Rajasthan Heritage And Tourism

Wildlife Safaris In Rajasthan

2010-04-10T19:32:00.003+05:30

Rajasthan is not only illustrious for various palaces and forts but also natural wonders, and the land presents some of the finest sanctuaries and national parks of India and the world. Some of the most sought after parks and sanctuaries are Sariska National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and many more. And what better way to roam around these wild other than wild safaris? To explore and to discover the hidden behind the wilds, safaris are an excellent choice. There are many choices available such as Camel Safari, Horse Safari, Tiger Safari, Bird safari or a Jeep Safari to enjoy and to understand wild and mystical beauty of wild of Rajasthan.

Wild of Rajasthan presents all types of enjoyment to its visitors. The world famous Ranthambore National Park is well known for tiger and tiger safari is offered to track tigers, a lifetime experience that cannot be missed otherwise. Apart from tiger Ranthambore National Park is also known for various other types of animals such as Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Marsh Crocodile, Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazzelle, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a large number of birds.

Another popular tiger spotting destination in Rajasthan is Sariska National Park. The thick and huge wooded reserve is cradled in the picturesque valley of the Aravali. A few years ago excessive poaching made all tigers disappear from the park but couple of years back forest department had introduced tigers. The park is noted national park in the country for its huge population of rare breed of leopard, sambhar, nilgai, wild dog and chinkaras.

There are various types of safaris available for tourist

Jungle Safari
Camel Safari
Elephant Ride
Village Safari
Horse Safari
Jeep Safari

Special Rajasthani Cuisines

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Rajasthan is arid land where shortage of water and fresh green vegetables has greatly affected on food habit of the people. Even shortage of water forces people to cook meals with the use of milk, buttermilk and clarified butter, particularly in the desert belt of Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner. Although there is a scarcity of water and also hot climate, the variety of food is no less than any other regions of India. Some of the very popular food items are as follows: -

Ker-Sangri on Bajara Roti

This dish is prepared from dried lentils, beans from indigenous plants like sangri, ker. Other ingredient such as churmaand is used liberally to make the dish sour. This dish is served with papad. It is quite a staple food of Rajasthani with other common food such as unleavened bread, made up of wheat, barley, millet or maize.

Rajasthani Dal-Bati-Churma

It is the most popular food gained immense popularly outside Rajasthan. This is a simple food called dal-bati that is cooked lentils and roasted balls of dough with diverse kind dried or pickled berries cooked in different ways.
Chapatti

The chapatti of Rajasthan is somehow different from other regions of India. The unleavened bread is more of a brown colored and thick. It complements the food it scoops up and the smoothness of the chapatti easily lure anyone.

Frying Puris

Puris are delicious, fried wheat bubbles which have varied uses; as snacks, scoops for food and as a complement to hot spices.

Khud khargosh

Khud Khasrgosh is meat of hare or rabbit cooked in a pit. It is a traditional Rajput dish, especially savor during summer when rabbit is lean and soft. The hare is skinned and stuffed with spices, wrapped in dough and finally in layers of mud-soaked cloth.

Lassi

Natural yogurt is churned to remove the butter content for the making of Lassi or buttermilk a cooling summer beverage.

Sula - Tender Morsels of Meat

During early days, Rajput hunted boar or some other animal and cooked the meat marinated in a mixture of dry yogurt, browned onions, garlic, ginger, coriander, red chilli and and kachri, a small pod which tenderizes meat and lends a particular sharp-sour flavor. The preparation was also called sula means tender morsels of meat. The meat was then smoked, spitted on skewers, and grilled over hot coals. Now a days, sulas are made up of chicken, mutton, pheasant or fish.

Ajmer – The City Named After Invisible Hills

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Ajmer, a small city was established in the early 7th century by Ajaipal Chauhan and named Ajaimeru – the invisible hill. The city is surrounded by Aravalli mountain. The Chauhans ruled the city for many years but ultimately went to Delhi Sultanate when Prithiviraj Chauhan was killed in the battle with Mohammad Ghori. During the time of Akbar the city was designated as full fledged province and base for operations in Rajputana.

Ajmer is most popular for Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. It is the final resting place of the great Sufi mystic and a popular pilgrimage center for Muslim as well as Hindus. The shrine is especially thronged by thousands of pilgrims all over the subcontinent during the URS. The Dargah has two big cauldrons, which are filled with about 48 and 32 quintals of rice, dry fruits and condiments respectively and then cooked by professionals. The cooked rice is then sold as “TA BARUKH – SANCTIFIED FOOD”.

Pushkar, a small city is located around 11 km from Ajmer, is sacred to Hindus. Pushkar Lake is believed to created by Lord Brahma and have equal importance as Manasarover in Tibet. The lake is located on the fringe of desserts and surrounded by Aravalli range, also called ‘Nag Parvat.’ The place is also visited by lots of foreigners, there are plenty of restaurants, hotels, though Pushkar is considered as a holy town and therefore, there are no such place called bar or non vegetarian restaurants. There are around 400 temples in and around Pushkar. The important temples are dedicated to Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, Badri Narayan, Varaha, Gayatri and Savitri.

The most attractive feature of Pushkar is the cattle fair, which is believed to be the most colorful and the largest cattle fair in the world. On the full moon night of Kartik (November) pilgrims take a holy dip in the lake.

Heritage Jaisalmer - The City Of Golden Dunes

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Jaisalmer, one of the last princely citadels in the state of Rajasthan is located in the heart of Thar desert, was once illustrated for heroism of Rajput rulers. Jaisalmer was spotted by huge palaces and havelis, made up of sandstone, delicately and intricate ornamented façades and balconies usually made up of gold or silver or other fine twisted wire. Jaisalmer fort in the midst of numerous forts and palaces stand tall and speaks gallantry of erstwhile rulers.

Jaisalmer fort is about 800 years old, exquisitely made up of golden sandstone and mounted top on the Trikuta Hills with its huge turrets pointing skywards seems rather lacking in harmony in the midst of gloomy desert. Jaisalmer fort is second oldest fort after famous Chittorgarh fort. The fort, on a hill that overlooks the city, houses the royal palace, several ancient Jain temples, and a library called the Gyana Bhandar (A Store of Knowledge), which contains old Sanskrit and Prakrit manuscripts. The surrounding region, once a princely state, consists almost entirely of sandy waste, forming part of the Great Indian (Thar) Desert. The Kakni, the only river, spreads over a large area, forming Bhij Lake. Bajra (pearl millet) and jowar (sorghum) are the chief crops. The breeding of goats, camels, sheep, and cattle is widespread; and limestone, fuller's earth, and gypsum deposits are worked. The fort was the only one that had a meteorological gadget mounted on top of its ramparts. In the month of April, a flag was hoisted in its center and based on the direction in which it blew, weather was predicted. There was a strange equation of forecast, if the flag blew northwards it augured famine and if it blew westwards a fortunate monsoon was on offering. Though the calculation was dim-witted still hold much water for its accuracy.

Not To Forget

Jaisalmer fort is worth visiting during nightfall as huge fort seems to wake from the erstwhile Rajput’s period. The grandeur you witness in the night is much more attractive than in daytime.
Do not forget to visit the palaces of Maharawals and witness a fine ornate architecture. Constructed by Muslim craftsmen, the palace is worth a see.
Though Jaisalmer fort is mounted on the top of a hill but due to tourists rush there are scoops of shops mushrooming up. It is a good place for buying exquisitely, traditional rugs, blankets and shawls, silver jewellery, stonework embroidered garments with mirror work in a brilliant mosaic of colours, carpets made from camel hair, and colourful silk and cotton cloth. So don’t forget to buy some nice memento.

