Posts Tagged rajasthan tourism

Tourism Industry – Emerging Business Sector for Private Investment in Rajasthan

Tourism is the largest service industry in India, with a contribution of 6.23% to the national GDP and 8.78% of the total employment in India.

India witnesses more than 5 million annual foreign tourist arrivals and 527 million domestic tourism visits.

The tourism industry in India generated about US$100 billion in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$275.5 billion by 2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate.

Rajasthan Tourism Industry

Rajasthan is famous for its rich cultural heritage, wild life and safaris, sand dunes and bio-diversity. It is endowed with ancient forts, magnificent palaces, large and small museums etc.

All these make the State of Rajasthan a favorite destination for tourists the world over.

Foreign Tourists visit in 2008

The total number of inbound tourists in India were 14,77,646 and out of these 10.5% visited Rajasthan.

Given this figure, the Government has taken several steps for promoting investment in the tourism sector.

Business Opportunities

As a result of all this, numerous opportunities have emerged for private investment it includes:

1. Investment in the development of tourism units: A Hotel Policy has been announced that offers a number of incentives for setting up of hotel units. A land bank has also been developed for setting up hotels in various important cities.

2. Development of heritage buildings in Rajasthan as tourism properties: The State Government is facilitating an arrangement wherein private heritage properties  can be taken up by investors in a joint venture or on management contract. The Government is in the process of identifying government properties of heritage value, which would be given out on lease arrangements.

3. Rope-ways: Specific locations have been identified (Udaipur, Ajmer, etc.) and Ropeways Act has been formulated to facilitate investment.

4. Adventure tourism products in Rajasthan: River sports, hot air ballooning, desert sports, horse safari, aero-sports, etc.

5. Development of Medical Tourism including starting more naturopathy, yoga and meditation centers.

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    Rajasthan Tour Itineraries – New Tourism Circuits Planned By Rajasthan Government

    Rajasthan is the largest state of India and is among the most popular tourism destination in the country. It appeals tourists from all over the world due to its exceptional tourism charm and numerous attractions of tourist interest.

    Its desert dotted with rugged forts and beautiful palaces, lakes, wildlife and bird sanctuaries, charming cities, fairs and festivals, and colorful culture form the most fascinating and unique basket of attractions for any tourist.

    Government of  Rajasthan Plans To Develop New Tourism Circuits

    There are several destinations and travel circuits in the Rajasthan which are very popular among tourists. Government of  Rajasthan has decided to improve facilities at popular tourist places through developing New tourism circuits.

    According to Government Hadauti and Shekahwati region would be in the center while developing new destinations for tourists  and Havelies of Kota, Jhalawar, Bundi and other districts of both the region would be focused in order to attract both domestic tourists and foreigners.

    Last year, Rajasthan received about 1.3 million foreign and 23 million domestic tourists.

    Major Circuits of Rajasthan

    We have listed Major Tourist Circuits which covers most of the  Tourist Attractions in Rajasthan

    • Dhundhar Travel Circuit – Includes Jaipur – Samode- Ramgarh- Dausa- Abhaneri
    • Brij Mewar Travel Circuit – Includes Alwar- Sariska- Deeg- Bharatpur- Karauli- Ranthambhor
    • Hadoti Travel Circuit – Includes Bundi – Kota – Jhalawar – Baran
    • Mewar Travel Circuit – Includes – Udaipur – Kumbhalgarh – Nathdwara – Chittaurgarh
    • Vagad Travel Circuit Includes – Dungarpur- Bhanswar
    • Godwar Travel Circuit Includes -  Mount Abu – Ranakpur – Jalore
    • Desert Travel Circuit Includes -  Jodhpur – Barmer – Jaisalmer – Bikaner
    • Mewar Travel Circuit Includes – Ajmer – Pushkar – Merta – Nagaur
    • Shekhawati Travel Circuit – Sikar- Nawalgarh – Dundlod – Mandawa – fatehpur – Jhunjhunu

    Rajasthan Tour Services

    We can offer customized tours to Rajasthan as per your travel budget. We also have an exclusive portal for Jaipur Hotels – www.jaipurhoteldeals.com, you can call us at +91 141 5102080 or mail us at [email protected] or [email protected]

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    Pushkar Fair, Rajasthan – Largest Cattle Fair in Rural Rajasthan

    About Pushkar

    The small and beautiful town of Pushkar is set in a valley just about 14 km off Ajmer in the north Indian state of Rajasthan.

    Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair which is globally famous and attracts thousands of visitors from all parts of the world.

    It transforms into spectacular fair ground for twelve days during the month of kartik (Oct- Nov).
    About Pushkar Fair – History

    The Pushkar Fair, a major tourist attractions draws people from all over the ancient and secluded environs of Pushkar town. Devotees throng to its Ghats to bathe and cleanse their sins in the sacred Pushkar Lake to attain a place in heaven.

    It is belived that this lake appeared miraculously on the spot where petals of a lotus flower fell from the hands of Lord Brahma, the creator. This answers for the famous temple here, dedicate to Lord Brahma.

    Camels Resting at Pukhar Fair, Rajasthan

    Camels Resting at Pukhar Fair, Rajasthan

    Sight Seeing at Pushkar Fair

    The fair is predominantly a rural gathering. Villagers come from different parts of the state and bring their cattle with them.

    On spectacular sand dunes camel, horse and bullock races are great crowd pullers. All roads lead to the lake, which is flooded with pilgrims.

    The movement of the crowd is like a tide of color with currents of crimson, yellow and turquoise.

