Amazing legends of heroism and romance still resound from its equally amazing architecture, that still stands to narrate its tale of a bygone era. The magic of Rajasthan
is unequalled in the world for its heritage, culture, safaris, sand dunes and lush green
forests with its wildlife. Rajasthan is often expressed as huge open-air museum with
relic so well preserved for the travellers and the curious of the day. It is action-packed with outdoors too; take a safari on horses, camels, elephants or even jeeps with the Aravalis - India's oldest mountain range in the backdrop, or caress your eyes on the sloppy sand dunes, or trail a tiger or just watch birds on wetland. Or you can choose to pamper yourself in the lavish heritage properties. Rajasthan has something for everyone, just choose your activity.
The history of India dates back almost
five thousand years, and Rajasthan plays
a crucial and unique role, especially
with regard to the development of Indian
culture. Its impressive story reaches
through a heroic past.
Its extravagant splashes of bright hues against
the desert landscape and the purity of its
dry and sandy reaches, the miniature
elegance of its small villages and
impeccably maintained forts brings alive the
story of the yore. The appearance of its
grand forts perched on rocky hills still
tell the story of the bravery of its men and
the stoic sacrifice of its women, and the
chivalrous old world manners of all.
Places
to visit in Rajasthan
Ajmer
Dargah Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti
131 Kms.
Alwar (Sariska)
Tiger Sanctuary
148 Kms.
Bharatpur (Ghana)
Bird Sanctuary
185 Kms.
Jaisalmer
Desert Festival
645 Kms.
Jodhpur
Sun City
340 Kms.
Udaipur
City of Lakes & Places
421 Kms.
The Rajputs rose to prominence in the 9th and 10th centuries, and were a major force to reckon with medieval India. Passionately attached to their land, family and honour, the
Rajputs treated war as a sport, and followed a strong chivalric code of conduct. Myths and legends of their valour, gallantry, sacrifice and courage are legion.
There are many heroes among the Rajputs, such as Prithviraj Chauhan, who fought successfully against the invader Muhammad Ghori in the battle of Tarain (1191), although he died on the same battlefield in the following year. Or the great Rana Pratap of Mewar, who defiantly withstood the might of the Mughal, and continued to raid on them even after his defeat. He died in 1597, and his son, Ambar Singh, took over the mantle of opposition to Mughal rule.
Rana Pratap was the lone exception, as most of the leading Rajput clans finally married into Mughal royalty and nobility, and went into direct State service of the Mughal Empire. This was chiefly at the behest of the wise and farsighted Mughal emperor, Akbar, who was able to consolidate and expand his empire because of his close ties with the proud Rajputs, the men who made formidable enemies and also steadfast and loyal friends.
Jaipur
Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, also known as 'Pink City' is sorrounded by an ancient 20ft high
wall and eight gates. The city is situated 261 kms away from Delhi. It was a state of warring factions locked in deadly warfare, thousands of royal ladies consigning themselves to flames preferring death to dishonor. Today, Jaipur is the personification of the old order influence the new.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan, situated on the fringe of the Thar desert was
once the capital of the Marwar state. It was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - hero of the epic
'Ramayana'. It has 9 kms in circumference wall which keeps out the desert sands. The great fort, temples and palaces are the main attraction of the tourists.
Udaipur
The city has planned gardens and island palaces on artificial lakes. It was founded by
Maharana Udai Singh in mid-16th century.
Jaisalmer
This ancient city lies in the heart of the Thar desert. There is facility for camel safaris into the desert. This walled city has intricately carved golden buildings and havelis.
Pushkar
Pushkar Lake is one of India's most sacred lakes. It has a superb view at sunset and sunrise. There is a Brahma Temple at the end of the lake. This temple is one of the few temples dedicated to Brahma. The pilgrims visit this shrine throughout the year.