Climate of Jaisalmer

Climate is typical of desert. Summer temperature varies from 46 to 36 degree Celsius and winter is hovering 12 to 2 degree Celsius.

Excursion From Jaisalmer

Lodurva – It is 16 km from Jaisalmer. It is a ruined city famous for ancient Jain temples and Kalpataru, a mythical tree of achieve your desire. The place is famous for peacock and an artificial water reservoir, a great place for picnic.
Akal Wood Fossil Park – it is a 21 acre preserved area reel you back to the Jurassic era when the whole Thar desert was under water. The park is famous for fossilised log.

Explore Rajasthan Handicrafts

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Rajasthan - the land of erstwhile Rajputs, illustrious for rich, regal past and their arrogance, luring people from all across the globe from centuries. Rajasthan is not only famous for palaces and forts but the cultural dimensions of land are also vivid and exotic. One of the attractive aspects of the land is the tradition of craft and handicrafts that spread almost every part of the state. The diverse heritage of crafts spread across Jaipur, Kishangarh, Bikaner, Alwar, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Bhilwara, Udaipur and almost all the nook and corners of the land. From Banathani painitings to woodcraft Rajasthan excels in every possible aspect of handicrafts. Here we site some details of handicrafts of Rajasthan and the location where they are most famous for.

Rajasthan Wooden Handicraft Furniture

The wooden handicrafts of Rajasthan is famous for its exquisite designs and delicate carvings. This art form is especially famous in the cities of Barmer and Jodhpur, made by local artisans who beautifully carved images on the wood and shaped different patterns of furniture. Kishangarh and Shekhawati have their own unique designs while Jodhpur sport the traditional look and charm. The technique of painting furniture in various colors is quite common in Rajasthan. The local shops and bazaars are filled with all types of wooden handicrafts chairs, boxes, cabinets, mirror, doors, windows and many more.

Paintings of Rajasthan

The painting style of Rajasthan speaks the medieval glory and renowned all over world for its elegance and beauty. The most famous paintings is the miniature painting, which owns a distinct style and regional characteristics. The cities like Udaipur and Jaipur have their own style and distinct looks of paintings and illustrious for their fine brush strokes. While Bundi and Kotah paintings are known for their subject, mostly scenes of battles and hunts. However, if one painting excels all others, it is Banathani paintings of Kishangarh. The school of paintings are of different genre and portrays Radha and Krishna as the principle characters. It is the most attractive and sought after artifacts as well. Less recognized painting Phad is famous for folk and draw on cloths.

Rajasthan Jewelry

The brightest gem is crafted on the map of India and that is Rajasthan. The jewels have distinct looks, exquisitely carved and showcases in various precious and semi precious gems. In fact, the art of jewelry flourished in the land of Rajputs and gifted to the other parts of India. The wide range of Jewelry finds in different carvings such as wood and ivory carvings, lacquer and filigree work. Moreover, silver jewelry and exquisite enameled semi precious gems are fine carved by Rajasthani craftsmen.

Textile & Printing of Rajasthan

The textile tradition of Rajasthan is old as medieval time and it comes in different varieties such as tie and die block printing and diverse patterns and designs. Amongst them, tie and die art of textile is prevalent in most of the parts of Rajasthan. The traditional art of tie-and-die textiles involves knotting the material and dipping it in color to form delicate Bandhej patterns, Lageriyas or the delicately created patterns in waves are found in the cities like Udaipur, Jodhpur and other eastern parts of Rajasthan.

Another important part of printing is hand block printing that is actually embedded of motifs and strong colors on fabric, mostly cotton. It is done by using carved wooden blocks soaked in different colors and then imparted on the fabric. It is eco-friendly and done by using vegetable dyes. Although this type of sarees and other fabrics are popular in most of the parts of Rajasthan but Sanganer and Bagru are devoted solely to the pursuit.

Travel To Jag Mandir Palace, Udaipur

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If you want style and romance, there’s no better person to turn to than a maharaja. More specifically, the Maharanas of Mewar. Where royal families in other countries might have added a wing to the palace to create a space where their young princes could carouse in private, the Maharanas of Mewar went and built a whole island palace on Lake Pichola.

Jag Mandir Palace was built by Maharana Karan Singhji in 1622 AD Jag Mandir rightly earned itself the tag of ‘pleasure palace’. The first island palace – located in Lake Pichola in Udaipur – Jag Mandir’s location was ideal. Far enough away from the majestic City Palace, on the banks of the lake, Jag Mandir ensured the prince’s seduction of nubile nymphs never reached the eyes or ears of elders.

Jagmandir and Its Former Glory

Prince Mewar has ensured that palace’s place in romance remains even today. The central courtyard of the 17th century marble palace has been in continual use for celebrity weddings. Industrialist Vikram Chatwal, actress Raveena Tandon and Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel’s daughter have been some of the lucky few who have got married here. And there’s no wonder why. Certainly, nothing can beat the magic of climbing into a boat at the jetty and gliding along the waters, the breeze in your hair, towards this fairytale palace while the majestic City Palace, set high on a hill on the shores of the lake, gradually recedes from view.

Jagmandir Palace For Honeymooners

Committed as they are to conservation, Prince Lakshyaraj and his father, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of HRH Hotels India, who run a chain of heritage hotels in Rajasthan, were eager to restore the floating palace to its original architectural splendour. Their aim is to make Jag Mandir the ultimate romantic destination for couples, newlyweds or honeymooners.

Jagmandir Palace Interior Architecture

Within Jag Mandir Palace, Gol Mahal catches the major attention, as this is the place where Shah Jahan lived with his family. Gol Mahal is made in the Islamic style of architectural, which shows that Maharana Karan Singh kept in mind the tastes of Shah Jahan. The hall has amazing interiors and is decorated with the Muslim crescent. Other pavilions worth mentioning are Bara Patharon ka Mahal, Kunwar Pada ka Mahal and the Zenana Mahal, Bara Patharon ka Mahal (palace of twelve stones) because of twelve solid marble slabs. Kunwar Pada ka Mahal was meant for the crowned prince and the Zenana Mahal offered several chambers for the ladies of the royalty.

What to offer in Jagmandir Palace?

For couples in love, the palace has many beautiful gardens adorned with roses, palm trees, jasmine flowers, frangipani trees and bougainvilleas. Also on offer is the Panghat Spa, the bar rooms and luxurious suites all offer sumptuous fixtures and fittings. Guests can sit by huge picture windows offering spectacular views of the City Palace. Also playing Cupid is Lake Pichola. Couples can enjoy an Ayurvedic massage in total privacy as they glide along the waters in a boat.

Wildlife of Rajasthan

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The name Rajasthan reminds us with arid desert, rustic landscape, grandiose fort and palaces and colorful people. But it is the call of wild that is varied as your imagination. Rajasthan has some of the world’s richest flora and fauna, teeming with wild and avian life of the exotic kind.

Important Wildlife Places And National Parks

• Ranthambore National Park – Ranthambore lies at the border of Vindhiyas and the Aravalis, amid vast arid tracts of desert, sprawling over an area of 392 sq.km. The wildlife includes the Cheetal, Sambhar, Blue Bull, Wild Boar and Crocodiles. But the most attractive of all is Royal Bengal Tiger. Other ferocious animals includes Leopard, Hyena, Ratel and Sloth Beer. Avian fauna is aplenty. There are about 300 species of birds. Ranthambore is also popular for archaeological relics. A mighty fort is here situated on a hill top. Recently the Kaila Devi Sanctuary, famous for tiger population, has been a part of Ranthambore. (For further information see indian-ecstacies)

How To Reach Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary
Sawai Madhopur, the nearest railway head connects Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. The nearest airport is Jaipur.

