Rajasthan Travel Guide - Travel Guides and Tourism Information Of Tourist Destinations in Rajasthan

Dating back to the epic age, the city of Bharatpur has a rich history. In the fifth century BC, Matsya kingdom flourished at this place. In the war of Mahabharata the Matsyas acted as the partners of the Pandavas. Legend also has it that Bharatpur was named so after Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama. Lord Rama's other brother Laxman was regarded as the family deity by the ruling family of Bharatpur. The state seals and coat-of-arms also have the name of Laxman on them.

Maharaja Suraj Mal founded the city of Bharatpur in 1733 AD. Once an unassailable and well-equipped city, it was carved out of the region previously known as Mewat. Suraj Mal seized the fort of Bharatpur from Khemkaran, the rival chief. Even in the time of political crisis, Suraj Mal made a name and position for himself and went from one accomplishment to another. A number of forts and palaces were built by him throughout the territory. Read on this Bharatpur city guide to know more about the city:

Bharatpur travel & tourism is most famous for its bird sanctuary. Keoladeo Ghana National Park houses some of the most exotic species of birds, along with a rich wildlife. Other attractions of the city of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India include the Bharatpur palace and museum, a number of temples, Lohargarh fort, etc. Apart from these, there are a number of other places also to see around Bharatpur.

Rao Bikaji, a Rathore prince, founded the city of Bikaner in 1488. Bikaji was one of the sons of Rao Jodhaji, the founder of Jodhpur. The legend has it that Bikaji was provoked to set up his own kingdom when his father commented him about whispering in the royal durbar. Thereafter, he started building up his own territory to the north of Jodhpur. His first attention went to sterile wilderness called Jangladesh and he converted it to a remarkable city. By the time Bikaji died in 1504, he had extended his kingdom over 3000 villages. The modern Bikaner, as we see today got prospered under the reign of Maharaja Ganga Singh. Read on this Bikaner city guide to know more about the city:

Bikaner lies in the north of Rajasthan on a little elevated ground. A 7 km long besieged wall, having five gates, surrounds the city. Speckled with sand dunes, Bikaner occupied an important position on the ancient caravan routes. It served as a prime trading center to the merchants coming from West/Central Asia. Bikaner travel & tourism brings you across some splendid forts and palaces that serve as a legacy of the rich heritage of the city. Built up in red sandstone, these forts and palaces bring alive the architectural finery in which the state of Rajasthan abounds.

Bikaner in Rajasthan, India is still preserving the medieval magnificence that was once the hallmark of the state. Along with the amazing structures of the city, it is the cheerful people that further enhance the attractiveness of the city. Bikaner also houses one of the largest Camel research and breeding farms in the world. It is renowned for providing best riding camels in the world. Apart from that the Bikaner fair also attracts a number of tourists. A trip to Bikaner will leave you mesmerized with the grandeur of the city.

Bundi is 36 km from Kota is and is one of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans- an offshoots of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.

In 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles seeked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors move towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals-thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separates states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the river Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.

Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

The city of Chittorgarh lies 115 km to the east of Udaipur. It is spread over an area of 700 acres. Crowning a 7-mile long hill, Chittorgarh is home to numerous palaces, towers, temples, etc. The history of Chittorgarh is very rich, full seizures and acquisitions. Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Sisodia dynasty, married princess Solanki. The kingdom of Chittorgarh was first given as a dowry gift to him in the mid 8th century. Read on this Chittorgarh city guide to explore the city further:

Throughout the period of 8th century to the 16th century, the descendents Bappa Rawal reigned over Mewar, stretching from Gujarat to Ajmer. And during these times only, Chittorgarh was besieged three times. The first time Chittorgarh besieged was in the year 1303. Pathan King Ala-ud-din Khilji got awed by the beauty of Queen Padmini and attacked the Chittorgarh fort to capture her. The year 1535 saw the Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, raiding the fort and sentencing many men to death. It was during this time that womenfolk of Chittorgarh, led by Rani Karnawati, committed Jauhar (self immolation). After a few years, in 1568, Mughal Emperor Akbar wrecked the fort and brought it to ruins.

Presently, the Chittorgarh of Rajasthan, India extends below the hill on the west side. An embodiment of Rajput pride, romance and spirit, Chittorgarh abounds with tales of heroism and sacrifice. The main attraction behind Chittorgarh travel & tourism is its colossal fort, built on top of a hill. The fort is a reflection of the Rajput culture and tradition. Apart from that, there are a number of towers, palaces, museums and temples worth visiting in the city.

A valiant sentinel in the desert, on the eastern fringe of the Thar desert has the distinction of neither being a part of the Thar desert nor out of it.

At best it is a doorway to the wonderland of sand dunes and shrubs, rocky terrain and thorny trees. The home of the Rathroes - the awesome princely state of Rajasthan. They conquered Marwar or Maroodesh, land of the sand after the fall of Delhi and Kannauj.

In 1459 AD, Rao Jodha, chief of Rathore clan of Rajputs, who claimed descent from Rama, the epic here of the Ramayana, laid the foundation of Jodhpur. A high stone wall protects the well-fortified city. The wall is nearly 10km in length and has eight gates facing various directions.

Within, stands an imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125m above the surrounding plains. Invincible! And dauntless in its league with time! The city lies at the foot of the hills. The clear distinction between the old and the new city is visible from the ramparts of the fort.

On the other side of the city, facing the fort is the Umaid Bhawan Palace. One of the most spacious, sprawling and well-planned palaces in India. And from here, as you look at fort, a tantalizing view rises before your eyes at sunset.

The peculiar slant of the sunset lends the desert landscape an awe-inspiring glow and the people, a chivalry undaunted.

