The Desert Adventure
Jaipur / Jodhpur /
Jaisalmer / Bikaner /
Udaipur
The colourful city of forts and palaces.
The capital city in the tone of an autumnal sunset intersperses the play
of red and pink with white borders and motifs, outlining the
architectural highlights of Jaipur's buildings. Jaipur takes its name
from its founder Sawai Jai Singh, a prince soldier, astronomer and
builder who ascended the throne of Amber in 1699 when Aurangzeb was
ruling in Delhi. Jaipur is a well planned city with buildings of pink
sandstone. It is the only city in the world symbolising the nine
divisions of the universe through nine rectangular divisions
sub-dividing it.
Jaipur, with its historical past, revives legends of the ancient Rajputs.
The Palaces and forts of yesteryears that were witness to royal
processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted naturally
into the lifestyles of the people of the pink city. The dresses of the
women and the turbans of the men add colour to this fascinating city.
WHAT TO SEE : AMER FORT : Is one that cannot be easily described. You
ride up on Elephants to the former capital of the royals, set against
the backdrop of wooded hills. CITY PALACE : This former royal residence
is built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Contains an
excellent collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armoury. HAWA
MAHAL: The intriguing "Palace of Winds" is really a facade built in 1799
to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows. JANTAR MANTAR:
Magnificient stone observatory built by Raja Jai singh in 1728. OTHER
PLACES OF INTEREST : Birla Mandir, Maharaja Sawai Museum, Central
Museum.
SHOPPING : Jaipur is a shopper's paradise. look for jewellery,
paintings, block prints and tie- and - dye textiles, carpets, brassware,
blue pottery, leather footwear, lacquer and filigree work.
Grandeur by the sand dunes.
Founded in1459 by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur was the capital of the state of
Marwar. Where the Rathor clan ruled. Jodhpur is a resplendent city, with
a blend of modern and traditional buildings. Set right at the edge of
the Thar desert, jodhpur is strewn with forts and palaces that go back
to the 15th century. It is the largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur.
The city is dominated by the massive fort, topping a sheer rocky hill
which rises right in the middle of the town. The palaces within are
noted for their fine lattice work in red sandstone. The lakes and the
temples add to the grandeur of Jodhpur.
WHAT TO SEE : MEHRANGARH FORT :This formidable hilltop fort is one of
the most impressive in Rajasthan. A series of Gates lead into it. Inside
the fort, see the palaces - Moti Mahal or "Pearl Palace", the Sukh Mahal
or "Pleasure Palace" and the Phool Mahal or "Flower Palace". JASWANT
THADA : A marble cenotaph built in 1899 as a memorial to Maharaja
Jaswant Singh II. UMAID BHAWAN PALACE : Built by Maharaja Umaid singh in
1943. This marble and sandstone palace is an imposing sight. The museum
here has a fascinating collection of antique clocks and miniature
paintings.
SHOPPING: Embroidered leather shoes, tie and die fabrics, lacquerware,
antiques and puppets.
The magic of a Golden fortress.
Nothing else in India is remotely similar to Jaisalmer. Yet this desert
fortress is straight out of the tales of the Arabian Nights and you
could easily be forgiven for imaging that you'd somehow been transported
back to medieval Afghanistan. This magic, incomparably romantic and
totally unspoiled city has been dubbed the golden city because of the
colour imparted to its stone ramparts by the setting Sun. It is a city
that rises from the Desert like a golden mirage. Dominating the view is
the awesome citadel on the hill - a fort built with the golden yellow
stone of the area. Jaisalmer is a visual delight . Wander through its
lanes and discover the "havelis" with delicately carved stone facades.
Jaisalmer is all of this and much more. Besides no one who makes the
effort to get to this remote outpost leaves disappointed.
WHAT TO SEE : JAISALMER FORT: Built in Golden yellow sandstone, this
fairy-tale fortress stands on Tricuta hill. Still inhabited, there are
palaces and bazaars within the fortress. HAVELIS: Wealthy merchants
built these exquisite Havelis, with profusely-carved stone facades.
Don't miss Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli. RISHABHDEVJI TEMPLE,
ASTHA PADI MANDIR & SAMBHAVNATH TEMPLE : Dating from the 12th and 15th
century, these three exquisite Jain temples contain a treasure of Jain
manuscripts.
SHOPPING : Woven blankets and shawls, mirror-work textiles, silver
jewellery, block printed textiles.
Outpost on a caravan route.
Founded in 1488 by Rao Bikaji, Bikaner was once on the ancient trading
route of caravans. The fort , 500 years ago, offered Bikaner's populace
safety from invaders, while the rulers designed some beautiful
apartments within , that still echo the opulence.
With many forts, palaces and temples all created with unusual delicacy
in red sandstone and a bustling bazaar where you can even buy a pair of
" racing camels". Nearby is Deshnoke where, in a marble-fronted temple,
rats are offered sanctuary as they are considered sacred.
WHAT TO SEE : JUNAGARH FORT : Built in 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a general
in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort has many palaces and gateways.
LALGARH PALACE : 3 Kms from the city centre, it was built by Maharaja
Ganga Singh with intricate filigree work in the red sandstone. GANGA
GOLDEN JUBILEE MUSEUM: It has one of the richest collections of
terracotta-ware, weapons and miniature paintings of the Bikaner school.
OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST: Deshnoke Karnimata temple, Devi kund, Camel
breeding farm.
SHOPPING : At the Bazaar, look for camel-hide water bottles, slippers,
purses and lamp shades. Also camel hair durries, carpets and blankets.
The venice of the east.
Maharaja Udai singh sought shelter here from the Mughals and was adviced
by a holy man to built his capital on this spot as it would then be
unconquered. He did so in 1559 A.D. and was the founder of Udaipur.
Udaipur is described as the romantic city of India. From lakes in the
midst of sandy terrain to green forested hills where wildlife still
abounds, the surprises are endless. And, in the lakes, or by their
edges, are palaces straight out of fairy tales, each more beautiful than
the other. There are rugged fortresses too - Chittaurgarh and
Kumbhalgarh, where the history of Udaipur is told as if it were but a
page from yesterday. The house of Mewar or Udaipur as it is now better
known, is surrounded by the Aravalli mountain ranges. Situated on the
edge of three lakes, its narrow streets lined with shops and craftsmen's
ateliers encourage hours of window- shopping for the avid tourist. The
ambience, climate and history have combined, making Udaipur a tourist
Heaven.
WHAT TO SEE: CITY PALACE: It was built in 1725 made of granite and
marble with filigree balconies, ornate windows and craftmanship in
glass. Each palace within an outstanding creation of art. JAGDISH
TEMPLE: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was built in 1651 by
Maharaja Jagat Singh I , FATEHSAGAR LAKE : A fairytale lake of Udaipur
offers visitors a cruise to the Island-garden, Nehru park. SAHELIYON KI
BARI : A garden with fountains once used for the enjoyment of royal
ladies. BHARTIYA LOK KALA MANDIR : A museum of folk art. puppeteers
regularly put up shows here.
SHOPPING : Folk toys, brightly coloured garments, tie-and-dye sarees,
turbans and hand painted textiles. silver Jewellery, wall hangings and
paintings on cloth.
More Rajasthan Cities
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