Rajasthan Travel Guide

Rajasthan is the largest state of India and is one of the few states that show a great contrast from one area to another. This disparity is noticeable in respect of climate, soil, vegetation, mineral resources etc. The land that revives age old legends of brave Hadi Rani of the beautiful Padmini of Chittaurgarh, the pious Mira Bai, and the love stories of Dholamaru and Moomal - Mahendra of Marwar. Rajasthan, the land of prince and princess has the most amazing legends of devotion, romance and heroism. It offers the visitors: both quite moments of relaxation and adventure in the desert state. Some of the minor destinations of Rajasthan are:

Chittaurgarh
The former capital of the Sisodia rulers of Udaipur, Chittaurgarh perches atop the scraggy spine of the Aravallis. Ransacked by Allauddin Khilji in the 14th century, by the Sultans of Gujarat in the 16th century, and finally by theMughal Emperor Akbar's forces, it was abandoned by its rulers who vowed never to return until they avenge their defeat. The few remaining palaces and towers are part of its stirring history.Chittaurgarh, the town known for its massive fort atop hill, crowned on a 6kms long hill, covering an area of 280 hectares with fortifications, temples, towers and palaces. The city can be single out for its glorious past and valor, unique to the Rajput tradition.
Places Of Interest:
Chittaurgarh Fort, Vijay Stambha, Kirti Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple and Kalika Mata Temple, State Archaeological Museum.

Mount Abu
The only hill station of Rajasthan, crowning at the highest peak of the Aravali hills at altitude of 1220 meters. It is one of the prettiest hill stations in the country. MOUNT ABU A summer retreat in the Aravallis with a large lake and several temples, Mount Abualso doubles as a pilgrimage center with its 11th-13th centuryDelwara Jain temples known for the quality of their sculptures and artifacts.
Mount Abu was dedicated to Lord Shiva before it became a Jain Pilgrimage Centre. The biggest draw for Mount Abu is the Dilwara Jain Temple for its carvings. The hill boasts of a rich vegetation and thick forest. It stands out like an oasis in arid environs.
Places of Interest: Adhar Devi Temple, Andhra Point (Honeymoon Point), Dilwara Jain Temple, Gaumukh, Nakki Lake, Red Temple, Shri Raghunathji Temple, Sunset Point, Traver's Tank.
Excursions: Ambaji- 50 kms, Achalgarh- 11 kms, Guru Shikar- 15 kms, Ranakpur -168 kms.


Barmer
Tiny yet lively town in sun-drenched sands, Barmer is a miniature Rajasthan with all its colour, warmth and tradition. According to history, the 13th century founder of the district, Bahada Rao (popularly known as Bar Rao) gave the town its name - Barmer, i.e., the hill fort of Bar. Although a barren land with harsh climate and rough terrain, Barmer is known for its rich crafts, dances and music. Once on the ancient camel trade route, the town is now the center for woodcarving, pottery, carpets, intricate embroidery work, block printed fabrics and multi-hued traditional costumes. Every year in March, the desert town is at its colorful best during the exuberant Barmer festival.
Places Of Interest: Junagarh Fort, Lalgarh Palace, and Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum, Bhandeshwar Jain Temple.
Excursions: Bhand Sagar Temple- 5 kms, Shiv Bari Temple, Camel Breeding Farm- 10 kms, Devi Kund- 8 kms, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary- 32 kms, Deshnok's Karniji Temple- 33 kms, Kolayat- 50kms, Bhaironji Temple- 40kms.

Alwar
ALWAR Once known as Mewat, the Rajputkingdom came under Muslim domination from the 13th to 18thcenturies with constant attempts to win it back which, the Prince of Kachhwaha dynasty succeeded in doing in 1771. Alwar is nestled between clusters of small hills of the Aravali range. It is the gateway tone of the finest wildlife sanctuary - Sariska that is an excellent home of tigers, birds and variety of animals. Apart from its long history, the city has a rich heritage with some beautiful lakes and picturesque valleys thickly wooded in parts. The medieval fort crowning a scarped hill, over looks the town below. Rao Pratap Singh founded Alwar in 1775 A.D.
Places Of Interest: City Palace, Museum, Puran Vihar, Sagar (tank) Bala Fort, Vinay Vilas Mahal.
Excursions: Siliserh- 15 km. Siliserh is famous for its Lake and enchanting Palace.

