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Delhi
 Delhi
is a palimpsest, bearing the complexities, the contradictions, the
beauty and the dynamism of a city where the past coexists with the
present. many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the
architecture of its monuments. Diverse cultural elements absorbed
into the daily life of the city have enriched its character. exploring
the city can be a fascinating and rewarding experience....
India a land of snake charmers and magicians and the capital of this
land of mysteries is Delhi. Delhi is just not a city but it is a book--
a book which narrates the history of India. The city was built and
destroyed seven times and has been witness to the various events which
has brought India through the history books. Seven times this city
went through the pain of being built and rebuilt.
Today as the capital of India Delhi is the seat of administration
and the monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era stand there.
These icons are testimony to the grandeur of past and also an attraction
for the tourists. With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to
acquire full statehood. The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors,
Conquerors and poor in equally. It is correctly said that Delhi is
a land of 'Dilwalas' or for people with heart. This phrase acquires
a true colour when one goes around the lanes of Delhi. Delhi-- a window
to the kaleidoscope that is India.
Jaipur
Jaipur the `Pink City' as it is popularly known, is the bustling capital
of Rajasthan. `Pink city' because most of the buildings are pink in
colour in the old city. The city retains its old self, at the same
time it is moving fast as a modern city. You can see extreme contrast
on the streets of Jaipur. On one side you have cars, buses and motorbikes,
on the other side you can see camel carts.
 On
one side there are traditionally dressed men and women in their turbans
and colorful long skirts and blouses. On the other hand you can see
modernly dressed Indians and foreign tourists having a bite in their
favorite American restaurants. There are new modern buildings existing
along side with old Palaces. You have posh showrooms, which give the
best in artifacts and clothes and you have vendors on the streets
selling Rajasthani shoes or jewellery. The city with such contrasts
has almost everything to offer you in terms of royal style, classic
jewellery, lovely handmade and embroidered clothes which includes
dresses, dress materials and beautiful handicrafts.
The city was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1643) to shift
his capital from Amber to a new place. He has planned the city according
to shilpa-shastra, which is the ancient Hindu treatise on architecture.
The city was built with surrounding walls and rectangular blocks.
But the city to which he shifted is no longer spacious. The surroundings
of the Palaces are now very crowded. It is now all shops and hotels.
But the buildings constructed by him like the Jantar Mantar are still
intact for people to see.
Bikaner
Bikaner is a city in the northwest of the state of Rajasthan in western
India which was founded in 1488 A.D. This is the  royal
fortified city by with a timeless appeal which is surrounded by a
long embattled wall pierced by five gates. 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
is popularly known as the camel country and is renowned for the best
riding camels in the world. One can witness gaily caparisoned camels
at the spectacular camel Festival at Bikaner, held annually. The ship
of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy
carts, transporting grains or working on wells, camels are the prime
helpers. This city is especially famous for its school of miniature
paintings which are an admixture of the Rajput and Mughal styles.
This city is also famous for its minakari on camel hide, and golden
minakari in the palaces of Bikaner. The wells of Bikaner: an important
source of water is 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 history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 A.D. when a Rathore Prince,
Rao Bikaji- a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur(1459 A.D.), Rao
Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but
Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them. Bikaji chose a barren
wilderness called 'Jangladesh' and transformed it to an impressive
city, called Bikaner after the founder's name.
Jaisalmer
Its 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 with standing the warmth and colour of people
is simply over whelming. One of the main draws is the daunting 12th
century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were built by
wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect
of the desert city.
And you can let your eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes while you ramble
your way in a camel safari. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy
in Thar Desert. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city
finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156. On advice of a local hermit
Eesaal he chose the Tricut Hills as his new abode abandoning his vulnerable
old fort at Luderwa just 15 kilometres northwest. In Medieval times,
its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking
India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The Bhatti Rajput
rulers lined their coffer with gains from traditional taxes and cess
on passing by caravans and sometimes through illicit gains by rustling
cattle.
 Over
the years the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched
by outside influences. In the 13th century Ala-ud-din Khilji Emperor
of Delhi besieged the fort for nine years in an effort to take back
the treasure taken by the Bhatti Rajput from his imperial caravan
train. When the fall of the fort was imminent the women of the fort
committed Jauhar, an act of mass self-immolation, while men donned
saffron robes and rode to their certain death.
Duda son of Jaitasimha, a Bhatti hero also perished in the battle.
Dudas descendants continued to rule Jaisalmer. In 1541 they even fought
Mughal Emperor Himayun. Though their relations with Mugshal was not
always hostile. Sabala Simha won the patronage of Mughal Emperor Shaha
Jahan for battle distinctions in Peshawar and the right to rule Jaisalmer.
In the days of Raj, Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument
of Agreement with the British. Ages have gone by and the monuments
of Jaisalmer have withstood the buffeting winds of the desert all
through.
Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climatic conditions,
together amounting to a memorable experience. The old city was completely
encircled by wall but much of it is now pulled down sadly for want
of building material in recent years. The massive golden fort, which
is the essence of Jaisalmer, is entered through First Gate. Is a burrow
of narrow streets complete with Jain Temples and old palaces. The
main market the Bhatia Market is right below the hill. The bank, offices
and several shops are also located near the Amar Sagar Gate to the
west.
