North India - Rajastan

Rajasthan, India’s desert state, was once a collection of princely kingdoms where feudal traditions still carry on amidst forts and palace hotels. Bharatpur is famous for its 29 sq km bird sanctuary which has the largest concentration and variety of birdlife in Asia. Throughout the year Bharatpur’s native population of tree and water birds can be seen, the latter breeding in July-August. However, the sanctuary has gained worldwide attention as being the winter home of several migratory species including the endangered Siberian crane. The capital city, Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of rulers whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the city are important attractions. Known as the Pink City because of the colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur’s bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and other exotic wares. Western Rajasthan itself forms a convenient circuit, in the heart of the Thar desert which has shaped its history, lifestyles and architecture. Jodhpur’s exquisitely lovely fort, now a museum; art deco royal palace converted into a hotel, and quaint markets, all vividly testify to the history of the princely state. Jaisalmer, in the heart of the desert, is surrounded by sand-dunes which rendered the sand coloured fort impregnable. Today it is an inhabited city whose chief attraction is lacy filigree of pierced stonework facades of private houses, and a series of ornately carved Jain temples. Bikaner too has echoes of the past in its sandstone palace, temples and cenotaphs. In the north of Rajasthan, Shekhavati is approachable by road from Jaipur. The greatest attraction here are the 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. Nearby Dundlod and Mandawa are forts, now converted into charming hotels. Seldom visited Bundi is remarkable for its palace fort and gallery of fine frescoes, executed in the style for which the state is famous. Approachable by road from Jaipur are Ajmer and Pushkar. Ajmer’s pre-eminence is due to the shrine of a Muslim saint who is believed to fulfill one’s wishes. Nearby Pushkar has one of the very few temples dedicated to Brahma the Creator. The sleepy town with its placid lake is catapulted into prominence for 10 days every November as India’s most splendid camel fair takes place here, attended by thousands of locals flashing jewellery and exuding colour. For the thousands of tourists who visit Pushkar, accommodation is in the form of tents which cater to all budgets.

Also in Rajasthan is the wildlife sanctuary of Sariska where a royal hunting lodge has been converted into a hotel. Sariska’s wildlife includes the tiger, panther, deer and antelope.

Jaipur

Founded in AD 1727 by Sawai Jaisingh II, Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City with broad avenues and spacious gardens. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition. The imperial city, replete with amazing legends of romance and heroism. A land where the past thrives still. This is the fortified city of Jodhpur, standing a wary sentinel to the great Thar Desert. Beckoning you to the wilderness of fascinating dunes, rocky terrain and thorny vegetation. Once the capital city of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodhaji - chief of the Rathore Clan of Rajputs who claimed descent from Lord Rama. A major trade centre of 16th century, the city, today, has grown to become the second largest city of Rajasthan, retaining the medieval splendour. The city is encompassed by a high wall, 10 km. long with eight gates. Within the city, atop a rocky hill, stands the massive fort, 120 mtrs. above the plains. Packed with history, art and culture, this princely state is a treasure – trove of some exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis – standing a testimony to the imperial grandeur. But what entices the most in Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle, festivity and smiling people.

DISTANCES TO IMPORTANT CITIES

Ajmer:205 km via Beawar
Agra: 570 km via Ajmer, Jaipur
Delhi: 636 km via Ajmer, Jaipur, Alwar
Mumbai: 1013 km via Ahmedabad
Bikaner: 256 km via Nagaur
Jaisalmer: 285 km via Osian, Pokaran
Udaipur: 318 km via Sadri
Jaipur: 343 km via Ajmer

GENERAL INFORMATION
Altitude : 236.53 mtrs. Best Season: July to March Rainfall: 31.87 cm
Climate : Summer Mean Max. 42.2 C Mean Min. 36.6 ’C Winter Mean Max. 27.5 ’C Mean Min. 15.5 ’C
Clothing : Summer light tropical or cotton Winter Woollen.
Season : October to March

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Air : Indian Airlines connect Jaipur with Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Bombay, Varanasi, Calcutta, Ahmedabad.
Rail : Jaipur is connected by rail with Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Abu Road (Mount Abu), Udaipur, Bombay and Sawai Madhopur.
Road : Good motorable roads connect Jaipur with Delhi 258 km, Agra 236 km, Bikaner 321 km, Udaipur 405 km, Ajmer 131 km, Jodhpur 316 km, Bharatpur 176 km, Jaisalmer 638 km and Bombay 1202 km
Bus : Regular buses ply from Jaipur to the above places and Alwar, Kota, Sariska, Mathura, Indore, Chittorgarh and Barmer.

