Agra

Agra

Agra is a city situated on the river Yamuna. Largely known for its Mughal rule (1526-1658), Agra finds mention in the great Indian epic Mahabharat where it is called Agrevana or 'the border of the forest'. 

Jaipur

Jaipur   Jaipur Videos

The Kachwaha of Amber, Raja Mans Singh (1590-1614) was the chief of the Mughal army and he amassed great wealth and power from his conquests established Jaipur, a powerful regime.

Jaipur is its friendly, hospitable and relaxed people. One experience that all visitors to Pink city must have is a stroll through its colourful bazaars quite in contrast to the innumerable malls and multiplexes coming up virtually  

everywhere revealing why it has become one of the happening cities of India. 

Jaipur is blessed with innumerable attractions from the forts and palaces of Amber, natural riches of its surrounding Aravali range, world class museums, business centres in top end hotels, gems jewellery and handicrafts to exotic cuisine. Indeed there is no place like Jaipur and it is no surprise that it is among India's top most tourist destination.

Must see:

Pushkar

Pushkar

Pushkar came into existence when Lord Brahma, the Creator, to kill a demon dropped his lotus flower to earth from his hand. 3 blue lakes magically manifested in the middle of desert at the place where the petals had landed. It was here, at the banks of these lakes, Brahma held a congregation of 90,000 celestial beings.

The lake surrounded by many temples, most of them white washed, is one of the most sacred sites for Hindus. Pilgrims come from everywhere during the full moon phase of Nov month with the belief that their impurities shall be washed away.

Pushkar is also famous for its annual camel fair, which occurs during the auspicious month of Nov. Camel races happen,aggressively supported by gamblers.

The priests here are aggressive to perform rituals, sometimes asking too much money. Be on guard for this.

During British rule crocodiles used to be found in the lake. The British shifted them to a nearby reservoir though not many are found there.

Camel fair time can be overwhelming as it attracts a huge number of tourists. Eventhough Pushkar has gone commercial, still the spontaniety of meeting the locals can be very fulfilling.

There are more than five hundred temples in Pushkar but the pride of the town is its Brahma's temple. Brahma has only one temple in the whole world dedicated to him and it is at Pushkar.

For the uninitiated, Brahma is the part of the Hindu trinity of Gods: Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Sustainer), Shiva (the

 Destroyer).

Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh represents the ultimate spirit, pride and romance of the Rajput. Chittor citizens preferred to die rather than surrender. This one aspect has generated numerous tales of heroism, sacrifice and valour that dot the history of Rajputs in Rajasthan. These tales have been woven into songs that are still sung by bards today.

The fort of Chittorgarh, though in ruins now, is a strong symbol of all that was brave, true and noble in the glorious Rajput tradition.

The fort was laid to siege thrice but the fiercely independent Chittor faught bravely and thrice was Jauhar (women jumping in a big fire to die rather than get captaured by the Mughals) was committed by the ladies and children, first led by Rani Padmini (Alauddin Khilji wanted her), and later by Rani Karnavati. 

Alauddin Khilji in 1303 AD won Chittorgarh but after Rani Padmini did Jauhar other ladies of the fort. The fort men, attired in saffron robes, emerged from the fort to fight the enemy unto death. It was later re-conquered by the Rajputs.

Chittorgarh is very famous for its two widely known historical figures - First is Meera Bai, devotee of Krishna, spiritual poetess whose Bhakti tradition songs are still in vogue. Legend is that she dissapeared in the temple of Krishna.

Situated on a hill, the Chittorgarh Fort has a circular warll around it with 8 gates. 

Udaipur

Udaipur

The valley of Oodipur, the most diversified and most  romantic spot on the continent of India - Col. James Tod, Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan (1829)

Famous as city of lakes, Udaipur's setting amongst the rolling hills is beautiful. The uncertain monsoon, the rising

 population has taken a toll on the ciy. More often than not, the lakes are not full. A new canal promises to take care of this.

It is a place to relax, soak in. Especially as it comes in the middle of most Rajasthan tour itineraries. 

Udaipur, founded in 1559, used to be the capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in Rajasthan. Legend is that the then ruling king Udai Singh II came upon a hermit who assured  the king that if he builds his capital at the spot, his capital will never be won over. Those were the times when Mughals were very powerful. History says that Udaipur has remain undefeated.

Called as Venice of the East, it has many Rajput palaces now converted to luxury hotels.

The most famous of them is the Lake Palace Hotel which occupies a whole island in the lake Pichola.

Must See

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City Palace, Udaipur

Situated on the east side of Lake Pichola, it is a collection of palaces built at different times from 1559. From the palace a panoramic view of the "Jag Niwas" (the Lake Palace Hotel) along with lovely view of Jag Mandir on one side and the city of Udaipur on the other.

Once you walk through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725 your way shall now lead to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens.

