath, while around the courtyard; there are 57 identical cells, each with a Budhdha like cross-legged image. The architectural intricacy and delicacy of the marble carving enthrall us most and kept us engaged for longtime.

Next we visited the Tejpal Temple dedicated to Neminath, the 22nd Jain tirthankar. For the first time in my life, I have seen such a piece of sculpture. The sculpture at some place was so fine that the marble becomes almost transparent. The lotus at the center of the dome is an incredible piece of work. It is difficult to believe that the huge lacelike filigree made up of solid block of marble.

After experiencing the interwoven charm of sculpture and spiritualism we headed towards our next attraction that is Sunset Point. It is the most popular attractions of this place where tourists come in a large number to experience the beauty of setting sun.

We also adieu the last sunset of 2010 with a hope that next sunrise will bring lots of fortune for us. After enjoying this place we rushed back to hotels to enjoy New Year’s party. At this electric party, we enjoyed a memorable night which was full of fun, thrill and excitement. After greeting everyone in the midnight, we went to our room and felt asleep.

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Rajasthan Battlefields

Battlefields and war scenes of the cinema, the vista of chaos, actually drive me crazy. The winner will be the one who controls that chaos, both his own and the enemies. My next trip, luckily, took me to a marvellous journey to India’s finest forts & battlefields. It was Rajasthan tourism. Though I had explored this desert land earlier, but it was worth visiting again & again.

This land of royals has a rich past and magnificent heritage. While going through the Rajasthan travel guide, I came to know that great personalities ruled various regions of Rajasthan and left marks of bravery, grandeur and valor. During my trip to the cities like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur or Bikaner – I’d explored the classical monuments like City Palace (Jaipur & Udaipur), Chittaurgarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Taragarh Fort, Junagarh Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Hawa Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Therefore, I decided to go for the conventional battlefields this time.

I started from Bharatpur, where the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary adjoins Deeg & Dholpur – the core elements of the Jat history of Rajasthan. Later I drove to Karauli, en route visiting Khanwa, where the Battle of Khanau was fought in the year 1527. This was the place where Babur defeated a formidable army raised by Rana Sanga of Mewar & established his rule over north India.

My next halt was Ranthambore where I first visited the Ranthambore Fort. After the defeat of the Chauhan King Prithviraj III by Muhammad Gauri in 1192, it was led by Govinda Raja, grandson of Prithviraj. Later after many battles & rulers, it came under the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar in the year 1559. Later I headed towards Udaipur, en route visiting Chittorgarh. A guide there told me that after the Mughal Emperor Akbar captured Chittorgarh in 1568, the capital was moved west to Udaipur, in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. Chittor Fort is a live example of the battles between the Ranas of Chittor & Alauddin Khilji, Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat & Emperor Akbar.

Next I visited the Victory Tower, built in 1440 AD by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mohamed Khilji. This 9-storyed tower is adorned by sculptures of Hindu deities and is the piece-de-resistance of Chittorgarh. After that, I continued to Udaipur, which was founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh after his final unsuccessful attempt to defend the Mewar capital, Chittorgarh. Apart from the scenic & architectural beauty, it doesn’t have much to boast of. So I headed towards Kumbalgarh, the fort of Rana Kumbha that is surrounded by greenery & wildlife and is also within a short driving distance from the famous 15th century Ranakpur Jain Temples.

En route we also visited Haldighati (Gogunda) – the most famous battlefield of Rajputana where the most famous battle was fought in the year 1576 between Rana Pratap & the Imperial Forces of Emperor Akbar.

According to Rajasthan tour itinerary, Jaipur was next on my list. But I was running short of time, so I made a quick list of all the places to see in Rajasthan on my next trip. This short trip was quite exciting as well as informative. I never knew that addicted could be so pleasurable. I surrendered my soul!

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The incredible beauty of the sand dunes of Jaisalmer are fashioned

Sand Dunes

in an enchanting way by nature. And its ambiance display sheer excellence. After getting soaked in the colours of the famous Desert festival of Jaisalmer, we set out for experiencing the charm of sand dunes at Sam Sand Dunes, which is around 45 km from Jaisalmer.

