The Old City (Known as the Pink City) is a great place to wander around. The whole city was painted in Pink colour by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876 AD. Today, every home within the city is obliged by law to maintain its facade. It is a very well planned city laid out in a grid pattern and was designed by a young Bengali engineer and scholar by the name "Vidyadhar Bhattacharya".
Jaipur was and remains the only city in the world, symbolising the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. Jaipur is a royal city & this is its most noticeable aspect, small buildings & festivals testify it.
Jaipur & its surroundings are rather like an endless museum. The city also offers an endless variety of crafts. Jewellers here still fashion the beautiful enamel-on-gold pendants, studded on the reverse with precious stones or pearls & turquoise that one sees in miniature paintings. Jaipur's lacquer bangles are famous all over the world.
Jaipur, the pink city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. Initially his capital was Amber, which lies at a distance of 11kms from Jaipur. He felt the need of shifting his capital city with the increase in population and growing scarcity of water. Jaipur is the first planned city of India and the King took great interest while designing this city of victory. He consulted several books on architecture and architects before making the lay out of Jaipur.
After several battles with Marathas, Jai Singh was keen on the security aspect of the city. Due to this reason, he focused on his scientific and cultural interests to make a brilliant city. Being, a lover of mathematics and science, Jai Singh sought advice from Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a Brahmin scholar of Bengal, to aid him design the city architecture. Vidyadhar referred the ancient Indian literature on astronomy, books of Ptolemy and Euclid, and discussed the plan with the King.
With a strategic plan, the construction of the city started in 1727. It took around 4 years to complete the major palaces, roads and square. The city was built following the principles of Shilpa Shastra, the Indian Architecture. The city was divided into nine blocks, out of which two consist the state buildings and palaces, whereas the remaining seven blocks were allotted to the public. In order to ensure the security, huge fortification walls were made along with seven strong gates.
According to that time, architecture of the town was very advanced and certainly the best in Indian subcontinent. In 1853, when Prince of Wales visited Jaipur, the whole city was painted in Pink color to welcome him. Still, the neat and broadly laid-out avenues, painted in pink provide a magical charm to the city. Jaipur is rich in its cultural and architectural beauty, which can be traced in the various historical and aesthetic places that reside in the city. This city of victory really wins the hearts of the people with its splendid charisma.
Fair & Fastival in Jaipur :
Makar Sankranti :
The festival is celebrated on the 14th of January every year. This has now become the festival of kite-flying which does not spare the soaring spirits of anyone in Jaipur. The devoted ones, however, take a holy dip in the kund at Galtaji. The traditional sweet associated with it is Phirni, made in abundance by the halwais of Jaipur.
Gangaur :
Young girls and newly married women praying for their loved one or husband respectively, offer prayers to Goddess Parvati in spring (March-April). A colourful procession follows the silver and gold palanquins of Goddess Parvati brought out from the City Palace. Ghever, the traditional sweet associated with this festival is prepared all over in Jaipur city.
Elephant Festival :
This festival is held on the day of Holi, the festival of colours, at the Chaughan stadium. Beautifully decorated and caparisoned elephants assemble to participate in the royal procession. Elephant polo, Elephant race, Elephant tug-of-war with a few tourist and holi on elephant back are some of the exciting events.
Teej Festival :
To celebrate the advent of the monsoon, girls and young women dressed in colourful leharia sarees or costumes, sing songs and offer puja to goddess parvati, and pray for conjugal bliss and happiness. An elaborate procession comes out of the City Palace for two consecutive days. Villagers come to watch it in large numbers and buy knick-knacks from the stalls on the footpaths of the main bazars.
Dussehra Festival :
Dussehra is celebrated by staging Ramlila in different parts of the city and cuminating in the ceremonial burning of the giant effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakaran and Meghnath, celebrating Lord Rama's victory over the Demon King, and victory of Good over Evil.
Diwali Festival or Deepawali Festival :
Celebrated every year in October- November, Diwali is perhaps the most popular of all Indian festivals. The origin of this festival can be traced back to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, when Lord Rama returend to this kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
Shopping in Jaipur :
The builders of Jaipur took special care to provide ample space and facilities for the production and marketing of hadicarfts which made the place famous throughout India and abroad. An entire street and several city sectors were earmarked for artisans and traders. The main Shopping markets in Jaipur are along Jauhari Bazar, Bapu Bazar, Nehru Bazar, Chaura Rasta, Tripolia Bazar, Raja Park, Ganpati Plaza and M.I. Raod. Shops specialising in Jaipur precious and semi precious stones, Jaipur ornaments and Jaipur silver jewellery are to be found on and along Jauhari Bazar. Jaipur enjoys a high reputation for the manufacture of jewellery. It is one of the most active jewel markets of the world and is famous for precious and semi-precious stones and also for the cutting, polishing and setting of these stone, particularly that of diamonds, topaz and emeralds.
