Rajasthan is a Kaleidoscope of majestic hues and sprawled languidly in the vast Thar Desert. Known as the Desert Jewel of India, Rajasthan tourism evokes a sense of wonderment and quaint feeling as you discover it. Embark on this journey of Rajasthan to explore the fine architecture of the past. As you travel to Rajasthan, discover a world of history, culture, wildlife, architecture and adventure. Travel to Rajasthan in India and explore the different colors of the state. The landscape is dotted with island palaces shimmering on idyllic blue lakes, temples and fortresses situated on hilltops of the rugged and rocky Aravali, gardens with pavilions and kiosks and always a few dancing peacocks. Folklore, legend and local history - many an episode of romance, knightly prowess and chivalry connected with the 'Land of Kings' still lingers on.
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This abode of kings is one of the most exotic locales for tourist world over and the ambassador of India to the world of travel and tourism. The state has not only survived in all its ethnicity but owes its charisma and color to its enduring traditional way of life. The history of Rajasthan is as old as the Thar Desert. Here is a land that breathes both romance and chivalry. Here is a living proof of history, of brave rulers who were artists of heart, of kings who campaigned in wars but gave patronage to artisans. Rajasthan is much more than the imagination of few rulers. It is an identity created by people who enjoy life, and have ample proof to show for it. An affair with Royal Rajasthan is in fact the vacation of a lifetime.
The saga of Rajasthan is a story of bloodshed as much as heroism and sacrifice. And the desert, the numerous forts & palaces, mystical cities & obscure hamlets, stand testimony to Rajasthan's royal and glorious past. Vacationers in Rajasthan can still ride painted and caparisoned elephants that recall the regalia of the royal courts and live in fabulous heritage hotels of Rajasthan built by the descendants of the sun and the moon.
Land of Rajasthan, where the battles took place over pandect of honor and bravery rather then wealth and power, where Rajput women happily embrace fire to save her dignity and self-respect, where huge fort and palaces were constructed to make Rajasthan a royal destination. Travel to Rajasthan, a majestic state of India and explore its famous destinations embellished with beautiful havelis, sand dunes, wildlife, temples, fort and palaces. Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Ajmer and many other cities of Rajasthan will take your breath away by the charm and royalty they possess; you will be transverse to the erstwhile land of rajas and maharajas where every niche will leave you spell-bind. It could be easily proclaimed that Rajasthan is a traveler's paradise and especially for the travelers who love and appreciate heritage. Rajasthan travel destinations offer not only sightseeing of forts and palaces but also colorful and vibrant fairs and festivals.
From its people with their colorful clothes to the sand dunes of the Great Thar Desert - Rajasthan is a place with sights that are not to be missed. Rajasthan tourist destinations reveal the history and heritage of Rajasthan. There are many tourist destinations of Rajasthan offering an excellent taste of architectural marvels. The pink city of Jaipur, the blue city of Jodhpur, the lake city of Udaipur, the golden city of Jaisalmer and Mount Abu are some of the famous tourist destinations of Rajasthan. The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is an ideal destination for art lovers. Also known as an open-air art gallery of Rajasthan, the place is dotted with many havelis. For wildlife adventure, take a trip to Bharatpur, Sariska and Ranthambore. Tourist destinations of Rajasthan never fail to surprise a tourist. You can also enjoy a camel ride on the golden sand dunes. Marvel at grand monuments and be astounded by its royal charm. You can shop for beautiful ethnic arts and crafts in Rajasthan tourist destinations and Staying in Rajasthan is as much a pleasure as traveling. Palatial heritage structures serving as the Heritage Hotels makes all the difference between ordinary and extraordinary and Rajasthan has them all. Travel to Rajasthan and appreciate the natural beauty and heritage of Rajasthan India.
