Jodhpur : India’s beautiful ‘Sun City’

It’s India’s ‘Sun City’ with an interesting legend to it! Legends tell of a hermit who was once turned out from a rocky ridge, so that a mighty fort could be built at the site… so enraged was he, that he cursed the land to be inflicted with drought and famine from that day forth… changing the city into the desert as we know it today, Jodhpur.

One of India’s most romantic destinations, Jodhpur; Rajasthan’s second largest city founded by Rao Jodha is known by many names such as the ‘Gateway to Thar’ as it literally lies on the edge of the Thar desert…‘Blue city’ for its many blue houses around the Mehrangarh Fort, and even ‘Sun City’ for the bright sunshine it gets throughout the year.

A city well known for its majestic forts, beautiful havelis, gardens, rich history & more, travelling to Jodhpur is no problem as the city is well connected to other parts of the country by air/ road and rail.

Dominating the skyline, and literally the centre of the city & attention  is the Mehrangarh Fort, not just the biggest attraction of Jodhpur but  also the largest fort in Rajasthan. A colossal fort, it occupies the entire hill top spreading over 150 meters; the walls of the fort are of a height of 36 meters while the width is 21 meters. Though the fort was initiated by  Rao Jodha in 1459, he did not live to see it in its full glory.

Magnificent not just from the outside but the inside as well, it was home to several palaces, temples and also an exquisite garden. Important structures here include the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), Phool Mahal  (Hall of Flowers) that was used by the Maharaja for entertainment and parties, and the Moti Mahal (Pearl Hall) was where the Maharaja allowed his audiences.

The Zenana Deodi was of palaces of his queens/consorts, and the Chamunda Mataji Temple was devoted to the Maharaja’s favorite goddess. Other attractions here include the royal throne of the Maharaja known as Sringar Chowki, the gold filigree work on the mahals, paintings, musical instruments, furniture, palanquins, weapons and attire worn by the Maharajas stored in the Mehrangarh Fort Museum, a museum considered to be one of Rajasthan’s best maintained museums to date.

While the fort has seven gateways, the most famous of them is the Jaya Pol(meaning Gate Of Victory), built by  Maharaja Man Singh to celebrate his victory over the armies of Jaipur & Bikaner. Other important gateways include the Fattehpol constructed by Mahraja Amit Singh to commemorate his victory over the Mughals, and the Loha Pol – the most guarded gateway to the palaces of the kings and queens. This gate bears the palm imprints of the many queens and princesses who committed Jawhar (self immolation) for the sake of their consorts.

Though there is no history of the fort being captured, today one can still  see impressions left by cannon balls on the walls. Also within the area are the cenotaphs of the brave kings who ruled Jodhour; Jaswant Thoda being the royal cenotaph built in memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, the 33rd king of Jodhpur.

Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1944, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is also known as Chittar Palace because of the local chittar sandstone used in it. Splendid and known for its Indo-Colonial architecture, this palace built by Henry Vaughn, is still the home of Jodhpur’s present day ‘Maharaja’ while a part of it has been converted into a heritage hotel and another portion into a museum where one can find some wonderful antiques, paintings, crafts, crockery, weapons, stuffed animals etc.

One of the biggest temples, the Mahamandir Temple about 2 km from here literally translated to ‘huge temple’ is known for its intricately carved pillars and sculptures. Built in 1812, these beautiful sculptures, and walls decorated with traditional motifs don’t fail to mesmerize tourists visiting it.

About seven km from the city, the Balsamand Lake, an artificial reservoir built in 1159 AD to provide water is today an interesting picnic spot, as it is surrounded by palaces, and gardens which attract many peacocks and other birds thus  providing a  picturesque setting for those visiting this lake. Another scenic lake here is the Takhat Sagar Lake about 10 km from the city, while the Mandore Gardens that contains cenotaphs of the former Marwar Kings is noted for their beauty. Amidst the rock terraces, these beautiful four storey red sandstone monuments along with the ruins of a fort and a palace capture the hearts to all those visiting these gardens, while Guda, is a wonderful place for tourists to enjoy the exotic wildlife of the region.

At 85 km from the city, the Khejarla Fort, a 400 year old fort built of red sandstone is another interesting attraction with its fine architecture, picturesque views, intricate Jharoka and other fine works.

Last but not the least,  Jodhpur is incomplete without a mention of the shopping one can enjoy here. A shopper’s paradise… look out for the lehengas, bandhini fabrics, ethnic clothes, exquisite handicrafts, mojiris or traditional Jodhpuri shoes that are available here!!

While handicrafts from here are famous across the country, Jodhpur is especially known for its furniture that is made of quality wood that doesn’t go out of fashion. Not only are these exquisite pieces in high demand across India but also other parts of the world.

And don’t forget those chillies for Jodhpur is also home to some of the best chilli powders that come from the Mathaniya region.

One of Rajasthan’s most beautiful destinations, Jodhpur is a destination that is known for its heritage, history, culture and rich architectural wonders, one that will have you wanting to return for more!

Ajmer :One of India’s most amazing pilgrim destinations

A pilgrim destination that’s constantly in the news for the list of celebrities heading its way… wondering what makes Ajmer a favored pilgrim site for all irrespective of religion?

A city dotted with monuments, Ajmer nestled in the foothills of the lush green Aravali Hills, was founded in the 7th century by Raja Ajpal Chauhan, and served as the stronghold of the Chauhan kings. Formerly known as Ajaymeru, this city located barely 135 km from Jaipur houses the tomb of the great Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti, one that is equally revered by both Hindus and Muslims. A saint who travelled here from Persia, Chisthi came to India from Afghanistan along with Muhammad Ghori in 1192 AD. Devotees and pilgrims believe that Khwaja listens to the prayers of all those who visit him, thus tourists from not only India but from other countries too visiting Rajasthan definitely make it a point to visit this shrine.

