Safari In Rajasthan

If you are planning to visit Rajasthan, don't forget to include a safari tour of Rajasthan in your itinerary. Rajasthan safari provides a peek into the real Rajasthan. There are different means of taking a desert safari. Read on to know further about the various forms of Rajasthan adventure safaris:

Camel Safari
The most common form of desert safari is the Camel safari. A Camel safari will take you to the far and distant villages of Rajasthan, giving you a peek into the rural Rajasthan. A Camel Safari also takes you closer to nature itself. You spend the evenings next to a bonfire. The night is spent sleeping in the tent, beneath the starry sky. Regarding comfort and security in the Camel safari, the camel-carts for the desert safari are fully equipped to handle almost every situation. Camel Safari is also arranged by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), on request from Delhi and Jaipur.

Horse safari
A horse safari tour of Rajasthan is quite popular with the tourists. Royal cenotaphs, magnificent forts, fascinating temples, picturesque locales, etc all add to the appeal of a Rajasthan horse safari.

Jeep Safari
A popular form of desert safari is the Jeep safari. The jeep safari takes you through the fascinating countryside of the state of Rajasthan. A visit to the forts, palaces and other monuments during the jeep safari takes you back to the bygone era of the state. On an average, you spend 5-6 hrs on the drive daily, covering approximately 150 km. The most popular jeep safari is to the Bishnoi village.

Elephant Safari
Elephant safaris are organized between the cities of Jaipur and Pushkar. Those looking out for some extra adventure should definitely try out the elephant safari. You will certainly enjoy the ride on top of these bulky animals.

Desert Safari : Desert Safari, you have an opportunity to explore the vast sands of the Thar Desert with the ship of the desert, i.e., the camel. Camel has solved the problem of the people of Rajasthan of covering long and tedious routes through the desert. Rajasthan Desert Safari offers number of options to the tourists for Camel safaris. You may opt for a short safari through a Rajasthani village or a long safari for a few days passing through the vast expanse of sand. Camel safari is not easy but is exciting and thrilling.

Car Rental In Rajasthan

Rajasthan an historic city of India. The land of Rajasthan tells the great stories of chivalry and romance of the bygone era. the city has many cultural and heritage values. The fort and palaces, architectural structures and building tell the stories of the great rajputas and maharajas. Every city of rajasthan is full of culture and heritage. full of unique architectural styles and palaces, that tells the stories of its glorious past.

Rajasthan the only desert city of india also famous for its golden dunes, camel safari. Although it is a hot arid desert, there are lovely structures and development can be seen. Rajasthani Music and dances, colourful dresses and heavy authentic jewellery, delicious food and beverages and cultural heritage is enough to beat the heat of the desert. Rajasthan is also famous for its wildlife.

The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Ranthambore National Park, Sariska National Park are famous tiger and wildlife reserve of India. One can seen variety of species of indian and migrated birds and animals. Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bharatpur, Makrana, Sariska, Pushkar are some of most famous cities of Rajasthan. Almost every city has its own architecture style and architectural palaces and forts. Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Dargah of Ajmer Sharief, Jantar Mantar, Chittorgarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort are some of the most famous forts of Rajashtan. Every year uncountable tourist comes here and admire the unmatched land of rajasthan.

Car Rental In Jaipur : Explore the city of Jaipur and drink in the beautiful sights of the city with in custom made comfortable cars that are leased to tourists who decide to travel to Jaipur. Car Rentals in Jaipur wont pose a problem for you as we own a legion of cars of all shapes and sizes to suit your requirements.

Car Rental In Ajmer : Car rentals in Ajmer make it infinitely easy for you to explore Ajmer heritage treasures in an unhurried manner. Let an Ajmer car rental agency car rentals services take care of all your Ajmer tour plans while you enjoy ethnic India in a pleasurable and tension -free fashion.

Car Rentals In Bharatpur : Car rentals in Bharatpur Rajasthan create the ideal circumstances for you to drive to interesting bird haunts located inside the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary popularly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

Car Rentals In Alwar : A person can drive to Siliserh, Neemrana, local forts and palaces in luxury with Car Rentals In Alwar Rajasthan. He can have a comfortable tour to graceful and regal Alwar and see the best of rural Rajasthan with car hire services and car rentals facilities offered by India Rajasthan Tours, which is a popular India tour.

Car Rentals In Bikaner : Car Rentals In Bikaner, arranges tours to thrilling desert attractions like the Junagarh Fort, Camel Breeding Farm and other sandstone reminders of the powerful Bika warriors and their affinity for luxury living.