Rajasthan, the land of valor and romance, invites you to let loose yourself to the historic and cultural charm of the state. Every tourist visiting and exploring Rajasthan will experience the royal hospitality. Exotic, colorful and matchless- Rajasthan's countless destinations are a traveller's dreams come true. Many of these destinations are quite popular in the World; there is a lot to be explored yet. Distinct character and history of the destinations in the continent-sized Rajasthan ensures a unique charm and appeal of each one. Out of hundreds of such treasured places scattered all over Rajasthan's landscape, a few most interesting destinations are described below. From magnificent forts and impressive palaces to incredible wildlife, Rajasthan is a treasure trove of history and culture. Tourist destinations of Rajasthan beckon travelers for an unforgettable travel experience. You'll notice that these descriptions extend far beyond normal sightseeing plans, with a lot being said about the life and character of each destination. Rajasthan Travel Destinations that you can visit when you travel to Rajasthan in India are:
Travel Ajmer in Rajasthan, India
South west of Jaipur, Ajmer is an oasis wrapped in the green hills. Ajmer, the land of composite cultures, is a city in Ajmer District in India's Rajasthan state. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. He constructed a hill fort "Ajaimeur" meaning the invincible hill in the local language. Ajmer continued to be a major centre of 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 blend of Hinduism and Islam. The city gives its name to a district, and also to a former province of British India called Ajmer-Merwara, which, after India's independence, became the state of Ajmer until November 1, 1956, when it was merged into Rajasthan state. Its population was approximately 500,000 in 2001. Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus as well as Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-Tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims. Ajmer is a centre of culture and education. The British choose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College, a school exclusively for Indian nobility. 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 (October / November), devotees throng in large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred lake.
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Travel Alwar in Rajasthan, India
The city of Alwar is known as The Tiger Gate of Rajasthan. Enclosed by the Aravallis, Alwar gives the appearance of being carved marvelously out of rocks. Flourishing deciduous forests and lakes covers the hills. These forests and basins serve as a home to numerous species of birds as well as animals. Situated amongst such beauty, the city proves to be a delight to the eyes. Alwar travel & tourism will find you gazing at some prehistoric and historic sites that are an archaeologist’s delight. Alwar, among the Rajput principalities was the closest to imperial Delhi. People of this region were daring adventurers. They did not submit to alien rule; they rebelled. In 1771 A.D., Pratap Singh, a Kachhawaha Rajput belonging to the same clan as the one which ruled Jaipur won Alwar from Mughals and founded a principality of his own. A historic and eminent fort guards its highest hill and is reminiscent of a regal way of life.
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Travel Bikaner in Rajasthan, India
Bikaner, also called the camel country, still retains the medieval splendour that pervades its lifestyle. Bikaner in Rajasthan, India is an enchanting desert city which comes live with music and dance, undulating lanes, colourful bazaars and bright-cheerful folks. This desert city has a stark beauty which is totally unique. The wide-spread sand dunes, the moonlit glittering beauty and desert agility, the worth-seeing natural sites, the marvelous palaces and temples, wild life sanctuaries and archeological treasures all combine to make this city a place of lasting charm and permanent attraction. With the increasing popularity of Rajasthan in India amongst the international tourist circle, Bikaner is cascading more and more into the hearts of travelers since Bikaner has everything to entertain its guests, who want to enjoy every hour of their jam packed journey - a brilliant fort, camel safaris and 30 km to the south is Deshnoke temple, where in a marble-fronted temple rats wander around freely, and spotting a white rat is considered lucky.
If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north west of the desert state of Rajasthan, the city is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendour that pervades the city's lifestyle. The imposing palaces, beautiful and richly sculptured temples of red and yellow sand stones display some of the finest creations of Rajput civilization. It's lust for "dessert" or affection for "desert" that tickles every heart to visit Bikaner. More popularly called the camel country the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. 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. The wells of Bikaner: an important source of water is another attraction 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.
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Travel Bundi in Rajasthan, India
Bundi in Rajasthan, India, a special destination in its own, is an oasis in the desert state, a serene civilization far from the madding crowd and a well known tourist destination attracted Sir Rudyard Kipling, Rabindra Nath Tagore, Virginia Fass, Satyajit Ray and many more. Bundi is Rudyard Kipling's first destination, in Hadoti, that is accessible from Jaipur by road. Thousands of tourists both domestic and foreign come here to see and discover this beautiful place.