Today Ajmer honors this saint with a 12 day Urs festival held to mark his death anniversary.Visited by tens of thousands of tourists no matter which faith, the shrine and the town wear a festive look, with prayers being offered and quawwallis being sung at night. For Muslims of S. Asia, this shrine known for its marvelous marble dome is only next to Mecca and Medina.

The Sola Khamba or sixteen pillars, is another interesting attraction just outside Chisti’s dargah.  Built in white marble it is known for its beautiful arches and slender minarets. While the shrine  is the reason why most pilgrims visit Ajmer, here’s discovering a lot more of Ajmer than the tomb.

Found on the outskirts of the city, a mosque worth visiting though in ruins  today yet showcasing some spectacular Indo – Islamic architecture is the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra. Legends claim that this mosque was originally a college that was converted into a mosque by Mohhamed Ghauri who had the added decor completed in barely two and a half days, thus giving it the name Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra.

Another marvelous mosque here is the Shahjahan’s mosque built in white marble. A beautiful mosque it is known for its intricate carving, Persian inscriptions and sanctum.

The former stronghold of the Chauhan kings, this city has its share of forts too. Though in ruins today, the Taragarh Fort formerly known as Ajaymeru Durg, located atop a hill is a must for its picturesque views from up here. Another fort here is the Roopangarh Fort that was built in the 17th century by Maharaja Roop Singh, today converted into a luxury hotel.

Located near the main post office of the city is the Government Museum; previously the Royal Palace of Akbar, it is known to house some fine exhibits which include fine paintings, antique weapons, sculptures, and more.

Adding to the city’s beauty are two manmade lakes, the Ana Sagar and Foy Sagar. While the first was built by King Anaji the latter was named after the engineer Foy who developed it as part of a famine relief program. Both are beautiful lakes and ideal picnic grounds, with tourists being able to enjoy boating activities offered at the Ana Sagar Lake.

Ajmer is also home to around 22 Jain temples, the Nasiyan temple dedicated to the first Jain Tithankar being a must visit. Built in the 18th century, this beautiful temple also referred as Soniji ki Nasiya  is a stunning piece of work, complete with paintings and idols of gold.

While the temple town of Pushkar, one of Rajasthan’s most popular tourist destinations is an interesting getaway especially during the month of Kartik for its rich culture, its amazing Pushkar Fair, and a dip in the Pushkar Lake which is believed to cleanse the soul of sins, another interesting getaway is Baghera for its archaeological remains.

Here rock inscriptions dating back to 1226 AD can be found.  Of the many ancient monuments found here one of interest is the Varaha Avatar Temple dedicated to the boar form of Lord Vishnu. Amongst the ruins found here are also 10th century Jain temples and rocks believed to have been part of earlier temples there.

Also of interest is Mangliyawas, 26 km from Ajmer for two rare species of trees believed to be over 800 years old. Visited by tourists and devotees, this place fills up with pilgrims who come here to worship the trees during the dark moon day of ‘Sravana’  . Other attractions  include Badnor for its magnificent fort, Pachewar for its migratory birds during winters.

shopper’s paradise, look out for curious, antiques, exquisite jewellery, embroidered ‘Jutis’ as well as colorful Bandhini (tie and dye) sarees.

During the Annual Urs fair especially one can find a wide array of arts and crafts here, and not just from the local artisans but also from other nearby villages. The Ajaymeru Udyog Crafts Mela is also an excellent time to indulge in some Rajasthani shopping, with items ranging from woodworks to home decor.

Offering tourists the best of both Hindu and Muslim cultures, Ajmer a destination considered holiest by Muslims in India next to Mecca, is a wonderful attraction for those looking at visiting pilgrimage destinations across India.

Nagaur Fair is surely fascinating!

Nagaur, Rajasthan

 

One of the colorful and vibrant states in India, Rajasthan is there to lure you with its beauty, traditional dresses, ancient rituals, colorful fairs and festivals. In the festive season in Rajasthan, vibrancy, enthusiasm, colors, happiness characterizes the atmosphere of the state. Festivals and fairs are an integral part of the lives of people out there in Rajasthan. The festivals are the best way to explore the region and have a clear picture of Rajasthan and its people that is surely very fascinating. Fairs and festivals in Rajasthan offer a beautiful opportunity for people to explore the lifestyle, traditions and culture of the people in the state. Among the many places in Rajasthan that are quite popular for the festivals and fairs, Nagaur is a famous one.

Nagaur

Mentions of Nagaur can be found in ancient scriptures and Epics like Mahabharata. In the Mahabharata, it is said that the Ahichhatrapur kingdom that was conquered by Arjun and offered to Dronacharya was actually a portion of the Nagaur district. Nagaur is the birth place of Meera and Abul Fazal and also has a Parsawanath Temple located at Merta, a charbhuja and the Dargah of Sufi Saint Tarkin. Nagaur has also seen the gallantry of the Great Rao Amar Singh Rathor who bravely challenged the Mughal Empire. An old fort at Nagaur bears testimony to the famous tales of valor of the ancient rulers.

Nagaur District is located amidst 7 districts, Bikaner, Sikar, Churu, Ajmer, Jaipur, Pali, and Jodhpur. The 5^th largest district in Rajasthan, Nagaur has a vast terrain that sprawls over an area of 17,718 square kilometer. The region is a beautiful combination of hills, sand mounds, plain etc. It forms a part of the great Indian Thar Desert. Prior to the merger of the states, Nagaur belonged to the state of Jodhpur.

