Delhi – the capital of India, is also its seat of power. One of India’s fastest growing cities, Delhi has spread far beyond the “seven cities”, created between the 13th and the 17th centuries. It has sprawled over the west bank of the river Yamuna, straddling the river. Remnants of the glorious past survive cheek – by – jowl with soaring skyscrapers, posh residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country.
Agra
No tour in India can complete without paying a visit to this erstwhile Mughgal city of Agra, the home of Taj Mahal, world’s most beloved monument. With its laid -back lifestyle and its immense wealth of architecture, handicrafts and jewellery, Agra is amongst the most remarkable city of the world. In terms of ambiance it is still associated with its Mughal period led by Babur, who arrived in 1526. Agra grew in prominence as almost all of India came under the rule of Mughal empire but Agra reached its zenith under the rule of Akbar,Shah Jehan and Jehangir. It was under the rule of Akbar that Agra become a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture.
Jaipur
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is not only the gateway to the state, it is also the most natural place to begin a discovery of Rajasthan’s multifaceted attractions. For visitors unfamiliar with its history, a little explanation may be necessary, since it will aid their understanding of one of the most fascinating cities of India.
As a city, Jaipur is fairly young, less than three centuries old. It was laid out by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of the Kachchawaha dynasty from Amber which, less than 10-km away, was the former capital of the state. Markets and residential areas have bridged this gap so that, for all practical purposes, Jaipur includes Amber within its sway.
Jaipur has been laid according to the conventional nine-grid pattern that astrologers believe to be lucky, and which has been recommended in the ancient Indian treatise on architecture. Each grid consists of a square, and these have been planned so that, at the heart of the city is the City Palace. Spread around it, in rows, are public buildings, the residences of noblemen, the living and trading quarters of merchants and artisans.
Straight, wide roads run through the city, while a high, crenellated wall that forms its defense is pierced with seven gateways that serve as entry points. Today, these walls may be more difficult to spot since the city has grown far beyond its original plan, but they are still there, proof that though Jaipur saw no great siege, it was more than adequately prepared for it.
Jaipur was color washed pink to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of mughal cities. The current color which is more red than pink was painted in 1876, during the visit of Prince of Wales. The city is best explored on foot and only the adventurous visitor willing to go into the Rastaas and Galis (inner lanes) can feel the spirit of the city. There’s an amazing appeal to Jaipur’s colorful bazaars, beautifully laid out gardens, parks & the monuments.
Hawa Mahal
Located at one side, but very much a part of the City Palace Complex, Hawa Mahal is best viewed from the street outside. If it were not for the bustling bazaar all round, it would have been easy to mistake it for a film set, so exquisitely is it propotioned, and co incongruous is its delicacy.
Located at one side, but very much a part of the City Palace Complex, Hawa Mahal is best viewed from the street outside. If it were not for the bustling bazaar all round, it would have been easy to mistake it for a film set, so exquisitely is it propotioned, and so incongruous is its delicacy.
ARCHITECTURE OF HAWA MAHAL
Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh the Hawa Mahal, “Palace of the Wind”, is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. It is an integral part of the City Palace, an extension of the ‘Zenana’ or Women’s Chambers, standing away from the main complex. This five storey building of unusual architecture designed by Lal Chand Usta, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry made of red and pink sand stone, beautifully outlined with white borders and motif’s painted with quick lime.
The monument with a spectacular view of Jaipur city with road avenues, intersections and colourful crowds in the market, was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions in the city without being seen by others.
Its facade from the road side makes Hawa Mahal look more like a delicate screen than a palace. This five-story, pyramid-shaped structure has tier after tier of 953 small casements, each with tiny lattice worked (Jali) pink windows, small balconies and arched roofs with hanging cornices, exquisitely modeled and carved. These small windows circulate cool air even in hot months. The pyramidal outline is even throughout by cramming and multiplying casements; and uses repetition of motifs to enhance its beauty.
Jantar Mantar
A stone observatory, part of the City Palace complex, Jantar Mantar is one of the several other astronomical observatories created by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Other observatories are situated in Delhi, Banaras an Ujjain. These concrete masonary instruments were used to measure everything from altitude to time, an map the movement of the planets and the stars.
Jai Singh II had a passion for astronomy and used astronomical inventions from different cultures in the creation of these observatories, the largest of which is situated in Jaipur.
The Jantar Mantar was built in 1716 AD and contains 15 astronomical instrument complexes, one remains unfinished, of which 6 function with Solar lith and 11 by Lunar and Stellar reflection. These monumental instruments give a precise measure of time, of the declination of the Sun, the Azimuth, of the placement of constallations in daylight of eclipses and of another astronomical phenomena. The observatory, open to the sky is a scientific marvel and guarantees to elicit a sense of awe, even from the profane.
City Palace
As may be expected, the City Palace complex lies at the heart of the Jaipur city. Getting in this palace is simpler noe then it once was. Though the erstwhile Maharaja and his family friends use the the triple-arched Tripola Gate to enter their section of the palace, most visitors are ushered through Atish Pol, which is located close to the royal stables.
