Posts Tagged rajasthan attraction

Bird Watching in Rajasthan – A Heaven for Bird Lovers

Peacock - National Bird of India - Dancing in Rajasthan

Peacock - National Bird of India - Dancing in Rajasthan

In spite of a comparatively hostile terrain, Rajasthan surprisingly is the abode of a number of mammals and birds.

The large number of lakes and other waterholes in the state make it inviting for avian visitors from around the globe. And so, also for bird watchers from the world over.

The Bird  sanctuaries attract herds of species from all over to their temporary habitat that provides comfortable subsistence.

During the season, the whole place echoes with enchanting sounds and fascinating visuals against the sprawling meadows of flora.

About Keoladeo National Park

The Keoladeo National Park, situated in Bharatpur is a heaven for birds and has been declared one of the most breeding ground for birds in the world.

Once duck shooting preserve for Maharaja of Bharatpur, today the sanctuary is frequented by birds of over 375 species, of which 132 are said to be breed inside the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Numerous endangered species also visit the area, including the Siberian Crane.

Lots of Species of Birds Visit Rajasthan - Especially in Winters

Lots of Species of Birds Visit Rajasthan - Especially in Winters

Being a unique bird place, the UNSECO has recognized it as a world heritage site.

It is truly a paradise of pretty feathered life which provides unlimited fantastic  opportunities to bird watchers.

Other birds that can be seen here are the Cormorant, Darter, Purple and Grey Heron, various species of Egret, painted , Open billed, White- necked and Black necked Strok. Millions of water – fowls flock to the park during mating season, along with ducks like Pintail , Common Teal, Ruddy Sheduck, Mallard, Gadwall etc.

The park opens from sunrise to sunset around the year. The ticket is Rs 200 per foreign visitor and Rs 25 for Indian visitor. Vehicles are permitted upto Shanti Kutir about 1.7 kilometres inside at Rs 50 per vehicle.

Other Places of Bird Watching in Rajasthan

The major wetlands other than Bharatpur for Bird Watching are Kukas, Kalah, Bund, Buchora Chandi, Chhaparwara and Ramgarh in Jaipur, Silislerh Jaisamand and Mansarover in Alwar, Ana Sagar and Faterhsagar in Ajmer, Jaisamand, Pichhola and Badi ka Talab in Udaipur, Balsamand and Sardar Samand in Jodhpur, Bassi Dam in Chittaurgarh and Meja Dam in Bhilwara.

In  Rajasthan the best season for bird watching starts with the onset of winter marshlands and lakes are inhabited by migratory birds as well as resident birds. In salt-water lakes, flamingos are also found, like in Pachpadra near Barmer and Sambhar near Jaipur. Bird watching is a hobby which has minimum requirements. All you need is a binocular.

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Elephant Safari – Ride Like Kings

Kings Ride on Decorated Elephant

King's Ride on Decorated Elephant

Riding an elephant takes you back to the royal era, when only the kings use to ride on these majestic beasts, since nothing can even compare with the majesty of the Pachyderm.

Equipped with a howdah, a large seat on which tourist can sit, complete with soft silk cushions, and with a ceremonial umbrella over the riders head, modern day elephant safaris may lack in comparison with the ones that use to be done by the kings, but are no less regal on that account.

Enjoying Activities While on Elephant Safari

During your ride, you can watch the wild elephants taking bath in the water ponds. The photographers can easily take pictures of the wilds while riding and as a souvenir of the amazing journey into the wilds, take one with the elephant too.

The elephant moves slowly and steadily, that’s why this type of safari is ideal in and around the wild regions or within the vicinity of the wildlife sanctuaries, where riding the elephant can give you an easy excess for viewing the wildlife. More of all a elephant safari tour in the tropical wildlife sanctuaries of India gets you up, close and personal with these majestic animals.

Elephant Safaris are exciting for those in search of an experience of a lifetime. Some tour operators organize elephant safaries between Jaipur and Pushkar. An exciting sport is elephant Polo which provides spectacle for the audience and enjoyment to the participants. The bulky animals move around with surprising speed and poise.