The district of Nagaur is a land of festivals and fairs. These fairs form an important part of the lives of the rural people, who eagerly wait for the festivals to appear. These social events serve as a beautiful opportunity for the people to gather and indulge in merry making. The fairs are also a source of livelihood for the people in Nagaur. Among the popular festivals are the Nagaur Fair, Ramdeo Cattle Fair, Baldeo Cattle Fair and Veer Tejaji Fair.

Among the several places of interest that you can pay a visit are the Nagaur Fort, Tarkeen Dargah, Glass Jain Temple and Amar Singh Rathore Ki Chhatri.

Nagaur Fair

The Nagaur Fair at Jodhpur happens to be India’s second biggest fair, continuing for eight days. The fair takes place every year in the months of January and February. Nagaur happens to be one of the fascinating towns in Rajasthan and the Nagaur Fair makes the place even more charming and fascinating!

Also know as the Nagaur Cattle fair, most important feature of the Nagaur Fair happens to be the trading of numerous camels and cattle. More than 70,000 camels, bullocks and horses are traded in this fair, every year. The animals are beautifully decked up along with their masters who are seen dressed up in the best of clothes and colorful turbans. Innumerable animals are magnificently decorated with several accessories that offer a vibrant look to the animals. Trading of spices and sheep to Marwari horses also takes place. Other attractions consist of the Mirchi bazaar, which is India’s largest red-chilly markets, the wooden items, camel leather accessories iron-crafts and many more.

Several sports activities and unique events make the Nagaur Fair an interesting one sports activity also in the fair. You can take pleasure in tug-of-war, beauty contests of the camels, camel races, bullock races and cock fights. Nagaur festival is also among the sought after fairs in India for offering entertainments to the puppeteers, jugglers, storytellers, folk dance and music and many more. Nagaur Fair is surely fascinating and the events will definitely offer you an experience of a life time. Apart from the business, the visitors at the Nagaur fair gets an excellent chance to delve deep into the traditional diversity of engrossing activities and events. Sport events contribute for the fun element at the Cattle fair.  Folk music and dance however, steals the show!

The fair gives the local people a platform whereby the diverse artworks of Rajasthan, jewelry items, beads, saddles, strings, saddle-straps and cowries, household items, brassware, woolen blankets, silver ornaments, bead necklaces, printed textiles, patchwork, tie ‘n’ dye fabrics etc are displayed for sale. So in a way the festival acts has a great source of livelihood for the villagers. Food stalls with varied mouth-watering dishes can be found at the Nagaur Fair

In the year 2010, the Nagaur Fair took place from 20^th January 2010 to 28^th January 2010. In 2011, the festival will commence on 10^th of February and continue till 13^th of February, 2011.

Royal Safari Camp

Every year on the occasion of the Nagaur a Royal Safari camp is organized. Surrounded with flowers and sand dunes, the ground is well-maintained by the villagers in a way how the old farming nurtures our environment. Tented accommodations are organized at the Royal Safari Camp at Jaisalmer on the occasion of the New Year.

At present, 40 Non A.C. tents and 20 luxury A.C. tents, that is 60 tents in total are put up for offering accommodation to the people who come down to enjoy the amazing Nagaur Fair. Luxuriously and beautifully designed tents, with well-appointed bedrooms, private verandah and large bathrooms make it an amazing experience for the tourists. With contemporary interiors though, the Royal Safari Camp doesn’t fail to maintain and portray the traditional feel of the state of Rajasthan through the uses of marbles, blue pottery and other items.

How to Get To Nagaur

Air: Jodhpur is the nearest airport from Nagaur and is located at a distance of 138 km. Daily flights connect the region to Mumbai, Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur.

Rail: Nagaur is well linked to Kolkata by Howrah-Jaipur Express and to Jaipur by Jaipur-Bikaner Intercity Express.

Road: Regular buses ply in between Jodhpur and Nagaur. Other regions in Rajasthan are also connected to Nagaur by buses.

Accommodation at Nagaur

If you are looking to come down to Naguar for the very popular, Nagaur Fair, you can put up a stay at any of the hotels in the region like-

• The Pride Hotel
• Khimsar Fort (Welcom Heritage Group Hotels)
• Hotel Mahaveer International
• Royal Camp (Mobile Camp)
• Centre Point Hotel

 

 

 

Palace on Wheels: Travel in Royal Splendor!

Palace on Wheels Route Map

 

Revive the delight of traveling across the different corners of India, through train tours. Ever since the year 1851, trains have always served as the most important medium of travelling in the country, and the arrival of fascinating luxury trains has made the means of transport even more luxurious. Rediscovering the timeless beauties of India, on luxury trains has been quite popular among the travelers. It is a brilliant way to explore the country amidst supreme comfort and luxury.

The luxury trains in India would offer you every bit of extravagance that you could ever imagine, from customized dinner services, excellent bed-rooms, internet and television, to a lot more. Touring in the luxury trains would add that extra bit of romance and glamour to your tour. So be it a Rajasthan tour or a Goa tour or may be a Golden Triangle tour, you just need to seat back and take pleasure in the royal experience at the luxury tour trains in India.

