Rajasthan Travel and Tourism

Chittaurgarh

The Epitome Of Romance And Valour

The pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chhatris. This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was Jauhar, when women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death.

Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in J303 A.D., overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has it, that he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerizing beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonor and committed ‘Jauhar’.

In 1533 A.D., during the rule of Bikramjeet, came the second attack from Bhadhur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again Jauhar was led by Rani Karnavati, a Bundi princess. Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaur to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. He learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to valour. So, in 1567 A.D., when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur, Udai Singh fled to establish a new Capital, Udaipur : a beautiful lake city, leaving behind Chittaur to be defended by two 16 year old heroes, Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. These young men displayed true Rajput chivalry and died after ‘Jauhar ‘ was performed. Immediately thereafter Akbar razed the fort to a rubble. Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.

General Information

Area : 6.5 sq. km.
Altitude : 408 meters
Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer : 43.8 C 23.8 C
Winter : 28.37 C 11.6 C
Rainfall : 60 85 cms.
Best Season : September-March
Clothing : Summer Light Tropical Winter Light Woolen
Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani.

Taragarh Fort

A steep one and half hour climb beyond the Adhai-Din-ka-Jhonpra leads to the ruins of the Taragarh Fort, perched on a hill. One can have an excellent view of the city from here. The fort was the site of the military activity during the Mughal period later used as a sanatorium by the British.

Bundi

The Undiscovered Splendor

36 km from Kota is a tiny picturesque town, Bundi. One of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Hada Chauhan’s - an offshoot 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 necked shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors moved 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 separate states of Kota and Bundi\ on either side of the River Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wdlt 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.

General Information

Area : 5628 sq.km.
Altitude : 515 meters
Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer : 43.0 C 35.0 C
Winter : 30.7 C 5.0 C
Rainfall : 75 cms.
Best Season : August - February
Clothing : Summer Light Tropical Winter Light Woolen
Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani.

Bikaner Rajasthan

General Information about Bikaner

Area : 15 Sq.Km
Summer : 43.00C 27.00C
Winter : 26.00C 10.00C
Rainfall : 28 cms.
Best Season : August to March.
Summer Clothing : Light tropical
Winter Clothing : Light woolen
Language : Rajasthan, Hindi, English.

About Jaipur
The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal. Lying in the north of the Desert State, the city is dotted with many sand dunes.

Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city’s lifestyle More popularly called the camel country, the city is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The ship of the desert is an inseparable part of life here. Be it pulling heavy carts, transporting grains or working on wells. Camels are the prime helpers.

The well of Bikaner-an important source of water are another attraction of the city. These are built on high plinth with slender minaret towers on each of the Four Corners and can be noticed even from a distance.

Bikaner’s history date backs to 1488A.D. when a Rathore Prince. Rao Bikaji - a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur(1459A.D.) Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them.

Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called “jangladesh” and transformed it to an impressive city, called Bikaji after the Founder’s Name. The strategic location of Bikaner on the ancient caravan routes that came from west/Central Asia, made it a Prime trade center in the times of the year.

Bikaner stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a seven km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy in reddish-pink, sandstone, bear testimony to its historical and architectural legacy. Undulating lanes, colorful bazaars and bright and cheerful folks make Bikaner an interesting experience.

Banswara Rajasthan

Maharawal Jagmal Singh founded the erstwhile State. The name Banswara has been derived from bans or bamboo, which once grew in abundance.

Presently known as City of Hundred Islands, as the holy river Mahi, the ‘pride of Vagad’ which flows through the region and separates Banswara and Dungarpur districts, has number of islands inside. Mainly tribal, among which Bhils from 39% of the tribal population inhabit the area.

Banswara is bounded by Udaipur and Chittaurgarh districts in the north and north- east. The district comprises the territories of the former Banswara Sate and the chief ship of Kushalgarh.

The central and western portions of district are cultivable plains. There are scattered ranges of Aravalli’s in the eastern half of the district. The old town is surrounded by a stone wall, which is in a dilapidated periphery of the wall.

Overlooking the town stands the palace of the former rulers of Banswara. Still owned by Royal family the palace spreads in a big area on the top in between the city. It can be visited only on invitation.

General Information
Temperature : Summer Max 42′C Winter Min Below 10C
Clothing : Summer Cotton Winter Woolen
Best Season : Sept. to March
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi & English

Barmer : Rajasthan

A tiny yet lively town in sun-drenched sands, Barmer is a miniature Rajasthan with all its color, warmth and tradition. According to history, the 13th century founder of the district, formed in 1949 upon the merger of Jodhpur state in the United States of Great Rajasthan, is a cluster of ancient paraganas - Mallani Shiv, Pachpadra, Siwana and the Chohatan area. Although a barren lands with harsh climate and rough terrain, Barmer is known for its rich crafts, dances and music. One on the ancient camel trade route the town is now the center for wood carving, pottery carpets intricate embroidery work block printed fabrics and multi-hued traditional costumes.

Especially famous are the geometric ajrak prints in dark shades of red and blue, ideal for protection against the sun. The most interesting part of trips to Barmer is the journey through rural Rajasthan. The small villages with mud-walled houses decorated with delicate folk motifs and colorfully attired people on the way offer a fascinating sight. Every year in March, the town is at its colorful best during the exuberant Barmer festival. The festival is the best time to plan a visit to Barmer.

