Rajasthan

Jaisalmer

2010-12-15T02:40:00.000-08:00

Over the years the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences. In the 14th century AD. Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi besieged the fort for nine years in an effort to take back the treasure looted by the Bhatti Rajputs 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 Bhati hero also perished in the battle. Duda's descendants continued to rule Jaisalmer. In 1541 AD they even fought Mughal Emperor Humayun, though their relations with the Mughals were not always hostile. Sabal Simha won the patronage of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his distinctions in battlefield, in Peshawar and thus earned the right to rule Jaisalmer. In the days of the British rule, Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British Government.

History of Jaisalmer City

The History of Jaisalmer has a charm of its own. Like all other cities of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer too has its own glorious past to boast about. History of Jaisalmer draws heavily from the history of the Rajputana. The city is said to be founded by one Raja Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput ruler, in approximately 1156 A D. Legends go by that he did it on the behest of a local hermit named Eesaal. The raja choose Trikut hill as the new site for his fort. This was because he thought that his previous abode at Luderwa (16 km from present Jaisalmer) was vulnerable towards possible enemy assault.

In medieval times, Jaisalmer continued to be on the focus of the masses because of its location. It falls in the way of one of the two routes, which connected India from Persia, Egypt, Africa and the west. The Bhatti Rajput rulers were still in line. They were the sole guardian of the city and thus mustered enough wealth through taxes levied on the passing caravans, of which there was no scarcity.

For many years Jaisalmer remained out of bound from the foreign rulers partly because of its location and partly because of its relief. In the mid Thirteenth century, Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Turk-Afghan ruler of Delhi laid the siege over the city. He was apparently upset with the Bhatti Rajput rulers because they stopped and looted one of his caravans containing royal coffer which was on its way to Sind. The siege lasted for around 9 long years and when the fall seemed eminent the Rajput womenfolk of the city committed Jauhar (self Immolation to avoid disgrace).

It is said that Duda, the son of Raja Jaisimha, fought vehemently in the battle but was overpowered after the fierce hand to hand combat. He died fighting. His descendants continued to rule the city. Though they had a cordial relation with the Mughal rulers in Delhi, they fought unsuccessfully with Emperor Humayun. Emperor Shah Jahan gave the right of governance to Sabala Simha, who had the royal patronage and had shown remarkable valor to win the Battle of Peshawar.

In the modern era, Jaisalmer was still a tough nut to crack and was the last among the Rajputana royals to sign the 'Instrument of Agreement' with the British establishment. Even that was achieved after long hours on the negotiation table and after much cajoling from the British establishment in India. In the year 1947, royals signed the agreement to remain in just independent India. Since then it has developed itself into a major tourist destination as well as a cultural hub of the western India.

Desert Festival Jaisalmer

Location: Sam Sand Dunes 42 K.M. from Jaisalmer
How to reach: SUV or Camel safari
Timing: In the month of February
Attractions: Cultural showcase

Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is a colorful festival held in February every year. You will get to see Cultural events, camel races, turban tying competitions etc. Not exciting enough! Attend the contests to judge the man with the best moustache. Everything is exotic in the Desert festival, amidst the golden sands of the Thar Desert. With a final musical performance by folk singers under the moonlit sky at the dunes in Sam, just outside Jaisalmer, the festival comes to its end. The rich culture of the region is on display during this three daylong extravaganza.

The desert festival in Jaisalmer was started to attract foreign tourists, who always wanted to explore as many facets of Rajasthan as they could in the possible crunch of time. The three-day event stresses more on local elements and heritage. For example, this no-nonsense festival will only showcase Rajasthani folk songs and dance. These are presented by some of the best professionals of the art. Similarly, local customs such as Turban tying etc have been added to make it more exotic and colorful in its outlook. 'The moustache competition' is very popular among foreigners. This is simply because of the surprise value attached to this event. Foreigners can be seen posing for pictures with the winners. This is truly a moment worth preserving.

You will never forget marvels like the famous Gair and Fire dancers that are the major attraction of the desert festival celebrations. Interesting contests including a tying competition and a Mr. Desert contest further enhance the fun of the occasion. A trip to the Sam sand dunes marks the grand finale, where you will enjoy camel rides and brilliant performance by the folk artist under the full moon against the backdrop of picturesque dunes.

The Rajasthan tourism organizes the Jaisalmer Desert fair/festival. There is tourist help cell to deal specially with the problems faced by foreign tourists. The arrangements are monitored by local administration and state of the art Medical vans, equipped with the best of medical amenities, are kept on alert. If you want to buy gifts or souvenirs for your dear ones, this is the place to be. For this place not only have items from and around Jaisalmer but of the whole Rajasthan. Mobile money exchangers are there in case you need to exchange currencies. And if you run out of cash, Guess what! Nearly all the kiosks have the facility to accept credit card.

Jaipur

2010-11-12T23:28:00.000-08:00

Jaipur is the first planned city of India, located in the desert lands of Rajasthan. The city that once had been the capital of the royalty, now serves as the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal family. In the present date, Jaipur is the major business centre for the natives of Rajasthan with all requisites of a metropolitan city. The city of Jaipur, painted in pink, grasp the appreciation of every visitor. One can see that hoary charm still alive in the avenues of Jaipur.

