Abhaneri is a village about 95 kms from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Agra Road. A detour is well merited for its amazing step wells or ‘baoris’ and Harshat Mata Temple. According to a legend, the village is so called because the Goddess Harshat Mata who is shown portrayed in a joyous mood is believed to spread brightness or “abha” all around. The village’s original name was Abha Nagri, and its name today is Abhaneri.
Deshnok is a small village situated 32 km south from Bikaner city along the Jodhpur Road. It is connected by national highway and rail. It is a pilgrim centre of Karni Mata. Karni Mata, considered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga lived here in the fourteenth century and performed many miracles.
The princely state of the Jhalas created in 1838 AD, after being separated from Kota by the British. It is best explored by foot within the city and a horse safari in the outskirts as Jhalawar boasts of rich natural wealth, with flora and fauna as active.
Kishangarh is 27 Kms north east of Ajmer and was founded by Kishan Singh a Rathore Prince. In the 18th century it acclaimed fame as one of the finest schools of miniatures paintings. Though a smaller school with a much shorter duration it had a more refined style. It peaked under the patronage of Savant Singh an heir to the throne, who later became a hermit.
Nathdwara lies 48 kms from Udaipur and literally means the gateway to the Lord. This great Vaishnavite shrine was built in the 17th century on spot exactly defined by the Lord himself. The legends have it that the image of the Lord Krishna was being transferred to safer place from Vrindaban to protect it from the destructive wrath of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Pali is named after the Paliwal Brahmins who once inhabited the area. Ancient Pali housed a highly evolved civilization. The land, was leased by the then chief of Mandore (the former capital of Jodhpur district), was cultivated diligently by the Paliwals who abandoned their former priestly profession.
Is located on the junction of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner Road. It is on route to Jaisalmer and is also a fort town though the fort is not of the dimensions of Jaisalmer or Jodhpur. Pokran also came into limelight, as it was the site for India nuclear detonation. Pokran is also renowned for its furniture and interior crafts.
Rajasthan invites you to feel the adventure of a Camel Safari, which takes you through the golden sands of the vast. Thar desert. Like horse safaris, camel safaris are also popular in Rajasthan. The camel, popularly known as the ship of the desert, is not only common in the Thar desert, but also the only means of transportation in remote areas. Ride through sandy tracks, passing through remote villages. Pitch your tent at a new place each night. Spend the evenings next to the camp tire and dance to the folk music.
The safari is organised to take one through the golden sands of the vast Thar desert and untamed countryside, enabling one to experience the days gone by when time drifted at a leisurely pace. The rolling landscape of the sand & shrub covered area is breathtakingly beautiful and the range of flora and fauna surprisingly large for a desert area. The camel breeders or Raika are the best guides. They know every pasture, waterhole and village of the region. One can ride or walk along leisurely with the safari and enjoy the deserts-cape. The camel-carts are fully equipped and tourists need not bother about comfort in the desert. camel safari can be arranged at Pushkar, jaisalmer or bikaner and also during nagaur fair,desert festival and Pushkar fair but without camel safari your journey to Rajasthan is not completed.
Rajasthan‘ – the land of the Rajputs, is known for its kings, fearless warriors and charming ladies. It is also known for its forts, palaces and temples which are a reminder of the glorious past. Kingdoms were carved and established by the Rajputs on horseback, while swords were stained with enemy blood.
Horses were highly priced and a Rajput warrior would give anything to own a good horse. Great care was taken to breed horses and to keep a clean and pure lineage. The result of many years of dedication and hard work helped create breeds like the Marwah, Kathiawadi and the sindhi, each having its own distinct characteristics and bred solely for the purpose of war. These horses were noted for their stamina and fierce loyalty to their masters, these gallant steeds, the Rajputs became famous worldwide.
Wildlife houses some of the best wildlife and bird sanctuaries in India. The most popular ones are Ranthambore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo National Park, and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Tigers, elephants, boars, bears, several species of birds, and various other inhabitants of the wild greet you to these wildlife sanctuaries.
Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan is well-known for its elephants in addition to the Elephant Safaris that it offers. These Elephant Safaris are one of the most thrilling ways for you to explore the countryside of the city of Jaipur. Most of these safaris will lead to the Amber Fort which is a private estate located in the green foothills.
