ESCAPE TO RAJASTHAN PLANNING- For the Engineers who are busy with their submissions and exams throughout the year the word IV(Industrial Visit) brings out The Passionate Souls within each one. Everyone is excited for it and the planning starts months in advance. But this time things were changing each day- including IVdates, IV head, IV location and IV itinerary. After brainstorming we got the perfect itinerary for perfect location-RAJASTHAN which would include:1.The adventures of *RANTHAMBORE*2.The pink city of *JAIPUR*3.The Venice of east *UDAIPUR*4.The valor of the *CHITTORGARH FORT*
5.The golden sand dunes of *JAISALMER*6.The blue city of *JODHPUR*
RAJASTHAN AT ITS BEST- This land is a colourful melange of massive forts, stunning palaces, diverse cultures, delectable cuisines and warm people, set amidst a rugged yet inviting landscape tread on the sands of time. In Rajasthan you will find every hue in Nature's grand palette - the yellow sands, the blue of royalty, the pink cities or the amber sunsets. Surrender yourself to the sounds of trinkets or the sounds of the all conquering wind. Sight and sounds that are far removed from any city. Sights and sounds that will transport you into a folk lore.
Music, art and dance is woven into every inch of this land called paradise. You will find it carved in every grain of sand. Here you will find the past, the present and the future. You will find passion. You will find adventure. And you will find yourself.PRE-IV- Everyone had their shopping lists ready and were busy preparing for the IV soon after our Unit Test. There were also few who did end moment packing due to which they forgot many important things. We TE-IT students had planned to make sandwiches in train and distributed the ingredients for same.
DAY 1- Everyone was supposed to meet at Bandra terminus at 2.00 pm. After gathering we cut the cake prepared by Shraddha’s mom wishing us all a Happy Journey. The time in train passed quickly with us adjusting seats, playing various games, listening to songs, preparing evening snacks, having lunch and chatting all night long. Being the Holi Bonfire night we enjoyed the tasty puranpolis.
DAY 2-We were sadly informed that our RANTHAMBORE SAFARI was scrapped out of IV due to unavailability of tickets in main tiger zones at end moment. We still were trying to claim our rights for same but the IV Manager informed that he had called the bus at Jaipur. Then too I tried to my best by asking in Sariska Tiger Reserve near Jaipur. But being holi the reservations were full for the day. So we simply went to our hotel in Jaipur.JAIPUR- THE PINK CITY Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its coloured gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. The pink that colours the city makes for a marvellous spectacle to behold. We had 2 days to explore this beautiful place.
HOLI CELEBRATION- Soon enough we were informed that we had got an entry to the Hotels ongoing Holi Party. So it was time to splash some colors and rain dance. We drenched ourselves into colors of joy and fun. Jaipur is vivid during the festival of Holi. It was the perfect “ BALAM PICHKARI” moment (Bollywood Holi song).
AMER FORT-After lunch we proceeded for Amer fort. Being Holi the streets of Jaipur which are otherwise laden with traffic were totally empty. This palace located in craggy hills, is a beautiful melange of Hindu and Mughal styles. The contrast between the harsh exterior and the inviting interior couldn’t be more surprising. Made entirely of red sandstone and white marble, we were left spellbound by the magnificence of the palace that utilises carvings, precious stones and mirrors. The splendour of the palace is enhanced by the breath-taking vista of the Maota Lake in front. The palace is nearly seven centuries old and has a legendary past. Looking upon how it was maintained it was difficult to tell that it was so old. The guide here tickled our funny bones while explaining the forts royal history, making it interesting.
HAWA MAHAL- We saw the Hawa Mahal enroute which, literally translates to Palace of Winds which was built as a summer retreat for King and his family. It also served as a place where the ladies of the royal household could observe everyday life without being seen themselves. The windows also serve as an air-conditioner of sorts, blowing cool air throughout the palace, making it the perfect retreat during summers.
JAL MAHAL- While returning from Amer Fort we stopped by the Jal Mahal. It is one of the most wonderful sights in Jaipur. The light, sand coloured stone walls and the deep blue of the water make for a wonderful contrast. The palace appears to float in the centre of Man Sagar Lake. We also tried the Big Rice Papad sprinkled with a dash of masala. It tasted similar to our fryums. Grabbing a chance girls also did some shopping here. NIGHT- After having our dinner we tried to arrange for a movie for all in the lawn under starry night sky, but due to closing time it couldn’t be possible. We all gathered in a room playing Housie. We also had some typical IV moments like pillow fighting, doing pranks on other, etc. DAY 3- INDUSTRIAL VISIT- After a tasty and heavy breakfast, we checked out of our hotel proceeding for our visit to the Industry Compucom Software Limited (CSL) which is the leading software and education company from the state of Rajasthan, serving customers spread across the six major continents. CSL is sector agnostic and leverages its technical skills to provide a sensible outsourcing framework, delivering software of uncompromised quality within a cost-bashing outsourcing model, thereby enhancing our Global Delivery Model. CSL has a strong focus on building automated workflows in diverse areas of governance like Public Distribution Systems (PDS), Social Security & Provident Funds, Co-operatives and Traffic Monitoring & Control. Pioneer in offering complete ICT-enabled education in government schools through turn-key projects on Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, CSL acts as an education service provider for computer education, computer literacy and Computer-Aided Learning Projects(CALP). We were explained about the various ongoing projects of this company and some technologies it uses in them. We also visited their server room where we not allowed to carry our electronic gadgets due to extremely high voltage in the room. It was maintained at a 15 degrees Celsius.
CITY PALACE- After lunch, we went to visit the palace of the living Prince who was in town at the time of our visit. In Rajasthan this information is given directly through their flags. The small flag on top indicates that the king is in town and the small flag on the bottom of the big flag indicates that the king is out of town. This Palace is a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The City Palace Complex includes the Mubarak Mahal (the palace of reception) and the Maharani’s Palace (the palace of the queen). Mubarak Mahal now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and displays a vast and unique collection of royal costumes, delicate Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Benaras silk sarees, and other dresses with Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery. The clothes of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I are also on display. We all were spellbound by looking at the size of the huge clothes of this Fat King. The guide informed us that he was The size of current Sumo Wrestlers. The Maharani's Palace, surprisingly, has an interesting display of very well-preserved Rajput weaponry, some dating back to the 15th century. Other than the arms, the palace is adorned with beautiful paintings on the ceiling that are well-maintained. The royalty and bravery of the Kings came alive as the guide brushed up with the facts on golden history.