Jaipur is named after its founder, the warrior and astronomer sovereign, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh (ruled 1688 to 1744). The decision to move out of his hilltop capital Amer was also compelled by reasons of growing population and paucity of water. Moreover in the early 17th century the power of the great Mughals was dwindling with its aging Monarch Aurangzeb. After several centuries of invasions the north was now quiet and the wealth of the kingdom had considerably increased. Seizing upon this opportune time, Jai Singh planned his new capital in the plains. Jaipur is a corroborative evidence of Sawai Jai Singh's strong grounding in science and astrology and of a Bengali architect Vidyadhar with a strong instinct for planning
The active streets of Jaipur get plenty of visitors, every year at their footsteps. The Ancient Testimonials in the form of mind-blowing monuments remind one of the past ages. The city comprises the famous structures like Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Amber Fort, the best architectural examples of India. Artistic temples and gardens of Jaipur, marks the atmosphere of serenity and aestheticism to the lands of Rajasthan. The lively city observes its ethnicity by celebrating various festivals like Kite festival, Elephant festival and many others, of Indian origin.

All theses features make Jaipur, one of the most sought after tourist destinations of Rajasthan, India. The glorious city boasts of its cultural heritage from every nook and corner. Jaipur is the reservoir of Indian customs, traditions, civilization and legacy. Jaipur lies at a distance of 260 kms from Delhi, the capital of India and the city is well-connected with other major cities of India. Every year, People across the globe come to experience this royal capital city of Rajasthan.
Jaipur is 260 km from Delhi and 240 km from Agra and forms the golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It a bustling capital city and a business centre with all the trappings of a modern metropolis but yet flavoured strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise a traveller. The old Jaipur painted in Pink can grip any visitor with admiration. Stunning backdrop of ancient forts: Nahargarh, Amer, Jaigarh and Moti Doongari are apt testimonials of the bygone era and a reminder of their lingering romance and chivalry.

Climate Of Jaipur

Jaipur is moderate in temperature.
Summer : Max. 45 °C Min. 25.8 °C
Winters : Max. 22 °C Min. 8.3 °C
VIEW Jaipur ON VIDEO

REACH JAIPUR

	Air : The Jaipur International Airport is called Sanganer Airport. There are domestic flight connections to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Udaipur and several other places. There are international flights from Jaipur to Dubai and Muscat. SEE AIR SCHEDULE For further details visit : www.indian-airlines.nic.in , www.jetairways.com www.airsahara.net
	Train : Connections are from Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, etc. For further details visit : www.indianrail.gov.in
	Road : A convenient mode of travel to Jaipur is by road. Regular bus service of AC and Deluxe Coaches are available. For further details visit : www.rsrtc.gov.in

Bikaner tourism

2010-09-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

Lying in the north of the desert State, the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country, the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel Research and Breeding farms in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. A camel besides being a mode of transport, also works on wells. These are built on high plinths with slender minarets on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance.The history of Bikaner dates back to 1486 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most adventurous of them. It is said that an insensitive remark from his father about his whispering in the Durbar provoked Bikaji to set up his own kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur. The barren wilderness called Jangladesh became his focul point and he transformed it into an impressive city. He accomplished this task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers, and established his kingdom on 84 villages abandoned by the 'Shankhlas'. When Bikaji died in 1504 his rule had extended to over 3000 villages.
The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from West/Central Asia made it a prime trade centre in those times. Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattledwall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Surging lanes, colourful bazaars with bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience..
Modern Bikaner is the result of the foresight of its most eminent ruler Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887-1943) whose reformative zeal set the pace for Bikaner transformation from a principality to a premier princely state.

About Bikaner
Lying in the north of the desert state, the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. More readily called the camel country, the city is distinguished for the best riding camels in the world and hence boasts of having one of the largest Camel research and breeading farm in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. A camel besides doing transportation duties, also works on wells.

These are built on high plinths with slender minarets on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance. The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most adventurous of them. It is said that an insensitive remark from his father about his whispering in the Durbar provoked Bikaji to set up his own kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur.
The barren wilderness called Jangladesh became his focus point and he transformed it to an impressive city. He accomplished his task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers, and established his kingdom on 84 villages abandoned by the 'Shankhlas'. When Bikaji died in 1504 his rule had extended to over 3000 villages.

Modern Bikaner is the result of the foresight of its most eminent ruler Maharaja Ganga Singh (1887 1943) whose reformative zeal set the pace for Bikaner transformation from a principality to a premier princely state. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from West/Central Asia made it a prime trade centre in those times.

Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Surging lanes, colourful bazaars with bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience to explore.
SHOPPING

Bikaner, known in the world for it's "BHUJIA & PAPADS", spicy snacks made from fried gram and pulses and also for "RASGULLAS" (a dessert). Bikaner has attained popularity for items stitched out of camel hide which includes belts, wallets, bags, and Jutties (footwear) etc. Government Khadi Emporium at Mahatma Gandhi Road for local blankets, rugs, carpets, wood carvings and lacquer work.