Tourist Places in Jaipur :
Hawa Mahal :
Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is one of Jaipur's major tourist attractions. Shaped like a pyramid, this five-storeyed palace is also known as the Palace of Winds. Consisting of arched roofs and small windows, the Hawa Mahal has become the biggest landmark in the city.
Jaigarh Fort :
Known as the Fort of Victory, Jaigarh Fort is the most imposing tourist attraction in Jaipur. At a distance of about 15 kilometers from the city, perched in the midst of thorny hills, the Jaigarh Fort offers a panoramic view of the city below.The fort houses the world's largest cannon on wheels. Known as Jaivana, it was built in 1720. It is believed, out of the three underground tanks in the fort, one could store up to 60,00,000 gallons of water. The museum and armory inside Jaigarh Fort are must-sees.
Nahargarh Fort :
Built in 1734 by Maharaja Jai Singh, the Nahargarh Fort, also known as the Tiger Fort, was meant to bolster the defense of Amer. This tourist attraction in Jaipur offers an incredible view of the Man Sagar Lake.
Laxmi Narayan Temple :
Also known as the Birla Mandir Temple, the Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the religious tourist attractions of Jaipur. Beautiful idols of Hindu gods and goddesses adorn the temple, Birla Laxmi Narain Temple looks amazing in the night.
Rambagh Palace :
This palace was built in 1835 by the Queen of Jaipur. In the year 1972, the Rambagh Palace was converted into a heritage hotel and is now one of the premier attractions on your Rajputana Splendour itinerary.
Amber Fort :
Jaipur Attractions Standing tall over a small hillock overlooking the Pink City, Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthan fort & palace. Amber today is nothing but a reflection of the glorious past of the fierce Kachwaha Dynasty that ruled over this region from 12th to 18th century. Man Singh I started the construction of this fort in 1592 and, perhaps, it was the defence that topped his priorities before constructing this fort. The rugged walls of this fort may not look beautiful from outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise and painted scenes of hunting and wars adorn the walls along with precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster. Half the fun at Amber Fort is the walk from the road to the fort with majestic views of the surrounding valley. An elephant ride up to the fort is also an unforgettable experience. Not to be missed if you plan to travel to Jaipur.
Jantar Mantar :
Jaipur Attractions This largest stone observatory in the world has a very interesting story behind its construction. Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of five observatories in India including this one, was a great admirer of developments in science and technology, especially astronomy. Before constructing this observatory, he sent his emissaries to all corners to the world, who returned with many manuals of cutting-edge technology including a copy of La Hire's Tables. He built the structures following every detail given in the manual, but at the end, he found to his astonishment that the observatory was 20 seconds more accurate than that given by La Hire. Situated near the gate of the City Palace, the observatory has 18 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. The Jantar Mantar is not to be missed if you plan to travel in Jaipur.
How to reach Jaipur city :
Jaipur by Air :
Jaipur has its own airport, and is well connected to all other tourist and business centres.
Jaipur by Rail :
An excellent connection to Delhi by Shatabdi Express and the Pink City Express. Other connections to Jaipur are from Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahemadabad, Secunderabad and Lucknow.
Jaipur by Road :
A network of reasonably comfortable tourist buses, run by road corporations of Rajasthan, Haryana and other states.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Jaipur Travel Guide
Gardens in Rajasthan
After all the impression of the barrenness of a desert region, it is almost surprising to see the blossoming flowers in the vast landscaped gardens full of divine fragrance and cool breeze that looks like a mirage for an instance. These gardens are the victory of human will over the harshness of the nature and it's a pleasure to stroll through them with all their beautiful pavilions and fountains that adorn them.
Ram Niwas Garden, Jaipur : It is located 7 kms. east of Jaipur and very close to Sisodia Garden which was constructed in honor of Jai Singh's chief architect and town planner.
Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer : Bada Bagh is a fertile oasis, with a huge old dam on the banks of an artificial lake.