NIGHT JOURNEY TO UDAIPUR- After shopping at the local markets in Jaipur we went back to our hotel for dinner and proceeded for Udaipur. We took 2-3 breaks at night and in one of it we were shivering with cold and heard screams of peacock yelling just as we hear the dogs bark. Chatting with our friends we fell asleep and opened our eyes in Udaipur.
UDAIPUR- THE VENICE OF EAST- Often referred to as the 'Venice of the East', the city of lakes Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. Romantic and whimsical, udaipur will make you fall in love at first sight. It is Home to rajputana Forts, ornate palaces, resplendent temples, busy markets, stunning architecture, serene lakes and most romantic sunsets. The city has beome very popular for destination weddings.
HOTEL KANJ AYAAN RESORT- Remote from the bustling city life of Udaipur we traveled to Kanj Ayaan Resort which is set amidst the Aravali hills. Surrounded by hills on all sides its location was perfect to enjoy the fresh breeze, natural surroundings, birds chirping and pollution free environment. This 4 star hotel is all you need to get away from your stressful life and relax. Visits here once I assure you will come again.
POOL PARTY- This was one of the awaited event of the IV. Since we had time to checkin soon after our breakfast we changed for the pool. We played games, drowned each other in pool, danced and did some photoshoot. After hours of relaxing in the pool we took the keys to our rooms. After lunch on terrace restaurant at Hotel we went to visit the Palace of Royal Family. The City Palace towers over Lake Pichola. The balconies, cupolas, and towers of the palace give a wonderful view of the lake and the surrounding city. This complex actually consists of four major and several minor palaces that collectively form the magnificent City Palace. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum displaying artifacts. We visited the Badi Pol, Manak Chowk, Sheesh Mahal, Durbar Hall, Jana Mahal, etc.This Palace housed a great collection silverware of olden times and also ivoryware. There was also an instrumental museum inside the Palace itself.
While others were shopping few of us visited the nearby jagdish Mandir. The Architecture of this temple was mesmerising with several intricate layers carved out of marble.
DAY 5- FATEH SAGAR LAKE- Early morning we checked out of hotel to visit MAHARANA PRATAP MEMORIAL. We stopped at the this delightful lake, bordered by hills and woodlands, lying to the north of Lake Pichola. This artificial lake is connected to Lake Pichola by a canal. The lake houses the beautiful Nehru Island as well as an islet on which stands the Udaipur Solar Observatory. We desperately wanted to do boating in this lake which was cancelled to avoid any misfortunate accidents.
We climbed to the top of Moti Margi or Pearl Hill, to visit the memorial which overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake. It is a historic site that is dedicated to the gallant Maharana Pratap. The memorial comprises a life-sized bronze statue of Maharana Pratap balanced on his loyal and favorite horse, Chetak. There was also a museum which housed a few weapons, paintings depicting important legends in Rajasthan history and models of haldighati, Kumbhalgarh fort, etc.
CHITTORGARH- THE LARGEST FORT OF ASIA From Udaipur we started moving towards Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion. Chittorgarh Fort has had a tumultuous past. This bastion of the Rajputs has faced violent attacks thrice in its entire history From Ala-ud-din Khilji-Sultan of Delhi, Bahadur Shah-the Sultan of Gujarat and Mughal Emperor Akbar. Chittorgarh has some of the most heart-rending legends. It witnessed the act of Jauhar thrice and the tragic tale of the gorgeous Rani Padimini who chose death over forceful custody by the Muslim intruder Allaudin Khilji. The fascinating sights of seven massive gateways, two commemoration towers, imperial palaces and reservoirs are bound to leave you speechless on this amazing Rajasthan fort and palace tour. This was another major attraction in our IV due to the latest Bollywood movie “PADMAVAT” which had a big controversy. So we were intrigued to know the real story.RANI PADMINI'S PALACE- Ala-ud-din Khilji, then Sultan of Delhi, spotted Queen Padmini’s reflection in the pool and was so besotted by her beauty that he led his forces in battle to abduct her.
VIJAY STAMBH- The Tower of Victory is nine-storey tower decorated with detailed sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. Narrow steps lead to the terrace where one can catch a spectacular view of the entire town from the balconies. GAUMUKH RESERVOIRGaumukh Reservoir is a deep tank that is fed by a spring. The spring emerges from a rock formation resembling a Gaumukh or ‘cow’s mouth’. The tank is considered sacred by the locals.MEERABAI TEMPLEMeerabai, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna’s, worshipped him at this temple. The structure is designed in the classic North Indian style of temples. It rises from a raised plinth and its conical roof can be seen from far. The temple houses a beautiful shrine surrounded by an open porch with four small pavilions in four corners.The ride on this massive fort spread across 13km was less tiring due to the autos that we had booked which took us across the locations the guide wanted to show us on fort. We were fortunate to witness the sunset atop of this massive fort which offered a panoramic view of the earlier battlefield. It was the best sunset till date. Others were busy shopping the local sarees made by the tribals of Chittorgarh. We had our dinner at the base of this fort and moved towards Jaisalmer on our longest bus journey of 589 km which took us 12 hours. NIGHT- This was the night when we went mischievous. While everyone was in sound sleep Sonal, Shraddha and myself were applying makeup on our fellow Friends and clicking their pics. Also gave a few a taste of colgate. Seniors were our special target. Lastly even we crammed and slept together on the front seats.
DAY 6-Bus- We got to witness the fascinating sunrise from our bus itself. As we reached Jaisalmer we got a sight of military vans because of the India-Pakistan border which lies 40 km from city. The temperature raised here in the afternoon making it a bit exhausting. After lunch in city we proceeded to our campsite in Thar desert where we had two days stay. It was an awesome campsite which provided swiss tents in the traditional Indian environment in the middle of Thar desert. With just one plug point in each tent there were battles for charging phones. Evenings at this campsite included traditional welcome, melodious folk music and dance around roaring camp fire performed by Kalbeliyas & Langa parties who are popular globally for their dance and music. We enjoyed the performances sitting back enjoying tasty bhajias. For a truly unique experience, it is recommended to spend the night in the desert under a clear sky with millions of stars shinning their light upon you. We were for fortunate enough to experience it.