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Travel Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, India
Chittorgarh, also called Chittaur, a symbol of all that was brave, true and noble in the glorious Rajput tradition, was the capital of Mewar under the Rajputs from the 7th century to the 16th century. Chittorgarh is the epitome of Rajput (Indian warrior caste) pride, romance and spirit for people of Chittor always chose death before surrendering against anyone. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice, and that is evident from the tales sung by the bards of Rajasthan till date. History tells us that, Chittorgarh was attacked three times, and on each occasion, the ritual of 'Jauhar', which involved throwing oneself into raging fire or a well, as the case may be, to be spared from humiliation at the hands of the enemy, was performed. The first instance was in 1303, when Allauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi, coveted the famous Rajput beauty, Rani Padmini. Padmini led the Jauhar, rather than submit to dishonour. The second instance was in 1535, when the Sultan of Gujarat attacked Bikramjeet of Chittorgarh. Rani Karnavati led the Jauhar, in which many women and children were killed and finally by the Moghul Emperor Akbar, in 1567, in and attempt to subdue Maharana Udai Singh.
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Travel Jaipur in Rajasthan, India
The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is color washed pink-the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Jaipur, being 260 km from Delhi and 240 km from Agra, forms a part of the most incredible tourist circle - The Golden Triangle of India. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal family and the ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. Jaipur was the first planned city in India with its beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive forts and palaces and colourful bazaars which have a timeless appeal. Jaipur is a mine of historical and cultural sites with places like the Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Amber Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal, City Palace and many more.
In the present date, Jaipur is the major business centre for the natives of Rajasthan with all requisites of a metropolitan city but one can see that hoary charm still alive in the avenues of Jaipur. 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. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur's colorful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes those make your trip to the pink city a memorable one. Every year, People across the globe come to experience this royal capital city of Rajasthan.
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Travel Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India
Jaisalmer, nicknamed "The Golden City", is a town in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is named after its founder Rawal Jaisal. "Jaisalmer" means "the Hill Fort of Jaisal". Jaisalmer is also called as the Golden city of India because the yellow sand gives a yellowish-golden touch to the city & its surrounding area. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert and has a population of about 78,000. It is the administrative headquarters of Jaisalmer District.
Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the 'golden city'. The city also has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva on advice of a local hermit Eesaal and chose the Tricut Hills as his new abode and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer is 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. 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 splendour, dominating the amber-hued city. 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.
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Travel Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India
Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. 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. Once the capital of the Marwar state , it was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. Also known as the "Sun City", Jodhpur has quite a history attached to it. The Rathores, after being driven away from Kanauj by the Afghans, settled in the area around Pali city, near Jodhpur. Thereafter an alliance was arranged between Rathore Siahaji and the sister of a local prince. This helped the Rathores in establishing and strengthening themselves in this region. Their might grew by the day and they even drove out the Pratiharas of Mandore, 9 km from Jodhpur. As time passed, the Rathores felt the need to set up a more safe and secure capital. This need led to the foundation of Mehrangarh fort and thus, the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India. Under the rule of maharaja Umed Singh, the city further prospered and developed into a fine modern city. A major trade center of 16th century, Jodhpur has grown to become the second largest city of the state.
While the graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. The jumbles of wide winding streets are flanked with pavement stalls. The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing lovely multihued costumes, artistically designed. Women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket, with three quarter length sleeves, covering the front and back. The colorful turbans worn by the men folk add more color to the city. The quintessence of Jodhpur was its valour and equestrian skill. Polo has been the traditional sport of the Jodhpur nobility since medieval times. It was from here that the popularity worn baggy - tight, horse riding trousers- ‘Jodhpurs’ took their name. Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with a colorful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. The tie and dye fabric, embroidered ‘jutis’ or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet and more color to the city. Countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture of the princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza.
Jodhpur lies near the geographic center of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists. At best it is a doorway to the wonderland of sand dunes and shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny trees. The graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur and the peculiar slant of the sunset lends the desert landscape an awe-inspiring glow and the people, a chivalry undaunted.
