Rajasthan

The art of Rajasthan has attracted numerous visitors. Rajasthan- the Land of Kings, is a majestic tapestry of camels plodding over soft sand dunes of the Thar Desert. It is a kaleidoscope of brightly turbaned men with proud moustaches and women with twinkling anklets in colorful swirling ghagras. The landscape is dotted with island palaces shimmering on idyllic blue lakes; temples and fortresses situated on hilltops of the rugged and rocky Aravalli; exquisite palaces built during the reign of some of its many erstwhile Rajput dynasties; and well laid out gardens with pavilions and kiosks, all of which add to the splendor and whimsical charm of this majestic land. But, it is the art of Rajasthan that makes it such a popular tourist destination of India.

History
Archaeological and historical evidence shows a continuous human habitation of the area dating back 100,000 years. Between the 7th and the 11th century AD, several dynasties arose, with Rajput strength reaching its peak at the beginning of the 16th c. Emperor Akbar brought the Rajput states into the Mughal empire; by early 19th c, they allied with the Marathas. Later, the British established paramountcy in the region. Raj- asthan soon emerged as a centre of Indian nationalism. When the new constitution went into effect in 1950, Rajput princes surrendered their powers to the Indian Union.

Culture
Rajasthan has made its contribution to Indian art; there is a rich literary tradition, especially of bardic poetry. Chand Bardai's poem Prithvi Raj Raso or Chand Raisa, the earliest manuscript of which dates to the 12th century, is particularly notable. A popular source of entertainment is the khyal, a dance drama composed in verse with festive, historical, or romantic themes. The typical folk dance of Rajasthan is the ghoomar, which is performed on festive occasions only by women. The geer dance (performed by men and women), the panihari (a graceful dance for women), and the kacchi ghori (in which male dancers ride dummy horses) are also popular.

Capital	:	Jaipur
District Area	:	342,239 Sq Km
Altitude	:	224 metres (747 ft.)
Literacy	:	38.6%
Best time to visit	:	October - March
Temperature	:	Summer: 38°C Max Winter: 18°C Min
Climate	:	Depends on season
Clothing	:	Summer: Light cotton Winters: Light woolens
Local Languages	:	Rajasthani, Marwari, Hindi and English
Religion	:	Hinduism, Jainism

Ajmer
120 km (78 miles) west of Jaipur, was founded by great Raja Prithviraj Chauhan in 7th century. Ajmer is known for Dargah of Khwaja Mu'in-ud-din Chisti (1142-1236) and Ana Sagar Lake. Also known for the famous boarding schools Sophia college (Girls) and Mayo college (Boys).
Read More..

Alwar
143 km from Jaipur and 164 km from Delhi, Alwar is a beautiful city.

Banswara
527 km from Jaipur & 160 kms from Udaipur, Banswara is a small town famous for Baneshwar Festival.

Bharatpur
175 km from Jaipur & 185 km from Delhi, is know for the Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bird Sanctuary) and also a halting place on the way from Agra (55 km). The only city that was ruled by Jats. And you can also see the old fort and museum.

Bikaner
In route on your way from Jaipur (330 km) to Jaisalmer (320 km) was founded in 15th century by Rao Bika. Known for durries, carpets, hand painted lamp shades, and mojari slippers. Also for the camel safari and Junagarh Fort.

Bundi
206 km from Jaipur and 40 km from Kota, Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.

Chittaurgarh
110 km from Udaipur and 300 km from Jaipur was founded by Bappa Rawal in 8th century. Known for the massive fort 3 mile long and 495 feet high. Mirabai, 16th century poet and saint was from here. Also known fro Vijaystambha, Kirtistambha (Tower of Victory), and Rani Padmini.

Dungarpur
Situated about 110 km south of Udaipur, Dungarpur, or the City of Hills, was founded in the 13ht century. You can visit the Juna Mahal which is adorned with beautiful frescoes, paintings, mirror work and glass inlays; the well maintained Government run Rajmata Devendra Kanwar Museum and the beautiful Deo Somnath Temple.

Jaipur
Capital city of Rajasthan also known as "Pink City" is about 250 km from Delhi, and your starting point for Rajasthan. Founded by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 is famous for Amber Fort, jantar mantar, hawa mahal, city palace & Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh. Also for the textile block prints, semi precious jewelry, handicraft items and Raj Mandhir (Movie theater).
Read More..

