Rajasthan Travel Information

Tourism of Rajasthan
Rajasthan has several tourist sights, especially in ancient and medieval architecture. Places of interest are Mount Abu, Ajmer, Alwar(Sariska tiger sanctuary), Bharatpur (Keoladeo bird sanctuary), Bikaner, Jaipur (the Pink City), Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pali, Jaisalmar and Chittorgarh. Tourism was given industry status in 1992.

State Capital Jaipur
Population ('000s in 1991) 44,006
Area ('000 sq. km) 342
Females per 1000 males (1991) 910
Literacy rate (1991) 38.6
Ratio of urban population (1991) 22.9
Net Domestic Product (Rs. million at current prices in 1992-93) 229,360
Per Capita Income (Rs. at current prices in 1992-93) 5,035
Principal Language Hindi and Rajasthani

Rajasthan is located in the northwestern part of the subcontinent. It is bounded on the west and northwest by Pakistan, on the north and northeast by the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, on the east and southeast by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and on the southwest by the state of Gujarat. The Tropic of Cancer passes through its southern tip in the Banswara district. The state has an area of 132,140 square miles (342,239 square kilometres). The capital city is Jaipur.

In the west, Rajasthan is relatively dry and infertile; this area includes some of the Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert. In the southwestern part of the state, the land is wetter, hilly, and more fertile. The climate varies throughout Rajasthan. On average winter temperatures range from 8° to 28° C (46° to 82° F) and summer temperatures range from 25° to 46° C (77° to 115° F). Average rainfall also varies; the western deserts accumulate about 100 mm (about 4 in) annually, while the southeastern part of the state receives 650 mm (26 in) annually, most of which falls from July through September during the monsoon season.

Rajasthan has a single-chamber legislative assembly with 200 seats. The state sends 35 members to the Indian national parliament: 10 to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and 25 to the Lok Sabha (Lower House). Local government is based on 30 administrative districts.

Rajasthan Wildlife Safari Tour

Rajasthan is well known for its world famous handicrafts and textiles. Besides Rajasthan is the land of some of the finest Sanctuaries and National parks of India and the world. Noted among them are Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) , Sariksa Tiger Reserve and Ranthambhor National Park .

One needs to take the help of safaris for better exploration of the wildlife in Rajasthan . You can choose from many options available like Camel Safari, Horse Safari, Tiger Safari, Bird safari or a Jeep Safari to easily negotiate and enjoy the vast and stretched natural habitats of Rajasthan.

Camel Safari is the popular choice for the tourists but you need to know the balancing act and getting use to the movement of the Camel. The adventure trip inside the Thar Desert is the one that you won't be able to forget your whole life.

If you want to spot a Tiger in his own natural habitat you should visit the world famous Ranthambhor National Park in Rajasthan. Tiger Safari is exclusively offered to you for tracking Tigers, an experience you can never forget in life. Apart from Tigers you can also spot Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Marsh Crocodile, Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazzelle, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a large number of birds.

Sariksa Tiger Reserve is another very import wildlife destination in Rajasthan. It is situated in the huge and thickly wooded reserve cradled in the picturesque valley of the Aravali. The park is noted for its population of rare breed of tigers, leopard, sambhar, nilgai, wild dog, and chinkaras.

If you are a bird lover, then there can't be a better place than the Bharatpur National Park, Rajasthan. One of the finest bird parks in the world Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary supports not only the indigenous water birds but also a large number of exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet as well as Siberian Cranes from Arctic, Graylag Geese from Siberia and bar headed Geese from China. Colonies of Cormorants, Spoon Bills, Storks, Egrets, Herons, Pelicans and Ibis can be spotted all over the park.

Rajasthan Holiday Tour

Rajasthan- the Land of Rajputs is a majestic tapestry of camels plodding over soft sand dunes of the Thar Desert. The landscape of Rajasthan is dotted with island palaces gleaming on idyllic blue lakes; temples and fortresses situated on hilltops of the rugged and rocky Aravalli; strong testimony of Rajput dynasties; and well laid out gardens which add to the grandeur and charm of this majestic land. The royal cities of Rajasthan India like - Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, Pushkar, Ajmer, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Ranakpur, Jaisalmer and the charismatic Shekhawati Region - add up to the attraction of Rajasthan.

Ajmer - The Door of Khwaja
Location: The city of Ajmer is located in Rajasthan, 130 km southwest of Jaipur. It is flanked by the Ana Sagar Lake on one side and the Aravali range on the other. Ajmer is drained by the Luni River and by the tributaries of Banas River.

