Travel to Incredible Destinations of Rajasthan!

Every tourist place in Rajasthan has a story to tell. While in some, sculptures become alive, narrating tales of bygone times where some weave poetry of love and saga, some chronicles make their way to museums; some depict the saga of war and fortitude through miniature statues and through sound and light shows, while others through puppetries and dances.

Jaipur the capital city also known as the ‘Pink City’ is definitely a ‘must-see’ tourist place in Rajasthan. The city with its sheer beauty is any shopper’s paradise and no woman would want to hold onto her purse strings!

Udaipur’s City Palace and the Lake Pichola are both synonymous as places of tourist interest in Rajasthan. Apart from Fateh Prakash Palace and Jag Niwas, Udaipur also is convenient while planning excursions to Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur’s  Jain Temples, Haldighati, Ghanerao, Eklinji Temple and Nathdwara.

Set amidst the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur are both romantic cities to reckon with. Your trip is incomplete without a camel-ride.

Patriots must visit Chittaurgarh which resonates with the legend of Rani Padmini and the shrieks of women who willingly undertook Johaur.

Called the ‘Camel Country’, Bikaner has a Research Institute for Camels and is also famous for the Karni Mata Temple where rats are revered!

If you think places of tourist interests in Rajasthan revolve around sand dunes, you’re mistaken, for Mount Abu is actually a hill station which offers you the solitude within its many pretty cottages that came up during the British rule.

Arty folks have much to look forward to in Bundi that displays Rajput architecture and has the Bundi School of Art. Kota is another city that has gained prominence on the map owing to the exquisite Kota Doria sarees in charming floral prints. It also boasts of dams and quaint Havelis and temples.

Shekawati or the Garden of Shekas( a ruler) is a maze of Havelis where walls are adorned with paintings of caparisoned elephants and horses, thus rendering the name ‘open art gallery’ to the place!

Ajmer is a confluence of cultures, with Muslims have a Dargah(mosque) and the British having chosen Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College which today is a prominent public school. Just 4 kms away is the sacred Pushkar Lake, which hosts the Pushkar Mela too. The one and only Brahma and Saraswati Temples in the world are situated in Pushkar!

Your interest as a tourist in Rajasthan is not limited to the quiet and magnificent alone; for there is the wild side of the state, which can be explored with a visit to Ranthambore which houses a National Park-home to tigers, leopards, owlets, hyena, langurs and wild boars.

Bharatpur which derives its name from the loyal brother of Lord Rama also houses a National Park and the hatching field of crocodiles. The place dates also in the epic Mahabharata days where the Matsya kingdom had flourished.

The Sariska Tiger Sanctuary is located in Viratnagar. Viratnagar dates back to the stone- age, with many natural cave and rock shelters found here!

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Visit any city or destination in Rajasthan; it will charm you with its wealth of attractions. Old palaces, which were once resided by the Kings and princes, are now available as luxurious accommodation options for the tourists. Padharo Mhare Des !!

 

All the operations at Jaipur Airport to remain closed for a certain period of time.

This is to inform all the national and international air travelers that as per the notice issued by AAI Jaipur, JaipurAirport shall remain closed for all the operations till October27, 2012, therefore all the flights between 1100hrs-1330hrs (IST) and 2300hrs-0300hrs (IST) will be affected & rescheduled.

Besides, during the winter season i.e. from October28, 2012, Jaipur Airport shall remain closed for all the operations for 18 months from 1100hrs to 1800hrs (IST) Daily.

Supreme Court bans tourism inside Tiger Parks across India!

INDIA’s top court has suspended tourism in core areas of tiger reserves as the country struggles to stem the dwindling numbers of the endangered wild cats.

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The order on Tuesday by the Supreme Court in New Delhi came in response to a public interest complaint from wildlife activist Ajay Dubey, who urged tourism be restricted to a buffer zone on the edge of reserves to protect the animals. Dubey, saying he sought a balance between conservation and the tourist industry, claimed various state authorities were permitting rampant construction of hotels, resorts and other projects in the parks.

The court has ruled that the core zones in the tiger reserves will not be used for tourism, while a final order is still awaited on the case. Tiger reserves are areas notified by the government of India for the protection of the animal and its prey, and are a key attraction to foreign and domestic tourists in India.

