Maahro Rajasthan

Endowed with natural beauty and a great history, tourism is a flourishing industry in Rajasthan. The palaces of Jaipur, lakes of Udaipur, and desert forts of Jodhpur, Bikaner & Jaisalmer are among the most preferred destination of many tourists, Indian and foreign. Tourism accounts for eight percent of the state's domestic product. Many old and neglected palaces and forts have been converted into heritage hotels. Tourism has increased employment in the hospitality sector.
Rajasthan is famous for the majestic forts, intricately carved temples and decorated havelis, which were built by Bargujar kings in previous ages, they were the soul of pre-Muslim era Rajasthan. Jantar Mantar, Dilwara Temples, Chittorgarh Fort, Lake Palace, City Palaces, Jaisalmer Havelis are part of the true architectural heritage of India. Jaipur, the Pink City, is noted for the ancient houses made of a type of sand stone dominated by a pink hue. At Ajmer, the white marble Bara-dari on the Anasagar lake is exquisite. Jain Temples dot Rajasthan from north to south and east to west. Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu, Ranakpur Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath near Udaipur, Jain temples in the fort complexes of Chittor, Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh, Lodarva Jain temples, Bhandasar Temple of Bikaner are some of the best examples.
Rajasthan is often called a shopper's paradise. Rajasthan is famous for textiles, semi-precious stones and handicrafts. The attractive designs of jewellery and clothes are eye-catching and invite shoppers. Rajasthani furniture has intricate carvings and bright colours. Rajasthani handicrafts are in demand due to the intricate work on them. Above all, Rajasthan's shopping appeals to both tourists and people from other parts of India due to its cheap prices for quality goods.


Places to Visit in Rajasthan:


Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur

This 29 sq km bird sanctuary has the largest concentration and variety of water birdlife in Asia, including nesting indigenous water birds as well as migratory water birds and water side birds. From October till December the indigenous water birds nest in the acacia trees around the lake. However, the sanctuary has gained worldwide attention as being the winter home of several migratory species including the endangered Siberian crane.


Ranthambore National Park


Rajasthan's first Project Tiger reserve is named after a 1000 year old fort which stands in the park. Its' habitat is home to the stately sambar, the largest of all Asiatic deer. Tigers, cital, and wild boar are also found here. Woodland, ground and water-birds, including the uncommon red jungle fowl and varieties of eagles, abound.

Sariska National Park

The second tiger reserve of Rajasthan is a royal hunting lodge that has been converted into a hotel. The 27,300 hectares of dense dry deciduous forests, make it an ideal habitat for the tiger, leopard, panther, deer, porcupine, chowsingha, rhesus and langur.


Gajner


Gajner Lake is surrounded by palaces. Drive through the famous Gajner Wild Life Game Sanctuary where you can see and photograph black buck, chinkara, wild boar, blue bulls and other animals in large herds. It is a unique place for watching and photographing the famous Siberian Imperial Sand Grouse in the mornings, in the winter months, when they come to the lake for drinking water.


Bundi


This city rises from a narrow gorge in rows of terraced gardens and arched Rajput houses. Visit the palace with its intricate spy- holes, secret trap doors and under ground passages. Check out the ingenious water supply system.


Chittoragarh

113 kms. from Udaipur, the Fort of Chittor was originally built by mighty Bhim, one of the Pandava heroes of Mahabharata. The Vijay Stambh, 37 metres high and having nine storeys, was built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440. Kirti Stambh, the Tower of Fame, 22 meters high is covered with figures from the Jain Pantheon.

Deeg

32 kms from Bharatpur, Deeg is an 18th century stronghold, whose massive fortifications are surrounded by luxuriant gardens, woods and pools. It is known for its palaces which have richly carved columns, cornices and eaves..

Mandore

Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar (8 kms from Jodhpur), was abandoned for strategic reasons. At the foot of the hills, amidst gardens, commemorative cenotaphs line the silent city. A shrine reputedly of 300 million Gods, contains life size statues of local deities and heroes.

Osian


This former temple city has an 8th century Surya (Sun) temple with carved pillars which support a conical roof. The temple also has an image of Goddess Durga. The 12th century Sachiya Mata temple has a large assembly hall with an elaborately carved ceiling and exquisitely sculptured figures of several Gods. The Mahavir Jain temple stands on a wide terrace with a three-tiered roof and a `torana' gateway.


Mandawa

Mandawa was founded in 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh and is still home to his descendants. It houses a collection of armories, costumes, canons, ancient coins, and many other interesting items. Mandawa fort, one of the finest in Rajasthan, is now a charming hotel. Mandawa also has beautiful frescoes, havelis and mansions.


Ramgarh


32 kms to the north-east of Jaipur, Ramgarh is a favorite picnic spot for the locals during the monsoons, when the huge artificial lake fills up. The ruins of the old fort and the temple of Jambwa Mata bear testimony to the first settlement of the Kachhawahas before they moved to Amer.


Ranakpur


98 kms from Udaipur are 15th-century Jain Temples situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali. Ranakpur has grand structures and beautiful sculptures. There are 1444 pillars in the temple and none of them are similar. The Surya Temple is another attraction.


Samode


40 kms north-west of Jaipur, the old palace of Samode is now a luxurious hotel surrounded by hills. It has a most exotic hall embellished with paintings and mirror work.


Pushkar


This sleepy temple town (it has one of the very few temples dedicated to Brahma the Creator), with its placid lake, is catapulted into prominence for 10 days every November, when it becomes home to India's most splendid camel fair.


Shekhawati


In the north of Rajasthan, Shekhavati is approachable by road from Jaipur. The greatest attraction here are the havelis (deserted mansions) of local merchants decorated with a profusion of wall paintings. The subjects and styles vary greatly, and are not encountered elsewhere in India.


Barmer


Journey through the sun-drenched sands of rural Rajasthan. Stop and see the mud-walled houses decorated with delicate folk motifs. Barmer, once on ancient camel trade routes, is today a centre of wood carving, carpets, embroidery and block printed fabrics.

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).

Alwar

143 km from Jaipur and 164 km from Delhi, Alwar is a beautiful city.Banswara527 km from Jaipur & 160 kms from Udaipur,


Banswara

Banswara is a small town famous for Baneshwar Festival.

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.

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).

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.