Car Rentals In Chittorgarh : A Chittorgarh car rental agency like car rentals takes care of all Chittorgarh tour plans while the person enjoys India in a pleasurable way.

Car Rentals In Jaisalmer : Car rentals in Jaisalmer for a person to reach enchanting Rajasthan riches such as the majestic Jaisalmer Fort and elaborate desert havelis in a relaxed fashion and at will.

Car Rentals In Sawai Madhopur : Car rentals, car rentals packages and car hires for Sawai Madhopur Rajasthan ensure that you drive around in cozy pleasure while you travel to the tourist attractions in Sawai Madhopur Rajasthan India.

Car Rentals In Udaipur : Car rentals packages in Udaipur Rajasthan India arranges for a visit to Moti Magri, Saheliyon ki Bari, City Palace and other splendid structures in Udaipur Rajasthan India.

Rajasthan Travel Information

Rajasthan has several tourist sights, especially in ancient and medieval architecture. Places of interest are Mount Abu, Ajmer, Alwar(Sariska tiger sanctuary), Bharatpur (Keoladeo bird sanctuary), Bikaner, Jaipur (the Pink City), Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pali, Jaisalmer and Chittorgarh. Tourism was given industry status in 1992.

Some major information for are :

Tourist Offices : Rajasthan Tousirm offices are spread all over the state and across the country.

Rajasthan STD Codes : It provides you all the information regarding the STD Codes of Rajasthan.

Passport & Visa : When planning a trip to Rajasthan, the first thing you need to do is to take Visa for India. Usually 120 days visa are given to tourist visiting India.

Foreign Currency : Indian Currency is the Indian Rupee (Re/Rs). Since you are not allowed to bring in Indian currency, your best option is the airport bank. Indian Rupee notes are printed in denominations of Rs 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, and 10. The Rupee is divided into 100 Paise.

About Rajasthan : A complete travel guide for Rajasthan offers information on Rajasthan Rajasthan climate, Rajasthan History, Rajasthan Culture, Rajasthan Dance, Rajasthan Music and the local transportation. Detailed information is available on various tourist spots in Rajasthan, Rajasthan Hotels in those destinations, Rajasthan Wildlife, Rajasthan Forts & Palaces and various festivals of Rajasthan.

Best Time To Visit Rajasthan : Rajasthan experiences extreme climatic conditions. While it is a year round destination, from the comfort level, the period between October to March is by far the most salubrious and thus the best time to visit Rajasthan India.

History Of Rajasthan : Rajasthan was inhabited long before 2500 BC and the Indus Valley Civilisation had its foundation here in north Rajasthan itself. The Bhil and the Rajasthani tribes were the earliest dwellers of this area.

Location Of Rajasthan : Rajasthan is the north-western region of India, and has remained independent from the great empires.

Climate Of Rajasthan : The climate of Rajasthan is generally hot and dry. However, the climate of Rajasthan can be divided into four seasons, namely summers, winters, monsoon and post-monsoon.

Area & Population Of Rajasthan : Rajasthan is the most colorful region in India exhibiting splendor and royalty in every walk of life.

Do`s And Dont`s In Rajasthan : People in their home environment live in a state of equilibrium with the locally occurring strains of microorganisms and with the altitude and climatic conditions of the region.

Communication Facilities Available In Rajasthan : Bio Technology is a frontier area of Science and Technology with a high promise for the welfare of humanity. A new generation of biotechnology developed as a result of intensive work in India has opened up new opportunities for economic development in the country.

Important Telephone Numbers Rajasthan : It provides you all the information regarding the major Telephone Numbers of Important STD Codes, Emergency Services/Public Utilities, Administration, Police, Judiciary, Revenue, Development, Education, etc.

Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation : One of the numerous RTDC facilities available throughout the colourful state. You can experience a legendary lifestyle of the erstwhile Maharajas on the Palace-on-Wheels and Heritage-on-Wheels

Rajasthan Facts And Figures

Area : 342,239 sq km.
Population : 56.5 million.
Major Languages : Hindi, Marwari, and Rajasthani Language
Capital : Jaipur
Location : Western Part of India
Climate : The climate of Rajasthan is generally hot and dry, with scorching summers and cool winters.
Best Time to Visit : Mid October to mid March
International Airport : Jaipur
Domestic Airports : Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Kota and Jaisalmer

Major Festivals Rajasthan : Teej Festival, Diwali Festival, Alwar Festival, Makar Sankranti Festival, Rama Navami Festival, Gangaur Frstival, Ganesh Chaturthi Festival, Nagaur Festival, Elephant Festival, Holi Festival, Kailadevi Fair Karauli, Dusshera Festival, Summer Festival, Navratri Festival

Major Fairs Rajasthan : Nagaur Fair, Baneshwar Fair, Gogamedi Fair, Sheetla Mata Fair, Gogaji Fair, Baneshwar Fair, Ramdevra Fair, Kaila Devi Fair, Pushkar Fair, Kapil Muni Fair, Sitabari Fair, Baneshwar Fair

Tourist Attractions : wildlife, Safaris, Dances, fairs and festivals, National Parks, Music, Temples, handicrafts Jewelry, Railway Station etc.

Literacy rate : 61.03 % (As per 2001 census)

While looking at the state of Rajasthan, at a glance, the first thing we notice is its colorful and vibrant lifestyle. The otherwise dull state of Rajasthan is filled with colors with the numerous fairs and festivals that are organized here. They are also a reflection of the indomitable spirit of the Rajasthanis who have learnt to enjoy themselves even in the harshest of conditions.

Known as "a land of courage and gallantry", Rajasthan has always fascinated people from far and wide. The indomitable forts, splendid palaces of this state leave you truly mesmerized. Infact, Rajasthan Tour is full of so many contradictions that are even hard to comprehend. In the following lines, we have provided some quick facts about Rajasthan. Read on to know get quick information on Rajasthan, India.

Best Time To Visit Rajasthan

Rajasthan experiences extreme climatic conditions. While it is a year round destination, from the comfort level, the period between October to March is by far the most salubrious and thus the best time to visit Rajasthan, India.

Summer in Rajasthan is hot and dry. Tourists visiting Rajasthan in summer should protect themselves from the sun by wearing loose comfortable cotton clothes, and using sunglasses and sunscreen lotion. Remember to drink lots of water or fruit juice etc, to avoid dehydration.

In winter the days are sunny and pleasant while nights can be chilly. Some light warm clothing is required in the evenings and early in the morning. The warm and bright days of October to March are thus ideal for sightseeing and traveling in Rajasthan and are the best time to visit Rajasthan.

How To Reach Rajasthan

By Air :

Rajasthan is well connected by air with almost all the major cities of India. A number of airlines both, government as well as private have regular flights connecting the state with rest of the country. The four airports of the state are, Jaipur Sanganer Airport, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, and Kota.

By Train/Rail :

Rajasthan is well connected by a good network of railway lines to almost all the places of interest in the country. The best option is obviously, Palace On Wheels, one of the most luxurious trains in the world. The Palace On Wheels connects Delhi with Bharatpur, Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Jhalwar, and Dholpur, apart from Agra.

By Road :

The best way to visit Rajasthan is by road. A good number of Government and private buses ply to the state connecting it with nearby places of interest. Moreover, taxis and other vehicles are also available on hire from many places to the state.

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

Jaipur is a fascinating city but to make the city fascinating, it has great palaces and other structures that are architectural wonders. Look you may from whichever way - houses, shops and havelis - they are all pink. The long crenellated walls protecting the city and the huge gateways guarding the entrance to the city are all in pink. Even the women who come to the city market from their neighboring villages are dressed in pink, gorgeous yellow, red and blue. Men dressed in white dhoti and shirts carry huge magnificent turbans - mostly pink, red and yellow.

Jaipur, like the entire Rajasthan, loves color and pink more often than not. Amidst this riot of colors, the Jaipur City Palace Museum stands at the center.This royal residence is the tallest structure in the whole complex and received additions from various maharajas till all further additions were ruled out. But even before this, within sixty years of its construction, the City Palace had to accommodate a new extension of the zenana quarters. This was the Hawa Mahal.

To the north of the city's main road intersection, the Badi Chaupad, stands Hawa Mahal - the world famous landmark of Jaipur, the best known specimen of fanciful architecture. Built in 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh, the aesthete among maharajas, it is an integral part of the City Palace though standing away from the main complex. At first glance it looks rather whimsical in design. From the roadside, where most visitors view Hawa Mahal for the first time, it looks a mere facade. But there is much more than meets the eye.

