Three days’ Celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi at Ranthambore, September01, 2011

Hovering on Ranthambore Fort is the place of worship of Lord Ganesha. Each year thousands of people assemble here in tribute of Lord Ganesha’s birthday, in the month of August – September.

Ganesh Chaturthi holds a special place in Ranthambore and Sawai Madhopur and is celebrated to commemorate the origin of Lord Ganesh, who is said to have been born on this day. The Ganesha temple in the fort of Ranthambore is one of the most eminent Ganesha temples of Rajasthan. On this day, thousands of devotees visit the temple.  The area has its own share of markets where you can find general merchandise and small trinkets to shop for. A completely religious picture of Ranthambore is portrayed during the festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi.

It is a sacred festival of Hindus that is celebrated with zest and devotion in all overIndia. But the festivities at Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore are some what special. Marking the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, celebrating this religious event has become inherent in the lives of people who dedicate this festival to their god of prosperity with full reverence.

There are many religious rites and rituals that take place inside the temple. People sing devotional “bhajans” and do “kirtans” in the temple premises. The idol of the deity is painted in bright orange color and decorated with sparkling ornaments. It is also offered garlands that are made of flowers of marigold. Some people observe fast on Ganesh Chaturthi. After all the religious ceremonies are over, the sacred idol of Ganesha is immersed in holy waters. The markets at Ranthambore sell idols of deities, eatables, and other pieces of antiquities.

 

Quick Bytes

Location : Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan

Venue : Ranthambore Fort

Months of Celebration : September

Period of Celebration : Three days

Category : Religion/Culture

Deity : Lord Ganesha

Event Start : 1st September, 2011

How to reach there : Buses and trains form Jaipur.

 

 

Mewar Sound and Light Show Starting From September01, 2011

Fifteen centuries of intriguing Mewar history is squeezed into one atmospheric hour of commentary and light switching.

Mewar Sound and Light Show

It is India’s first sound and light show produced by a non-governmental private organization. The hi-tech extravaganza, conducted every evening at the magnificent Manek Chowk in The City Palace Complex, brings alive the rich history of the House of Mewar for domestic and foreign visitors alike. The show has been created to spread awareness, interest and pride in the history of Mewar that stretches back to 1500 years. It is the deep baritone voice of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, the present Custodian of the House of Mewar, which welcomes guests at the start of the son et lumiere and sets the mood for the evening. The 12 episodes in the show, spanning one hour, recreate the devotion of the dynasty’s founding father Bapa Rawal, the glory of Rani Padmini and Chittorgarh, the sacrifice of Panna Dhai before moving to present the establishment ofUdaipur in the sixteenth century.

The son et lumiere is thus a journey through the glorious history of Mewar, a celebrated chapter in the history ofIndia.

The show in Hindi, titled Yash ki Dharohar has the script written by Pandit Narendra Mishra, the official court-poet of the House of Mewar. The richness of the Hindi language, and the poetic compositions in veer-ras, are an auditory treat for the lovers of this language.

It follows the English production in style and flourish, all the while maintaining the subtleties and flavor that the Hindi language lends to the dramatic and traumatic history of Mewar over 1500 years.

 

Timings:

Show in Hindi: 8 pm to 9 pm (May to September)
Show in English: 7 pm to 8 pm (October to September), 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm (April)

Duration: 60 Minutes

Entry Fee:

Entry ticket for the show in English:

Seating at the elevated Hathnal ki Chandni: Rs.400 per Adult, Rs.150 per child between 8 to 12 years, free for children up to 7 years

Seating at ground-level at The Manek Chowk: Rs.150 per Adult, Rs.75 per child between 8 to 12 years, free for children up to 7 years

Entry ticket for the show in Hindi:

Seating at the elevated Hathnal ki Chandni: Rs.200 per Adult, Rs.100 per child between 8 to 12 years, free for children upto 7 years

Seating at ground-level at The Manek Chowk: Rs.100 per Adult, Rs.50 per child between 8 to 12 years, free for children upto 7 years

 

Bikaner: Explore the Real Rajasthan.