Bharatpur - Deeg
The only Jat kingdom in the state, the rock-hard mud fortifications of its fort proved invincible even under repeated siege. The fort houses early remnants of artifacts and sculpture, while the modern palace outside is a sprawling structure. Bharatpur, along with Deeg and Dholpur, holds an important place in the history of Rajasthan. Visited mainly for Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur is a small town. The architecture is a blend of the Mughal and the Rajputana styles. Today government offices and a museum occupy most of the forts. The museum in the fort has some interesting sculptures, collected from various ancient and early medieval sites in nearby areas.

DEEG The summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur, Deeg is known for its Jat architecture and for the colored fountains and pleasure pavilions that are contained within a fortified environment.

Kumbhalgarh
The formidable medieval citadel- Kumbhalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 meters high from the sea level, the fort was built in 15th century A.D by Maharana Kumbha and is the principal fortification after Chittaurgarh, lying 90kms northwest of Udaipur. The massive fort, encompassed by 36kms long wall (2nd largest wall after the great wall of China) has seven majestic gates and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and soaring watch towers strengthen the crenellated walls of the fort making it an impregnable structure.
Places Of Interest:
Kumbhalgarh Fort & Kumbhalgarh Wild Life Sanctuary, Haldi Ghati.

Kota
One of few perennial rivers in Rajasthan, the Chambal is flanked by verdant, fertile plains. Located on its banks, Kota is a modern industrialized city, but its antecedents are as romantic as any otherRajput kingdom. This is evident in its many palaces, and the large fort with its fabulous paintings known for their hunting scenes. Rao Madho Singh, who was nominated as the ruler by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan, formed Kota in 1631 A.D. The city is known for impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples dating back over several centuries retain the past glory with an exciting contrast to the modern edifices and industries. Standing over the river Chambal is commanding 'Garh-fort Palace', dating back to the time when Kota was a part of Hada.
Umed Bhawan Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces of Kota. Built in 1009 by Maharao Umed Singh II of Kota. This palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob who spent many years in Rajasthan. The overall design of the palace is European. There is an Edwardian drawing room, a billiard room and a very well laid out garden surrounding the palace. There are long corridors, courtyard and Italian marble floors. Chambal Garden The lush green garden at Amar Niwas makes a lovely picnic spot. While absorbing the ambience of the place one can enjoy a boat ride. Maharao Madho Singh Museum situated in the old palace, it houses a rich collection of Rajput paintings of the Kota school, exquisite sculptures and other valuable antiques. The museum is the treasure house of artistic items used by the rulers of Kota.
Places Of Interest: City Palace, The Fort overlooking Chamba River, Jagmandir - artificial water reservoir, Brig Vilas Palace Museum, Rao Madho Singh Museum and Darrah Wild Life Sanctuary - 50 Kms away from Kota.

Bundi
This picturesque little town in Rajasthan, the atmosphere of which more or less remains, fills a narrow valley in the oldest hills in India: the Aravallis. This walled town, 37 km north of Kota, lies in the north of the former Hadaoti state, shielded on the north, east and west by jagged outcrops of the Vindhya range. Bundi, renown for its intricate paintings and murals, made a perfect capital of a major princely state during the heyday of the Rajputs.
Places Of Interest: Taragarh Fort or Star Fort, Palace, Chitra Mahal, Phool Sagar Palace, Nagar Sagar Kund, Sukh Mahal, Shikar Burj, Rani Ki Baori.

JHALAWAR
A 19th century offshoot ofKota, Jhalawar's verdant landscape is unusual for a desert state. Its fort functions as a government office but the 9th century Gagron Fortclose by is one of the most important citadels ofRajput history. A newly developed RTDC unit "Gavdi Talab", far from tha madding crowd is a must to see.

NAGAUR
Located betweenBikaner and Jodhpur, yet largely bypassed,Nagaur serves as an important link in the state's martial history, and its fort has frescos in Mughal andRajput styles.

PUSHKAR A pilgrimage center with the only temple in India dedicated toLord Brahma, the Divine Creator,Pushkar is the venue for the annual camel fair.

RANAKPUR
Ranakpur is well-known for its 15thcentury temples built by Jain merchants, these are characterized by the fine quality of their carving.

SHEKHAWATI
A region of small towns, Shekhawati is primarily known for itshavelis or mansions richly ornamented with frescoes that, over time, ranged from the sacred to the secular.

DUNGARPUR
A Bhil stronghold in the foothills of theAravallis, this fertile region was created into the state of Dungarpur in the 13thcentury. Since the natural protection afforded the place complete isolation, a highly decorative style of architecture and other arts developed.