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Rajasthan…. The golden glow of desert
landscape, the shimmering emerald water
surrounding the medieval lakes, grand
palaces, bustling bazaars, endless desert
sands, teeming wild & bird life are as much
a part of Rajasthan. |
|
As the ships of the desert who sail
majestically amidst the tranquility, colour
and warmth all around. Rajasthan is the
second largest state of India and is one of
the few states that show a great contrast
from one area to another. This disparity
isnoticeable in respect of climate, soil,
vegetation, mineral resources etc. The land
that revives age old legends of brave Hadi
Rani of the beautiful Padmini of
Chittaurgarh, the pious Mira Bai, and the
love stories of Dholamaru and Moomal –
Mahendra of Marwar. Rajasthan, the land of
prince and princess has the most amazing
legends of devotion, romance and heroism. It
offers the visitors: both quite moments of
relaxation and adventure in the desert
state. |
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Jaipur |
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Widely known as the ‘Pink City ‘, Jaipur is
color washed pink to welcome Prince Albert,
the consort of Queen Victoria of England who
visited India in 1883 A.D. The city was
founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest
ruler Jai Singh II. |
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| Jaipur is
surrounded by hills on three sides, crowned
by formidable forts and majestic palaces,
mansions and gardens. Jaipur is the only
city in the world, which is sub-divided in
to nine rectangular sectors symbolizing nine
divisions of universe. Jaipur is the first
planned city designed in accordance with
‘Shilpa Shastra’- epochal treatise of Hindu
architecture. |
Altitude: 236.53 meters, Climate:
(deg C)-Summer Mean Max. 42.2 C Mean Min.
36.6 ’C Winter Mean Max. 27.5 ’C Mean Min.
15.5 ’C,
Rainfall: 31.87 cms Clothing:
Summer light tropical or cotton Winter
Woollens, Best Season: October to
March. |
Places
Of Interest:
Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar,
Amber Fort, Birla Mandir, Sisodia Gardens,
Birla Planetarium, Jal Mahal, Nawab Ki
Haveli, Galtaji’s Temple. |
Excursions:
Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort,
Sanganer- 16 kms, Ramgarh Lake- 30 kms,
Shekhawati- 168 kms. |
Reach -
By Air: Well linked with major cities
of India.
By Rail: Well connected with major
towns.
By Road: Delhi- 258 kms, Agra- 236
kms, Bikaner- 321 kms, Udaipur- 405 kms,
Ajmer- 131 kms, Jodhpur- 316 kms, Bharatpur-
176 kms, Jaisalmer- 638 kms and Bombay- 1202
kms. |
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Ajmer |
|
Founded in 1100 AD by Aijpal Chauhan, Ajmer
derives its name from `Ajaya Meru' the
invincible hill, at the foot of which the
present city stands. Ajmer owes its
composite culture to the reign of many
dynasties that came, ruled and left, leaving
behind indelible marks of their culture and
traditions. Ajmer is situated in a valley
surrounded by the Aravali hills, 131kms west
of Jaipur. ‘Dargah Khwaja Sahib’ is one of
the holiest Muslim shrines in the country.
The city has some splendid masterpieces of
Indo-Islamic architecture. |
|
‘Pushkar’, 11kms west of Ajmer, along the
picturesque Pushkar Lake lies the tranquil
town with deep religious significance. The
biggest attraction is being the temple of
Lord Brahma. Pushkar fair is one of the
largest and colorful cattle fair in the
world. |
| Season: September to April. |
Places Of Interest:
Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhonpra, Ana Sagar Lake,
Circuit House, Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin
Chishti, Soniji ka Nasiyan, Mayo College,
Swami Dayanand Saraswati Smarak, Taragarh
Fort and the Museum. |
Excursions:
Pushkar- 11 kms, Foy Sagar Lake- 12 kms,
Kishangarh- 27 kms. |
Reach -
By Air: Nearest Airport Jaipur is
Jaipur- 138 kms.
By Rail: Ajmer is well connected to
major cities.
By Road: Agra- 370 kms, Bharatpur-
312 kms, Bikaner- 234 kms, Bundi- 139 kms,
Chittaurgarh- 182 kms, Delhi- 444 kms,
Jaipur- 138 kms, Jaisalmer- 458 kms,
Jodhpur- 205 kms, Kota- 178 kms, Mount Abu-
371 kms and Udaipur- 269 kms. |
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Udaipur |
|
On the banks of the shimmering lake Pichola,
is one of the most romantic cities of
Rajasthan. Nestled among the lush hills of
the Aravallis, it has inevitably been dubbed
the 'Venice of the East'. |
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| It is a
kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes,
temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn
with stalls, carries the flavor of the
heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry.