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If ever beauty has bloomed in a desert, it has been at Bikaner. Founded in 1488, Bikaner is a desert built on an elevation and surrounded by a long embattled wall pierced by  five gates.  Bikaner is situated in the north-west of Rajasthan and it can legitimately boast of some unique architectural marvels of India. It has an ancient fort unparallel in its splendour. It can boast of many attractions for anyone interested in culture or art or architecture. Apart from Junagarh fort, Jain temples like Bhandasar temple, Neminath temple, Adeshwar temple are simply adorable. Lallgarh Palace is built in Victorian style but its stone and wood carvings are typical combinations of Mughal and Rajput art developing a typical bikaneri flavor of architecture. Carvings find best expression in Bikaneri havelies. Havelies are marvels in home architecture. Such havelies or residential houses do not exist anywhere in the world. They are the pride of Bikaner, says great author and philosopher, Aldous Huxley. They are situated in narrow lanes in the old city. Splendid abodes can be seen in the midst of streets that look serpent like and peaceful.

Sheer beauty in the desert is the royal fortified city of Bikaner. Lying at the northern tip of the famous triangle of the desert cities, Bikaner is a beautiful medival town. The genesis of Bikaner dates back to 1488, when a Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, son of Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur, chose a barren wilderness called ’Jangladesh’ and transformed it to a charming city called ’Bikaner’, after the founder’s name. Its location on the ancient caravan routes, which linked Central Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports, made Bikaner a bustling trade centre in the times of yore.

Bikaner’s forts, palaces and temples – magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living manifestations of its rich historical and architectural legacy. One can feel the medieval aura pervading the city’s lifestyle.  Not only do the traditions come alive here in colourful bazaars and havelis, but Bikaner is also famous for the best riding camels in the world. One can  witness gaily caparisoned camels at the spectacular Camel Festival at Bikaner, held annually.

BikanerBy Air

The nearest airport toBikanerisJodhpur, which is nearly 250 km away. This is a domestic airport, connecting to metros inIndiaand some few other cities in North. Taxi fare is about Rs 2000 fromJodhpurtoBikaner.

Airports near Bikaner	Type	Aerial Distance
JodhpurAirport(JDH)	Domestic	199 km
JaisalmerAirport(JSA)	Domestic	302 km
IndiraGandhiIntlAirport,Delhi(DEL)	International	439 km
ChatrapatiShivajiInternationalAirport, Mumbai (BOM)	International	995 km

BikanerBy Train

Bikanerrailway station is well connected to the cities ofDelhi,Jodhpur, Jaipur, Kalka,Howrahand Bhatinda. Bikaner Express and Bikaner Mail are commonly preferred trains.

Bikaner By Bus

Plenty of bus services are available from Bikaner to Delhi, Jodhpur, Agra, Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Udaipur and Kota. State owned bus tariff is about Rs 1.5 per km and luxury coaches charges Rs 3 per km.

Bon Voyage 🙂 

Pushkar…… A Pilgrimage In Paradise.

Pushkar is one of the frequently visited tourist destinations of Rajasthan. Characterised by a picturesque valley, mountainous regions, uncommon scenic spots, and several pilgrimage sites of importance, Pushkar is known all over. It also makes one of the revered Hindu pilgrimage sites of India and houses the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. The flow of tourists to Pushkar increases exceptionally during the time of the camel fair. The locals here are very hospitable and they dress up with their best during this much-awaited camel fair. Their colourful veils, turbaned heads, and colourfully dyed skirts, with sounds of the ektara and the soulful tunes of the Rajasthani folk songs make the nights of the Pushkar equally pleasing.

Major Attractions

• Brahma Temple
• Pushkar Lake
• Pushkar Bazaar
• Savitri Temple
• Mahadeva Temple
• Rangji Temple
• Varaha Temple
• Man Mahal

 

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By Air

Jaipur, the nearest airport is 138 kms. (86 miles).

By Rail

Ajmer is connected to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Abu Road and Jodhpur by regular trains. Two of the best trains of the Indian Railways, Pink City Express and Shatabdi Express connect Ajmer to Delhi and Jaipur.