Mandore Garden, Jodhpur : Mandore was capital city of Marwar state before Jodhpur. The ruined fort and palace survive on the hilltop and the gardens below have become a public park with fountains and the cenotaphs of Jodhpur's maharajas - who presumably continued to use the gardens after moving to the Meherangarh in Jodhpur.
Saheliyon Ki Bari, Udaipur : Saheliyon ki Bari in Udaipur recreates regal grandeur as you walk along marble pathways flanked by life size marble sculptures of elephants and lions spurting water into exotic water pools.
Gulab Bagh, Udaipur : Gorgeous and ornate, the Gulab Bagh in Udaipur is a paradisiacal pleasure garden spread over a sprawling 100 acres.
Vidyadhar Gardens, Jaipur : Vidyadhar Garden, located near the Sisodia Gardens is a beautiful vineyard, which unfolds itself in the valley. It is named after Vidyadhar Bhattacharjee, the architect of Jaipur.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, Jaipur : The garden was made, by Sawai Jai Singh, for his queen from Sisodia (one of India's oldest kingdoms). The palace is painted with scenes from the life of Lord Krishna, many showing outdoor scenes. The garden is terraced.
Zoological Garden, Jaipur : Developed on the decrees of the ancient Shilpa Shastra there is no dearth of places to sightseeing in Jaipur.
Kanak Vrindavan Garden Jaipur : Kanak Vrindavan Garden is nestled in the jungle-clad foothills of the Nahagarh Hills in the idyllic green oasis of Kanak Valley, a former elephant path fringed by the Aravalli Range.
Jai Niwas Garden Jaipur : Jai Niwas Garden is a picturesque garden with a serene temple of Lord Krishna located in the central pavilion of the magnificent Chandra Mahal.
Pushkar Travel Guide
Location : Located in the state of Rajasthan in the north India.
Major Tourist Attractions : Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Nag Pahar, The Ghats.
Best Hangouts : Pushkar Lake
Best Buys : Cattle during the cattle fair (Pushkar Camel Fair)
Best Activity : Camel Ride during the Camel Fair
Festival : Pushkar Camel Fair
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Ajmer, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur.
About Pushkar
Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the North-West of Ajmer. The charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement so captivated the great Indian poet, Kalidas, that it found a place in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle.
The legend about the Creator God, Bramha describes the creation of this lake. When the demon Vajra Nabha killed Brahma's children, he in turn struck him with his weapon, a lotus flower. Vajra Nabha died with the impact, and the petals of the lotus fell at three places. One of them is Pushkar, where a lake sprung into being. Brahma is supposed to have performed sacrifice at this lake on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the Kartik month), hallowing the place. Sacred to Brahma, Pushkar boasts of its temple dedicated to him, which is the only one of its kind in the world. A dip in the waters of Pushkar and worship at his temple ensure salvation. So thousands flock to Pushkar to observe the ritual on kartik Purnima, or on any of the four days preceding it.
Tourist Attractions in Pushkar :
Pushkar Temples
One can see numerous temples of all sizes here. The most famous temple is the Brahma Temple, said to be only one temple dedicated to Brahma in India. Another important temple is that of Goddess Savitri Temple, wife of Lord Brahma located on a hilltop. It takes a one-hour trek to reach the temple, but it has an amazing view of Pushkar Lake in the morning.
The Ghats
You can have a great spiritual experience at the numerous ghats of Pushkar running down the lake. The holy lake has 52 ghats and piligrim taking a ritual dip in the lake is a common sight.
The Pushkar Lake
The Pushkar Lake is considered no less sacred than the Holy Ganges. The lake has a mythological significance associated with it. On the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima, devotees from all over the country throng the lake for a holy dip, which is believed to wash away the sins.
Pushkar Cattle Fair
Although a peaceful town, Pushkar bustles with life with the arrival of much awaited joyous celebration held on Kartik Purnima. Every year thousand of devotees pull into the town and throng the lake around the full moon day of Kartik Purnima in October-November to take a holy dip in the lake. A huge and colourful the Pushkar Camel Fair, is also held during this time. The festival is marked with dance, music and cultural events with several colourful shops springing up around to add more colours to this fair. Also on sale are mouth-watering traditional delicacies. Colourfully attired village folk enhance the fun of the occasion. Cattle auction and camel races are also a part of the festivities.
Getting There
Air : The nearest airport is Jaipur Airport (145 km), from where one can take flights for Delhi and Mumbai.
