Tour to Rajasthan

Rajasthan Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambhore  needs little introduction as its national park has been one of  India’s conservation success stories. Sawai Madhopur is the entry point to Ranthambhore , and is an important town with its own historicity. Founded in the 11th century , this fort is one of the oldest in Rajasthan and was the stronghold of the Yadav Kings in the 8th century and later of the Chauhans from 10th century onwards, Situated on a hill and rising 250 meters above the forested valleys, the fort has massive rampart, might gates and bastions all around the hill. It faced several attacks valiantly and its history proves that it was never taken in battle by fair means. Its most valiant ruler was Hammir who faced Allauddin Khilji like a true Rajput and refused to bow to the enemy in spite of the severe shortage of food and provision that his fort battles that the brave warriors fought. Most of the palace lies in ruins today but there are still some areas in good condition which give the visitor a fair idea of the fort’s pattern. Badal Mahal is interesting to see for its location. One of the most famous places in the fort is the temple of Load Ganesha. Every tear thousands of people gather here during Ganesh Chaturthi to worship at the temple. One interesting aspect is the mail that is sent to Load Ganesha consisting mainly of wedding invitations; the letters are brought up to the temple in large sacks. Ranthambhore National Park: Ranthambore was one of the first few areas to come under project tiger and has continued to be the most successful. It is the idea place to see the Indian tiger in its natural habitat.

Rich heritage, majestic monuments, vibrant fairs, myriad festivals …words are just not enough to describe Rajasthan. One has to explore the royal land to explore its magic.

Rajasthan’s true colours can be seen in its Fairs and Festivals- the desert glitters with the colours of joyous celebration and gay abandon. Rich in tradition and often inspired by religion, the Rajasthani Festivals are a part of their rich culture. Men, women and children clad in colourful and new attires, bazaars selling a variety of exotic gift items, programmes of folk dance and music are sights to remembers.

There are some Festivals celebrated in Rajasthan…

• Pushkar Camel fair
• Chandrabhaga Fair
• Nagaur fair
• Elephant fair

Dargah Sharif, the final resting place of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinnuddin Chisti. Its importance to the Muslim community is undisputed. The annual Urs is a time for lakhs of Muslim devotees to gather here to pay homage to the saint, a tradition that has continued since the days of Akbar. Close to this lies the unusual structure called the Adhi Din ka Jhonpra, a huge Indo-Islamic masterpiece that took only two and a half days to complete. The structure you see now was added upon by Mohammad Ghori who converted in into a mosque.

Taragarh fort  looks down upon the sprawling city and was once the venue of great military activity. Akbar’s palace, constructed in 1570 AD has now been converted into a museum and lies close to the railway station in the heart of the city.

Do taste the balushahi of Ajmer ,  a sweet that taste better here than anywhere else. Other things to look out for are tie and dye fabrics and jewellery. The modhas (cane chairs) of Ajmer are well-known, different to carry back but interesting to see nonetheless.