A desert safari on the humps of camels through the sand dunes evoked an amazing picture of the brilliance and the desolation of the desert. Riding a camel on the sand dunes of the desert was a pumping experience that left us in awe of this graceful animal and the beauty of the majestic desert. The photo session with these goofy and passive animals was a lot of fun.
Camel karting-Just as we got down of the camels we hopped into the camel karts to go to the sunset point. The owner of the camel was racing us through the dunes. After reaching the top of dunes we sat back to enjoy the sun set. Sunset at the dessert is most romantic, charming and picturesque.With serenely beautiful horizons, rich and varied dyes, mellowness of light, objects to be irradiated by it and evenings so happily adapted for contemplating them we experienced the mixture of fierceness and gloom in a West India Sunset.
DUNES BASHING- After dinner we went for an experience of lifetime. Divided into groups of eight we hopped into our jeeps. The jeeps were raced against the empty streets across the desert at top speed. Then the driver took an off track into the dunes. He went totally insane now. It was a rollercoaster ride with much needed adrenaline rush. Then we stopped in the middle of nowhere to click some photos in the dark dessert under moonlight with our jeeps. The journey back to our campsite was equally thrilling with all of us yelling and screaming for fun. Pranks at night- We were back from the safari and since it was pleasant out, we gathered outside our camps to play pranks on those who fell asleep. Downloading a ghost sound app and Ajinkya dressed as a ghost we played the spooky tunes on the bluetooth speaker to scare our friends. Some were in such a sound sleep that even pulling their blankets had no effect on them.DAY 7- Khaba Fort is a ruined citadel set amid a barren desert village. It’s an architecturally impressive landmark full of eeriness, history and mysticism. We were awed by the ancient artifacts, turreted towers, elegant windows and intricate latticework. KULDHARA-THE GHOST VILLAGE It was once inhabited by Paliwal Brahmins. The story has a beautiful daughter, an unscrupulous minister, scared villagers, an exodus in the middle of the night, and no idea where the villagers vanished. This is not the story of a movie, but the unfathomable legend that lies behind the abandoned village of Kuldhara. A rumor states that before leaving, the former residents cast a spell to prevent anyone from settling in the village. Over years, Kuldhara acquired reputation as a haunted site. We walked down the spooky lanes of this village as our guide told us the creepypasta of this site. The desolate outline of Kuldhara etches a story in front of your eyes. There was dead silence here but we were busy with our photos. JAISALMER FORT- After lunch at city restaurant we went to The Sonar Quila (Golden Fort) which rests like a glittering crown on Trikuta Hill, witnessing the limitless expanses of Thar Desert in all directions. Changing colors with sun’s movement, this yellow sandstone vista is actually a maze of narrow lanes, bustling bazaars, famous eateries, beautiful Hindu and Jain temples and lavish mansions accessible from 4 massive gateways. It is one of the must visit forts in Rajasthan that has been a generous cradle of life and an inimitable feast for eyes. Among the largest and the most elaborately carved havelis in Jaisalmer, this five-storey structure sits proudly in a narrow street. From here we were given some time for shopping during which we'll grabbed the iconic RAJASTHAN T-shirts at cheap rates. Some authentic Rajasthani collections were available at cheap rates in this fort. The locals at this fort enjoy interacting with the tourists.Bonfire Night- At night after dinner we all sat around the Bonfire. We played soft melodious Bollywood songs and enjoyed the warmth of the crackling bonfire. Even after the fire was off we still sat around it soaking the warmth from the ashes. After that we went to our camps packed our bags for next morning and gathered again at late night to chat and play. The seniors were sharing ghost stories while we were playing our childhood games like kho-kho, langdi, pakda pakdi, chewing gum-chewing gum, chicken, etc. Ashish also showcased some exercises to keep ourselves in shape. We wanted to have a night out this day to witness the sunrise from the desert. But slowly everyone went to sleep one by one and our plan failed. DAY 8- JAISALMER TO JODHPUR- Early morning, after breakfast we collected the fine supreme quality golden sand in bottles and moved towards the blue city Jodhpur. It was the only day traveling to a city in our itenary which was a bit tiring. Some students were exhausted for sight seeing that day and wanted to go for shopping. But we stuck to our plan of fort visit. Jodhpur- The Blue City The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge. We got a breathtaking view of this city from the heights of this fort. Mehrangarh fort- Rising perpendicular and impregnable from a hill which is 125 metres above Jodhpur’s skyline this Fort seems to dominate the city. This historic fort is one of the most famous in India and is packed with history and legends. Mehrangarh Fort still bears the imprints of cannonball attacks. Chiselled and sturdy, the fort is known for its exquisite latticed windows, carved panels, intricately decorated windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. We visited them one by one. Entry to this fort is accompanied by a welcome music played by the local artists to give you the feeling of Maharajas. Then we visited to the gloriously decorated palaces and the must-visit museum featuring royal palanquins, howdahs, turbans, armory and paintings. This fort has starred in many movies and garnered international limelight. During our visit there was shooting of the upcoming Bollywood film “Thugs of Hindustan”. Free time for shopping- As this was our final destination in Rajasthan we had a lot to shop for our friends and family. First, most of us rushed to the “JANTA SWEET SHOP” tasting the local sweets and snacks. Most of us took ghevar which is a famous sinful delicacy of Rajasthan. The Dhai pyaaz ki kachori was mouth watering and the mawa kachori acted as a perfect dessert for the ones with a sweet tooth. Everyone was so lost in shopping that we returned to our bus at 9.30 which was an hour and half late than the time allotted to us. We were stunned to see this beautiful hotel lit up just like a newly wed bride. We experienced the royal lifestyle of the Maharaja’s of Rajasthan and enjoyed the luxurious ambiance of the princely heritage. It had extremely comfortable rooms.
