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.

Camel Safari in Rajasthan

Rajasthan and camel are complementary to each other. It is called the ship of the desert. It is Rajasthan, which invites the tourists to feel the adventure of the camel safari. It is very much popular in Rajasthan to explore the desert land. The most popular place in Rajasthan to explore by camel safari are sands of the boundless Thar Desert and lucid countryside. The camel safari in Rajasthan offers an awesome view of the sand, forts, villages and colourful people.

Safari at the top of the desert ship is most adventurous and exciting. It is really a great rendezvous to explore the Thar desert by camel. It is also a best opportunity to explore the prohibited areas of the desert. These are very much convenient to travel the vast desert miles and miles . The experiences that one gather during the camel safari are really a part of the more treasure memories. The sights you can view like the golden land far and far as the eye can see. The dazzling yellow sand looks like the ocean of gold. On the other hand in the country side you can relish the the pictures like herd of animals roaming purposelessly, kids trotting off to school while the colourful women preparing the food on a dung fire. You can even try the traditional Rajasthani food from the rural kitchen. The hospitality of the Rajasthani people always pull you back to visit them again and again.

In Rajasthan the popular camel safari available in places like - Bikaner
Jaisalmer
Jodhpur
Shekhawati region, and
Pushkar

There are itineraries of 2 to 7 days can be arranged covering near about. 40-50 kms a day on camel. These can be planned in the region of Bikaner, Khimsar, Osian and Jaisalmer. Nights halts are usually given near the village to provide opportunities to mingle with the local village folks and to provide insight to the traditional way of their life and culture.

Note :Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation arranges the camel safari on request from Delhi and Jaipur during Nagaur Fair and Desert Festival.

Elephant festival Jaipur

Every year in the month of March on the occasion of Holi the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur celebrates the majestic occasion of elephant festival. Rows of elephants decorated flawlessly do a catwalk before the en thrilled audience. This festival is held one day before the holi and starts with beautiful procession of different animals like elephants, camels, horses and folk dancers. The elephants are decorated with colourful jhools and jewellery. The female elephants are made to wear anklets and they tinkle as they walk. People sprinkle gulal as the animals walk. These sights are really treat to one's eyes.

The venue of the festival is the famous Chaugan ground of Jaipur. There are competitions are held to enjoy the event fullest. It is the festival of elephants so they are engaged in different races, polo matches, tug of war and exciting fights. The tug of war between men and elephants make people spell bound. Folk dances and music also entertain the tourists. This elephant festival revives the royalty of Jaipur. The elephant festival something different and unusual and surely a special treat to the tourists.

So if you are in Jaipur during Holi, do not miss the opportunity to witness the grand festival. It shows the another colour of the land Rajasthan.

Elephant festival in 2009 - 10th March.

Heritage Hotels in Rajasthan

Who does not like Royal treatment...and yes this can be received in the heritage hotels of Rajasthan. Rajasthan was a land of Royal Rajputs. The palaces and havelies of the royal past still exist. Some of theme are converted in to heritage hotels. The whole Rajasthan is spotted with such royal hotels where you can pamper yourself with royalty which is blended with latest modern amenities.

Since time immemorial, Rajasthan has been the land of the Kings and brave man. Their love for beauty and sense of classic art is reflected in the architecture of the palaces. Which are now heritage hotels. There are numerous luxurious heritage hotels in Rajasthan. The stay of any of these hotels is much more than a simple holiday. It is one of a kind experience, where you can imitate the life style of Maharaja.
Spreaded over miles of golden sand these heritage hotels stand as a testimonial to the grandure and glory of the bygon era. All the heritage hotels are meticulously planned and redone to cater the need of the tourists. These are perfect option to feel the place. The lavish style and rustic background along with warm hospitality the heritage hotels of Rajasthan give an unforgettable impression on the travelers mind.
Since your welcome in to the heritage hotels you will feel special. One attender will be there to attend you with colourful costume. You will be amazed by the fuurniture, murals, and decors that tell the story of the bygone era.
So get ready to live a life of Royal style in the heritage hotels of Rajasthan. You can choose your stay from the innumerable heritage hotels. Some are like -Rambagh Palace Jaipur, Royal Castle, Hotel Gorbandh Palace Jaisalmer, Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur, Lallgarh palace Bikaner and many more. It should mention here that these heritage hotels are so popular among the foreigners that some of the famous people made these heritage hotels as the venue for their wedding.