Palace on Wheels

Ever wondered what lavishness and comfort in the regal times was all about? Come and explore India, with Palace on Wheels; explore the royal times! Palace on Wheels is a luxurious train, which bears the stamps of the ancient Rajputana Era, coupled with a fascinating fairytale tour that would take you to the beautiful land of Rajasthan. It’s magical to be on Palace on Wheels; it’s amazing to traverse through the rugged landscape in Rajasthan; it’s a delight to experience the traditional hospitality of the region; it’s fascinating to enjoy the sight of Royal India from Rajasthan, Jaipur, Chittorgarh, Bharatpur, to Udaipur, and Sawai Madhopur etc. And of course the icing on the cake happens to be the royal comfort and luxury given to the tourists.  Journey on the Palace on Wheels is truly and experience of a lifetime! It is the best possible way to have a look at the dream country of India.

History

In the eighties, Indian Railways in association with Rajasthan Tourism decided to resurrect the forgotten symbols of the rich heritage. 13 carriages from various princely states were put together and renovated. Thus the Palace on Wheels started its journey on 26^th of January 1982. Regular operations commenced from October 1982. This one of its kind holiday train thus evoked the rich past amidst the modern comfort and luxury.

Pride of Railways in India, the Palace on Wheels, is replete with coaches deriving its name from the various princely states in India. Each carriage consists of built-in wardrobes, mirrors, showers, night-lights, service bells piped music and public address system. The rooms and the corridors of the trains are elegantly decorated with gorgeous carpets, furniture and many more. Large window offer you views of the landscape and the desert. Each coach ends with a lounge.

The Palace on Wheels is the only luxury train in India that operates regularly and presently consists of 14 inter-connected and well appointed coaches, namely Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Alwar, Sirohi, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Bundi, Bharatpur, Jhalawar, Dungarpur and Dholpur. Each of the saloons consists of four coupes or sleeping rooms with attached bathroom and toilet. 1 saloon captain and two attendants are there in every saloon to take care of your personal requirements. Further a mini pantry with arrangements for snacks and tea/coffee is also there in each saloon.

Further 2 Dining Cars, 1 bar-cum-lounge, 4 service cars, library, beauty parlor and a gym find place in this completely air conditioned heritage train of Rajasthan. The Palace on Wheels dining cars has been decorated in typical Rajasthani style. The two restaurants are the Maharaja and Maharani restaurants, where lip-smacking Rajasthani dishes, Indian and Continental cuisines are served amidst warm hospitality. The Bar-cum-Lounge is stocked with an assortment of hard drinks and beverages. From wines to spirits, cocktails to mock tails, you would get it all.

Other facilities of this luxury train include four twin-bedded chambers decorated in Rajasthani décor, intercom, attached toilets, channel music, running water and many more. First aids are always available in Palace on Wheels since health of the tourist always tops the list of priorities. Doctors on call can also be arranged. You can engage yourself in playing Chess, Cards, Carom Board, Chinese checkers, and Crossword Puzzles etc. Each guest on Palace on Wheels is given an arrival kit comprising of brochures, stationery items, cards etc. The attendants or ‘Khidmatgars’ are always there at your service. They would take care of all your travel related needs. Sufficient safety arrangements are also there to take care of you and your personal belongings. For the disabled persons, special assistance is available like crèches, wheel chairs, and special attendants for physical assistance.

In the year 1999, the Palace on Wheels underwent a renovation whereby the décor of the coaches, bar, lounge, etc was completely changed with a blend of the traditional and the modern. The toilets were redone. CD Players and color television sets were provided and most importantly satellite phones were made available in the train in order for the tourists to communicate in any corner of the world.

Palace on Wheels Itinerary

The itineraries of Palace on Wheels comprise 7 Nights and 8 Days of an imperial and majestic journey on the luxurious train. You get to visit beautiful cities, wildlife sanctuaries, historical monuments etc. The train starts every Wednesday from Delhi Cantonment Railway station.

• Day 1: New Delhi
• Day 2: Jaipur
• Day 3: Jaisalmer
• Day 4: Jodhpur
• Day 5: Madhopur
• Day 6: Udaipur
• Day 7: Bharatpur , Agra
• Day 8: Arrive Delhi

The magical journey starts from the Delhi cantonment station where the tourists are given a warm welcome for a long luxury journey through the fascinating state of Rajasthan.

The first itinerary of the Palace-on-Wheels is the beautiful city of Jaipur, which is counted among the well-planned cities in the world. Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur was founded in 1728 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The train would take you to Palace of Winds and Hawa Mahal.

Jaipur is followed by a stopover at the Amber Fort, located 8km away. Ride on the elephants here adds excitement to your journey. You can also go for shopping of items like handicrafts, carpets, jewellery, blue pottery and textiles. After having your lunch, you will be taken to where you would get to see the Jantar Mantar. You would then visit the magnificent city of Jaisalmer, located amidst the Thar Desert. Rawal Jaisal founded the city in 1156 A.D. Unwind yourself in the city of Jaisalmer, among the beautiful havelis and the mansions.

Next morning you would be off to Rajasthan’s 2^nd largest city, Jodhpur. Founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur is famous for its architectural splendor evident in Mehrangarh Fort, palaces like Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Moti Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana etc. Next the Palace-on-Wheels reaches Sawai Madhopur, which derived its name from the founder, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. Here, visit the Ranthambhore National Park that is considered the best wild life sanctuary in India for observing the activities of tigers. Over 300 species of beautiful birds are found here. You would also get to see jackal, hyena and fox. On you way back to Palace-on-Wheels, you will be taken Chittorgarh, where you will experience the colorful countryside.

Next Morning, you will be at the Lake city of Udaipur. The founder of the city was Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar. Among the beautiful sites at Udaipur are the marble palaces – The Jag Mandir and The Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) that seems to come out of Lake Pichhola.