We did cake cutting being International Women's Day and enjoyed some really tasty dinner including a wide varietyof options to choose from. Some of us played uno at night and then sat late night in balcony discussing about how the time flied past. DAY 9- UMAID BHAVAN PALACE CANCELLED- One of the largest private residences in the world, the Umaid Bhawan Palace, can be best described as the perfect mix of Indian and Art Deco styles. In fact, a section of the palace is still the private residence of Jodhpur’s royal family. Unfortunately this rolay family had some function at this palace due to which it was closed for the tourists. We boys again did a small pool party in the cold water and then went to freshen up. We had to checkout soon as there were other guests coming to hotel. We didn't get time to get ready and had to leave our rooms as we were. After lunch at the restaurant we went to JODHPUR RAILWAY STATION to catch our train back to MUMBAI. TRAIN JOURNEY- We boarded the Ranakpur express. Our seats were now in remote bogies. Spread across s3 and s12 bogies ajinkya ronak and I used travel across compartments to enjoy with others. We had also planned to order some food online but which again got scrapped forcing all to take some food on Abu road station. We loved the Rabdi. At night we again did some pranks including the oreo biscuit prank, and Divya’s prank on Jitendra on which we laughed out so loud that other passengers in train gave us a firing. So we quietly went to sleep.
DAY 10- Arriving in Mumbai few got down at Borivali and others at Bandra terminus. We bade goodbye to our friends and returned home with sweet and unforgettable memories.
CONCLUSION- THE ROYALTY OF RAJASTHAN The royalty of Rajasthan doesn't just belong in its past. Even today, Rajasthan has several royal families who continue to live the rich and opulent lifestyles of the bygone era.ARTS AND INDUSTRIES When one speaks of rich culture in India, Rajasthan is what comes to our minds. Proving it true for several years now, Rajasthan depicts each nuance of its authentic civilization in its artwork. Stone, clay, leather, wool, wood, lac, glass, brass, silver, gold and textiles. You name it and the Rajasthani craft industry has it. The industry not only provides mass employment but is also a way of sustaining years of family businesses started centuries ago.
RHYTHM AND RESONANCE Born and cultivated in the erstwhile royal courts of Rajasthan, the state is known to be the birthplace of various music and art forms. The site of dancers adorned in colourful attires moving to the melodious sounds of the traditional string instruments perfectly complements the backdrop of the golden sands and the crimson sky of the Thar Desert. Rajasthan is where the ancestral folklore stories of the royals come alive. Rajasthan's rhythm and resonance in its rustic form truly reflects the glory of the state, the religious significance of every incident and upholds the courage and bravery of the Rajputanas.THE ARCHITECTURE Every city in Rajasthan is marked with a colour and each of these colourful regions are bordered by amazing architectural structure. May it be the pink hues of Jaipur, royal blues of Jodhpur or the golden glow of Jaisalmer, the framework of every city is adorned with ancient architecture. The colours of Rajasthan are impossible to ignore and the effect of emerald green, canary yellow and fire-engine red turbans and saris is simply dazzling.THE PEOPLE It is believed that the dialect, cuisine, water and turban in Rajasthan changes every 12 miles. Come modern day urbanisation, the people in Rajasthan have still held on their roots out of choice. Their hospitality and simplistic behaviour is what you're most likely to lose your heart to in Rajasthan.THE FOOD There is never an end to lip smacking finger licking food in Rajasthan. The most renowned dishes still are the Dal-bati-churma of Jaisalmer, the age old Sweet Lassi served in gullaks at Jaipur, the Kachoris and Ghevars which are a perfect take-a -way for tourists. THE SHOPPING Rajasthan is a shoppers' paradise, with beautiful goods found at low prices. Rajasthan is known for its traditional, colorful art. The block prints, tie and dye prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, Zari embroidery, kalamkari prints are worth export. The attractive designs of jewellery and clothes are eye-catching and invite shoppers. Rajasthani furniture has intricate carvings and bright colours. Rajasthani handicrafts are in demand due to the intricate work on them. Rajasthan is all about indulgences, and what better than shopping. Starting with personal clothing to jewellry to household items there are just tons of things that you can indulge in. Go crazy with the colorful Bandhini dresses that are found across Rajasthan, or the typical Jaipuri and Jodhpuri mojris that go with these outfits. Completing that look would be Kundan jewellry from Jaipur. Do pick up Jaipuri bedsheets a hind bedspreads to add that royal touch to your homes. There are just so many designs and colors in the markets that you will be spoilt for choice. The best part of the deal is that none of these are expensive and it's quite likely that your trip to Rajasthan will end with more luggage than you originally came with. THE FORTS Sketching the magnum opus of royal history on golden canvas, Rajasthan forts are the most authentic testimony of the desert state’s invigorating journey over centuries. Behind the colossal fortifications , a lot happened – fairytale romances, tragic sacrifices, art and architectural evolutions and truly extravagant living. Spiked doors that once held war elephants at bay open onto the twisting approaches to the palaces within. Austere and practical gives way to fantasy and opulence once safely inside. Carved marble and stone, fountains and coloured glass decorate the halls of business and rooms of pleasure. And from outside, these indomitable structures witnessed unbelievable showcase of valor, extreme power struggles, huge battles and peace treaties that followed. Choose Rajasthan historical tours to visit the fortified strongholds and get enthralled by the most captivating sights of your travel life. BEST TIME TO VISIT The best time to visit Rajasthan is from October to March, when the Sun is not too fiery and intense. Winter season is the perfect time to visit most cities in Rajasthan.
THE FINAL VERDICT-Rajasthan, the Land of Kings is synonymous to heroism, royalty and honour. Historic tales of battles fought and romance of the riches adorn the walls of the state. Established in the era marked with wartime ballads yet living in the modern period, this beautiful region is a travellers' destination. Those looking out for the remnants of the past should not pass up a trip to Rajasthan. For wanderers interested in adventures at the various landscapes should definitely get a glimpse of this venturesome state. And for the ones who plan to have a quiet sojourn gazing at the beauty of the golden sand dunes, Rajasthan tops your list. Come, explore the miscellany of the old and the new in Rajasthan, a glittering jewel of India.Majestic palaces, great food, a rich cultural heritage and endless opportunities to shop make Rajasthan the best place for an authentic ‘Indian’ travel experience. No matter what kind of traveller you are, Rajasthan will take your breath away at every step of the journey.
