Kumbhalgarh Fort In Rajasthan

Introduction and history: The Kumbhalgarh Fort is located at a distance of 64 kms from Udaipur in Rajasmand district. It is easily accessible from the city of Udaipur. This unconquerable fortress is secured under the kind protection of the Aravali ranges. Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The fort derived its name from the same factor. It also served the rulers of Mewar as a refuge in times of strife. The fort also served as refuge to the baby king Udai of Mewar. It is also of sentimental significance as it is the birthplace of Mewar’s legendary King Maharana Partap. The fort is self-contained and has within its amalgam almost everything to withstand a long siege.

What to see and when to go: There is an room in the fort where Rana Pratap was born, which is one of the important portions of the fort. The austere chambers, the vast reservoirs kept full by elephant relays, the simple garden court and narrow staircases are some of the tourist destinations. Horse lovers and adventure seekers can enjoy the thrill of riding and camping. There is a wildlife sanctuary nearby. As the winter season in Rajasthan is extremely cold, it is suggested to visit the place between September and March.

Things to do: Udaipur has many other tourist attractions as well. It is an incredibly beautiful small city with tranquil lakes surrounded by gently rolling hills, which is popularly known as “city of lakes”. Some of the other attractions include Jagdish Temple, Lake Fateh Sagar, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Jag Mandir, and Nathdwara.

Accommodation and local travel: There are ample numbers of government approved accommodation available in Jodhpur. These two cities are well connected via air and rail ways.

Related links:
• Udaipur tourist information: http://www.udaipurtourism.com/
• Udaipur city information: http://www.udaipur.org.uk/

Kangra

Introduction and history: Kangra town is a picturesque spot in the confluence of Bener and Majhi streams, overlooking the Ban Ganga torrent, in Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh. In ancient times, this historic town, then called Nagarkot, had witnessed several invasions and political upheavals. The ruined Kangra Fort stands testimony to its glorious past. The region is also known for its ancient temples. Kangra was the ancient capital of the erstwhile rulers of Chand dynasty, but faced a series of invasions by Mahmud of Ghazni in AD 1009 and Feroz Shah Tughlaq in AD 1309. It was under the reign of Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch that Kangra witnessed an upsurge in miniature paintings. Although a severe earthquake in 1905 destroyed most of the palace buildings, you can still see some of the paintings and murals on its walls.

What to see and when to go: There are many temples to visits such as Behna Mahadev, Brajeshwari Temple, Brijraj Behari Temple, Masrur Temple, Shiva Temple and Siddhanatha Temple. Kangra fort and Sujanpur forst are a must watch to understand the history of Kangra. The ideal time to visit Dharamshala is from the months of May to October.

Things to do: Kangra gives opportunity to become a wild-life lover by exploring the virgin jungles around that. One can visit the Pong Lake sanctuary and other nature parks at Kufri, Manali and Gopalpur.

Accommodation: There are lot of hotels available depending on the budget. The hotels are spread well across the valley and one can suite themselves as per his own preferred style of accommodation.

Mode of transport: Kangra airport is 7 Kilometres away and has got straight flights from Delhi. Nearest railhead at Pathankot is 86 Kilometres away and one is situated at Mukarian is 30 Kilometres. Kangra Valley express is a narrow gauge train, starting from Pathankot and continues to Bajinath. Kangra is well connected by road with Dharamsala, which is 18 Kilometres away. Tourists can hire taxis at reasonable cost from the major intersection of the city.

Related links:

• Official web site: www.hpkangra.nic.in

See also (nearby places): Macleodganj, Chamunda, Haripur, Dharamshala, Bhagsunath, Jawalamukhi, Nadaun, Una, Bilaspur, Rohtang Pass, Keylang, Manali, Kullu Valley, Pragpur.

Vijay Stambh Chittorgarh

Introduction and history: The Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) is located in Chittorgarh, which was built by Rana Kumbha in 1440 AD to celebrate his victory over Mahmud Khilji of Malwa. It is a nice storied structure, with an imposing height of 37 meter, which is a finest example of the famed Rajput style of architecture. It is adjacent to the Mahasati area inside the Chittor fort. This spot is used as the cremation ground for the male members of the royal family. The surrounding area is dotted with Sati Stones signifying the sacrifices made by the women on their husbands’ pyres.