Rail : Ajmer is the nearest railway station from where one can take trains for the major destinations in Rajasthan and other parts of India.
Road : Pushkar is connected to Ajmer by road. Buses, jeeps and taxis are also available.
Accommodation in Pushkar
There are several luxury accommodations available in Pushkar. The Pushkar Hotels ranges between luxury and budget. We offer you best accommodation option available in Pushkar, keeping your interests and expenses in mind.
Temples in Pushkar & Ghats in Pushkar
Varah Temple
The Varah temple of Hindu was built in the 12th century and, and the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is said to have destroyed it. Aurangzeb was understandably rather upset with the huge statue of Varah, the god with the body of a man and the head of a boar. However, Raja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur thought differently, and in 1727 reconstructed the temple which now has a highly decorated inner sanctum where an idol of Varah is placed.
Mahadeva Temple
The 19th century Mahadeva temple with its five-faced statue of Mahadeva is made entirely of white marble. This Hindu temple is remarkable for its elegance of structure, and is perhaps the finest of all temples in and around Ajmer and Pushkar.
Ramavaikunth Temple
The Ramavaikunth temple is an intricately carved Hindu temple dating to the 1920 and has images of 361 deities. Its high stone spires atop pagodas and the rest of the temple were built by masons especially brought for this purpose from south India. The Savitri temple is located on top of a hill overlooking the lake. The hike up the hill is long and arduous via a stairway built in the 4th century, and if panoramic views are a necessity for you, the trek will be worth it. This temple is dedicated to Brahma’s wife Savitri and its origin dates back to over 2,000 years.
Gayatri Temple
The Gayatri temple on the other side of Pushkar is in honour of the wife who sat by Brahma’s side in Savitri’s absence during Brahma’s ceremonial sacrifice. Legend says that Gayatri was an untouchable and to purify her she was put into the mouth of a cow and taken out from the other end. To reach the Gayatri Hindu temple the best route to take is from behind the bus stand and walk up a hill. Both the Savitri temple in Pushkar and Gayatri temple in Pushkar are closed – so to say – during lunch hours and the best time to go is either before noon or in the evening.
Raghunath Temples
Two Raghunath temples exist in Pushkar; one is the old one and the other is relatively new. The Old Raghunath temple was built in 1823 and houses images of Venugopal, Narasimha (Vishnu’s fourth incarnation) and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. But there’s a bit of a problem for foreign tourists visiting these two temples because of one little sign which says "Foreigners not allowed." These are probably the only binary temples in India where such segregation exists.
Pap Mochini Temple
Towards the northen section of Pushkar is the Pap Mochini temple, not really popular for its architecture or deity but for the simple belief that anyone who kills a Brahmin will be purified of this deed by visiting the Hindu temple, of course, all that was applicable in olden times, for today a murder is a murder and the law would hear nothing else.
Bathing Ghats
Where there is a mass of holy water there will be bathing ghats, and in Pushkar it is the same as all over India. Pushkar lake is surrounded by hundreds of ghats where Hindu pilgrims assemble to bathe, pray or just loiter around. Removing ones shoes would be a good idea unless you want to be glared or shouted at! Photography is a strict no-no, especially of bathing women. Pushkar is quite used to tourists, but unlike Varanasi, is home for orthodox Hindus, and a little care to observe Hindu traditions can help.
Shopping & Recreation in Pushkar :
The contrast to the blank desert is the riot of Colours - the large gaudy turbans of the native males arriving here to trade their animals or to set up the stalls to cater to the booming captive market, and the loud hues of the pleated ghagaras (ankle-length skirts) of the belles bangled by the armful, be jewelled from head to toe-adding charm and zest to the massive affair. A large number of traders gather at the Pushkar Fair and set up shops. They sell a host of products like bead necklaces of Nagaur, woollen blankets of Merta, textiles printed in Ajmer and Jodhpur, brassware of Jodhpur and Jaipur etc. Also on sale are saddles, ropes, and assorted household items. Vendors peddle their dazzling range of wares at hundreds of roadside stalls. Small groups of men and women can be seen tatooing names and pictures on their hands and other parts of the body. During the fair, cultural shows and exhibitions are organized to enliven the event.
Rajasthan Travels Guide
The Rajput clans ascendancy in Indian history was during the period from the eighth to the twelfth century AD. The Pratihars ruled and most of northern India during 750-1000 AD. Between 1000-1200 AD, witnessed the struggle for supremacy between Chalukyas, Parmars and Chauhans.