Best Time To Visit
October to June

Where To Stay In Ranthambore wild Park
Castle Jhoomar Baori (RTDC)
Hotel Vinayak(RTDC)

• Sariska Tiger Reserve – Reintroduction of tigers have made the park again as popular as old days. once the hunting ground of Maharajas of Alwar, Sariska is a wonder of ecological adaptation. Tiger became a tiger reserve in 1979, located just 200km from Delhi, nestling in the Northern part of the Aravali hills. During the hot months of April, may and June, Sambhars, Chitals,Nilgais, Chausinghas, Jackals, Wild Boars etc.can be seenat the water holes throughout the day. The tigers appears at dusk or night. Other predators are leopards, hyena, wild dog and jungle cat can bee spot at night. The wild one seems to have chosen their area limits; Slopka is best for observing the Sambhar,Kundli for Cheetals and Karunda and Kali ghati for Nilgai. Four horned antelopes can be seen at the Pandupole Nallah.

How To Reach Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
Sariska is 34 km from Alwar,110km from Jaipur and 200kms from Delhi. Nearest railway head is Alwar

Where To Stay
Tiger Den(RTDC)
Hotel Lake Palace,Siliserh(RTDC)

• Desert National Park – The Desert National Park with its craggy rocks and sand dunes provides shelter to an altogether different kind of wildlife. The great Indian Bustard, tall and stately, moves about in small flocks feeding on everything in sight –cereals and berries to grasshoppers, locusts. Birds such as sandgrouse,partridges,bee eaters, larks and shrikes are commonly sighted while demoiselle cranes arrive here in winter. The park is also a habitat of the desert fox, wolf and reptiles like the spiny tail lizard, monitor lizard, russel’s viper and other.

How To Reach Desert National Park
Jaisalmer is the nerarest town about 40kms away.

Where To Stay In Desert National Park
Moomal Tourist Bungalows (RTDC)
Sam Dhani (RTDC)
Other private hotels available in Jaisalmer.

Camel Safari in Rajasthan Desert

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The Place: India’s westernmost state, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan has exotic, barren desertscapes and drifting sand dunes.

The Season: November to March

The Gear: Desert nights are cold and can be unbearable, so it’s essential to take along plenty of warm sweaters and jackets while on camel safari. A warm sleeping bag is recommended and an additional blanket or two can always come handy. During the daytime sun glasses can help to cope up with blistering sun. Carrying a hat and sunscreen lotion is must. Last but very important carry as much as water you can.

Do Not Miss: The special cultural performances on the sand dunes, the camps set up for travelers, the tradtional Rajasthani meals and the colourful hamlets with friendly folk, all make the Camel Safari truly memorable.

Make It Incredible: The best wildlife Camel Safaris can be enjoyed around the Aravalis region of Rajasthan, in the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. An interesting variation of the wilds can also be seen in the Rann of Kutch.

Yoga and Nature Therapy Centres in Rajasthan

2009-07-31T14:51:00.002+05:30

In any society it is maintained that some kind of healing or preventive system us required for aiding longevity, Rajasthan in that context is not an exception. The erstwhile royal palaces had ancient system of healing therapy, which was solely depends in nature and by products of nature. As a matter of fact, till date in many Rajasthani homes these therapies are prevalent. The traditional system of Rajathani healing therapy is actual a combination of different systems gained from interaction with parts of West Asia. There were also ashrams where vaids, hakims and yoga instructors advised people on the benefits of these systems, and the royal families often invited practitioners of these sciences to train people in their kingdoms on their benefits, so that their prevalence became more widespread.

Naturepathy, yoga and meditation techniques are well documented in ancient texts, which were written long before the birth of Jesus or Buddha. The healing methods were largely based on mental strength and assisted with natural herbs used in special formulations. During British rule these practices often misunderstood or say forcefully abhorred as quackery. As a result their popularity decreased, especially among the educational class. As a result, their popularity dwindled, and was soon taken over by the allopathic system of medicines.

However, the science of traditional medicine still exists in Rajasthan and also in India. They lost their pre-eminence but they survived, at least among a smaller group that believed in its value. Even though there is nothing about them that is linked only with Rajasthan, these practices have once again been revived, and are enjoying renewed popularity. There are some reasons also such as it enjoins the practice of meditation and yoga, which are the buzzwords of GenX, and so have a youthful appeal. Also, in a world waking up too late to the horrors of antibiotic medicines, these natural systems offer no fear of side-effects.

The Bazaars of Jaipur

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When Sawai Jai Singh II laid out his city, he took great care to invite artisans and crafts persons to come and settle here, and recognising the need for family life, created proper grids where they could settle here, and recognising the need for family life, created proper girds where they could settle, rather than serve at the royal ateliers. The gamble paid off: almost three centuries later, Jaipur can easily qualify as the world’s capital for quality arts and crafts, each known handicraft trade finding its own resonance here.

The first place where you can easily head for is Mirza Ismail Road, with its quality stores and limited yet big shops are worthwhile. However, the place fails to deliver the pulse of the old city’s bazaars, which constitute the fun of shopping in Jaipur. The walled city is a mosaic of people, colours, shops, more colour, craftsmen at work, and the kaleidoscope continues to move between the present and the past. The Badi and Choti Chaupars, for example, consist of rows of shops that run parallel to the road, and you can continue exploring endlessly, as each tiny store has its specialisation: if one sells only supari, another trades in braids for the hair; for everyone store that sells only juttees, there are others where the interest is only bandhani fabrics, while others deal in hand block printed textile; for every shop that is popular for its light, Jaipuri quilts in bright tie-and-dye patterns, there is another where only buttons will be sold.

Nor does the experience end with the shops on the road. After intermittent intervals, there are narrow lanes that branch off into the innards of the old city. Follow them and you could be lost in moments, but what a world of excitement awaits you: piles of semi-precious stones, vendors of silver, tiny stores trading in lame ribbons, exporters of dhurries.

While a visit to the Rajasthan Handicraft Emporium called Rajasthani offers you a taste of everything Rajasthan does, increasingly visitors want to visit designer stores that use ancient techniques to give tem a contemporary flavour as in the case of Anokhi and Soma. The best part is to walk down Johari Bazar with its jewellery stores, and dealers of precious and semi-precious stones; Khazane walo ka rasta (the path of treasurers) for marble statuary; another road is exclusive for gems and jewellery; Badi Chaupar for handblock printed textiles and quilts.

Hidden Gems of Rural Rajasthan

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• Bayana – A curious mixture of Hindu and Muslim relics and ruins characteristics Bayana. The place rose to prominence in the Mughal era, situated as it is near the two Mughal capitals of Agra and Delhi. Ancient temples sit side-by-side with medieval Muslim architecture. An ancient fort, Bijaigarh, crowns Bayana. The fort contains several temples and a pillar that indicates that Bayana used to belong to the kingdom of Samudragupta, Babur called it India’s most formidable fort.

• Bairat – Bairat, earlier known as Viratnagar, has been an important town from ancient times, though today it is among the quieter parts of Jaipur district. Remains of a Budhhist monastery, Asokan inscriptions, and a beautiful Jain temple speak of antiquity in this deserted place. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata were fabled to have spent a year of their exile in Viratnagar. Bairat also houses the ruins of two Buddhist monasteries built between 3rd and 1stt century AD. Inscriptions on the ruins indicate that the monasteries were built by King Ashoka.

• Baghera – Baghera is famous for its ruined temples. The remains of a Vishnu temple, uncovered through excavations, are part of the Varaha Avatar temple and depict Vishnu in the form of a boar. Excavations have also uncovered Jain images that indicate the erstwhile presence of a Jain temple. A little farther away a torana and the remnants of several ancient residences have also been excavated.

