Main Attraction:- Reverence of Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati
Overview/History:- Gangaur festival of Rajasthan is celebrated in reverence to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. It derives its name from the words ‘Gan’ and ‘Gauri’, the former is another name for Shiv while the latter is used to address Parvati. The festival centers around women and all the rituals to be followed are observed by them. The festival is held in the month of ‘Chaitra’ as per the Hindu calendar. The festival rituals commence the day after Holi.
Celebration:- The festival celebrates the union of Shiva and Parvati which gives young girls and boys an occasion to interact with each other. It is an elaborate occasion and there are several rituals associated with it. These rituals include:
Collecting ash from Holika Dehan and burying seeds of wheat and barley in it and protecting them by watering till the seeds germinate.
Songs in praise of Shiv and Parvati are sung by women who also carry pots on their heads.
Women make clay images of both Shiva and Parvati.
A procession is taken by young girls and all of them place an earthern pot with holes and lamp inside on their heads. They distribute cash and other gifts on their way.
The final day of the festival sees images of Gauri being taken out in a procession accompanied by camels, bullock carts, horses and elephants. The procession is symbolic of return of Gauri to her husband’s (Shiv’s) home.
To mark the end of the procession, the girls break their pots.
Apart from these rituals, newly married women fast for the whole eighteen days of the festival and even unmarried women fast and eat only one meal a day in the hope to find a good husband. During this festival in Jaipur, a popular sweet dish called ‘Ghewar’ is distributed between families, relatives and friends.
Holi is a festival of colors, emotions, and happiness, celebrated primarily in India but now a days its celebrated in many parts of the world. The festival falls on the last full moon day of Falgun according to Hindu calendar. All age groups equally enjoys the festival and in villages dhamal ( local songs ) can be heard and the participants sings with full zeal and enthusiasm. Color powder and water is used to play now these things are replaced by herbal colors as the chemical colors cause various skin disease as well as can harm the eyes.
Festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and a celebration of the arrival of spring and harvests to come.
One of the most important festivals in Rajasthan, Gangaur is celebrated to honor the goddess Gauri, a manifestation of Parvati (Lord Shiva’s wife) who represents purity and austerity. This festival is predominantly for women.
Holi in Rajasthan
The colourful state of Rajasthan plays Holi much the same way as Mathura. A night before the full moon, crowds of people gather together and light huge bonfires to burn the residual dried leaves and twigs of the winter. People throw coloured water and powders (gulal and kumkum) at each other and make merry. Singing, dancing and the traditional beats of dhol add to the gaiety of the occasion
Rajasthan is home to some of the most famous and highly visited wildlife sanctuaries as well as national parks. Those who have interest in visiting wildlife sanctuaries can now make the most of wildlife travel packages in Rajasthan which also takes you to some of the offbeat destinations. There are many underrated national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan. Here you will learn about three off beat wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, before a princely game conserve is the scene where the celebrated Indian Tiger is best seen. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas just 14 Kms from Sawai Madhopur in Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape. The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas and sharp and conical hills of the Aravali. A tenth century fort also blends amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) interspersed with grasslands at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage around the canals make the jungle. Three big lakes – Padam Talab (meaning Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh – are similar turquoises studded in the vast forest that abounds with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds, lilies and lotus.
A significant geological feature within the park is the ‘Great Boundary Fault’ where the Vindhaya plateau meets the Aravali range. The Rivers Chambal in the South and the Banas in the North bound the National Park. The park is dotted with steep rocky hills and the dominating architecture of Ranthambhor Fort (built in the 10th century), adds to its landscape. The rugged park terrain alternates between dry deciduous forest, open grassy meadow, dotted by several lakes and rivers that are only made passable by rough roads built and maintained by the Forest Service.The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambore although it is the one park resident that people come to see. A variety of birds including Owlets, the ubiquitous Langur (monkey), Leopard, Caracal, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boar, Bears and various species of Deer are the other attractions.
Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although larger than Ranthambor, it is less commercialised and has less tigers but a similar topography. It covers an area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km. The Northern Aravali Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.
The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate here is variable as well as erratic.
It is located in the contemporary Alwar district and is the legacy of the Maharajas of Alwar. Pavilions and Temples within Sariska are ruins that hint at past riches and glory. The nearby Kankwadi Fort has a long and turbulent history.In morning and evening, wildlife in Sariska heads towards the many water holes, which litter the park, thus providing the guests with their best chance of viewing game. At some of these watering holes it is possible to book hides which are situated in prime spots for wildlife viewing.
The park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Civets Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on species such as Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also well known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found around Talvriksh.
So, while choosing wildlife travel packages in India, make sure that you do include above slated three parks and sanctuaries.
Jaipur Tour Planner: If you like visit to top attractions and places in Jaipur so these places are right for you. If you are passionate about the strong forts and marvelous architecture that flaunt the expertise of the artisans of the past, Jaipur is where you need to be on your vacation. You can customize the rides the way you need, take elephant rides on jungles, through villages, in Biological Park and many more. If you long to experience the flamboyant lifestyle of the past rulers even if it is only for a few days, Jaipur’s palaces-turned-heritage hotels are where you need to stay for a lifetime experience. If you fancy elephant rides, you need to be in Jaipur to have a royal ride on the elephants.
Below is a list of Top Attractions and Places in Jaipur.
1. Amber Fort and Palace
Around half an hour’s drive from the city center, like something out of a fairy tale, Amber Fort is set on a hill top overlooking Maota Lake. It was the original home of Rajput royalty until Jaipur city was constructed, and contains a number of breathtaking palaces, halls, gardens, and temples. Inside, the elaborate mirror work adds to the grandeur. The fort entrance is reached by walking up the hill, going in a jeep, or taking a lurching elephant ride. The evening sound and light show, which brings alive the Fort’s history, is impressive.
