Rajasthan Information
Rajasthan
is the most colorful region in India exhibiting splendor and royalty in
every walk of life. It is truly said "a land of valiance and
chivalry,' which is endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces,
waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. The state represents an unusual
diversity in all of its forms- its people, culture, customs, costumes,
cuisine, dialects and rustic music.
No other region in the country assembles as 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. You can also
observe medieval cities existing around turreted marble palaces and
spacious gardens.
The princely state of Rajasthan is a land of contrasts - the Thar
desert, mountains, man-made and holy lakes, forests and jungles,
impregnable fortresses and magnificent palaces, of warrior kings and
princes, saints and mystics, Rajputs and Moghuls. In common with other
parts of India, Rajasthan has a wealth of royal residences and stately
homes in the form of palaces (great and small), forts, hunting lodges or
large estates. It has become increasingly difficult in this modern age
to maintain large and historic properties without seeking additional
sources of income. In Britain whilst many of the owners of stately homes
have resorted to opening them to the general public in India, where the
properties tend to have many bedrooms, their most appropriate use has
been to convert them into hotels. Some of the larger palaces adopted
this innovative idea a number of years ago and are firmly established in
travel itineraries; in some cases owned or managed by international
hotel chains.
Getting There
Rajasthan is located 259 km from Delhi, 405 km from Udaipur, 336 km
from Jodhpur, 657 km from Ahmedabad.
By Air
Rajasthan is directly linked to Delhi, Kota, Jodhpur, Udaipur,
Aurangabad, Mumbai and Ahmedabad of Indian Airlines and Jet Airways. The
major international airport is at Jaipur-Sangner airport connecting to
Dubai and some places in UK.
By Rail
Connected from Delhi by A/c Shatabdi Express. Other connections are
from Ahmedabad, Secunderabad, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai, Calcutta.
By Road
Rajasthan roadways run excellent regular service of A/c and Deluxe
coaches from Delhi.
Get A Room in Rajasthan
The various hotels and resorts in Rajasthan offer the best of
facilities. The well-furnished rooms place most of the comforts at your
feet. Enjoy the luxuries of life on your stay at the hotel. Take your
pick from a range of luxury and budget hotels in Rajasthan besides the
star categorized accommodation hotels.
Heritage Hotels of Rajasthan
» Lake Palace hotel
» Narayan Niwas hotel
» Hotel Pushkar Palace
» Gajner Palace
» Ram Garh Lodge
» Rang Niwas Palace
Deluxe Hotel
» Man Singh Tower
» Tah Hari Mahal
» Lake Palace
» Choki Dhani- The ethnic village resort
» Vanya Vilas Resort
» Raj Vilas
The Myriad Attractions of Rajasthan
Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan
Mehrangarh Fort
Perched on a 150 m high hill its sprawl is the most formidable and
magnificent fort in Rajasthan. Rao Jodha founded it in 1459 but
subsequent rulers of Jodhpur have also added to it over the centuries.
Lalgarh Palaces
During the reign of Maharaja Ganga Singh, the first phase of Lallgarh
Palace was completed in the year 1902. It was the most completely
integrated example of Indo Saracenic architecture and the perfectly
realized creation of Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. Further additions were
done between 1906 - 1910. In the year 1972 Dr. Karni Singh established
the Ganga Singhji Charitable Trust. He endowed a part of Lallgarh Palace
to be used in service of the trust. The other parts were converted into
a hotel. All the income from the hotel was to be used for Academic
Scholarships, Marriages of girls from poor families, Old Age Pensions
and for the maintenance of ancient Sanskrit manuscripts. Lallgarh Palace
Hotel has got a total of 38 rooms with attached bath. It is a genuinely
extraordinary palace and is a magnificent place t visit. The hotel is
today managed by ITC Welcomgroup Hotels.
Junagarh Fort
One of the most imposing forts of Northern India-- Junagarh Fort has
remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by
one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.
Bissau Palace
Bissau Palace is an elegant traditional hotel built in 1919 and
recently renovated.