• Sita Mata – Spread across the Aravalli and Vindhy ranges, the Sita Mata wildlife sanctuary is a forest of bamboo and deciduous vegetation. Three rivers flow through the forest and sustain the wildlife that inhabits this area. Tree varieties grow in abundance: teak, salar, tendu, amla, bamboo and bel are the most common. Valuable teak trees that can be used for building grow in especial abundance. Several varieties of deer including the chousingha, wild boars, pangolin and leopards make the sanctuary their home. Hyenas, jackals, foxes, jungle cats, porcupines, spotted deer, wild bears, four-horned antelopes and nilgais, revered by the Bishnoi tribe also spotted in Sita Mata. The sanctuary is also rich with bird life. The flying squirrel, however, is the most exciting animal found here. These squirrels glide from tree to tree, usually after sunset.

• Jalore – Jalore lies on the left bank of the Sukri River. As a river town, it flourished in the middle of the 8th century and was ruled by Pratihar kings. It boasts of many temples, as well as the mandatory fort. Two great poetic works – the kuvalayamala and the Kanhad Dev Praband – were composed in Jalore. Today Jalore is known for the fort, which was built in the 10th century. It is the simplest of forts without much embellishment. A work of elegance, it speaks of strength. The fort is unusually spacious. It houses the mosque of the great saint Malik Singh.

Sightseeing Around Bikaner

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• Gajner – The place is located 32 km south west to Bikaner. This is the private hunting preserve of the royal family of Bikaner, Gajner was developed under Maharajas Ganga Singh into the finest sandgrouse shooting reserve in the country. The palace, built to front an artificial lake, attracted sufficient wintering birds from distant Siberia, as well as a variety of deer. Gajner Palace is perfect for a quiet holiday in truly regal surroundings. Photographic shoots are not only permitted but also encouraged.

• Deshnoke – The place is located 30 km south of Bikaner. The surprise of this place is a temple, which is entirely dedicated to rats. The Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke is known by the sobriquet of ‘Temple of Rats’. Since it was Karni Mata who had bestowed her blessings on Rao Bika, the royal family has always held the saint goddess in especially high regard. She is said to protect the city even today against everything from war to disease.

• Kolayat - The place is located 52 km south west from Bikaner. This is where the Kolayat Fair is held, the sacred site where sage Kapil Muni is supposed to have meditated centuries ago. The fair lasts for 10 days in November. The Kolayat Lake has 52 ghats, shaded by banayan trees.

• Kalibangan – The place is located is 205 km north east of Bikaner. This is an early settlement thought to have been part of the Indus Valley Civilization. Excavations yielded evidence that town-planning measures were followed here. Remains dating to both the Harappan and pre-Harappan periods have been found at Kalibangan. An archaeological museum neat the site houses the remnants found here, such as pottery, bricks, bangles and terracotta figures. Kalibangan can be reached from Bikaner by taxi.

Things To Do And See In Mount Abu

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According to a legend, gods scraped from the ground using their nails to make Nakki Lake around which Mount Abu is located. The lake is also the centre for most activities in Abu, and boating on the lake is a must-do activity.

• Viewpoints – For sightseeing, or trekking head towards Toad Rock ( South West of the Raghuathji Temple near the lake) or Sunset Point, the latter for its panoramic views. There is also an amusement park for children at Sunset Point, ideal for a family outing. Also, you can walk around the wild at Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary that spread over 288 sq km. the park is another summer draw, for during the hot months of March and April. It is also birdwatcher’s paradise, with more common among them is the grey jungle fowl; leopard, chinkara, sloth bear, wild boar and hundreds of langurs are also seen here.

• Delwara Jain Temples – Delwara Jain Temples is located in Village called Delwara that houses a complex of five Jain Temples. From outside temple complex is nothing extraordinary looking but inside the whole gamut of complex changes dramatically. Of the five temples here, two of the earliest temples, Vimal Vashi and Luna Vasahi have glorious marble work.

The temples are marvels of sculpture, not architecture. Their plan – of a courtyard encompassing a circular mandap hall and a portico, all supported by pillars, leading to a sanctum – is shared by many Jain and Hindu temples of the Solanki era in western India. But it is the breathtaking sculpture and carving of the pillars, arches, doorways, and even the ceiling that give a unique feel to these temples. The exactly date-able monuments in Mount Abu are the Delwara Temples, among which the two oldest were built in 1031 and 1230. The Achalgarh Fortress that looms over the landscape was built in the 15th century.

• Adhardevi Temple – An atmospheric natural cave structure with a very low and narrow entrance, the temple is crowded during Navratra time. Adhardevi, also called Arbuda Devi, is seen as a form of Durga, and was the family goddess of the Parmar kings. It’s a climb of some 350 steps to the goddess.

• Shopping – Rajasthani handicrafts are ubiquitous in the shops that fringe Nakki Lake. In particular, look out for marble statuary and Kota cotton saris. The shops also have tribal silver jewellery from the region. Other than these shops, pay a visit to Rajasthani at Chacha Chowk.

History Mandawa Haveli in Shekhawati

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The painted Walls of Shekhawati by Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg inadvertently gave birth to a tourism fantasy coming true. Old havelis (mansions) were turned into hotels in Rajasthan. Dominique Lapierre having reaped in the success of his book Freedom at Midnight, wanted to treat his French publisher and co-writer to a unique holiday. Having learnt of the Shekhawati region from Aman’s book, he requested Randhir Singh Mandawa for a private lunch at his ancestral haveli. Randhir, keeping true to Rajput hospitality, made it special for them. There was the regal paraphernalia of traditional welcome by a procession of chariots, camel carts, horses, ‘dhap’ music and dance.

The guest went back home and wrote about the novel experience they had had. Nouvelle Frontiers, one of the biggest tour operators in France at that point, picked up the idea and a new trend was born. Randhir asked his grandparents for their blessings. They were, according to him, apprehensive about the fact that one from the family will ever want to go back to Mandawa. This idea came as godsend for them and they started with six rooms being let out at the Mandawa Haveli. It has grown to 85 rooms now and the haveli still maintains its charm. Every bit of the original interiors was used; they even kept the family colours – red and orange, playing with them their binding factors.

Apart from the mystical magic and romance, which pulsates through Mandawa, the place also speaks of a bygone era in all its quaintness. Driving into Mandawa is a typical experience, which runs common to any place in the Shekhawati region. It’s like being in Venice without the canals. The streets are in themselves works of art; you rub shoulders with history and despite the rude intrusion of urbanity, the streets have a feel that reconfirms continuity of old tradition – it is refreshing and invigorating.

Social Work Research Centre at Tilonia Rajasthan

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Tilonia, a sleepy village in Ajmer district is not so overt affectionate destination but due to the proximity to Pushkar and Kishangarh, travelers sometimes give an ignored look to it. However, the people who know about the Social Work Research Centre at Tilonia are able to grasp the interest of the place. More than three decades ago a Doon School and St. Stephen’s College alumni, Sanjit ‘Bunker’ Roy was engrossed in a mission – to educate and empower rural people. In this stark village he started a small organization for rural people and now it is inflated to a big social research center, which captures even International eyeballs.

The Social Work Research Center started in 1972 and in 34 years, a lot happened in that sleepy village. Bhanwar Jat, an illiterate farmer from Tilonia, was allocated the responsibility of constructing the 30,000 sq ft campus in which no wood or cement was to be used; the raw material would be confined to lime, sand, chipped stone and plywood. Another villager named Rafiq who was a traditional blacksmith given the responsibility to fabricated the doors and windows and later using Buckminister Fuller’s design installed over 150 geodesic domes out of scrap metal, to be used as schools, dispensaries, telephone booths, community centers, and meeting places for village women. Immense hard work and perseverance brought a huge haul of awards for Bunker Roy and when a journalist gave Social Work Research Center the name of Barefoot College, the epithet stuck.

