DESERT RHAPSODY
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Enjoy some of the most delightful experience of the sun and sand from the desert enclaves of Rajasthan. Fly to Jodhpur, former capital of the state of Marwar, to marvel at the Mehrangarh Fort and the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Head out for Jaisalamer to delight at the golden fortress city before venturing into Bikaner with its spellbinding Junagarh Fort and Palaces.
JODHPUR – DESERT DIVA
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Stardding the ancient trade routes Rao Jodha's striking Mehrangarh Fort (1459 ) speaks of the might and important position of the erstwhile kingdom of Marwar, with its capital Jodhpur bordering the Thar Desert.
Rising to a height of 125 m this massive fortress, hewn out of rock upon a hill, became the new home of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who had left their roots in Kannauj (in present day Uttar Pradesh) where they had ruled for 700 years up to 1119, till their defeat at the hands of Mohommad Ghuri. Battling their way to found a new kingdom they headed out towards the desert. Mandore close to Jodhpur, was wrested from the pratihara rulers, but it was an uneasy victory as neighbouring Chittor coveted it. It was wish Rao Jodha's ascent to the gaddi that Mandore was held by the Rathores again. To counter the aggression of his neighbours. Jodha built himself the Mehrangarh Fort atop a hill at the bottom of which lay his new capital city Jodhpur named after him.
In time the Rathores became a force to be reckoned with as they strengthened their position with the invincibility of their military expertise, political savvy and matrimonial alliances.
MEHRANGARH FORT
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Subsequent rulers added to Mehrangarh Fort, Whose mighty battlements pierced the skyline 400 ft. high and its massive sprawl punctuated by 7 iron-spiked gates. But within this forbidding structure came up a city liberally laced with pretty palaces and pleasure pavilions, havelis and temples, residences and cluttered bazaars. Today this city of antiquity offers visitors one of the most dazzling aspects of the legendary Rajasthan experience. In the fortified palace the Shringheri Chowk, the courtyard with its marble throne was the venue for the Jodhpur coronations. Overlooking it, is the zenana quarters with its high walls. The Fort museum entered through the Suraj Pol showcases traditional Jodhpur miniature paintings, weaponry, costumes apart from the golden throne. You can also see some of the royal palanquins and howdahs on display. Wend your way past Jhanki Mahal with its pretty jail-work, from where the women could look down on the proceeding at Shringheri Chowk. Both Moti Mahal, the hall of private audience and phool Mahal, the hall of public audience are worth looking into for their richly ornate stained glass windows. The opulent Takhat Mahal was a favoured royal retreat. On the hill, Jaswant Thada is a royal cenotaph commemorating Maharaja Jaswant singh II. The 19th century edifice in Makrana marble was commissioned by his widow. There are several other cenotaphs of the royals here.
UMAID BHAWAN PALACE
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It was to give the people work during a great famine that the maharaja commissioned the Umaid Bhawan Palace. This stately rococo pink sandstone edifice, conceived by architect HV Landchester, took 15 years to build. This palace hotel, with one wing kept exclusively for the royal residence, has a small museum and is worth a visit.
DESERT VISIT
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Get in touch with a reputed agency in town to take a desert jeep trip to a Bishnoi village whose inhabitants are known for their passionate conservation of animal life.
BALSAMAND LAKE
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Home to a summer palace and landscaped gardens, just 5 km away, this pretty spot is a popular picnic point.
MANDORE
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You can make a quick trip to this old capital of the Rathores which is just 8 km away. It has several royal cenotaphs and anice garden.
OSIAN
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Deep in the desert, 65 km from town it is home to some of the moost amazing religious architecture of Rajasthan. Spanning five centuries, they are remarkably preserved. having survived the attentions of iconic Islamic invaders. Of Brahamanical and Jain origin, these temples represent some of the finest elements of temple building. The oldest amongst the group is the Sun Temple whose gateway is a gracious marvel. Osian embodies the artistic skill of masons, who chiseled history into a living memory
MARWAR FESTIVAL
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Enjoy the pomp and pageantry of the Rathores at the Marwar Festival (originally the Maand Festival ) held annually in October on Sharad Purnima. This occasion showcases the rich tradition of music, dance and costumes of the Marwar region. The Bhopa Balladeers, renowned for their tradition of storytelling through song and dance, are an integral part of the event.
SHOPPING
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Shopping in Jodhpur's Lively bazzars throws up plenty of opportunities to meet the locals. Giridkot and Sardar Markets are excellent for local handicrafts, silver jwellery, leather work and puppets, and if you've got the time, take a small tour of the villagers around the Jodhpur to see the craftsman at work. Take away mementoes of local pottery ware and dhurries. Another popular buy amongst those who ride are the Famed Jodhpuris – the riding trousers. You might want to invest in a fine pair of riding boots too.