Jodhpur
250 km from Jaipur, also called "Blue City" is second city of Rajasthan. Founded by Rao Jodha is famous for Mehrangarh Fort, Umed Bhawan Palace, museum and handicrafts.

Jaisalmer
275 Kms from Jodhpur, also called "Golden City" was founded by Rao Jaisal. Famous for the Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon-ki-haveli, sand dunes, and ideal for camel rides and safaris.

Jhalawar
335 km from Jaipur, 87 km from Kota, the princely state of the Jhalas, Jhalawar was created in 1838 A.D.

Kota
240 km from Jaipur, 131 km from Ajmer, Kota is famous for Dussehra Mela.

Kumbhalgarh
85 km from Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh is famous for Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Mount Abu
190 Kms from Udaipur & 27 Km from Abu, is the only hill resort of Rajasthan. Famous for Dilwara Temples, Guru Shikar, and Nakki Lake.

Nathdwara
48 km from Udaipur in Rajasthan lies the popular relegious place, Nathdwara.

Pushkar
14 km from Ajmer, is famous for the Pushkar Fair and Brahma Temple and beautiful view of desert at sunset.

Ranakpur
Ranakpur is amongst the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism. It is home to an exceptionally beautiful temple complex in the Aravali ranges and a must visit for the tourists coming to this region.

Rohet
160 km from Udaipur,212 km from Indore, Rohet is famous for its local cultures and traditions.

Sariska
110 km from Jaipur and 35 km from Alwar is famous for the Tiger Reserve Sanctuary.

Ranthambore
135 km from Jaipur and 11 km from Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambhore, is famous for the Ranthambore National Park, Tiger Reserve Project.

FESTIVAL/FAIRS

Camel Festival
The camel festival is organised by the Department of Tourism of the Rajasthan Government in January every year in Bikaner. The festival begins with a colourful procession of bedecked camels against the red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh fort. The camels display amazing footwork, dancing gracefully to the directions of their trainers. bridal bridles, bejeweled necks, jingling anklets and camel shadows, cast a spell on the audience. In the evenings, is held a traditional rendezvous of renowned artistes and folk performers of Rajasthan.

Nagaur Fair
The fair is held every year in January-February in Nagaur, is a trading fair for cattle and camels and gives one an opportunity to catch up with rural life as owners from all over the state camp on the outskirts of the town while they buy and sell animals. the hides of the animals, cut into wonderful patterns, are particularly attractive.

Mewar Festival
This 18-day festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring and coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur. It is significant for the women of the state as it is time for them to dress in their best. The women gather to dress the images of Issar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The procession ends up at Pichhola Lake where the images are transferred to special boats amidst singing and festivity. Cu1tura events are held at the end of the festivities and they include songs, dances and a display of fireworks.

Kaila Devi Fair
The fair is held in March or April in Kaila village in Karauli district and it holds an important place among the celebrated fairs of the state. The fortnight-long fair is held on the banks of the river Kalisil in the hills of Trikut about 2 kilometres from Kaila village. It houses the images of Mahalakshrni and Chamunda. Kaila Devi has been regarded as the guardian deity throughout the ages by the Khinchis, the Yadavas and the princes of Karauli. A small temple dedicated to Bhairon is situated in the courtyard and facing the shrine of the devi is the temple of Hanuman. Throughout the year, there is a steady flow of devotees.

Mahavir Ji Fair
This fair is held at Mahavir Ji between March and April to commemorate Shri Mahavir Swami, the 24th tirthankara (saint) of the Jams. The temple is located in an enclosure known as ‘katala’ where devotees come to pay homage.

Summer Festival
The three-day festival is held at Mount Abu in June every year and is a feast of folk and classical music and window to the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan. The festival begins with the singing of a ballad which is followed by Gaiç Ghoomar and Dhap folk dances. Boat races and qawwalis are also organised.

Teej Festival
Held during the monsoons, July Teej is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati and this time it is married women who pray for a happy and long married life. Though celebrations are held all over the state, it is particularly colourful in jaipur where a procession winds Its way for two days through the Old City. It is the festival of swings which are decorated with flowers and hung from trees. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open.

