Rajasthan, the land of colors and halcyon sands, registers huge tourist footfalls falls all round the year. The tourist circuits of Rajasthan, connecting backpackers' hotspots, are in huge demand among visitors'. There are a plethora of touring alternatives and the packages dished out are among the most coveted one's.
You can bolster your knowledge of bygone eras with visits to these lovely locales, thanks to Rajasthan tourist circuits. The land of colorful festivals that Rajasthan is, you can incorporate a sojourn of these fairs in your itinerary too. These bustling fairs are a shopper's haven. With an array of eye catching artifacts and collectibles on display, you are guaranteed to spoilt for choice.
Famous Tourist Circuits in Rajasthan
Ajmer-Pushkar-Merta-Nagaur
Ajmer- Ajmer, the city that is surrounded by the Aravali Hills nurtured the growth of many dynasties was established in the 7th century A.D. by Raja Aaji Pal Chauhan. The most famous of them was Prithviraj Chauhan, the last Hindu ruler of Delhi whose tales of valor is far-famed. Ajmer is also closely associated with the famous Dargah Sharif, the mausoleum of the Sufi saint- Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and draws copious pilgrims every year during the annual pilgrimage Urs Ajmer Sherif. Other places of interest are the Adhai din-Ka-Jhonpra, famous for its ornate calligraphic inscriptions and intricate trelliswork, ornate Mughal tombs and the Ana-sagar Lake.
Pushkar- The small town of Pushkar located just 14 km away from Ajmer is one of the feted pilgrimage places for the Hindus with 500 temples and 52 Ghats. The picturesque town snuggled in the laps of the Aravali hills houses the mythical Pushkar Lake where all pilgrims yearn to take a religious dip and the only Brahma Temple in the world where the creator of the universe is worshipped. The other famous temples are Savitri Temple, Mahadeva Temple and so on. Above all Pushkar is most famous for holding the world's biggest annual cattle fair. The serene and spiritual ambience of Pushkar is interrupted only during this time when the place bursts with activity.
Merta - The historical town of Merta was founded by Rao Duda and has a lake called Dudadagar named after him. The fortified town houses the famed Charbhuja Temple that is associated with the renowned saint poetess- Meera Bai. Thousands of pilgrims flock to this temple every year. There is another Muslim shrine constructed by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb on the ruinations of a Shiva temple.
Nagaur- Nagaur was under the Mughal dominion for some time and hence the Muslim influence is very prominent in the place with a large number of forts, monuments and palaces built in Mughal architectural style. These exquisitely beautiful palaces including the Moti Mahal, Badal Mahal and Hawa Mahal and shrines were raised mostly by Akbar and Shah Jahan. Nagaur has an individual rustic charm. The significant place of interest is the Nagaur Fort. A big cattle fair is also held here, however it as not as grand as Pushkar.
Alwar-Bharatpur-Sawai Madhopur
Alwar - This city lying on the peripheries of the Aravali hills houses beautiful lakes, scenic vales and wooded regions. This place is a major tourist attraction with stunning edifices like the Nehru Park, the City Palace housing a museum, Bala Quila and Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri, the impressive red sand stone and white marble cenotaph erected in the memory of the mistress of the king of Alwar-Bhaktawar Singh. There are also some other tombs renowned for their architecture such as The Tomb of Fateh Jung, (1647AD) and the the Tomb of Tarang Sultan. At a stone throw distance from the city lie the Vijay Mandir and the lovely Jaisamand Lake. Vinay Vilas Palace, Vijay Mandir Palace and Moti Doongri are other places that the tourists love to visit.
Bharatpur - The city founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733 AD is dotted with colossal fortresses and majestic palaces. Previously the city was under the dominion of the Jats and hence edifices like Kumher Fort and with Wiir Fort with Jat architectural style are found in the city. The most important structure is the Lohargarh Fort (built of iron) and houses the three palaces namely - Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas.
Bharatpur has also become far-famed for its Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of illustrious bird Sanctuaries in Asia. The Sanctuary houses about 400 varied species of birds including water birds, exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Greyleg Geese from Siberia Siberian cranes from the Arctic and bare headed Geese from China.