While going on the Delhi-Jaipur road and close to Kishangarh, one can find a small signboard that reads: Tilonia Crafts Shop. This craft shop is treasure house of exquisite handicrafts made by the village people. After driving roughly eight kilometres on the dirt road, one can reach Barefoot College, the Craft Shop,a domed Internet dhaba and a milk booth. In an urban world, shopping necessarily entails parking hassles, but in Tilonia you can happily park under the shade of a tree and shop till you drop dead. There’s a bedspread with an applique of a tree motif, funny figurines dance together as an appliqué on a cushion cover, and there are block-print kurtas, paper bags – some lined with zari, others with plaited handles, belled wall hangings and several others. Tilonia, however, is best known for its camel leather handicraft – purses, wallets, jootis, belts, wooden chairs with embroidered backs, small-legged stools and the most famous of all – a three legged collapsible wooden stool with a triangular embroidered seat. The camel leather products are machine embroidered using chain stitch to make flower motifs, adding a generous contrast to the beige of the camel skin.

FACT FILE

Barefoot College Crafts: Social Work Research Centre, Tilonia via Madanganj, District Ajmer, Rajasthan

Website: Barefoot College

Heritage Hotels in Rajasthan

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• Devi Garh (Delwara) - The fort was built probably in the mid 18th century by the descendants of a certain Sajja Singh, who was honoured the principality of Delwara by Rana Pratap. Most of the forts was a series of black, dark interconnected chambers infested with bats and birds when it first acquired by Poddars in 1990. It took almost 6 years to restore the whole fort and ultimately 200 chambers fort converted into 39 luxurious suites. Each suite is specially designed with airy patio or veranda and rooms, sitting area decorated with marble and semi-precious stones. Devi Garh is an excellent example of luxury comfort and ancient heritage. The façade remain traditional but the rooms are ultramodern.
Website – www.deviresorts.com

• Alsisar Haveli (Jaipur) – The haveli is not too old traditionally but completely renovated in 1982, blends the Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. It is no more a medieval fort but it still oozes the reflection of royal heritage through antique furniture. Surprisingly, the bustling city of Jaipur right outside its doors remains just there – the haveli is a haven of calm in itself. In the central area of the haveli is a platform that was once meant for men’s get together and is today a setting for puppet and dance shows. The mansion’s 47 rooms have frescos and rug covered floors while the common areas have crystal chandeliers and hunting trophies.
Website – www.alsisarhaveli.com

• Castle Mandawa (Mandawa) – Tucked away in the dusty Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, Castle Mandawa, an amber-coloured fort, was built in 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh to protect his principality, Mandawa. Today, Castle Mandawa run by Nawal Singh’s descendents as a heritage hotel and is an ideal base from which to explore Shekhawati. The turreted towers, winding staircases, terraces and canopied balconies of the castle are a throwback to its past. The spacious rooms are still hold the medieval charm with period furniture and colourful local furnishings. Each of the 70 rooms is different, with beautiful frescos, and some even boasting of tinkling fountains!
Website – www.mandawahotels.com

• Lakshman Sagar (Raipur, district Pali) – This hunting lodge was built in the late 19th century as a hunting rest place by Rajput Kunwar. It is now acquired by Sewara Hospitality & Development. As a continuation of the hospitality and traditions of the house of Raipur, present Kunwar fancied a heritage resort much like his great-great grandfather Thakur Lakshman Singh, though all manifested through timeless architecture and design. There are 12 luxury cottages and the unique experience in that isolated spot will be remembered by travellers who once go to the place. The heritage resort offers live cooking, music and fireworks, also travelling by bullock cart to near by Fatehgarh Fort and a private dine on the floating cruise on the Lakshman Sagar private lake.
Website – www.sewara.com

• Khimsar Fort (Khimsar) – Rao Karamsi constructed the Khimsar Fort in 1523 but it became the family’s living quarters only in the mid-18th century when they added a new women’s wing. At was the norm at that time; this section had finely carved windows and stone grills, the architectural equivalent of a veil. Now the fort has been converted into a hotel, but the royal family, including Rao Karamsi’s 21st descendant, continues to live in a part of the fort. It’s a beautiful place that offers guests a chance to go on camel and jeep safaris to the areas nearby and spot black bucks and gazelles.
Website – www.khimsarfort.com

A Sojourn to the Royal Land - Jaipur

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The ‘Pink City’ is dotted with magnificent forts and palaces, equally majestic fountains, artistically created gardens with gigantic havelis, historic museums, bustling bazaars and smiling folks in vibrant attires. Journey to Jaipur is always and enthralling experience.

Bus ride from New Delhi to Jaipur takes around 5 hours and as it approaches the historic city, the occasional old forts on one side and glitzy hotel chains on the other gave away the feel of the intermingling of history and modernity.

What to see in Jaipur

Albert Museum, the oldest museum in Rajasthan was our first stop. This beautiful building was built in 1876 to welcome King Edward VII who was then on a visit to India as Prince of Wales. Rare textiles, carpets, paintings, metal and wood crafts, pottery, toys, dolls and even Egyptian mummy were on display. It central gallery is completely devoted to Rajasthani music and dance forms.

Birla Mandir or Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which sits near Moti Doogri – the private property of the last Maharani of Jaipur, Gayatri Devi. Nearby another beautiful historic place Jal Mahal also known as Lake Palace that literally sits on the serene waters of the lake.

Old Jaipur city clearly describes why this city is so loved. Everything is pink and the streets are alive with bright reds, fuchsias, blue and greens hanging from the ceilings of the stores. The streets are lined with busy shoppers getting the famous crafted mirror works woven into cloth to make exquisitely designed skirts, bags, umbrellas etc. The signature monument of Jaipur city is undoubtedly Hawa Mahal with its 953 small windows decorated with tiny lattice work. The museum and designs within the gates of the City Palace demands a full hour. This palace is home to the largest inventory of weaponry dating back to the 18th century. The Diwan-I-Khas exhibits two huge silver vessels of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who carried water from River Ganga on his trip to England.

Jaigarh Fort that is 15 km from Jaipur city is situated on top of the hill. This fort was made to tighten the security of Jaipur and Amber. Here travellers can watch the world’s largest cannon and underground tanks that store 60, 00,000 gallons of water. At night one must watch the cultural fiesta in Choki Dhani where musicians and dancers entertained those already seated. The mirror-studded walls, Ikat durries and antique metallic swings are all truly Rajasthani.

Holistic Medical Institutions in Rajasthan

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Despite of the fact that several alternative medicine and fitness traditions had diminished over the last few centuries, there has been a revival, especially since independence, and a lot of headway has been made in establishing institutes where these vital sciences are not only taught, they are also offered as courses to visitors.
Some of the few good one are listed here.

Government Yogic Treatment Cum Research Centre (Jaipur) – It is the only government supported yoga centre in India; the institute was established in 1961. Ever since, it has found yoga-based remedies for ailments such as asthma, diabetes and other internal disorders. No medicines are used in the treatment, with yoga being the only method of finding relief from chronic problems. Naturopaths work in a fully-equipped laboratory, and treatment for its patients who reside on the premises is free, as is the board and lodging.

National Institute of Ayurveda (Jaipur)– Established as an ayurvedic college in 1946 by the former rulers of Jaipur, it has since been upgraded, and its impressive complex on Amber Road houses thirteen departments of medicine and an attached hospital.

Nature Cure Centre(Jaipur) – Colloquially called Prakritik Chikitsalaya, this nature cure institute has been a pioneer in the field for last five decades. A health farm, it uses the five elements in its treatment with fasting, sun bathing, mud baths, wet sheet packs, steam baths and water therapy to offer remedies for arthritis, acidity, asthma and other respiratory ailments, bronchitis, colitis, diabetes, heart problems, obesity, jaundice and lumber spondylitis.