Reserves such as the Ranthambore National Park attract hordes of holiday makers who pack into four-wheel-drive jeeps and head along bumpy jungle paths in the hope of spotting one of the estimated 1,706 tigers in India.

The court’s order was, however, slammed by some wildlife protection groups who said the ruling would benefit poachers. It is like closing the doors and throwing away the keys. Without the eyes and ears of people, the poachers are going to have a field day. The country has seen its tiger population plummet from an estimated 40,000 animals in 1947, when it gained independence from British colonial rule, to just 1,706 in 2011, according to an official census.

India is home to half of the world’s rapidly shrinking wild tiger population but has been struggling to halt the big cat’s decline in the face of poachers, international smuggling networks and loss of habitat.  Is this move going to protect our endangered big cats or give wings to the poachers ??

Revised Rates of Camel Ride at Sam Sand Dunes

The Camel Ride rates at Sam and Khurki Sand dunes have been increased by Rs.50.00, with effective from July01, 2012.

Please find below the new rates of Camel ride at Sam sand dunes & Khurki declared by Sam sand dunes Vikas Committee.

Camel Ride ( Sun set point – 45 Minutes) – Rs.350/- per person

Camel Cart 1- 4 pax ( Sun set point -45 Minutes ) – Rs.850/- per camel cart

Camel Full Day – Rs.850/-  & With Packed Lunch with 1 min. water 1500/- p.pax

Camel Cart Full Day ( up to 4 pax ) – Rs.1250/- + packed Lunch with one min. water cost @ 650

Janmashtami Festival kicked off at Govind Dev ji Temple – Jaipur

With the harmonious tunes of Shehnai and the bass of drums, Janmashtami festival kicked off in Jaipur on Wednesday July25, 2012.  Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with tremendous fervor in Jaipur and the epicenter for these celebrations is the popular Govind Devji Temple in City Palace premises.

From now on, till Janmashtami, the idols of Radha Govind ji will be placed in a specially decorated swing and the temple would explode with colors and energy.

Thousands of worshipers will multitude the temple and celebrate the festival with an outpouring of poetry, ecstatic music and dance in both classical and common languages amid the soothing sound of temple bells.

Till August09, 2012 temple will follow new time schedule. According to this Gwal Jhanki will be open at 5.45 pm, Sandhya Jhanki at 6.30 pm and Shayan Jhanki at 9.30 pm.

Be a part of the celebration and get engrossed in the melodious ambiance of Janmashtami celebration at Govind Dev ji Temple in Jaipur.

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Fairmont ready to debut in Jaipur, The Pink City

 

Continuing to grow worldwide, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is eagerly anticipating the opening of a new luxury hotel: Fairmont Jaipur in India. The hotel is set to open its doors on August 9, 2012, marking Fairmont’s entry into India. The hotel is ideally situated within India’s “Golden Triangle”, a geographic region that is home to dazzling palaces, timeless forts and notable landmarks like the Taj Mahal.

Created from the ground up, the overarching design influence of the property pays tribute to the great Mughal dynasty, and is a sensitive re-imaging of the traditional Mughal palace. With 255 guestrooms and suites including Fairmont Gold, the rooms reflect a modern, sophisticated style alongside the rich, cultural characteristics of the famed “Pink City” of Jaipur. A focal point of each guestroom is the spacious bathroom, which is entered through glazed sliding door panels, each featuring a traditional ornately patterned screen and boast striking floors which have a complex geometrical pattern of stars and diamonds.

As the Mughals were known for extravagant feasts, the hotel features a number of restaurants and bars, including Zarin (meaning Golden), the Indian specialty restaurant which highlights classical dishes prepared using traditional techniques and spices yet a modern flare. Zoya, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, is where guests can enjoy international cuisine in one of five distinct seating areas, including a Mughal tent.

Fairmont Jaipur’s tea lounge, Anjum, brings a new dimension to the art of tea tasting by offering a selection of single origin first flush leaf teas of both black and white varieties, as well as teas infused with herbs such as basil, lemongrass and mint grown on site. As well, Fairmont’s long standing tradition of afternoon teas has been given a local twist with a live Masala Chai station offering the quintessential Adrak Wali Cha’ – the Indian adaptation of ginger-infused tea.

