Rajasthan - Explore the Land of Kings

Rajasthan is a regal land. Literally meaning the ‘Land of Kings’, Rajasthan has always been synonymous with valour, royalty, and honour. This is a rugged, earthy land, home to a race of fierce warriors – the mighty Rajputs, who have proved equal to the challenges of this formidable landscape. Once a conglomeration of several princely states, Rajasthan stands today as the proud inheritor of a splendid royal legacy. The Rajput kings and their nobles who ruled here, were great patrons of art, architecture, and music.

In the towns of Shekhawati, soak in the old-world ambience of elaborate havelis, climb down dizzyingly deep stepwells, and gaze in awe at intricately carved temples and exquisite frescoes. Explore the magnificent expanse of the extraordinary 12th century Sonar Quila (Golden Fort) in Jaisalmer – the gigantic yellow-sandstone Fort, is unique inasmuch generations of Rajasthanis have been living in it throughout its history. In Jodhpur, the outstanding Mehrangarh Fort and the resplendent Umaid Bhawan Palace will dazzle you. Visit Ajmer’s Dargah Sharif (a major pilgrim centre), the 13th century shrine and tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Close by is the tiny pilgrim town of Pushkar. The centrepiece of Pushkar is the Pushkar Lake, where one arrives for a spiritual experience. For the Wildlife travellers there is Ranthambhore, Sariska, Jhalana and Bera. For Bird watchers there is Bharatpur (UNESCO site), Tal Chappar and many more areas.

Rajasthan has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Jantar Mantar, the Keoladeo National Park, and the serial site of six Hill Forts – Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Jaipur, and Jaisalmer.A Rajasthan experience is about desert, heritage cities, retreats, villages, heritage hotels, hospitality, craft, culture, wildlife / birds and wide ranging experiences. There is more to Rajasthan than one can write, Rajasthan is one to arrive and one to experience.

Bharatpur

Rajasthan’s eastern gateway, the erstwhile princely state of Bharatpur (also known as Lohagarh) was the only kingdom ruled by a dynasty of non-Rajputs in Rajasthan. It was founded in the early 18th century by Maharaja Suraj Mal who is credited with the construction of numerous forts and palaces across the kingdom.

Bharatpur is home to the renowned Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the richest and best-known avian sanctuaries in India and a significant wetland. A former royal duck-hunting reserve, Keoladeo was created in the mid-18th century as a small reservoir just outside Bharatpur. The construction of a dam and the subsequent flooding of this natural depression created a fascinating and spectacular bird reserve – enormously popular with birders and ornithologists today.

The Park was once synonymous with the rare Siberian Cranes that migrated here during the winter months every year (Keoladeo was the only habitat of the Siberian Crane in the world other than Siberia), no longer now though. Other aquatic migratory birds such as ducks, geese, waders, raptors, flycatchers, and green sandpipers fly here all the way from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Siberia. Keoladeo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Natural).

Bharatpur lies on the Golden Triangle of Delhi-Jaipur-Agra and is easily accessible from all three destinations; it is also well-linked to all the major cities in north and central India. While you are here, you can go on a sights tour to see attractions such as the Bharatpur Palace and its museum (Kamra Khas), Lohagarh Fort, Deeg Palace, and Band Baretha (an old wildlife reserve). Every year, Bharatpur also hosts some colourful, vibrant festivals and fairs that are fascinating to witness.

Jaipur

Fringed by the Aravalli Hills, Jaipur lies on the edge of the mighty Thar Desert. Sawai Jai Singh built Jaipur when he shifted his capital here from Amber in 1727. Rajasthan’s capital city – also its most cosmopolitan – Jaipur’s uniqueness lies in its beautifully planned layout, that sets it apart from its medieval contemporaries in India. It is also called the ‘Pink City’ – named after the pretty rose-hued wash on its buildings.

Jaipur is a fascinating blend of the modern and the ancient – here you will find prosperous business tycoons, regal royal families, glittering malls, resplendent palaces, plush hotels, elegant heritage homes…all at once. Behind Jaipur’s pink walls lies the original Old City that goes back to the 18th century CE. The Old City is flamboyant, colourful, chaotic – its narrow lanes brim with enchanting old bazaars famed for exquisite arts, crafts, textiles, jewellery, footwear, and marble.