Rajasthan Swasthya Yog Parishad (Jaipur)– Yoga consists of breathing and physical exercises, and the proper manner in which there are performed can lead to amazing results in people, curing them of ailments and increasing the longevity of their lives. The organisation here is a training centre in yoga, and has as many ten other centres in Jaipur alone, with more outside the city.

Vipassana Dhammathali Centre For Meditation(Jaipur) – One of the branches of the institute in Maharashtra, this beautiful centre disburses training in the ancient technique of vipassana meditation as practiced two and half thousand years ago by Gautama Buddha. The complex has a distinctive Buddhist look, and there is a central meditation hall for one hundred and fifty people as well as one hundred and sixty cells. Meditation courses at the complex last ten days for beginners, and longer ones of twenty, thirty and forty five days duration for the more experienced.

Yoga Sadhana Ashram (Jaipur) – A prominent yoga centre, started 1969, the ashram nestles in a serene environment, and besides regular classes in the morning and evening, also has courses lasting three months to a year. Besides yoga, it also undertakes he yogic treatment of cardiac problems, psychic disorders, blood pressure complaints and spondylitis.

Rajasthan - Film Maker’s and Photographer’s Paradise

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Bollywood Fantasies

Need incredible backgrounds, the more fantastic the better? Simply look around: there is Sisodia Rani ka Bagh and Vidyadharji ka Bagh in Jaipur; Saheliyon ki Bari in Udaipur; the resorts of Balsaman, Sardarsamand in Jodhpur and heritage resort in Lakshman Sagar. There are elephants and camels and peacocks. There are streets full of flamboyantly dressed people. And villages the homes are brightly painted. Anywhere you look in Rajasthan, anywhere you focus through the beta camera, provides the vivid, imaginative background you were looking for.

Arid Landscape

For those looking for the perfect sands as a background for their scenes there is Jaisalmer, with its Sandunes, but even more interesting are the sand dunes between Bikaner and Nokha, around Deshnoka, where for long stretches, there is no human intrusion to be seen, no leaf of grass to disturb the flow of the desert. When looking for scrub land deserts, the Shekhawati landscape is idea, especially since its small towns that emerge from the horizon are as timeless in their look now as they were centuries ago.

But Rajasthan is not simply great for landscapes shots of sand dunes, for there are huge lakes too, and thick forests and the Aravalli and Vindyachal Hill, all of which are great locations.

Family Dramas And Socials

Not all films or ads require only historic backgrounds, or opulent palaces. When looking for a traditionally setting for family dramas, for example, the many havelis are ideal, whether in Shekhwati or even in Bikaner, since these are built with open courtyards, and are likely to be ready for a shoot without having to make them over.

Even when a more European ambience is required, such as those of families that tended to be educated according to Western ways, places such as Mount Abu with their period bungalows and furniture more than fit the bill. The hill station is charming to for its lake views, sunset points, walks and trails, and the Jain temples close by.

People’s Choice

Often, cinema needs the background of ordinary people, and in Rajasthan you couldn’t ask for more: the people are unspoilt, and as a background, they can bring their brand of vibrancy on the screen without even being aware that they are on camera. Since dancers and singers are also needed for the backspace, there are the Kalbeliya snake dancers, the Bikaner fire dancers and Jaisalmer’s Langa and Manganiyar singers who can cast a spell on any audience within moments.

Pushkar Fair – Exotic Blend of Trade and Festival

2009-03-18T11:07:00.004+05:30

There is a wrong notion about Pushkar Fair in common minds that the fair happens only during October or November and it is principaly a cattle festival. As the matter of fact, Pushkar Fair can be held during anytime between September to November. The date is on Kartik Purnima, and it is not a festival but a cattle trade fair where villagers from distant places of Rajasthan, do rigorous hard work, come to the fair ground and involve in trading.

Pushkar Fair in the course of time become very popular among tourists as it is probably the biggest cattle fair in the whole world. Cows, camels, sheep, goats and their traders flood the city. And if price is any indication – in 1940, the costlier camel went for Rs.77, in 2002, the price rose to nearly 12000. The fair become a week long fiesta with competitions and state-sponsored entertainment program thrown in. In the course of time, a simple business trade has turned into a tourist event. Storytellers, hypnotists, snake charmers, magicians and monkey trainers will all vie for the attention.

The serious business comes from the significant chunk of pilgrims who come to this place to pay their respect to Brahma temple and have a dip in the Pushkar Lake. In Pushkar Fair, men generally buy and sell their livestock (camels, cows, sheep and goats) and the women engage mainly in the stalls where they sell traditional Rajasthani bracelets, clothes, textiles and fabrics. One of the major attractions is the camel race that starts off the festival coupled with music, songs and exhibitions to follow.

Over the years Pushkar Fair witnesses huge number of tourists. Initially Pushkar Fair was started as a solely cattle trade for few people, however, over the years it turns out to be a biggest fair of Rajasthan. There are horse and camel races and betting is heavy. In the Ladhu Umt race teams of up to 10 men cling to camels, and one another, in a hilarious and often chaotic spectacle. The Tug-of-War between Rajasthani and foreigners is usually won by the local favourites. There are also sideshows with jugglers, acrobats, magicians and folk dancers. At nightfall there is music and dancing outside the tents, around friendly fires – an unforgettable experience despite its increasingly touristy nature.

Desert Ride

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Camel riding in Rajasthan has remained the cheapest mode of transport as well as the most enduring and fuel efficient. To add to its eco-friendliness, most camel carts today come fitted with tyres rejected by the aviation industry.

Camels are popular transport means in Rajasthan, even in the medieval times; it was an important component of trading caravans. But it also played an important role in defence strategies. Bikaner’s 18th Maharaja, Ratan Singh, won over the British with his gesture of sending across 200 camels to serve in the first Afghan War.

Again, it was the progressive Maharaja Ganga Singh who founded the world’s first camel corps when raised he Ganga Risalla. By the time World War I commenced, the Bikaner camels had a well-established reputation and were called into service in Egypt. And after India got its independence, the Risalla went on to become an army battalion. Although it was later disbanded, the Border Security Force (BSF) uses camels for patrolling its long desert border with Pakistan even today.

It is not surprising that the National Research Centre on Camels is located in Bikaner, 8 km from the city centre. Close to 300 camels live in the pens and open stables here. Among the Indian breeds, the Bikanari (distinguished by its tawny colour) and Jaisalmeri (lighter of colour and slimmer of build) are considered superior. The Bikaneri camel was used on the battlefield and the Jaisalmeri for patrolling, though both have been employed equally for the less glorious purpose of carrying loads over long distances. The third most popular Indian breed is the Gujarati camel. Darker and smaller than the other two, it’s said to yield he highest quantity of milk.

7 Minutes in Pushkar

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MICE Conventions Venue in Rajasthan

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Meet up in the Pink City
(Hotel Trident in Jaipur)
undoubtedly the best place where the facilities are the most advanced. Till recently, the hotels provided the only venues in the city, and these were and continue to be respectable, both within the city, or just outside, as in the case of venues such as Samode Palace. However, with the addition of the BM Birla Institute in the heart of the city, Jaipur has geared itself for even international meetings.

There are also alternative venues near and around Jaipur where one can hold discussion groups from a large conference, or of course, separate smaller meetings. Most of these are heritage hotels and resorts. One of the best places to conduct a meeting is Samode Palace; a wonderful, old fortified palace that is lavishly painted. It has a Durbar Hall where erstwhile feudal chiefs would meet for important discussions, and where you can meet for your deliberations, of no less import. Another favourite place for domestic travellers is Sariska,a hunting preserve, with a royal lodge, perfect for a seminar or a sales meeting cum incentive.