Around 1200 AD a part of came under Muslim rulers. The principal centers of their powers were Nagaur and Ajmer. Ranthanbhor was also under their suzerainty. At the beginning of the 13th century AD, the most prominent and powerful state of was Mewar.
Rajasthan had never been united politically until its domination by Mughal Emperor - Akbar. Akbar created a unified province of . Mughal power started to decline after 1707. The political disintegration of was caused by the dismemberment of the Mughal Empire. The Marathas penetrated upon the decline of the Mughal Empire. In 1755 they occupied Ajmer. The beginning of the 19th Century was marked by the onslaught of the Pindaris.
In 1817-18 the British Government concluded treaties of alliance with almost all the states of Rajputana. Thus began the British rule over , then called Rajputana.
The erstwhile Rajputana comprised 19 princely states and two chiefships of Lava and Kushalgarh and a British administered territory of Ajmer-Merwara. State was heterogeneous conglomeration of separate political entities with different administrative systems prevailing in different places. The present State of was formed after a long process of integration which began on March 17, 1948 and ended on November 1, 1956. Before integration it was called Rajputana; after integration it came to be known as . At present there are 32 districts (including the new district of Karauli), 105 sub-divisions, 241 tehsils, 37889 inhabited villages and 222 towns in the State.
Rajasthan is the north-western region of India, and has remain independent from the great empires. Buddhism failed to make substantial inroad here; the Mauryan empire (321-184 BC), whose most renowned emperor, Ashoka, Converted to Buddhism in 261 BC, had minimal impact in , However, there are Buddhist caves and stupas (Buddhist Shrines) at Jhalawar, in Southern .
Ancient Hindu scriptural epics make reference to sites in present-day . The Holy Pilgrimage site of Pushkar is mentioned in both the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan :
Brij Festival : The Brij Festival takes place a few days before Holi, the festival of colours.
Desert Festival : Held in the months of January-February, the Desert Festival exudes a delightful spirit.
Gangaur Festival : The Gangaur Festival is the most important local festival of and is observed throughout the state.
Mewar Festival : The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur and has a unique charm about it.
Summer Festival : The Summer Festival is held every year in the month of Aashadh (June).
Teej Festival : Teej is the festival of swings. It marks the advent of the monsoon month of Shravan (August).
Camel Festival : A lively and colourful event, the Camel Festival is organised by the Department of Tourism, Art & Culture, in Bikaner every year.
Nagaur Fair : The quaint town of Nagaur, one of the most picturesque of Rajput townships, stirs to life during the Nagaur Fair.
Pushkar Fair : Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the north-west of Ajmer.
Ajmer Urs Fair : The lakeside city of Ajmer is located in central , and is held in great reverence by devotees of all communities
Tourist Attractions in Rajasthan :
Jaipur :
The capital of Rajasthan is around 258 km from Delhi and 232 km from Agra. The great warrior king Sawai Jai Singh II (1693-1743) laid the foundation of the city in 1627. He was one of the few kings of his time who had a scientific temper and was concerned about the welfare of his citizens. The city was well planned and had one of the best drinking water systems in the medieval world. Amer Fort, the Hawa Mahal and the royal observatory or Jantar Mantar are places worth visiting in Jaipur. The Gangaur and Teej festivals are colourfully celebrated in this city. Jaipur is also known for the fine handicraft, jewellery and textiles produced by skilled traditional craftsmen.
Jaisalmer :
Situated in the westernmost part of Rajasthan, in the heart of the great Thar Desert this city was founded by Bhatti Rajput Rawal Jaisal in 1156. The history of Jaisalmer also reveals the courage and determination of the Rajputs. The city used to be a major trade center as it was on the trade route from the West to India. The fort in Jaisalmer is called the Golden Fort because of the colour of the sandstone blocks of which it is made. The Fort, beautiful old havelis or mansions, the Jain temples and the sand dunes at Sam, where the sunset is spectacular, are all must-sees in Jaisalmer. The Desert Festival in winter is a popular tourist attraction.
Ajmer :
Located 130 km southwest of Jaipur, this city is famous as a place of pilgrimage. It houses the Dargah or tomb of the popular 13th-century, Sufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world throng Ajmer to attend the death anniversary of the great saint every year. The city also boasts of a number of monuments belonging to the Mughal era. The city is also known for its traditional handicrafts. It is flanked by the Ana Sagar Lake on one side and barren hills of the Aravali range on the other side.