Since an elephant safari is an elaborate affair, and requires many attendants for the beast as well, such camps too tend to be more lavish, and so these are best for incentive groups who can be promised an experience, the like of which they are unlikely to ever have elsewhere.

Elephant Safari at Amber Fort

The Amer fort of Jaipur is also referred to as Amber, a name which matches its golden-brown color. This stunning fort built of white marble and red sandstone sits atop a hill with the blue waters of the Maota Lake framing its reflection. Located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur

The fort has 4 sections, each within the premises and one has to climb up through the imposing stairway or else the broad aisle, where one can ride up on elephant back for a royal feel. In fact in the olden days when the Elephant was the royal carrier, the dignitaries and other guests of the royalty always rode up the winding path to the fort on Elephant back. The same experience has been recreated for tourists.

The pachyderms are painted in beautiful colors of shocking pinks, blues and yellows, their heads are decorated with vibrant designs and heavy silver jewellery, they are richly draped with colorful cloths and howdhas with comfortable cushions and canopies harnessed on to their backs. The female elephants sport anklets with silver bells. Decked up in regal style the Elephants wait with their handlers for passengers at the foot of the climb.

Here charming little platforms have been especially constructed to enable you to mount the elephant with ease. Each elephant carries four people and the handler who maneuvers the elephant’s climb up the steep zig-zag path. As you ascend the slope you can look down and see a steep drop of a sheer few hundred feet, one of the advantages of being atop an elephant is the magnificent views that this journey offers, the dips and curves of the surrounding hills and valleys of the Aravali range, the clear and still waters of the Maota Lake and the sheer size and magnitude of the fort up above.

The elephant sways past shops with brightly colored scarves and carpets hung down the walls as a display, you could almost reach out and touch them. The mahout skillfully manages to bring elephant to a stop at the entrance to the fort where the journey ends. It truly is a thrilling experience.

Tourists on Elephant Safari Near Mountains

Tourists on Elephant Safari Near Mountains

Elephant Safari in Wildlife of Rajasthan

If someone wants some extra adventure then he can try elephant ride in the popular wildlife parks of Rajasthan. There are several wildlife parks in Rajasthan known by the name of Ranthambore, Keoladeo and Sariska. All wildlife parks are very wide and full of wild animals so it is better to roam in the parks on the elephant back.

The best routes for an Elephant Safari Tour of Rajasthan are those in and around the major towns. Along with that, these safaris also include visits to the old forts and palaces of Rajasthan. Elephant Safaris of Rajasthan, India are elaborate affairs and are the grandest and the most majestic of the various safaris of the state.

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Horse Safari in Rajasthan – An Adventure Tourism

Rajasthan – the land of the Rajputs, is Known for its kings, fearless warriors and beautiful women. It’s also known for how its fort Kingdoms were carved and established by the Rajputs on horseback, while swords were stained with enemy blood.

Significance of Horses in Rajput History

Known as the ‘Land of Kings’, Horse were highly priced and a Rajput warrior would fight anything to own a good horse. Great care was taken to breed horses and to keep a clean and pure lineage.

The result of many years of dedication and hard work helped create breeds like the Marwari, Kaithiawadi and Sindhi, each having its own distinct characteristics and bred solely for the purpose of war. These horses were noted for their stamina and fierce loyalty to their masters. With these gallant steeds, the Rajputs became famous worldwide.

The Marwari horse used to be the horse of the king and his nobles. Bred for war and show, they still display a remarkable pride and dignity. Their ears are distinctively curved inwards in a lyre-shape, which makes them unique and easily recognizable.

Tourists Enjoying Horse Safari in Rajasthan

Tourists Enjoying Horse Safari in Rajasthan

Tourists Exploration on a Horse Back – Adventures and Tales

Like Camel Safari, Horse Safari in Rajasthan is one of the best ways to experience the royal grandeur of Rajasthan during your travel.

