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AJMER
The most
important tourist spot of Ajmer is the Dargah or tomb of Sufi Saint Khwaja
Moinuddin Chisti.
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. Adhai-din-ka-Jhompara mosque is
on the outskirts of the city. Three kilometers beyond the mosque and
located on a steep hill is the Taragarh Fort, which offers a breathtaking
view of Ajmer city. The small town of
Kishangarh
is located 27 km from
Ajmer
and is famous for its traditional miniature paintings. Roopangarh Fort is
52 km from Ajmer and can be reached via Kishangarh. The main festival of
Ajmer is the celebration of the Urs held every year in the seventh month
(date varies) of the lunar calendar. A number of Qawali (traditional fled
to Udaipur and re-established his rule. The Mughal emperor Jahangir
returned Chittorgarh to its rulers in 1616.
CHITTORGARH
The main
tourist attraction of the town of Chittorgarh is its fort, which is
located on a steep hill beside
the modern township. A zigzag ascent of about 1 km through seven gates
leads the tourist to its main western gate or Rampol. On the way, one can
see two chhatris or memorials of Jaimal and Kalla marking the spots where
they fell while defending the fort during the siege of 1568. The main gate
on the eastern side of the fort is known as the Surajpol. Though most of
the monuments in the fort are in ruins, yet they reflect the glory of its
great rulers.
Rana Kumbha
Palace is an important spot and it is believed that Queen Padmini had
performed jauhar in one of its cellars.
The
Archeological Museum, the Singa Chowri Temple, and the Fateh Prakash
Palace and Museum are some places to visit, adjacent to Rana Kumbha
Palace.
The Victory
Tower or Vijay Stambh is one of the main tourist attractions of the fort.
It was built by Rana
Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji, the ruler of Malwa
in 1440. This 37-m, 9-storied tower has a number of balconies at each
story, from where the tourist can look at the monuments within the fort.
The Sammidheshwara Temple is near this tower. Gaumukh reservoir and the
Palace of Queen Padmini are important spots to the south of the Rana
Kumbha Palace. According to legend, Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of
Delhi, was allowed to see the reflection of Queen Padmini in a mirror
while she stood behind a pavilion in this palace. Ala-ud-din was so
smitten by her beauty that he invaded and sacked Chittorgarh to possess
her. The Tower of Fame or Kirti Stambh is another important monument. This
22-m-high tower, with carvings of Jain deities, was built in 12th century
and is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara (spiritual
leader). Other spots worth visiting are the Bhimtal Tank,
Neelkanth
Mahadev Temple, Meera Temple, Kumbha Shyam Temple, and the 8th-century
Kalika Mata Temple. Bijaipur, 40 km from Chittorgarh, is an important
tourist spot, with its fort converted into a hotel. One can see ancient
temples at Menhal, on Bundi–Chittorgarh road, which is 48 km from Bundi.
One can also see ancient Hindu and Buddhist monuments at Nagri, which is
17 km north of Chittorgarh.
JAIPUR
The old
city of Jaipur has neat and broadly laid-out avenues, all painted pink,
and that gives a magical glow to the city, especially in the evenings.
Hawa Mahal
is the best-known landmark of Jaipur. As against the popular belief, it is
not really a palace. It is a sandstone screen from behind which the ladies
of the court could watch the proceedings on the road below without being
seen.
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. The city palace has an
exclusive part devoted to the arms and ammunitions used by the royal
family in the past.
Jantar
Mantar is only one of the five observatories constructed by Jai Singh. The
observatories show the passion of Maharaja Jai Singh for astronomy.
Central
Museum, situated in the Ram Niwas Gardens, has a large collection of
costumes, woodwork, brassware, jewelry, and pottery.
 Jai Singh II built Nahargarh Fort in
1734. Along the ridge-top road it provides magnificent views down to the
Man
Sagar Lake. In the midst of this lake is a palatial duck blind, which was
used for shooting parties by the erstwhile royal family.