Next morning, the Palace on Wheels arrives at the capital city of Bharatpur, where you get to see the famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Egrets, Siberian cranes, migratory Water Fowl and an array of species of birds can be traced here.

The next morning, your journey comes to an end with pleasant memories of your journey lingering on your mind and soul for a long time! Palace on Wheels: Travel in Royal Splendor, truly!

Desert Festival in Jaisalmer: A Cultural Glory!

 

Map of Jaisalmer

 

 

Once a quiet desert city, Jaisalmer has changed itself greatly into an important tourist destination in India. Located amidst the scenic and quaint Thar Desert, the city of Jaisalmer counts among the top destinations in Rajasthan. As you explore this interesting city of Jaisalmer, you would get to know the different facets of this city. Rich havelis, historical forts and monuments abounds Jaisalmer. Among these, the Jaisalmer Fort is the most famous and beautiful. The blend of the ancient and medieval period architecture is surely to catch your imagination.

History tells us that once, the head of Yadav Clan, Lord Krishna, predicted to Arjuna that a distant descendent from the Yadav Clan shall set up his kingdom on top of the Trikuta Hill. In 1156 A.D. a descendent from the Yadav Clan, Rawal Jaisal and Bhatti Rajput discarded the fort near Lodurva, thereby founding a new capital city, Jaisalmer atop the  Trikuta Hill. Thus the prediction was fulfilled.

The historic city of Jaisalmer brings with it immense charm. The city is famous for being the site of the very popular desert Festival, which takes place every year.

As the winters break into the tranquil city of Jaisalmer, the much eagerly “wait” for the lovely “Desert Festival” starts. The grandeur and craze of the festival is unparalleled and something to envy at. The empty sands of the Thar Desert suddenly seem to be enhanced with beauty and color. The quaint and serene city of Jaisalmer all of a sudden seems to be filled with life, music and joy.

The folk culture in the region is on a high as the local men and women get dressed in their gorgeous Rajasthani costumes and involves in merry making. The traditional music of Rajasthan at the Desert Festival of Jaisalmer would surely touch your hearts. Camel and horse sports, variety of competitions, traditional cuisines, beautiful desert belongings and artwork welcomes you to the Jaisalmer Desert Festival.

This 3 day festival, which happens in the month of February and ends on a Full Moon Day, glorifies and upholds the rich culture of the region to people outside the regional boundaries. The main aim behind starting this desert Festival was to draw the foreigners into the region as they are very interested in exploring the many facets of Rajasthan.

Organized by Rajasthan Tourism, on the backdrop of the amazingly gorgeous Jaisalmer Fort, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival takes the help of the medium of dance and folk songs to promote the tradition and culture of Jaisalmer. People decked in beautiful costumes, dance along and sing the touching ballads of romance, bravery and tragedy. Snake charmers, acrobats, puppeteers, folk artists are there to enchant and charm you.

Many eminent musicians from different corners of India come to the Jaisalmer Desert Festival to fill your mind and soul with some great performances. The festival is also a great platform for the budding talents to showcase their skill and art to the large number of people. From gymnasts to scary snake charmers, puppet shows to captivating folk recitals, you will get it all at the Jaisalmer Desert festival.

Every year in February Jaisalmer becomes alive with vivacious colors, melody and harmony of camels. The time is absolutely the best time to be in the city of Jaisalmer if you are interested in experiencing the extravaganza, vibrancy, culture and music of Rajasthan.

The preparation for the Festival starts well in advance. Musicians, performers, dancers and artists from different corners of Rajasthan and the country, moves into the golden city of Jaisalmer in multi-colored caravans. The entire city of Jaisalmer looks gorgeous and it’s a magical experience. Apart from the display of diverse performing arts, you would also get a glimpse of other interesting events taking place at the Jaisalmer Desert Festival. You can engage yourself in shopping amidst the exquisite hand-woven shawl, embroidered skirts, carved wooden and stone items, leather bags, terracotta, silver jewelry, camel decorations and many more.

Cultural programs, music and dance shows take place during the evenings. Vibrating drums would fill your ears from a long distance. Varied performing arts are displayed. As night goes by, the number of people swells up. On the Full Moon Night, the grand finale takes place amidst the sand dunes and innumerable people.

Although the basic format of the festival remains the same every year, yet many new events are also introduced from time to time. Another memorable and spectacular event that takes place at the Desert Festival of Jaisalmer, is “Blood, Blade and Romance”, which is like a dream pageant show. A fascinating event takes place t the festival where trained camel polices guard the border in the west. Folk ensemble of many musicians can also be seen at the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer. The many events on camel bear testimony to the fact that camels form an important part of the people leaving in desert areas. At the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, camels are beautifully dressed up and made to participate in a competition, where the best decked up camel wins the competition. The camel is dressed with special care and there is also a folk song that describes the making of the necklace for the camel, i.e. “Gorband”. The camel event is divided into two parts for more fun and enjoyment, camel dance and camel polo. Moustache and turban tying are yet another interesting shows at the festival, which not only upholds the magnificent tradition of the region but also facilitates the preservation of the tradition. Moustache and turban have always been honorary symbols in the land of Rajasthan. When the moustache is kept twisted upwards it means that the pride has been kept intact, while on the other hand, if someone has a drooping moustache, it means that the person has surrendered completely. In case of turbans, it is more of a art form where turbans are tied of different colors and styles, which describes the different region, caste and occasion. It may appear complicated to me and you but those who know the art of turban tying can tie large meters of cloth in seconds.

So what are you waiting for? It’s much more interesting to go out there and watch these events happening live, in front of your eyes. We bet, you would be left spellbound. The Jaisalmer Desert Festival would surely take you through a magical experience of a life time. Truly, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival is a Cultural Glory.