In Rajasthan , The tourist can today have the pleasure of riding through trails dotted and marked with cenotaph and tombstones of many brave and valiant Rajputs warriors. Trails which take them through villages, pass huge and ancient forts and temples. You will pass through villages, ruins of historical monuments and beautiful temples.

As the evening progresses, the Dune Safari Camp, a blazing bonfire and a hearty dinner await your arrival. Nights can be spent in ancient places and Garhs(Small forts) now owned by the descendants of those glorious Rajputs rulers.

A Lady Thrilled After a Horse Safari in Rajputana Dynasty

A Lady Thrilled After a Horse Safari in Rajputana Dynasty

Your adventures of the horse safari will be a unique and interesting experience. You will return home with a treasure of countless delightful memories.

What to Wear For a Scintillating Horse Ride

Riders are advised to wear boots and a hard hat. Breeches or jeans are comfortable. Evening are cold and pullovers and jacket are essential. Sun- glasses are required to avoid the glare of the sun.

In Jaipur Horse Safari is organized by some Private tour operators. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation organizes a safari on request which starts from Jaipur.

Horse Safari Regions in Rajasthan

Horse safaris are usually conducted in the scenic hilly territories and the beautiful forested plains near Udaipur, where the hilly terrain and forested countryside are ideal for taking to the trail. Depending on the size of the group, the pack of cavalry can move swiftly or at leisure, moving from the vicinity of one old fort to another.

These are some of the other places where you could find Horse Safari

Savarda, Jaipur  | Shalivahan Stables , Jodhpur | Pratap Country Inn, Udaipur | Beneshwar Fair, Udaipur | Pushkar Fair, Pushakar

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Camel Safari – An Adventure Tourism in Rajasthan – Ship of Desert

Rajasthan invites you to feel the adventure of a Camel Safari, which takes you through the golden sands of the vast Thar desert. In places as thar desert, its the only means of transportation in remote areas.

A Group of Tourists on Camel Safari in Rajasthan

A Group of Tourists on Camel Safari in Rajasthan

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.

Things you can do on Camel Safari in Rajasthan – The Experiences and Feelings!!

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.

Young Traveler on Camel Back Enjoying!!

Young Traveler on Camel Back Enjoying!!

Ride through sand tracks, passing through remote villages, pitch your tent at a new place each night. Spend the evenings next to the camp fire and dance to the folk music. On your way, you will pass by working farmers, herds of goats and camels, and small settlements of stacked stone or baked mud huts. You will witness a quiet and solitary life, away from even the basic diversions of an Indian village. The camels generally know the way, so you will have plenty of time to think and soak up the warmth and get lost in the scenery. The only sound you will hear is the tinkling bells around the necks of the camels.

Camel Safari is one of the unique way to explore small villages in Rajasthan. Camel Safaris at the top of this ship of the desert is most exciting and soft adventure. Riding a camel is not easy as people consider. It is neither a great test for endurance. It is a great experience to explore The Thar – a vibrantly, living, desert, very colorful and hospitable.

Travel on a camel’s back amidst the wind-swept, sand farms, see the men with rings in their ears and their feet in gaily embroidered shoes, women in bright ‘ghagras’ and colorful ‘cholis’ and quench your thirst with red and sweet watermelons. Wow! Indeed an experience to linger throughout your life. The rolling landscape of the sand and shrub covered area is breathtakingly beautiful and the range of flora and fauna surprisingly largeb for a desert area.

The best time for a camel safari is in the morning and evening, even in the cooler winter months. Such safaris are usually run by professional outfits who hire Raikas, the camel-keepers.

A Well Dressed Camel - Ready For a Luxury Drive in Desert

A Well Dressed Camel - Ready For a Luxury Drive in Desert

Camel Safari Regions

The wind-caressed sand dunes rise the three splendid cities of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner popularly called Desert Triangle. Desert safaris is one of the unique feature of Desert Triangle and the best way to explore the region, its culture, tradition and to experience its geographical and topographical features and almost everything that a place can offer to us.