Jaisalmer
The westernmost citadel of the desert, Jaisalmer has and ancient history linked with its development as a trading centre. Parts of its “Golden” fort continue to be inhabited, and its cobbled streets head through a journey of medieval enchantment. Jaisalmer is celebrated for the exquisite stone-carved Havelis or mansions of the merchants who held the reins of its destiny.
The westernmost citadel of the desert, Jaisalmer has and ancient history linked with its development as a trading centre. Parts of its “Golden” fort continue to be inhabited, and its cobbled streets head through a journey of medieval enchantment. Jaisalmer is celebrated for the exquisite stone-carved Havelis or mansions of the merchants who held the reins of its destiny.
The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences, even during the days of the Raj. Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British. Very few cities can boast of the magnificence that surrounds Jaisalmer.
Udaipur
In the harsh terrain of the hills and ravines of Aravallis, flourishes the city of lakes, Udaipur. One of the most romantic places in India, Udaipur is situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, which whisper the mood of a bygone era.
The city was founded in 1567 AD by Maharana Udai Singh on the advice of a sage. Udaipur was last of the numerous Mewar capitals. It was in Udaipur that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. He was obsessed with Chittaur and the past glories of the Sisodia clan possessed his mind. Maharana Pratap left Udaipur to win back Chittaur from the Mughals. But he failed in his attempts and Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar till India got her independence.The memory of the failure of noble Pratap gives Udaipur its pervading mood of nostalgicwistfulness.
The city acquires its scenic beauty from the Aravallis. Three lakes- Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar make it an oasis in the desert. Udaipur is known as the ‘ City of Lakes’. The two most scenic and famous lakes of the city are Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh Sagar.
Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and has two island palaces- Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Lake Fateh sagar lies to north of Pichola and was built by Maharana Jai Singh but it got the name of Fateh Singh who rebuilt its dam. Both the lakes are breathtakingly beautiful and one can take a cruise on their waters. The sunset over these lakes is a sight to be cherished.
Bikaner
This Royal walled city is a part of the desert tourist triangle and lies on the northern tip of the triangle. The city was founded in 1486 AD by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji was son of Rao Jodhaji who had asked his son to establish a kingdom of his own. The challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose the wild country ‘Jangaldesh’ as his territory and thus the city of Bikaner came into existence.
A seven-kilometres wall with five entrances was built to protect the city from vagaries of the desert and any external aggression. The city flourished as an important trade centre between Gujarat seaports and West Asian countries. The unbroken line of descendants of Bikaji ruled Bikaner till India got Independence. Bikaner is known for good breed of riding camels, which are among the best in the world. The Camel Festival held every year is famous all over the globe. Bikaner has many magnificent buildings made of Reddish Pink sandstone that transcends the surrounding barren wilderness. Unlike other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner has been able to preserve its traditional aura of the medieval era, which makes a visitor come here year after year.
Palace on Wheels
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome to Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience of the Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes the visitor to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day. The coaches also carry out an image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. Last but not the least the “Royal Treat” for the passengers on board include saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach as well as restaurant and organized shopping facilites.
Fatehpur Sikri
Like the cactus flower that for a moment adorns the desert, so was the town of Fateh Pur Sikri, having a brief span of glory and abandoned only after 15 years of its construction, due to scarcity of water in the town. But it is true that no town like Fateh Pur Sikri was ever erected before or can be erected again. This magnificent town once the capital of Mughal Empire still stands majestically, almost untouched by the passage of time.
Khajurao
Khajuraho’s rather isolated location makes it an ideal retreat. The main attraction for tourists is the group of temples, the origin of these temples as well as the history of the Chandela dynasty, during whose era they were built are not fully documented. However it is generally agreed that they were built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D and that they numbered no fewer than 85.
Varanasi
Varanasi also known as Benaras is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India. Situated on the banks of sacred river Ganges, Varanasi has been a centre of learning and civilisation for over 2,000 years. Besides being a pilgrimage centre, it is considered as an auspicious place to die, ensuring an instant route to Heaven. Apart from Hinduism, it is also an important pilgrimage centre for Buddhists as it was at Sarnath (10-km from Varanasi), Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. It is the only city in Asia with three Universities.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
One of the finest bird parks in the world, Keoladeo National Park is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Though there is no doubt that this primarily a bird sanctuary. Once a shooting preserve of the royal family of Bharatpur, the marshy swamplands were created by a Maharaja who diverted water from irrigation canals to flood the low depression, creating a permanent for waterfowl. Read More
Ranthambore National Park
The town is experience of royal past and encounter with majestic tiger. The area became a hunting preserve of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur in A.D. Sprawling over a undulating terrain of Aravali and Vindhyan ranges is wilderness of Ranthambhor National Park. The park is one of the finest Tiger Reserve of India. A system of three artificial lakes enhances beauty of the park.