Views from Hawa Mahal

The upper floors are reached through a ramp rather than the regular stairs, a device to facilitate movement of palanquins carried by servants. This is a less tiresome way as the ramp ascends lazily to the top of the freestanding square tower. Imagine queens and princesses loaded with the heaviest jewelry and covered with the endless yardage of Clothes - skirts and sarees, climbing to the uppermost pavilion heaving and painting for respite from the sweltering summer heat. Here even the May-June winds feel so mild and cool. Jaipur itself appears in all its grandeur, with straight, wide roads, intersections and teeming crowds in the market.

Jantar Mantar looks a collection of mystifying masonry instruments. The City Palace stands apart, surrounded by a maze of courtyards. The Nahargarh Fort, perched upon the hill, which slopes down sharply towards the palace, keeps its vigil over the city looks spectacular, a truly fairy-late setting.

Hawa Mahal - Architecture

The facade of the Hawa Mahal has sometimes aroused unfair judgments as 'a baroque folly' and a 'bizarre piece of architecture'. The five storeyed facade encrusted with elegant trellis work on windows and small balconies have 953 niches. Lal Chand Usta who designed the Hawa Mahal had dedicated it to Lord Krishna and Radha but its fanciful structure appealed to the Maharaja who found it ideal for the seraglio.

The pyramidal outline of the structure has one characteristic feature of architecture - symmetry, and, as in Jain Temple, uses repetition of motifs to great enhancement of beauty and looks: "The forms employed are familiar enough, but the bays are crammed together, piled and multiplied so that they combine to form a larger version of themselves, in a manner strikingly reminiscent of a temple shikhara". It has been remarked that the Hawa Mahal marks a certain decline in the architectural standards of Jaipur. This may have been the result of the increasing influence of Mughal architecture. Hawa Mahal shows a noticeable similarity with the Panch Mahal - the palace of winds at Fatehpur Sikri.

The beauty of the Hawa Mahal lies in its fragile appearance, which, like a vision, threatens of vanish into thin air. It is, of all buildings in Jaipur, the most romantic and delicate - which cannot be said of some better-known examples of solid architecture.

Pilgrimage in Rajasthan

People of different religions flourished in the state of Rajasthan and have kept their identities intact. There are somber chants and strict austerities of the Jains is at odds, festive rituals full of zest of Bhils, Rajputs who have devout medieval faith and offer sacrifices and Muslims who mourn and fast for one whole month, come what may. All the religions have places to worship, some of which are fine examples of art and architecture.

Hindu Pilgrimages Pushkar: One of the seven holiest cities of Hindus pilgrimage, Pushkar is the only place where there is a much-renowned temple dedicated to Lord Brahma (Creator of the World, one of the Holy Trinity of Hindus). Hundreds of temples surround the Pushkar Lake and the common belief is that one dip in this lake washes all the sins of a human being. As the legend goes, the lake was formed when one of the petals of the lotus in the Brahma's hand fell off. The lake is also the venue where the renowned Pushkar Fair is held annually in the month of Kartik that usually falls in November or December.

Eklingji Temple Udaipur: 24 km from Udaipur, this temple complex is dedicated to Ekling ji (Lord Shiva). It is said to be built by Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Mewar dynasty. The complex has 108 temples, the tallest being Eklingji's, with a black stone idol that represents the linga with four faces of Surya, Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. There are many other idols and carvings of gods and goddesses such as Ganesh, Ambamata, Kalika, Shivalingas and celestial nymphs along with a life size image of Bappa Rawal.

Govind Devji Temple Jaipur: The erstwhile royal temple of the Kachchwaha family of Jaipur, it is said that the idols of the temple were brought here from Vrindavan and have been carved by Vajranath (grandson of Lord Krishna and a great sculptor). The image of Krishna is worth seeing. Sawai Jai Singh II consecrated the temple as part of the City Palace complex. A simple temple marked by an open pavilion, surrounded by columns, and a tiered courtyard, the idols of the temple are mounted on a silver throne and adorned with gold jewellery.

Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara: 48 km from Udaipur, Shrinathji of Nathdwara is actually a temple of Lord Krishna with his image carved out of a single block of black marble. It is said that Goswami Dev fled from Mathura to escape from Aurangzeb and carried this particular idol in a chariot with an intention to take it to Udaipur. However, his chariot got stuck in this place and finally, he took it as a token of the divine will and decided to consecrated it on the spot. Glimpses of the idol are permitted only for short intervals five times a day in different moods. It is said that famous pichwai paintings originated from the custom of painted curtain cloths behind the idol. The royalty of Udaipur pray at the temple and as the head of his clan, the Maharana is also called as Shriji among his people.