FACT FILE
BEST SEASON: September to March
STD Code: 0291
HOW TO GET THERE
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Air: Indian connects Jodhpur with Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai, Jaisalmer. (in season)
Rail: Jodhpur is connected with Bikaner Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Udaipur and Jaisalmer
Road: Good motorable roads connected with Jaipur with many major cities in India
Some of the distance are: Agra 577 km, Jaipur 343, Ajmer 198 km, Udaipur 275 km, Ranakpur 175 km, Bikaner 240 km, Mount Abu 264 km, Jaisalmer 290 km, Barmer 220 km, Mumbai 1073 km, Delhi 592 km etc.
ACCOMMODATION
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Hotel Taj Hari Mahal, Welcomheritage Umaid Bhawan, Ratanada Polo Palace, Shree Ram International, Ajit Bhawan Palace, Ranbanka, Kalinga Hotel, Beniwal Palace, City Palace, Sandhu Palace, Hotel Arun, Hotel Suncity International, Residency, Centre Point etc.
Govt. Accommodation: Hotel Ghoomar (RTDC). Circuit House, Sun City Youth Hostel.
CONDUCTED TOURS & EXCURSIONS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Govt. Museum, Girdikot & Sardar Market, Mandore Garden, Balsamand Lake & Palace, Kailana Lake, Mahamandir Temple.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
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Marwar festival, Gangaur Festival, Teej Festival
For more information: http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/Destinations/Jodhpur/AboutJodhpur2.aspx
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
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Tourist Information Bureau
Govt. of Rajasthan,
Hotel Ghoomar,
High Court Road, Jodhpur
Tel: 2545083
Rajasthan Tourist Information Centre,
Bikaner House, 1, Pandara Road,
New Delhi 110003
Tel: 23389525, 23383837,
Website: www.rajasthantourism.gov.in
Indiatourism Ofiice,
State Hotel,
Khasa Kothi,
Jaipur 302001
Rajasthan
Telfax: 0141-2372200,
E mail: indtourjpr@raj.nic.in
Indiatourism Ofiice,
88, Janpath, New Delhi 110001
Tel: 011- 23320342, 23320005, 2320008,
Fax: 011- 23320109
E mail: goitodelhi@tourism.nic.in
JAISALMER– KINGDOM OF THE DESERT SUN
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The golden yellow fort rises like a magical mirage upon the desert sands, Rising above the harsh and unforgiving expanses of the desertlands, it welcomes visitors into the embrace of its antiquity and valorous past which have survived the rigours of time and tide with equanimity
For centuries it ruled from these desert land along the caravan routes but watched helplessly as its importance decline with the opening of the seaport of the Kolkata, Mumbai and Surat in the Raj days which attracted a deafening exodus of much of its Marwari trading community to these port towns. Shaking off its torpor, Jaisalmer's fortunes saw fresh opportunities with the opening up of tourism in Rajasthan. Established by Rawal Jaisal, the Bhatti Rajput chieftain in the 12 th century. Jaisalmer's fortifications are a host to some of the most spectacular havelis (mansions ), palaces and Jain temples in Rajasthan. Commissioned by the royal and the city's affluent trders and ministers with the accrual of peace and wealyh, they offer a visual treat to the endless stream of visitors who arrive annually to savour the rich nuances of this remove and exotic desert enclave.
JAISALMER FORT
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A poem of yellow sand it is today India's only living fort. Rising above the golden sands atop the 80 m high Trikuta Hill, it bears the marks of the great invasion which took the lives of thousands of women and children died committing jauhar (self – immolation), the honourable end for a Rajput woman in the face of defeat of palaces and havelis.
Peace and wealth were the twin-engines of the creativity and the cavalcade of palaces and mansions that you encounter in Jaisalmer are a testamengt to this economic security.
The havelis, each more elaborate than the next, spoke of wealth and empowerment of a kingdom that has fought for survival against all odds.
The architectural confections that arose from these ambitions are the hallmark of one of Rajasthan's most popular holiday destinations. A profusion of carved faces, chhattris and cupolas, lacy jail (screen) work and evocative jharokhas (balconies) engage the mind.
An elaborate feature of the 20 th century Badal Nivas Palace is its tazia like tower. At the Sarvottam Vilas Palace, Marvel at the gorgeous glass mosaic and blue tile work The 18 th century Moti Mahal's floral paintings and beautifully carved doors are stunning, but you will find some equally exuberant features amongst the Patwon-ki-Haveli, Nathmalji's Haveli and the 19 th century Salim singh's Haveli. In the embrace of the fort lies seven extravagantly carved Jain temples dating back to the 15 th and 16 th centuries.