By Road

  A dense network of bus service operates from Ajmer to key destinations around. Distance from important tourist centres is : –
– Jaipur: 138 kms. (86 miles).
– Delhi: 392 kms. (244 miles).
– Ahmedabad: 526 kms. (327 miles).
– Jaisalmer: 490 kms. (304 miles).
– Bikaner: 233 kms. (145 miles).

The Land of Colors ‘Jaipur’! A Shopper’s Paradise.

Jaipur is a city of vibrant colors and markets (bazaars) of Jaipur verify this fact. Jaipur’s colorful markets offer a great deal of stuffs for a complete delight. How many times has it happened, you went out and couldn’t stop your self from spending on those beautiful hanging dupattas or bangles or may be the home décor stuff.  . While moving through the markets, you will come across the vivacious culture of this region. Jaipur is the perfect place to shop for Handicrafts, antiques, jewelry, gems, pottery, carpets, textiles, metalwork and leather ware.

In Jaipur, there are many markets to present you the art and craft of Rajasthan. Kishanpol Bazar, Haldiyon Ka Rasta, Maniharon Ka Rasta, M.I. Road, Jauhari Bazar, Bapu Bazar, Nehru Bazaar are the main markets of Jaipur. Jauhari bazaar glitters with jewelries embedded with precious stones and gems. Moreover, one can also get ethnic saris and dress materials from this shopping market. Bapu Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar are ideal for shopping special shoes made out of camel skin. Others include textiles, local scents and perfumes besides bags and belts. M.I. Road market provides you with ethnic kundan jewelry, earthen potteries, brass articles and excellent wood articles. If you are looking for beautiful and cheap ornaments like colorful bangles, then step into the Tripolia Bazaar and Chaura Rasta market place.  One cannot define in words, the assortment of products, which these markets offer. This colorful city really gives an actual experience of delighting shopping.

Shopping is really an electrifying activity in Jaipur. If you don’t visit these markets of Jaipur, you will be definitely at amiss. A shopping spree in Jaipur’s markets is an absolute fun. How many of you agree that there is no place other than Jaipur to give such satisfaction and delight in Shopping. From the most exclusive designer stores to market stalls, there is something for everyone.

Visit Travel & Tourism Fair From 2’nd to 4’th Sept 2011 at Nehru Centre Worli, Mumbai.

Travel & Tourism Fair…
India’s Biggest, Oldest & Most Successful Travel Exhibition..

TTF is India’s leading exhibition for the travel & tourism industry.  Since 1989, it provides an annual opportunity for organisations from India and abroad to showcase their products and services to a large cross-section of the travel trade industry and customers across major markets in India.

All the major travel and tourism service providers are participating in TTF. The Hotels and tourism service providers of Rajasthan would participate under the Rajasthan Tourism Pavilion.

TTF MUMBAI is being organized from 2’nd to 4’th Sept 2011 @ Nehru Centre WORLI..

For More Details log on to http://www.ttfotm.com/ttf/index.html

Jaisalmer: A Journey Through the Sands of Time.

The medieval fortress town of Jaisalmer rises out of the far reaches of the Thar Desert, like a city located at the very end of the world. The best time is now to come to explore the beautiful sand dunes of Rajasthan.

 

According to mythology, after the epic battle of the Mahabharat, Lord Krishna and Bhima came here for a ceremony. Looking around him, Lord Krishna prophesied that a descendent of his Yadav clan would some day establish a glorious kingdom here. Then with his discus, he smote a rock and a sweet water spring immediately burst forth.

In 1156, this prophecy came true when a young Yadav prince, Rao Jaisal set up a kingdom here and became the first of many, many generations of maharawals.

Today the fort of Jaisalmer rises out of the desert, looking like a gigantic child’s sand castle, or like the set of a desert castle in some Hollywood epic production of Beau Geste. It is, in fact, the ultimate in desert forts, dominating the landscape for miles around, as it has for hundreds of years. One of the fascinating things about it is its very colour — its massive sandstone walls are a tawny lion-color during the day, but turn to a magical honey-gold as the sun sets.