 

Lake Palace

Built in 1743-1746, this palace is made of marble and is situated on Jag Niwas island in Lake Pichola. Built as a royal summer palace, it is now a famous luxury hotel. Octupussy (James Bond) was shot here.

 

Jag Mandir

Jag Mandir, which now has a restaurant, is another island in Lake Pichola which is known for its garden courtyard. Shah Jahan took refuge here while revolting against his father. 

 

Monsoon Palace

Monsoon Palace also known as Sajjan Garh Palace is the summer resort of the royalty atop the hill overlooking all of the lakes. This palace had a way to collect rain water for consumption all year around. Even in the blistering mid-day sun of June, the draught is very cool and pleasant. Amazing!

 

Jagdish Temple

Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, it is a very big temple in the middle of Udaipur. It showcases interesting architecture and is located in the main touristy areas.

 

Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is situated in the north of Lake Picholas and was expanded after heavy rains that caused much damage.

 

Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola is the main lake. It has many bathing and washing ghats. There are two islands in there - Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. Originally built by Maharana Udai Singh II, its today's jewel is the Lake Palace Hotel. It is not very deep lake and can get to be dry if monsoon fails.

 

Saheliyon-ki-Bari

Sahelion ki Bari is a garden that was constructed fora group of forty-eight young women attendants who

 accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. Set below Fatah Sagar Lake, the garden has pavillions, fountains and lotus pools. 

 

Gulab Bagh and Zoo

A rose garden near the palace on the east side of Lake Pichhola. It has a library which has a collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books. A famous arya samaj book, Satyarth Prakash has some of its part written here. Here in the garden, there is a zoo with tigers, leopards, Chinkara gazelle, birds, and many wild animals. Plus a mini train track which kids can enjoy as it runs through most part of the garden.

 

Doodh Talai

Take the rope way from Karni Mata temple to one of the gardens in Doodh Talai. This is a rock and fountain garden. At sunset you get panoramic views of Lake Pichhola and the old city.

 

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal

A museum of folk arts which has an auditorium hosting puppet shows.

 

Ahar Museum

Here is a cluster of cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. 

 

Shilpgram

A crafts village near Udaipur and hosts an annual crafts fair which is one of the biggest in India.

 

Neemach Mata Temple

A temple on a green hill in the Dewali area of Udaipur. 

 

Udaipur Solar Observatory

Asia's only solar observatory, it is situated in the middle of the Lake Fatah Sagar.

 

Sukhadia Circle

A large roundabout in Udaipur, this is a popular recreational centre and meeting place for the locals.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur

Jodhpur, founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha and named after him, a chief of the Rathore clan, is the second largest city in

 Rajasthan after Jaipur. A popular tourist destination it has many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert.

It's skyline is dominated by Mehrangahr Fort. Around the fort are blue painted houses giving the city the name of Blue City. Jodhpur is called the Sun City for its all year round bright and sunny weather.

Bikaner

Bikaner

Formerly a princely state, Bikaner was founded in 1486 by Rao Bika. Bikaner. It is the 4th largest city in Rajasthan. Water from 2 canals, the Ganga Canal completed in 1928 and the Indira Gandhi Canal completed in 1987 have allowed the farming of crops such as mustard, cotton, groundnuts, wheat and vegetables. 

Nawalgarh

Nawalgarh

Nawalgarh and around sightseeing. The beautiful Havelis, wall paintings. Soak in them, delight in them. Founded in the 18th Century by Nawal Singh, it has some of the finest frescos in the Shekhawati region. A huge fort with colourful bazaar and numerous havelis with elaborate architecture makes it an interesting destination. Nawalgarh is rightly referred to as the Open Air Gallery.

There is art all around. Nawalgarh is renowned all over the world for its exquisitely painted havelis that are beautifully designed and carved. The havelis are the mansions that boast of the beautifully carved wooden gates and the painted walls. The ornate iron and brass fittings revealed the affluence of the owner of the haveli. The marvelous murals have been painted on both the sides of the walls. The paintings were 

further decorated with small pieces of mirror, gold and silver leaves.

The religious nature of the people is revealed in the paintings that revolve around the themes for the life and times of Lord Krishna. In fact there are a range of topics that get covered on the walls of the havelis at Nawalgarh.

The list of must visit havelis at Nawalgarh comprises of the Anandilal Poddar Haveli, the Jodhraj Patodia Haveli, Bansidar Bhagat Haveli, Chokhani Haveli, the Aath (eight) Haveli complex, Chhawchhariya Haveli, Murarka Haveli, Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli, Bhagton Ki Haveli, and Khedwal Bhavan. The traders and merchants constructed most of the havelis in the 18th century and the early 19th century. The business of silk and opium brought in a lot of wealth to 

the merchants. So check out these finest frescoes in the Nawalgarh!