Major Tourist Attractions in Rajasthan

Turban- Pride of Rajasthan |  Camel Safari- The Life of Desert |  Rhymethic Dance & Music |  Royal Train-Palace on Wheels


Turban- Pride of Rajasthan “The Jodhpuri Tourban”

Turban - The Pride of Rajasthani Rajputs

 
http://www.youtube.com/v/isylElvhPJs&hl=en
“Rajasthan is known for the beauty and elegance of its colourful turbans. It is an essential part of the traditional outfit and is proudly worn by the Rajasthan men-folk. One can find myriad variations of turbans in Rajasthan and it is said that the size and style of these turban changes in every 15 km you travel down the desert region.”

The Crown of Rajasthan!!!

The turbans of Rajasthan are the most colourful and impressive in whole of the India. The use of turbans were basically started by the Rajput community, who reside in the Indian state of Rajasthan. They used to wear distinct turbans and the Hindi pronouncation of turban is Paag, Safa or Pagri. Once you experience the royal culture of Rajasthan, you will be amazed with the variations of colourful turbans.
It is said that the style of the turban changes with every 15 km you travel within the geographical boundaries of Rajasthan. In some parts of the region, the size of turban indicate the position of the person in the society they live.

Relevance Behind Each Coloured Turban!!!

Turbans add brilliant splash of colour and style to monotonous and barren lands. Each colour has its own importance and significance like Ochre is the colour of the mendicant, while the saffron is commonly worn at the time of weddings. In the medieval past, the colour saffron also denoted valour and chivalry. When besieged by an enemy, and food and water supplies were scanty, desperate warriors wearing saffron turbans would sneak out of their citadels to lead sudden surprise attacks on the enemy.
Turbans of specified colours are worn to mark periods of mourning. A white turban is worn for funeral processions by immediate family members. Whereas the khaki, blue and dark maroon are reserved for the solemnity of a condolence visit. Whereas in Rajasthan each caste have their own distinguishing colours, by which they are recognised, like shepherds wear red turbans, Bishnois, who are known as the most nomadic shepherd tribes and environmental conservationists, always wear white turbans and the other tribal communities wear printed turbans.
Thus, the painted area is then wrapped with the tissue, plastic, or medical tape to lock in the body heat, so that it can create more intense colour on the skin. The wrap is worn overnight and then removed in the next morning. Which when washed, leaves a rich reddish brown colour on the surface of skin and can last somewhere from one to three weeks, depending on the quality of the paste.

Seasonal Turbans!!!

Some turban colours are seasonal to wear like in between February and March, flowers bloom and crops are harvested, it makes the best time for tourists to see the royal Rajasthani men, wearing a falgunia turban having white and red designs. Whereas in the month of July, the predominant colour is motiya or pearl pink. A green and pink striped or yellow and red striped lahariya turban, where the colours are tie dyed in waves, are worn during the time of monsoon. Whereas the Pancharanga is the distinguishing turban in the colourful soil of Rajasthan.

Different Turbans For Different Festivals!!!

The famous Black Chunari (tie dyed) with the red borders is mainly used at the time of Diwali (festival of lights). The Falgunia Turban, having white and red patterns is wore at the time of Holi (festival of colour). A bright Saffron colour turban for Dassehra festival, held in the month of October. The Mothara turban, with tiny round designs is wore at the time of Raksha Bandhan (festival, when brothers pledge to protect sisters). yellow turban for Basant Panchami (spring festival) and the light pink turban is wore in the month of October, at the time of Sharad Poornima (full moon night). Commonly called a Safa, this beautiful turban is nine meters long and about one meter wide.

Advantages of Turbans!!!

The turban's size and shape is influenced by the climatic conditions of the different regions. Turbans in the hot desert areas are large and loose. Farmers and shepherds, who need constant protection from the elements of nature wear some of the most voluminous turbans. They also have many practical functions.
Exhausted travellers use it as a pillow, a blanket or a towel. Water, if muddy, can be strained through a turban. Unraveled, it can be used as a rope to draw water from a well with a bucket. The Maharajahs of Rajasthan were known for their colourful traditional costumes and grand turbans. The people of Rajasthan down the years would adopt approximately the same style of headgear as the reigning king.

Camel Safari- The Life of Desert “Royal Transportation”

Camel Safari 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Camels_at_Giza.JPG

Safari – The Royal World Charm

“Safari through the landscape of the most vibrant state Rajasthan gives tourists numerous options to tilt their adventure bone. Be it the camel safari on desert or the horse safari through rustic terrain or spine-chilling jungle safari, Rajasthan is always ready with its bouquet of treasures.”

Rajasthan Safari - Spine Chilling, Memorable, Daring

Safari in Rajasthan these three words are sure to cause your adrenaline flow faster, even in your imagination. The land of golden sands and imperial heritage have hosted a number of successful safari voyages participated by adventure loving tourists coming from different parts of the world.
Be it the wilderness of jungle safari or the infinite camel safari, Rajasthan is always ready to woo you with its bouquet of variety. These numerous safari options makes evident that Rajasthan is one of the most savoured destination in the world. Let us put some light on the various safari options in Rajasthan.

Camel Safari

The most popular and obvious safari to explore the bewitching beauty of Rajasthan is the Camel Safari. Known as the 'ship of the desert', the camels will take you to the remotest parts of the Thar desert, where you will find yourself at the threshold of a never explored wonder land. Get down from your camel for once, stand apart and see the serpentine caravan you are in; you will definitely be searching for your camera to catch the moment to stay forever. Sleeping under the twinkling stars with gold like sand all around you gives you the most cherished experience of your life.