Sawai Madhopur - Thi city was previously known as Madhopur and came to be known as Sawai Madhopur when the ruler- Raja Jai Singh was conferred with the title of Sawai by the Muhhal emperor Aurangazeb. This city is famous for the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve that houses the Ranthambhore National Park. Here tigers can be seen lounging in their natural habitat. Another place of great importance is the Ganesh Temple, Ranthambhore Fort where the Ganesh Chaturthi is organised.
Bundi-Jhalwar-kota
Bundi - Bundi is a small town with the backdrop of the Aravali hills has a rustic setting Bundi is renowned for its baolis meaning waterworks or step wells, havelis, temples and chhatris with carved pillars. The palaces beautified with murals, the impressive forts and the monuments speak about the cultural past of the city. The places of interest in Bundi are the Bundi Palace, Chitrashala, Ratan Daulat, Sukh Mahal and Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph.
Near the Bundi palace is the Nawal Sagar, the artificial lake that houses a shrine is dedicated to Varuna, the Aryan god of water is locate at the centre. The Raniji-ki-Baoli, Nagar Sagar Dhabhai Kund, Bhora-ji-ka-Kund, Kshar Bagh and Phool Sagar are other major tourist attractions.
Jhalawar - The town of Jhalawar that is rich in its cultural heritage is set in a narrow ravine. Jhalwar is known as the land of Jhalas has a large number of temple, old monuments and Buddhist caves. Earlier it was a portion of the city of Kota and later in 1838 it was separated and became an individual city. The Jhalwar Fort built by Maharaja Madan Singh in 1838 is worth visiting. Jhalawar also houses the Bhawani Natya Shala which is one of the finest opera houses in India. It was established by Maharaja Bhawani Singh in 1921and used to host Parsi plays and music at that time.
Kota - The city houses imperial palaces and forts and has a kind of medieval grandeur. Kota's history is steeped in bloodsheds and wars as huge battles for supremacy were fought between the Rajput chieftains and the Mughal emperors to gain the control of Bundi and Ajmer. Maharao Madho Singh Museum, Kishore Sagar - Jag Mandir,Chambal Garden, Haveli of Devta Ji , Kansua Temple and Taragarh Fort are the places of interest in Kota.
Dungabur-Bunswara
Dungarpur to Banswara is a distance of about 110 km by road. This route is a favorite of most tourists and is popularly known as the Vagad Circuit. Dungarpur is often called the "City of Hills" and stands out like a gem amidst the thickly forested Aravalis. Besides the marvelous Udai Bilas Palace, the stunning Juna Mahal and the serene Srinahji temple, the main attraction of Dungarpur is the thickly wooded locales replete with teak, mahua mango and date trees.
The winding Mahi and Som rivers encircle the town which is home to a variety of animals such as jungle cats, foxes, hyenas, langurs, mongooses, and jackals. A number of birds such as the cuckoos, quails, partridges, pea fowls, eagles and vultures also inhabit the region. Bird watching and forest trekking are common in these parts of the state. Those who indulge in these activities also prefer to pay Banswara a trip from Dungarpur.
Banswara town is surrounded by an overgrowth of bans or bamboo and teak trees. This tribal inhabited city also plays home to the most amazing variety of flora and fauna. The animals spotted easily in the forests surrounding Banswara include the panther and the chinkara.
The avian populace of the area includes the black drongo, partridges, grey shikes, green bee-eaters, bulbuls parrots and fowls. While in Banswara do remember to visit Sri Raj Mandir, Anand Sagar Lake, Dialab Lake and Abdulla Pir. Most Tourist operators offer tailor made tourist packages to this circuit.
Jaipur-Dausa
Jaipur attracts the highest number of tourists in the state by virtue of being the capital city and being easily accessible. The main attractions of the city are the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, the Hawa Mahal, the Birla Planetarium, the Jal Mahal, the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, the Dolls Museum and the Government Museum.
Amber, 11 km from Jaipur houses one of the most exquisite forts of Rajasthan. Built by the Kachhwaha Rajputs, this town was the erstwhile capital of the princely state of Jaipur. The Sun Gate (suraj pol) and the courtyard (Jaleb Chowk) are stunning and bear testimony to the Rajput love of fanfare. The main palace and the Kali Temple in the fort are spectacular sights.