ESCAPE TO RAJASTHAN
PLANNING-
For the Engineers who are busy with their submissions and exams throughout the year the word IV(Industrial Visit) brings out The Passionate Souls within each one. Everyone is excited for it and the planning starts months in advance. But this time things were changing each day- including IVdates, IV head, IV location and IV itinerary. After brainstorming we got the perfect itinerary for perfect location-RAJASTHAN which would include:
1.The adventures of *RANTHAMBORE*
2.The pink city of *JAIPUR*
3.The Venice of east *UDAIPUR*
4.The valor of the *CHITTORGARH FORT*
5.The golden sand dunes of *JAISALMER*
5.The golden sand dunes of *JAISALMER*
6.The blue city of *JODHPUR*
RAJASTHAN AT ITS BEST-
This land is a colourful melange of massive forts, stunning palaces, diverse cultures, delectable cuisines and warm people, set amidst a rugged yet inviting landscape tread on the sands of time. In Rajasthan you will find every hue in Nature's grand palette - the yellow sands, the blue of royalty, the pink cities or the amber sunsets. Surrender yourself to the sounds of trinkets or the sounds of the all conquering wind. Sight and sounds that are far removed from any city. Sights and sounds that will transport you into a folk lore.
Music, art and dance is woven into every inch of this land called paradise. You will find it carved in every grain of sand. Here you will find the past, the present and the future. You will find passion. You will find adventure. And you will find yourself.
PRE-IV-
Everyone had their shopping lists ready and were busy preparing for the IV soon after our Unit Test. There were also few who did end moment packing due to which they forgot many important things. We TE-IT students had planned to make sandwiches in train and distributed the ingredients for same.
DAY 1-
Everyone was supposed to meet at Bandra terminus at 2.00 pm. After gathering we cut the cake prepared by Shraddha’s mom wishing us all a Happy Journey. The time in train passed quickly with us adjusting seats, playing various games, listening to songs, preparing evening snacks, having lunch and chatting all night long. Being the Holi Bonfire night we enjoyed the tasty puranpolis.
DAY 2-
We were sadly informed that our RANTHAMBORE SAFARI was scrapped out of IV due to unavailability of tickets in main tiger zones at end moment. We still were trying to claim our rights for same but the IV Manager informed that he had called the bus at Jaipur. Then too I tried to my best by asking in Sariska Tiger Reserve near Jaipur. But being holi the reservations were full for the day. So we simply went to our hotel in Jaipur.
JAIPUR- THE PINK CITY
Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its coloured gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. The pink that colours the city makes for a marvellous spectacle to behold. We had 2 days to explore this beautiful place.
HOLI CELEBRATION-
Soon enough we were informed that we had got an entry to the Hotels ongoing Holi Party. So it was time to splash some colors and rain dance. We drenched ourselves into colors of joy and fun. Jaipur is vivid during the festival of Holi. It was the perfect “ BALAM PICHKARI” moment (Bollywood Holi song).
AMER FORT-
After lunch we proceeded for Amer fort. Being Holi the streets of Jaipur which are otherwise laden with traffic were totally empty. This palace located in craggy hills, is a beautiful melange of Hindu and Mughal styles. The contrast between the harsh exterior and the inviting interior couldn’t be more surprising. Made entirely of red sandstone and white marble, we were left spellbound by the magnificence of the palace that utilises carvings, precious stones and mirrors. The splendour of the palace is enhanced by the breath-taking vista of the Maota Lake in front. The palace is nearly seven centuries old and has a legendary past. Looking upon how it was maintained it was difficult to tell that it was so old. The guide here tickled our funny bones while explaining the forts royal history, making it interesting.
HAWA MAHAL-
We saw the Hawa Mahal enroute which, literally translates to Palace of Winds which was built as a summer retreat for King and his family. It also served as a place where the ladies of the royal household could observe everyday life without being seen themselves. The windows also serve as an air-conditioner of sorts, blowing cool air throughout the palace, making it the perfect retreat during summers.
JAL MAHAL-
While returning from Amer Fort we stopped by the Jal Mahal. It is one of the most wonderful sights in Jaipur. The light, sand coloured stone walls and the deep blue of the water make for a wonderful contrast. The palace appears to float in the centre of Man Sagar Lake. We also tried the Big Rice Papad sprinkled with a dash of masala. It tasted similar to our fryums. Grabbing a chance girls also did some shopping here.
NIGHT-
After having our dinner we tried to arrange for a movie for all in the lawn under starry night sky, but due to closing time it couldn’t be possible. We all gathered in a room playing Housie. We also had some typical IV moments like pillow fighting, doing pranks on other, etc.
DAY 3-
INDUSTRIAL VISIT-
After a tasty and heavy breakfast, we checked out of our hotel proceeding for our visit to the Industry Compucom Software Limited (CSL) which is the leading software and education company from the state of Rajasthan, serving customers spread across the six major continents.
CSL is sector agnostic and leverages its technical skills to provide a sensible outsourcing framework, delivering software of uncompromised quality within a cost-bashing outsourcing model, thereby enhancing our Global Delivery Model.
CSL has a strong focus on building automated workflows in diverse areas of governance like Public Distribution Systems (PDS), Social Security & Provident Funds, Co-operatives and Traffic Monitoring & Control.
Pioneer in offering complete ICT-enabled education in government schools through turn-key projects on Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, CSL acts as an education service provider for computer education, computer literacy and Computer-Aided Learning Projects(CALP).
We were explained about the various ongoing projects of this company and some technologies it uses in them.
We also visited their server room where we not allowed to carry our electronic gadgets due to extremely high voltage in the room. It was maintained at a 15 degrees Celsius.
CITY PALACE-
After lunch, we went to visit the palace of the living Prince who was in town at the time of our visit. In Rajasthan this information is given directly through their flags. The small flag on top indicates that the king is in town and the small flag on the bottom of the big flag indicates that the king is out of town. This Palace is a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The City Palace Complex includes the Mubarak Mahal (the palace of reception) and the Maharani’s Palace (the palace of the queen). Mubarak Mahal now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and displays a vast and unique collection of royal costumes, delicate Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Benaras silk sarees, and other dresses with Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery. The clothes of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I are also on display. We all were spellbound by looking at the size of the huge clothes of this Fat King. The guide informed us that he was The size of current Sumo Wrestlers. The Maharani's Palace, surprisingly, has an interesting display of very well-preserved Rajput weaponry, some dating back to the 15th century. Other than the arms, the palace is adorned with beautiful paintings on the ceiling that are well-maintained. The royalty and bravery of the Kings came alive as the guide brushed up with the facts on golden history.