Named after
Jai Singh II, the Jaigarh Fort is perched on a cliff and is surrounded by
huge battlements with inside walkways offering stunning views on all
sides.
Amber is
the classic romantic Rajasthan fort-palace. Its construction was started
by Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by his descendant Jai Singh I. Its
rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful
fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate refinement. Painted
scenes of hunting and war adorn the walls with precious stones and mirrors
set into the plaster. In the foreground is the Maota Lake with
breathtaking reflections of the magnificent Amber Fort-Palace. For an
experience that's truly royal, visitor's can reach the fort through
snaking pathways on elephant back.
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.
Situated
100 km from Jaipur, Tonk is an old town dating to the middle of the 17th
century. The new town, which resurrects a forgotten era, is a colorful
medley of painted mosques, mansions and colonial buildings. The Sunehri
Kothi (or Golden Mansion) is of special mention because of its mirror
work.
Located 15
km from Jaipur, is Gaitor. This is the place where chhatris of Jaipur's
rulers stand amidst reverential silence. The cenotaph of Maharaja Sawai
Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, is the finest. A dazzling structure
in white marble, its elegant dome is supported by twenty carved pillars.
Other cenotaphs that are of note are those of Pratap Singh and Madho Singh
II.
A 40-km
drive from Jaipur, Sanganer is famed for textile block printing,
papermaking and Jaipur blue pottery, a must for the avid shopper. For
others, there are several temples and an old palace.
Samode is a
small village famous for its beautiful Samode Palace and Garden. The
highlight of the building is the exquisite Diwan-I-Khas, which is covered
with original paintings and mirror work.
Other
important tourist places around Jaipur are Ramgarh, Abhaneri, Balaji, and
Karauli
Shopping in
Jaipur
Jaipur is
famous for semi-precious stones and the best place to buy them is off
Jauhari Bazaar. Miniatures, handicrafts, clothes, jewelry of silver and
lac are other items to be bought in Jaipur.
UDAIPUR
If Jaipur
is a study in pink,
Udaipur
is a vision in white. The City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient
 Aravali
Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope
of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and
temples.
Overlooking
the aquamarine waters of the Lake Pichola stands the shimmering granite
and marble Lake Palace, a harmonious arrangement of courtyards, pavilions,
terraces, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens. Eight marble porticos
mark the spot where the Mewar sovereigns were weighed in gold, the
equivalent value of which was then distributed to the poor. Within the
City Palace are several architectural and artistic highlights such as the
Mor Chowk, known for its stunning peacock mosaics and the Bhim Vilas
Palace that has a series of lovely wall paintings.
However,
the most memorable parts of Udaipur are its lake palaces, shimmering like
jewels on the Lake Pichola. Jag Niwas, the summer residence of the princes
of Mewar, is today a magnificent luxury hotel. Jag Mandir, the other
island palace, with a marble dome, is a marvel in red sandstone. It was a
refuge for Prince Khurram (better known as Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan) when
he was in exile following a quarrel with his father, Emperor Jahangir.
Just
outside Udaipur, on a hilltop, lies Sajjangarh, a dramatic 18th century
palace that gives a breathtaking view of the Mewar countryside. The palace
was originally intended to be a five-story astronomical center, but was
later abandoned and used as a monsoon palace and hunting lodge. 
About three
kilometers from the town of Udaipur lies Ahar, the ancient capital of the
Sisodias, which
boasts of numerous chhatris or cenotaphs that commemorate Mewar’s royal
personages.
Nathdwara,
48 kilometers from Udaipur, is an important Hindu pilgrim center, also
famous for nurturing the glorious tradition of Pichwal paintings.
Ranakpur,
98 kilometers away, boasts of some of the most exquisite Jain temples in
the country. These are but a few of the several places of interest in and
around Udaipur.
Shopping
Udaipur has
wares on offer that can convert the most unwilling of shoppers into avid
buyers. The better known items include folk toys, brightly colored
garments, hand printed textiles, batiks, dyed saris, metal images, silver
jewelry, and the Pichwal wall hangings.