Meetings in Jodhpur – The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur has a number of small venues where delegates can meet, but it’s most important converging point, and venue for any business of importance, is likely to be Welcom-group Umaid Bhavan Palace.

No surprise that there are a large number of meeting rooms here. It was the largest private residence in the world. Even today, no other building can rival that status, though the royal family only occupies one wing of the palace. Delegates can meet and stay at the palace. The in-house team also lays on lavish entertainment, whether or within the palace, on its extensive lawns, or on special request for incentives, at the Mehrangarh Fort, which perches above the city for one of life’s most memorable occasions.

Convention Tours in Pushkar – Pushkar is a city of immense religious importance for Hindus. The temples, the ghats, sadhus, colourful shops, and foreigners from around the world make this place a great travelling destination. In a very short time Pushkar has also gained popularity among business travellers. There are hotels and resorts in Pushkar that facilitate convention and business meetings. One of the very good resorts is Pushkar Resorts. It has excellent facility of conference and meetings and above all it almost like an oasis amidst dry stark land. Pushkar is the perfect spot to escape the hectic frenzy of the conventional heritage tourism circuits and instead reinvigorate and relax the body and mind. Forty luxury cottages are complemented by a large fruit orchard and domesticated birds: a veritable oasis along side of the holy lake of Pushkar city.

Spending time in Pushkar Resorts is an enchanting experience, one will find that cottages overlooks majestic Aravali ranges and at the same time as offering an undisturbed view of the surrounding stunning sand dunes. We have radically re-imagined the desert experience. Rather than scattering facilities to fulfill a static idea of luxury and exclusivity, Pushkar Resorts brings different sources of energy together.

Blue Pottery of Rajasthan

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Blue pottery of Rajasthan is a work of art. It has a long history, grew under the patronage of Maharaja Ram Singhji and was first introduced in Rajasthan. Basically originated in Jaipur and recognised as traditional craft, has expanded to different places of Rajasthan. It is believed that this traditional art form came to Jaipur in the early 19th century when of its rulers, Sawai Ram Singh II(1835-1880) set up a school of Art and encouraged artists and craftsmen from all over the country to come and settle a tradition started by his forefathers.

Blue pottery is based on ground quartz the dough is pressed into moulds and the unfired pieces are hand painted with oxide colors, dipped in clear glaze and fired once in wooden kilns. Blue pottery cannot be reworked once it attains a final shape. The ingredients are quartz, green glass, fuller’s earth, borax and gum. This is kneaded into dough, flattened and pressed into an open mould. The other materials are cobalt oxide and a squirrel-tail brush.

Although the art owes its existence in Persia but it has become a lifeline of many in Rajasthan. There is been growing demand of blue pottery in the industry.

Hindu Pilgrimages in Rajasthan

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There are literally thousands of temples and pilgrimage centres in Rajasthan. However, few have come to known as major pilgrimage centres for Indians as well as overland travellers.

Brahma Temple – Brahma, the Lord who is a creator according to the Hinduism seems to take the full advantage of the temple where he is probably the principle deity in the whole world. Not only did he perform a yagna or ritual fire ceremony here, he also dropped a lotus from his hands to create the lake where people bathe before offering him prayers. A silver turtle at the entrance of the marble temple is a symbol of his means of transport.

Pushkar is best known for its Brahma temple, though it is by no means the only temple here, with as many as four hundred temples lining the banks of the lake. Spires form a skyline that, when the vesper bells ring, is worthy of the kingdom of Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Eklingji Temple, Udaipur – The founder of the Mewar dynasty that ruled from Chittaurgarh, Bappa Rawal had a miraculous dream in which he prayed before an image of Shiva that resulted in the removal of a problem that had been troubling him in his waking hours. He resolved then to build a temple to Shiva, and so the complex had its genesis, 24 km north of Udaipur. Eklingji consists of a complex of 108 temples, coinciding with the number of beads in the rudrakash necklace that sadhus use for meditation. The temple dedicated to Eklingji is the tallest of them all, its black stone idol a representation of the linga with four faces that have four images in the cardinal directions f Surya, Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra.
Govind Devji Temple – The family temple for the Kachchwahas of Jaipur, and open to the public, the idols in the temple, brought here from Vrindavan, are believed to have been carved by Vajranath, one of the greatest sculptors of the time, and the grandson of Krishna. The temple was consecrated as part of the City Palace complex by Sawai Jai Singh II. A simple temple, with an open pavilion surrounded by columns, and with a tiered courtyard, obeisance and ritual worship at the temple is deemed high on the scale of merit.

The Sculptural Art of Rajasthan

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Rajasthan is known for its fine paintings, there is also no escaping the overwhelming presence of the fantastic sculptural art of Rajasthan. During the medieval period the Rajasthani sculptural art took the ultimate boom, it was lavished on palaces and forts, in temples and step-walls, and even in the havelis or townhouses of the merchants and traders.

There are two ways to examine the issue of the sculptor’s art – as an architectural embellishment, and as standalone work. It is important to remember that stand alone art had little use in Rajasthan, and figures were carved either for enshrining in temples, or sculpture was part of the great design of architecture. Religious icons are almost carved from marble and the Makrana marble mines, close to Jaipur, have supplied the marble for these for centuries together. Even today, for most shrines in India, images continue to be carved in Jaipur where religious iconography has developed into a fine art.

The fantastic sculptural art form is predominantly visible in the Jain temples and monuments in Rajasthan. The fluid expression of Jain architectural extravaganza remains in Rajasthan without a parallel in India. The Jain community is a small one but it found patrons in the Rajput kingdoms where, besides trading activities, the Jains were able to serve in the courts as capable administrators and ministers. In turn, the royal families showed their gratitude in permitting the Jains to build temples to their faith. Jain temple architecture is characterised by its profusion of sculpturing. The stone is moulded, chiselled, scooped out, and developed so that each grain becomes a part of the grand design of the temple. Pillars were carved differently so there is no one similar to another.

The best examples of Jain temples in Rajasthan are at Mount Abu and Ranakpur. Mount Abu’s Dilwara Temples contain four principle shrines and are housed together. Dated between the 11th and 12th centuries, the temples must have used all their administrative skills given that just one, the Vimala Vasahi, took 14 years to build, and used the labours of 1,200 labourers and 1,500 stone masons. Ranakpur is located 100 km from Udaipur, the temples are among the most beautiful raised by the Jains in the country. At the heart of the complex is the temple of Adinath, one of the largest, most extensive, and characterised by it excess and profusion of sculpture.

Rajasthan Handicrafts and Heritage

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The name Rajasthan reflects rich heritage, incredible traditions and colorful people. The heritage of Rajasthan is very rich.

An exotic Indian state with varied facets and vibrant hues is a metaphor that complements the royal land of Rajasthan. He heritage of handicrafts in Rajasthan is very rich and exclusive. The elegant handicrafts of Rajasthan are an asset that the state is proud of. The name of the state creates a picture at the back of mind of people donning traditional attires, engrossed in daily life amidst the dry desert. People have a knack of decorating themselves and their homes. They have an added advantage of their position on the trade routes whose offshoot was their dexterity in artistry. The fabulous handicrafts of Rajasthan are a unique hallmark of the Culture of Rajasthan. It is astonishing to see so much work is executed through hands with much sophistication.