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Travel Kota in Rajasthan, India
Kota formerly known as Kotah, is a city in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. Kota is situated on the banks of Chambal River and is emerging as an important industrial centre. Surprisingly unexplored, the Kota region of Rajasthan has some splendid treasures for the tourist to take home memories of. Its impregnable fortresses, sprawling palaces, exquisitely wrought palaces and lovely waterways act as a magnificent foil to its exotic wildlife and delicate fresco Paintings. Situated on the banks of the Chambal River, at an important juncture of the trade route between Delhi and Gujarat, Kota is Rajasthan’s Fifth Largest City. This bustling, sprawling city is also called the industrial capital of the state. The tentacles of the modern world have the city in its grip with the Chambal Valley Project giving it a major position on the state's industrial map. Yet memories of its ancient links linger strongly. Present Day Kota owes its foundations to a Kotya Bhil warrior who 800 years ago built a small fortification at Akelgarh and put up a protective mud-wall around it all the way to Retwali. In 1580, Rao Madho Singh strengthened both the fortification and the wall. In time to come, Kota acquired the Hallmark of Rajput power as well as culture.
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Travel Mount Abu in Rajasthan, India
Mount Abu is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range at a average height of 1,219 mtr's above sea level is the oasis in the deserted land of Rajasthan and posses the honor of being the only hill-station in Rajasthan as well as north-west India. It is located in Sirohi district. The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar, at 1722 meters above sea level. Situated amidst lush green forested hills on the highest peak in the Aravali range is also the summer capital for the Indian state of Rajasthan, home to lakes, waterfalls and green forests, the hill retreat, has a very cool and soothing climate thanks to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. The road leading to Mount Abu is a curved one characterized by arid region dotted with huge rocks in weird shapes and high velocity winds. The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. The world famous tourist destination is known for its Dilwara Jain temples and natural beauty world over. Mount Abu with its word-class tourist facilities with hotels ranging from budget class to three star and heritage provides a great holiday escape and honeymoon attraction. Every year more then three million national and international tourists visit mount Abu enjoying its scenic beauty, rich flora & fauna as well as the marble art of Dilwara Jain temples.
Mount Abu is a unique destination for Adventure and eco tourism. The Raj period approached it as a relaxation place to rewind along with the royalties and semi royalties. The place sways in an interesting contrast of British style bungalows, the holiday lodges of the royals (Thikhana) along with the presence of the various communities of the tribals located amidst the thick lush of the forest on the hills surrounding the region.
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Travel Pushkar in Rajasthan, India
Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 km to the North-West of Ajmer. Captivated by the charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement the great Indian poet, Kalidas found a place for Pushkar in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. A lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle. Pushkar is a town in the state of Rajasthan in India. Pushkar means born due to a flower. In Hindu mythology it is said that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on earth where Brahma would perform a grand yagna. The place where the lotus fell was called Pushkar. It is situated 14 Km from Ajmer and is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus.) It is often called "Tirth Raj" - the king of pilgrimage sites - and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists.
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Travel Udaipur in Rajasthan, India
Udaipur is known as the Venice of the east. It is also called the city of lakes. The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences. The city of Lakes "Udaipur" is a lovely blend of water, lush green hills that set fire and passion in a poet. Its palaces are straight out of a fairy-tale book, lakes, forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with stalls, relives the reminisces of a heroic past, valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is excitement that defines imagination. It has always been a lovely place for Film Shoots, Royal Events and even Corporate Parties. Come to Udaipur and you'll fall in love with it!
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. Udaipur, or rather Mewar, being one of the oldest kingdoms in the region, continues to instill even today a sense of pride among its people. Udaipur is a historic city and part of ancient Capital City of glorious Mewar of Maharana Pratap. Udaipur is also well known as The Venice of East, another Kashmir of India, and it offers one of the widest ranges of cultural heritage.
Udaipur, a City with Soul, is one of the most naturally beautiful cities on the planet Earth with its beautiful tranquil water Lakes. The rich cultural, social and natural heritage, aesthetic beauty and ecological richness, so far preserved through the surrounding lakes, serene and opulent hilly range of the Aravalis and lush green vegetation and pleasant gardens and harmonious built forms present a unique condition of scenic beauty. The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake compliments the palace along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill above. The Lake Palace on Jag Niwas Island in the middle of Pichola Lake is the finest example of its architectural and cultural explosion. Udaipur is also the centre for performing arts, craft and its famed miniature paintings. The Shilp Gram festival is a center of attraction during the season.
The Heritage Fabric is so interwoven with the lives of the people that it influences the conduct of their lives and gives them a sense of belonging. The heritage fabric of Udaipur is still preserved and covers a much wider range than at most other places in the India, of similar size and population. Various elements on the heritage fabric are still much better preserved than elsewhere.