We were really excited to go for a camel safari at Sam Sand Dunes. We reached there in the evening around 3 pm. The sight of the sand dunes moving dramatically on the rhythm of wind is a treat to the eyes. The very thought of being in the desert under the star-studded sky was overwhelming. I was ready to ride on a camel named Jhumroo. I loved his name. Jhumroo’s owner Rajpal was quite talkative and really entertained me through his interesting stories on the safari.

Merging with the colours of the dusk, the sand dunes were looking mind blowing. I captured the rustic beauty of the sand dunes in my camera. We passed by a bunch of chattering women who were dressed in colourful attires. I stopped there and requested them to pose for a photograph and it seemed as if their happiness knew no bounds. Their faces were brimming with joy.

We were scheduled to stay in the tent accommodation. After reaching at out tents we spent most of the time capturing the beauty of the desert in our hearts. The sunset view at the Sam Sand Dunes was out of this world. The cultural programmes in the evening at the sand dunes added more charm to the awesome ambiance of the sand dunes. Dining at the sand dunes was an amazing experience. After having dinner we went off to sleep under the star-studded sky, on the unfathomable sand dunes. Truly an overwhelming experience!

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Desert Festival Jaisalmer

After a wonderful sightseeing tour of the havelis, temples and fort of Jaisalmer I and my three friends were all set to enjoy the colourful Desert Festival. It is the most vibrant festival of Jaisalmer celebrated every year in Jan/February. Attracting visitors from far and wide, this festival is organised by the Rajasthan State Tourism Corporation. A mirror to the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, the festival is marked by several wonderful cultural activities.

When we reached the venue of the festival I felt as if the desert has come alive with the celebration of this festival. The sight of the decorated camels and rajasthani men and women in colourful attires was simply appealing. The festival offers an opportunity to tourists to acquaint themselves with the culture of the land of raja-maharajas. I interacted with some local people who told me a lot of things about the Rajasthani culture.

The first event that we saw was the turban tying contest. I was really amazed at the speed with which the participants were tying the turbans. It is a very much part of their tradition and no wonder they have long perfected this art. The other events that we saw were camel race, Mr. Desert contest and dance performance.

The fire dance is one of the striking features of the festival. It is performed on a ground covered with wood and burning charcoal. The performers walk through the fire in rhythm with the beats of drum. We were spell bound at the sight of the performers who were not at all affected by the flaming coals.

Another breathtaking experience was the finale of the festival. It was marked by the mesmerizing light and sound show amidst the sand dunes on a moonlit night. I felt as if I had been transported to a storybook of a desert. We also bout some fine handicrafts from the stalls such as wood and stone carvings and embroidered leather bags.

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The unfading pride of Jaipuris in their rich culture tastefully reflects in their culinary delights. My trip to Jaipur, a city occupying a significant place on the itineraries of tourists from across the world, was a great delight. Being a foodie I was quite euphoric about trying out various specialties of this Pink city. I really wonder how these people add such a great flavor to the dishes by using just the most basic of ingredients. No wonder cuisine has always been a serious business in Rajasthan since the era of Raja-Maharajas.

The mere mention of dal-bati-churma makes my mouth water as this is one of the Rajasthani dishes which tops my menu. I was seated in a restaurant which was decorated in a traditional style, which added more charm to my dining experience there. Before placing the order for dal-bati churma I flipped through the pages of the menu which featured names of the tempting dishes such as Biryani Rumi, Lal Maas, Safed Maas, Kesaryia Bhaat and the list seemed endless. I also relished a big glass of butter milk(lassi) and I was completely full. But I had heard that one must not miss the sweet dishes of this royal state. So how could I leave the restaurant without rounding off my hearty meal by a sweet dish. I ordered Ghevar, which is one of the specialties of Jaipur. I also got some misri mawa packed to have it later.

The staff at the restaurant, wearing a warm smile, treated me like a friend. How sweet of them! It clearly shows hospitality runs in the blood of Rajasthanis. Be it vegetarian dishes or non-vegetarian delicacies, Jaipur’s menu has choices to tempt everyone.

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