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 Royal
Capital:-The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is not only the gateway to the state, it is also the most natural place to begin a discovery of Rajasthan's multifaceted attractions. For visitors unfamiliar with its history, a little explanation may be necessary, since it will aid their understanding of one of the most fascinating cities of India. As a city, Jaipur is fairly young, less than three centuries old. It was laid out by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of the Kachchawaha dynasty from Amber which, less than 10-km away, was the former capital of the state. Markets and residential areas have bridged this gap so that, for all practical purposes, Jaipur includes Amber within its sway. A Planned City:- Jaipur has been laid according to the conventional nine-grid pattern that astrologers believe to be lucky, and which has been recommended in the ancient Indian treatise on architecture. Each grid consists of a square, and these have been planned so that, at the heart of the city is the City Palace. Spread around it, in rows, are public buildings, the residences of noblemen, the living and trading quarters of merchants and artisans.  Straight,
wide roads run through the city, while a high, crenellated wall that forms
its defense is pierced with seven gateways that serve as entry points.
Today, these walls may be more difficult to spot since the city has grown
far beyond its original plan, but they are still there, proof that though
Jaipur saw no great siege, it was more than adequately prepared for it. Jaipur was color washed pink to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of mughal cities. The current color which is more red than pink was painted in 1876, during the visit of Prince of Wales. The city is best explored on foot and only the adventurous visitor willing to go into the Rastaas and Galis (inner lanes) can feel the spirit of the city. There's an amazing appeal to Jaipur's colorful bazaars, beautifully laid out gardens, parks & the monuments. Click here for Hotel packages of Jaipur Hawa Mahal:- Located at one side, but very much a part of the City Palace Complex, Hawa Mahal is best viewed from the street outside. If it were not for the bustling bazaar all round, it would have been easy to mistake it for a film set, so exquisitely is it propotioned, and co incongruous is its delicacy. Jantar Mantar:-  A stone observatory, part of the City Palace complex, Jantar Mantar is one of the several other astronomical observatories created by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Other observatories are situated in Delhi, Banaras an Ujjain. These concrete masonary instruments were used to measure everything from altitude to time, an map the movement of the planets and the stars. City Palace:- As may be expected, the City Palace complex lies at the heart of the Jaipur city. Getting in this palace is simpler noe then it once was. Though the erstwhile Maharaja and his family friends use the the triple-arched Tripola Gate to enter their section of the palace, most visitors are ushered through Atish Pol, which is located close to the royal stables. Nahargarh Fort:- Located on the rugged Aravali Hills, Nahargarh means "the Abode of the Tigers" was built by Jai Singh to bolster the defense of Amer. The fort has uniquely a cluster of 12 suits for queens and at the head is a suit for the Jai Singh himself  Amber
Fort:-The Kachchawahas ruled drom Amber, 11-km from Jaipur, for seven centuries. With a history so old, it is not unexpected that there is a lot of the past that can be traced in its archaeological history. While many of the very early structures have either disappeared or been ruined, those dating from the 16th century on are in a remarkable state of preservation. Jaisalmer:- The westernmost citadel of the desert, Jaisalmer has and ancient history linked with its development as a trading centre. Parts of its "Golden" fort continue to be inhabited, and its cobbled streets head through a journey of medieval enchantment. Jaisalmer is celebrated for the exquisite stone-carved Havelis or mansions of the merchants who held the reins of its destiny.  Click here for
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of Jaisalmer Udaipur:- In the harsh terrain of the hills and ravines of Aravallis, flourishes the city of lakes, Udaipur. One of the most romantic places in India, Udaipur is situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, which whisper the mood of a bygone era. Click here for
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Udaipur Jodhpur:- The 16th century capital of the Rathore Rajputs, Jodhpur's history is evident in the hilltop Eyrie, Mehrangarh, from where its destiny was written. Narrow paths wind up the steep path, leading to the innards of the Mehrangarh fort. Once within, the architecture is less formidable, with delicate windows and painted chambers. From its ramparts one has a view of the 20th century artdeco Umaid Bhawan Palace. Click here for
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Jodhpur Bikaner:-  This Royal walled city is a part of the desert tourist triangle and lies on the northern tip of the triangle. The city was founded in 1486 AD by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji was son of Rao Jodhaji who had asked his son to establish a kingdom of his own. The challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose the wild country 'Jangaldesh' as his territory and thus the city of Bikaner came into existence Click here for
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packages of Bikaner Khajuraho:- Khajuraho's rather isolated location makes it an ideal retreat. The main attraction for tourists is the group of temples, the origin of these temples as well as the history of the Chandela dynasty, during whose era they were built are not fully documented. However it is generally agreed that they were built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D and that they numbered no fewer than 85. Click here for Hotel packages of Khajuraho Intro | Places to see in Jaisalmer | Near by Excursions of Jaisalmer | Fairs & Festivals of Jaisalmer  The
name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the
desert. The exotic, remote and beautiful, Jaisalmer is a bit of a paradox.