Founded in 1568 A.D by Maharana Udai Singh,
the city is a harmonious Indian blend
of whitewashed buildings, marble palaces,
lakeside gardens, temples
and Havelis. According to the legend,
Maharana Udai Singh, the founder was hunting
one day when he met a holy man meditating on
a hill overlooking the Lake Pichola.
Maharana followed the advise of the hermit
and founded the city. The marvelous
architecture of the palaces is spell
bounding. |
| Best Season: October to March. |
Excursions:
Kankroli 64- kms, Eklingji- 21 kms, Haldi
Ghati- 42 kms, Jaisamand Lake- 50 kms,
Nathdwara- 42 kms, Ranakpur- 90 kms,
Rishabhdeo- 65 kms. |
Reach -
By Air: Well linked with major cities
of India.
By Rail: Well connected with major
towns.
By Road: Ahmedabad- 262 kms, Bombay-
739 kms, Delhi- 670 kms, Jaipur- 407 kms,
Chittaurgarh- 115 kms and Mount Abu- 185 kms. |
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Chittaurgarh |
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Chittaurgarh, the town known for its massive
fort atop hill, crowned on a 6kms long hill,
covering an area of 280 hectares with
fortifications, temples, towers and palaces.
The city can be single out for its glorious
past and valor, unique to the Rajput
tradition. Chittaurgarh is fortified
settlement, which is history witnessed a
number of sieges but refused to bow before
foreign invaders. Tales of Princess Padmini
are told here who was known for her chivalry
and beauty. A ruined citadel, where the
royal past lives in its imposing forts and
palaces. |
Places Of Interest:
Chittaurgarh Fort, Vijay Stambha, Kirti
Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace,
Meera Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple and
Kalika Mata Temple, State Archaeological
Museum. |
Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport is Udaipur-
112kms.
By Rail: There are trains from Ajmer,
Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur, Alwar, Kota and
Ahmedabad (meter gauge).
By Road: Agra- 557 kms, Ajmer- 182
kms, Delhi- 578 kms, Jaipur- 320 kms, Mount
Abu- 390 kms, Udaipur- 115 kms. |
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Mount Abu |
 |
The only hill station of Rajasthan, crowning
at the highest peak of the Aravali hills at
altitude of 1220 meters. It is one of the
prettiest hill stations in the country.
Mount Abu was dedicated to Lord Shiva before
it became a Jain Pilgrimage Centre. |
| The biggest
draw for Mount Abu is the Dilwara
Jain Temple for its carvings. The hill
boasts of a rich vegetation and thick
forest. It stands out like an oasis in arid
environs. |
| Best Season: Mid-March to June and
Mid-September to December. |
| Places of Interest: Adhar Devi
Temple, Andhra Point (Honeymoon Point),
Dilwara Jain Temple, Gaumukh, Nakki Lake,
Red Temple, Shri Raghunathji Temple, Sunset
Point, Traver's Tank. |
| Excursions: Ambaji- 50 kms,
Achalgarh- 11 kms, Guru Shikar- 15 kms,
Ranakpur -168 kms. |
Reach -
By Air: Nearest airports are Udaipur
and Ahmedabad.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Abu
Road- 27 kms.
By Rail: 214- kms, Bombay- 835 kms,
Delhi- 768 kms, Jaipur- 515 kms, Udaipur-
182 kms, Jodhpur- 291 kms, Ranakpur-168 kms. |
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Jodhpur |
|
The home of Rathores – The awesome princely
city of Rajasthan. Founded in 1459 A.D. by
Rao Jodha, today Jodhpur is one of the
largest city of Rajasthan. |
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| Once the
capital city of the Marwar State, crowning it is the
imposing Mehrangarh Fort. The old city is
situated at foothill of a hillock. The city
built in a high wall 10kms, long with 8
gates and innumerable bastions. Umaid Bhawan
Palace could be defined as Taj Mahal of
North India. The city carries rich heritage
and culture and flourishing industry of
wood, cattle, camels, salt and agricultural
crops. |
| Best Season: October to February. |
Places Of Interest:
Jaswant Thada, Maha Mandir, Mandore Gardens,
Balsamand Lake and Palace, Clock Tower and
Sardar Market, Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan
Palace, Girdikot and Bishnoi Tribal Village
where deer’s are held sacred. |
Excursions:
Guda Bishnoi- 25kms, Ossianji Temple- 65kms,
Sardar Samand Lake and Palace- 55kms,
Kailana Lake- 11kms. |
Reach -
By Air: Well linked with major cities
of India.
