|
Rajasthan
Places to visit
Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur
This 29 sq km bird sanctuary has the largest concentration and variety of water birdlife in Asia, including nesting indigenous water birds as well as migratory water birds and water side birds. From October till December the indigenous water birds nest in the acacia trees around the lake. However, the sanctuary has gained worldwide attention as being the winter home of several migratory species including the endangered Siberian crane.
For more on the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, click here
Ranthambore National Park
Rajasthan's first Project Tiger reserve is named after a 1000 year old fort which stands in the park. Its' habitat is home to the stately sambar, the largest of all Asiatic deer. Tigers, cital, and wild boar are also found here. Woodland, ground and water-birds, including the uncommon red jungle fowl and varieties of eagles, abound.
For more on Ranthambhor National Park, click here
Sariska National Park
The second tiger reserve of Rajasthan is a royal hunting lodge that has been converted into a hotel. The 27,300 hectares of dense dry deciduous forests, make it an ideal habitat for the tiger, leopard, panther, deer, porcupine, chowsingha, rhesus and langur.
For more on Sariska National Park, click here
Gajner
Gajner Lake is surrounded by palaces. Drive through the famous Gajner Wild Life Game Sanctuary where you can see and photograph black buck, chinkara, wild boar, blue bulls and other animals in large herds. It is a unique place for watching and photographing the famous Siberian Imperial Sand Grouse in the mornings, in the winter months, when they come to the lake for drinking water.
Bundi
This city rises from a narrow gorge in rows of terraced gardens and arched Rajput houses. Visit the palace with its intricate spy- holes, secret trap doors and under ground passages. Check out the ingenious water supply system.
Chittoragarh
113 kms. from Udaipur, the Fort of Chittor was originally built by mighty Bhim, one of the Pandava heroes of Mahabharata. The Vijay Stambh, 37 metres high and having nine storeys, was built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440. Kirti Stambh, the Tower of Fame, 22 meters high is covered with figures from the Jain Pantheon.
Deeg
32 kms from Bharatpur, Deeg is an 18th century stronghold, whose massive fortifications are surrounded by luxuriant gardens, woods and pools. It is known for its palaces which have richly carved columns, cornices and eaves..
Mandore
Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar (8 kms from Jodhpur), was abandoned for strategic reasons. At the foot of the hills, amidst gardens, commemorative cenotaphs line the silent city. A shrine reputedly of 300 million Gods, contains life size statues of local deities and heroes.
Osian
This former temple city has an 8th century Surya (Sun) temple with carved pillars which support a conical roof. The temple also has an image of Goddess Durga. The 12th century Sachiya Mata temple has a large assembly hall with an elaborately carved ceiling and exquisitely sculptured figures of several Gods. The Mahavir Jain temple stands on a wide terrace with a three-tiered roof and a `torana' gateway.
Mandawa
Mandawa was founded in 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh and is still home to his descendants. It houses a collection of armories, costumes, canons, ancient coins, and many other interesting items. Mandawa fort, one of the finest in Rajasthan, is now a charming hotel. Mandawa also has beautiful frescoes, havelis and mansions.
Ramgarh
32 kms to the north-east of Jaipur, Ramgarh is a favorite picnic spot for the locals during the monsoons, when the huge artificial lake fills up. The ruins of the old fort and the temple of Jambwa Mata bear testimony to the first settlement of the Kachhawahas before they moved to Amer.
Ranakpur
98 kms from Udaipur are 15th-century Jain Temples situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali. Ranakpur has grand structures and beautiful sculptures. There are 1444 pillars in the temple and none of them are similar. The Surya Temple is another attraction.
Samode
40 kms north-west of Jaipur, the old palace of Samode is now a luxurious hotel surrounded by hills. It has a most exotic hall embellished with paintings and mirror work.
Pushkar
This sleepy temple town (it has one of the very few temples dedicated to Brahma the Creator), with its placid lake, is catapulted into prominence for 10 days every November, when it becomes home to India's most splendid camel fair.
Shekhawati
In the north of Rajasthan, Shekhavati is approachable by road from Jaipur. The greatest attraction here are the havelis (deserted mansions) of local merchants decorated with a profusion of wall paintings. The subjects and styles vary greatly, and are not encountered elsewhere in India.
Barmer
Journey through the sun-drenched sands of rural Rajasthan. Stop and see the mud-walled houses decorated with delicate folk motifs. Barmer, once on ancient camel trade routes, is today a centre of wood carving, carpets, embroidery and block printed fabrics.
|