NIGHT JOURNEY TO UDAIPUR-
After shopping at the local markets in Jaipur we went back to our hotel for dinner and proceeded for Udaipur. We took 2-3 breaks at night and in one of it we were shivering with cold and heard screams of peacock yelling just as we hear the dogs bark. Chatting with our friends we fell asleep and opened our eyes in Udaipur.
UDAIPUR- THE VENICE OF EAST-
Often referred to as the 'Venice of the East', the city of lakes Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. Romantic and whimsical, udaipur will make you fall in love at first sight. It is Home to rajputana Forts, ornate palaces, resplendent temples, busy markets, stunning architecture, serene lakes and most romantic sunsets. The city has beome very popular for destination weddings.
HOTEL KANJ AYAAN RESORT-
Remote from the bustling city life of Udaipur we traveled to Kanj Ayaan Resort which is set amidst the Aravali hills. Surrounded by hills on all sides its location was perfect to enjoy the fresh breeze, natural surroundings, birds chirping and pollution free environment. This 4 star hotel is all you need to get away from your stressful life and relax. Visits here once I assure you will come again.
POOL PARTY-
This was one of the awaited event of the IV. Since we had time to checkin soon after our breakfast we changed for the pool. We played games, drowned each other in pool, danced and did some photoshoot. After hours of relaxing in the pool we took the keys to our rooms.
After lunch on terrace restaurant at Hotel we went to visit the Palace of Royal Family. The City Palace towers over Lake Pichola. The balconies, cupolas, and towers of the palace give a wonderful view of the lake and the surrounding city. This complex actually consists of four major and several minor palaces that collectively form the magnificent City Palace. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum displaying artifacts. We visited the Badi Pol, Manak Chowk, Sheesh Mahal, Durbar Hall, Jana Mahal, etc.This Palace housed a great collection silverware of olden times and also ivoryware. There was also an instrumental museum inside the Palace itself.
While others were shopping few of us visited the nearby jagdish Mandir. The Architecture of this temple was mesmerising with several intricate layers carved out of marble.
While others were shopping few of us visited the nearby jagdish Mandir. The Architecture of this temple was mesmerising with several intricate layers carved out of marble.
DAY 5-
FATEH SAGAR LAKE-
Early morning we checked out of hotel to visit MAHARANA PRATAP MEMORIAL. We stopped at the
this delightful lake, bordered by hills and woodlands, lying to the north of Lake Pichola. This artificial lake is connected to Lake Pichola by a canal. The lake houses the beautiful Nehru Island as well as an islet on which stands the Udaipur Solar Observatory. We desperately wanted to do boating in this lake which was cancelled to avoid any misfortunate accidents.
We climbed to the top of Moti Margi or Pearl Hill, to visit the memorial which overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake. It is a historic site that is dedicated to the gallant Maharana Pratap. The memorial comprises a life-sized bronze statue of Maharana Pratap balanced on his loyal and favorite horse, Chetak. There was also a museum which housed a few weapons, paintings depicting important legends in Rajasthan history and models of haldighati, Kumbhalgarh fort, etc.
CHITTORGARH- THE LARGEST FORT OF ASIA
From Udaipur we started moving towards Chittorgarh.
Chittorgarh resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion. Chittorgarh Fort has had a tumultuous past. This bastion of the Rajputs has faced violent attacks thrice in its entire history From Ala-ud-din Khilji-Sultan of Delhi, Bahadur Shah-the Sultan of Gujarat and Mughal Emperor Akbar. Chittorgarh has some of the most heart-rending legends. It witnessed the act of Jauhar thrice and the tragic tale of the gorgeous Rani Padimini who chose death over forceful custody by the Muslim intruder Allaudin Khilji. The fascinating sights of seven massive gateways, two commemoration towers, imperial palaces and reservoirs are bound to leave you speechless on this amazing Rajasthan fort and palace tour.
This was another major attraction in our IV due to the latest Bollywood movie “PADMAVAT” which had a big controversy. So we were intrigued to know the real story.
RANI PADMINI'S PALACE-
Ala-ud-din Khilji, then Sultan of Delhi, spotted Queen Padmini’s reflection in the pool and was so besotted by her beauty that he led his forces in battle to abduct her.
VIJAY STAMBH-
The Tower of Victory is nine-storey tower decorated with detailed sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. Narrow steps lead to the terrace where one can catch a spectacular view of the entire town from the balconies.
GAUMUKH RESERVOIR
Gaumukh Reservoir is a deep tank that is fed by a spring. The spring emerges from a rock formation resembling a Gaumukh or ‘cow’s mouth’. The tank is considered sacred by the locals.
MEERABAI TEMPLE
Meerabai, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna’s, worshipped him at this temple. The structure is designed in the classic North Indian style of temples. It rises from a raised plinth and its conical roof can be seen from far. The temple houses a beautiful shrine surrounded by an open porch with four small pavilions in four corners.
The ride on this massive fort spread across 13km was less tiring due to the autos that we had booked which took us across the locations the guide wanted to show us on fort. We were fortunate to witness the sunset atop of this massive fort which offered a panoramic view of the earlier battlefield. It was the best sunset till date. Others were busy shopping the local sarees made by the tribals of Chittorgarh. We had our dinner at the base of this fort and moved towards Jaisalmer on our longest bus journey of 589 km which took us 12 hours.
NIGHT-
This was the night when we went mischievous. While everyone was in sound sleep Sonal, Shraddha and myself were applying makeup on our fellow Friends and clicking their pics. Also gave a few a taste of colgate. Seniors were our special target. Lastly even we crammed and slept together on the front seats.
DAY 6-
Bus-
We got to witness the fascinating sunrise from our bus itself. As we reached Jaisalmer we got a sight of military vans because of the India-Pakistan border which lies 40 km from city. The temperature raised here in the afternoon making it a bit exhausting. After lunch in city we proceeded to our campsite in Thar desert where we had two days stay.
It was an awesome campsite which provided swiss tents in the traditional Indian environment in the middle of Thar desert. With just one plug point in each tent there were battles for charging phones. Evenings at this campsite included traditional welcome, melodious folk music and dance around roaring camp fire performed by Kalbeliyas & Langa parties who are popular globally for their dance and music. We enjoyed the performances sitting back enjoying tasty bhajias. For a truly unique experience, it is recommended to spend the night in the desert under a clear sky with millions of stars shinning their light upon you. We were for fortunate enough to experience it.