Camel and sheep wool woven carpets and woolen items can be purchased from here. Raw wool produced in Bikaner is renown for its quality and has proved best for making carpets . Bikaner wool blended with New Zealand wool has approved ideal for making carpets. Bikaner is rich in jewellery and has a unique style. Some of the traditional designs are Rikhari, Timaniya, Bala, Bajuband,Gajara, Gokharu, Jod etc .

It is famous for enameled form of jeweller that is known as Kundan. Uncut stones, usually diamonds, are set into gold: the back uses enamel ornamentation in the "raised field" technique so that figures and floral designs can be set within hollows created by gold lines within which rich patinas of enamel are painted in. This same champleve style is extended to ornamentation on everything from swords to condiment boxes and goblets where it's brilliance can be more publicly exhibited.

Also worth buying are 'Nokha Quilts', known for light weight and better insulation. Beautiful cotton fabrics including sanganeri prints, tie & dies, paintings, embroidered shoes etc. are the best buys for women. In Junagarh at the entrance is an excellent craft shop run by Urmul Trust. Items sold here are of high quality and made by people of surrounding villages. Proceeds go directly to improve health and education projects in these villages.

The main shopping area lies around Kote Gate and Junagarh Fort which has interesting bazzars

FESTIVALS AND FAIR

Camel Festival

A lively and colorful event, The Camel Festival, is organized by Department of Tourism, Art and Culture, Rajasthan in Bikaner during January each year. Camels, the stalwart of the desert give an unmatched performance in the festival, bringing the desert town to life with its spell binding display of graceful parades, camel races, camel dances and many other camel acrobatics.
Camel Festival Date for this year: 13-14 Jan 2006
Camel Festival Date for next year: 02-03 Jan 2007

Karni Mata Fair

The fair is celebrated twice a year in the little desert citadel of Deshnok, in honour of Goddess Karni Mata, the tutelary deity of the Bikaner royal house. The devotees gather at Deshnok during the Navratra, in March/April and September/October and the fair is held on the ninth day of Navratra, amidst the chanting of hymns and prayers, devotees offer their prayers and the celebrations have a distinct religious flavor.

Kapil Muni Fair

The sacred lake of Kolayat 55 Km from Bikaner is the venue of this fair .Its held during the full moon of kartik (Nov). The devotees come to take a holy dip in the lake. At this time ,all the fifty ghats bordering the lake are crowded. In addition to the worship of saint Kapil Muni , the propounder of Sankhya, one of the six major philosophical schools, thousands of people also visit the cattle fair held here at this time.

Gangaur Fair

The festival of maidens and married women .Women attired in their best costumes and jewelers , pray to Gauri , an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. This eighteen day long festival begins the day after holi. Married women pray for the well being and long life of their husband and the young ladies seek the blessings for a life partner of their choice. Processions of Gauri , are taken out with pomp and gaiety from Junagarh and the old city. Women sing melodious folk songs, accompanied by musicians and bands .

Kite Festival (akha teej)

Kite Flying is a cultural tradition of this region bearing special significance because of its direct connection with the foundation of this city. It serves to commemorate this historical fact and shows gaiety and involvement of people. Despite sand-storms and slightly hot climate people celebrate the festival with traditional flavour. Sky remains full of KITES of varying colours, shapes and sizes. People of all ages participate with zeal and vigour in this fest. It generally falls in April/May ,date relying on Hindu calendar.
HOTELS

Bikaner, erstwhile princely state of Rajasthan boasts of numerous royal residences. Some of these bastions of history have been converted into hotels, which have managed to keep their flavour as medieval homes intact. Also in the city are hotels with state of the art facilities all to make your stay memorable.

Heritage/Palace Hotels(Names are according to category and then alphabetically ordered)

Hotel Name Address Phone

Lallgarh Palace(Heritage Grand) Lallgarh Palace Complex, Bikaner 91-151-2540201

Bhanwar Niwas
(Heritage Classic) Rampuria Street, Bikaner 91-151-2201043

Basant Vihar Palace NH-15, Sri Ganganagar Road, Bikaner 91-151-2250675

Gajner Palace Gajner (35 Km) from Bikaner 91-1534-255063

Karni Bhawan Palace Gajner Road, Bikaner 91-151-2524701

Laxmi Niwas Palace Lallgarh Palace Complex, Bikaner 91-151-2521188

Star Hotels(Names are according to category and then alphabetically ordered)

Hotel Raj Vilas Palace(3 Star Hotel) Near Public Park, Bikaner 91-151-2525901

Heritage Resort Jaipur Road (7 Kms from Bikaner) 91-151-2752393

Resorts(Names are alphabetically ordered)

Balaji Resort Raisar Village,
Jaipur Road 17 Kms from Bikaner 91-151-2746902

Fun 'n' Food Resort N.H. 11, Jaipur Road, Bikaner 91-151-2752420

Marudyan Resort Jaipur Road (7 Kms), Bikaner 91-151-2746945

Mid Range Hotels(Names are alphabetically ordered)