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 splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to
which, lord Krishna- the head of Yadav clan foretold Arjuna that a
remote descendent of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the
Trikuta Hill, His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156AD.
When Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput abandoned his fort at Lodurva and
founded a new capital Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill Bhatti
Rajputs of Jaisalmer were fedual chief who lived off the forced levy
on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed
the territory enroute Delhi-or Sind. These seems to be straight out
of the "Tales of the Arabian Night ' still enchants.
The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty
visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelis,
temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. the
setting turn Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular
sight.
The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival
held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound
of melodious tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions
and contest, especially the turban raying contest.
Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivals colorful
craft bazars are setup for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle
is organized with folk artistes performing against the spledid backdrop
of the famous sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be-missed
events.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. This
city is popularly known as the "Sun City" because it enjoys
the bright & sunny weather all year. Jodhpur is a popular tourist
destination a valiant sentinel in the desert, on the eastern fringe
of the Thar Desert has the distinction of neither being a part of
the Thar Desert nor out of it. At best it is a doorway to the Maroodesh,
land of the sand after the fall of Delhi and Kannauj.
In 1459 AD, Rao Jodha, chief of Rathore clan of Rajputs, who claimed
descent from Rama, the epic here of the Ramayana, laid the foundation
of Jodhpur. A high stone wall protects the well-fortified city. The
wall is nearly 10km in length and has eight gates facing various directions.
Within, stands an imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills,
about 125m above the surrounding plains. Invincible! And dauntless
in its league with time! The city lies at the foot of the hills. The
clear distinction between the old and the new city is visible from
the ramparts of the fort.
 On
the other side of the city, facing the fort is the Umaid Bhawan Palace,
one of the most spacious, sprawling and well-planned palaces in India.
And from here, as you look at fort, a tantalizing view rises before
your eyes at sunset. The peculiar slant of the sunset lends the desert
landscape an awe-inspiring glow and the people, a chivalry undaunted.
This bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan
after Jaipur and has landscape dominated by the massive Meherangarh
Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.
The old city is surrounded by 10 km long wall with eight Gates leading
out of it. The new city is outside the walled city. Rao Jodha, a chief
of the Rathore clan, founded the city in 1459 and it is named after
him. The Afghans drove the Rathore out of their original homeland
Kaunaj and they fled to this region around Pali a short distance from
present day Jodhpur. A man oeuvre leads to marriage between Rathore
Siahaji and the sister of a local prince that helped the Rathore to
establish and strengthen them in this region. In fact they flourished
so well that managed to oust the Pratiharas of Mandore, just 9 km
of present day Jodhpur.
By 1459 a need for more secured capital lead to the founding of Meherangarh
Fort on its rocky perch and Jodhpur was thus founded by Rao Jodha.
The Rathores enjoyed good relations with the Mughals and Maharaja
Jaswant Singh (1678) supported Shah Jahan in the latter's struggle
for war of succession. Only problematic relationship they had was
with Aurangzeb. After Auranzeb's death Maharaja Ajit Singh drove out
Mughals from Ajmer and added it to Marwar. In the reign of Maharaja
Umed Singh Jodhpur grew into a fine modern city. The quintessence
of Jodhpur was its valour and equestrian skill. Polo has been the
traditional sport of the Jodhpur nobility since medieval times.
Jodhpur has two railway stations; City and Rai ka Bagh both are outside
the walled city. The bus stand is right outside the Rai ka Bagh Station.
The High Court is a while from the bus stand after the Umed Gardens,
after which is located the tourist reception centre and RTDC Hotel
Ghoomer. Ahead is the main market and entry in to the wall from Sojati
Gate. This area also has many hotels. Jodhpur is also military and
air force station and has a large cantonment.
Udaipur
Udaipur, popularly known as the City of Lakes, is a lovely land around
the azure water lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis.
This city stands on the banks of the lake Pichola in Rajasthan. Maharana
Udai Singh founded Udaipur meaning the 'city of Sunrise' in 1599 AD
and today it is a one of the better-known tourist destinations of
India. Uadipur, once known as Mewar, is the land that produced a galaxy
of patriots and heroes in quick succession, people who etched the
name of Rajasthan in every corner of the world.
 A
vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a mesmerizing
blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination
of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces,
lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry
the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valour and gallantry. Their
reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing
sight. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands
the splendid City Palace-a marvel in granite and marble. Of the original
eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Suraj Pol
the original or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance
to the city. Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur shimmering like jewels
on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendor.
: Lakes Udaipur 'The City of Lakes & Fountains ' is adorned
by the 5 beautiful Lakes...Fateh Sagar, Lake Pichola, Swaroop Sagar,
Badi Lake & Udai Sagar, located in its Heart along with numerous
others like Jaisamand 'Asia's biggest artificial Lake', & Bagdada
Lake . PARKS & GARDENS :- Nature gifted the Garden City of Udaipur
with abundance of water and richness of soil, and man carved out of
them beautiful gardens the well known resorts of leisure and pleasure
for tourists visiting this city.