Twenty-six miles west of Jaisalmer lie the famed sand dunes of Sam. They have an awesome primeval beauty about them, their silken smooth sands sculpted into huge rippled hummocks by the scorching winds. The best way to get there, of course, is on camel-back, an adventurous, Lawrence-of-Arabia-esque journey, that takes two days –and two spectacular nights, camping under the desert star scape.

The bazaars of Jaisalmer are a great place to browse, and as you wander through its narrow alleyways, you are transported back to the time when the products of India and China were exchanged here for the products of Arabia, Persia, Africa and Europe… when chintz, dried fruit, opium, silks, weapons and salt were exchanged for elephant tusks, dates, sandalwood, spaces and coffee.

Today you can shop here for everything from colorful mirror-worked embroidery, tie-and-dyed fabrics, soft camel skin mojris, desert rugs and wood-carvings. Jaisalmer is also a great place to shop for chunky silver jewellery — Different items of jewellery designed to be worn on almost every conceivable part of the human anatomy — including an ornament called a chupara, designed to be worn on the teeth.

Jaisalmer is famed, too, for its ancient Jain temples, one of which — the Sambhavnath temple — houses a fabulous library of manuscripts, including the oldest surviving manuscript in India, believed to have been written by the great 11th century sage, Dronacharya himself.

Fact file

By Road: Jaisamlmer is connected by road with Jaipur 340 Kms, Mount Abu 325 Kms, Udaipur 260 Kms, Delhi 595 Kms, Bombay 1050 Kms, Jodhpur 290 Kms, Bikaner 330 Kms and Ajmer by 500 Kms.

By Rail: Connected by rail with Jodhpur which takes at least an overnight journey.
Jodhpur to Jaisalmer (Jaisalmer Express – 4810) Daily, Time: 22.55 (Subject to Change)

By Air: Connected by Air with Mumbai by Alliance Air, check your Schedule and plan accordingly to save the Time.

Shekhawati, The Land of Conversing Frescoes and Beautiful Havelis.

Be it the sumptuous kair-sangri, gatta, bajre ki roti or the conversing frescos in once alive havelis, the realm of Shekhawati echos of the immensely rich and endless past. The sinking sun shedding a soft glow over the golden and spirited sand is simply mesmerizing. One sight enlivens the still but eventful legacy of Shekhawati and holds you spellbound. Such is the magic of this region. Shekhawati is a semiarid dreamscape of dazzling fields, fluttering fabrics and open-air picture galleries. A short skip from Jaipur, the region is crisscrossed by narrow near-country roads that lead to half-forgotten villages and wholly hidden havelis. Each stop on the hop-along highways offers secret treasures (some slowly sinking in the sand) lacquered in rich and varied hues.

Shekhawati is also the home to various small fortresses, minor castles, mosques, wells (baolis) and also a deer sanctuary. Ideally the region should be traversed on a Horse Safari or a Camel Safari to enjoy the semi desert formation and these well preserved painted Havelis. Being the northern most portion of Rajasthan it is common to find the locals as mostly Rajasthanis and Marwaris. The populace is genial and open and any visitor is welcomed with open arms and a small tablet of opium (Rajasthani tradition).

The climate varies to the extremes and it is advisable to carry the woolens if the travel is planned during Oct-Feb. There are many tourist spots within the region and stay at one of the Palace turned Hotels would be memorable. The palaces, most of them, have now been turned into luxurious hotels complete with all royal facilities and services.

Even though Shekhawati region is easily accessible from Delhi and Jaipur, still this treasure seems to miss the eye of the domestic tourist. And to such an extent that even the local tourist industry is more geared to cater to the foreign tourists, who come in droves here, than to the Indians.

By Road:

The best option to discover Shekhawati. NH8 till Dharuhera is like a dream, but the road from Rewari onwards is congested and bumpy. En route halts Haryana Tourism’s Jungle Babbler at Dharuhera.

By Rail:

Shekhawati has several stations Best option TO Shekhawati Express (dep: Delhi Sarai Rohilla 11 pm; arr: Jhunjhunu 5.11 am, Dundlod 5.56 am) Best option FROM Shekhawati Express (dep: Nawalgarh 9.24 pm, Dundlod 9.43 pm, Jhunjhunu 10.27 pm; arr: Sarai Rohilla 5.40 am) Warning Get a pick-up from your hotel because of the early-morning arrival.