It is close to the walled city and overlooks the Tiger fort. The Bissau
offers an oasis of calm, care, comfort and respite from the 'heat and
dust' of the city. The guest rooms are spacious and comfortable. A
gracious hotel with old-world charm and a reputation for excellent
cuisine and service.
Jaisalmer Fort
Known as SONAR QUILA, rising from the sand , the mega structure merges
with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its
most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look.
Samode Haveli
Samode Haveli stands in the heart of the sprawling walled city of
Jaipur, suffused with an atmosphere of quiet beauty. Once a royal
residence, the Haveli has now been converted into a hotel and stands
today as the reminder of a halcyonic past, offering moments of subtle
luxury.
The spirit of Rajasthan's history and legend, coloured by chivalry and
romance, finds expression in Jaipur. Built in pink stone, more than two
centuries ago, by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the Capital is a testimony to
the skill of master craftsmen. Samode Haveli was built by Rawal Sheo
Singhji, a Prime Minister in the Jaipur court, who belonged to the
family of Samode - a lineage dating back more than four centuries to the
illustrious Prithviraj Singhji of Amber, seventeenth Prince of the house
of Kacchawaha Rajputs.
Taragarh fort
It was built in 1345 and is great ramble around at leisure. This is
rather a ramshackle fort, with its overgrown vegetation.
The Samode Palace
The Samode Palace has been meticulously restored offering a retreat
into an aesthetically beautiful environment where visitors can enjoy
India's natural beauty and rich history.
Fort Chittaugarh
A standing sentinel to the courage and valor of Chittaurgarh, it stands
tall over a 180 meter high hillock covering a massive area of 700 acres.
The Sariska Palace
Sariska palace was built as a hunting lodge at the close of the 19th
century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Alwar in a calm, quiet and a
thickly wooded valley on the threshold of what is now the Sariska
national park. the palace is a brilliant jewel set in nature in all it's
natural magnificence and is much admired by all discerning visitors for
its architectural grandeur and natural surroundings
Lohagarh Fort, Bharatpur
Lohagarh fort, or the Iron fort was built in the early 18th century and
took its name from its supposedly impregnable defences, which are said
to be inspired by a description given in the epic, Ramayana.
Widlife of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a haven for a wide spectrum of wildlife. The topography of
Rajasthan ranges from the barren desert, scrub-thorn arid forests,rocks
and ravines to wetland and lush, green forests. And each of these areas
houses a large variety of animal and bird life. Some of them rare while
some endangered.
Rajasthan is the home of the tigers, black bucks,chinkara, the rare
desert fox, the endangered coracial, the great Indian bustard,gavial,
monitor lizard,wild boars, porcupine. Migratory birds like the common
crane, ducks, coots, pelican and the rare Siberian cranes,imperial sand
grouse, falcons, buzzards flocks to this state during the winter months.
Typical areas representing each of the ecosystem have been earmarked as
special areas wildlife. Rajasthan boasts of two National Parks,over a
dozen Sanctuaries and two Closed Areas. Most of these areas are open to
visitors round the year but are closed briefly during the monsoon
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, popularly known as Bharatpur is India's
best known bird sanctuary. This 28.7 square kilometer mixed wetland,
woodland, grass and scrub is home to 400 plus species of birds. Only 175
kms from New Delhi, Bharatpur is on the Agra - Jaipur road and a
pleasant 3 hour drive from the capital. Keoladeo is both a Ramsar and
World Heritage site.
If you are new to birding or you are visiting India for birding,
Bharatpur should certainly be at the heart of your plans. With its paved
walkways, trained cycle-rickshaw pulling guides, cycling-tracks and,
best of all, an abundance of easy to approach birds ~ Bharatpur is
geared for birding like few places in the world. A day's birding can
throw up 150 + species and I had 152 species on a very crowded day in
January 2004.
Keoladeo has been famous for the last visiting pair of the western race
of the Siberian Crane. Unfortunately, the pair did not winter in
Bharatpur for two years in succession ( 2003 & 2004) and it is
likely that this species is now extinct in India.