Camel-Cart Safari

Camel Carts are very common mode of transportation in the rural Rajasthan, where a wooden cart is drawn by the camels carrying people and their baggage from one village to another. You may experience the fascinating charm of travelling in this rural vehicle and also mingle with the local villagers while getting lost in the aroma of nature. Sometime on the sand and sometime on the pebbled road, this caravan is going to be an experience that will become a treasure.


Rhymethic Dance & Music “Cultural Beats”

 
http://www.youtube.com/v/w8cZL37Y_Wk&hl=en

Music and Dance - Let the Melody Embrace the Beats

“The age old traditional heritage of Rajasthan has enriched its music and dance immensely. Be it the melody of folk music or the beat of tribal percussion, Rajasthan amazes its tourists with bejewelled treasure of music and dance.”

Dance with the Music of Rajasthan

The vibrancy of Rajasthan is never completely discovered until you engulf yourself in the music and dance of it. Patronized by erstwhile royalty, the music and dance of Rajasthan follows a legacy that dates back to several centuries.
The rich folklore and culture has added some more sparkles to its glory making Rajasthani dance and music a treasured jewel in Indian culture. The tradition of court dances and music performance still can be seen today in the cultural mights making the grandeur of bygone Rajput era alive infront of you. Enjoy a dance performance and we can say for sure that you can't help yourself from shaking your body in the hypnotizing melody and beat.

Swinging With the Beat

Be it the mesmerizing melody of Sarangi or Shahnai or the cymbal like sound of 'manjeera' or the foot tapping beats of 'khartal' or 'dhol', when they embrace each other on the occasion of a lively dance performance, a magical ambience is created in the golden beauty of Rajasthan. The grace and beauty of the 'ghoomar', 'gair' and 'sapera ' are increased many fold with the enchanting music and song performance by the professional and folk artists.
The folk songs narrate the rich folklore and imperial heritage of the state that has been captivating the entire world for many centuries. Tourists coming to Rajasthan make it a point to attend at least one dance performance while exploring the heavenly beauty of the deserts and thus collecting an unforgettable experience for the entire life.

Mind blowing Skills of Dancers that Tempt

Extraordinary skill of the Rajasthani dancers may take you aback with their sheer perfection and excellence. Extraordinary performance of fire dancers may take your breath away when they dance on the bed of flaming coals swaying their body at drum beats. You will not find any blister in their feet and this shows the immense talent and perseverance they have for the sake of art.
Another immensely popular dance 'Bhavai' is also well known for the unusual skill of balance when the veiled woman dancer moves at the beats with seven to nine brass pitchers over their head and standing gracefully on the edge of glass or open sword. There are some other folk dances of Rajasthan like Terah Thali and Ghumar which take the excellence of artistry to a new level of height.

Decorating the Dancing Ambience

An inevitable part of Rajasthani culture that make the colourful dance even more graceful is its spectacular attire and dazzling ornaments. Women dressed in heavily embroidered long flowing skirt with multi coloured dupatta and beautiful necklace and bangles when revolves on her heel while performing 'Sapera', the amazed spectators even forget to blink or breathe.
Heavy jewellery adorned with precious and semi precious stones add a new dimension to the beauty of the dancing grace. The men are dressed in heavily frilled and embroidered 'kurtas' or jackets. Men wearing royal sherwanis touching knees are often seen in the Rajasthani festivals that still carry the royal heritage of the state. But the dressing of men is not complete unless they wear the special Rajasthani turban bright with the colour of honour and dignity. The accessories including the ambience of the dance performance make the cheerful enjoyment even more joyous with the overwhelming participation by the viewers.

Royal Train-Palace on Wheels “Luxory Comfort”

Train - The Moving Palace

“The luxurious and lavishly decorated trains that run through the rustic land of Rajasthan take you to relive the grandeur of erstwhile Rajput era while living like a true King. The exploration of majestic forts and palaces of Rajasthan on world famous Palace on Wheels will surely give you an unforgettable experience.”

Royal Rajasthani Trains

Rajasthan, the land of heritage and culture flaunts a kaleidoscope of art, royalty and regal customs. Be it the spectacular colourful paintings or the exquisite artifacts, Rajasthan is always on the forefront. But the real magic of Rajasthan lies with its princely cities that are still dipped into the aroma of elegance and royalty. The age old forts and palaces are sure to take your breathe away with their history of courage and audacity. If we embark to discover the colour of Rajasathan, then what else is the best way than the luxury trains?
Trains, long serpentine trains, running on the mile spread tracks piercing the golden sands of Rajasthan make a beautiful scene which have inspired numerous artists to portray into canvas. The luxury trains are undoubtedly the best way to travel through the imperial land of Rajasthan while experiencing the royal life style as well. Considered to be one of the best trains of the entire world, a travel by these trains are sure to make you mesmerized and bewitched.

Princely Charms on Royal Wheels of Rajasthan

The facility and luxury of these trains are aristocrat and elegant. Lavishly decorated cabins with wall to wall carpeting and a personalized service makes you to experience the king-like life style of Rajasthan. The grandeur of royalty is present in every aspect of the trains. From the extremely luxurious sitting and sleeping area to the delicacy of the food, the trains are palaces on the run.
Amongst all of them, the Palace on Wheels is the most famous for its elegance. Tourists coming to Rajasthan from other parts of the world make it a point to aboard the train at least for once and have the baronial experience. The train also houses a library, multi cuisine restaurant and a well stocked bar. The other trains that are ready to make your journey in the wonderland of Rajasthan a memorable experience are Fairy Queen and Heritage on Wheels. You may select the trains according to the itinerary they follow.