Tourist Destinations : Ajmer is famous as a pilgrim place. It houses the Dargah or tomb of the Sufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world throng Ajmer to visit the tomb every year. The city also boasts of a number of monuments belonging to the Mughal era. It is also known for its traditional handicrafts. The Ana Sagar Lake and Daulat Bagh are other important sites within the city. Ajmer also has an imposing fort built by Akbar. It also houses the government museum within it. The Nasiyan (Red) Jain Temple built in the 19th century is also worth paying a visit.

Bikaner - The Fort City
Location: This desert city of Rajasthan (India`s north-western province) is an eye-catching site of well-fed camels and citadels. Bikaner is situated in the north of Rajasthan. The city just like Jodhpur, is surrounded by great walls. It has Ganganagar and Hanumannagar in its northern side whereas Churu lies in its eastern side.

Tourist Destinations : Junagarh Fort was built by a Mughal army general, Raja Rai Singh, in 1593. The various parts of the palace-the Dewan-iI-khas, the Phool Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal and Anup Mahal-reflect the glorious architecture of Bikaner. Lalgarh Palace is situated 3 km north of Bikaner city. Some portions of the palace have been converted to tourist hotels while other parts of the palace have been converted into a museum named as the Sadul Museum. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, The Bhandasar Jain Temple and The Camel Research Farm are the other must visits.
Chittorgarh - The Victory Tower
Location: Chittorgarh is located in the southern part of Rajasthan beside a high hill near the Gambheri River.

Pushkar - The Land of Fairs and Festivals
Location: Pushkar is set in a valley just about 14 km off Ajmer in Rajasthan. Surrounded on three sides by hills and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair.

Tourist Destinations : One of the most popular and charismatic fairs of the desert is the Pushkar fair, held on the 11th day of the bright half of the moon. The fair is held during the month of October/November. The most famous temple in Pushkar is the Brahma Temple, the one and only temple dedicated to Brahma in India. A red spire marks the temple, and over the entrance gateway is the Hans (goose), the symbol of Brahma who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as his place. Another important temple is the Savitri Temple (wife of Lord Brahma) on a hilltop. Other important places to visit in Pushkar are numerous ghats that run down the lake.

Ranakpur - The Jain Temples
Location: Ranakpur in Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. Ranakpur is tucked away in a remote valley in the Aravali range in Pali district and boasts of one of the largest and most important Jain Temples in the country.

Tourist Destinations : The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign Rajput monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The basement is of 48,000 sq. feet area that covers the whole complex. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls and domes supported by over four hundred columns. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kg whose sound echoes in the entire complex. The main temple is a Chaumukh or a four-faced temple dedicated to Adinath. The three other Jain temples in the same complex, including a temple of the Sun God, are all worth a visit. A kilometer away from the temple complex is the temple of Amba Mata.

Jaipur - The Pink City
Location: The city of Jaipur is capital of Rajasthan, famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. Also known as Pink City due to the Pink stones used in the construction of the houses in Jaipur.

Tourist Destinations : Hawa Mahal is the best-known landmark of Jaipur. In the heart of the city is situated the City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The place is now a museum except for one section where the erstwhile royal family still lives. Jantar Mantar is only one of the five observatories constructed by Jai Singh to whom the city owes its name. Central Museum has a large collection of costumes, woodwork, brassware, Jaipur Jewellery, and pottery. The hilltop forts of Nahargarh, Jaigarh, and Amber constitute the real Rajputana legacy. The Maota Lake offers a breathtaking reflection of the magnificent Amber Fort-Palace. The other places of interest are Jaipur Museum, Albert Museum, Birla Mandir Planetarium, Sisodia Rani Park, Lakshmi Narain Temple, Kanak Vrindavan, The Rajmahal Palace, Rambagh Palace (now a Luxury hotel), and other parks.

Jodhpur - The Umaid Bhavan
Location: Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces. It is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert with Jaisalmer on its west, Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and Nagaur on the eastern side.

Tourist Destinations : The Mehrangarh Fort is a living testimony of the military might of the Rajputs. Umaid Bhawan, the only 20th-century-built palace, was constructed to give employment to the famine-struck population of Jodhpur. The Jaswant Thade is a shrine built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899. Mandar Garden was the ashram of Rishi Mandu. This garden has a gate known as the Ajit pole. Giridkot and Sardar Market, located in the heart of the city, are popular for a wide range of handicrafts. About 4 miles away from Jodhpur lay the Balsamand Lake and Garden, an artificial lake built in AD 1159, an ideal place for picnics and excursions.