    Evenings at the Pushkar Fair have their own charm. The silent night is pierced by calls of camels. Ballads are sung by actors in passionate tones. Folk dramas, skits and folk dance are organized for the entertainment of the tourists.

    Arrangements of Staying during Fair

    The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) puts up a tourist village during the fair.

    The tourist village is self sufficient and specially designed to complement the natural beauty of the site. It has a Coffee Shop and Dining Hall which can cater to 1500 guests at a time.

    The village is arranged in blocks of tents, each with its own identity, being named after the famous dances of Rajasthan. The village also has huts with attached western style toilets and running water.

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    Pink City Jaipur, Rajasthan Rated in Asia’s Best Tourist Destinations

    A survey, conducted by the elite magazine Conde Nast Traveller rated Jaipur as the seventh best city in Asia to visit. More than 32,000 Conde Nast Traveller readers participated in the 2008 Readers Choice Survey, and the complete results will appear in the November issue of the magazine.

    “The 2008 Reader’s Choice Awards are a credit to the worldly expertise of our readers, passionate travelers for whom no island is too remote, no city too challenging, and no hotel too untested,” Klara Glowczewska, editor in chief of the magazine said. “These awards celebrate the destinations, lodgings and modes of transportation that exceed our expectations,” Glowczewska added.

    The survey also states that three of the five best hotels in Asia are located in India with highest rated hotel in the world is the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Oberoi Amarvilas coming in second and Oberoi Rajvilas bagging the fifth spot.

    About Jaipur

    Jaipur India was founded by Sawai Jaisingh II, in 1727 AD, still preserves its glory of rich history and culture. The past comes alive in its impressive forts, majestic palaces and in its royal building which for centuries were the abode of royal families.

    Some of the very famous tourist places in Jaipur are Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Albert Hall, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Govind Dev Ji Temple, Sisodia Rani Bagh, Bm Birla Planetarium, Galta Ji,   Birla Temple, Kanak Valley and Jain Temple.

    About Oberoi UdaiVilas

    At 30 acres in total, everything at the Udaivilas is on a grand scale. From the Oberoi Spa by Banyan Tree – which occupies two entire floors and offers more than 30 different holistic treatments such as ayurveda and aromatherapy – to the Candle Room; a miniature glass palace or ‘Sheesh Mahal’ constructed of 175,000 separate mirror pieces, Udailvilas and its hospitality are simply breathtaking.

    Heritage Tourism in Rajasthan

    Rajasthan the ‘Land of Kings’ is steeped in romantic history, chivalry and valor. Formerly known as Rajputana, it boasts of some of the finest fortress – palaces, built with sandstone quarried from the Land itself. With its turbaned men and richly jeweled women, its crystal lake and island Palaces, its quaint havelies and villages, fairs and festivals, Rajasthan constantly beckons.

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    Water Sports in Rajasthan – Adventure Tourism in India

    Water Sports in Rajasthan Lakes

    Water Sports in Rajasthan Lakes

    Water-sports amidst the Thar Desert ?  Sounds a bit out of place ? But contrary to usual beliefs, tourists planning a Rajasthan tour have unlimited opportunities for water sports.

    The lakes of Rajasthan are known for water sports.  Boating and angling are quite common here. Gliding through the unperturbed water while enjoy the cool breeze can definitely be a refreshing experience.

    Water Sports in Rajasthan - Lakes – The Preferred Destinations

    Rajasthan has got pretty good options as far as water sports is concerned. And if you do not fear water, then you have got real exciting watery packages.

    Ramgarh lake near Jaipur  is a man-made reservoir around 4 kms. In length and 2 kms in width. Throughout the year, water sports of all kinds can be arranged here. Facilities for swimming, boating etc. are available. Boating is a regular feature, conducted by trained Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation staff. A fully equipped tourist village with 10 huts is situated here. During the 1982 Asian games, rowing competitions were held at Ramgarh

    Siliserh Lake – a short drive for about 10 kms from Alwar leads you to the dreamland. The rolling hills, flaming with bougainvillea and gulmohar, cradle the majestic Siliserh Lake. A beautiful Palace Hotel run by RTDC provides all facilities for water sports.

    Udaipur – the lake city of India, is also good for water sports with boating being a regular feature. The ideal place for water sports is Jaisamand Lake situated 50 kms south of Udiapur. This lake is the second largest artificial lake in Asia (the water spread area is 90 sq kms. ). Throughout the year, water sports of all kinds can be arranged here.

    The Chambal river offers the exhilaration of water rafting in the Kota region. From Jawahar Sagar to Dholpur, the intricate network of the Chambal river, flowing through rock gorges and forests, provides ideal locales for the perfect water adventure. While traversing the river by boat, one can see the gavia (crocodile) basking in the sun on river banks. Plans are underway to introduce a ferry service on the chambal river from Kota barrage upstream to Bhensordgarh – a fine opportunity to ride on the gushing waters.

    Rajasthan also offers angling sites. Bandh Baretha in Bharatpur and Jaisamand in Alwar, Mansarover near Sariska, Kukas, Chhaparwara and Ramgarh in Jaipur are an angler’s paradise. However, the enthusiasts are advised to carry their own equipment and obtain permission from the Fisheries Department. Patience and perseverance in angling , as in life, has rich rewards.

    Equipment, trainers and guides and courses, anything that is required for enjoying water sports in Rajasthan is readily available. You just need to choose the sport you will like to enjoy during your trip. The water sports destinations in Rajasthan await to enthrall you.

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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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