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Jantar Mantar |
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 "The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemerides. Each is a fixed and 'focused' tool. The Samrat Jantar, the largest instrument, is 90 feet high, its shadow carefully plotted to tell the time of day. Its face is angled at 27 degrees, the latitude of Jaipur. The Hindu chhatri (small domed cupola) on top is used as a platform for announcing eclipses and the arrival of monsoons."Built of local stone and marble, each instrument carries an astronomical scale, generally marked on the marble inner lining; bronze tablets, all extraordinarily accurate, were also employed. Thoroughly restored in 1901, the Jantar Mantar was declared a national monument in 1948. "An excursion through Jai Singh's Jantar is the singular one of walking through solid geometry and encountering a collective weapons system designed to probe the heavens." |
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City Palace |
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 City Palace is located at the heart of the city of Jaipur, India. City Palace is known for its architectural excellence. It is one of the major tourist attractions of India. The architecture of City Palace is a blend of Mughal, Rajput and European architectural styles. The two main entrances for the City Palace are Jaleb Chowk and Tripolia Gate. One more entrance to City Palace is the Virendra Pol.One can enter City Palace through the Tripolia Gate, where he can see the Mubarak Mahal (Auspicious Palace). It is basically a museum with a variety of textiles on display. The most reputed textiles that are on display include sanganeri block prints, folk-embroidery shawls, banaras silk sarees, Kashmiri pashminas, the clothes of Sawai Madhosingh I and other royal costumes. |
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Hawa Mahal |
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 The Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, is arguably Jaipur’s best-known monument. For one, it is unlike any other Rajput monument – fort, palace or temple. Secondly, it’s a bit too whimsical and delicate, almost like a magical structure from the Arabian Nights. Despite its towering height and length, the Hawa Mahal looks like a light, airy structure which might blow away with the slightest wind.Placed right in the middle of the bustling Johari Bazaar, near the Badi Chaupad (the big square), this reddish-pink building made of red sandstone is a constant reminder of Jaipur’s colourful history which refuses to just curl up and die. Adjacent to the City Palace (where the family of the last Maharaja of Jaipur still lives) is the Hawa Mahal Jaipur, built by Sawai Pratap Singh and designed by Lalchand Usta in 1799. If you view it from a distance, it looks like a palace with the promise of big, spacious rooms inside. |
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Lake Palace |
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 During the rule of Maharana Sangram Singh II (1716-34) his son Jagat Singh II had asked permission for a sojourn at Jag Mandir, but instead adjacent island was given up for the prince's personal use. Gadi Rana Jagat Singh II (1734-1751) further expanded the marble water palace. The palace faces east, allowing its inhabitants to pray to the Sun god at the crack of dawn.Jagat Singh extended further adding Bara Mahal, Khush Mahal, Phool Mahal, Dhola Mahal, Dilaram Palace and the Canal. The Khush Mahal (Palace of Happiness) was made for the Queens, are in perfect spanish style, with colored glasswork framed windows, marble flooring, luxurious bedding. The palace serves as the best place to enjoy the sunset. An antique jhoola (swing) sway in the middle of the room. Udai Prakash with a huge terrace and Kamal Mahal with exquisite glass inlay in designs of lotus and leaf patterns, are other places in the Palace. |
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Lake Pichola |
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 A man made lake, Lake Pichola is one of the prime attractions of Udaipur. The lake is known for the palace build amidst the lake. The lake was built by Maharana Udai Singh II. It was made basically for defence purpose. Cradled amongst hills, gardens, havelis, temples and ghats, Lake Pichola is the picturesque spotlight of Udaipur. The lake sports two islands palaces- Jagniwas (Lake Palace) and Jagmandir. The lake is about 4 km long and 3 km wide, and not much deep- it often dries up in times of severe summers. The beauty of the lake and its surroundings can only be felt by seeing it, which increases many folds during sunrise and sunset. |
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City Palace, Udaipur |
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 One of the most popular tourist attractions of Udaipur is the City Palace, situated in the heart of the city. The palace towers over Lake Pichola and counts amongst the most beautiful constructions by the Rajput rulers of Rajasthan. Even though the interiors of the City Palace of Udaipur are much more exquisite than its exteriors, it does not fail to mesmerize its onlookers. The Rajput love for art and architecture is truly reflected in the architecture of this magnificent palace, which was built by Maharana Uday Singh of the Sisodia clan.The Maharana initiated the construction work of the City palace shortly after he founded the city of Udaipur. With time, the throne of Uday Singh was occupied by successive Maharanas, who added more structures to the palace complex. However, one does not find any incongruity in the overall design of the palace. Rather, people applaud the charming harmony and synchronization of the construction work. Presently, the old parts of the museum have been converted into a museum, while two new portions are serving as hotels. |
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Mehrangarh Fort |