So far west that it is in the heart of the desert, one would expect barren
near-desolation. Yet this frontier town is today one of Rajasthan's
best-loved tourist destinations. Local colour and warmth prevail over the
inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a
special magic. Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhati Rajput, laid the foundation of this city in 1156 AD. Trikuta was the hill chosen and Jaisal abandoned his old fort at Lodurva and established his new capital here. Just a walk through Jaisalmer, savouring the medieval glory of old Rajasthan, is a marvellously rewarding travel experience. Desert Festival, celebrated in January/ February, is a must on any itinerary. The desert seems to bloom in a thousand colours. There are camel races and folk dances. Craft bazaar and traditional balled singing. A sound and light spectacle on the sand-dunes of Sam on the full moon night. And all the colour and excitement of the best in Rajasthan. Havelis  The beautiful mansions built by Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants are known as 'havelis' and several of these fine sandstone buildings are still in beautiful condition. Patwon ki Haveli is the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis Jaisalmer Fort The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old, crowns the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city, nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. Gadsisar Lake Gadsisar Lake in Jaisalmer, the rainwater fed reservoir, was built in 1156 AD and rebuilt in 1367AD by Maharwal Garsisingh. Govt Museum - Jaisalmer  The Government Museum in Jaisalmer is situated on Police Line Road near Moomal Hotel. It was opened in 1984. The large collection of wood and marine fossils in the museum gives an insight into the geological past of the area Folklore Museum For anyone interested in seeing the culture of Jaisalmer on display through the ages, the Lok Sanskritik Sangrahalaya or the Museum of Folk Culture situated on the bank of Gadsisar Lake in Mehar Bagh Garden is a must. Jain temple This group of fine Jain temples were built in the 12th to 15th century within the Jaisalmer Fort. They are beautifully carved and dedicated to Rishabdevji and Sambhavnathji. Click here for
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of Jaisalmer
Sam Sand Dunes (42 Km.) Any trip to Jaisalmer is indeed, incomplete, without a trip to the most panoramic dunes of Sam where the wind is unceasingly carving out scenic patterns, on the sand! Situated 42 kms from Jaisalmer, the sun-soaked Sam Sand Dunes bring to light a glided mirage. Truly the essence of the desert, the ripples of the wind-caressed dunes create an enchanting mirage.  Wood Fossil Park (17 Km.) Wood Fossil Park at Aakal, is 17-kms from the city of Jaisalmer. Lying on the Barmer Road, this park transports you back to the Jurassic period, when the whole Thar region lay under the sea. The park with 180 million-year-old fossils that are the geological landmarks for the study of the Thar Desert is any geology enthusiast?s delight. Barmer (153Km.) A tiny yet lively town in sun - drenched sands, Barmer is a miniature Rajasthan with all its colour, warmth and tradition. Although a barren land with harsh climate and tough terrain, Barmer is known for its rich crafts, dances and music. Once on the ancient camel trade route, the town in now the centre for wood carving, pottery, carpets, intricate emboidery work, block printed fabrics and multi- hued traditional costumes. Desert National Park (40Km.) It preserves the eco-system of the desert within its confines. The Monitor lizards, desert foxes, porcupines, occasional wolves and black bucks, and the Great Indian Bustard (a protected bird ) are found here, forming an ecological chain revolving around cactii and other hardy desert plants. 
The Desert Festival takes place in January-February of each year. Camel
races and dances, folk music, desert ballads, puppeteers - they're all part
of the activity. At the full moon night, a sound and light drama is
performed at Sam.Desert Festival Held in the months of January-February, the Desert Festival exudes a delightful spirit. For three days, the otherwise barren land of Jaisalmer comes to life and is clustered with hordes of colourfully dressed people. |
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