A desert safari on the humps of camels through the sand dunes evoked an amazing picture of the brilliance and the desolation of the desert. Riding a camel on the sand dunes of the desert was a pumping experience that left us in awe of this graceful animal and the beauty of the majestic desert. The photo session with these goofy and passive animals was a lot of fun.
Camel karting-
Camel karting-
Just as we got down of the camels we hopped into the camel karts to go to the sunset point. The owner of the camel was racing us through the dunes. After reaching the top of dunes we sat back to enjoy the sun set. Sunset at the dessert is most romantic, charming and picturesque.
With serenely beautiful horizons, rich and varied dyes, mellowness of light, objects to be irradiated by it and evenings so happily adapted for contemplating them we experienced the mixture of fierceness and gloom in a West India Sunset.
DUNES BASHING-
After dinner we went for an experience of lifetime. Divided into groups of eight we hopped into our jeeps. The jeeps were raced against the empty streets across the desert at top speed. Then the driver took an off track into the dunes. He went totally insane now. It was a rollercoaster ride with much needed adrenaline rush. Then we stopped in the
middle of nowhere to click some photos in the dark dessert under moonlight with our jeeps. The journey back to our campsite was equally thrilling with all of us yelling and screaming for fun.
Pranks at night-
We were back from the safari and since it was pleasant out, we gathered outside our camps to play pranks on those who fell asleep. Downloading a ghost sound app and Ajinkya dressed as a ghost we played the spooky tunes on the bluetooth speaker to scare our friends. Some were in such a sound sleep that even pulling their blankets had no effect on them.
DAY 7-
Khaba Fort is a ruined citadel set amid a barren desert village. It’s an architecturally impressive landmark full of eeriness, history and mysticism. We were awed by the ancient artifacts, turreted towers, elegant windows and intricate latticework.
KULDHARA-THE GHOST VILLAGE
It was once inhabited by Paliwal Brahmins. The story has a beautiful daughter, an unscrupulous minister, scared villagers, an exodus in the middle of the night, and no idea where the villagers vanished. This is not the story of a movie, but the unfathomable legend that lies behind the abandoned village of Kuldhara. A rumor states that before leaving, the former residents cast a spell to prevent anyone from settling in the village. Over years, Kuldhara acquired reputation as a haunted site. We walked down the spooky lanes of this village as our guide told us the creepypasta of this site. The desolate outline of Kuldhara etches a story in front of your eyes. There was dead silence here but we were busy with our photos.
JAISALMER FORT-
After lunch at city restaurant we went to The Sonar Quila (Golden Fort) which rests like a glittering crown on Trikuta Hill, witnessing the limitless expanses of Thar Desert in all directions. Changing colors with sun’s movement, this yellow sandstone vista is actually a maze of narrow lanes, bustling bazaars, famous eateries, beautiful Hindu and Jain temples and lavish mansions accessible from 4 massive gateways. It is one of the must visit forts in Rajasthan that has been a generous cradle of life and an inimitable feast for eyes.
Among the largest and the most elaborately carved havelis in Jaisalmer, this five-storey structure sits proudly in a narrow street. From here we were given some time for shopping during which we'll grabbed the iconic RAJASTHAN T-shirts at cheap rates. Some authentic Rajasthani collections were available at cheap rates in this fort. The locals at this fort enjoy interacting with the tourists.
Bonfire Night-
At night after dinner we all sat around the Bonfire. We played soft melodious Bollywood songs and enjoyed the warmth of the crackling bonfire. Even after the fire was off we still sat around it soaking the warmth from the ashes. After that we went to our camps packed our bags for next morning and gathered again at late night to chat and play. The seniors were sharing ghost stories while we were playing our childhood games like kho-kho, langdi, pakda pakdi, chewing gum-chewing gum, chicken, etc. Ashish also showcased some exercises to keep ourselves in shape. We wanted to have a night out this day to witness the sunrise from the desert. But slowly everyone went to sleep one by one and our plan failed.
DAY 8-
JAISALMER TO JODHPUR-
Early morning, after breakfast we collected the fine supreme quality golden sand in bottles and moved towards the blue city Jodhpur. It was the only day traveling to a city in our itenary which was a bit tiring. Some students were exhausted for sight seeing that day and wanted to go for shopping. But we stuck to our plan of fort visit.
Jodhpur- The Blue City
The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge. We got a breathtaking view of this city from the heights of this fort.
Mehrangarh fort-
Rising perpendicular and impregnable from a hill which is 125 metres above Jodhpur’s skyline this Fort seems to dominate the city. This historic fort is one of the most famous in India and is packed with history and legends. Mehrangarh Fort still bears the imprints of cannonball attacks. Chiselled and sturdy, the fort is known for its exquisite latticed windows, carved panels, intricately decorated windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. We visited them one by one. Entry to this fort is accompanied by a welcome music played by the local artists to give you the feeling of Maharajas. Then we visited to the gloriously decorated palaces and the must-visit museum featuring royal palanquins, howdahs, turbans, armory and paintings. This fort has starred in many movies and garnered international limelight. During our visit there was shooting of the upcoming Bollywood film “Thugs of Hindustan”.
Free time for shopping-
As this was our final destination in Rajasthan we had a lot to shop for our friends and family. First, most of us rushed to the “JANTA SWEET SHOP” tasting the local sweets and snacks. Most of us took ghevar which is a famous sinful delicacy of Rajasthan. The Dhai pyaaz ki kachori was mouth watering and the mawa kachori acted as a perfect dessert for the ones with a sweet tooth. Everyone was so lost in shopping that we returned to our bus at 9.30 which was an hour and half late than the time allotted to us.
We were stunned to see this beautiful hotel lit up just like a newly wed bride. We experienced the royal lifestyle of the Maharaja’s of Rajasthan and enjoyed the luxurious ambiance of the princely heritage. It had extremely comfortable rooms.
We did cake cutting being International Women's Day and enjoyed some really tasty dinner including a wide varietyof options to choose from. Some of us played uno at night and then sat late night in balcony discussing about how the time flied past.