By Rail: Well connected with major
towns.
By Road: Agra- 577 kms, Ajmer- 198
kms, Barmer- 220 kms, Bikaner- 240 kms,
Bombay- 1073 kms, Delhi- 592 kms, Jaipur-
343 kms, Jaisalmer- 290 kms, Mount Abu- 264
kms, Udaipur- 275 kms, Ranakpur- 175 kms. |
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Jaisalmer |
|
Jaisalmer, the city of the golden fort is a
fantasy in yellow sandstone in the heart of
the Thar Desert. Rawla Jaisal, a Bhatti
Rajput King, founded the city in the year
1156 A.D. |
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| Perched atop the Trikuta Hill, it stands
tall against miles of gleaming sand. The
sunset has a peculiar glow here. As the
night descends, the sky goes up in flames,
which fade leaving a few embers, till it
becomes black. A breathtaking sight indeed!
Every house, here, is exquisitelycarved,
having filigreed work all over. These houses
date back to 12th – 15th century. And hence Jaisalmer is called ’the Museum city’. |
Altitude: 225 meters, Climate:
(deg C)-Extremely hot summers with maximum
temperature touching 47 ’C. Cold winters –
min 1’C,
Rainfall: 30 cms, Clothing:
Summer Tropical Winter Woollen
Best
Season: July to March. |
Places Of Interest:
Golden Fort with 99 bastions, Jain Temple,
Gyan Bhandar, Salim Sing Ki Haveli, Patwon
ki Haveli, Nathumal ki Haveli & Amar Sagar,
Mool Sagar, Gadisar Lake, Jain Temples. |
Excursions:
Devikot- 40 kms, Ramdeora- 150 kms, Sam Sand
Dunes- 42 kms, Lodhruva-17 kms, Bada Bagh- 6
kms, Wood Fossil Park- 17 kms, Desert
National Park- 40 kms, Barmer- 153 kms,
Lodurwa Jain Temple- 16kms. |
Reach -
By Air: The nearest airport is
Jodhpur- 285 kms.
By Rail: Jaisalmer is connected with
Jodhpur by night train service.
By Road: Jodhpur- 285 kms, Bikaner-
325 kms, Pokhran- 112 kms, Barmer- 153 kms,
Delhi- 897 kms, Jaipur- 638 kms. |
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Bikaner |
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This is 500-year-old town standing still in
time. The rulers here built beautiful forts
that echo of opulence and images of monsoon
clouds in this dry land. The wealth of its
architectural heritage lies in its forts,
palaces and temples– magnificent creations
in red and yellow sandstone, are living.
Here is a temple where rats are held sacred.
Today the city is known for flourishing
industries of food, wool and camel breeding. |
| The
genesis of Bikaner dates back to 1488A.D,
when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, son of
Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur, chose a barren
wilderness called ’Jangladesh’ and
transformed it to a charming city called
’Bikaner’, after the founder’s name. Not
only do the traditions come alive here in
colourful bazaars and Havelis, but Bikaner
is also famous for the best riding camels in
the world. |
| Altitude: 237 meters, Rainfall:
44 cms, Best Season: July to March,
Climate: Summer Mean Max. 44 ’C Mean
Min. 28 ’C Winter Mean Max. 23.2 ’C Mean
Min. 10 ’C, Clothing: Summer Light
tropical or cotton Winter Woollen. |
Places Of Interest:
Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, and Ganga
Golden Jubilee Museum, Bhandeshwar Jain
Temple. |
Excursions:
Bhand Sagar Temple- 5 kms, Shiv Bari Temple,
Camel Breeding Farm- 10 kms, Devi Kund- 8
kms, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary- 32 kms,
Deshnok's Karniji Temple- 33 kms, Kolayat-
50kms, Bhaironji Temple- 40kms. |
Reach -
By Air: Nearest Airport is Jodhpur–
240kms.
