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Hotels in Jaipur |
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Tourist Places in Rajasthan
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AJMER
A 7th century Chauhan stronghold, Ajmer is a pilgrimage
centre for Muslims though people from all religious
backgrounds come to pray at its dargah. The British
developed Ajmer as an educational centre, and Mayo College,
once an exclusive school for boys from royal families, is
now among the country's best private schools.
ALWAR
Once known as Mewat, the Rajput kingdom came under Muslim
domination during the 13th-18th centuries with intermittent
attempts to win it back which, Kachchawaha price succeeded
in doing in 1771. Alwar has some beautiful lakeside palaces,
not all open to the public.
BARMER
A 13th century fortified town, Barmer is in the heart of the
desert and is known for the quality of its wood and stone
carvings. Earlier fortifications reveal the far limits where
the Rajputs raised defense out-posts.
BANSWARA
Ribbed with streams and covered with dense forests, Banswara
lies off the conventional tourist circuit. Artificial lakes
and dams, and the ruins of ancient temples make this an
exciting place to discover.
BHARATPUR
The only Jat kingdom in the state, the rock-hard mud
fortifications of its fort proved invincible even under
repeated siege. The fort houses early remnants of artifacts
and sculpture, while the modern palace outside is a
sprawling structure. However, Bharatpur is better known as a
bird sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park).
BIKANER
Founded by one of the scions of the house of Jodhpur,
Bikaner's 15th century history combines adventure with
enterprise. In later centuries, as an ally of the Mughals
and the British, it was able to develop as a modern state,
though its architectural attractions remain splendidly
Rajput. One of the principal outposts of the desert, its is
also a major centre for camel breeding.
BUNDI
Nestled in a fold of the Aravalli hills, Bundi bristles with
medieval enchantment. Its fortifications house palaces and
apartments, artificial lakes and water-side pavilions. Ruled
by the Hada Rajputs, Bundi is renowned for its Rasleela
frescos.
CHITTAURGARH
The former capital of the Sisodia rulers of Udaipur,
Chittaur perches atop the scraggy spine of the Aravallis.
Sacked by Allaudin Khilji in the 14th century, by the
sultans of Gujarat in the 16th century, and finally by the
Mughal emperor Akbar's forces, it was abandoned by its
rulers who vowed never to return unless they could avenge
their defeat. The few remaining palaces and towers are part
of its stirring history.
DEEG
The summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur, it is known
for its Jat architecture and for the coloured fountains and
pleasure pavilions that are contained within a fortified
environment.
DUNGARPUR
A Bhil stronghold in the foothills of the Aravallis, this
fertile region was created into a state in the 13th century.
Since the natural protection afforded it isolation, a highly
decorative style of architecture developed.
JAIPUR
The Capital of the modern state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a
modern city built according to the specifications laid down
in ancient architectural texts. Known as the pink city on
account of the flush colour of its sandstone palaces, it is
a major centre for handicrafts. Its former capital, Amber,
consists of fortifications with an interesting rang of
highly decorated public and private apartments.
JAISALMER
The westernmost citadel of the desert, Jaisalmer has an
ancient history linked with its development as a trading
centre. Parts of its 'golden' fort continue to be inhabited,
and its cobbled streets lead through a journey of medieval
enchantment. Jaisalmer is celebrated for the exquisite
stone-carved havelis or mansion of the merchants who held
the reins of its destiny.
JHALAWAR
A 19th century offshoot of Kota, its verdant land-scape is
unusual for a desert state. Its fort functions as a
government office but the 9th century Gagron Fort close by
is one of the most important citadels of Rajput history.
JODHPUR
The 16th century capital of the Rathore Rajputs, Jodhpur's
history is evident in the hilltop eyrie, Mehrangarh, from
where its destiny was written. Narrow paths wind up the
steep path, leading to the innards of the fort. Once within,
the architecture is less formidable, with delicate windows
and painted chambers. From its ramparts one has a view of
the 20th century artdeco Umaid Bhawan Palace.
KOTA
One of few perennial rivers in Rajasthan, the Chambal is
flanked by verdure and fertile plains, Located on its
antecedents are as romantic as any other Rajput kindom. This
is evident in its many palaces, and the large fort with its
fabulous paintings known for their hunting scenes.
KUMBHALGARH
Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha of Chittaurgarh,
Kumbhalgarh is Rajasthan's highest fort, and its most
formidable. If its air is rife with medieval tales of
intrigue and treachery, it is because its history is
characterised by some of the pivotal points that
characterised the Sisdia dynasty.
MOUNT ABU
A summer retreat in the Aravallis with a large lake and
several temples, it also doubles as a pilgrimage centre with
its 11th-13th century Dilwara Jain temples known for the
quality of their sculpturing.
NAGAUR
Located between Bikaner and Jodhpur, yet largely bypassed,
Nagaur serves as an important link in the state's martial
history, and its fort has frescos in the Mughal and Rajput
styles.
PUSHKAR
A pilgrimage centre with the only temple in India dedicated
to Brahma, the Creator, Pushkar is the venue of an annual
camel fair.
RANAKPUR
A 15th century group of temples raised by Jain merchants,
these are characterised by the fine quality of their
carving.
RANTHAMBHOR
The fort of Ranthambhor has been abandoned to nature for in
this national park, the tiger has right of stay. One of the
country's finest tiger reserves, its topography of low hills
and large lakes provides a tranquil idyll.
SARISKA
A tiger reserve, Sariska is densely wooded, making sightings
difficult, though the picturesque park is also home to deer,
langurs and avifauna.
SHEKHAWATI
A region of small towns, Shekhawati is primarly known for
its havelis or mansions richly ornamented with frescos that,
over time, ranged from the sacred to the secular, and from
the sublime to the ridiculous.
UDAIPUR
A lake city, and the capital of the Ranas of Mewar, founded
in the 16th century, Udaipur is known for its fairytale
palaces that nestle along the banks of a lake, or completely
cover islands in its midst. The Sisodia rulers of
Chittaurgarh who ruled here obviously had more leisure to
exercise their taste than at Chittaur where much of their
time was spent at war.
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About Rajasthan