Hotel Bothra Planet Bothra Complex, Bikaner 91-151-2544501

Hotel Dhola Maru Near Major Pooran Singh Circle, Bikaner 91-151-2529621

Hotel Harasar Haveli Near Karni Stadium, Bikaner 91-151-2209891

Hotel Jaswant Bhawan Daudsar House, Alakh Sager Road, Bikaner 91-151-2521834

Joshi Hotel Joshi Building, Station Road, Bikaner 91-151-2527700

Hotel Marudhar Heritage Gangashahar Road, Bikaner 91-151-2522524

Meghsar Castle 9, Gajner Road, Bikaner 91-151-2527315

Sagar Hotel Lallgarh Palace Complex, Bikaner 91-151-2520677

Shivam Hotel Sadul Ganj, Bikaner 91-151-2203112

Shri Ram Hotel Sadul Ganj, Bikaner 91-151-2522651

Thar Hotel PBM Hospital Road, Bikaner 91-151-2543050

Budget/Economy Hotels(Names are alphabetically ordered)

Jaidev Plaza Near Railway Station, Rani Bazar, Bikaner 91-151-544422

BUNDI IN RAJASTHAN

2010-09-14T00:44:00.000-07:00

Bundi is a magnificent town, 36 Kms from Kota, once ruled by the Hada Chauhans. First destination is Hadoti set in a narrow inclining gorge. The palaces and forts have a fairy tale quality about them. Isolated and independent, this picturesque location has much to offer. Rajput architecture shines in the intricately carved brackets and pillars. Interesting places are Diwan-e-aam, Hathia Pol, and Naubat Khana.

Details about Bundi
36 Km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town ,Bundi.One of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota,it was ruled by the Hada Chauhans – an offset the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.
In 1193 A.D when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Gauri,some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved towards the Chambal Valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals – thus establishing their own

Kingdom of Hadoti.Later two branches of Hadas formed two separate states Of Kota and Bundi ,on either side of the river Chambal.
Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.
Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts,palaces,havelis,Temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars ,along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town,add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

The Chitra Shala has a colourful glimpse of history painted on ceilings and walls, making it an open art gallery.

The paintings of Bundi School are famous for their festivals, animals and bird scenes portrayed beautifully. During the State time, Bundi was popular for hunting. Equally popular were the hunting lodges like Phool Sagar Palace, Sukh Mahal and Shikar Burj.

PRIME SITES

Taragarh or The Star Fort : Built in 1345 A.D,the fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a marvellous white fort with a huge reservoir which once supplied water to the palace.
The Palace : This magnificent edifice is a fine example of Rajput architecture,housing some of the superb Bundi murals.
Chhattar Mahal or Palace of Towers : A steep, paved carraife –way is the only way to reach the monument.Of special interest in the palace is the Hazari Pol or Gate of the thousand,the Naubat Khana ,the Hathi Pol with its old water clock and Diwaan-e-Aam.
Ratan Daulat : Built by Rao Raja Ram Singh ,its very interesting structure forming a stable for nine horses and a Hatia Pol.(Prior permission required for visit)

Sukh Mahal : A magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake amid the lush surroundings of the beautiful garden. An under ground tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old palace.
Nawal Sagar : Visible form the fort is the square artificial lake of Nawal Sagar,broken up by islets. A temple dedicated to Varuna, the Aryan god of water, stands half submerged in the centre of the lake .The reflection of the entire city and its palaces can be seen in the lake-making it a unique attraction of Bundi.
Raniji-ki –Baori : It is a 46 m deep stepped well with some superb carvings on its pillars and a high arched gate built in 1699 A.D. by Rani Nathavatji .This well is one of the largest of its kind.
Chitrashala : A fascinating pavilion and a gallery of miniature murals embellish the palace. Elaborate colorful paintings on the walls depict scenes from the ‘Ragamala’ and ‘Raaslila’ –the Radha Krishna story.
Phool Sagar : The 20 th century palace with the artificial tank and the picturesque gardens. Presently,it is the residence of the former ruler (Prior permission of the Secretary is required for the visit)

Shikhar Burj : The royal hunting lodge set amidst the lush surroundings. It is a favorite picnic spot.
Kshar Bagh : An ancient garden near the Shikhar Burj with beautiful chhatris of the Bundi rulers and their queens – all examples of the town’s rich architecture. (Prior permission required for visit)
Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph : An amazingly magnificent memorial with 84 pillars in a single cenotaph along with a Shiva lingam. It was erected by Rao Anirudh.