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Travel Barmer in Rajasthan, India
A tiny yet lively town in sun-drenched sands, Barmer is a miniature Rajasthan with all its color, warmth and tradition. Once called Mallani (12th century AD) the present Barmer is a district of Rajasthan state, India formed in 1949 upon the merger of Jodhpur state in the United States of Great Rajasthan, is a cluster of ancient paraganas-Mallani Shiv, Pachpadra, Siwana and the Chohatan area. Barmer is situated at a distance of 224km from Jodhpur on the Luni-Munabao section of the Northern Railways. Located atop a hill as so many of the cities of western Rajasthan are, it houses the remains of an old fort called Garh right on its peak. According to history, the 13th century founder of the district, Bahada Rao (popularly known as a Bar Rao ) gave the town its name - Barmer i.e., the hill fort of Bar. Initially called ‘Bahada-mer’ it was later shortened to Barmer. To the immediate west of the city lie the remains of Juna or Juna Barmer and to the south are the ruins of three Jain temples. There is an inscription dated 1295AD on one of the pillars of the hall of the largest temple at Juna. This mentions a Maharajakula Sri Samanta Sinha Deva ruling Barmer at the time. Being a barren wasteland, the people of Barmer have learnt the hard way that they needed to develop exceptional skills in order to survive. Thriving in this nothingness lies the town of Barmer in Rajastan state, famous for its only asset – the dexterous and creative human skill, to create art, where none was. Although it is a stretch of barren lands with harsh climate and rough terrain, Barmer is known for its rich crafts, dances and music. One on the ancient camel trade route, the town is now the center for wood carving, pottery carpets intricate embroidery work block printed fabrics and multi-hued traditional costumes.
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Travel Shekhawati in Rajasthan, India
This is a semi desert region in north Rajasthan and it is situated entirely in the triangle between Delhi-Bikaner-Jaipur. Shekhawati is a region and not just a town or fort; it takes its name after its ruler Rao Shekha. Shekhawati means the garden of Shekha. The towns of Shekhawati are eminent for their amazing painted havelis. Such is the appeal of the havelis that this region is dubbed as "open art gallery of Rajasthan". The plethora of painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes it commendable and fascinating. Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century. The Shekhawati landscape is dotted with so many havelis that tracking them is something like a treasure hunt. Various forms of fine art adorn the walls and the ceilings of these structures, complimenting the otherwise flat and barren land. The havelis are noted for their frescos depicting mythological themes and that of huge animals. Some later day frescos shows the arrival of the British and highlighting steam locomotives and train doubtlessly for the benefit of those members of the household who did not travel to distance places by train or see this newly introduced mode of transport. There are also forts, minor castles, mosques, wells called baoris and chattris to discover. The Rajputs mostly depicted the themes of historical events, personages' folk-heroes and the prominent war scenes, while the Marwaris concentrated more on religious themes but with the passage of time the themes too began to divert towards the modern views.
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Travel Ranthambore in Rajasthan, India
Ranthambore National Park is the only dry deciduous tiger habitat in the world and probably the best place in the world to see wild tigers. The Ranthambore National Park, which is a part of the much larger Ranthambore tiger reserve, a Project tiger reserve, lies in the Sawai Madhopur district of eastern Rajasthan. It is the only forest reserve in Rajasthan state and in the entire Aravali hill ranges where wild Bengal tigers still exist. The dry deciduous habitat of the reserve makes it much easier to find and observe tigers in their natural wild habitat. Ranthambore National Park is dotted with structures that remind you of bygone eras. There are many water bodies located all over the park, which provide perfect relief during the extremely hot summer months for the forest inhabitants. A huge fort, after which the park is named, towers over the park atop a hill. There are many ruins of bygone eras scattered all over the jungle, which give it a unique, wonderful and mixed flavours of nature, history and wildlife. Tigers at Ranthambore National park have been known to even hunt in full view of human visitors. These tigers are famous for being seen in the daytime too, due to their lack of fear of human presence in vehicles. This lack of fear of humans is excellent for tourists, as they get to see the tigers often.