JAISALMER
The city
Jaisalmer was founded by Bhatti Rajput Rawal Jaisal in 1156. The history
of Jaisalmer also reveals the courage and determination of the Rajputs.
The city used to be a major trade center as it was the trade route of the
western countries to
India.
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Visiting Jaisalmer itself means a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort. Built over
the Trikuta hill, this fort is the biggest and the most beautiful landmark
of the city. The fort is occupied by shops, stalls, and a number of other
business concerns. This fort accommodates quarter of the city's
population.
·
Just outside the fort is the Manakchowk, the famous marketplace of
Jaisalmer. It is a good place for bargaining the local products.
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The Jain temple, a place worth visiting, is also situated inside the fort
itself. The temple, made between 12th and 15th century, bears testimony to
Rajasthan's unique artistry.
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Havelis are the mansions built by the wealthy merchants, which are still
in very good condition. The intricate craftsmanship is beyond parallel.
The havelis like the Patwon-ki-Haveli
and Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli are remarkable for their exclusive cutwork,
yellow and red stone treatment and the bracket-shaped decoration of
peacocks.
·
Gadsisar Sagar Tank is a famous place for an outing. Earlier it used to be
the source of water for the entire city. A number of migratory birds flock
this place during the winter season.
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Desert
Culture Center and Museum is another place that would give the visitor a
clear insight of the place. The museum has a number of old coins,
different kinds of textile, traditional Rajasthani instruments, and some
fossils that were found in the desert.
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Baba Bagh is an oasis at the bank of a man-made dam. It has greenery all
around to give a much-needed relief to the local people.
·
The Jain temple of Lodhruva, which reminds of the glory of the former
capital city Lodhruva, is a place worth visiting.
·
Sam Sand Dunes, situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, is a place
gaining tremendous tourist attraction these days. This sandy place is
famous for watching sunset and taking a camel ride.
·
Khuri, another place in this glittering golden sand, impresses the
tourists with its mud houses and straw roofs.
·
Desert
National Park is another place that preserves the natural ecosystem of the
desert land. Cactus, thorny trees and shrubs could be seen growing easily
without being taken care of. It has some vegetation that survives in the
dry and arid soil. It also has few animal species like the monitor lizard,
desert foxes, porcupines and black bucks, etc.
The most
famous of the local festivals is the camel fair that is held during the
winter season of the year. Camel dances, camel races, folk dance, and
music are some of the major attractions of this place. It is also known as
the desert festival.
Jaisalmer
is famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets and
the finely cut antiques. The market in and outside the fort is famous for
the bargain of local products. There is another famous marketplace
crystals and rare minerals outside the Jain temple.
MOUNT ABU
The only
hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu huddles among the rocks on a 1,220-m
granite table mountain at the far southwestern end of the Aravalli hills.
It is built around a lake and is surrounded by forested hills. According
to a legend, the place derives its name from Arbuda, a serpent who
descended to the spot to rescue Shiva’s bull, Nandi. Besides having all
the features of a pleasant hill resort,
 Dilwara
temples
: This
complex consisting of five marble Jain temples is one of the finest in
Rajasthan, worth braving the queues and ferocious guards. These
beautifully carved temples built between 11th & 13th century AD are sheer
elegance in marble, dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal Vasahi
Temple is the oldest of these, dedicated to the first Tirthankara. Built
in 1031 AD (by Vimal Shah- a merchant and representative of the then
Gujarat ruler), it is a superb example of temple architecture.
Nakki Jhil: This
holiday centre of Mount Abu, is virtually in the heart of the town. This
sparkling blue artificial lake is said to have been gauged from the earth
by the gods, using their fingernails ('nakh' means nail). Nearby is the
14th century Raghunath Temple.On the western edge of the town centre,
Nakki Lake Road circles the entire lake. Rowing boats are available for
hire from the jetty by Gandhi Park.
