Chittaurgarh's legendary origins go back to the time of the redoubtable Pandav hero Bhim of Mahabharata, wishing to learn the secrets of immortality. Bhim became the disciple of a sage, but his impatience to perform all the rites deprived him of his goal. Thus, the angered Bhim stamped in rage, creating a huge water pool known as Bhim's pool. Historically the site was a well established citadel and the capital of Mewar, until emperor Akbar conquered it. Chittaurgarh commemorates the passing away of a race of men and women who lived passionately and preferred to die fighting rather than to submit. Chittaurgarh is located about 172 Kms from Udaipur in a country strewn with rocky cliffs, monsoon streams and pleasant fields. Chittaurgarh fort stands about 180- metres- high and at the summit. It is 5 Kms long north to south, but only 3/4 Kms at its widest, east to west.

WHAT TO SEE : THE FORT :Believed to have been constructed by Mori rulers in the 7th century, this fort is located on a 180 metre high hill, covering 700 acres. RANI PADMINI'S PALACE : The Palace of the legendary queen of Mewar is in the fort. MEERA AND KUMBHA SHYAM TEMPLE : This temple is associated with the poetess - cum - divotee of lord Krishna, Meera. KALIKA MATA TEMPLE : The temple of Goddess Kali, symbol of power and valour.

90 Kms from the Udaipur are the Ranakpur Temples. The cluster of temples made of intricately sculpted white marble, come across as a marvellous feat of Architecture. It would take any one by surprise to learn that they were built in 1460, so well preserved and sparkling is the marble. The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars - none of which are similarly carved. Four main domes again beautifully carved, look down upon you. The jain temples house statues of Mahavira and other jain saints. Entry for non jains is from 12 noon to 5 pm.
 

Quiet and tranquil, pushkar is a heaven for tourists searching for respite. A religious town build around a lake, it is best known for the animal camel/cattle fare that turns the heaven into a riot of colour.

WHAT TO SEE : TEMPLES : Jagat pita shri Brahma mandir, Warah temple, Mahadeo temple, Savitri temple, temple of Rangji, Manmahal, Pushkar palace and Pushkar lake.

SHOPPING : The main street has shops selling silverware, garments, handicrafts.

Nesting amongst the folds of the Aravali's and situated practically in the centre of Rajasthan is the sleepy town of Ajmer located picturesequely along the shore of the Anasagar lake. South east of Jaipur, Ajmer along the shore of the Anasagar lake. South west of Jaipur, Ajmer is a major religious centre for both muslims as well as Hindus, and boasts of some unique architectural styles. Famous for the mosque or the Dargah of the venerated sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin chisti, each year an "urs" or fair is held when millions throng to the holy shrine to seek a boon. Ajmer is also well-known due to its proximity to the holy town of Pushkar where each year in the month of november a camel and cattle fair is held making it a prominent destination on the international map.

WHAT TO SEE : ANASAGAR: An artificial lake. On one embankment are the marble 'baradaries'(pavilions) erected by Shahjahan in 1637 with a park on the other side. DARGAH: Located in the heart of the old city is the tomb of the sufi saint-Khwaja moinuddin chisti. ADHAI DINKA JHONPRA: Beyond the dargah is a building is of unusual architecture. AKBAR'S PALACE: This building in the center of town houses the government museum. NASIYAN OR THE RED JAIN TEMPLE : Built in 1865 is worth visiting for its architectural splendour and depiction of the concept of the perfect world according to Jain mythology. TARAGARH OR THE STAR FORT: Built sometime in the 6th century by the founder of Ajmer, Ajay Pal the fort is said to be the first fort to have been built on a hill. MAYO COLLEGE: Established in 1875 by Lord Mayo, the then Viceroy of India.

Samode is an hour's drive from the Jaipur 45 Kms away. The 400 - year - old palace has a wealth of frescoes, many of them depicting religious subjects, the highlight is a vast Durbar Hall.
 

Often called the 'open art gallery of Rajasthan ', the region is famous for its painted Havelis(mansions). Mandawa is on the tourist map for the fresco-painted homes of its trading community. Down the centuries the area's trading community travelled across India. Part of their profits were used to beautify their houses with paintings.

Though many of these embellishments are fading, they offer a fascinating insight into the skill and creative imagination of the artists who worked on the walls, niches and every conceivable corner with paintings. Apart from the Havelis, even temples, fortified residences, chattris(memorials) were embellished with paintings. Themes of the paintings were generally sought from legends, religious epics, historical events, everyday life, floral inventions and western influences.

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