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 Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is the most impressive as well as the biggest fort of Rajasthan. Infact, the fort is famous for being one of the largest forts in the whole of India. One of the most popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh Fort is perched at a height of approximately 400 feet above the city. It is bounded by imposing thick walls and comprises of a number of structures inside its complex, including several palaces with sprawling courtyards. The fort was built under the patronage of Rao Jodha, the fifteenth Rathore ruler.Rao Jodha acceded the throne in the year 1458 and one year after his accession, laid down the foundation of the Mehrangarh Fort. The main reason for the establishment of the fort was that Mandore fort was no longer considered as secure and there was a need to move to a safer place. There is a very interesting story behind the establishment of the Mehrangarh Fort. The construction work for the fort was started on a hill, known as Bhaurcheeria, the mountain of birds. At that time, it was occupied by a hermit, known as Cheeria Nathji, the lord of birds. |
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The Jaswant Thada |
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 Jaswant Thada, a richly carved white marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh ji, which preserves the genealogy of the rulers of Jodhpur along with their life-size portraits (no pictures allowed inside). The Jaswant Thada is the architectural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharja Jaswant Singh II.The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs. The Jaswant Thada is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers. The grounds are also comprised of exquisitely carved gazebos, a beautiful multi-tiered garden, and a small lake. Here is where the current rulers will also be cremated and we expect it to be at this small lake. |
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Umaid Bhavan Palace |
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 Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur, India is one of India's most imposing and recent palaces. Umaid Bhavan palace of Jodhpur, Rajasthan was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is named after him only. He utilized the services of a well-known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester for the construction of this palace. It contains three hundred and forty seven rooms.Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built for the welfare of the people. The purpose was to give employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long period of drought and famine. The construction of the palace utilized approximately one million square feet (90,000 mē). Another special feature of the palace is the use of a special type of sandstone, called Chittar sandstone, giving it a special appearance. Umaid Bhavan palace of Jodhpur is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Over three thousand artisans were employed in the construction of this palace. The Umaid Bhavan palace was converted into a heritage hotel in 1977. The Palace is now segmented into the Royal residence, the Heritage Hotel and the Museum. In a part of the palace the royal family of Jodhpur still lives. In another part of the palace is a well-maintained museum. India's Umaid Bhavan palace has an amazing Central Rotunda, the cupola rising to a hundred and five feet high. There is also the Throne Room with its exquisite Ramayana murals, a library, a private museum, an indoor swimming pool, a Billiards Room, tennis courts and unique marble squash courts. |
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Gadsisar Sagar Lake |
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 Situated at a distance of 40 kilometers from Jaisalmer, Gadsisar Lake is the major tourist hub attracting thousands of tourists from all over. It is suggested to venture this place in winter season as you may get the opportunity to see an assortment of migratory birds here.Accommodation is not a problem anymore while planning your trip to Gadsisar Lake. Stay over at Jaisalmer Hotels is suggested since it is the only place close to Gadsisar Lake. The accommodation facility in Jaisalmer offers tourists warm hospitality and hotels catering to their needs and requirements. The facilities available there are designed by keeping in mind the convenience of the tourists. You can find a plenty of hotels ranging from luxury hotels to budget hotels to lodges at your ease. You can pick choose an outlet to stay over depending upon the amount of money you want to spend on your stay. |
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Jaisalmer Fort |
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 Like various other cities of Rajasthan, in Jaisalmer too you will find different facets of its own glorious heritage. Though you can find historical monuments scattered all over the city, the living Jaisalmer Fort, immense in size, will immediately command your attention. If you visit the fort at the crack of down, the beauty of the Jaisalmer Fort would mesmerize you. As the early morning rays dawn on the fort, they cast a midas touch. As far as your eye takes you the yellow sandstone fort turns magical golden yellow, lending the fort its name, Sonar or the golden fort. The Jaisalmer fort is dominating structure in the sand-scape. The Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaur, and commands the desertscape from its 250 feet high pedestal on the Trikuta Hill. Three strong walls protect the citadel. The fort has five palaces called Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal. |
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Salim Singh Ki Haveli |
