North India Travel Guide » Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Pushkar Travel Guide

Jaipur Travel Guide

Jaipur is capital of Rajasthan, also known as the Pink city. The colour pink is associated with culture. There is a timeless appeal in the colourful bazaars of Jaipur, where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinklets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvellous heritage hotels, which were once the residence of Maharajas, are worthy of admiration. one.

History
Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. The ancient heart of the pink city, still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues, that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall. A young Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, formalised the plans of the city, in a grid system. The wide straight avenues, roads, streets, lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of the main bazaars, were arranged in nine rectangular city sectors (Chokris), in accordance with the principles of town planning set down in the Shilpa Shastra - an epochal treatise on the Hindu architecture.

How to Reach
By Air - Jaipur is well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Rajkot, Aurangabad, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad.

By Rail - Jaipur is the main railhead and has excellent connection with Delhi, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Secunderabad, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai and Kolkata.

By Road - Jaipur is on National Highway No. 8 connecting Delhi to Mumbai via Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur and Ahmedabad.

Tourist Places

Samod
40 km north-west of Jaipur. The beautiful Samode Palace, has been rebuilt and renovated and provides a fine example of the Rajput haveli architecture and is an ideal spot for outgoings.

Ramgarh Lake
At 32 km north-east of Jaipur. A huge artificial lake, was created, by constructing a high bund admist tree covered hills. While the temple of Jamwa Mata and the ruins of the old fort, are some of its antiquities, its beautiful landscape, especially during monsoons, makes it an idyllic picnic spot.

Nahargarh
A sentinel to the Pink City, is Nahargarh Fort, situated beyond the hills of Jaigarh. Although much of it is in ruins, the lovely building, added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II provides interest to the fort.

Sanganer
At a distance of 12 km away from Jaipur city,Sanganer is located on the Tonk road. In addition to its ruined palaces, Sanganer ,has exquisitely carved Jain temples. The town is entered though the ruins of two tripolias (Triple gateways). The town is an important centre for the crafts industry and produces some of the finest hand printed textiles, from units of block and screen printers. This textile is popular all over the country and abroad. It is well connected by roads from Jaipur, apart from other cities.

Amer Palace
A beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh, over a period of about two centuries, still stand in a magnificent state. The palace complex, emerges dramatically from the placid waters of the Maotha Lake and is approachable only through a steep path. Tourists often ride on the elephant back to the Singh Pol and the Jaleb Chowk. Two flights of stairs rise from one end of the chowk, one leading to the Shila Mata Temple and other to the palace complex. The image of the patron goddess, worshipped by thousands of devotees, was brought from Jessore in East Bengal (now in Bangladesh) by Raja Man Singh, to be installed here. A spectacular pillared hall-- Diwan-e-Aam and a double storeyed painted gateway, Ganesh Pole, dominate the front courtyard. An elegant tiny garden in Charbag style, beyond the corridors, has Sukh Niwas to its right and Jas Mandir to its left. The latter combines the Mughal and Rajput architecture, seen in its beautiful interior with intricately carved Jali screens, delicate mirror and stucco work and painted and carved dadoes. The well proportioned Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Maotha Lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provides a spectacular view of the palaces above.

The City Palace
In the heart of the old city, is the former royal residence, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The carved arches, are supported by grey-white marble columns, ornate with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones. Two carved elephants in marble, guard the entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers serve as guides. The Palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury, of Mughals and Rajputs, including swords, of different shapes and sizes with chased handles, some of them inlaid with enamel and embellished with jewels, and encased in magnificent scabbards. The palace also has an art gallery, with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works, in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II, to study astronomy in detail. The palace is within city limits and accessible by road.

Jantar Mantar
This stone observatory, is the largest of Jai Singhs five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments, whose settings and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medievial Indian astronomy. The most striking of these, are the Ram Yantras used for guaging altitudes.

Hawa Mahal
Built in 1799 A.D.,the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, is a major Rajput landmark. This five storey building, along the main street of the old city, is in pink splendour, with semioctagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows. The monument was originally conceived, with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household, to watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.

Govind Devji Temple
This is the most popular spireless temple of Jaipur, and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located in the central pavilion of the Jai Niwas Garden to the north of Chandra Mahal. The image of the patron Deity-Govind Devji, originally installed in a temple at Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh as his family deity.

