Destinations Covered : Delhi -
Jaipur- Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Manvar - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Kota
-Ranthambore - Agra
Delhi
India's capital city, Delhi is the second most widely used entry
point in the country, being on the route of most major airlines.
It is well linked by rail, air and road to all parts of the
country. The remains of seven distinctive capital cities - among
them Shahjahanabad and Qutab Minar - can be seen.
Jaipur
The Capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in
Pink, a colour which symbolizes hospitality in Rajput culture.
Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century it is surrounded by
hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale
palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed peasants, treasure
trove of handloom and craft. Come visit city of Love, Legends and
lore.
Bikaner
Rao Bika, Rao Jodha’s younger son, founded BIKANER in 1486
. The fortified town still retains the aura of medival times. A
century later Raja Rai Singh built this impressive fort Junagarh.
It is surrounded by moat and houses many outstanding palaces,
made of red sand stone and marble. Lal garh palace was built by
Maharaj Ganga Singh in commemoration of his father Maharaj Lal
Singh. The museum in Bikaner have a rich collection fo artifacts
dating to harrapan, kushan era. The other attractions of the town
are Devi Kund, Rat Temple and Gajner.
Jaisalmer
Nothing can prepare you for the first sight of Jaisalmer as it
appears dream-like amidst the dunes. The trance continues inside
the fort among maze- like streets and bazaar. Outside the fort
the havelis bewitch you. Look out for Jaiselmer’s evocative
Desert Festival. The city was founded by Rao Jaisal in the year
1156 A. on the advice of local hermit. The fort Sonar is built on
Jurassic sandstone grows out of a rock in an undulating sea of
sand. The other attractions are Sam sand dunes 45 Kms and Lodruva
Jain temples 16 Kms.
Manvar
Manvar is a desert resort situated mid-way between Jaisalmer and
Jodhpur (Rajasthan, India). It is a medieval city catapulted
through a time warp into the 21st century. There is a quiet,
unhurried grace about this desert settlement and its people and a
sense of kinship that can be traced to Bapji, otherwise known as
Gaj Singh, who in another time would have been maharaja.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur is a vibrant, strategically important city on caravan
trade routes. In the region Marwar, the land of death, Jodhpur
came up in the 15th century on profits from opium, sandalwood,
dates and copper combined with the might of Rao Jodha and
Mehrangarh became the most majestic fort of Rajasthan.
Udaipur
udaipur is perhaps a unique pre-modern capital in Rajasthan which
has no fort. Coming to life after the final sacking of Chittor ,
Udaipur saw an explosion of building activity - temples, palaces
and Havelis. Lake Picchola with its two islands- Jagniwas (now
the Lake Palace Hotel) and Jagmandir defines Udaipur. The City
Palace towers over the lake. The artificial Jaisamand Lake was
created in 17th century by damming the Gomti River. There are
beautiful chhatries (Cenotaphs) around the embankment.
Kota
Situated at the banks of river chambal it is the industrial city
of the state. Jait singh the chieftan defeated the tribal chief
Koteya who was the ruler of kota laid the foundation of this city
on the severed head of the defeated. The Garh or the city Palace
has marvelous mirror work, ebony and ivory inlay work and houses
a massive collection of miniature paintings, beautiful frescos
and royal cenotaphs. The city also boasts of a crocodile
sanctuary and a haven for migratory birds. The river has islands
which are uninhabited and are a sight to watch.
RANTHAMBORE
NEAR SAWAI MADHOPUR, the stunning RANTHAMBORE tiger project is
famous for its tigers .The best season is Oct-April. The 10th
–century fort witnessed Raja Hammir’s valiant defeat
against Allaudin Khilji . The heroic tales are given a suitable
ambience by crumbling temples and mosques, crocodile infested
lakes and chhatris( Cenotaphs).
Taj Mahal
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by Emperor Shah
Jehan in the memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. This
beautiful mausoleum took 22 years to complete with a work force
of 20,000 craftsmen and master builders, who came from all over
Asia to join in this great work – from Baghdad, Shiraz,
Delhi, Samarkand and Turkey. The marble, India’s finest;
was quarried at Makrana near Jodhpur. Precious and semi precious
stones were imported from distant lands : Jasper from Punjab,
Jade & Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis from
Afghanistan and Ceylon, Chrosolite from Egypt, Amethyst from
Persia, Agate from Yemen, Malachite from Russia, Diamonds from
Golconda and Mother of Pearl from the Indian Ocean.