How to Reach Jaisalmer

The nearest airport to Jaisalmer is the Jodhpur Airport. Several airlines likes Jackson Airways have commenced flights to Jaisalmer from the city of Delhi, nut only in the peak season that is in the months of December to February.

Jaisalmer is also connected to other parts through railways. For instance, Delhi-Jaisalmer Express connects Jaisalmer to Delhi. Jaisalmer can also be reached by traveling to Jodhpur and then taking a train from there to Jaisalmer.

Comfortable AC buses are offered by the Rajasthan Roadways that plies in Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaipur thereby connecting these places to Jaisalmer. Well maintained roadways link Jaisalmer to other towns and cities in Rajasthan.

Explore the Rich Tradition of India at Pushkar Camel Fair!

Pushkar

A small town in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, Pushkar is located at an approximate elevation of 1673 feet. It is among the 5 sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites or dhams and is often referred as “Tirth Raj” meaning the ‘king of pilgrimage sites’. Pushkar in recent times has become very popular even among the foreigners especially because the foreigners are interested in knowing the tradition and culture of ancient India. What a better place to explore this, then Pushkar! Lying on the shores of Lake Pushkar, Pushkar is among the oldest town in India.

Nestled within a beautiful valley surrounded with hills on the 3 sides and sand dunes on the other sides, Pushkar is about 14km away from Ajmer. A fascinating destination with a befitting religious backdrop, Pushkar draws numerous visitors very year from all corners of the globe.  The place is held in great esteem by the Hindus as a pious center.

It is believed that in a battle, demon Vajra Nabh was killed by lord Brahma with the help of a lotus flower, the petals of which floated down to the Earth and fall in 3 places near Pushkar. Lakes were believed to spring up from where the lotus petals landed. As per the legends, Pushkar Lake was once surrounded with 52 palaces and 500 temples. Out of these many temples, the Brahma temple is a major temple here and it is also the sole Brahma temple in India.

Reference of the town of Pushkar finds place in the writings of Fa-Hien, the 4^th century Chinese traveler. Mentions of the places are also there in the Epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana and several scripts during the period of Muslim invasion. Pushkar is very popular for its diverse festivals and fairs that form an integral part of the life of people there. It is especially famous for being the venue of the only Brahma Temple in India. With more than 52 ghats for bathing and 400 temples, not many places in India can match the spiritual and religious passion connected with this small town in Rajasthan. In the Kartik month, the place is a must see when the arid and charming town becomes lively with frenzied burst of emotions and activity. With the merrily dressed up local folks, the rich Rajasthani folklores of bravery, music and the holy and divine chants from the scriptures echoing in the air, the people of Pushkar prepares for the world famous Pushkar Fair. It’s the time to trade live stocks like camel and cattle from all parts of India. It’s the time for the numerous devotes to take a dip at the sacred lake of Pushkar.

Pushkar Camel Fair

The Pushkar Fair or the Pushkar Camel Fair takes place every year in the month of November, during Kartik Purnima i.e. full moon day. A travel to the fair is regarded as a highly rated experience in India. A huge fair, Pushkar fair draws more than 300,000 people, 20,000 camels, horses and cattle. For the visitors the Pushkar Camel Fair is an experience of a lifetime. It’s an amazing opportunity to witness the joy amongst people, the color of unity, carnival, traditional melas, livestock, traders and villagers of Rajasthan and much more.

Commencing on the month of October- November, on the occasion of Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, the Pushkar Fair continues for a period of 5 days until Kartik Purnima. It won’t be wrong to call the fair, cattle fair since the fair is the site for trading of large number of camels, cattle, horses, cows, sheep, goats etc. After the process of purchasing and selling, the parade of the popular breed and cattle is held.  Although different animals are sold and purchased here, camels however, rule. The camels decked up with clothes and interesting patterns are formed. Stalls selling fine materials and jewelry for the camels are also set up. When the camels walk past the sand dunes, the bangles and silver bells in their hoofs produces amazing sounds. One important ritual at the fair is camel’s nose piercing. With more than 25,000 camels traded, the Pushkar Camle Fair is definitely the biggest camel fair in the world.

One interesting feature of the Pushkar Camel Fair happens to be the camel competition, where beautifully decked up camels parade and compete in a beauty contest. The best looking camel is also awarded a prize. In another competition, many people seat together on the camel back where the camel tries to throw away its riders off the back amidst numerous spectators. The camel that manages to accommodate on its back, maximum people is declared the winner.  Competitions like “moustache”, “Matka Phod” and “bridal competition” are among the major attractions of the Pushkar fair.

The fair also acts as a platform for showcasing and upholding of varied artworks from Rajasthan such as jewelry items, saddle-straps, beads, saddles, strings and cowries, Silver ornaments, household items, brassware woolen blankets bead necklaces, patchwork, printed textiles, tie ‘n’ dye fabrics and many more. A lot of people are seen engaged in having tattoos on their bodies. The fair is also known for the varied body tattoos it offers. Food stalls with different varieties of food are also set up. Exhibitions and cultural shows are also held in to liven up the event.

The most amazing part of the Pushkar Camel festival is the fact that although people take pleasure in the religious, cultural, social fervor and festivity, the animal at the fair are probably those who enjoy the maximum. They seem to love and enjoy the attention that they get at this 5 day long festival. So for a change, the animals are also taken care of and made part of our enjoyment and merry making. Happiness and fun is thus not restricted to human beings only but also the animals have a reason to smile, here at the Pushkar Mela.