Albert Hall Museum
A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarlum, a museum and a popular sports ground. It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II in 1868 A.D. as a famine relief project. The Albert Hall, a fine example of Indo-Sarcenic style of architecture, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, was opened later with an exquisite collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative wares, natural history specimen, an Egyptian mummy and the celebrated Persian carpet. Recently, the Rabindranath Manch, with an auditorium, a modern art gallery and an open air theatre, has been added to promote cultural events.

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Jaisalmer Travel Guide

Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert, like a golden mirage, is the magical city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone, stands with all its awesome splendour, dominating the amber - hued city. With the crenellated golden sandstone town walls and narrow, streets, lined with exquisitely carved buildings, through which camel carts trundle leisurely, it has an extraordinarily medieval feel and an incredible atmosphere. The fort inside, perched on its hilltop, contains some gems of Jain temple building, while beautifully decorated merchants havelis, are scattered through the town. Jaisalmer gives convenient access to the surrounding desert wilderness, sand dunes and oasis villages, ideal for camel rides and safaris.

History
An interesting legend associates this city. Lord Krishna foretold Arjuna, that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan, would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy came true in 1156 AD, when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill. These Rajputs lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silk and spices, that crossed the territory enroute to Delhi or Sind, earning the town great wealth. As a major staging post on the trade route, the merchants prospered and invested in building beautiful houses and temple. But maritime trade between India and the West, came to a decline and ceased altogether in 1947.

Culture
The life within the citadel, conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes, strewn with magnificent palaces, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. Folk dances, exciting competitions, turban-tying contest, Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities during the Desert festival. Colourful craft bazaars and a sound and light spectacle, is oraganised with folk artistes performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night.

Climate & Geogaphical Location
Jaisalmer is very hot and dry in summer and extremely cold in winter. It is situated deep in the heart of the Thar desert, at an altitude of 225 metres.

How to Reach
By Air - Jodhpur at 285 km is the convenient airport and is well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Rajkot, Aurangabad, Jaipur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad.

By Rail - The nearest railhead is Jodhpur and is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Kota, Bikaner, Ahmedabad and all other major cities in the country. The Palace on Wheels, also visits this city of Royal splendour.

By Road - A good network of roads joins Jaisalmer with many destinations in and around Rajasthan.

Tourist Places

The Fort- Jaisalmer
The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis, three beautifully sculptured Jain temples dating between the 12th-15th century AD and five interconnected palaces. These fort temples are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras - Rishabdev, Sambhavnath and Parswanath. The fort is approaced through four gateways-Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.

Gadsisar Lake A scenic rain water Lake, with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.

Nathmaiji-ki-Haveli
This late 19th century haveli, with intricate architecture - a display of sheer craftsmanship. The left and right wings of the mansion, which were carved by two brothers, are not identical, but very similar and balanced in design. The interior walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings.

Patwon-ki-Haweli
The most elaborate and magnificient of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.

Salim Singh-ki-Haweli
This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone, is covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey. The mansion is one of the most notables of the array of havelis.

Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh is a fertile oasis on the bank of an artificial lake. It is surrounded by dense trees and royal cenotaphs, with beautifully carved ceilings and equestrian statues of the former rulers. Much of the city''s fruits and vegetables are grown here.

Amar Sagar
Amar Sagar is a pleasant garden,, beside a lake with mango and other fruit trees. Beautifully carved Jain temples ,add to its splendour.

Sam Sand Dunes
No trip is complete to Jaisalmer,, without a trip to the picturesque sand dunes of Sam. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes, that create an enchanting mirage, are a sure delight for a trigger-happy photographer. Various cultural programmes are organised, against the backdrop of these fascinating sand dunes. Exciting camel safaris, allow you to get the real feel of the desert on the camels back.

Lodurva
At a distance of 16 km from the city, lies Lodurva the ancient capital of Jaisalmer. An important pilgrim spot of the Jain community with some magnificent Jain temples, the Toran or the orante arches at the main entrance of the temples and its splendid carvings are noteworthy. A Kalpataru or a divine tree within, is the main attraction of the temples.

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Pushkar Travel Guide

For a devout Hindu Pushkar is a very important pilgrim centre, for one visit to this holy place in a lifetime is highly prescribed.