EXCURSIONS

Jait Sagar Lake(3 Km) A picturesque lake cradled in the hills; built by Jaita Meena.The swirling fountain at night is a visual delight.
Rameshwaram(20 Km) :The cave temple of Lord Shiva surrounded by the Aravalli ranges. An ideal picnic spot as well.
Keshavraipattan(45 Km) : It is an ancient city famous for the temple of Keshavraiji(Vishnu).The architecture and sculpture at this temple is unique. It was constructed in the year 1601 A.D. by Maharaja Shatrusal of Bundi.A famous Jain temple is also there.
Ramgarh(45 Km) :The Ramgarh Sanctuary is located on the Nainwa road. One needs to take permission of the State Forest Department prior to visit to the sanctuary.
Bijolia(50 Km) :An ancient fort and the city of Bijolia is situated on the Bundi-Chittaurgarh road. A high paved courtyarn on the side of the fort has a large temple of Lord Shiva in its centre with a fine image of Lord Ganesha standing as a guardian at the entrance.A carved archway leads to the temple.
Menal(70 Km) : The Menal River runs over a bed of granite slabs and plunges into a cavernous 122 metres deep gorge. On the other side of the broken wall is the temple complex with fascinating carvings on the walls of the shrine that depict various Hindu deities. It is located on the Chittaurgarh-Bundi road.
Talwas(53 Km) : A magnificent fort built by the ruler Ajit Singh.A temple of Dhooleshwar Mahadev and a picturesque waterfall adjoining the fort are worth a visit.The beautiful Ratna Sagar Lake is close by and is haven for fauna like bear and deer during the monsoon.
Dugari(65 Km) : Remnants of ancient wall paintings can be seen in the Ram Mandir within the imposing fort of Dugari.

Indragarh(77 Km) : The Indragarh Fort and the nearby palaces are famous for the temples of Mother Goddess Kali and Kamleashwar.The palace is also famous for wall paintings.

FESTIVE FUN

Kajli Teej(July/Aug) :The celebrations of the festival are different than the usual Teej festivities. Unlike Teej,which is celebrated on the third day of the month of Shravana,Kajli Teej is celebrated on the third day of the month of Bhadra. An exuberant procession of Teej in a decorated palanquin starts from the beautiful Naval Sagar and culminates at the Azad Park.
Cultural performances by the local artistes as well as by the artistes from Hadoti region are part of the celebrations. Though the Teej procession is carried out for only two days, the festivities continue till the eight day, finally ending on Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Air : Jaipur 206 Km is the nearest airport.
Rail : Bundi Railway Station - 5 Km ,Kota 36 Km is the convenient railhead.
Road : Good road connections link Bundi with important places around .
Local Transport : Unmetered auto-rickshaws.

WHERE TO STAY

RTDC hotel Vrindavati.A wide choice of other accommodation. Paying Guest accommodation available.
Dining

RTDC Diamond
Punjab Hotel
Shere Punjab Hotel
Royal Retreat.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Telegraph Office :

Near Raniji Ki Baori.
Post Office :Main post office, Nainwa Road.
Health Clinic :General Hospital(Near Bus Stand)
Club :District Club,Near Circuit House.
Photo Studios :

Kumar Studio
Ruby Studio
Krishna Studio
Sartaj Studio
Ajanta Studio

Guide ServicesGuide Services are available in Bundi.
Approved guides may be hired through the Tourist Officer, Tourist Information Bureau, Bundi, Tel: 22697

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area	5628 Km
Altitude	515 metres
Climate	Mean Max	Mean Min
Summer	43.0⁰C	35.0⁰C
Winter	30.7 ⁰C	5.0 ⁰C
Rainfall	75 cms
Best Season	August-February
Clothing	Summer Winter	light tropical light woollen
Languages	English,Hindi,Rajasthani

Bharatpur in Rajasthan

2010-09-14T00:02:00.000-07:00

Bharatpur in Rajasthan - An ancient city, Bharatpur along with Deeg had the domination of the Jats as the ruling power - the only one ruled by a dynasty of Jats rather than Rajputs. The Jats basically were peasants but proved to be quite aggressive and successful sovereigns. The erstwhile region of Bharatpurformed part of the Matsya territory in 1500 BC.

The eastern gateway to Rajasthan, Bharatpur, is one of the most popular halting place on the golden triangle Delhi-Agra-Jaipur, best known for the famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park. It hosts one of the most important festivals, Brij Mahotsav, every year on 2-4th February. The laterMaharajas of Bharatpur brought the city on the world map for carefully developing bird lands and their spectacular duck shoots they hosted for fellow Maharajas and the British elite. These marshy lands have now been converted into a beautiful national park. The region is also known for the forts and beautiful palaces of the Jat kings

History of Bharatpur

Bharatpur City Facts
Road Distances	Jaipur 176 KM, Delhi 185 KM, Agra 55 KM, Mathura 39 KM, Alwar 117 KM
STD Code	05644
District	Bharatpur
Region	East Rajasthan
Climate of Bharatpur	Average Summer max 45° C, Winter min 7° C
Best time to visit Bharatpur	October to February.
Area	222 sq km
Altitude	250 m.

The Jats led by headman Churaman came to be known for their authority against Mughals, smashing the Mughal strongholds, but ultimately to be killed in the year 1721. Under Raja Badan Singh the Jats regrouped and by 1750, expanded their territory, almost from Delhi to Agra. Fearful of the ruthless marauding powers of Jats, the Mughals conferred the title, of Raja to Badan Singh and the rulers of Amber awarded him the tide of Brij Raj. It was Raja Surajmal, son of Raja Badan Singh, who consolidated further and enriched by the enormous booty his armies had acquired, commenced work on Bharatpur Fort and other palaces including the exquisite palace complex in Deeg.