If you have an interest for the culture and tradition of Rajasthan and therefore India, surely visit Pushkar once, during the time of Pushkar Fair. The fair is the amalgamation of people for merry making and business, leaving behind the barriers of caste and creed.

Visit the Brahma Temple or take a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake. Take part in the cultural activities or engage in shopping of ethnic and traditional items. Interact with the different tribal folks or experience the culture of the region. Most importantly, “explore the Rich Tradition of India at Pushkar Camel Fair”! The Pushkar Camel Fair is definitely an experience of a magical sojourn to the state of Rajasthan.

How to Reach Pushkar

Pushkar experiences extreme climate. In summers the maximum temperature goes up to 40-45oC and in winters, the temperature can go down to 10oC. There is not much rain during the monsoon. If you are thinking about the ideal time to visit Pushkar, then the winter months from October to March is perfect for your visit.

The nearest airport that connects Pushkar to other parts of India is the Sanganer Airport, in Jaipur. The airport is 146km away from Pushkar and is well linked to important cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Jodhpur Indore, and Udaipur.

The closest rail head serving Pushkar is Ajmer railway station, which is only about 11 km from Pushkar. Being a major location itself, Ajmer is very well connected to different corners of India and is well served by numerous trains.

The roadways and national highways of India and Rajasthan make traveling through roads to Pushkar easy. An important bus stand, i.e. the Marwar bus stand in the northern part of Pushkar, links the region to places such as Jodhpur, Delhi, and Bikaner. Another important bus stand is the Ajmer bus stand located in the east of Pushkar. There are regular bus services from Pushkar to destinations like Jaipur, Indore, Ajmer, and Nagda etc.

Routes Leading to Pushkar

From North

• Major Rail Stations: Srinagar, Kullu Manali, Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Agra, Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Shimla, Pant Nagar, Kanpur, Dehradun, Jodhpur
• Domestic Airports: Srinagar, Kullu Manali, Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur,            Varanasi, Agra, Jammu, Amritsar, Shimla, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Kanpur, Jodhpur, Pant Nagar,
• International Airports: Amritsar, Delhi and Jaipur.

From South

• Major Rail Stations: Madurai, Periyar, Chennai, Cochin, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Mysore
• Domestic Airports: Cochin, Rajahmundry, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Hubli, Tirupati, Belgaum, Mangalore, Pondicherry, Calicut, salem, Agatti, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Port Blair, Madurai, Tuticorin.
• International Airports: Chennai, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, Cochin and Bangalore.

From East

• Major Rail Stations: Sealdah and Howrah in Kolkata, Guwahati
• Domestic Airports: Kolkata, Gaya, Guwahati,
• International Airports: Gaya, Kolkata,

From West

• Major Rail Stations: Mumbai, Ratlam, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Vadodara
• Domestic Airports: Ahmedabad, Goa, Mumbai, Bhuj, Rajkot, Porbandar, Kandla, Jamnagar Keshod, Vadodara, Aurangabad, Bhavnagar, Pune
• International Airports: Ahemdabad, Mumbai, Goa

 

Forts and Palaces in Rajasthan: Epitome of Historical Treasures!

Rajasthan Forts and Palaces

Does the beauty of the palaces and royalty of the forts interest you? Do the secret sagas of the forts and places charm you? If yes, then Rajasthan is surely the place for you to be in. Blessed with rich cultural heritage, the incredible land of Rajasthan is a favorite destination of all.

The largest state in India, Rajasthan is located in the North Western part of the country. For long, the state has been retaining and maintaining its century old richness and glory of the stunning monuments, colorful customs and rich traditions. It has been founded that every 4^th foreign travelers visiting India, definitely visits Rajasthan. Sand dunes, amazing lakes, wooded hills, rugged forts, beautiful palaces, colorful skirts and turbans, quiet villages, bustling towns, camels, tigers and elephants, scorching sunlight and the cool breeze in the evening are what characterize Rajasthan.

Although home to endless attractions such as wildlife sanctuaries, temples, national parks, sand dunes and desert land, Rajasthan is famous and popular for its forts and palaces, which are truly the epitome of historical treasures.

Forts in Rajasthan: Architectural Pleasures

The Rajput bastions, the royal havelis, the graceful castles and many more have been the abode of courtliness for centuries. Visitors and the guests and even the strangers were greeted with warm hospitality. The Rajasthan forts are undoubtedly the finest manuscripts ever, which spell the tale of the daring and adventurous Rajputs. Experienced than me or you, these magnificent structures are surely the architectural treasures of Rajasthan. The Forts in Rajasthan are the expressions of the bygone period. Come and tour the majestic forts of Rajasthan through our eyes!

• Taragarh Fort

Situated 39 km from Kota, the Taragarh Fort was built in 1354. The fort consists of 3 gateways, Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak. In its glorious days, the Taragarh Fort was well-known for its crisscrossing tunnels. Have a look at Bhim Burj, the largest battlement consisting of a canon and huge water reservoirs of stone or pay your homage at the Miran Saheb ki Dargah situated in the fort walls. At the time when Ajmer was dominated by the Mughals, the Taragarh fort served as a military activity center, while in the British period, it was used as a sanitarium. One of the popular attractions of the fort is the tourists can enjoy a bird’s view of the region from the Taragarh Fort, which is beautifully placed on the top of Nagpahari hill in Ajmer. Come and involve yourself in exploring the royal secrets of this wonderful stone structure.