Aza is the hotel’s regency style library bar which features an outstanding collection of fine wines, bespoke cocktails and malt whiskey, showcased at a whiskey appreciation station complete with aged and rare malt whiskies of the world. For the cigar connoisseurs, the Cigar Diwan is a classic smoking room with a rich, masculine feel, artistically decorated with hand-painted artwork. Fairmont Jaipur will also offer 5,500 square meters (60,000 square feet) of meeting space while a 1,300 square meter (14,000 square foot) Willow Stream Spa will debut in the coming months.

An extraordinary opening offer is the Seeing Is Believing Package, featuring a third night complimentary when booking two, along with breakfast, health club privileges and other amenities. The package also includes a variety of cultural experiences such as a village walk, traditional folklore storytelling, Rajasthan dance show, children’s activities and a lighting ceremony. This exclusive introductory package is available through October 31, 2012, with rates starting at INR 10,000 ($180 US) per night for double occupancy.(i) For guests looking to visit Jaipur after October 31, 2012, room rates start at INR 18,000 ($322).

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, which will arrive in destinations as diverse as Jaipur, Kyiv and Manila in 2012, is a celebrated collection of more than 60 luxury properties around the globe.

Jaipur Tourism through its key monuments!!

The Pink City of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is a thriving city that has a myriad of sightseeing options and is frequented by tourists from all across the world. The city is soaked in rich culture, heritage and royalty that attract so many tourists to the city. The city of Jaipur was built and planned by the illustrious ruler Sawai Jai Singh II, who along with Vidyadhar Bhattacharya designed the entire city.

Jaipur is known for its numerous palaces, forts and other monuments which are the most important features of Jaipur Tourism. The City Palace Complex, situated right in the heart of the city is one of the most prominent landmarks in the city and houses the Mubarak Mahal, once the palace of welcome or reception. This mahal has now been converted into a museum with a wide array of ancient royal costumes, jewellery, Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery on display. The Maharani’s Palace or Queen’s Palace, an art gallery inside the Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas and Chandra Mahal, whose ground floor is open to visitors where as some interiors of the City Palace complex are still occupied by the royal family.

 

Jantar Mantar is one of the five observatories in India built by Sawai Jai Singh and is also one of the largest and most well preserved sites in the country. Another important part of Jaipur Tourism, Ram Niwas garden was a favorite outing spot during Sawai Jai Singh’s reign. This garden houses the famous Albert Hall right in the middle and displays a rich collection of paintings, exquisite carpets, ivory, stone- metal sculptures and even beautiful crystals.

Jaipur Tourism is also famous for the Hawa Mahal built by Sawai Pratap Singh for the royal ladies to view the everyday life in the city. Situated just outside Jaipur is Amber Fort, constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Sawai Singh later, is a blend of Indian and Mughal architecture.

 

Jaipur is also famous for its array of exquisite handicrafts, delicate artifacts, furniture, jewellery and carpets gives it its title of ‘Craft Capital of India’. It is in fact a haven for those like to indulge in street side shopping for pendants, necklaces, ethnic handicrafts, pottery, carpets and the like.

For planning a Jaipur tour, it is easy to find Jaipur tour packages. Having well established railways, airways and road ways, connected to the rest of the country and also major parts of the world, Jaipur tour offer its visitors some of the best moments and holidays ever!!

Unexplored Monsoon Destinations in Rajasthan

 

The hiatus in the much awaited and splendid monsoon, which has virtually scalded Delhi and much of north India, is expected to be over by Friday the next week. Once again, the birds would sing, air would be fresh with the pleasant ambiance all around, major picnic and tourist spots in Rajasthan would again blossom to welcome the travelers and nature lovers.

Here’s sharing with you a beautiful destination in Rajasthan to visit during the monsoon season!! Pack your bags for the upcoming week and explore the unexplored regions of Rajasthan bedecked with greens…..

The rocky parched landscape of Hadoti region of Rajasthan turns into verdant green during the rainy season with the tourist city of Bundi converting into a hill station of sorts and raising the prospects of monsoon tourism.

