Ranthambore
The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve named after an imposing, more than a thousand year old Ranthambore Fort, is set atop a broad hill, 700 feet above the ground. Ruined pavilions, mosques, guard posts, cenotaphs, tombs, a summer palace and other structures-relics of a historical past, are scattered all over the area lending it a unique magical touch.
The Reserve consists of dry deciduous forest, spread over a highly undulating topography. The natural canvas is crowded with gentle to steep slopes or vertical rocky escarpments of conical hillocks and the sharp ridges of the Aravali, including the flat-topped Vindhyan hills. The landscape is interspersed with wide and flat grassy valleys and narrow rocky gorges.
Jaipur
Jaipur is 260 km from Delhi and 240 km from Agra and forms the most chosen tourism golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It a bustling capital city and a business centre with all the trapping of modern metropolis but yet flavoured strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise a traveller. The old Jaipur painted in Pink can grip any visitor with admiration. Stunning backdrop of ancient forts Nahargarh, Amer, Jagarh and Moti Dungri are dramatic testimonials of the bygone era and a reminder of their lingering romance.
Jaipur is named after its founder the warrior and astronomer sovereign Sawai Jai Singh II (ruled 1688 to 1744).
The decision to move out of his hilltop capital Amer was also compelled by reasons of growing population and paucity of water. Moreover in the early seventh century the power of the great Mughals was dwindling with its aging Monarch Aurangzeb and after several centuries of invasions the north was now quite and the wealth of the kingdom had become greater than before. Seizing upon this opportune time Jai Singh planned his new capital in the planes. Jaipur is a corroborative effort of Sawai Jai Singh's strong grounding in sciences and astrology and a Bengali architect Vidyadhar with a strong instinct for planning.
Jaisalmer
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, lord Krishna- the head of Yadav clan foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill, His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156AD.
"Tales of the Arabian Night ' still enchants. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelis, and temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. The setting turn Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight.
Udaipur
Udaipur tour itineraries with Rajasthan Holiday tailor fascinating tour packages that organize every thing from travel booking, food, hotel stays to sightseeing packages.
Discover the land of pale marble palaces, ancient ruins and shrines that recreate the glory of grandiose Mewar that was the stronghold of the mighty Sisodia Rajputs with Udaipur tour itineraries.
Experience Udaipur regalia as you regale wondrous natural sight and see marvelously carved marble mansions, colorfully executed traditional paintings and enchanting local crafts that have descended down the generations and is still carried out with equal finesse and skill.
So enjoy Udaipur in all its cream-gold glory with Udaipur tour itineraries and peel of tiers of history that stores within its fold intriguing tales of war, political machination and love.
Jodhpur
In 1459 AD, Rao Jodha, chief of Rathore clan of Rajputs, who claimed descent from Rama, the epic here of the Ramayana, laid the foundation of Jodhpur. A high stone wall protects the well-fortified city.
The wall is nearly 10km in length and has eight gates facing various directions.
Within, stands an imposing fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125m above the surrounding plains. Invincible! And dauntless in its league with time! The city lies at the foot of the hills. The clear distinction between the old and the new city is visible from the ramparts of the fort.
On the other side of the city, facing the fort is the Umaid Bhawan Palace – one of the most spacious, sprawling and well-planned palaces in India. And from here, as you look at fort, a tantalizing view rises before your eyes at sunset.
Bikaner
These are built on high plinths with slender minarets on each of the four corners and can be noticed even from a distance. The history of Bikaner dates back to 1488 when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji founded his kingdom. Bikaji was one the five sons of Rao Jodhaji the illustrious founder of Jodhpur. But Rao Bikaji was the most adventurous of them. It is said that an insensitive remark from his father about his whispering in the Durbar provoked Bikaji to set up his own kingdom towards the north of Jodhpur. The barren wilderness called Jangladesh became his focus point and he transformed it to an impressive city. He accomplished his task with 100 cavalry horses and 500 soldiers, and established his kingdom on 84 villages abandoned by the 'Shankhlas'. When Bikaji died in 1504 his rule had extended to over 3000 villages.