DESERT SAFARI
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Many tour operators in town can arrange a night stay in the sand dunes of Sam and Khuri. You can opt for a camel or jeep safari with a traditional Rajasthani evening meal and a cultural programme at the end of the day. You will travel past various village where you can stop by to interact with the local communities. The Desert National Park is home to the rate and endangered Great Indian Bustard.
GADHSISAR TANK
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The tank that supplied the city with its precious water is also the setting for the colorful Gangaur festival. It is an archway commissioned by Teelon, a leading counter the dismay of the city fathers, the king had it surmounted by a statue of the deity Satyanarayan.
LODURVA
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The ancient capital of the Bhattis, which was abandoned after its sacking during a Muslim invasion in the 11 th century, is not too far away from town. You'll find remnants of some fine buildings of the time and a couple of old jain temples.
DESERT FESTIVAL
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Organized by RTDC in January / February, the Desert Festival features traditional dance and music, puppet shows, camel racing, turban tying and moustache competitions.
SHOPPING
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jaisalmer offers the visitors an authentic Rajasthani shopping spree. There are the popular Jaisalmer puppets and wall hangings to splurge on and if you want them shipped out to you look for the traditional Barmer lattice–work and wood–carved doors.
The stalls at Manik Chowk are a treasure trove as they would have been during the old trading days when the great caravans stopped here.
FACT FILE
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Best Season: October to February
STD Code: 02992
HOW TO GET THERE
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Air: Alliance Air operates flights to Jaisalmer during the season from Jodhpur, jaipur and Delhi
Rail: Jaisalmer is connected by train service with Jodhpur
Road: jaisalmer is connected by road with major cities in India. Important routes are Jodhpur 290 km, Barmer 153 km, Bikaner 330 km, Ajmer 500 km, Delhi 897 km, Jaipur 638 km, Udaipur 663 km.
ACCOMMODATION
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Hotel Himmatagarh palace, Jawahar Niwas Palace, Narayan Niwas Palace, Gorbandh Palace Hotel, Heritage Inn, Rang Mahal, Hotel Rawal Kot, Fort Rajwada, Rajwansh Resort, Mahadev Palace, Jaisal Palace etc.
Govt. Accommodation (RTDC) Hotel Moomal, Hotel Sam Dhani
CONDUCTED TOURS AND EXCURSIONS
Tourist Reception Centre (Tel: 252406) arranges, on request, city sight seeing tours and Sam Sand Dunes Tours.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS: DESERT FESTIVAL
For more information: http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/Destinations/Jaisalmer/AboutJaisalmer.aspx
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
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Tourist Reception centre,
Govt. of Rajasthan,
Near Gadsisar Lake Circle,
Jaisalmer.
Tel: 252406.
Rajasthan Tourist Information Centre,
Bikaner House, 1 Pandara Road, New Delhi 110003.
Tel: 23389525, 23383837,
Website: www.rajasthantourism.gov.in
Indiatourism Office,
State Hotel, Khasa Kothi,
Jaipur 302001 Rajasthan.
Telefax: 01412372200,
Email: indtourjpr@raj.nic.in
Indiatourism Office,
88 Janpath, New Delhi 110001.
Tel: 011-23320342, 23320005, 23320008.
Fax: 011-23320109 Email: goitodelhi@tourism.nic.in
BIKANER– DESERT MELODY
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The dazzling picture of the colourfully accoutered, high stepping camels snootily going through their paces as the annual Republic Day Parade in New Delhi wings you to their home in Bikaner amidst the desertlands of Rajasthan where they are specially trained for their part. A small jewel of an oasis with its palaces and winding streets linmed with residential buildings and crowded market places, Bikaner was a prosperous enclave set upon a strategic point on a busy trade route between Central Asia and India. Its past recounts valorous tales of strife between its Rajput counterparts and the ambitious Mughal emperors, when they were prepared to put their lives at stake to protect their dominions, their faith and their womenfolk. Matrimonial alliances were pressed into service when all else failed to protect their interests. A Bikaneri princess became a wife to emperor Akbar and Bikaner's men folk fought alongside the British under the umbrella of the Raja's Camel corp in the two World Wars.
In continuous habitation for 3000 years, Bikaner was established in 1488 amidst the sandy sprawl of the Thar Desert by a rebel royal of Jodhpur, Rao Bika, the second son of Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur. Notables of those who ruled this rebel enclave were Raja Rai Singh, a contemporary of Mughal Emperor Akbar and in more recent times Maharaja Ganga Singh, a patron of the arts.