Bikaner – Camel Research Farm,  Jaisalmer – Thar Desert
Jodhpur – Osian, Nagaur , Samode,  Jaipur

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The Fort of Mukundgarh – Jhunjhunu

The fort of Mukundgarh - Jhunjhunu

The fort of Mukundgarh - Jhunjhunu

About Mukundgarh

Mukandgarh is a city and a municipality in Jhunjhunu district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is part of Shekhawati region. It lies a few km from Nawalgarh.

Mukundgarh Fort
Mukungarh has a 300-year-old magnificent fort, which is now converted into a resort hotel, with all modern amenities.

There are havelis of Kanoria, Ganeriwal and Saraf, which are a fine example of fresco paintings.

Mukundgarh Fort is a heritage property, a grand construction and has amazing detailing of the famous Shekhawati frescoes on the walls. The hotel offers beautifully furnished rooms with a view of the fort’s courtyard or the green vegetation beyond.

The Ganeriwal Haveli Mukundgarh In Rajasthan India is stunning right from the intricately carved façade to courtyard walls; visitors will notice vibrant frescos and murals. Narrative murals depicting scenes from local legends, the life of Lord Krishna, etc. are to be frequently seen at the Ganeriwal Haveli Mukundgarh.

It has a few mosque and many temples. The iron scissors, textiles and brassware made here are of extremely good quality. Also worth a visit are Shiv Temple, Gopinath temple and Venugopal temple.

Chhatris at Mukundgarh, Jhunjhunu

Chhatris at Mukundgarh, Jhunjhunu

About Jhunjhunu

Jhunjhunu is very rich in presenting the glorious ancient monument as the Temples, Mosques, Forts, Palaces and Tombs.

Wells, Stepwells, Cenotaphs and Havelies of excellent fresco-paintings which speak with full throated ease about the glorious past of Jhunjhunu.

They are the master pieces of art and architecture, Shekhawati region offers many resorts of beauty to the tourist.

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The Fort of Hanumangarh – Bhatner Fort

The fort of bhatner is situated at a distance of 144 miles in north- east of Bikaner on the northern extremity of Rajasthan. Traditions ascribe the laying of foundation of this fort by Changej Khan, but it is probable that Sardar Jajaluddin have built this fort. The area surrounding the fort which now forms an integral part of the Ganganagar District was an independent colony under the name of Bhattinagar.

This fort was regarded as one of the most important strongholds of the country. The fort had attained great historical celebrity from its position, being in the route of invasion from the central Asia to India. During the medieval time this great fort provided surest means of defense and proved as a strong bulwark against enemy attack.

Geography of Hanumangarh Fort

The massive and solid ramparts of the fort encloses an area of 52 bighs of land having gorgeous bastions at intervals.  Standing on moderate elevation the fort has rounded bastions in the embattled rampart walls and many imposing gates. The fort had ample storage of water collected in the 52 kunds within its four walls. This supply of rainy water lasted for complete one year for a large garrison.

Attractions and Monuments of Hanumangarh Fort

On gate of the fort belongs to the early period and looks very old. The other lofty gate was erected by Rao Manohar Kachhawa under orders of the Mughal ruler. The elegantly designed minarets of old times was replaced during renovation. The Jain ‘pasara’ is a building of old time in the fort. Three statues standing inside the fort also lay claim to antiquity each bearing an inscription.

The fort was famous in whole of country on account of its invincibility.  Varios clans such as Bhatti, Sohias, Chayab, Rathore possession over this fort which was regarded as the key to the desert land lying south of it, and the whole of northen Rajasthan. The heap of two great columns built of backed mud together with the life size statues are still visible in the fort. The mosque of Sherkhan, the Governer of the fort and nephew of Balvan also forms a part of numerous old structure in the fort.

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The Fort of Fatehpur

The fort of Fatehpur was a great stronghold of the Kayam Khanis who were originally the Chohans of Dadrewa. The fort was founded by Fatan Khan in 1451 A.D.