Gogaji Fair
The fair is held at Gogamedi in Ganganagar district in August in memory of a popular hero of the area known as Goga among the Hindus and Jahar Peer among the Muslims. The Kayam Khani Muslims claim to be descendants of his. Gogaji is popular as a snake god and almost every village in Rajasthan has a sacred place dedicated to him. Staunch followers of Gogaji believe that by invoking his name, a snake bite and other diseases can be cured. It is said that Gogaji went into samadhi at GogaMedi and thousands of devotees gather there to pay homage at his memorial every day during the Fair which lasts three days. The samadhi is a marble structure with two minarets fortified by a boundary wall. The idol of Gogaji is seated on a blue horse with a snake coiled around the neck.

Kaliteej
Though Kaliteej is celebrated all over the state, the one in Bundi is different in the sense that it is held on different dates from the rest of the state. The festival starts with the procession of goddess Teej in a decorated palanquin from the imposing Naval Sagar and passes through the main bazaars. The procession comprises decorated elephants, camels, bands, performing artists and colourfully dressed people. Though the main function is held for only two days, the celebrations continue into Janamashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna.

Ramdevra Fair
The Ramdevra Fair is held in Ramdevra village in Jaisalmer in August or Septembet The village has got its name after Baba Ramdev, a Tanwar Rajput, who took samadhi in 1458 He had miraculous powers and legend goes that five peers from Mecca came to test his powers. After being convinced, they paid homage to him. The Hindus regard him as an incarnation of Lord Krishna. A large fair is held here which is atteflded by lakhs of devotees who come in large groups from various places. Bhajans and kirtans right through the night are organised.

Marwar Festival
Held in October in Jodhpur, this annual two-day event attempts to showcase the art and culture of the Jodhpur region. It is devoted mainly to singing and dancing. Originally known as the Maand festival, the folk dancers provide a glimpse of the days of yore, of battles and valiant heroes who still live on in their songs. Other attractions are camel tatoo show and polo. The venues are the impressive Umaid Bhavan Palace, Mandore and the Mehrangarh fort.

Dusshera
Dusshera is celebrated all over the country in different ways as also in Rajasthan. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. The tale of Rama and Sita and the battle fought between Lord Rama and Ravana are enacted on stage and it is called Ramlila. On the tenth day of the festival, huge effigies of the ten-headed Ravana and his brother Kumbakaran, stuffed with thousands of fire crackers, are set afire and the people then begin to rejoice.

Pushkar Fair
Easily the most identifiable of all the fairs of the state, the Pushkar fair is held in November in Pushkar in Ajmer, where an eighth century temple of Brabma, draws the faithful. The place has about 400 shrines and temples around the lake. Legend has it that Lord Brahma, in search of a place to hold his yagna(religious ritual), dropped the lotus from his hand and the three spots touched by the flower were turned into lakes. These are today known as the Jyeshtha Pushkar, Madhyam Pushkar and Kanishtha Pushkar. Pilgrims bathe at the ghats and pray at the temple. Traders strike deals at the world’s largest camel fair, although horses are also sold. People gather together to camp in the desert and entertain each other with songs and dances and cook meals over camp fires. The camel, horse and donkey races are also popular and draw huge attendance. Rajasthan Tourism puts up a tourist village.

Chandrabhaga Fair
This three-day fair is held at Jhalrapatan near Jhalawar either in November or December next to the banks of the Chandrabhaga river which is considered holy by the people living in this part of the state. On the full moon night of Kartik Purnima, thousands of pilgrims take a dip in the rivet There is also a big cattle fair in which cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks are brought for sale.

Kolyat Fair
Bikaner is the venue for this fair which lasts 10 days and the place is the sacred site where Kapil Muni is supposed to have meditated. The place has a lake with 52 ghats shaded by banyan trees. Devotees take a dip in the lake and pray in the temples. Aarti is performed twice a day and bhog is offered. People float lighted lamps in the sacred lake as part of the rituals. A cattle fair is also held where buffaloes, camels, horses and cattle are sold. Certificates and prizes are given away to the best breeders at the fair.


FORTS IN AJMER

Taragarh Fort
A step one and a half hour climb beyond the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra leads to the ruins of the Taragarh Fort, preched on a hill.

Man Mahal
Along the banks of the Pushkar Lake is the former residence of Raja Man Singh of Amer, Man Mahal.


FORTS IN ALWAR

Alwar Fort
This huge fort with its ramparts stretching 5 km from north to south and 1.6 km from east to west, sand 304 meters above the city and 595 meter above the sea level, constructed before the rise of the Mughal empire.