By Rail: Well connected with major
towns of India.
By Road: Delhi- 949 kms, Jaipur- 316
kms, Jodhpur- 240 kms & Jaisalmer- 330 kms. |
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Ranthambhor National Park (Sawai Madhopur) |
 |
The town is experience of royal past and
encounter with majestic tiger. The area
became a hunting preserve of Maharaja Sawai
Madho Singh I of Jaipur in A.D. Sprawling
over a undulating terrain of Aravali and
Vindhyan ranges is wilderness of Ranthambhor
National Park. |
| The park is
one of the finest Tiger Reserve of India. A
system of three artificial lakes enhances
beauty of the park. |
| Best Season: November to May |
Places Of Interest:
Amreshwar Mahadev- 8 kms, Mahavirji-110 kms,
Kela Devi- 125 kms, Shivad- 30 kms, Khandar-
60 kms, Rameshwaram- 90 kms in Khandar Area. |
Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport is Jaipur-
175 kms.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is
Sawai-Madhopur-12 kms.
By Road: Sawai-Madhopur- 2 kms, Agra-
226 kms, Bharatpur-166 kms, Delhi- 434 kms,
Kota- 217 kms, Jaipur- 180 kms. |
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Barmer |
Tiny yet lively town in sun-drenched sands,
Barmer is a miniature Rajasthan with all its
colour, warmth and tradition. According to
history, the 13th century founder of the
district, Bahada Rao (popularly known as Bar
Rao) gave the town its name - Barmer, i.e.,
the hill fort of Bar.
Although a barren land with harsh climate
and rough terrain, Barmer is known for its
rich crafts, dances and music. Once on the
ancient camel trade route, the town is now
the center for woodcarving, pottery,
carpets, |
| intricate
embroidery work, block printed fabrics and
multi-hued traditional costumes. Every year
in March, the desert town is at its colorful
best during the exuberant Barmer festival. |
| Area: 15 sq. km., Climate:
Summer- Max-43C Min-27C Winter- Max-26C
Min-10C, Rainfall: 28 cms., Best
Season: August-March, Clothing:
Light Tropical, Language: Hindi,
Rajasthani, English. |
Places Of Interest:
Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, and Ganga
Golden Jubilee Museum, Bhandeshwar Jain
Temple. |
Excursions:
Bhand Sagar Temple- 5 kms, Shiv Bari Temple,
Camel Breeding Farm- 10 kms, Devi Kund- 8
kms, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary- 32 kms,
Deshnok's Karniji Temple- 33 kms, Kolayat-
50kms, Bhaironji Temple- 40kms. |
Reach -
By Air: Nearest Airport is Jodhpur–
240kms.
By Rail: Well connected with major
towns of India.
By Road: Delhi- 949 kms, Jaipur- 316
kms, Jodhpur- 240 kms & Jaisalmer- 330 kms. |
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Alwar |
|
Alwar is nestled between clusters of small
hills of the Aravali range. It is the
gateway tone of the finest wildlife
sanctuary – Sariska that is an excellent
home of tigers, birds and variety of
animals. Apart from its long history, the
city has a rich heritage with some beautiful
lakes and picturesque valleys thickly wooded
in parts. The medieval fort crowning a
scarped hill, over looks the town below. Rao
Pratap Singh founded Alwar in 1775 A.D. |
| Area: 8.2 sq. km., Altitude:
268 meters, Climate: Summer Max. 37
Deg C Min. 24 Deg C Winter Max. 31 Deg C
Min. 11 Deg C, Rainfall: 63.5 cms.,
Best Season: October to March. |
Places Of Interest:
City Palace, Museum, Puran Vihar, Sagar
(tank) Bala Fort, Vinay Vilas Mahal. |
Excursions:
Siliserh- 15 km. Siliserh is famous for its
Lake and enchanting Palace. |
Reach -
By Air: The nearest airport is
Jaipur-143 kms.
By Rail: Alwar is connected by rail
with all the major cities of India.
By Road: Agra- 150 kms, Deeg- 61 kms,
Bharatpur- 94 kms, Jaipur- 143 kms, Udaipur-
566 kms, Delhi- 164 kms, Siliserh- 15 kms,
Sariska- 37 kms. |
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Bharatpur
- Deeg |
|
Bharatpur, along with Deeg and Dholpur,
holds an important place in the history of
Rajasthan. Visited mainly for Keoladeo Ghana
National Park, Bharatpur is a small town.