General Information

Area : 15 Sq.Km
Summer : 43.00C 27.00C
Winter : 26.00C 10.00C
Rainfall : 28 cms.
Best Season : August to March.
Summer Clothing : Light tropical
Winter Clothing: Light woolen
Language : Rajasthan, Hindi, English.

How to Go There

Air : Nearest airport , Jodhpur.

Rail : Connected with Jodhpur. Some important train connections are : 4808 Barmer Express, 4898 Barmer Express.

Road : Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation connects Barmer with all major cities in the state.

Bharatpur - The Favorite Bird Retreat

The 55 km long journey by road from Agra drives you to the town of Bharatpur - the eastern gateway to Rajasthan. Bharatpur is popular for its bird sanctuary-the Keoladeo Ghana National Park -finest in Asia with a rich avian variety. Every year the rare Siberian cranes come to spend the winter in the warmer climate of Bharatpur.

Of the remnants of the royal past remains the marvelous Bharatpur Palace housing a rich repository of a large number of ancient exhibits that date back to the early 15th century.

General Information about Bharatpur

Area : 22 sq. km.
Altitude : 250 meters
Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer : 45.0 C 37.0 C
Winter : 31.7 C 7.0 C
Rainfall : 69 cms.
Best Season : October - February
Clothing : Summer Light tropical Winter Light Woolen
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi, English

How To Get There

Air

Agra 56 km is the nearest airport

Rail

Regular rail services connect Bharatpur with several cities on Delhi-Mumbai trunk route, Jaipur and Agra. Some important train connections are : Golden Temple Mail (Mumbai-Bharatpur-Jammu Tawi); Intercity Express (Hazrat Nizamuddin-Bharatpur); Paschim Express (New Delhi-Bharatpur-Mumbai)

Road

A network of bus services links Bharatpur with several cities within and outside the State. Local Transport: Tongas and Cycle-rickshaw.

Major Destinations in Rajasthan

The magical land set amidst the desolate desert beauty. The land synonymous with romance & chivalry. Immensely rich in culture, history & natural beauty. That’s Rajasthan. Always teeming with colour, joy & friendliness that are unique to this part of the country. Everything about Rajasthan fascinates from miles of golden stretches of sand to the kaleidoscope of magnificent forts, opulent palaces & marvelous havelis, each a splendid architectural creation having lend of its own.

The beautifully laid out gardens & lakes contrasting perfectly with the hilly ranges are a sight to gladden your eyes. The cities of Rajasthan still retain the medieval flavour keeping alive the timeless traditions in their rich art & crafts, colorful bazaars & vibrant people wearing multi-hued costumes & a bright smile. Camels, oxen & elephants are among the common modes of transport besides buses & cars a true blend of modernity & tradition.

Ajmer - A Perfect blend of Hinduism & Islam
Alwar - An ancient Rajput state
Barmer - The ancient camel trade route
Banswara - City of Hundred Islands
Bharatpur - The Favorite Bird Retreat
Bikaner - Royal fortified city with a timeless appeal
Bundi - The Undiscovered Splendor
Chittaurgarh - The Epitome Of Romance And Valour
Churu - The Haveli Place
Dungarpur - Famous Wildlife and Architecture
Jaipur - The Pink City
Jaisalmer - The Sun City Of Rajasthan
Jhalawar - Princely state of the Jhalas
Jhunjhunu - Capital of Shekhawati
Jodhpur - Tales Of Grandeur And Great Heroes
Kota - Magic Along The Mighty Chambal
Kumbhalgarh - City inside thirteen mountain peaks
Mount Abu - Verdant Oasis In The Hills
Nagaur - The Gateway Township
Pushkar - The Pilgrim Place
Ranakpur - Hub of Jain Temples
Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambhor National Park
Shekhawati - The Open Air Art Gallery
Sikar - Feudal state
Udaipur - Venice Of The East

Alwar : Rajasthan

150km from Jaipur and 170km from Delhi, Alwar is nestled between a cluster of small hills of the Aravalli range. Perched on the most prominent of these hills is a massive ancient fort that whispers tales of the rich history of the city.

Once an ancient Rajput state, formerly known as Mewar, Alwar was nearest to the Imperial Delhi. The people of the state did not accept any external interference and daringly resisted against foreign invasions.

In the 12th and 13th centuries they formed a group and raided Delhi. But finally Sultan Balban (1276-A.D.- 1287a.D.) suppressed them, bringing the area under the a Muslim rule. In 1771 A.D. Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchwaha Rajput belonging to the clan of Jaipur’s rulers, won back Alwar and founded a principality of his own. Apart from its long history, the city has a rich natural heritage with some beautiful lakes and picturesque valley thickly wooded in parts.

Some of the finest variety of birds and animals are spotted here. Alwar has one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan - Sariska, which is an excellent tiger country.

General Information about Alwar

Area : 44.76sq.mm
Climate : Summer : 37.00C 24.00C
Winter : 31.00C 11.00C
Rainfall : 62cms.
Best Season : September-February
Clothing : Summer Light tropical Winter Light woolen
Language : Rajasthan, Hindi, English.