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Pink City Rajasthan
A magical sojourn reverberating with age old culture and traditions, the state enfolds in its lap a diverse kaleidoscope of breathtakingly beautiful and fascinating art-de-facts. The range is unparalleled even while it is sophisticated in its simplicity.
It has something for almost every kind of traveler, revealing a vast range of
arts and crafts, which is a treat for the visuals and are ready to be picked.
The Bazaars spill with products and there is a magnificent glow of colours all
over. Intricate work carved on handicrafts or the wonders of gems and stones,
it has it all and even more like the colours dancing on the textiles and fabrics
with silver or gold threads settings and complimented with the variety of Silk-threads,
Beads, Gota, Zari, Zardosi, Banarasi, etc. designed by the age old families
of skilled artisans.
Ajmer
Ajmer situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has been a witness
to an interesting past. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the
7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major center of the Chauhan power till
1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, Ajmer
became home to many dynasties, which came and left leaving behind indelible
marks of their culture and traditions on the city’s history, converting it to
an amalgam of various cultures and blend of Hinduism and Islam.
Alwar
Once an ancient Rajput state, Alwar was nearest to the imperial Delhi. The people
of the state did not accept any external interference’s and daringly resisted
against foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries, they formed a group
and raided Delhi. But finally Sultan Bulban (1267 A.D - 1287 A.D) suppressed
them, bringing the area under the Muslims rule.
Bharatpur
Once the royal hunting preserve of the princes of Bharatpur, it is one of the
finest bird sanctuaries in the world inundated with over 400 species of water
birds. Exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet as well
as Siberian Cranes from the Arctic, Greyleg Geese from Siberia and Bareheaded
Geese from China , come here in July/Aug to spend the winters in warmer climate
and they breed till Oct/Nov. Colonies of cormorants, spoonbills , storks, egrets,
herons, pelicans, ebis and grey herons can be spotted all over the park. The
raised paths camouflaged by babul trees make their viewing easier.
Bikaner
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 wells of Bikaner: an important source of water
are other attractions of the city. These are built on high plinths with slender
minareted towers on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a
distance.
Bundi
Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed
by a massive wall with four gateways. The Taragarh Fort overlooks the Garh Palace,
creating one of the most romantic sights of Rajasthan.
Jaipur
The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is color washed pink-the color
associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja
Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor.
The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged
fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city.
The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall.
Jaisalmer
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of
Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with all its
awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
Jodhpur
The former capital of Marwar state, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha who claimed
descent from Lord Rama (the hero of the epic Ramayana). The massive fort - Mehrangarh
came first and around it grew the city of Jodhpur protected by a high stone
wall with seven gates and countless bastions. Today, the city has grown to become
the second largest city of Rajasthan while still maintaining its medieval character
Kota
Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition
of the majestic medieval age and modern industrialization. While its untouched
wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples dating back
over several centuries retain the past glory, the present day edifices and heavy
industries have made it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan.
Mount Abu
A pleasant retreat set amidst the lush forested hills, Mt. Abu is a green oasis
in the barren desertscape that is Rajasthan. Situated at the southern tip of
the Aravali range the hill retreat has a cool climate and 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.
Ranthumbor
Ranthambhor’s royal past manifests itself in the well-preserved imposing fort,
built in 994 A.D. atop a steep high creek 200 metres above sea level.The 392
sq. km. National Park comprises of dry deciduous forests sprawling over an undulating
terrain of the Aravalli and Vindhyan ranges .The park is one of the finest tiger
reserves in the country under the Project Tiger
Shekhawati
Shekhawati's magnificent havelis or mansions, built by rich merchants of the
region, display a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards
to ensure safety and privacy of the women folk and protection from the heat
of the long and harsh summers. The havelis, painted predominantly in the blue,
maroon, yellows, green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their
walls.
Udaipur
The city of dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lake, hemmed
in by the lush hills of the Aravallis.Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces,
lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carries the flavor
of a heroic past, epitomizing valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid
waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight.
While shopping in Rajasthan you can look for:
• Textile
• Paintings
• Gems & Jewellery
• Carpets
• Blue Pottery
• Leatherwears
• Stone Crafts
• Metal Crafts
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