Barmer

Founded by Maharaja Bahada Rao in the 13^th century, Barmer is a small town yet unbelievably lively. Even though this town experience harsh climate and a tough geographic feature, still people carry on with their life without any fuss. Barmer is popular for rich traditional crafts, dances and music. Wood carving, pottery, carpets, intricate embroidery work, block printed fabrics and multi- hued traditional costumes are some of the popular items found in this tiny town. Folk music of Barmer is quite mystic and will have soothing effect on you. The Bhopas or priest singers who are found in large number at Barmer, composes music paying tribute to deities of area and the war heroes.

Another popular folk musician of area belongs to a community known as Muslim Dholis(drummers) who earn their livelihood from music. This town was an important trade route during old days. While on a tour in Barmer, visitors can observe rural Rajasthani villages with mud-walled houses embellished with folk motifs and colourfully dressed villagers. Numerous fairs and festivals are held through out the year in Barmer. The most popular of them is Tilwara cattle fair which is held every year in the month of March at Tilwara village located near the bank of river Luni.

Main Attractions

Barmer is laced with some interesting tourist attractions. Each of these tourists site tells tale of their own which will mesmerize the visitors.

Chintamani Parasnath Jain Temple: Situated in the western part of Barmer, this temple offers breathtaking sight of area as it is perched atop the hill. Built around 12^th century this temple is devoted to Jain Tirthankara Parasvanath. The most unique part of this temple are various decorative paintings that encompasses the interiors of the complex.

Siwana Fort: Located at a distance of 151 km this fort was built by popular Panwar ruler Raja Bhoj's son Veernarayan. Though with time this fort has been damaged a lot, still it house a beautiful pond within the complex. It is believed that Delhi sultanate Alauddin Khilji cornered this fort in the 14^th century but meet with stiff resistance from the local ruler.

Kiradu Ancient Temple: Situated in the Hathma village, the inscription of this ancient temple dates back to 1161 A.D. The inscription describes that Kiradu was once known as Kiratkoop and used to be the capital of Panwara dysnasty.

Nakoda Temple: Parshvanath temple of Nakoda is considered to be one of the important Jain teerth centres of India. This teerth is always teemed with the pilgrims through out the year. Situated atop the high hill, there is a black stone image of Jain saint Parshvanath and idol of Shri Parshwanath Bhagwan. These images are very attractive and followers believe they posses magical power. It is a popular believe here that this temple was built some 2300 years ago by a twin brothers namely Veersen and Nakorsen.

Other than these, Barmer has many more interesting tourist attractions to offer. Innumerable number of interesting and surprising tourist attractions awaits you in this sleep town of Rajasthan.

Desert Festival of Jaisalmer

Desert which is the beautiful creation of nature has always mesmerized people. This festival held every year in the month of February in the majestic city of Jaisalmer celebrate the spirit of desert. Numerous cultural events, camel race, turban tying competitions are held during this festival. Desert city Jaisalmer comes alive during this festival and artists like charmers, puppeteers, acrobats and folk performers flock the city. The rich tradition and culture of Rajasthan is displayed to the outside world during this festival. People dance to the foot tapping performance from local artists and they hum folk ballads of valor, romance and tragedy.

The most attractive part of this festival is sound and light show in the midst of sand dunes of Jaisalmer. Mesmerizing Jaisalmer fort form magical background to the desert festival. This festival is a celebration of Rajasthan's traditional arts and creative crafts. The beautiful golden sand of Thar desert is the added attraction of this festival. This three day event attracts number of foreign tourists who want to explore as much of Rajasthani culture in few days. Desert festival specially focuses on local cultures and heritage with folk song and dance taking central stage.

Main Attractions
Jaisalmer wear a festive look in the days before and during the desert festival. The majestic 12th century Jaisalmer fort built using yellow sandstone forms the brilliant background for this festival. In the last few years this festival has become quite popular with the tourists which include many foreigner. This festival offers once in a lifetime opportunity for the tourist to get closer glance of Rajasthani culture.

Even though this is basically a performing art festival, various other events also take place. Music is key to this festival. Most of the cultural and musical performance take place in evening time. The whole atmosphere lighten up as artists starts belting amazing traditional music. The sound of desert drum echoes to far flung desert land .

In day time, visitors will get chance to see various traditional craft work of Rajasthani people. Traditional items like embroidered skirts, hand-woven shawls, rugs, carving work of wood and stone, leather bags, ethnic silver jewellery grace the market of Jaisalmer during this festival. The last day of festival take place in the famous sam sand dunes during full moon night. Moustache competition held during desert festival is very popular among the tourists. The longest and best maintained moustache is declared as winner. Many tourists queue up to take pictures with the winner. There is also an interesting competition for the best dressed camel. Camel owner fight out to win this coveted award.