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambhor National park is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s
conservation efforts in Rajasthan.The park itself covers some 400 sq. km
and its scenery is very beautiful. A system of lakes and rivers is
hemmed in by steep high crags and, on top of one of these, is the
extensive and well-preserved fortress of Ranthambhor, built in the 10th
century. The lower-lying ground alternates between open bushland and
fairly dense forest and is peppered with ruined pavilions, chhatris
(tombs) and ‘hides’ - the area was formerly a hunting preserve
of the maharajas.
Wild life found here are tiger, panther, hyaena, jackal, sambar, chital
& nilgai.
A good network of gravel tracks crisscrosses the park and safaris are
undertaken in open-sided jeeps drive by a ranger. The best time to visit
the park is between October & April. The park is closed from 01 June
to 01 Oct.
Sariska Tiger Reserve
Nestled amidst the Aravailis, Sariska sprawls over 800 sq. kms. of dry
tropical forests both dry deciduous and thorn forests. 'Dhok' is the
principal tree species that covers 90% of the entire area. There are a
diversity of grasses and shrubs in the valleys and plateaus. The core
area of the Park is 492 sq. kms. and there are three distinct and
separate core-zones which are not contiguous and result in some
management problems.
The area has an ancient history going back to the Gupta period and the
remnants of 18 ancient temples are still found. Myth and legend reveal
the presence of the Pandwas.
The reserve supports over 100 species of avifauna and has the largest
population of peafowl in the entire country. Leopards, Caracals, Sambar,
Nilgai, Chital, Wild boar are also found here. A rare feature of the
fauna is the four horned antelope. The reserve's buffer is still
awaiting final notification and only one core zone has been notified.
Water is a limiting factor in this reserve and plans are underway to
create artificial water holes, anicuts etc to resolve the problem.
The protection of the Park by staff is yet to be effective to control
poaching since fire-arms have not been provided. The last case of a
tiger skin being seized was in 1988-89. Poachers have shot leopards and
other animals and an ever vigilant forest staff is required to deal with
this threat.
Jaisalmer:
Jaisalmer is a great place to simply wander. The old city was once
completely surrounded by an extensive wall, much of which has sadly been
ripped away in recent times for building material. Some of it remains,
however, including the city gates and, inside them, the massive fort
which rises above the city and is the essence of Jaisalmer. The main
market area is directly below the hill, while the banks, the new palace
and several other shops and offices are near the Amar Sagar Gate to the
west.
Bikaner
Bikaner, situated in the northern part of Rajasthan, was founded in
1488 by a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur named Rao Bhikaji.
Bikaner was an important city on the great caravan trade route during
the medieval period. The city is surrounded by high fortifications
comprising a seven-kilometre long wall which encircles the old city and
has five entrances-all constructed in the 18th century.
Bikaner offers several attractions to the tourists besides, of course,
the exotic camel safaris. You can visit the majestic forts or go to the
Mata Karni temple where rats are considered sacred and worshipped. The
camel festival held in the month of January is also an event worth
witnessing. Some of the major attractions around the city are Junagarh
Fort, Lalgarh Palace, Camel Breeding Farm, Gajner Palace, Deshnoke
Temple and Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
Kota
Kota, also Kotah, city, northern India, in Rajasthan State, on the
Chambal River. The city is a trade center for an area in which cotton,
millet, wheat, and oilseeds are grown; industries include cotton and
oilseed milling, textile weaving, distilling, dairying, and the
manufacture of metal handcrafts. The rail junction, a road hub, lies 4.8
km (3 mi) to the north. The Crosthwaite Institute is located in Kota, as
are old and new palaces of the maharao (the maharaja). The city was
formerly the capital of the princely state of Kota, formed in 1572.
Jodhpur
Rising majestically over the rocky and rugged terrain is one of
Rajasthan's finest forts-the Mehrangarh Fort. It looks down protectively
over the fascinating city of Jodhpur.
Famous for its magnificent forts and palaces, Jodhpur is the second
largest city of Rajasthan and a major tourist attraction in the country.
The city is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert with Jaisalmer on
its west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and
Nagaur on the eastern side.
Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief Rao Jodha in 1459. The city was
the erstwhile capital of the Marwar state. A 10-km-long wall made of
stone and built about a century after the city was founded, surrounds
the old city. There are about 100 towers in the city, most of which are
surrounded by defensive battlements.