Jaipur Holidays Tour

The city of Jaipur or the 'City of Victory' was named after Sawai Jai Singh, the Kachhwaha King and the founder the city. The started was built between 1727 AD and 1731 AD. It is the first planned city in India built on the basis of principles of the Shilpa Shastra, the ancient Indian treatise on architecture. The city became famous as the 'Pink City' when the entire city was painted with pink color in the honor of the Prince of Wales, who visited Jaipur in 1853 AD.

Holiday in Jaipur can be exciting with several historic places in Jaipur. The forts and museums are bound to impress you. City Palace, the former royal residence is the first place to be visited in Jaipur. The palace built incorporating the features of both the Rajput and Mughal style of architecture. The museum in Jaiput, which is a treasure trove of the Rajputs glorious past. The exhibits in the museum include various swords, their sheaths, Albert Hall and Hawa Mahal rare collection on astronomical works and numerous royal artifacts.

Jantar Mantar is another important place to be seen on Holiday in jaipur . Built by Sawai Jai Singh, the stone observatory is one of the five observatories built by him in India. The most extraordinary of all the instruments is the Ram Yantra used for estimating elevations.

Hawa Mahal or the 'Palace of Wind' is a significant landmark of the city of Jaipur. Built in 1799 AD by Pratap Singh for the ladies of the royal household, Hawa Mahal is a five-storey building with 953 recesses and windows. The royal grandstand fulfilled the purpose of watching the royal processions and the market activities by the ladies without being watched by others.

Amber Palace was started by Man Singh with few additions made by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and finally completed by Sawai Jai Singh. It took more than two centuries to complete the Amber Fort. The palace complex is built around the Jaigarh Fort and consists of palaces, and temples.

The other important places Jaipur to visit on holiday in jaipur are the Shila Devi Temple, Nahargarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Amber Fort, Jai Mahal Palace ,Ramganj Bazar, Govind Dev Ji Temple, Galtaji and Sisodia Rani Garden.

How to Reach

By Air: Jaipur has the Sanganer International Airport with frequent flights from Noida, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Delhi.

By Rail: Jaipur is well connected by frequent train services with all the including major cities of IndiaAhmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi.

By Road: Jaipur is well connected by roadways with major cities of Rajasthan, various places in Delhi City, Agra City and Mumbai City.

Jaipur Excursions Tour

	Central Rajasthan, 259 Km from Delhi, the Capital of India
Must Visit	Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Birla Temple
Temperature	Max 45 ºC, Min 26 ºC (summer); Max 22 ºC, Min 08 ºC (winter)
Languages	Hindi, Rajasthani and English
Ideal Time	October to March is the ideal time to visit Jaipur
Jaipur STD Code	0141

Jaipur is one of the most alluring cities of Rajasthan, India. Every year, people from all over the world come to explore the majestic city of Jaipur. There are numerous Tourist Attractions In Jaipur; still the Jaipur city offers many other places in the suburbs to satisfy the appetite of tourists. You can visit Abhaneri, a small town, popular for its astonishing step wells and Harshad Mata Temple in Jaipur. On the other hand, Sanganer is famous for manufacturing the quality hand-made paper in India.

Rajasthan is famous for its traditions and culture. Keeping the traditions, Bagru is a small village in Rajasthan, where you can see the traditional block-printing without any modern adulterations in its process. For adventurous people, Ranthambore National Park and Sariska National Park would be the best options to surf. Sambhar Lake is another destination where you can observe the salt-making process. Continuing the excursion list, Samode is alluring with its Palace in Jaipur.

Art lovers would definitely love the Persian and Arabian manuscripts at Tonk. Bairath with its remnants of medieval Indian architecture attracts the tourists from far and near. Ramgarh Lake is a huge artificial lake, the other attractions being the hunting lodge and polo grounds in Ramgarh Lake. All these beautiful destinations offer swift excursion from Jaipur.

Samode
Samode is a great place of tourist interest, located at a distance of 42kms from Jaipur, on the way to Shekhawati in Rajasthan. Samode is renowned for its stunning havelis and forts. Samod makes a perfect destination to enjoy one's holidays.

Bagru
Bagru is a small village, located at a distance of 30 kms from Jaipur, on Jaipur-Ajmer Road. The village town of Bagru is not popular for any palace or fort, but for its typical wooden prints. These prints of Bagru Tourism are acclaimed all over India and are particularly known as Bagru prints.

