Delhi - Jaisalmer - Tour
Jaisalmer was founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D. In 17th century, business and commerce flourished in Jaisalmer due largely to the opening of trade route between India and the rest of Asia. In those days goods were sent through camels to Middle East via Jaisalmer.
Just like other towns of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer was also built centering around the fort or Sonar Kella. To the south of the town there is 76m high Trikut Hill and a fort is situated on it. The security arrangement of the fort is really unique. There are 99 towers, some of which possess canons even today.
Inside the fort there is the Juna Mahal which is famed for its lattice work. To the west is Jenana Mahal. On the upper part of the Hawa Pole there is Rang Mahal which is decorated with glass and murals. The glass mosaic designs of Sarbottam Bilas is a stupendous architectural specimen. The Mote Mahal or Flower Palace in the days of yore used to be the King's Durbar Hall or meeting place. There is also the magnificent Badal Bilas or The Tower of Clouds.
The Parswanathji's temple built way back in 1417 is well known for its architectural marvel. The temples of Rishavnath, Shantinath and Sambhabnath too are very impressive.
One of the attractions of Jaisalmer is the Jinabhadra Suri Gyan Bhandar, which has a rich collection of artifacts, 1126 pages of palm leaf manuscripts and 2257 pages of paper manuscripts. Today Jaisalmer is the bastion of rich business merchants who have built their palatial havelies, which have been designed by highly skilled artisans.
The superbly built Patwon Ki Haveli, which is all of 5 storied stands gracefully and is renowned for its lattice engravings. There is also the Nathmalji Ki Haveli and its parapets are engraved with a fine collection of miniature paintings.
The Gadisagar Lake is another great attraction of Jaisalmer where many famous temples are located. The Fakrole Museum too is worth visiting.
Jaisalmer is world famous for its Desert Festival held on the full moon day in February. The 3 day festival is a riot of colors and stick dance, bhangra dance, bull fight, colorful tableaus are all part of the festival. The spectacular camel races are an integral part of the festival.
There is a majestic picnic spot 9 km West of Jaisalmer on the way to Sam known as Mul Sagar. If you travel 40 kms further you will reach the stupendous Sam Sand Dunes, which is the starting point of Camel Safaris. The sunset at Sam is absolutely ethereal.
You can have a date with the Desert Wilderness by visiting the Desert National Park located 9 kms. West of Jaisalmer. The great Indian bustard, chinkaras, black buck, gazels and foxes are some of the resident species of this park.
Delhi - Mount Abu Tour
Mount Abu at a height of 1,200 metres above sea level is Rajasthan's only hill station. The 22 km long hill station has among its principal attractions a cool climate, the famous Dilwara group of temples, some old palaces like the Bikaner Palace and the Nakki Lake.
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Alwar Bikaner Jaipur Jaisalmer Jodhpur Mount Abu Pushkar Udaipur.
Once the tranquil retreat of meditating rishis, legend has it that it is home to 330 million gods and goddesses. For Rajputs this is the scene of the great Agni Kunda or sacred fire pit, from which 36 warrior clans emerged. By the 11th century, Mount Abu had become an important Jain center of pilgrimage. Over the next two centuries, many spectacular marble temples were built here. In the 15th century these hills were conquered by Rana Kumbha of Mewar, who built a fortress here. In the early 19th century, Mount Abu was developed as a summer capital by the British.
Delhi - Udaipur Tour
Udaipur is the city of sunrise. It is a city replete with beautiful lakes, marble palaces, landscaped gardens and ancient temples. The city has five magnificent palaces - City Palace, Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, Laxmivilas and Monsoon Palace. The palaces exude with tales of heroism and valor of the Rajputs.
In the past, Udaipur was the capital of Mewar. Sishodiya Maharana Guhil founded Udaipur in 568AD and the Mewar dynasty is the oldest in the world, which has ruled for 76 generations.
After being defeated by Akbar, Maharana Uday Singh built the city on the banks of Pichola in 1569. Lake Pichola is located to the South West of the city and is surrounded by walls. Though the wall has been overlapped by the expansion of the city, nonetheless the ruins still remind visitors about the gallantry of the Ranas.