By 1760's with the authority of the Mughals getting weaker day by day, Raja Surajmal raided the imperial cities of Agra and Delhi more regularly and his armies are believed to have even plundered the gates from the walls of the Mughal capital of Delhi and brought it back in triumph to Bharatpur.

Early 19th century the emerging powers of the Britishers were also resisted and repulsed by the rulers of Bharatpur. Even after a long siege of four months of the Bharatpur Fort the British could not succeed and suffered heavy losses. Finally in 1818, Bharatpur signed a treaty of permanent equal friendship with the East India Company.

A WORD ABOUT THE FOUNDER

In 1733 AD, Raja Badan Singh 's adopted son, Suraj Mal had shown signs of promise, when he captured the fort of Bharatpur from Khemkaran, the rival chief, whom he killed and thus laid the foundation of Bharatpur City.
Maharaja Suraj Mal displayed immense courage and carved a niche for himself in the midst of political disorder. Gathering around him fiercely martial Jat peasants, he went from one success to another. He accompanied Emperor Muhammed Shah against Ali Muhammed Ruhela and in 1748 AD, at the battle of Bagru, he led the Jaipur vanguard against the Marathas. He also defeated the commander-in-chief of the Mughal emperor.

Ajmer in Rajasthan

2010-09-11T00:47:00.000-07:00

Introduction

South west of Jaipur, Ajmer is an oasis wrapped in the green hills. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. Then Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghori, after which Ajmer became home to many dynasties. Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Muslims as well as Hindus. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered both by the Hindus and the Muslims. Ajmer is a centre of culture and education. The British chose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College, a school exclusively for Indian nobility at one time. However, now it is one of the best public schools in the country. Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (14 km.) which has the distinction of having the only Brahma temple in the world. The Picturesque Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the month of Kartik (Oct/Nov), devotees throng in large numbers to take a dip in the sacred lake.

Ajmer was also a favourite residence for the great Mughals. One of the first contacts between the Mughal King Jahangir and Sir Thomas Roe took place here in 1616. The Scindias took over the city in 1818 and then handed it over to the British. Thus Ajmer was the only region to be directly controlled by the East Indian Company.

The bus stand in Ajmer is located near the RTDC hotel Khadim. The railway station is further south and most of the office lies in the northeast and most of the city’s market is located behind and up to Agra Gate. Further northwest is a large artificial lake called the Anna Sagar.

Ajmer, which has become a popular pilgrimage center for both Hindus and Muslims, is famous for the Dargah Sharif- the tomb of a Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti. Both Hindus and Muslims revere this Dargha equally. Pushkar, a pilgrimage center for the Hindus lies about 11 km from here. Pushkar, which has a beautiful lake, is the abode of Lord Brahma and it has a temple for the deity. Devotees from all over India throng this place in the month of Karthik (Oct-Nov) to take a dip in the holy lake of Pushkar.

Sight seeing in Ajmer
Kwaja Saheb Dargha: One of India's important pilgrimage centers is situated at the foot of a hill and is much revered by people from all faiths. Khawaja Saheb or Khawaja Sharif as it is more popularly known, the marvelous tomb of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti is considered to be one of the most important shrines, next only to Mecca or Madina by the south Asian Muslims. The great Mughal Emperor Akbar used to visit this Dargah on pilgrimage every year from Agra.

The Nizam of Hyderabad built this mausoleum which has a huge gate. Akbari Masjid built in white marble is on the right side of the courtyard, which is of interest to the visitor with its two enormous cauldrons. Another mosque built by Shahijan is located inside the courtyard.

Surrounded by a silver platform, the center of the second courtyard houses the saint's tomb with a marvelous marble dome. Thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine during the Urs, which is observed in commemoration of the death anniversary of the Saint. The Urs is held every year from 1st to 6th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. A major attraction is a colorful fair that is held during this season.

Shahjhan's Mosque: The most fabulous of all the sanctums inside the sanctuary of the Dargah is this superb building in white marble. It has a 30.5-m long and narrow court that has a low arcade and fragile carvings with trelliswork.

Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra On the outskirts of the city of Ajmer about a few yards from the Khawaja Saheb Dargah, we see this amazing structure which is a blend of Indo-Islamic architecture. The construction of this was completed in two and a half days and hence the name. Mohammed Ghauri converted a building, which was originally a Sanskrit college into a mosque. He added a seven-arched wall facing the pillared wall in a short time. This architectural masterpiece of the arched screen with its ruined minarets and distinct pillars look marvelous.

Fort of Taragarh: The ruins of the Taragarh Fort can be reached by climbing steep steps which takes nearly one and a half hours. Perched on a hill this fort is just beyond the Adai-din-ka-jhonpra. From here you can have a wonderful view of the city. The Mughals used this fort as the site for their military activities, but the British used the place as a sanatorium.