Temples Udaipur is also rich in the holy Pilgrims places. Temples
in & around Udaipur keep great values for the Deities and the
Tourists who come here in search of peace and sacred life. The Stone
carving work on Ranakpur Temple resembles Khajurao style. The 17th
centaury agdish Temple has gigantic construction and is absolutely
like a Hindu iconography School. Temples of Eklingji & Nathdwara
are known as the most sacred Pilgrim in Mewar.
Udaipur has several other Places of interest which are never to be
missed of. Check out these destinations to have complete view of Udaipur.
Shilp Gram is rendezvous to the Craftsmen from all over India &
will make you feel of typical Village life. Udaipur Solar Observatory
is heaven for Space and astrology Lovers. At Ahar Cenotaphs, you could
see the royal Cenotaphs of Rulers of Udaipur. Gangaur Ghat (Bank of
lake Pichola) could give you a marvelous view of City Palace, Lake
Palace, Old Udaipur Havelis, Bagore Ki Haveli & Lake Pichola at
a time. The Clock Tower stands near Jagdish Temple looks wonderful
after flamboyant lighting at night. At Millennium Art Gallery, you
could shop all types of Contemporary Art Work & Paintings of World-fame
Artists.
Chittorgarh
The pride of Rajasthan, Chittorgarh still reverberates with the tales
of its glorious but turbulent past. It is a land where the ideals
of chivalry, sacrifice and honor were always worshipped. Today, all
that remains of those glorious times are the ruins of forts, palaces
and temples that have nevertheless managed to retain their old grandeur.
 Chittorgarh
has been a witness to some of the bloodiest battles fought on Indian
soil. The city itself was ravaged thrice staring with Alauddin Khilji's
attack in 1303 AD followed Bahadur Shah in 1533 AD. Mughal Emperor
Akbar attacked the city for a third time and razed the Chittorgarh
fort to the ground. The fort was never inhabited after that attack.
Every time Chittorgarh was attacked, its brave populace left no stone
unturned to defend their honor to the last breath. As the men rode
out to meet their adversaries on the battlefield, the women and children
would light a huge pyre and immolate themselves in order to escape
the marauding enemy.
Today, Chittorgarh is synonymous with the tragic tale of Queen Padmini
who chose death over dishonor by committing 'Jauhar' or self-immolation
with other women. It happened that Alauddin Khilji was so overwhelmed
by her beauty that he attacked Chittorgarh with the sole motive of
possessing her. However, queen Padmini foiled his plans by taking
the brave decision of facing death before giving him any chance to
fulfill his aim.
Bharatpur
Bharatpur city is named after Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama. This
city is also called the Eastern Gateway of Rajasthan. The foundation
of this city was laid by Maharaja Suraj Mal, an adopted son of Badan
Singh in 1733 AD. It was once an unconquerable well fortified city,
carved out of the region formerly known as Mewar. The trio of Bharatpur,
Deeg and Dholpur has played an important part in the history of Rajasthan.
The city and the fort have been believed to be founded by Rustam,
a Jat of Sogariya clan. Maharaja Surajmal took over from Khemkaran,
the son of Rustam and established the empire. He fortified the city
by building a massive wall around the city. The fort is popularly
known as "Loha Garh" or " Iron fort". The interesting
aspect of the Bharatpur history is the domination of Jats in the region
since 17th century, leader like Churaman and Badan Singh brought the
Jats together to mould them into a force to reckon with.
 Suraj
Mal has been the greatest ruler who made them a formidable force and
played a very important role in the Indian history during 19th century.
Today Bharatpur is better known for the Keoladeo Natinal Park, a unique
bird place, delight of ornithologists. A paradise for the avian world,
and the pilgrimage for the bird lovers, it was known as the best duck
shooting resort in the British empire. But was declared a reserve
for birds in 1956 and later upgraded to National Park. UNESCO has
listed it as a world heritage site. The geographical location is ideal
as it is on the main North-South avian route of India. Although small
in size, 29 sq km. Only, it boasts to house more than 375 species
of beautiful birds, and more than 132 of them breed inside the Keoladeo
Ghana National Park and nearly every year new ones are added to the
list.
The sanctuary not only attracts birds from India but also from places
like Europe, Siberia, China and Tibet Before monsoons hundreds of
these exotic birds roost and nest building activities start on the
babool and kadam trees of the park. Water coming through the Ajan
Bandh starts filling the various ponds and lakes of the Park.
 Agra
Agra, the world’s most well-known monument and well worth its
fame; The Taj Mahal. Built in the memory of his beloved empress by
Emperor Shah Jahan, this marble mausoleum is the greatest gesture
of love known to mankind, and is breathtakingly, bewitchingly beautiful.
Land for the building of the Taj Mahal in Agra came from the maharaja
of Jaipur and the marble used in its construction was from the mines
of Makrana, also in Rajasthan. The precious stones used in its inlay,
and the craftsmen employed for the twenty-two years its construction
took, came not only from India, but from all over the World.
The Taj Mahal is the perfect finale to your Royal Sojourn. |
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