Heritage of Rajasthan

Heritage and Rajasthan have often been quite synonymous with each other. The state is home to many mesmerizing historical monuments situated in every region. They are the proud legacy of former Rajput rulers of state. Each region are repleted with forts, palaces and havelis. They are the showpiece of the architectural brilliance of Rajput rulers. The most interesting fact about these monuments is that some legend are associated with all of them. It is believed that former royals were found of lavish and grand lifestyle. These historical monuments are the fine reflection of their personality and lifestyle.

Even though majority of monuments generally reflect lifestyle of former rulers, some of them were built for defense, religious and accommodation purposes. Few of the monuments were built by the rulers out of their jealousy to outshine other king. While most of these monuments are located in the famous cities, some of them can be found in the remote areas too. These lesser known destinations are slowly attracting large number of travelers from across the world. Most of the monuments have been built with mixture of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Some of the Rajput rulers had cordial relation with the Mughal king and were quite inspired by their architecture.

Popular Heritage destinations

Rajasthan is often referred as the land of forts and palaces. The state is laced with some awe-inspiring historical monuments. If we begin the count of these monuments it will never end. Every region and city has some inspiring historical monuments under its belly. The most prominent heritage vacation destinations of Rajasthan are Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bikaner, etc. State capital Jaipur is one of the most famous heritage destinations of India. Fascinating monument which shadow this city are Hawa Mahal, City palace complex, Jaigarh Fort, Amber fort, Jantar Mantar, etc.

Udaipur often termed as lake city is another happening heritage destination of state. City palace, Lake palace, Jag Mandir palace, Sajjangarh fort and Jagdish temple are few of the famous heritage attractions of Udaipur. It was from Udaipur that the concept of heritage hotel started. Lake palace , Jag Niwas palace and Rangniwas palace are the popular heritage hotel of this city. In the last few years lesser known place like Chittorgarh has emerged as an important heritage destination. This town is home to many charismatic heritage enticement like Chittorgarh fort, Rana Kumbh palace, Padmini palace and many more. Cities like Jaisalmer and Jodhpur are the legendary heritage destination of Rajasthan.

The Lake Palace-Udaipur

Lake city Udaipur is one of the most popular travel attraction of the Rajasthan. Replenished with some bewitching forts and palaces, Udaipur has emerged from nowhere to become the most sought after tourist destination of India. This place has amazing landscape with many beautiful lakes adding to its beauty. Known all over the world as a alluring romantic destination, this city houses some fascinating monuments like Lake palace, City palace, Jag Mandir Palace, etc. Among all, the most popular one is The Lake Palace located in the middle of Pichola lake at Jag Niwas Island. It covers an area of 1.5 hectare and was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in the year 1743. This palace which was initially used as summer retreat by the royal family has now been converted into a heritage hotel.

This palace was built on a four acres of natural rock foundation. Located in the midst of beautiful Pichola lake, this magical palace arises like white marble from the deep ocean. This palace is a shining example of the architectural brilliance of former Rajput ruler of Udaipur. Lake palace has a beautiful courtyards which include columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens, all adding to the beauty of this awe-inspiring monument. With cool breeze accompanying you and silent noise of water waves reaching your eyes, visit to Lake palace is something which will remain etched in your memory forever.

Main Attraction of palace
Lake palace is considered to be one of the most beautiful palace of India. The beauty and aura surrounding this palace has wooed many tourists from all over the world. This majestic palace has now been converted into a luxurious heritage hotel. It has 83 rooms which include 53 deluxe rooms and 17 special suites. These rooms and suites have been aesthetically designed with each of them given particular theme and adorn with traditional handicrafts and textiles of the region. Former royal banquet rooms have now been converted to reception rooms, bars and restaurants. This palace has been divided into various apartments like Bada Mahal, Khush Mahal, Sajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal.

Other than this, Lake palace hotel has all the basic modern facilities. It offers several facilities like swimming pool, conference hall and bars. There's Internet connectivity, workstations, multimedia computers, etc. You can enjoy the best of Indian and Continental cuisines at Neel Kamal restaurant located inside the Lake palace. It is the most popular restaurant of hotel and is always teemed with the visitors. They also provide Royal spa facility. Apart from these facilities, it is the sheer history and aura surrounding this magical palace which draws tourists from both India as well as abroad. No doubt, it is the most famous romantic hotel of the world.

Jodhpur – The Blue City

Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination of Rajasthan featuring many palaces, forts and temples. City was founded by Rao Jodha in the year 1459. Old Jodhpur city is surrounded by 10 km long boundary wall which was constructed 100 years after the city was founded.
Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City because of the indigo tinge of whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. City offers large number of tourist spots. Some of the must visit sites of Jodhpur are Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Raj Ranchhodji Temple and Umed Garden.

Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh fort is located on 125 m high hill. It is one of the largest forts of India. Mehrangarh fort reminds of the royal past of the Rajput. There are several attractions inside the fort like palaces, galleries, museum and temples.
Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is located near to the Mehrangarh Fort. Royal cenotaph made up of white marble, Jaswant Thada was built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Grand structure of Umaid Bhawan Palace was built for the purpose of giving employment to the people during the long draught which struck Jodhpur during early 20th century. Construction of the palace started in the year 1929 and took 15 years to complete. Today the palace has been converted into a Heritage hotel, however, royal family still resides in one part of the palace.
Balsamand Lake
Balsamand lake is a man made lake, located 7 km from Jodhpur and is a popular picnic spot. It was built in 1159 A.D. Adjacent to the lake there is palace called Balsamand Palace which was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. Today, Balsamand Palace is a heritage hotel.

Accommodation in Jodhpur
Jodhpur has large number hotels, resorts and guest houses which suit tourists of every budget. There are many heritage hotels which offer royal accommodation with all the modern day facilities and amenities. There are many budget hotels which offer low budget accommodation in Jodhpur city.

Shopping in Jodhpur
Shopping in Jodhpur is an exciting and rewarding experience. City is famous for handicrafts in wood, iron and camel bone. Sadar Market of Jodhpur is the ideal place for buying the handicraft items made by the skilled craftsmen of the region. One can buy Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver jeweleries.

How To Reach
Air
Jodhpur airport has regular domestic flights from Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Jaipur and Udaipur. Airport is about 5 km from the city.
Rail
Jodhpur is well connected by rail from all parts of the country. There is train service for all the major cities of India from Jodhpur.
Road
Road transport corporation of Rajasthan runs buses from Jodhpur for all the cities and towns of Rajasthan.

Jain Temples of Ranakpur

Ranakpur is a small town located in the valleys of Aravalli ranges. Ranakpur is 90 km or 2 hour drive from Udaipur in Rajasthan. Jain temple complex is the main highlight of the Ranakpur town. It is one of the five most revered Jain pilgrim destination in India. The temple attracts thousands of visitors from all over India and world.
These temples were constructed during the period of Rana Kumbha in 15th century. Rana Kumbha donated vast stretch of land to business man Dhanna Shah to realize his dream of contructing a huge temple.
Temple complex is enclosed by a strong wall. Chaumukha temple is the main temple of the complex and is dedicated to Tirthankar Rishabdeoji. Chaumukha temple has a four-faced statue of Rishabdeoji in the inner sanctum. There are four more shrines in the temple having vast halls of 24 pillars and 8 domes which is supported by more than 400 columns. There are 1444 columns in the temple which are intricately carved and the amazing thing about them is that not even two are same. Construction of the temple is very complex with four entrances which leads to the chambers inside. Design of the temple is so complex that it took more than 60 years to complete.
There are two more temples worth visiting in the complex, Parsavanath temple and Sun (Surya) temple. Also, there is a temple dedicated to Amba mata in the complex area. Sun temple has an exquisitely carved idol of Sun God in a chariot driven by seven horses.
There are some more Jain temples nearby Ranakpur. The Muchhal Mahavira temple in Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary is a famous Jain temple having a massive statue of Lord Mahavira with a moustache. Jain Golden temple is another temple near to Ranakpur in Falna town.

Palace on Wheels

Palace on Wheels is one among the 10 most luxurious trains in the world. Train starts from Delhi and covers the tourist destinations of the royal state of Rajasthan along with Agra. This journey offers the real taste of royalty which was once reserved only for the Kings and the high officials of the British empire. Palace on wheels is one of the best ways to explore the incredible and royal land of Rajasthan.
There are 14 saloons with each having 4 luxurious cabins. Each saloon of the train are named after the princely states of Rajasthan – Jaipur, Jodhpur, Alwar, Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, Dungarpur, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer, Sirohi, Bikaner, Udaipur and Kishangarh. Palace on wheels has two restaurants on board offering traditional Indian and Continental cuisine. Palace on Wheels is not only about enjoying royal luxuries of the past but also about all the modern facilities one can think of. Train offers all the facilities of a 5 star hotel.

Journey
Palace on Wheels journey starts from Delhi Cantonment station taking you through some of the exotic destinations of Rajasthan. At each of the destinations, a luxury air conditioned coach takes you to explore the attractions of the place. Attractions include the gorgeous creations of the nature as well as man himself. You will see grand forts, beautiful palaces, exquisitely carved temples and havelis which reminds of the royal past of the state. Also, enjoy exploring the wildlife of the state in the forests and wetlands of Rajasthan.
To know more about the attractions of Rajasthan visit Rajasthan tour.