The largest palace of Udaipur is the City Palace, which used to be the winter retreat of the Maharaja. This Palace is made of granite and legend has it that in 1559 Maharana Udai Singh after getting assurance from Sage Harit that he would never be defeated by the enemies, built this palace. From that time onwards different Maharaja's built their own exclusive Mahals within the palace.
There is also the Jagadish Temple built way back in 1651 AD by Maharaja Jagat Singh in the Indo-Aryan style. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Miniature paintings depict the drinking of poison by Princess Krishna Kumari. In the Krishna villa there are exquisite statues.
The beautiful Gulab Bag located in a sprawling 100 acres of land is another attraction of Udaipur. Naolakhya Bhawan, Victoria Hall, Saraswati Bhawan and Kamal Jalab are the main attractions of this palatial complex.
The magnificent Jagnivas Palace is set in an enchanting setting surrounded by waters and hills. On a moonlit night, the palace looks like a ship floating on water.
The Indian Folk Art Center is another place worth visiting. It is an international museum with a rich collection of paintings, royal attires, jewelry, dolls and folk music instruments. The puppet shows are very popular with tourists.
The Rural Craft Complex - "Shilpagram" where artisans of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa and Maharashtra display their wares is a must see site in Udaipur. The complex has intriguing Goanese houses, Rajasthan desert houses, Kutch cottages all of which attract tourists in large numbers.
Fateh Sagar is an enchanting lake and the Nehru Park besides the lake is absolutely marvellous. The 150 feet high fountain is a treat to the eyes. Regular boat services are available from Moti Magri Ghat, which takes visitors to the Nehru Park.
Delhi - Bikaner Tour
Bikaner used to be the center of art and culture of medieval India. It is 237 m. above sea level. Much of Bikaner is desert but the water of Ganga Canal has ushered the development of Bikaner.
The city derives its name from Bhatti Rajput Rao Jodha's fourteenth son Bika. This dynasty ruled Bikaner for three hundred years. In the 19th century a friendship treaty was signed between Bikaner's King and the British as a result of which in the 1857 war of independence, the British were provided shelter in Bikaner.
One of Bikaner's attraction is the Dhala Maru or Camel Festival which is held every year in the month of January. Camels from many countries take part in the festival.
The principal attraction of Bikaner is the Junagarh Fort. Raj Singh built this majestic fort in 1587-93, which is very much similar to Jaipur Fort. The fort is built of red and pink sandstone. There are as many as 37 palaces inside the fort built at various times by a variety of rulers like Gurjars, Pratiharas, Rajputs, Chauhans, Bhalli, Rathore to name just a few.
The Junagarh Fort is surrounded by high walls and there is a 30 feet deep trench around the fort. There are two entrances to the fort, which is 986m in length. There are 37 domes built inside the fort. By all accounts, the Junagarh Fort used to be an invincible fort.
There is also the Lalgarh Palace which is built in memory of king Lal Singh. The palace was designed by the renowned European architect Sir Suinton Jacob. The palace is built of sandstone and is a fine blend of Western opulence and Eastern artistry. Be it the Belgium Chandeliers, the exquisite engravings, the fine collection of paintings or the magnificent flower garden, Lalgarh Palace is indeed stunning.
Apart from the Lalgarh Palace, the Jain temples of Bhandeshwar and Sandeshwar are well worth visiting, while Bhandeshwar is adorned in intricate glasswork and frescoes, Sandeshwar is renowned for its gold enameled wall paintings.
There is also the Devi Kunda Sagar where the statues of the rulers of Bikaner's past are exquisitely displayed in sandstone. Among the memorial pillars, the one of Rao Kalyan Mai is the oldest.
For the spiritualists, a visit to Karnimata Temple located in the outskirts of the city is a very rewarding experience. Here the deity is Karniji who happens to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. This temple is a double storied building with the parasol made of golden umbrella. The marble carvings and the silver gate are a treat to the eyes. The temple is famous for its resident rats and according to local folklore, if a rat touches a visitor, it is considered to be very auspicious.
Bikaner is camel country and a visit to the Camel Breeding Farm located 10 kms. south of the town can be a very unique experience. Apart from the customary camel rides one can also taste camel milk.
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