Dausa is located at a distance of about 51 kms from Jaipur and the main attractions of the town are temples (such as the Sahejnath Temple, the Somnath temple and the Gupteshwar Mahadeo Temple), the magnificently carved mansions or havelis, the mosque or dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Jamaluddin Shah Baba and Pratap vatika, an architectural marvel. Most tourist operators offer package tours to Jaipur-Amber-Dausa. Avail of these and bring home memories of a regal lifestyle.
jodhpur-Jaisalmer-bikaner-barmer
Jodhpur is a city full of life and cheer. The historic Maherndragarh Fort enthralls and the lively bazaars attract tourists by the hoards. Shopping and sightseeing go hand in hand at this favorite tourist haunt. After you shop for the unique Rajasthan handicrafts and colorful textiles, revel in the hospitality of the simple people and enjoy the delicious desert cuisine of this city.
285 km from Jodhpur is the golden city of Jaisalmer. The Golden Fort, Sonar Kila is the main attraction of this town. One gets the true feel of the sand dunes and the arid desert terrain at Jaisalmer.
Golden sands, glimmering, ever changing stretch as far as the eye can reach. A 333 km ride from here leads you to Bikaner, the town famed for its snacks and sweetmeats. As you dig into the delectable bhujia and halwa, mirchi badas and kachauris remember to visit the Junagarh Fort, Ganjer and Kolayat and try authentic dishes such as Ker Sangria. A trip to Barmer completes your tour of the Rajasthan's desert cities. A trip to Barmer is best undertaken during the festive days and the folk recitals enrapture the audience. The Desert Circuit tour captures the true spirit of the state's eye catching arts and crafts, historic heritage and unique traditions. Most tourist operators offer packages specifically covering Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Bikaner-Barmer, a tour of the Desert Circuit of Rajasthan. Excellent hotels and accommodation facilities welcome you at each of these destinations.
Mount Abu-Ranakpur
The region is replete with legends of yore, like fables of the snake named Arbuda and four Agnikulas, which makes it a much sought after pilgrimage. It also boasts of Guru Shikhar, the loftiest peak between Nilgiris and the Himalayas.
The top draw of Mount Abu are Dilwara Jain temples, the Nakki lake, Gaumukh, the shrine of Adhar Devi, Achalgarh, Sunset point, museums, Trevor's Tank among a host of others.
Ranakpur, situated in the Pali region, is cocooned amidst a chain of mountains, is also famous for its Jain shrines. Etched out of sandstone, the lovely Ranakpur Jain shrine, built during the reign of Rana Kumbha, dates back to the fifteenth century. Occupying forty-eight thousand square feet, one thousand four hundred and forty four pillars, and adorned by exquisite etchings, it is a must visit tourist haunt.
The Shwetambara Jain temple, the Parasnath temple are among some of the other top notch Jain shrines of Ranakpur. You can also drop in at the Sun temple, Desuri, Ghanerao, among a host of other places.
Udaipur-Rajasmad-Chittorgarh
Udaipur, the brain child of Maharana Udai Singh, the Second, situated in the vicinity of the Aravali mountain range, is a traveler's paradise. The lovely Pichola Lake, imperial and majestic City Palace, the state's largest palace, the well stacked museum located inside the opulent palace are amongst draws of the 'city of lakes'. Besides, you can bolster your knowledge of the region by making a beeline for the Government Museum, Moti Magri, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Jagdish temple, Bagore - ki- haveli, Fateh Sagar, Saheliyon ki Bari, Sajjangarh Palace, Jag Mandir, among a host of others.
Chittorgarh, the land evergreen tales of valor, is a much sought after tourist destination. The towering fort of Chittorgarh is one of the main highlights of the region. A mute witness to glorious chapters of the Indian history, hundreds and thousands of tourists, all round the year, make a dash for this wonderful piece of architecture. The luxurious palaces of Rana Kumbha, Queen Padmini, Fateh Prakash are among must visit destinations of Chittorgarh.
Last Updated on 01 December 2011
