Imagup General Magazine 2024
Rajasthan, the Land of Princes, is a state in India located in the northwest portion of the country. Aptly called the ‘Jewel of India’, it is home to majestic historic forts and palaces, magnificent lakes with scenic temples, and vibrant wildlife. Rajasthan offers spectacular desert backdrops and an array of other tourist attractions including bustling bazaars which are scattered with brilliant handicrafts and colorful fabrics.
This royal land of India showcases its rich cultural heritage in every corner. There are a growing number of modern establishments alongside age-old monuments that carry the legacy of bygone eras. The rich diversity – ranging from snow-capped mountains to deserts, rivers, and plateaus – offers an amazing variety for travelers looking for new experiences. The vibrant cities bustle with activity while amazing nature reserves provide a soothing environment to relax and unwind. Rajasthan Tours & Drivers can take you through many beautiful places and sites.
1. Amber Fort
Otherwise known as Amer Fort, is one of the most renowned forts located in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan. Founded in 1558 by Kachwaha Rajputs, Amber was their primary residence until 1727 when they moved to Jaipur. Perched atop a hill, it combines both Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture with an interesting layout made up of chambers, temples, and peaks overlooking Maota Lake and the town below. Inside you’ll find exquisite frescoes and mirror works surrounded by courtyards and ramparts. Outside are large crenelated walls that have some hidden temple entrances to a secret palace! Be sure to make time for a visit during your travels around this remarkable region of India.
2. Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola, located in Udaipur, is a historic artificial freshwater lake, created in the narrow valley between the hills of the Aravalli range. Situated to the south of Fateh Sagar Lake, it is one of the most picturesque lakes in Rajasthan that was built by Maharana Udai Singh II and is connected to numerous palaces on its banks. The lake has two islands―the Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir, both with beautiful palaces.
Boat rides on this lake offer mesmerizing views of the City Palace Complex and Jagmandir Fort situated around it. This gleaming water body never fails to leave a long-lasting impression on visitors providing an explosion of color reflections amidst its surrounding hills. Owing to its rich history which dates back 500 years, its unmatched beauty and blissful atmosphere make it a tourist hotspot in Udaipur city with many restaurants & resorts situated near it making it a great spot for night outs too.
3. Jag Mandir
For many centuries, Rajasthan has been known for its age-old heritage and royal grandeur, evident from its majestic forts, palaces and monuments. Jag Mandir is one such remarkable monument that is situated along the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur. Built by Maharana Karan Singh, the son of Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651 it was initially used as a pleasure palace. Jag Mandir was also used as a place of refuge by Prince Khurram when he revolted against his father Jahangir.
4. Mehrangarh Fort
The Mehrangarh Fort is the pride of Rajasthan and the magnificent architecture of the Fort makes this place a must-visit for those traveling to Jodhpur. The fort overlooks and overlooks the stunning cityscape from its 400ft height. With several imposing palaces, and galleries displaying numerous murals, miniatures, photographs, handicrafts, and an armory inside it every corner of Mehrangarh Fort will leave you in awe of its grandeur. If that was not enough, visitors can also witness folk dance shows within the premises of Mehrangarh fort to get an even better view of the culture of Rajasthan. With well-maintained gardens around it, there is no surprise as to why this place has been used as a backdrop in many Indian films!
5. Jaswant Thada
This marble structure serves as the memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, which was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in 1899. The main attraction of this monument is an effigy of the Maharaja that rests at one side of it and as we look closely, this delicately carved marble ‘chattri’ or umbrella adorns three cenotaphs inside it.
The entire cenotaph comprises intricately carved sheets of marble featuring figurines and designs depicting Hindu deities; one can even spot a few war scenes along with many animal figures here! The center chamber consists of a brass sculpture that stands on a lotus pedestal which is highly impressive and tends to draw people from all over toward it. Jaswant Thada also offers picturesque views all around & acts as an ideal picnic spot during winter. Thus, making for a perfect family outing spot in Jodhpur!
6. Umaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the most spectacular sites in Rajasthan, is without a doubt the grandest in Jodhpur. The palace was constructed by Maharaja Umaid Singh Ji in 1929 and is today managed by Taj Group as a hotel. In fact, it is known as one of the largest private residences in the world.
The architecture symbolizing Art Deco style perfectly blends elements of Indo-Saracenic, Rajasthani, and Western styles together to make for a stunning visual effect. The palace stands majestically on Chittar Hill amid 26 acres of luxurious gardens with breathtaking views from any angle. The walls are generously decorated with marble carvings and stunning paintings by some of Europe’s most acclaimed painters. Inside, visitors can explore some sectioned parts of the palace which include a museum about the heritage and culture of Jodhpur’s royal family and couples can even avail services for wedding ceremonies here surrounded by unexampled grandeur!
7. Brahma Temple
Located in Pushkar, this temple is believed to be one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. It is said that the temple was built over two thousand years ago, making it one of the oldest known Hindu temples. The main sanctum inside has a shrine dedicated to Lord Brahma himself and a Shiva Lingam placed beside it, highlighting the importance of all three gods Hindus worship: Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva). It also has images of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit this temple for worshipping and numerous festivals are celebrated here throughout the year. During the period from November to February, Pushkar takes on a festive mood as thousands from all over India congregate here for the Pushkar Fair where cattle traders buy and sell their livestock along with other tradesmen dealing in fabrics, jewelry, pottery, and many others items.
8. Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh (or Chittor) is a hill fort located in the district of Rajsamand. Built over a period of time starting from the 7th century, Chittorgarh was ruled by several dynasties until it finally fell to the Mughal Empire in 1568. The fort stands atop a 180-meter-high hill and boasts extensive ramparts and seven huge gates. The grandeur of this sprawling fort is a testament to the rich history of the region and its royals, who occupied it for centuries.
Within this massive fort, complex lie many beautifully built palaces, temples, and other monuments from different eras. Notable attractions include Rana Kumbha Palace, Vijay Stambh (Victory Pillar), Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame), and Rani Padmini’s palace – most of which are architectural splendors that lend an aura of majesty to this ancient fortress. There are also many shrines dedicated to various Hindu Gods including Meerabai Temple, Kalika Mata Temple, and Siddhnath Temple as well as mausoleums honoring Hussain Shah Wali and Jaimal Phatta.
Conclusion
Rajasthan is an incredible place to explore and it is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking monuments, forts, palaces, lakes, deserts and wildlife reserves. It is a popular tourist destination that has something for everyone. From the grand city of Jaipur to the colorful small towns, from the rustic rural areas to the spacious sand dunes in the Thar Desert – Rajasthan offers a unique travel experience that’s rich in culture, history and craftsmanship.