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 Salim Singh-ki-Haveli was constructed almost 300 years back. The name of this haveli or palace was named after its owner who was called Salim Singh Mohta. Salim Singh-ki-Haveli is an impressive structure that is adorned with an exquisite pavilion. This pavilion is situated on top of the building of Salim Singh. The building has a roof that is built in an arched style and has peacock carvings on the walls. The balconies, walls are all covered with imperial paintings. There is a remarkable painting of a man wearing a black turban. This painting has been made in a Mughal style. The Moti Mahal within the Haveli of Salim Singh has been constructed by skilled and adept workmen. This was the mansion where dances used to be held in order to entertain the courtiers and the royal gentry. It is located right below a hill. The structure has two extra storeys made out of pure wood. The structure has been built amidst calm and serene surroundings.This historical place attracts a large number of tourists every year. It is known for its excellent architecture. |
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Junagarh Fort |
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 Junagarh Fort is an imposing edifice situated quite adjacent to the public park. Built on plain land, Junagadh is one of the few Forts in India which was never conquered. The fort was started between 1589 and 1594 by Raja Rai Singh, the Sixth ruler of Bikaner (one of the most distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar) but had palaces added for the next three centuries. One of the magnificient Indian architecture in the midst of Thar Desert, Junagarh Fort is a raised platforms made of swords. The fakirs used to dance barefoot on this platform. The fort is a blend of Rajput, Mughal and the Gujarati architectural designs. A 986m long light red sandstone wall surrounded by a moat, 37 bastions and two entrances fortify this fort. |
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Lalgarh Palace |
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 Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner Rajasthan is a masterpiece of Sir Swinton Jacob. This imposing Palace is an embodiment of the cultural amalgamation of the Rajputana, European and Mughal architecture. With a collection of hunting trophies and magnificent paintings, the Palace has been partly transformed into a heritage hotel. Peacock dancing and sauntering around attracts the attention of guests. The Hotel Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner is a heritage hotel that offers modern comforts along with a touch of history. There are 38 artistically planned rooms that are fitted with modern amenities. All the rooms at this heritage hotel are cocoons of comfort and luxury. |
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Dilwara Temple |
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 Dilwara Temples of Rajasthan are popular for their beautiful artistic work. Located near Mount Abu in Rajasthan, Dilwara Temple is easily accessible from any town or city of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is a beautiful and one & only hill station of Rajasthan. Several train services are available by Indian Railways for Mount-Abu from different cities. Dilwara Temple lies at a distance of 2.5 kms from Mount Abu. From Mount Abu railway station, many bus services and taxis are available for Dilwara Temple.Dilwara Temple forms a famous pilgrimage of the followers of Jainism. The striking use of marble, in the construction of this temple, is truly worth-admiring. However, the simple architecture of the temple, reminds one of the virtues of Jainism. Set amidst the picturesque hills, Dilwara temples are said to have built during the 11th and 13th century. In the huge temple complex, there are five shrines that are dedicated to Lord Adinath, Lord Rishabhdeo, Lord Neminath, Lord Mahavir Swami and Lord Parshvanath respectively. |
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Achalgarh Fort |
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 Achalgarh is a fort situated eleven kilometers north of Mount Abu, a hill station in Rajasthan, India. The fort was built by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 CE, one of the several forts built during his reign. The fort is not in good condition now. There are some features of historical and religious importance in and around the fort. Achaleshwar Mahadeva temple is just outside the fort; the toe of Lord Shiva is worshipped there and a brass Nandi is also located there. Near the temple there are three stone buffaloes standing around a pond. There are Jain temples in the fort. These were built in 1513 CE. |
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Pushkar Fair |
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 The Pushkar Fair, or Pushkar ka Mela, is the annual five-day camel and livestock fair, held in the town of Pushkar in the state of Rajasthan, India.It is one of the world's largest camel fairs, and apart from buying and selling of livestock it has become an important tourist attraction and its highlights have become competitions such as the "matka phod", "longest moustache", and "bridal competition" are the main draws for this fair which attracts thousands of tourists. |
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Ajmer Sharif |
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 Ajmer is venerated as a holy place for both Hindus and Muslims. It has the mausoleum of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, whose blessings are eagerly sought by pilgrims to his dargah. Known as the 'Dargah Sharif', the last resting place of the saint who died in 1235 lies at the foot of a barren hill. The saint's marble domed mausoleum is India's most important shrine for Muslims and receives an endless flow of visitors of all religions as the sick, the troubled and the childless come here seeking a boon, a blessing or just peace of mind. Legend has it that the Mughal emperor, Akbar came here to the saint in the 16th century in quest of a boon for an heir and the saint obliged. The Urs or annual pilgrimage of the devout is celebrated each May at the Dargah with millions of pilgrims arriving in Ajmer to pay homage. Lengthy queues of several kilometres snake their way past the tomb at the shrine while outside the Dargah precincts, two massive cauldrons cook sweet rice garnished with dry fruits and condiments to be served as 'tabarukh' or sanctified food. Within the dargah lies a mosque, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah |
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