Rajasthan :Endowed with natural beauty and a great history, tourism is flourishing in Rajasthan. The palaces of Jaipur, lakes of Udaipur, and desert forts of Jodhpur, Bikaner & Jaisalmer are among the most preferred destination of many tourists, Indian and foreign. Tourism accounts for eight percent of the state's domestic product. Many old and neglected palaces and forts have been converted into heritage hotels.
At the time of independence on 15th august 1947, Rajasthan was known Rajputana (country of Rajputs). It comprised of 18 Princely States, two chieftains and a British administered province of Ajmer-Merwara besides a few pockets and territories outside its main boundaries.
Jaipur : 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. 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.
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.
Udaipur : Udaipur is famous around the world as the City Of Lakes or Venice of The East. The Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state. Fateh Sagar contains two small islands, one of which contains USO, or Udaipur solar observatory, and the other one has a beautiful garden called Nehru Garden. This place is a symbol of romance, the most appealing place for poets, painters, travellers and writers. Udaipur means the City of Dawn. It was founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II. The marble palaces, the beautiful gardens and the placid blue lakes enhance the beauty of this city. Sight Seeing : Lakes of Udaipur, City Palace, Lake Palace, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Fateh Sagar, Pichhola Lake, Ahar, Sajjan Garh, Gulab Bagh.
Jodhpur : Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief belonging to the Rathore clan. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many beautiful palaces, forts and temples, apart from a stark, scenic desert landscape. The city is known as the "Sun City" for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred as the Blue City, due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort.
Jaisalmer : Jaisalmer is named after its founder Rawal Jaisal (see History). "Jaisalmer" means "the Hill Fort of Jaisal".The amazing little town seems to be the last outpost of the Thar Desert like an Oasis full of life and colour. Jaisalmer was founded in 1156 AD. The city is dotted with havelis (mansions), palaces and temples made of intricately carved yellow sandstone making it an architectural splendor. While Jaisalmer may always have been remote, it is filled with many artistic structures and monuments of local historical importance. Jaisalmer's medieval mud fortress and walled township make it a popular tourist destination. The surrounding desolate landscape evidences a stark, austere beauty. Camel safaris through the nearby desert dunes are popular with tourists; competition for business is fierce. A few quiet days spent wandering around the town and the surrounding desert can be a wonderful way of unwinding from the chaos of larger Indian cities.
Tourist accommodation is available inside the fort itself. However, eco-conscious tourists might consider staying outside the fort to avoid putting additional pressure on the fort's archaic sewage system (three of the 99 bastions have already crumbled because of water seeping into the foundations).
Sight Seeing : The Jaisalmer Fort, Tazia Tower, Gadsisar Lake, Jain Temples, Havelis, Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli, Patwon-Ki-Haveli, Nathmahii-Ki-Haveli.
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. 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.
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.
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.
Amber : Amber was founded by the Meenas and was a flourishing settlement as far back as in 967 AD. It was supplanted by the modern city of Jaipur, from which it is 5 miles distant. The picturesque situation of Amber at the mouth of a rocky mountain gorge, in which nestles a lovely lake, has attracted the admiration of all travellers, including Victor Jacquemont and Reginald Heber. It is seen to be a remarkable example for its combined Rajput-Mughal architecture.
Among the chief building is the Diwan-i-Khas and the elaborately paited Ganesh Poll built by the Mirza Raja Jai Singh I.
Alwar : Alwar contains many interesting and historical monuments. The city has a beautiful lake and a picturesque valley. The Sariska National Sanctuary is located in the Aravalli hills only a few kilometres away from Alwar. The sanctuary, which is a Project Tiger reserve, also boasts of many other species, including rare birds and plants. The military cantonment of Itarana lies on the outskirts of Alwar. Milkcake (a kind of sweet) made in Alwar is not only very famous in India but is also exported out of country.
Churu : Churu is a town in the desert region of Rajasthan, India. It is famous for the shifting sand dunes of the Thar Desert and beautiful grand havelis with marvelous fresco paintings, namely Kanhaiya lal Bagla ki Haweli and Surana Haweli, with hundreds of small windows. There stands a Dharam Stup, a symbol of religious equality. At the centre of the town is a fort built about 400 years ago. There are many temples in the city mostly dedicated to Hindu deities – Hanuman, Bhagwan Ram, Krishana, Satyanarain, Durga Mata, Santoshi Mata Local Deities Gogaji, Ramdevji, Karni Mataji, Shitala Mata and a few Mosques as well as a Digambar Jain Mandir.
Camel Safari : Like horse safaris, camel safari in golden sands of the vast Thar Desert is a adventure in Rajasthan. Ride through sand passing through remote villages, pitch your tent at a new place each night, spend the evenings with camp fire and folk dance. The camel breeders of Raika are the best guides. Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation arranges the Camel Safari on request in Jaipur during Nagaur Fair and Desert Festival.
Rajasthan carpets : Modern Rajasthani carpets follow north's Persian design. Often dictated by the buyer's tastes, such designs frequently incorporate hunting scenes or romantic scenes or romantic themes from Persian poetry. Availability of different metals and its vulnerable nature has made it the base for a variety of decorative techniques such as inlay, metal casting, carving, applique, etc. The scope of art metal is immense. The work done in Moradabad, Jaipur and Delhi are representative of this.
The Architecture of Rajasthan : The mixture and brilliance of Rajasthan's architectural heritage can amaze a visitor. Majestic forts, intricately carved temples and havelis (meaning mansion) and even step well make Rajasthan a paradise for an architecture buff. The desert state of Rajasthan is a land of irony and extremes. This vibrant and striking region is the home of the Rajput warrior clans who had ruled here for many years. Rajasthan is also home to some of India's most romantic cities.
Museums : The land of massive forts, sprawling palaces and intricately carved temples of colourful tribes and brave warriors, of unrivalledform of arts and crafts, unique dance and music traditions, is changing at rapid pace. Its vast network of Museums in large and small towns, archaeological sites and the recently opened museums and art galleries in the palaces of erstwhile rulers of old states help to preserve this great heritage for posterity.
