Rajasthan, the land of the Kings, is India at its colourful
best. There are many interesting places to visit, yet some cities are on the
popular route due to easier accessibility.
JAIPUR - boasting a rich heritage of Palaces like Rambagh Palace,
City Palace, Samode Palace and
Forts
like
Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, its
bustling bazaars are a shoppers paradise. Famous for GEMS, JEWELS, WOOLEN
CARPETS AND COOL SANGANERI COTTONS- Jaipur is a Gateway into Rajasthan.
JODHPUR - A 15th Century city set on the fringes of Thar Desert and
dominated by the magnificent
Meherangarh Fort,
built in 1459 AD-entrance to which is through a series of immense portals
and gateways.
Its museums exhibit an outstanding collection of the Jodhpur Royal Families
memorabilia-jewelry, miniature paintings, armament, saddlery, royal cradles
and festive tents.
JAISALMER - called the Golden City due to the yellow stone
extensively used in forts & haveli's- it is in the heart of the Thar
Desert, surrounded by sand dunes.
Must do-explore
beautiful mansions built by wealthy merchants and the formidable
Jaisalmer Fort towering above
all, also a one or two night
Camel Safari
into the Desert.
UDAIPUR- a romantic city replete with hill top fortresses, ornate
palaces and wonderful legends of chivalry. Famed for the Lake Palace ( a
deluxe hotel now) on Pichola Lake, and City Palace Complex. Some
Must Do- are a day trip to
Ranakpur, and/or
Eklinji and Nagda ; a sunset
cruise on Lake Pichola…
Click here for a 8 night itinerary including "Jaipur, Jodhpur,
Jaisalmer or Udaipur".
Some other interesting places worth a visit in Rajasthan:
PUSHKAR- An oasis on the fringe of the desert, Pushkar is the site
of the only ancient temple of Brahma - the CREATOR, being the spot where
Brahma came to earth. It is therefore a place for Hindu Pilgrimage, at par
with
Varanasi.
During the
Karthik Purnima ( Purnima
being a Full Moon night ) it is also the site for the
Pushakar
Mela - the largest animal fair in the world. Indian Almanacs
being based on Lunar positions the date varies from year to year and this
year it happen to be during
22 / 30 November 2001
The main three days of the fair sees hectic
activity. As many as 30,000 animals are traded including more than 3000
camels. It provides a tremendous visual spectacle of a Culture, costumes and
ethos unchanged over millennia.
It is a very popular fair and most visitors combine a tour of Rajasthan
along with a visit to Pushkar at this time. It is best to plan a trip at
least 2 to 3 months ahead to ensure hotel reservations. The high end visitor
has a choice to stay in either Luxurious Swiss Cottage Tents OR at The
Pushkar Resorts owned by Thakur Govind Deo.
CHITTOR- Far from the beaten tourist track, lies Chittor, a city
fort that epitomizes the Rajput ethos of doomed Chivalry-thrice in its
history its citizens have committed ' Jauhar' - mass suicide, preferring
death to dishonor. Set amidst lush green rolling hills the
Chittorgarh Fort is easily the
most magnificent of all Rajput fort just 130 kms from Udaipur. At least
three hours is required for a visit to the Fort and a
suitable
itinerary can be drawn via stopovers in
Tiger
sanctuary of Ranthambore and the beautiful and unspoiled town of Boondi.
Check
under customized tours- wildlife viewing
SHEKHAWATI-
about half a day's drive from Delhi, it is famous for its painted
haveli's-the Indian equivalent of haciendas and for its "Marwaris"
who control most commercial activity in the country.
Yet to become tourist, Shekhawati should be explored as an independent tour
visiting towns, forts and palaces such as
Sikar,
Jhunjhunu, Mandawa, Dunlod and Nawalgarh as well as for horse
safaris with camping. The region has produced some of the finest horsemen in
the world-and dancing horse/tent pegging shows can be organized as a special
event.
Click here for a special tour booking.
FORTS AND PALACES-AN 8-11 NTs PROGRAM
This program starts with a 2 hours drive from Delhi to
Neemrana Fort (a fort built in
1464 AD and now beautifully restored as a Heritage Hotel)) for a one night
stay. Next day there is a 3 hours drive to Jaipur for a two nights stay at a
Royal Villa in the midst of town-enjoy its old world charm
and discover the royal past of Jaipur. After
Jaipur
you drive to Pushkar and stay at
Pushkar
Palace on the banks of its Lake. On the fifth day you drive
to Jodhpur and stay at a royal residence of an erstwhile 'raja'. After two
nights stay at
Jodhpur there
is an option of driving further to Jaisalmer for a
two night Camel
Safari . Jaisalmer is in the heart of the desert region from where
Bikaner can be reached. After
2 days of touring this typical region with some spectacular palaces and
temples there would be a five hour road drive to
Mandawa.
An option of staying for 1 to 2 nights as per time available will give an
opportunity to view the Shekawati region. One returns to Delhi directly from
here.
This is a popular route covered mostly by road affording great insights
into the life and countryside of Rajasthan.
Write to us for details and pricing.