Vinay Vilas Mahal
An 18th century palace harmoniously blening the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture.

Vijai Mandir Palace
Siliserh Lake and Palace
Sariska Palace


FORTS IN BHARATPUR
Lohagarh Fort
Bharatpur Palaces
Deeg Palace


FORTS IN BIKANER
Junagarh Fort
Lal Garh Palace


FORTS IN BUNDI

Taragarh Fort
Built in 1354 A.D., The Taragarh Fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan.

Bundi Palace
The Bundi Palace is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi Morals.

Chhattar Mahal
A steep, paved carraife way is the only way to reach the monument. Of special interest in the palace is the Hazari Pol or Gate of the thousand, the Naubat Khana, the Hathi Pol with its old water clock and the Diwaan-e-Aam.

Sukh Mahal, Bundi
A magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Sagar Lake amid the lush surroundings of a beautiful gardents.

Indragarh Fort
The Indragarh Fort and the nearby palaces are famous for the temple of Mother Goddess Kali and Kamleshwar. The palace is also famous for wall paintings.


FORTS IN CHITTAURGARH

Chittaurgarh Fort
The indomitable pride of Chittaur, the fort is a massive structure with many gateways built by the later Maurya rulers in the 7th century A.D. Perched on a height of 180 m high wall.

Rana Kumbha's Palace
The ruined edifice of great historical and architectural interest, being the most massive monument in the fort of Chittaur. The palace is believed to have underground cellars where Rani Padmini and other women committed Jauhar.

Padmini's Palace, Chittaurgarh
Built beside a pool, the Padmini Palace is a magnificent one. It was here that Rana Ratan Singh showed a glimpse of queen Padmini to Alauddin Khilji.

Jaimal and Patta Palace
The ruins of palaces of Rathore Jaimal and Sisodia Patta are witness to the gallantry of these great warriors.


FORTS IN DUNGARPUR

Udai Bilas Palace, Dungapur
The royal residence named after Maharawal Udai Singh II, a patron of art and architecture.

Juna Mahal, Dungapur
The 13th century seven storeyed structure resembling a fortress with crenellated walls, turrets, narrow entrances and corridors to slow down the enemy.


FORTS IN JAIPUR

The City Palace, Jaipur
In the heart of the old city is the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The carved arches are supported by greywhite marble columns with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones.

Hawa Mahal
Built in 1799 A.D., the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Wheels is a major Rajput landmark.

Amer Palace
A beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh.

Jaigarh Fort
A sentinel to the Pink City is Nahargarh Fort, situated beyond the hills of Jaigarh.

Nahargarh Fort
In the heart of the old city is the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles.


FORTS IN JAISALMER

Jaisalmer Fort
The golden Fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill, housing the entire township of Jaisalmer within in ramparts.

Patwon ki Haveli
The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer Havelis. It has exquistely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers.

Salim Singh Ki Haveli
This 300 year old haveli of Jaisalmer's Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh - Salim Singh, has a beautiful blue roof with superbly brackets in the form of peacock.

January to March (winters)
Extending from December to March is the winter season. The coldest month of the season is January. The temperature ranges from 10° C to 27° C. However, there may be considerable difference in the maximum and minimum temperatures.
50F - 80F
4MM - 7MM

April to June (summer)
The hottest season of Rajasthan, summer, extends from April to June. The temperature in this season ranges from 32° C to 45° C. The only place in Rajasthan that is a little cool in summers is the hill station, Mt Abu. However, the nights in Rajasthan are pretty cool, with the night temperature falling considerably.
32°C - 45°C
11MM - 30MM

July to September (monsoon)
During the period of July to September, lies the monsoon. The temperature ranges from 35° C to 40° C. The state receives approximately 90% of its annual rainfall in this season only. It is the most humid season in Rajasthan.
35°C - 40°C
100MM - 165MM

October to December (post monsoon)
From October to November is the post monsoon season. The average maximum temperature ranges between 33° C to 38° C, and the minimum is between 18° C and 20° C.

View Larger Map

By Air:
There are three main airports at Rajasthan- Jaipur airport, Udaipur airport and Jodhpur airport. These airports connect Rajasthan with the major cities of India such as Delhi and Mumbai.

By Railway:
Rajasthan is connected with the main cities of India by rail. Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur and Jodhpur are the principal railway stations in Rajasthan.

By Road:
Rajasthan is well connected to the main cities of the country by State and National Highways.