Things to do: Chittorgarh offers a range of tourist attractions. Starting with Museums (Archaeological and Fateh Prakash museum) the list extends to monuments (Chhatris of jaimal and Kalla Kirti Stambh), forts (Chittorgarh Fort, Fateh Prakash Palace, Rana and Kumbha Palace), Gardens (Fort and Padminis Gardens) and a variety of shopping destinations.

Mode of transport and Accommodation: The nearest airport is Udaipur, at a distance of 98 kilo meters. It is well connected by rail and road. There are ample numbers of government approved accommodation available in Udaipur.

Related links:
• Rajasthan tourist information: http://www.travelrajasthan.net/
• Chittorgarh official site: http://chittorgarh.nic.in/

See also (nearby places): Udaipur and Jodhpur are nearby major tourist attractions. The former is an incredibly beautiful small city with tranquil lakes surrounded by gently rolling hills, which is popularly known as “city of lakes”. It has places tourist attractions like Jagdish Temple, Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Jag Mandir and Nathdwara. Jodhpur has Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Osiyan Temple and Kaman Art gallery which should not be missed.

Lake Palace In Lake Pichola

Introduction and history: The Lake Palace is located right in the middle of Lake Pichola, Udaipur Rajasthan. It was conceived in romance by the Maharana Jagat Singh, which is now called as Jag Niwas. The boat ride in the blue waters of the Lake Pichola, especially, in the backdrop of setting sun is enough to seduce anybody to come to it. It is one of the most beautiful holiday spots of the world, the one-time summer residence of the royalty of Udaipur. It has now been converted into a magnificent heritage hotel with beautiful pavilions, planned out gardens and legends that always move hand-in-hand with any Rajasthani marvel.

What to see and when to go: Pichola is encircled on all sides by numerous palaces, marble temples, family mansions, dark hills and rows of bathing ghats which is thronged by bathers at dawn. The lake at places narrows down and both its banks almost touch each other. Here, at these places the lake is spanned with ornamental bridges and their attractive arches. Another interesting spot on the lake is the Shikarbadi or the Khas Odi. As the winter season in Rajasthan is extremely cold, it is suggested to visit the place between September and March.

Things to do: Udaipur has many other tourist attractions as well. It is an incredibly beautiful small city with tranquil lakes surrounded by gently rolling hills, which is popularly known as “city of lakes”. Some of the other attractions include Jagdish Temple, Lake Fateh Sagar, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Jag Mandir, and Nathdwara.

Accommodation and local travel: There are ample numbers of government approved accommodation available in Udaipur. These two cities are well connected via air and rail ways.

Related links:
• Udaipur tourist information: http://www.udaipurtourism.com/
• Udaipur city information: http://www.udaipur.org.uk/

Junagarh Fort In Bikaner

Introduction and history: The Junagarh Fort is an impressive fort in the city of Bikaner, Rajasthan. It was constructed between the years 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, who was a general in Mughal Emperor Akbar’s army. The 986-metre stonewall that encloses the magnificent Junagarh Fort has 37 bastions that give it a formidable yet impressive character. The deep stonewall of the fort is a great unconquered symbol, which remained unconquered during the course of its history.

What to see and when to go: Apart from the main Fort it has got many other places like Suraj Pol, Chandra Mahal, Phul Mahal, Karan Mahal, Durga Niwas, Lal Niwas and Anup Mahal. The fort also has an internal museum which host many organized collection of excellent art work. A profusion of mirror work, paintings and lacquer work are something which is unique to this place.

Things to do: Apart from the Fort one can check out nearby places like Lallgarh palace, Gajner palace, Prachina museum, Shri laxminath temple, Bhandeshwar jain temple, Camel breeding farm and Shiv Bari. The Junagarh offers great shopping experience. There are many souvenir shops where one can get to choose vintage textiles and costumes. The galleria which opens its gate at 9 am and closes at 6 pm, offers a wonderful array of traditional handlooms and silver filigree ornaments.

Accommodation: The state of Rajasthan offers royal accommodation by converting some of the palaces into star hotels. Authentic food added with great entertainment is something that should not be missed out. There is good number of budget accommodation available in the price range of 650 to 800 rupees per day.