CONDUCTED TOURS
Places Visited Timings Fare Reservation

Nawab Saheb Ki Haveli, 0800 to Rs.35 R.T.D.C. (Tel: 69714) Hawa Mahal, Amber Palace & Forts, 1300 hrs. Tour starts from Rly. Jal Mahal, City Palace and Museum, Stn./ Gangaur Tourist Observatory, Central Museum (Friday closed) Bungalow (Tel: 60239)
--do-- 1300 to 1830 hrs Rs.35 --do--
Dolls Museum, Central Museum, 0900 to Rs.55 Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Gaitor, 1830 hrs. Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh, Galta, Jal Mhal, Nawab Saheb Ki Haveli, Amber Palace & Sisodia Vidhyadhar Gardens.

CELEBRATING TIME
Marwar Festival (October)
An annual festival of dance and music, celebrating the classical ’Maand’ style of folk music. The festival brings alive the legend, folklore and romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan’s rulers.

PRIME SITES
Mehrangarh Fort (5 km)
One of the largest forts in India, it is unsurpassed in beauty and grandeur. Innumerable palaces in the fort, interspersed with sprawling courtyards, are intricately carved. Various folk musicians and bands gather here on important occasions and perform against the magical backdrop of the fort – reviving the regal splendour of a bygone era.

Jaswant Thada (5 km)
The 19th century royal cenotaph, a creation in white marble was built in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and displays some rare portraits of Jodhpur’s rulers.

Umaid Bhawan Palace
The only palace built in the 20th century as a famine relief project, which gave employment to hundreds of people for 16 years. Its sculpted lawns with sandstone pavements and bouquets of bougainvillea bushes, offer a lovely sight. The palace now runs as a hotel with a part of it retained as a museum.

Mandore (8 km)
The capital of ancient Marwar, it is truly an oasis in the desert with its beautifully laid out gardens. The sprawling greenery of peepal, banyan, palms and plantains along with swirling fountains and lovely peacocks make Mandore a visual treat, The main attraction is the ’Hall of Heroes’ housing sixteen gigantic figures chiselled out of a single rock and the cenotaphs of the former maharajas of Jodhpur.

Clock Tower and Sardar Market
One can go shopping for Jodhpur tie-and-dye textile, embroidered leather shoes, lacquerware, antiques, carpets and puppets, amidst the setting of traditional haat bazaar at the well planned Sardar Market near the Clock Tower.

Mahamandir Temple (2 km)
Built in 1812, this is an old walled town with few hundred houses. The temple with 84 beautifully carved pillars is an architectural wonder.

Kailana Lake (11 km)
An artificial lake on the Jaisalmer road. An idyllic picnic spot with spectacular sunsets.

Balsamand Lake and Palace (7 km)
A picturesque artificial lake with a summer palace on its banks. There are lush orchards of
mango, guava and other fruits.

SIDE TRIPS
Sardar Samand Lake and Palace (55 km)
As you drive to the lake, the picturesque countryside with lovely villages and smiling folks on the way, offer a spectacular sight. A rendezvous with chinkara and black buck might add more fun to the drive.

Osian (65 km)
An ancient town of the Thar Desert, renowned for a cluster of ruined Brahmanical and Jain temples dating from 8th to 11th century. The most important temples are the Surya or Sun Temple and the Sachiya Mata Temple. The latter has a ’shikhar’ clustered by a row of tarrets, an ambulatory and a large assembly hall with an elaborate ceiling.

Guda Bishnoi (25 km)
These are immaculately kept villages of Bishnoi community-staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. Khejri trees and varieties of deer are the attractions of the villages.

WHAT TO SEE
City Palace & Museum 3.5 kms, Hawa Mahal 3 kms, Jantar Mantar 3.5 kms, Dolls Museum, Zoo, Amber Pal & Jaigarh Fort 11 kms, Gaitor 8 kms, Vidhyadharji Ka Bagh 7 kms, Jal Mahal, Nawab Ki Haveli, Galta, Sisodia Palace & Garden 8 kms.

TIGER SAFARI
The State Govt. of Rajasthan is planning to develop a Biological Park in the 50 kms. area behind the Nahargarh Hills. As per a press release dated 4th Sep 2000, the work for this project will start next month and will take about 6 months for completion. As per the official sources, 25 to 30 Tigers, Deers, Bulbulls, and other wild animals will be kept in the park. We will keep you updated on further developments.

EXCURSIONS
Nahargarh Fort 15 kms, Sanganer 16 kms, Ramgarh Lake 30 kms and Shekhawati 168 kms.

INFORMATION CENTRES

Government Of India Tourist Office, State Hotel, Jaipur-302001. Tel: 72200.
Government Of Rajasthan Tourist Bureau, Railway Station, Tel: 69714.