Geography of Fatehpur Fort

The site of the fort is surrounded by thick growth of trees. High sand dunes enveloped this place from all sides leaving no spacious passage through them. Thus protected by forest and sand dunes the fort was regarded as one of the most defensible fort of the desert area. The fort encloses a space of nearly 7000 feet in length and half of it in breadth.

A massive and gorgeous rampart wall with battlements encircles the fort having huge bastions at each corner. The thickness of the rampart wall is from 15 to 25 feet and the height nearly 20 to 50 feet. A solid deep ditch protected the fort from four sides leaving a gap of 20 feet between itself and rampart wall.

Attractions and Monuments in Fatehpur Fort

The first gate facing the south is of moderate size built in the usual way. Rampart wall spreads from this gate on two sides in a semi – circle. The other gate more massive and bigger facing the east.Through this gate the spacious enclosure of the palaces are erected. Towering over the rampart wall stands the famous palace of Telin. This palace is a beautiful piece of fusion of indo- Muslim art.

The Telin’s palace with its elagently carved projected balconies and short columns stands a monument to the earthy passion which devour the high and the low alike. At some distance from palace, the inner apartment for ladies are erected.

These structures are marked for their simplicity of design and exquisiteness of exudation. Projected  balconies in the side wall of palaces are still intact below which on the supporting stones floral designs are carved. The palaces are seemingly built of Khatu’s yellow stone that was regarded ideal for carving.

Some buildings lay buried in a half ruined condition. A modern looking small palace which stands in lose vicinity to the palaces was erected by the Rajpoots when they took possession of the fort.

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Turban – Pride of Rajasthan

Young Boy Wearing Pink Turban

Young Boy Wearing Pink Turban

A Very Old Man Wearing Khaki Turban

A Very Old Man Wearing Khaki Turban

Culture and Significance Of Wearing A Turban

The Turbans of Rajasthan are perhaps the most colorful and impressive in the whole of India. Known as safa and pagri also, the turban is a prominent and important part of a Rajput man’s dress.

It is said that turbans were first worn to protect the head from evil spirits.

Turban is ubiquitous head accessory in north India, especially in Rajasthan. Even in the big cities like Jaipur or Udaipur, a man without sporting his turban is not considered to be formally dressed. Turban is also associated with the status of a person as its colour and shape tells one about the person’s caste, religion, region, profession and what position he holds in the society.

Pricely Turban - Rich in Tradition and Color

Pricely Turban - Rich in Tradition and Color

The significance of turban is different in Rajasthan. It is more of a tradition and culture more than religion. It becomes a colourful and vibrant part of their daily attire. It is a common site in villages of Rajasthan when people are seen in vibrant and huge complicated turbans. Turban originated in the Rajput families where it was a ritual for men to wear at any special occasion. Even children were also sported with colourful turbans.

The Dimensions and Impressions – Turban Types, Colors, Designs and Size

Rajasthani turbans can be weaved with as long as 82 feet long and eight inches wide piece of cloth. It is estimated that there are approximately 1000 styles and types of turbans in Rajasthan, so that the style of tying it, can change every 15 kilometers in the countryside. Turban tying also an art that requires significant practice. When a man ties his turban, he twists the fabric across the front of the head to one side as he simultaneously turns the turban around and around his head to achieve a balanced shape as he continues to add more fabric.

Turban - For Warriors in Rajasthan

Turban - For Warriors in Rajasthan

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.

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 Style - Turban - Much Lighter In Weigth

Different Style - Turban - Much Lighter In Weigth

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.

Red Turban - Best and The Most Popular

Red Turban - Best and The Most Popular

The city of Jaipur boasts of a turban museum, which claims to have one of the largest collections of turbans.

Turban tying contests are held every year at Pushkar festival and other events organized by the state tourism department.

There is a complete book on Turbans of Rajasthan, I would suggest you to just go through the book as it contains a lot of pictures and designs of various kinds of Turbans.

We have also picked up some turbans from Rajasthan so that you can have the glimpse what Rajasthan Pride is all about.

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