VIEW POINTS :
Several points around the edge of the plateau offer spectacular views
across the
plains. The best are Honeymoon Point (Anadra Point) and Sunset Point,
where hundred of people gather to watch the sunset every evening in a
carnival atmosphere of pony rides and souvenir sellers. Baylay’s Walk is a
pleasant 5 km route from Nakki Lake to Sunset Point. Honeymoon Point, 2.5
kms northwest on Ganesh Road; Sunset Point, 2 km southwest on Sunset Point
Road. Open, free access.
GAUMUKH
TEMPLE
: Dedicated to Rama, this small temple (the cow’s mouth) is centred on a
spring gushing from the mouth of a marble cow. In the Hindu creation myth,
the world is formed by a cow, licking salt; the source of the Ganges has
the same name. This is said to be the site of the ancient 'agnikund' fire
rituals. It is 4 kms south of Mount Abu. Open, free access, down 700 very
steep steps.
EXCURSIONS
Trevor’s Tank (5
kms): Named after the British engineer, who constructed it, Trevor’s tank
is a delight for birdwatchers with densely wooded hills that are a haven
to pigeons, peacocks and partridges.
Achalgarh (8km):
An impressive fort with some beautiful Jain temples enclosed within. Among
the noteworthy temples are Achaleswar Mahadev temple (1412 AD) and
Kantinath Jain temple (1513 AD). The latter has a gold plated image. The
fort was built in the 14th century AD by Rana Kumbha and is approachable
by a motorable road.
Mandakini Kund: The watersupply for Achalgarh fort and a sculpture of
Parmar Daravarsh are situated close to the Achaleswar Mahadev temple.
Guru Shikhar (15
kms): The highest peak on the Mount Abu (1722 mts above the sea level)
allows a bird’s eye view of the idyllic surroundings of Mt. Abu. A small
shaivite shrine and a temple of Dattatreya standing on the Shikhar are
worth a visit.
Adhar
Devi Temple
(2 kms north of town): This ancient temple dedicated to the serpent
goddess, Arbuda, is carved out of a huge rock.. Arbuda is the patron of
the town, who formed the mountain in order to save the sacred cow, Nandi
from drowning in an abyss. The black-painted marble idol, riding a solid
gold tiger, is claimed to be about 5,000 years old. Open and free access
during daylight hours.
JODHPUR
Amidst the
sand dunes and thorny vegetation of Thar desert towers a fort, 120 metres
above the plain. The fort overlooks the imperial city of Jodhpur, which is
a part of the Desert Tourist Triangle. The old Jodhpur city is surrounded
by a 10 km long wall with eight gates.The new city is settled around this
walled area. The Maruthal or 'land of death' , came into life when the
Rathores of Kanauj moved in. But the city of Jodhpur was founded by Rao
Jodhaji in 1459 AD. This city was on the silk route of the 16th century
and hence was host to a number of travellers.
 In
Jodhpur, the genius of its sculptors comes to life in its exquisite
palaces, forts, temples and havelis, which stand testimony to the imperial
grandeur. The most alluring part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle,
festivity and the smiling people who treasure this former princely state.
Shopping:
The Sadar Market near the Clock Tower gives immense shopping pleasure to
the locals as well as the visitors. The colourful but hectic bazaar
consists of many narrow lanes, lined with tiny shops. Look for the tie &
dye textiles, embroidered leather shoes, lacquerware, antiques, carpets
and puppets. Here, one can buy exquisite Rajasthani textiles, clay
figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic
silver jewellery.
Sight
Seeing
Mehrangarh Fort - Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the
largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in
the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of
skilled Jodhpuri sculptures. 
Umaid Bhawan Palace - The only palace built in 20th century under the
famine relief programme, has now been converted into a hotel with some
parts being retained as a museum.
Jaswant Thada - The 19th century royal cenotaph is built in white marble,
in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of the
rulers of
Jodhpur
are also displayed here.
Clock Tower & Sadar Market - In the old city, clock tower is a prominent
land mark. But main attraction is the Sadar Market. The market has kept
alive the old 'haat bazaar' culture.