Ajmer
Ajmer was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan and it is situated in the
green oasis wrapped in the barren hills.Ajmer used to be a major center
of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when the Ruler Prithviraj Chauhan
lost it to Mohammed Ghauri.After Prithwiraj Chauhan Ajmer witnessed
dynasties, which came and left leaving behind indelible marks of their
culture and traditions on the city’s history, converting it to an
amalgam of various cultures and blend of Hinduism and Islam.
Today, Ajmer is one of the most significant pilgrimate destination
equally important for Hindus as well as Muslims. Especially famous is
the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.
Ajmer is very close to Pushkar (11 kms) which is significant for the
famous fair held normally in the month of October/November.Pushkar, the
abode of Lord Brahma,lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque
lake.The Pushkar lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the month of
Kartik(Oct./Nov.),devotes throng in large numbers here to take a dip in
the sacred lake
Fairs and Festivals
The Rajasthani’s love for colour and joyous celebrations is proved
by the elaborate rituals and the gay abandon with which he surrenders
himself to the numerous fairs and festivals of the region. In addition
to the festivals celebrated by the Hindus,Muslims and others,there are
also the traditional fairs.
There are animal fairs,there are religious fairs and there are fairs to
mark the changing seasons. Infact,celebrations occur almost round the
year and are a splendid opportunity for the visitor to gain an insight
into the life of the Rajasthani. Other than the traditional fairs,
recently established festivals which involve elephants, camel races,
dance and music have been specially organised for the tourists.
Desert Festivals
An extravaganza of colour, music and festivity, is held every year
during the Hindu month of Magh (February). It has, on display, some of
the most fondly preserved components of Rajasthan's rich culture. Add to
this the warmth and cheerfulness of the people of Rajasthan who welcome
the tourists from the depths of their hearts. The excitement heightens
as the Maru-Shri (Mr. Desert) Competition and the turban-tying
competition gets underway. In the turban-tying competition and tug of
war, Indians compete with foreigners which adds to the fun of the
festival. An interesting event of the festival is the Moustache
Competition. In this competition the prize is given to the man with the
longest moustache
Nagaur Fair
This eight days fair held every year during the month of Jan-Feb, is
popularly known as the Cattle fair and is the second largest in
Rajasthan. Nagaur Town is the most picturesque of Rajput townships.
Nagaur is a sea of animals, trading over 70,000 bullocks, camels and
horses every year. The bullocks are known for their fleetness. Not only
are the animals lavishly decorated, even their owners flaunt wearing
colourful turbans and long moustaches
Shearing sheep, handsome marwari horses to spices all compiled in one
fair. Attractions include the mirchi bazaar (largest red-chilly market
of India), wooden items, iron-crafts and camel leather accessories.
Sports like tug-of-war, camel races, bullock races and cock fights;
jugglers; puppeteers, story-tellers; and exciting campfire evenings are
held to entertain the tourists. Folk music of the Jodhpur variation
echoes the tranquil desert sand. Nagaur is well connected to the major
cities by road and rail. Nearest airport is Jodhpur, some 135kms away.
Gangaur Festival
Gangaur Festival, a spirited celebration gets underway every year
during the Hindu month of Chaitra (March - April) in Jaipur - A city of
pomp and pageantry. Gangaur Festival marks the end of winter and the
coming of spring. Mists fade away and the sun shines bright through a
clear blue sky. Trees sprout forth new leaves and buds. It is a time to
rejoice and celebrate
A traditional procession commences from the Zanani-Deorhi of the City
Palace, passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaughan and
finally converges near the Talkatora with the image of the deity being
immersed in the lake. The procession is headed by a colourful pageantry
of elephants, camels, horses, musicians, old palanquins, chariots and
bullock carts
The Mewar Festivals
The Mewar Festival in March - April is the ceremonial welcome to spring
and is dedicated to goddess Parvati.A procession of colourfully attired
women, carrying images of the goddess to the Gangaur Ghat of the Lake
Pichhola is the major highlight. Songs, dances and firework displays
mark the festivities.