Enveloped by the Aravalli hills that are dotted with thick greenery along with waterfalls and brooks of crystal water, the city of Bundi that lies in the heart of the Hadoti region comprising Kota, Jhalawar and Baran districts offers abundant for the promotion of monsoon tourism.

The monsoon generally enters into Rajasthan through Hadoti and provides relief to the perspiring and scorching heat of May and June and lashes onto satiate all living beings.

The waterfalls at Bheemlat, a cave temple of lord Shiva in the gorge at Ramseshwaram, the Bardha Dam, Dhobra on the hill top of Taragarh and the baolis (step-wells) in Bundi, are the key spots that are major attractions during the rainy season.

Chattaneshwar, Karneshwar, Alina Dam, Gabernath, Kota Barrage, Chambal garden and Rana Paratap Sager Dam in Kota and Sita bari, Kapil Dhara waterfall, Paratapghar, Ramgarh temple also called ‘Khajuraho of Rajasthan’ are the spots of spontaneous beauty and tranquility in Baran district.

Rocky but water laden landscapes of Jhalawar with picturesque Raien Basera on the bank of Kishan Sager pond are also bewildering sites for the lovers of nature and tourists.

The placid charm and enchantment of nature during monsoon season, at these spots of Hadoti goes beyond the fancy of the tourist. So, what keeps you at bay? Pack your Bags now …….

 

Five Days’ Teej Celebration begins from July21, 2012

The traditional Sawan Teej Festival will be organized from July 21-25 July in the city. Besides the procession of the Goddess Teej, several cultural events have been lined up at the Jawahar Kala Kendra.

The Teej procession with all its regal pomp and pageantry will be taken out on July 22 at 5.30 pm from Tripolia Gate  (City Palace), winding its way through the Tripolia Bazaar and Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar to end at the Chaugan Stadium. The procession will be carried out the next day too and at the same time.

The procession will have kacchi ghodi and the elephant carrying the symbol in the front.

 

Gair, kalbeliya and chakri dances are some of the highlights of the procession. It will include a cannon carriage, bullock carts, horse baggi, decorated rath, elephants, horses and camels. A number of bands will also accompany it. The sawari of the Goddess Teej will be almost at the end followed by chobdar.

At JKK, Gujarati and Rajasthani folk artistes will regale the audience on the first day. The next day, a dance drama based on the life of Sri Krishna will be staged. A play ‘Ghalib in New Delhi’ will be staged on the third day.

 

Visitors will also get a taste of Rajasthani cuisine as various food stalls will be set up at the Shilpgram under a food and crafts mela.

A food and craft mela has also been organized at Shilpgram in JKK. While visitors will be able to enjoy the ethnic Rajasthani food there will also a cultural bonanza by way of folk performances. A wide variety of handicrafts will also be available for sale.

Organized by the Department of Tourism, arrangements have been made for the tourists to photograph the procession from the terrace of the Hind Hotel opposite Tripoliya gate.

Maharaja’s Express Luxury Train Revamped !

Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has revamped luxury tourist train Maharaja’s Express to make it more popular among the tourists. 

For the coming season, the train will be operating on 5 new itineraries on four routes, which would include two itineraries of 4 days each with a view to meeting the long felt demand for a shorter itinerary.  So far the train had only been operating on 8-day itineraries which also meant that the trip cost was far higher.

The new itineraries are:

Treasures of India (3 nights/ 4 days)–Delhi –Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur –Delhi;

Gems of India (3 nights/ 4 days) –Delhi –Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur –Delhi;

Indian Splendour (7 nights/ 8 Days) Delhi– Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner–Jodhpur – Udaipur – Balasinor – Mumbai;

Heritage of India (7 nights/ 8 Days)– Mumbai–Ajanta–Udaipur – Jodhpur–Bikaner–Jaipur– Ranthambore–Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Delhi. 

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The new entry level price of $3580 has been offered for the four day itinerary which will give the passenger a Deluxe Cabin.

On like to like basis the prices have been reduced from $7160 to $6360 for an eight day trip for travel in Deluxe Cabin. The highest price will be $22000 per person for Presidential Suite for 8 day itinerary.

Such cut down in fares would make the places of high tourist importance and the World Heritage Sites more attractive for NRIs and foreign tourists.