Jewelery of Rajasthan
The state of Rajasthan is world renowned for the exquisite jewelery pieces. People of Rajasthan are very fond of adorning themselves with jewelery. The people were patronized by the rulers of Mewar during the bygone eras which has helped crafts of jewelry making and meenakari to groom and flourish. These jewelery pieces have aesthetic significance with symbolic values.
Gems of Jaipur
The capital city of Rajasthan - Jaipur - is famous for a gem dealing center. The city has an entire wing devoted to cutting and polishing precious tones using simple unsophisticated machinery. These gems are of prime attraction for national and international visitors to the Pink walled city.

Folk and Silver Jewelery
The poorest villages of Rajasthan have men and women bedecked in very beautiful folk jewelery including bracelets, rings, earrings, nose rings, toe rings, ankle bracelets and pendants. These jeweleries indicate the social and marital status (of women). The silver jeweleries are sometimes alloyed with copper retaining its high quality.
Bangles
They are another kind of symbolic jewelery. The bare wrists are considered inauspicious. Only the widows will be seen bare wristed. The lac bangles of Rajasthan are very popular. Jaipur, Bundi and Karauli in Rajasthan are a great producer of Lac bangles. The surface of these bangles is coated with paint and gold leaf.
Meenakari
Thanks to Maharaja Man Singh I, the founder of Amber, who introduced the beautiful art of meenakari (enamel work) during late 17th century. Silver and gold can be used as a base for this art. However, the colors are limited including gold, blue, green and yellow.

Leather Work
History has it that Rajasthan has been a home to leather work. The leather shoes called juttis are a must on your shopping cart when going to Rajasthan. These juttis are beautifully embellished with embroidery, beads, jardozi. Also famous is the leather bookbindings which flourished under the patronage of Maharaja Banni Singh in the early 19th century.

Paintings of Rajasthan
Miniature paintings are synonymous to Rajasthan. These beautiful paintings were used to decorate the palaces, halls, palatial mansions of wealthy merchants. These paintings display religious and mythological themes with courtly love. Made of vegetable colors, minerals these paintings have a distinctive style.

Pottery
Legends hold that first potter was created by Lord Shiva. The art of pottery has the longest lineage in Rajasthan. Different regions of Rajasthan produce different kinds of pottery of which blue pottery of Jaipur is the most famous with Bikaner's red pottery.

Textiles
The shimmering textiles of Rajasthan are a must haves for the shopping freaks. The textiles are riotously woven, dyed, printed and embroidered. Jaipur, Udaipur, Pushkar and Jaisalmer. You can look form traditional sarees, or indo-western wears. The bandhini print in fabrics is most appreciated besides block printing. Carpets and weaving have been popular in the state with the advent of Muslims.

Woodwork
The wood carvings are not that popular as the stone sculpture. The reason is arid climate of Rajsthan where it is hard to preserve the delicate work of wood carvings. Shekhawati was an important center for wood carving where marvelous wood work can be seen.

Foreign Influences on Rajasthan Food

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The royal families, alone, could claim some degree of variety in their meals because of variety in their meals because of the influence. Rajasthani cuisines had been influenced by two major factions. First, of the Mughal court, and later the British. The Mughal cuisines were very difficult to make because of their huge variation of ingredients, all of which are harder to come by in the desert, even in the erstwhile palaces. The Mewar or Udaipur family, forced to flee and hide in the rocky countryside y the Mughals, devised the form of barbecue called sooley. The Kac-hchwaha family of Jaipur, closest to the Mughals through proximity and matrimony, went on to create one of the state’s finest delicacies.

The British influence was to formalize the manner in which the meal was eaten at the table, and to make the Rajasthani dishes somewhat blander. Over the years, however, even this Indianised somewhat, with stews and bakes and roasts including spices, so the peculiar Anglo-Indian cuisines of the palaces too created an all-too distinctive cuisine. It also groomed the royals into the Western style of dining habits.

Old retainers and chefs can still stir up authentic shepherd’s pie or French onion soup, but the conquest, even then, was far from complete. So, much so that even when going to London, for work or on pleasure, the princess would cart their own khansamas to cook their meals for them. The Maharaja of Jaipur even carried his own supply of Ganga water with him, to use on his English trip, which is the purpose to which the large silver urns displayed at the City Palace Museum in Jaipur were put.

Ethnic Miniature Paintings – Ancient Art of India

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The birth of Indian miniature paintings can be traced back to 6 and 7th century AD. Miniature art has intricate, colorful illumination or paintings, small in size, executed meticulously with delicate brushwork. Several styles have emerged in varied locations and this could be explained by the shifts of royal lineages in the corridors of power. The first to arrive were the Kashmiri Miniatures and the earliest to arrive were the 11th century ‘Pala’ miniatures.

The miniatures artists expressed themselves through mediums on paper, ivory panels, wooden tablets, leater, arble, cloth and walls. The ‘ Kangra’ miniatures of the Pahari schools in the 18th century had an influence of the Mughals, yet had specialty. They were replications of religious texts like ‘Gita Govindam’ from Hindu mythology.

The Jain manuscripts of western India, now preserved in the temples of rajasthan and Gujarat, are the source of miniatures of the Jain school of art. These manuscripts are inscribed on palm leaves and are illustrated with stylish miniatures. Mughal court style and several distint schools of Rajasthan miniatures were born: the Mewar or Udaipur school, the Bundi School, the Jishangarh school, the Bikaner school and the Alwar school.

Miniature paintings were once made on a base of ivory but since the use of ivory has been banned now, this art has now found expression on canvas.

Natural Heritage of Rajasthan

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Special interest tours in the lap of nature

Rajasthan is basically a combination of two things that make it the ideal choice for special interest holiday destination – the amazing variety of flora and fauna at its countryside, and the historic nature of fantastic architectural heritage that dots its landscape. No place in India perhaps that much of variety of color in terms of attire, architecture, and customs. It is really fascinating education where such a large number of people integrate with their environment. Rajasthan is an easy state to discover because a network of road and rail connections makes travel relatively simple. And while there may be some curiosity about visitors, they are rarely harassed or troubled.

Here are some cursors for travelers who want to discover the natural heritage in a non-tourist, non-packaged sense.

1) Alwar – Alwar is one of the prominent tourist spots in eastern Rajasthan. It is especially famous for Alwar palace and Sariska National Park. A wonderful place to unwind is Fort Kesroli, which is a heritage hotel that is isolated and cut off from the busy world around it. Another escape can be to the Lake Palace at Silserh, a lake resort that is popular with picnickers, though the castle to one side provides the perfect, quiet antidote to the guests.
2) Chittaurgarh – The Teekhi Magri Resort at Dhamotar is ideal for getting away from it all, breaking with isolation once in a while to visit the fort at Chittaurgarh.
3) Kumbhalgarh – The hilly tracts of this area are best savored from Aodhi, one of Rajasthan’s most charming getaways.
4) Mandawa – Even though Mandawa, and much of the Shekhawati region, is firmly planted on the tourist map, the Desert Resort complex, set at a distance in the sand dunes, recreates the wonderful ambiance of a Rajasthani village.
5) Pushkar – The place of Lord Brahma’s devotee and a cozy dwelling of foreigners, Pushkar is an excellent impregnation of pilgrims and happy-go-lucky tourists. Due to its thick tourists inflow Pushkar is now dotted with hotels and resorts. Pushkar Resorts that is just 8 km away from Pushkar main city is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the unimaginable landscape. The best part of this luxury resort is the tariff. A traveler gets all imaginable facilities and comforts in an unbelievable price.
6) Nagaur – One of the least explored places in Rajasthan, its fort can be savored at leisure while you take your accommodations at Nagaur fort (tents).
7) Pali – Rajasthan’s Pali district has a number of quiet getaways that can provide gentle sojourns in the countryside. These include the comfortable Maharani Bagh and Sardar Samand resorts, and the two feudal holdings, Bagon-ka-Bagh at Ghanerao and leopard Lair at Bera.