Jain Pilgrimages
The beauty of the simplicity and just a touch of exuberance in their temples that just add to the tranquility of the sacred shrines compliment the restrained austerity of the Jains.

Ranakpur: The Ranakpur temples are constructed on the site gifted to the Jain community for the purpose by the ruling Ranas in the 15th century. Chaumukha is the principal deity in the main temple but it is mainly known for it has 1,444 pillars, all of them are carved yet not one of them is alike in its carving. With 29 halls and cupolas surrounded by the five spires, there are three entrances leading to the temple. The valley also has a polygonal sun temple along with two 14th century Jain temples, dedicated to Neminathji and Parsvanathji.

Dilwara Temple Mt Abu: An ancient mango grove of Mt. Abu, Dilwara temples are considered a world heritage site with their intricately carved architecture. There are images of Jain tirthankaras within the sanctums, and the two main shrines are dedicated to Adinathji and Neminathji. An excellent example of the craftsmanship of the stone-carver, it has a separate hall that has been built as a tribute to those who have contributed to build these grandiose temples. It houses their life-size images in which even the delicate traceries and minute details of their garments have been captivatingly captured in marble.

Parsvanath Temple Nakoda: Situated on Jodhpur-Barmer highway, in a beautiful valley, this temple is dedicated to the tirthankara Parsvanathji and has been carved in black stone. Many other temples including Jain temples dedicated to Shantinathji with a steep flight of stairs and some ancient Hindu temples surround it.

Shri Mahavirji Temple: 90 km from Ranthambhor, it was made when a cowherd unearthed a statue of Mahavira on this very spot. Made of white sandstone with cupolas of red sandstone, the chhatris and spires of the temple are visible from all around. The walls have been painted to depict the religious scenes and on a tower facing the temple, the footsteps of Mahavira have been consecrated.

Rishabdeo Temple Dhulev: 64 km from Udaipur, this beautifully carved temple complex from 15th century has been dedicated to Rishabdeoji and the images of several other tirthankaras have been carved into panels on the walls. Its entrance has been adorned with the stone elephants and a rath yatra is held annually that attracts thousands of pilgrims.

Dargah Sharif Ajmer: Dedicated to a famous Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti who was said to be a descendent of Prophet Mohammed, it was the place where he spent most of his life and left this world for the heavenly abode. Every year Urs is held here for six days in his remembrance. It is said that when he was 114 years old, the saint locked himself in a room for six days to pray and left his mortal body in solitude. Several thousand devotees throng to this place during this time of the year and food is cooked in huge cauldrons and served to the devotees. The surprising part is that the people serve the food while standing inside the scalding hot food in the cauldrons. These cauldrons are said to be offered by Emperor Akbar when the saint blessed him with an heir for the throne. Qawwalis at the shrine and fragrance of the incense sticks together create a divine effect.

Tarkin ki Dargah, Nagaur: A disciple of Chishti, this saint was said to possess the powers of miracle cures and has a tomb in Nagaur.

Folk heroes and family deities
Rajasthan is known for its family deities that have been passed on through generations and the folk heroes that have been sanctified and honored with the positions of the deities and their shrines.

Karni Mata in Deshnoke, which is 30 km from Bikaner, a the tutelary deity of the royal family of Bikaner, with her origin in 15th century, was considered as a reincarnation of Goddess Durga when her prophecy of the foundation of the kingdom of Bikaner came true. Her temple has carved marble façade and is known for the large number of rats that roam here and are believed to be the incarnations of the Charans who serve at the temple. It is customary for the devotees to offer them milk and sweets and it is also considered lucky to spot a white rat here.

Ramdevji was reputed to have miraculous powers and fought with demons. He was born into a Tomar Rajput family at Runicha, near Pokharan, and it is said that he even earned the respect of maulvis who had come from Mecca to challenge his powers. It si said that since he attained a divine state of meditation (samadhi) at Ramdevra, he has been seen by people on horseback from time to time. Every year, two fairs have been held in his honor in this region.

The other icons of the state worshipped here, as deities are Pabuji, Gogaji, Mehaji, Harbhuji and Ramdeo Baba. All these folk heroes worked for the village and community welfare and often died in the process and since then attained the status of folk gods with shrines in almost all the Rajasthani villages and towns. They are believed to possess miraculous powers and their devotees are said to be often safe from the common rural life problems such as cattle diseases, snakebites, poverty and sickness.