Brahma forms the great Hindu trilogy of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, each symbolising the lifecycle of birth, preservation and destruction. Brahma the creator is depicted as of four bearded heads and four hands each holding a book of Vedas (knowledge). His vehicle is the swan and his consort is Savitri. According to the legend Pushkar means a pond created by flower, was formed when Brahma dropped a lotus flower on the earth to determine a place for his yagna, a holy sacrifice. The story goes that Brahma wanted to perform the yagna at the most auspicious time but his consort Savitri whose presence at the yagna was vital for its performance kept him waiting. Irritated by this Brahma married Gayatri, a milkmaid and installed her instead. Savitri on seeing someone else in her place was infuriated and cursed Brahma that he would be forgotten by people on earth and never worshiped. She relented on pleas from other Gods that he could only be worshiped in Pushkar, hence there are no Brahma Temples elsewhere.

Pushkar is a much loved tourist destination, many who visit there just fall in love with the place and overstay. Situated on the edge on the desert it is separated from Ajmer by the Nag Parbat (the snake hill). The town has very distinct tourist excitement with narrow lanes lined with shops selling various accessories and rooftop restaurants. Despite its high tourist profile the town maintains some mystical charm.

Pushkar Fair
Pushkar is world famous for its cattle fair normally held in the Hindu month Kartika, which is around Oct-November. At this time the town jam-packed with tribal people from all over Rajasthan and tourist. It is commonly known as Camel fair, bringing with them several camels and cattle to the pilgrimage. A Fair ground is fashioned and is packed with shops selling souvenirs and eateries. Games and circus shows also goes on. And villagers come sell camels, horses, elephants and cattle and other livestock. Elaborate arrangement for staying of visitors is made including luxury tents. Just don’t miss the Pushkar Fair if you are India around that time.

Brahma Temple
This is the only existing temple dedicated to lord Brahma and was constructed in the 14th century, standing on a high plinth with marble steps leading up to it.

A beautiful carved silver turtle sits on the floor facing the sanctorum or Garbha Griha. The marble floor around the silver turtle is embedded with hundreds of silver coins, with donors name engraved on them.

Old Rangji Temple
Lord Rangji is an carnation in of lord Vishnu. This temple was built in 1823 by Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal of Hyderabad.This temple is unique due to confluence of South Indian style (Dravid) Rajput and Mughal style of architecture.

Camel Safari
There are quite a few people in Pushkar who offer horse or camel safari. Camel safaris are a splendid way of taking in the sights and experiencing the rugged beauty of the desert. The camels may look aloof, but they are known as the lifeline for the desert people, whose major mode of transportation depends on camels only, also known as the "Ship of the desert".

Pushkar Lake
The pious Pushkar Lake, believed to have been created by the falling of lotus from the hand of Lord Brahma. It is considered to be as old as the creation. The lake is considered as one of the most sacred spots, and believed that one dip in the waters of lake on Kartika Poornima is equivalent to performing yagnas for several hundred years.

The charming lake amidst the hills has fifty-two bathing ghats, built around lake. The water around each ghat is supposed to have special powers. The Naga Kund is belived to give fertility, Roop Tirth gives beauty and charm, Kapil Vyapi Kund water helps in curing leprosy and a dip in the Mrikand Muni Kund grants the boon of wisdom.

Places to See

Savitri Temple
A temple dedicated to the first wife of Lord Brahma the Savitri temple is located on the hill behind the Brahma Temple which can be reached by a flight of steps. The temple offers a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding desertscape.

Man Mahal
On the banks if pushkar is the magnificent palace built by Raja Man Singh 1 of Amer now converted into the RTDC Hotel sarovar it offers a comfortable accommodation to the visitors.

The Brahma Temple
It is the only temple in India dedicated to Lord braham. The temple is marked by a red spire and over the entrance gateway us a beautiful statue carrier of Lord Brahma.

Shopping
An array of stalls all along the main bazar are renowed for embroidered fabrics and shoes colourful beads and bangles, brass utensils, belts studded with brass, cloth covers for cammels with mirror work colourful saddles and leather goods beautiful wall hanging and shoulder bags.
The prime shopping spots are home circus, Bazar, Sarafa bazar, Malakhera Bazar and kedalganj Bazar.

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North India Travel Guide
Delhi Travel Guide	Agra Travel Guide
Varanasi Travel Guide	Khajuraho Travel Guide
Jaipur Travel Guide	Jaisalmer Travel Guide
Pushkar Travel Guide