Karauli
Karauli is a small village, situated at a distance of 182 km from Jaipur. Founded in 1348, Karauli is well-known for its Madan Mohanji Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Initially, the town was known as Kalyanpuri, which was named after the local deity Kalyanji.

Ramgarh
Ramgarh is located at a distance of 25kms from the city of Jaipur. In the present day, this primeval spot is eminent for its huge artificial lake. This lake has been shaped by raising a high bund amidst the hills covered with trees.

Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is located in the eastern part of Rajasthan at a comfortable distance of 130kms from Jaipur. Nestled between the Aravali and Vindhya mountain ranges, Ranthambore National Park used to be the hunting ground of Maharajas of Jaipur. The Park is an eye treat for the lovers of wild-life. Various natural rivers and man-made lakes flow through the National Park of Ranthambore.

Sanganer
Sanganer is located at a distance of 16 kms from Jaipur on the Tonk road. Sanganer is renowned for its crafts and hand-printed textiles. Sanganer forms a major part of excursion from Jaipur.

Abhaneri
Abhaneri is a small town village, situated at a distance of 95 km from Jaipur, on Jaipur-Agra road. The place is popular for the amazing 'Baoris' (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. The village of Abhaneri is believed to be established by the King Raja Chand.

Sambhar
Sambhar is a small town, located at a distance of 60kms in the west of Jaipur, on Jaipur-Ajmer Highway. Sambhar Lake is famous for the largest saline lake in India. Due to this fact, Sambhar is also known as Salt Lake City. Literally, Sambhar means salt and the lake has been providing salt for over a thousand years.

Tonk
Tonk is a small town, located at a distance of 96 kms from Jaipur. This little town of Tonk is also known as the "Lucknow of Rajasthan" due to its elegance. Tonk City is popular among tourists for its magnificent mosques, mansions and havelis.

Bairath
Bairath is a place of historical significance, located at a distance of 86 kms from Jaipur, on Shahpura-Alwar Road. Bairath is said to have existed from the times of Mahabharata. In that period, Bairath was known as Virata Nagar. It used to be the capital of Abhimanyu's (Arjuna's son) father-in-law.

Temples In Pushkar

The holy city of Pushkar is also called the city of temples. There are more than 400 hundred temples in Pushkar but the main attraction being the temple of Lord Brahma, the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma. This otherwise sleepy town echoes with hectic activity during the Pushkar Camel Fair and festival.

Bramha Temple
The most famous temple is the Brahma Temple, said to be the only temple of Brahma in the world dedicated to this deity. It stands on a high plinth with the Marble steps leading up to it. A silver turtle is set on the floor facing the Sanctum-Sanctorum or Girbha-griha. Around the turtle the Marble floor is inset with hundreds of silver coins. Coins engraved with donors names are also embedded in the walls. Peacocks adorn the temple walls as they are supposed to be the vehicle of lord Brahma's consort Saraswati. A small image of the milkmaid Gayatri, flanks the four-faced image of lord Brahma and is called Chaumurti The sanctuary has silver doors inside a carved marble gateway.

Savitri Temple
This temple is built atop Ratnagiri hill and pays respect to Brahmas wife, Goddess Savitri. A one hour trek takes tourists up the temple from where a splendid view of the surroundings - Pushkar Lake and sand dunes of nearby villages- can be enjoyed. The temple was built in 1687.

Varah Temple
One of the most sacred temples in Pushkar, Varah Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has an image of Vishnu in the incarnation of wild boar. According to a legend, Lord Vishnu visited the earth in the incarnation of a Varah (Wild boar) to kill an atrocious demon Hirnayaksh.

Originally built in the 12th century, Varah Temple was, like many others, destroyed by the bigoted Emperor Aurangzeb (who , it is said , was particularly upset by the huge idol here of Varah, the god with the body of a man and the head of the boar.) Reconstructed BY Raja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 1727, the temple has an interesting and richly ornamented image house.

Apteshwar (Mahadeva)Temple
Another important temple in Pushkar, this 12th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Ramavaikunth Temple
One of Pushkar's largest and most intricate temples, the Ramavaikunth Temple was built in the 1920's and has beautifully sculpted images of no less than 361 different deities. The ornate outer gopuram over the entrance is said to have been built by a team of masons specially brought here from south India.

Rangnath Temple
Rangnath Temple is known for its gracious south Indian style of architecture. The temple houses a huge image of Lord Vishnu. It has a high rising 'Gopuram' (large gate) and Garuda pillars studded with a mythical bird styled in gold.