Hotel Lallgarh Palace Heri
Lallgarh Palace
Bikaner - 334001
Phone : +91 151/523963, 543815, 5
Fax : +91 151/522253

Thar Hotel
PBM Hospital Road
Bikaner - 334001
Phone : +91 151/543050, 71005
Fax : +91 151/525150

Hotel Desert Winds
Adj. M.N. Hospital, Near Karni Stadium
Bikaner - 334001
Phone : +91 151/542202

Mode of transport: The Bikaner Junction is well connected with Jaipur (330 kilometers) Jodhpur (254 kms) and Delhi (488 kilo meters). At present there are no commercial flights to Bikaner. Nearby airports are Jodhpur and Jaipur. A wide network of bus services link Bikaner with several destinations. There is Rajasthan Roadway Deluxe, Super deluxe and AC buses as well as private travels also available from the major cities to make the travel comfortable.

Timings: Museum timings (10 AM to 4.30 PM)

Related links:
• Tourist information: http://www.realbikaner.com/
• Bikaner official site: http://bikaner.nic.in/

See also (nearby places): Jaipur, Agra and Jodhpur are nearby tourist attractions.

Jain Temple At Ranakpur

Introduction and history: The Jain temple is located at Ranakpur which is located between Jodhpur and Udaipur in the Pali district of Rajasthan. The Temple was built by monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, which sprawls about 4,500 square yards basement. The Jainism is a subset of Hindu religion and they follow the teachings of 24 special people, who are known as Tirthankaras.The 24th and most recent Tirthankar is Shri Mahavir, who lived in the fifth century. The Ranakpur Jain temple is the largest Jain temple in India, which is completely made of white marble.

What to see and when to go: The exterior of the temple is impressive, but the real majesty is inside the temple. There are 1,440 columns inside the temple, each intricately carved in a unique design. There are also a number of beautiful carvings on the various domes (shikhara, turrets and cupolas), niches and altars in the temple that are simply incredible. There is also a beautiful carving made out of a single marble rock where there 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails. As the winter season in Rajasthan is extremely cold, it is suggested to visit the place between September and March.

Things to do: As mentioned above Udaipur and Jodhpur are nearby major tourist attractions. The former is an incredibly beautiful small city with tranquil lakes surrounded by gently rolling hills, which is popularly known as “city of lakes”. It has places tourist attractions like Jagdish Temple, Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Jag Mandir and Nathdwara. Jodhpur has Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Osiyan Temple and Kaman Art gallery which should not be missed.

Accommodation and local travel: There are ample numbers of government approved accommodation available in Jodhpur and Udaipur. These two cities are well connected via air and rail ways. The suggestion is to say in either of the places and travel to the Ranakpur temple by taxi.

Maharani Bach Orchard H
Near Ranakpur Temples, Distr. Pali
Sardri
Phone : +91 -2934-3705, 3751

Hotel City Palace **
32, Nai Sarak
Jodhpur
Phone : +91 291/627130, 649911, 4
Fax : +91 291/639033

Galaxy Hotel
Opp. Nai sarak, Outside Sojat Gate
Jodhpur
Phone : +91 291/625098, 620796

Hotel Mayur
140, Nai Sarak
Jodhpur
Phone : +91 291/547411

Hotel Amenity International
Near Central School No. 1, Air Force
Jodhpur
Phone : +91 291/433697
Fax : +91 291/614357

Related links:
• Udaipur tourist information: http://www.udaipurtourism.com/
• Jodhpur official website: http://jodhpur.nic.in/

Interesting tips:
• There is a puja happens at 7 AM in the morning.

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Introduction and history: Amber Fort is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was the old capital of the Rajput Empire, built on 1592 by Maraja Man Singh. It is located on a top of a hill, which gives amazing landscape views. The way to the top a zig-zag route with supreme views .It was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted to present day Jaipur. Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim elements. The fort borders the Maota Lake, and is a major tourist attraction in Rajasthan.

What to see and when to go: Apart from Amber fort, this beautiful tourist city consists of many monuments which include Chandra Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Sisodia Rani ka Bagh. September to March is the ideal time to visit the city.

Accommodation: The state of Rajasthan offers royal accommodation by converting some of the palaces into star hotels. Authentic food added with great entertainment is something that should not be missed out. There is good number of budget accommodation available in the price range of 650 to 800 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: The Jaipur Airport is well connected with other cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur. It has train connection with all major cities in the country. RSTC buses and private luxury buses connect Jaipur with almost all major places of Rajasthan. Local Transport in includes Taxis.

Related Links:
• Official website: http://jaipur.nic.in/
• Tourist information: http://www.pinkcity.net/

See also (nearby places): Jodhpur, Agra and Bikaner are some of the cities near to Jaipur which has got many attractive tourist destinations.