JUNAGARH FORT
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This imposing fortress was commissioned in 1586 by Raja Rai Singh. Sprawling 986 m in length and its ancient wall lined by a great moat, the fort is punctuated by 37 bastions, and five pols (gateways ). Entry to the fort was by the Suraj Pol. The desert itself was a natural protective barrier for this rich desert kingdom whose merchants nurtured its importance as a major trading post along the great caravan routes between Central Asia and the seaports on the Gujarat coast. Within the austere embrace of its exteriors lay a slew of palaces and ornate havelis built by successive royals and rich merchants down the centuries. Of the interest amongst these beautiful residence is Maharaja Karan Singh's
Anup Mahal, built in 1631. The opulent interiors of this palace are marked by walls which are richly embellished by paintings of the Bikaner school. At the coronation hall, the Raj Tilak Mahal, Marvel at the raised plasterwork, gold leaf, lacquer and mirror work. Step into the small museum in the Darbar Niwas whose exhibits include a sandalwood throne, weaponry, furniture and furnishings and even a World War II fighter aircraft. Badal Mahal, true to its name, is filled with the revitalishing hues of the rains.
LALGGARH PALACE
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This 20 th Century palace designed by sir swinton Jacob with its lush garden is now partially run as a hotel with a wing reserved as a royal residence. Commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh, it is a fusion of Rajasthani and European architectural features with its elaborate lattice work and European Renaissance–style windows and Art Nouveau interiors. In its precincts lies the shri sandul Museum
ANTIQUE SHRINES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Two Jain temples of great antiquity lie in the city. The Bhandeswar Temple and the Sandeshwar Temple were commissioned by two brothers in the 14 th century. Stunning mirror work and frescoes are the hallmark of the Bhandeshwar shrine and embellishments of gold leaf wall paintings and camel work enhance the beauty of Sandeshwar.
The Karni Mata (Rat ) Temple at Deshnoke, 30 th km away, is the home of tutelary deity of the Bikaner rulers. Thousands of rats running underfoot around the temple complex are believed to hold the souls of Karni Mata's devotees. Legend has it that Rao Bika sought the blessing of Durga Charan, a defied local mystic, when he set out to found his own kingdom. The temple is under the protection the Bikaner royals even today.
CAMEL RESEARCH & BREEDING FARM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just 9 km. from the city, this is home to several varieties of camels from different regions of the state.
SANCTURY SOJOURN
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Serene Gajner, about half an hour drive away from town, houses an old regal hunting lodge of the Bikaner royals. The nearby sanctuary was the venue for the maharaja's annual sand grouse shooting parties during the Raj days. Set near a lake the lodge is now run as a luxury hotel
SHOPPING
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Slip in to the winding stress of the bazaars with their medieval nuances to pick up lacquer work, paintings on camel hide, leather shoes, bags and water bottles, printed fabrics, and hand woven cottons. Bikaner 's carpets have been awarded the Grand Prix Diploma, after their popularity the exhibitions in France and England. Confectionery made of camel's milk and bhujia, a salty tea time snack, are other popular buys.
FACT FILE
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Best Season: October to March
STD Code: 0151
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest Airport Jodhpur 253 km is connected by Indian.
Rail: Bikaner is connected with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jammu Tawi and Haridwar
Road: Good motorable roads connect Bikaner with Delhi 510 km, Jaipur 316 km,Jodhpur 240 km, Jaisalmer 335 km and Pushkar 246 km.
ACCOMMODATION
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Lalgarh Palace, Hotel Gajner Palace, Kami Bhawan Palace, Bhanwar Niwas, Laxmi Niwas Palace, Raj Vilas Palace, Heritage Resort Hotel Shivam Palace Bhairon Vilas, Bothra Planet, Hotel Castle, Joshi Hotel, Sagar Hotel, Palace View
Govt. Accommodation: Hotel Dhola Maru (RTDC) Yatrika Deshnok. Circuit House.
CONDUCTED TOURS & EXCURSIONS
Bhand Shah Jain Temple, Camel Research Farm, Devi Kund, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, shiv Bari Temple, Deshnok' Karni Mata Temple, Kalibagan, Kolayatji Wood Fossils, exhibited at Maruti Vyamshala near Jessusar, has a collection from Bikaner area.
Time to visit: 16:30 to 18:30 hrs.
FESTIVALS: Camel Festival, Karni Mata Fair, Kapil Muni Fair at Kolayat.
For more information: http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/Destinations/Bikaner.aspx
INFORMATION TOURIST CENTRES
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Tourist Information Centre,
Junagadh Fort,
Bikaner
Tourist Reception Center
RTDC Hotel, Dhola Maru Campus
Bikaner.
Tel: 2544125
Rajsthan Tourist Information Centre,
Bikaner House,
1 Pandara Road,
New Delhi 110003.
Tel: 23389525, 23383837
Website: www.rajasthantourism.gov.in
Indiatourism Office
88, Janpath, New Delhi 110001.
Tel: 011-23320342, 23320005,
Email: goitodelhi@tourism.nic.in
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