Government
Museum - This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature
portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in
the middle of the Umaid public gardens.
EXCURSIONS:
Mandore : Towards the north of Jodhpur is the ancient capital of Marwar,
Mandore. It is just 8 kms from the city. Main attractions of the place are
Hall of Heroes with sixteen huge figures carved out of a single rock, the
shrine of 330 million Gods and the royal cenotaphs. But one can not miss
the caves in crags and the sprawling gardens, which are now shelter place
for monkeys and peacocks. Greenery of the place makes Mandore, in true
sense, an oasis.
Ossian : 65 Kms from Jodhpur, lie ruins of an ancient city called Ossian.
This city is famous for Brahmanical and Jain temples, which belong to 8th
and 11th century. Surya or Sun temple and the Sachiya temples are famous
for their beauty. The 'shikhar' of Sachiya temple is clustered by two rows
of turrets, an ambulatory and a large assembly  hall
with an elaborate ceiling.
Guda Bishnoi : The villages are inhabitated by the Bishnoi tribe who are
staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. Villages are
marked by Khejri trees and deers, which thrive there. 25 kms from Jodhpur.
Balsamand
Lake & Palace : This picturesque artificial lake is 7 kms from the main
city. Summer palaces along the embankment and a bird sanctuary has made it
a picnic spot.
Sardar
Samand Lake and Palace : Rajasthani village life and vibrant cultural
colours come alive as you drive along the 55 kms stretch. The monotony of
the drive is broken by Chinkaras and Black Bucks who frisk pass the road.
GATE
OF THE LORD
Nathdwara is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. This is one of the most
celebrated pilgrimage shrines of India, enshrining Krishna as Govardhana
Giridhari. Nathdwara is situated 48 kms northeast of Udaipur in Rajasthan,
on the banks of the Banas River. Nathdwara enshrines Shrinathji - an image
of Krishna, which was originally enshrined at the Vraja Bhoomi at Mount
Govardhana near Mathura.The name Nathdwara means 'Gate of the Lord'. The
image was brought to Mewar, for the sake of protection during the period
of Aurangazeb, the Mughal monarch.
 The
chariot carrying the image is said to have gotten stuck here, and hence a
temple was established with the permission of the then Rana of Mewar, at
Nathdwara. Nathdwara is very closely associated with the Vallabha
Sampradaya of Vaishnavism. Prior to his visiting the Shrinathji shrine,
Vallabhacharya is said to have described Puri, Pandharpur, Srirangam and
Tirupati as four great centres of Vaishnavism, in his work 'Tatvartha
Deepa Nibhandha'.
The town is
an agricultural market and has a government college affiliated with the
University of Rajasthan.
PRIME SITES
The
Srinathji
Temple:
Shrinathji represents the form of Krishna, in which he lifted the
Govardhana Hill and subdued Indra, the king of Devas who was sending an
incessant downpour of rain, causing immense hardship to the cowherds of
Gokul. The image of Srinathji is believed to have been a self manifested
one. It was originally worshipped in a humble shrine and then moved to a
larger temple in its vicinity. Vallabhacharya made arrangements for the
worship of this deity and this tradition was continued by his son,
Vitthalesh Goswami.
It is
believed that Taj Bibi, a wife of Akbar had visited this temple. It was
during the 17th century that this image was shifted to Rajasthan.
Nathdwara is a place of Hindu pilgrimage; it contains a 17th-century
Vaishnavite shrine that is one of the most famous in India. Within the
temple is a celebrated image of Lord Krishna, popularly said to date to
the 12th century BC.
Rajsamand
Lake
(66 kms): Close to Kankroli, is the dam, built by Maharana Raj Singh in
1660 AD. Many ornamental arches and 'chhatris' adorn the embankment.
Nav Chowki: On the
banks of the lake is this pillared edifice, which is paved with marble and
has beautifully carved arches and 'chhatris'.
SHOPPING
Nathdwara abounds in souvenir shops and it is also possible to see the
“pichwai” being painted. One can even pick up good silver items from here.
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