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Travel Banswara in Rajasthan, India
Located on the banks of the River Mahi, Banswara is a tribal-dominated city in Rajasthan. Known by many names such as 'Lodi Kashi' (small Kashi due to the presence of innumerable temples in and around the town) and the 'City of Hundred Islands' (due to the existence of a number of tiny islands on the River Mahi), Banswara is a city in Banswara District in south Rajasthan in India. Banswara princely state was founded by Maharawal Jagmal Singh. Banswara lies on the southeast of Rajasthan and is bounded by Udaipur in the west, Chittaurgarh in the north and the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat in the east and the south respectively. Banswara can be best described as the native place of the Bhils who form 39% of the tribal population of India. Banswara either got its name from bans or bamboo trees (Dendorocalamus stricus) which once grew in abundance here, or from a Bhil chieftain named Bansna. This Bhil chief was killed by Maharawal Jagmal Singh in the battle over the possession of the region. But Jagmal was quite impressed by Bansna’s bravery, and true to his generous nature he named the place after his rival. Banswara is presently known as the City of Hundred Islands due to the river Mahi, which borders the district and surrounds a number of islands. The Mahi River, revered by the locals, separates the Banswara and Dungarpur districts into two distinct regions.
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Travel Churu in Rajasthan, India
Churu is like an oasis, shielding from the blistering heat of Rajasthan, but simultaneously arranging a date with the shifting golden sand dunes of Thar. Churu is a town in the desert region of Rajasthan state of India. Churu, the headquarters of the largest desert district, is a part of the frescoland of Shekhawati. 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. It also has some fine Chhatris. Near the town is a religious seat of the Nath sect of Sadhus where there are life-size Marble statue of their deities and a place for prayers. There stands a Dharam Stup, a symbol of religious equality. The city has a magnificent fort which is believed to have been built by Thakur Khushal Singh in the year 1739 AD. The proud fort stands in the middle of the town where it is said that the brave Thakur Sheoji Singh tried to defend its honour by firing silver canon balls at the attacking army of the Raja of Bikaner.
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Travel Dungarpur in Rajasthan, India
Dungarpur the "City of Hills" was founded in the 13th century and rose to fame under the Guhilot Ahara Suryavanshi Rajputs, who trace their ancestry from the elder branch of the main lineage at Chittorgarh. The cousins however came together to fight many a historic battle against the invaders. Some 700 years later, Dungarpur is still a picturesque town set amongst the rugged peaks of the Aravalli Mountains. Dungarpur is the seat of elder branch of Sisodiyas of Udaipur, while the younger branch is the seat of the Maharana of Mewar. The rulers of Dungarpur are known as the Maha Rawal. They are descendants of Bappa Rawal. The last princely ruler of Dungarpur was HH Rai-i-Rayan Maharawal Shri Bijay Singh Bahadur. The town of Dungarpur was founded in 1335 A.D. There are temples erected by Rawal Veer Singh, in the memory of Dungaria’s widows. On the hill, there is also a small fortress where Maharawal Bijai Singh built a place called Bijaigarh, which overlooks a lake. In the east of the town, there is Udai Bilas Place, named after Udai Singh II, surrounded by hills and enclosed by a small lake. Dungarpur town presents a picturesque appearance.
The city of Dungarpur is pretty well known for its distinguished style of architecture which has been extensively followed in the royal palaces and havelis (mansions). These royal residences are adorned by 'jharokhas' built in stone in a unique style typical of the area developed during the reign of Maharawal Shiv Singh (1730-1785 A. D.) The district gold and silversmiths are renowned for lacquer painted toys and picture framing.
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Travel Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India
Bharatpur, The Eastern Gate of Rajasthan, is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733. Located in Mewat region, Bharatpur was once an impregnable, well-fortified city, and the capital of a kingdom ruled by Jat maharajas. The trio of Bharatpur, Deeg and Dholpur has played an important part in the Jat history of Rajasthan. Located 50 km west of the city of Agra (the city of the Taj Mahal), it is also the administrative headquarters of Bharatpur District.
The place was named as Bharatpur after the name of Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama, whose other brother Laxman was worshipped as the family deity of the Bharatpur. The legends say the rulers Laxman’s name is engraved on the state arms and the seals. The city and the fort have been believed to be founded by Rustam, a Jat of Sogariya clan. Maharaja Suraj Mal 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 interesting aspect of the Bharatpur history is the domination of Jats in the region since 17th century. Leaders 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.
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