Jodhpur :
Situated in the heart of Rajasthan this desert city is the capital of the Rathore clan. The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort set on a high hill overlooks the city. The grand Umaid Bhavan Palace and the Jaswant Thada are sights worth seeing on a tour of Jodhpur.
Bikaner :
Situated in the north of Rajasthan, Bikaner also has a glorious past with many tales of courage, endurance and valour. It was in 1488 that a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji (a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodhaji), established his kingdom here. It has faced many foreign intrusions and fought a number of wars with the Mughals and the British. Sights to see include the Junagarh Fort, the Lalgarh Palace, the Kali temple, the Ganga Golden Jubilee museum and the Camel Research Farm. The camel festival held in the month of January is also an event worth witnessing.
Udaipur :
This city is named after Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia dynasty. Legend has it that the Maharana was out hunting one day, when he met a holy man, meditating on a hill, overlooking Lake Pichola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and told him to built a palace at that very spot, as it would be well protected. The Maharana followed his advice and Udaipur came into being. The most memorable parts of Udaipur are its lake palaces, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichola. Overlooking the aquamarine waters of the Lake Pichola stands the shimmering granite and marble Lake Palace. Jag Niwas, the summer residence of the princes of Mewar, is today a magnificent luxury hotel. Jag Mandir, the other island palace, with a marble dome, is a marvel in red sandstone.
Pushkar Fair :
This holy town is set in a picturesque valley about 14 km from Ajmer. Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair, held on the 11th day of the bright half of the moon around October/November. The devout believe that for five days in a year, all the gods revisit Pushkar and bless the worshippers. Pushkar Lake is also considered the most sacred lake in India. This accounts for the unbelievable number of devotees who flock to the lake to wash away their sins. The Brahma temple is the most important temple here and is, in fact, the only Brahma temple of India. The camel fair and its related events - races, sales and a camel beauty contest also attract large crowds.
Ranthambore Wildlife Reserve :
This famous wildlife reserve is situated near the town of Sawai Madhopur, midway between Bharatpur and Kota townships. It is surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and is very near to the outer fringes of the Thar Desert. The entire area has sprawling tracts of desert and semi-desert vegetation. Originally a hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1980, it became a national park and was listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger (1973). Presently the Kaila Devi Sanctuary, also famous for its tigers, and Mansingh Sanctuary also form part of Ranthambore Reserve. Visitors, who have come to this reserve to see tigers in the wild, include U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Temples in Rajasthan
Some of the major Temples in Rajasthan are :
Jaipur Govind Devji Temple
Deshnok Karni Mata Temple
Birla Laxminarayan Temple
Birla Temple
Vimal Vashi Temple
Dilwara Jain Temple
Pushkar Brahma Temple
Pap Mochini Temple
Pushkar Savitri Temple
Pushkar Varah Temple
Udaipur Eklingji Shiva Temple
Ranakpur Jain Temples
Nathwara Shrinathji Temple
Shri Ramdev Temple
Rishabhdevji Temple
Nakoda Parshvanath Temple
Nathdwara Shrinathji Temple
Jodhpur Ossian Temples
Jodhpur Ossian Jain Temple
Jaipur Galta Temple
Mehandipur Balaji Temple
Rajasthan Temple Tour
Places to See: Delhi - Mandawa - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Pushkar - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi.
Day 1: Delhi
A tour guide from the company will be there to receive you at the airport with a traditional Indian welcome. The tour guide will escort you to a hotel of your choice at Delhi. After a hassle free check-in, overnight halt at Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi to Mandawa
On the second day of your Rajasthan Temple Tour, we drive to the quaint Rajasthan town of Mandawa covering a distance of 268 kms. Upon arrival, at Mandawa, check-in at a heritage hotel. Freshen up and relax adequately to be in the perfect mood for an enchanting sight seeing tour of Mandawa town. Overnight at Mandawa.
Day 3: Mandawa to Bikaner
On the third day we depart for the camel country of Bikaner covering a distance of 164 kms. Upon arrival at Bikaner, check in at a heritage hotel. After adequate rest and relaxation, set out on a sight seeing trip of Bikaner covering the impregnable Junagarh Fart, Lalgarh Palace, Karni Mata Temple and other tourist landmarks of Bikaner. Overnight halt at Bikaner.
