October is approaching. From this time of the year till about March, Rajasthan will have a charm of its own: with the desert sun not so intense and the hills becoming clothed in green once again after the monsoons, the Land of the Kings will be all set to welcome tourists and travellers from all over the world.
To begin the Rajasthan Heritage Tour, you have to arrive in Delhi. From here, the respective travel operator will take charge. You can embark on a sight-seeing tour of Delhi and pay visits to the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Laxmi Narayan Temple and Lotus Temple, the Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhawan and Rajpath. Enroute you can stop at Fatehpur Sikri and see the Bulund Darwaza, Jama Masjid and Taj Mahal, once you have arrived at Agra. Later, you will be escorted to the homestays or heritage property of your choice. Then, we set out for Jaipur.
Colorful Rajasthan – Padharo Mare Des (Photo: Anupam)
Jaipur- The Pink City
Pink City of India – Jaipur, Rajasthan (Photo: Chitrakaar)
After enjoying a nature walk around Sorwal Lake and the exquisite flora and fauna in Ranthambore National Park, you will reach Jaipur. It is the capital of Rajasthan, 265 kms from Delhi. The palaces and forts of Jaipur are some of the favourite tourist spots: Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace and Hawa Mahal to name a few. Many of them are now heritage hotels. Jantar Mantar is another wonderful site. While the city has changed in some ways, it does not fail to remind you of the past. The street-cart is still pulled by camels as it was 500 years back and the local market is as colourful as it used to be. Besides, the royal treatment and the hospitality with which the city welcomes you makes you want to say-“To be in Jaipur is to be a king!”. You can also see The Birla Planetarium and Dolls Museum in Jaipur.
The Holy Town of Pushkar
Pushkar – Holy City of Rajasthan (Photo: Wikimedia)
Pushkar – Rajasthan Heritage Tour (Rudybana)
Take a dip in the sacred lakes of Pushkar and visit the only Brahma Temple of India which is situated in this town. The 400 mandirs surrounding the lakes give a magnificent view altogether. Pilgrims from all over the world come to Pushkar to cleanse themselves of their sins by taking a dip in its holy waters. The moment you step into this town, you become aware of its immense religious significance and the several rituals that go with it.
Highlights of the Season: PushkarMela, held in the months of October-November, is colourful cattle fair that lasts for five days. It draws a lot of tourists every year because of the amusing events that are a part of the Mela, like “Matka phod”, “Bridal Competition”, “longest moustache” etc.
Udaipur- the City of Lakes
City of Lakes – Udaipur, Rajasthan (Photo: Valconners)
Saheliyon Ki Bari – Udaipur, Rajasthan
All water loving people should definitely visit this city for its wonderful City Palace and the Pichola Lake. In the evening, make a quick trip to Saheliyon ki Bari (the Garden of the Maidens) and the Udaipur market. You can also visit Mount Abu (164.8 kms) which would be a pleasant retreat situated amidst the lush green hills. Do check out the Dilwara Jain Temple and the Sunset Point while you are there.
Jodhpur – the Blue City
The houses here are painted blue, apparently because it is a calming colour and keeps the buildings cool during the summers. Jodhpur is famous for its many forts. Most important among them would be theMehrangarh fort. Inside the fort are the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), Rang Mahal and the Khabka Mahal (sleeping palace). In the old part of the city, there is the famous spice market, from where come the famous Mathaniya’s Red Chillies and the Clock Tower.
Jodhpuri Shoes (Photo: Indizen)
Lacs Bangles (Photo: Indizen)
The city of Jodhpur is a shopper’s paradise! The popular items are antiques, Bandhini and footwear. Remember to buy Jodhpuri shoes and Lac bangles from Mochi bazaar. At Giridkot and Sardar Market, shop to your heart’s content. And don’t forget to buy the famous Jodhpuri Suit made by the ‘classic’ tailors of Jodhpur!
Jaisalmer- the Sun City
Jaisalmer – Camel Safari over the Dunes (Photo: Wikimedia)
Located at the heart of Thar Desert, a visit to this city brings to mind the magical fables of The Arabian Nights. Enjoy a camel ride on the sand dunes while the sun is setting down and you will know what I mean. Places to explore would be the golden hued Jaisalmer Fort with its lovely Havelis (mansions) and other showpieces of the city’s legendary wealth like, the Chatris (cremation grounds of royal families).
Sweet Bikaner
Sweet City of India – Bikaner, Rajasthan
Karni Mata Temple, Deshnok, Bikaner (Photo: Alexandre Bento)
The city of Bikaner is known for its PATA culture, (a “pata” is a big square size wooden table that is laid upon the streets for people to sit down), the National Research Centre for Camels (NRCC), its wool production, the “Bikaneri Bhujia” and especially for its rosogullas! Apart from this, the city’s forts and the intricately carved Jharokhas carry a timeless appeal of the royalty. You can also participate in the festival of Karni Mata at the Deshnoke Temple during the Navratras and the grand Camel Festival in the month of January- late December.
In spare time, you can check out theGallops Coffee House and Restaurant in Bikaner.
Watch out for some more: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary,hot-air balloon rides provided by Skywaltz, elephant rides in Jaipur, Kathputli (puppet-show) in Jaisalmer, Ghoomar (traditional folk dance of Rajasthani women), Gangaur celebrations at the onset of spring in the major cities.
Must Eat: Mawa Kachori from Jodhpur, Alwar ka Mawa, Pushkar ke Malpua, Bikaner’s Rosogullas and Ghevar from Jaipur. While in Jaipur, indulge your taste buds in Choki Dhani, an ethnic village theme resort with multicuisine restaurants. Here you will find the famous Rajasthani curry and the best-known Rajasthani dish-dal, bati and churma.
Ghewar, a special sweet dish of Jaipur
Must Buy: Jootis and Mojaries from Jodhpur, Blue Pottery from Sanganer, Kundan Jewellery from Johri Bazaar – Jaipur, Handmade Paper and Quilts from Jaipur, Batik from Jaisalmer, Chunari and Bandhej Saree and Lehenga from Pali.
Blue Pottery from Sanganer (Photo: Chitchat)
Bandhej Saree from Pali
This winters, go feast on the colourful and vibrant lifestyle of India’s most romantic state. We hope that you will come back home with an experience to cherish for the lifetime. Bon Voyage!!
No comments:
Post a Comment