DAY 9-
UMAID BHAVAN PALACE CANCELLED-
One of the largest private residences in the world, the Umaid Bhawan Palace, can be best described as the perfect mix of Indian and Art Deco styles. In fact, a section of the palace is still the private residence of Jodhpur’s royal family. Unfortunately this rolay family had some function at this palace due to which it was closed for the tourists.
We boys again did a small pool party in the cold water and then went to freshen up. We had to checkout soon as there were other guests coming to hotel. We didn't get time to get ready and had to leave our rooms as we were. After lunch at the restaurant we went to JODHPUR RAILWAY STATION to catch our train back to MUMBAI.
TRAIN JOURNEY-
We boarded the Ranakpur express. Our seats were now in remote bogies. Spread across s3 and s12 bogies ajinkya ronak and I used travel across compartments to enjoy with others. We had also planned to order some food online but which again got scrapped forcing all to take some food on Abu road station. We loved the Rabdi. At night we again did some pranks including the oreo biscuit prank, and Divya’s prank on Jitendra on which we laughed out so loud that other passengers in train gave us a firing. So we quietly went to sleep.
DAY 10-
Arriving in Mumbai few got down at Borivali and others at Bandra terminus. We bade goodbye to our friends and returned home with sweet and unforgettable memories.
CONCLUSION-
THE ROYALTY OF RAJASTHAN
The royalty of Rajasthan doesn't just belong in its past. Even today, Rajasthan has several royal families who continue to live the rich and opulent lifestyles of the bygone era.
ARTS AND INDUSTRIES
When one speaks of rich culture in India, Rajasthan is what comes to our minds. Proving it true for several years now, Rajasthan depicts each nuance of its authentic civilization in its artwork. Stone, clay, leather, wool, wood, lac, glass, brass, silver, gold and textiles. You name it and the Rajasthani craft industry has it. The industry not only provides mass employment but is also a way of sustaining years of family businesses started centuries ago.
RHYTHM AND RESONANCE
Born and cultivated in the erstwhile royal courts of Rajasthan, the state is known to be the birthplace of various music and art forms. The site of dancers adorned in colourful attires moving to the melodious sounds of the traditional string instruments perfectly complements the backdrop of the golden sands and the crimson sky of the Thar Desert. Rajasthan is where the ancestral folklore stories of the royals come alive. Rajasthan's rhythm and resonance in its rustic form truly reflects the glory of the state, the religious significance of every incident and upholds the courage and bravery of the Rajputanas.
THE ARCHITECTURE
Every city in Rajasthan is marked with a colour and each of these colourful regions are bordered by amazing architectural structure. May it be the pink hues of Jaipur, royal blues of Jodhpur or the golden glow of Jaisalmer, the framework of every city is adorned with ancient architecture. The colours of Rajasthan are impossible to ignore and the effect of emerald green, canary yellow and fire-engine red turbans and saris is simply dazzling.
THE PEOPLE
It is believed that the dialect, cuisine, water and turban in Rajasthan changes every 12 miles. Come modern day urbanisation, the people in Rajasthan have still held on their roots out of choice. Their hospitality and simplistic behaviour is what you're most likely to lose your heart to in Rajasthan.
THE FOOD
There is never an end to lip smacking finger licking food in Rajasthan. The most renowned dishes still are the Dal-bati-churma of Jaisalmer, the age old Sweet Lassi served in gullaks at Jaipur, the Kachoris and Ghevars which are a perfect take-a -way for tourists.
THE SHOPPING
Rajasthan is a shoppers' paradise, with beautiful goods found at low prices. Rajasthan is known for its traditional, colorful art. The block prints, tie and dye prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, Zari embroidery, kalamkari prints are worth export. The attractive designs of jewellery and clothes are eye-catching and invite shoppers. Rajasthani furniture has intricate carvings and bright colours. Rajasthani handicrafts are in demand due to the intricate work on them. Rajasthan is all about indulgences, and what better than shopping. Starting with personal clothing to jewellry to household items there are just tons of things that you can indulge in. Go crazy with the colorful Bandhini dresses that are found across Rajasthan, or the typical Jaipuri and Jodhpuri mojris that go with these outfits. Completing that look would be Kundan jewellry from Jaipur. Do pick up Jaipuri bedsheets a hind bedspreads to add that royal touch to your homes. There are just so many designs and colors in the markets that you will be spoilt for choice. The best part of the deal is that none of these are expensive and it's quite likely that your trip to Rajasthan will end with more luggage than you originally came with.
THE FORTS
Sketching the magnum opus of royal history on golden canvas, Rajasthan forts are the most authentic testimony of the desert state’s invigorating journey over centuries. Behind the colossal fortifications , a lot happened – fairytale romances, tragic sacrifices, art and architectural evolutions and truly extravagant living. Spiked doors that once held war elephants at bay open onto the twisting approaches to the palaces within. Austere and practical gives way to fantasy and opulence once safely inside. Carved marble and stone, fountains and coloured glass decorate the halls of business and rooms of pleasure. And from outside, these indomitable structures witnessed unbelievable showcase of valor, extreme power struggles, huge battles and peace treaties that followed. Choose Rajasthan historical tours to visit the fortified strongholds and get enthralled by the most captivating sights of your travel life.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Rajasthan is from October to March, when the Sun is not too fiery and intense. Winter season is the perfect time to visit most cities in Rajasthan.
THE FINAL VERDICT-
THE FINAL VERDICT-
Rajasthan, the Land of Kings is synonymous to heroism, royalty and honour. Historic tales of battles fought and romance of the riches adorn the walls of the state. Established in the era marked with wartime ballads yet living in the modern period, this beautiful region is a travellers' destination. Those looking out for the remnants of the past should not pass up a trip to Rajasthan. For wanderers interested in adventures at the various landscapes should definitely get a glimpse of this venturesome state. And for the ones who plan to have a quiet sojourn gazing at the beauty of the golden sand dunes, Rajasthan tops your list. Come, explore the miscellany of the old and the new in Rajasthan, a glittering jewel of India.
Majestic palaces, great food, a rich cultural heritage and endless opportunities to shop make Rajasthan the best place for an authentic ‘Indian’ travel experience. No matter what kind of traveller you are, Rajasthan will take your breath away at every step of the journey.