2. City Palace
Upon visiting the magnificent City Palace, it’s easy to see that the royal family of Jaipur was one of the richest in India. The huge complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings blend both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The Peacock Gate is exquisite, and contains an alluring display of detailed workmanship featuring bright peacocks. Today, the royal family lives in the graceful Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) bordering the courtyard. Also inside the City Palace complex is a museum, art gallery, and interesting displays of royal costumes and old Indian weapons.
3. “Hawa Mahal” Palace of the Winds
The intricate and fascinating facade of the Palace of the Winds “Hawa Mahal” is probably Jaipur’s most recognized building. Constructed in 1799, it has five floors that contain rows of small windows and screens. Wind used to flow through the openings, giving the palace its name. However, the wind has now gone from the Wind Palace as most of the windows have been sealed shut. Legend has it that the palace, which overlooks the main street of Jaipur’s lively Old City, was built so that the women of the royal household could watch the streets below without being observed. A panoramic view can be had from the top of the building.
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4. Jantar Mantar Observatory
Jantar Mantar, built by King Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734, literally means “calculation instrument”. More than just a curious collection of sculptures, each structure at the intriguing Jantar Mantar observatory has a specialized astronomical function. There are 14 structures in total, which measure time, predict eclipses, and track stars. The most impressive one is the huge Samrat Yantra sundial. At a height of 90 feet (27 meters), it has a shadow that moves roughly the width of a person’s hand every minute. It’s a profound display of how quickly time does in fact go!
5. Jaigarh Fort
The massive Jaigarh Fort was built in 1726 and holds great appeal for military lovers. Flanked by towering gateways and watchtowers, it contains the world’s largest cannon on wheels. The cannon has never been fired though, and neither has the fort been captured. As a result the fort has remained intact over its long life, and is very well preserved. In fact, it’s one of the best-preserved military structures of medieval India. Jaigarh doesn’t have the delicate interiors of Amber Fort, and therefore appears as a real fortress. Climb the Diwa Burj watchtower to get an excellent view over the plains.
6. Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort, also known as Tiger Fort, is perched high on the rugged Aravali Hills overlooking Jaipur city. The fort was built 1734 to help defend the city. It found fame in 2006, after many scenes from the movie Rang De Basanti were filmed there. Nahargarh Fort offers spectacular views, which are best seen at sunset. It also makes a great place for a picnic as there’s a cafe on the premises, which serves beer and snacks until 10 p.m. The fort looks particularly attractive at night when it’s lit up.
7. Monkey Temple
Getting to this rather ruinous but holy Hindi temple, nestled in peaceful surroundings between two granite cliffs, is quite an adventure but it’s completely worth the effort. The temple is part of a larger temple complex, which also has three sacred pools of water. One of the pools has been taken over by thousands of monkeys that congregate there to swim and bathe. They’re generally friendly and love to be fed. Unfortunately, the area is not well maintained. Be prepared to encounter dirty and trash, as well as priests and pseudo holy men coercing people for money.
8. Albert Hall (Government Central Museum)
This old and famous museum was modeled on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Its collection includes portraits of local kings, costumes, woodcarvings, paintings, and arts and crafts. Unfortunately photography isn’t allowed.
Rajasthan Vacation Planning Travel Tips to Save Time & Money: Planning a Rajasthan vacation requires a lot of planning and management. A lot of things need to be managed before going for a vacation. Money and time are the major aspects that play a vital role in the process of preparing for the vacation. Though it might take some time to plan, but the result that comes out after the process compensates all the other things.
Follow the list of tips that are perfect for saving money and time during vacation.
1. Planning:
The first to be followed holds utmost importance in making the vacation budget-friendly. Assess your financial position, decide the destination, book your tickets and move forward to the next step.
2. Stay Flexible:
Staying flexible with the travel dates is another way of saving money during the vacation. Book flights on dates where the fares are low, this way a huge amount can be saved.
3. Travel in Shoulder Season:
A trip can be taken at any point of time, but traveling during the shoulder season or the off-season is a better way of saving money and avoiding the crowds that hamper the reach-ability to various destinations.
4. Look for Special Deals:
Several travel websites and companies create packages and deals for travelers. Sign-up for the exclusive offers of all of them and grab the one that has the maximum advantage. Book flights/tickets after comparing all the offers.
5. Use Social Media:
Social Media is a great tool that helps connecting with different people, communities and places. Take advantage of social media and browse various travel websites to claim their promotional offers that are exclusively available on these sources.
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6. Book in Advance:
Once the planning is done, book your tickets and hotels in advance. Making advance bookings not only ensures hassle free travel, but also helps in getting the benefits such as low prices, more options and choices.
7. Get access to Locales:
Locales help travelers in getting the inside information, thus making their task easy and convenient. Connect with the local people in order to get the inside scoop that can be utilized for further trip.
8. Take Public Transport:
After reaching the desired destination, opt for traveling through the public transport to cut down the expenses of commuting. Make the best use of them by taking route maps and guides to find places easily. Find best Rajasthan car rental services and choose best car rental service.
9. Carry extra cash/currency:
The currency conversion rates may be different in various countries. Taking extra cash from the beginning of the journey decreases the money spending on converting the currency. A lot of money gets saved by adopting this technique.
10. Stay at cheaper accommodations:
Finding a cheap accommodation in Rajasthan online is another way that saves money while traveling. Staying in a hostel or a family-friendly places and hotels acts as great options for sticking with the budget.
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11. Act & Implement Carefully:
Repeat the first step again and review the whole process. Implementing the ideas curated during the planning makes a good effort towards money and time management. Act wisely and choose better.
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