The Museum: The royal residence of Emperor Akbar has been converted into a museum which houses beautiful sculptures and is a rich storage of Rajput and Mughal armor.

Pushkar Lake: Nag Pahar or the snake mountain separates the Pushkar Lake from Ajmer. Located on the edge of the desert, the lake is surrounded by hills on three sides. The Panchkund and Saint Agastya's cave are situated here on this mountain. Scholars believe that Kalidas, the 4th Century Sanskrit poet and playwright wrote his masterpiece Abhigyanam Shakuntalam with this setting of forest heritage as its backdrop.

Legend has it that, the origin of Pushkar dates back to several years. Lord Brahma was in search of a peaceful land to perform a Yagna when a lotus fell down from his hand into this place. Soon a lake appeared on this spot and people dedicated it to the Lord. People revere this place as Brahma's abode and there is a temple dedicated to the deity.

Pushkar Fair: The annual cattle fair during Pushkar fair is very popular. Thousands of pilgrims throng this lake to take a holy dip on the full moon day of Kartik (Oct-Nov. There are cultural events and exciting camel-cart races in addition to trading of horses, camels, cows and bulls. Pilgrims get an opportunity to buy clothes, household items and leather goods during this colorful fair.

Man Mahal: Man Mahal, situated along the banks of the Pushkar Lake is the former palace of Raja Mansingh of Ajmer. It has been converted as Rajasthan Tourist Development Corporation's (RTDC) Sarovar Tourist Bungalow. This is a convenient place for travelers. Adjacent to it is Pushkar Palace or the Krishna Garh house, which is a heritage hotel.

Foy Sagar: An artificial lake created by an engineer under a famine relief project is named after him.

Shopping in Ajmer

Ajmer is a shoppers delight during the annual Urs fair when you can shop for curios, antiques, captivating gold and silver jewelry in contemporary designs, embroidered Jodhpuri Jutis and vibrant tie-and-dye sarees. Delightful creations of traditional folk artisans attract the visitors.

Details about Ajmer for travel and visit

Ajmer situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has been witness to an interesting past. The city was founded by Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan in the 7 th century A.D. and continued to be a Major centreof the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri.Since then, Ajmer became home to many dynasties, which came and left - leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the city's history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and a blend of Hinduism and Islam.
Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for Hindus as well as Muslims.Especially famous for is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi, saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims.
Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar(11 Km),the abode of Lord Brahma,lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake. The Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus.During the month of Kartik (Oct/Nov) devotee’s throng in large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred lake.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

How to get there
Air: Jaipur 132 Km is the nearest airport.
Rail : Regular train services link Ajmer with important cities. Some important train connections are :

Gujarat Mail(Mumbai-Ajmer-Delhi Sarai Rohilla)
Jodhpur Mail(Marwar-Ajmer-Jaipur)
Delhi Express(Ahmedabad-Ajmer-Jaipur)
Shatabadi Express(New Delhi-Ajmer-New Delhi)

Road : A good network of bus services operate from Ajmer to key destinations around.
Local Transport : City Bus service operates in the city and to Pushkar.Unmetered taxis,auto-rickshwas,tongas and cycle rickshaws are also available.

WHERE TO STAY

:
Standard Hotels

Hotel Mansingh Palace
Hotel Regency
RTDC Hotel Khadim
Hotel Ajaymeru

Budget Hotels

Shobraj Hotel

Hindu Hotel

Hotel Anand

Hotel Bhola

Hotel Malwa

Hotel Payal

Hotel Prithviraj

KEM Rest House

Nagpal Tourist Hotel

Sancheti Hotel

Hotel Surya

Hotel Paramount

Hotel Samrat

Hotel Ambassador

Hotel Motimahal

Hotel Aaram

Supplementary Accommodation
Railway Retiring Rooms and Dharamshalas
For details contact

Tourist Reception Centre,RTDC Hotel Khadim	Tel:0145-20490
Savitri College Road,Ajmer	Tel:0145-52426

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Bank	Tel no.
Bank of Baroda,Prithviraj Marg	22575
Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur,Station Road	429646
Bank of India,Kaisarganj	432153
Bank of Rajasthan,Mayo College	431424
Punjab National Bank,Prithviraj Marg	429696
State Bank of India,near Collectorate	52048

Hospitals
J.L Nehru Hospital Tel no. 52521
Club
Ajmer Club Tel no. 2003
Tourist Reception Centre
Assistant Director,Tourist Reception Centre,Hotel Khadim(RTDC) Tel no. 52426
Tourist Reception Counter at Railway Station.
Guide Service
Approved guides may be hired through the Astt. Director Tourist Reception Centre
Tel: 52426
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Police Control Room	Tel no. 21000
Roadways(Central Bus Stand)	Tel no. 429398
Railways	Tel : 131(Enquiry),132(Reservation)
General Post Office	Tel:427603