Day 4: Bikaner to Jaisalmer
After early morning breakfast we set out for our onward journey to the desert town of Jaisalmer covering a distance of 333 kms. Upon arrival at Jaisalmer, check-in at a heritage hotel. After adequate rest and relaxation, set out on a sight seeing trip of Jaisalmer covering the Jaisalmer Fort which rises out of the desert haze with its yellow sandstone walls. We also visit Manek Chowk, Patwan Ki Haveli, Nathmalji Ki Haveli and Salim Singhji-ki-Haveli.
Return back to the hotel in time for dinner. Overnight stay at Jaisalmer.
Day 5: Jaisalmer
The fifth day is exclusively meant for camel safari in the breathtaking Khuri sand dunes. After an exciting day of camel safari return back to your camp. Overnight halt at the tented camp at Khuri sand dunes.
Day 6: Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
Wake up early in the morning at Khuri campsite and transfer to the hotel at Jaisalmer. After breakfast we drive to our onward destination-Jodhpur covering approximately 285 kms. Upon arrival, check-in at a hotel of your choice. After adequate rest we go on a whistle stop tour of the invincible Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and other tourist landmarks of Jodhpur.
Return back to the hotel in time for dinner. Overnight halt at Jodhpur.
Day 7: Jodhpur to Ranakpur
Wake up early in the morning and after breakfast, proceed to Ranakpur covering a distance of 150 kms. Upon arrival at Ranakpur, check-in at a top-rate hotel. After adequate rest, go on a pilgrim tour of Jain temples of Ranakpur. Return back to hotel in time for dinner. Overnight halt at Ranakpur.
Day 8: Ranakpur to Udaipur
After breakfast , we drive to our onward destination of Udaipur - the city of lakes. Upon arrival, check in at a classy Udaipur hotel. After adequate rest and relaxation, we set out for a leisurely sight seeing tour of Udaipur covering tourist landmarks like Lake Pichola, Fateh sagar, City Palace, Zenana Mahal etc.
Return back to the hotel in time for dinner. Overnight halt at
Udaipur.
Day 9: Udaipur to Pushkar
After an early morning breakfast, we drive to the enchanting city of Pushkar covering a distance of 250 kms. Upon arrival, check-in at a renowned Pushkar hotel. After ample rest and relaxation, embark on a tour of Pushkar's temples like Apteshwar Temple, Rangji Temple, Ramavaikunth Temple, Mahadev Temple, Savitri Temple and of course the temple of Lord Brahma - the creator of the universe. Overnight at Pushkar.
Day 10: Pushkar
After breakfast we embark on a sight seeing trip to the remaining few sites that were yet to be covered the day before. The temple part having been covered yesterday, today we concentrate upon the ghats of Pushkar and also visit all the three sacred lakes of Pushkar.
Return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight halt.
Day 11: Pushkar to Jaipur
Wake up early in the morning and after breakfast we drive to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan covering a distance of 145 kms. Upon arrival at Jaipur, check in at a top rate hotel. After sufficient rest and relaxation you may venture to the bustling bazaars of Jaipur and buy a few souvenirs if you like. Overnight halt at Jaipur top rate hotel.
Day 12: Jaipur
The whole of day 12 is exclusively meant to cover all the tourist landmarks of Jaipur without the worry of long distance travel to another destination. You will be rooted to Jaipur and cover sites like Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jantar Mantar etc.
After an enchanting day of sightseeing at Jaipur, return back to the hotel in time for dinner. Overnight halt at Jaipur.
Day 13: Jaipur to Agra
You have come to the penultimate day of your "Rajasthan Temple Tour" and today we drive you to Agra and arrange for a once-in-a-lifetime date with the ethereal Taj Mahal. Apart from the Taj, a visit to other impressive mausoleums and monuments of Agra are also included. Check-in at a classy Agra hotel and overnight halt at Agra.
Day 14: Agra to Delhi
After brunch, we drive to Delhi, your final destination covering a distance of approximately 203 kms. You have seen the Taj, done the camel safari and took the haunting wilderness of Ranthambore head on and today it's time for you to go back home with memories that will linger on far a lifetime.
Upon arrival at Delhi, you have two options - either go straight to the airport to catch your flight back home or time permitting check-in at a hotel of your choice for a few hours to freshen up and relax adequately before you proceed to the airport for your long haul flight back home.