• Amber Fort

Located 11 km away from Jaipur, the Amber fort overlooks the Maotha Lake, which makes the fort even more popular among the tourist. It is wonderful to experience the reflection of the ramparts and the terraces on the water. Built in red sandstone and white marble, the Amber fort is an attractive piece of architecture. While the fort looks craggy and rough from outside, its interior is warm and soothing. The lovely paintings on the walls of the forts portray the Rajput temperament of adventure and revolution.

• Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh fort in Chittorgarh is yet another splendid piece of architecture in Rajasthan. There are several palaces inside the fort such as Fateh Prakash Palace, Rana Kumbha Palace, Tower of Victory and Padmini’s Palace, which are surely a must visit for you. This hilltop citadel of Chittorgarh symbolizes Rajput chivalry.

• Bikaner Fort

Bikaner Fort also known as the Junagarh Fort was established by the Mughal Emperor, Raja Raj Singh. The fort is replete with 37 citadels protecting the fort, several palaces, pavilions, towers and temples. The elegantly beautiful Chandra Mahal is decorated with art works and mirrors. Then there are also the magnificent Anup Mahal, Phool Mahal and the very popular Karan Mahal that was built to honor the victory over Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor.

• Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort or the ‘fort of victory’ is a rough structure constructed in the year 1726 by Sawai Jai Singh. It served as a royal treasury for long. Perched on top of a cliff, the fort is covered with huge battlements replete with walkways providing eye-catching views of the region. Jaivan, the largest cannon of the world can be found here. The supply of water and the storage system in the fort also interests many travelers. Located in the north of Jaipur, the Jaigarh fort comes with a museum and also offers breathtaking view of the region.

• Jaisalmer Fort

The 2^nd oldest fort of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer Fort was established in 1156. It comes with 99 citadels. This golden-yellow structure of sandstone is located atop Trikuta Hills. Also known as Sonar Kella, the fort finds reference in legendry film maker Satyajit Ray’s popular film “Sonar Kella”. The fort has been named so because it seems like rising as a mirage from beneath the sands, with its tower pointing at the sky.

Palaces in Rajasthan: Eternal Beauty

Rajasthan, the ‘land of chivalry and romance’, exhibits some wonderful palaces scattered in various corners of Rajasthan. Apart from exemplifying the beautiful craftsmanship, the palaces in Rajasthan also tells us royal stories of the Rajputs.    As you take pleasure in the magnificent edifices, they are bound to touch your heart and captivate you with their charm. Let us explore some of the popular palaces in Rajasthan that are sources of eternal beauty.

• City Palace

Sawai Maharaja Jai Singh who founded the city of Jaipur also laid down the foundation of the City Palace. Originally being used for various official purposes the palace at present serves well as a museum. Established in 1959 by Sawai Man Singh II, the museum was previously called Maharaja of Jaipur Museum until 1970 when it was renamed as Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. Fine blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture, the museum draws huge number of tourist from across the globe.  It is divided into many buildings and gardens with 2 entrances, Jaleb Chowk and Tripolia Gate.

• Lake Palace

Lake Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan is a mesmerizing structure of white marble that seems to rise out of Lake Pichola and offer you irresistible charm. Maharana Jagat Singh II laid down the foundation of the Lake Palace in 1754. Soaked in immense beauty, Lake Palace comes with sophisticated royalty in the form of its elegantly designed apartments and rooms. Cuspidal arches, pink stones, painted mirrors, fountains, gardens, lotus leaves etc adds to the beauty of Lake Palace. While in Lake Palace, have a look at the Bada Mahal, Khush Mahal, Phool Mahal Ajjan Niwas, and Dhola Mahal. The best time to visit Lake Palace is during the dawn and the dusk. Enjoy the magical reflection of the palace in the water or go for a boat ride in Lake Pichola but definitely visit Lake Palace for an unforgettable experience.

• Umaid Bhavan Palace

Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, with the aim to provide food through work to those who were badly affected by the famine in Rajasthan during 1929-34, Umaid Bhavan Palace offers a beautiful sight. Located atop Chittar Hills, the palace bears the stamps of the Rajpuatana architecture. Also known as Chittar Palace, Umaid Bhavan Palace has large courtyards, terraces and balconies, royal rooms and blossoming gardens.  The palace has been divided into 3 parts. One of the parts is used by the grandson of Umaid Singh, Gaj Singh and his family. The 2^nd part has been changed to a museum while the 3^rd part serves as one of the heritage hotels of Jodhpur.

• Hawa Mahal

Counted among the captivating and gorgeous piece of architecture, the Hawa Mahal located in Jaipur, Rajasthan is there to mesmerize you with its beauty. The blend of fine Rajputana architecture and the splendid Mughal style that can be found in Hawa Mahal speaks for the glorious stories of the royal families. Hawa Mahal is a 5 storied pyramidal portico having 953 windows or “Jharokhas”, beautifully decorated with lattice work. The windows serve in keeping the place cool. The palace is also replete with arched roofs and screened balconies. The ideal time to pay a visit to the Hawa Mahal is during the early mornings when the golden rays of the sun make the palace appear even more beautiful.

How to Reach Rajasthan

You can reach this royal land of Rajasthan through airways, railways and roadways. Three important airports, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur finds place in Rajasthan. Regular flights are operated by major airlines from different cities in India. If you are looking to avail trains in order to reach Rajasthan, then the major railway stations in the state are Ajmer, Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur etc where different trains operate. You can also experience the luxury train journeys in Rajasthan like the “Palace of Wheels” and “Heritage on Wheels”. Different state and national highways links Rajasthan to various parts of India thereby making traveling easier. Since Rajasthan is very hot during the summers, so the ideal time to visit the place is during the winter months.

So what are waiting for? Come and visit Rajasthan and capture the majestic splendor of the palaces and forts.