Located near the world famous bird sanctuary
amidst 40 acres of landscape environs, the
Laxmi Villas Palace was built in 1899, for
the younger brother of the Maharaja of
Bharatpur. The architecture is a blend of
the Mughal and the Rajputana styles. Today
government offices and a museum occupy most
of the forts. The museum in the fort has
some interesting sculptures, collected from
various ancient and early medieval sites in
nearby areas. |
| Area: 22 sq. km., Altitude:
205 meters, Climate: Summer Max. 45 C
Min. 37 C Winter Max. 31 C Min. 21 C,
Best Season: October to February. |
Places Of Interest:
Keoladeo Ghana Sanctuary, it is famous for
rare avian species. Bharatpur Fort,
Government Museum, Bharatpur Palace. |
Excursions:
Deeg- 32 kms. Renowned for its forts,
palaces and beautiful Mughal gardens. |
Reach -
By Air: The nearest airport, Agra is-
54 kms, Jaipur- 174 kms and Delhi- 182 kms.
By Rail: Well connected to all major
towns.
By Road: Agra- 54 kms, Delhi- 182
kms, Fatehpur Sikri- 20 kms, Jaipur- 174
kms, Mathura- 36 kms and Sariska- 130 kms. |
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Kumbhalgarh |
The formidable medieval citadel- Kumbhalgarh
stands a wary sentinel to the past glory.
Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 meters
high from the sea level, the fort was built
in 15th century A.D by Maharana Kumbha and
is the principal fortification after
Chittaurgarh, lying 90kms northwest of
Udaipur.
The massive fort, encompassed by 36kms long
wall (2nd largest wall after the great wall
of China) has seven majestic gates and seven |
| ramparts,
one within the other. Rounded bastions and
soaring watch towers strengthen the
crenellated walls of the fort making it an
impregnable structure. |
Places Of Interest:
Kumbhalgarh Fort & Kumbhalgarh Wild Life
Sanctuary, Haldi Ghati. |
Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport is Udaipur-
90kms.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Marwar-
25kms and Udaipur- 90kms.
By Road: Jodhpur- 170kms, Abu Road-
200kms. |
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Kota |
|
Rao Madho Singh, who was nominated as the
ruler by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan,
formed Kota in 1631 A.D. The city is known
for impressive forts, opulent palaces and
splendid temples dating back over several
centuries retain the past glory with an
exciting contrast to the modern edifices and
industries. Standing over the river Chambal
is commanding 'Garh-fort Palace', dating
back to the time when Kota was a part of
Hada Rajput kingdom. |
Places Of Interest:
City Palace, The Fort overlooking Chamba
River, Jagmandir - artificial water
reservoir, Brig Vilas Palace Museum, Rao
Madho Singh Museum and Darrah Wild Life
Sanctuary - 50 Kms away from Kota. |
Reach -
By Air: Nearest Jaipur - 245 Kms.
By Rail: Well connected with Delhi -
Jaipur - Bombay.
By Road: Jaipur - 245 Kms,
Udaipur-270 Kms, Chittaurgarh -158 kms,
Bundi- 36kms, Sawai Madhopur- 240kms, Agra-
453kms, Delhi- 504kms |
|
Bundi |
This picturesque little town in Rajasthan,
the atmosphere of which more or less
remains, fills a narrow valley in the oldest
hills in India: the Aravallis. This walled
town, 37 km north of Kota, lies in the north
of the former Hadaoti state, shielded on the
north, east and west by jagged outcrops of
the Vindhya range. Bundi, renown for its
intricate paintings and murals, made a
perfect capital of a major princely state
during the heyday of the Rajputs.
According to legend, back in the 12th
century, restless young nobles of the
warrior Chauhan clan conquered the Bhil and
Meena tribals of these lands.. Kota was a
part of Bundi until its separation in 1624
at the instigation of the Mughal emperor,
Jehangir. |
Places Of Interest:
Taragarh Fort or Star Fort, Palace, Chitra
Mahal, Phool Sagar Palace, Nagar Sagar Kund,
Sukh Mahal, Shikar Burj, Rani Ki Baori. |
Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport is Jaipur-
206kms.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Kota- 36
kms.
By Road: Jaipur- 206kms, Kota- 36kms,
Chittaurgarh- 121kms, Jaipur- 206kms. |
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