By Air:

Nearest International airport is Jaipur.

Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival Begins From 12th October, 2011

Started in 2007, the Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) brings together more than 250 Musicians and performing artists from across Rajasthan and around the world to celebrate their musical heritage and create new sounds through innovative collaborations, for five days in October each year.

Timed to coincide with the brightest full moon of the year in north India, Sharad Poornima, Jodhpur RIFF features a series of spectacular concerts and events based in and around Mehrangarh Fort – voted “Asia’s Best Fortess” by Times Magazine.

The next festival takes place from 12th – 16th October 2011 and the online booking for passes is open from 18th August, 2011.

Jodhpur RIFF includes performances by master musicians from local Rajasthan communities, sensational headline acts showcased each night on the Main Stage, and cutting-edge global dance grooves that will keep the party going late into the night at Club Mehran. Interactive daytime sessions for visitors, school children and families are staged against the breathtaking backdrop of the Fort.

The Jodhpur RIFF is a joint initiative of the Mehrangarh Museum Trust and the Jaipur Virasat Foundation.

For more information, email on info@jodhpurfolkfestival.org  Website : http://www.jodhpurfolkfestival.org

Ranthambore National Park, Much More Than Just About Tigers !

Ranthambore National Park is in Sawai Madhopur District of Rajasthan state. Located at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill range, this is one of the finest places to view animals, especially as they are used to being stared at here. Ranthambore is more than just about tigers, although the striped beast is undoubtedly its star attraction. Spread across about 1,300 square kilometres in Eastern Rajasthan, the park is among India’s largest tracts of bush forest and for that reason, a unique habitat for the Bengal tiger, which is more typically found in the denser dry deciduous forests of Central and Southern India. Another novelty is the 1,000-year old fort, which winds around central parts of the reserve, seasoning the tourist’s already overflowing plate with some history and culture — this is, after all, Rajasthan!

The sandstone fort encompasses about 70 sq.km and boasts of hoary lineage that dates back to Prithviraj Chauhan, whose grandson, Govind, is said to have been its first occupant. The fort’s strategic location and soaring walls helped it repulse an impressive list of invaders including Alauddin Khilji, Qutb-ud-Din Aibak and Feroze Tughlaq before succumbing to the Mughals in the 1500s who, in turn passed it on to the Maharaja of Jaipur in the 17th-Century.

Ranthambore National Park is dotted with structures that remind you of bygone eras. There are many water bodies located all over the park, which provide perfect relief during the extremely hot summer months for the forest inhabitants. A huge fort, after which the park is named, towers over the park atop a hill. There are many ruins of bygone eras scattered all over the jungle, which give it a unique, wonderful and mixed flavor of nature, history and wildlife. Tigers at RanthamboreNational parkhave been known to even hunt in full view of human visitors. These tigers are famous for being seen in the daytime too, due to their lack of fear of human presence in vehicles. This lack of fear of humans is excellent for tourists, as they get to see the tigers often.

This National park is a wildlife enthusiast and photographer’s dream. It offers excellent accommodation and internal transportation facilities. The park remains open every year from October to May. Famous for the exciting and frequent tiger sightings captured dramatically in several books, this park is today affected by ecological pressures and poaching.

In Nutshell,Ranthambore National park is a wildlife enthusiast and photographer’s dream. It offers excellent accommodation and internal transportation facilities and remains open every year from October to Mid June.

 Facts You Must Know

Ranthambore is about half an hour by road from Sawai Madhipur on the Mumbai Delhi Railway line. Jaipur is the closest airport (above five hours).

Safari trips are usually arranged by hotels in Ranthambore in either a Canter or a Gypsy. A Gypsy (jeep) is less intrusive but difficult to find and more expensive. Spend some time inquiring around the forest gate.

Accommodation to suit all budgets is available at Ranthambore. Book your stay a month before the season (October to June) to avoid disappointment.