Splendid palaces, fortresses, temples, havelis (old mansions), gardens, and museums stand testament to Jaipur’s rich heritage and architecture – the Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), and the Jantar Mantar (an astronomical observatory and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are some of the finest examples. Glorious festivals and fairs, ancient traditions of music and dance, and delicious Rajasthani cuisine only add to this grand cultural canvas. Jaipur also has other interesting experiences to offer such as heritage walks, craft centres, and Polo matches.

But perhaps the biggest allure of 21st century Jaipur is the Jaipur Literature Festival held in January every year, drawing writers, scholars, and literature lovers from India and across the world. If books are your passion, then don’t miss this vibrant and exciting festival of letters in Rajasthan!

Ranthambhore

Located close to Rajasthan’s border with Madhya Pradesh, Ranthambhore is enchanting, brimming with the romance of the wild and the alluring secrets of its rich history. Once the hunting grounds of the maharajas of Jaipur, and later the British, the area, sprawled across 392.5 sq.km, was declared the Sawai Madhopur Wildlife Sanctuary in 1955 and a National Park in 1980.

Tourists often describe Ranthambhore as an experience – unforgettable and thrilling. The biggest reason for this is that the Park is famous for its almost assured tiger sightings – apparently, the tigers here don’t shy away from human company and are often spotted even during the daytime. Tigers apart, Ranthambhore and its surroundings have an aura of something primaeval…ancient ruins, the fiercely beautiful landscape, myths and legends about Raja Hamir and the glorious times of the ‘impregnable fort’, and bustling village life make the layers of history almost palpable here.

The highlight of the Ranthambhore experience is unarguably the jungle Jeep safari to spot tigers. Ranthambhore’s big cats, you are informed, like to stroll on the Forest Department’s soft, untarred jungle paths! Which means that there are plenty of opportunities for some amazing and promised tiger sightings. The magnificent Ranthambhore Fort is situated almost exactly at the conjunction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges. The Fort, after which the National Park is named, is believed to have been built in 944 CE and is considered one of the strongest and sturdiest forts in the country. It was occupied by Raja Hamir for many years until he was forced to surrender to Allaudin Khilji’s army in 1301. The daunting climb up to the Fort’s ramparts is well worth the effort for the spectacular views of the Park and its three lakes from the top.

Also worth a visit is the Ranthambhore School of Art on the road to the Park – the wildlife paintings here, many of which represent the tiger in its natural habitat, have been done by local artists. The School contributes towards tiger conservation.

Udaipur

Udaipur’s near-magical setting makes it easy to see why the city is considered one of India’s most romantic cities – perhaps unparalleled anywhere in India. Called the ‘city of lakes’, Udaipur gets its name from Maharana Udai Singh, who founded the city in the 16th century CE as the new capital of the Mewar kingdom in Rajasthan. Udaipur comprises three lakes, Lake Pichola (around the Old city and experiential), Fatehsagar lake (laidback and picturesque) and Swaroopsagar (quiet and serene). Its picturesque lakes, beautiful lake palaces, elegant havelis, majestic forts, verdant gardens, and rich museums not only add character but also stand out for the unmistakable old-world aura they exude.

Exploring the area around the City Palace is a great idea. For this is where the old quarter is defined by a maze of alleys, temples, and bazaars. The magnificent City Palace towers over Lake Pichola, offering spectacular vistas all around. Take a sunset boat ride on the Lake, simply sit by the lakeside or relax in delightful rooftop cafes and restaurants.

Just outside Udaipur, perched atop a hill is the Monsoon Palace, originally a hunting lodge. Drive-up here for fantastic views of the city, especially at sunset. Also visit the Vintage and Classic Car Collection to see what were once the rides of the royals, displayed in mint condition. Shilpgram, the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex that showcases folk and tribal culture, is fascinating. Enhance your cultural experience at the beautiful Mewar and Kumbhalgarh festivals. Replete with music, dance, art, artistes, lights, colours, and sounds, the festivals are a treat for the senses. Udaipur is renowned for its miniature paintings – done on cloth, stone, paper, and wood. Then there are stunning block-printed textiles, silver jewellery, handmade paper, papier-mache, and pichwais (pigment-painted temple hangings) if you like.