This bustling desert city is the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur and has landscape dominated by the massive Meherangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.

The old city is fenced by 10 km long wall with eight Gates leading out of it. The new city is outside the walled city. Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city in 1459 and it is named after him.

The Afghans drove the Rathores out of their original homeland Kaunaj and they fled to this region around Pali a short distance from present day Jodhpur. A manoeuvre lead to marriage between Rathore Siahaji and the sister of a local prince that helped the Rathores to establish and strengthen themselves in this region. In fact they flourished so well that managed to oust the Pratiharas of Mandore, just 9 km of present day Jodhpur.

By 1459 a need for more secured capital lead to the founding of Meherangarh Fort on its rocky perch and Jodhpur was thus founded by Rao Jodha. The Rathores enjoyed good relations with the Mughals and Maharaja Jaswant Singh (1678) supported Shah Jahan in the latter's struggle for war of succession. Only problematic relationship they had was with Aurangzeb.

After Auranzeb's death Maharaja Ajit Singh drove out Mughals from Ajmer and added it to Marwar. In the reign of Maharaja Umed Singh Jodhpur grew into a fine modern city. The quintessence of Jodhpur was its valour and equestrian skill. Polo has been the traditional sport of the Jodhpur nobility since medieval times.

Jodhpur has two railway stations, City and Rai ka Bagh both are outside the walled city. The bus stand is right outside the Rai ka Bagh Station. The High Court is a while from the bus stand after the Umed Gardens, after which is located the tourist reception centre and RTDC Hotel Ghoomer.
Ahead is the main market and entry in to the wall from Sojati Gate. This area also has many hotels. Jodhpur is also military and air force station and has a large cantonment and airbase. 

Mount Abu is a picturesque hill-station which green oasis in the barren desertscape thats Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range the hill retreat owes its cool climate to its rich flora covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs. The road leading to Mount Abu is a curved one characterized by arid region dotted with huge rocks in weird shapes and high velocity winds. This is also the highest point between the Nilgiris in the south and the Himalayan range up north.

The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning array of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, dating back 11th- 13th centuries, make it a popular pilgrimage centre. ‘Abu’ according to a legend.stands for the son of Himalayan, deriving its name from Arbuada,the powerful serpent who rescued Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, from a chasm.

Situated on the fringe of the desert and surrounded by hills on three sides, Pushkar is a laid back town. A very important pilgrimage spot for Hindus, Pushkar is famous for its lake. It is believed that Lord Brahma set out on a quest for a tranquil spot to perfom a yagna (ceremonial sacrifice) when a lotus fell from his hand. A lake sprang forth from the ground at the spot where the lotus fell.

Pushkar - RajasthanAnother legend also links Pushkar to Brahma, but in a slightly different manner. A demon Vajra Nabh had become quite a nuisance for the people on Earth, and the Creator of the Universe Brahma decided to put an end to him. Brahma floated down to terra firma on his lotus and slew Vajra Nabh with a lotus blossom. The petals landed on the ground and three beautiful lakes gushed out of the ground. Brahma then performed a yagna attended by all the gods and goddesses.

However, there’s a catch to this story. Brahma’s wife Saraswati was busy elsewhere and couldn’t make it to the yagna. Now since the presence of a wife was crucial for the ceremony, Brahma maried a maiden called Gayatri. Saraswati, like most wives, couldn’t stomach her husband being stolen by someone else and promptly flew into a rage, cursing Brahma that he would never be worshipped at any other place other than at Pushkar. As the curse took effect the moment it was uttered and couldn’t be revoked, the Brahma temple in Pushkar is the only one in the world where Brahma is worshipped, although His statues do exist in various parts of India.

large accumulation of travel attractions, Pushkar is famous for its picturesque sites as well as more than 400 temples. The most important of the temples is the Brahma Temple (only temple of Lord Brahma, the creator, in the world). Other important temples are Savitri Temple, Mahadeva Temple, Rangji Temple, and Varaha Temple. Pushkar Lake is the site of annual holy bath on Kartik Purnima. Pushkar Bazaar is famous for its high range of handicrafts. Another important attraction in the city is Man Mahal built by Raja Man Singh of Amber.

Located on the intersection of Aravalli and Vindhyas, Ranthambore National Park is approximately 11 km from Sawai Madhopur. Once a princely game preserve, Ranthambore is the best place to get a glimpse of the Tiger. The geography of the park ranges from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas to sharp and conical hills of the Aravalli. Having a unique topography, the jungle is scattered with grasslands at the plateaus, pastures in gorges and flourishing foliage around the canals. Read on this Ranthambore travel guide to more about this National Park:

The sanctuary has river Chambal in the south and river Banas in the north bordering it. Dry deciduous forest, open grassy paddock, several lakes and rivers that make up the park can be passed through only by the roads built by the Forest department. Another dominating feature of the Tiger Reserve is the Ranthambore Fort, dating back to the 10th century. There are three big lakes in the sanctuary, the Padam Talab (Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh.

Apart from the tiger, the main attraction of the Ranthambore National Park tour, the park is also rich in other wildlife. Other wild life in the reserve include Leopard, Caracal, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle cat, Marsh crocodiles, Wild boar, Bears Deer, etc. Ranthambore in Rajasthan, India also houses a wide variety of birds, both resident as well as migratory. Approximately 272 species of birds have been observed in the park. The park opens for sightseeing half hour before sunrise and closes down half hour after sunset.

barmer

Barmer is the headquarters of the Barmer district in the state of
Rajasthan, India. It is a city and a municipality.

Hanumangarh  is a city in northern Rajasthan state in western India, situated on the banks of the ancient river Ghaggar, located about 400km from Delhi. It is the administrative seat of Hanumangarh District.