Rajasthan, the
largest state of India was formed on 30 March 1949 with Jaipur
as the state capital. Once known as the 'Land of the Kings',
the state still retains the glory and richness of those times
with its marvelous monuments, colourful traditions and customs.
Places of Interest:
Bharatpur: was founded
by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733. The town of Bharatpur is
synonymous with the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, India's
most famous bird sanctuary. The marshy wetland was once
the hunting grounds for the Rajasthan maharajas and British
sahibs. In winters you see an amazing variety of ducks,
geese, storks, pelicans, flamingos that have flown in from
distant countries.
Udaipur: also known
as the City of Lakes, Apart from its glorious history, culture
and scenic location, it is also known for its Rajput-era
palaces. Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Jaisamand, Udai
Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some
of the most beautiful lakes in the state.
Jodhpur: The city is
known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys
all year. It is also referred to as the Blue City due to
the blue tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh
Fort. The Mehrangarh fort looms over this 15th century city.
Visit this magnificent Fort and Jaswant Thada.
Jaipur: The Pink City
Jaipur is the first planned city of India, located in the
desert lands of Rajasthan. Ride an Elephant to go up the
rugged hills to visit Royal Palace of Amber Fort, Calculate
the local time by Sun Dial at Jantar Mantar. One can see
that hoary charm still alive in the avenues of Jaipur.
Ranthambore: Ranthambhor
has been a witness to the rise and fall of many rulers and
a series of battle scenes. Mughal Emperor Shah Alam gifted
it to Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur in 1754 and
since then it was maintained as the hunting preserve of
the Maharaja. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh
were part of the royal hunting who stayed here. Ranthambore
wildlife sanctuary is famous for its tigers and is one of
the best places in India to see these majestic predators
in the jungle.