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area	55.76 sq. Km
Altitude	486 metres
Climate Summer Winter	Mean Max. 38.1⁰ C 23.3⁰ C	Mean Min 27.7 ⁰C 05.5⁰ C
Rainfall	38 to 51 CMS
Clothing	Summer	Light Tropical
	Winter	Wollen
Best Season	July-March
Languages	Rajasthani,Hindi,Urdu,English, Sindhi

Destination ALWAR

2010-09-09T23:55:00.000-07:00

Alwar is known as "Tiger Gate" of San Luis Potosi. Surrounded by lush green Aravali hills and presents a breath taking natural environment. Forests and lakes form the backdrop to this beautiful place. The site is dotted with architectural splendor, surrounded by harsh mountains. The deep valleys and thick forest cover is a haven for many species of birds and animals. It is one of the oldest cities in the state and its prehistoric and historic sites are an archaeologist's delight. Paradoxically, Alwar is both the oldest and the most recent of the Rajput kingdoms of Rajasthan. Trace their tradition back to the realms of Viratnagar that flourished here around 1500 BC It is also known as Matasya Desh, where the Pandavas, the mighty heroes of the Mahabharata, spent the last years of his 13 years of exile.

The grandeur, beauty and delicacy of the design of innumerable palaces and forts in the region, tranquil lakes, majestic hunting lodges, sites of archaeological importance, thick forests, many birds and animals mixed with an equally diverse socio - cultural configuration have made this region a traveler's delight.

History
"Alwar" was formerly known as "Ulwar". This placed it in last position in alphabetically ordered lists, so a king renamed it to "Alwar" to bring it to the top. The princely state of Alwar was founded by Pratap Singh, a Rajput of the Kachwaha lineage, in the second half of the 18th century. His adopted son, Bakhtawar Singh, aided the British against the Marathas. After the battle of Laswari (1803), Alwar became the first state of Rajputana to sign a treaty of 'Offensive and Defensive Alliance' with the British East India Company. A few years later, Bakhtawar Singh ventured an armed incursion into neighboring Jaipur, the senior Kachwaha state, and the erstwhile overlord of his predecessor.

Bakhtawar Singh was defeated; a fresh engagement was made with him by the HEIC, prohibiting him from political intercourse with other states without British consent. During the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, Raoraja Bane Singh sent a force comprised mainly of Muslims and Rajputs, to relieve the British garrison in Agra. The Muslims deserted and the rest were defeated by the rebels. Pran Sukh Yadav, who fought beside Rao Tula Ram of Rewari in 1857, settled along with the kinsmen of dead soldiers at Village Nihalpura, Behror Tehsil, of Alwar District.
Following the independence of India in 1947, Alwar acceded unto the dominion of India. On March 18, 1948, the state merged with three neighbouring princely states (Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli) to form the Matsya Union. This union in turn merged unto the Union of India. On May 15, 1949, it was united with certain other princely states and the territory of Ajmer to form the present-day Indian state of Rajasthan.

Jai Dayal Yadav and Prime Minister of Matsya Union Shobha Ram Kumawat played a vital role in bringing education to the rural areas of Alwar after independence.

Local attractions
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 kilometers 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.

Fairy Queen
It is the oldest working engine in the world. The engine was built in the year 1855 and acquired by the Eastern Indian Railways from a British firm. Now the train is one great means of transportation that departs from the Delhi encampment and reaches its destination at Alwar, in Rajasthan.

The train for its services has won National Tourism Award, which gives a reasonable idea about its importance as well the services rendered by it.

The train travel also comprises travel to the famous wildlife sanctuary of Alwar Sariska National Park. ‘
The train has air-conditioned coaches with the capacity for 50 passengers. The train also has a pantry and features on board catering. The railway department also organizes cultural programs at Sariska, which form a part of the travel. Trips to the wildlife sanctuary score an additional feature
For a peaceful weekend trip between Delhi and Alwar , the Fairy Queen comes to the rescue of those bored with the same old blase ways of traveling around the place.

The Indian Railways are the best option a tourist can ever have while traveling within India to get to know the cultural diversity of the country. The Fairy Queen with the privileged ones abroad reaches the picturesque town of Alwar in Rajasthan the same day, from where the guests will be taken to Sariska Tiger Reserve for an overnight stay. Milk cake (a kind of sweet) made in Alwar is not only very famous in India but is also exported from the country.

About Rajasthan

2010-09-09T23:47:00.000-07:00

Folklore of heroism and romance resound from the formidable monuments that majestically stand to tell the tale of a bygone era. The magic of vibrant Rajasthan - its rich heritage, colourful culture, exciting desert safaris, shining sand-dunes, amazing variety lush forests and varied wildlife - makes it a destination nonpareil. Rajasthan is often portrayed as one vast open-air museum, with its relics so well preserved that it delights even the most skeptical traveler.
It is an incredible destination for the outdoor-tourist – take a safari on horses, camels, elephants or even in jeeps, with the Aravalis - India's oldest mountain range as the backdrop. Feast your eyes on spectacular sand-dunes, take the tiger trail, or just watch the birds in the wetlands. You can also choose to pamper yourself in the lavish heritage properties. Rajasthan has something for everyone – one just has to choose an activity appropriate to one's temperament.