An
Overview :
Situated on the north western region of India, the exotic state of
Rajasthan is known as the “Land of the Kings”. It is ruled by
Rajputs a group of warrior clan who ruled this region for over 1000 years.
This colourful state is renowned for its rich culture and glorious history
which can be seen in its magnificent medieval forts, palaces, ancient
temples and, colourful fairs and festivals. It is one of India's prime
tourist destinations that attracts tourist from all over the world for its
historic cities, monuments, wildlife, desert safaris and traditional
Rajasthani cuisine.
Places to Visit :
Its colourful cities dotted with numerous historic monuments including
forts & palaces and wildlife sanctuaries are the major tourist
attractions of the state.
» Bikaner - Located on the northern part of the
state, this desert town was founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji a descendant of
Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur. This old city is surrounded by a high
wall with 37 bastions and has two entrances. Its brilliant fort, exotic
camel safari and the Jain temples make it more appealing to travellers.
» Jaipur - Jaipur or the “Pink City” is
the vibrant capital of Rajasthan which was named after its founder Maharaja
Jai Singh. The city was founded in the year 1727 and offers several notable
tourist attractions including the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa
Mahal(Palace of winds), the Amber Fort and many more interesting places. The
city is also known for its leather products, blue pottery and die fabrics.
» Jaisalmer - Popularly known as the “Golden
City”, Jaisalmer is situated on the heart of Thar Desert. Founded in
1156 by Rawal Jaiswal, a renowned ruler of Bhati clan of Rajputs, the city
is known for its historic monuments and colourful fairs and festivals like
the Desert Festival held in the month of February. Golden Fort, painted
havelis, Jain Temples, Gadisar Lake, Sand Dunes at Sam are its prime tourist
destination.
»
Jodhpur - Standing at the age of the Thar Desert, the city was founded
in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. Once the
capital of the Rathore kingdom Marwar, this desert city is dominated by a
10km long massive wall named the Meherangarh Fort. Besides the fort, there
are innumerable other tourist places including the marble memorial Jaswant
Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace, the Government Museum which are worth visiting.
» Pushkar - Located in the eastern Rajasthan,
Pushkar is an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus that attracts large
number of pilgrims from all parts of India to take holy deep in the sacred
Pushkar Lake. The city is also well known for the only temple dedicated to
Lord Brahma and the famous Camel Fair held every year in the month of
Kartik.
» Udaipur - Known as the city of lakes, Udaipur was
founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II. This is probably the most
romantic city of Rajasthan popular for its marble palaces, lakes and
temples. Its major tourist attraction includes the City Palace Complex, Lake
Pichola, Jagdish Temple, Lake Fateh Sagar, Sahelion Ki Bari & Bharatiya
Lok Kala Museum.
» Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary - Also known as the
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, it is one of the most well known bird breeding
and feeding ground in the world. With an area of 29 sq. km., the sanctuary
houses numerous varieties of birds including several migratory including the
highly endangered Siberian Crane.
» Ranthambore National Park - Once the haunting
ground of the rulers of Jaipur, it is now one of the prime Project Tiger
Conservation Centre in India. In 1955, the game park was declared a wildlife
sanctuary, and in 1973 was one of nine sanctuaries that selected as a part
of Project Tiger Scheme. It is home to a rich variety of flora & fauna.
Fairs
& Festivals :
Besides forts and palaces, the royal state Rajasthan is also known for its
colourful fairs and festivals representing its rich tradition. These fairs
and festivals offers a splendid opportunity to come close to the life of the
people. Some of the major ones are : the Nagaur Fair, Desert Festival,
Pushkar Fair, Mewar Festival, Gangaur Fair, Elephant Festival and many other
which are celebrated by all walks of life with much enthusiasm.
Shopping :
Rajasthan offers numerous shopping articles including various types of
handicrafts and jewellery that shows the exquisite workmanship of Rajasthani
artisans. Printed fabrics, miniature paintings, jewellery, hand painted
pottery, carved wooden sculpture, puppets and a lot of variety are available
at numerous stores and emporiums.