Most of the Elephant Safaris on offer will venture though various villages where you will find the traditional village folk immersed in their everyday activities, the agricultural fields where farmers will toil hard to grow crops for their livelihood, majestic hills that dot the landscape of the countryside in addition to ancient monuments that have stood as a reminder of the glorious past of the great land of India.
The Bishnoi Village Jeep Safari is also a perfect way to tour the regions in and around the beautiful city of Jodhpur. Since the people belonging to the Bishnoi clan are eco-friendly people, one can find a variety of flora and fauna. The mix of lush greenery and wildlife is a perfect way to enjoy a vacation. The various wildlife safari and parks are a great place to discover the rich flora and fauna on offer. There will be an air-conditioned vehicle that will drop you from your hotel to a particular meeting point where a jeep will be waiting for you. The tour guides will brief you on the journey you will take. These Jeep Safaris will usually cover desert land, rocky areas and hills in a short span of time, saving you the effort of having to trek.
La riserva delle tigri di Sariska è ben immersa nelle colline di Aravali che coprono un’area di 800 kmq suddivisa tra praterie, foreste decidue secche, scogliere a picco e paesaggio roccioso. Sia che tu voglia fare safari sui cammelli, uscire per fare shopping nei luoghi circostanti, visitare i palazzi medievali o osservare la natura; Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary è il posto migliore per te.
Quasi il 90% dell’area del santuario è ricoperta da alberi Dhok che ospitano varie specie di animali selvatici. Una varietà di altri animali selvatici come il leopardo, il sambhar, il chital, il nilgai, l’antilope a quattro corna, il cinghiale, il macaco rhesus, il langur, la iena e i gatti della giungla si trovano nella riserva delle tigri di Sariska, a parte la tigre. Il Parco Nazionale di Sariska ospita la più grande popolazione di pavoni in India, e tra le altre specie ospita quaglie, galli cedroni, picchi dorati e aquile serpentiforme. Anche il Lago Siliserh ai margini del parco ha un gran numero di coccodrilli.
Il Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary ospita le rovine dei templi medievali di Garh-Rajor che risalgono al X e XI secolo. Anche un castello del 17 ° secolo su una collina a Kankwari offre una vista panoramica di avvoltoi e aquile volanti. Il Sariska fu dichiarato un santuario nel 1955 e raggiunse lo status di Parco Nazionale nel 1979.
Informazioni su Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary : –
Spighe affilate di colline e strette vallate degli Aravallis dominano il paesaggio di Sariska, le cui foreste sono secche e caduche. All’interno del santuario della fauna selvatica di Sariska ci sono le rovine dei templi medievali di Garh-Rajor, appartenenti ai secoli X e XI.
Un castello del 17 ° secolo su una collina tagliente a Kankwari, offre una vista panoramica di volatili e aquile volanti egiziani. L’area fu dichiarata santuario nel 1955 e divenne un parco nazionale nel 1979.
Principali attrazioni della fauna selvatica : –
Il parco di Sariska ospita numerosi carnivori tra cui Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal e Tiger. Questi si nutrono di un’abbondanza di specie preda come Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Cinghiale e Langur. Sariska è anche noto per la sua vasta popolazione di scimmie Rhesus, che si trovano in gran numero intorno a Talvriksh.
Il mondo degli uccelli è anche ben rappresentato con una ricca e variegata avifauna. Questi includono Peafowl, pernice grigia, quaglia cespuglio, pernice di sabbia, torta di albero, picchio di legno dorato, aquila di serpenti crestato e il grande gufo cornuto indiano.
Tourism Attraction Jodhpur Excursion and Car Rental
Jodhpur – Famous for its magnificent forts and palaces, Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan and a major tourist attraction in the country. The forts and palaces in the city are the major source of attraction in the city. Exploring the forts gives you a feel of the times when the Rajput might was at its peak. The gates and the walls of the forts speak of the battles they have witnessed. One needs to spend enough time with these historical monuments to fully grasp the grandeur of the Rajput era. Some of the major attractions around Jodhpur are Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan & the Government Museum and Zoo.
Bishnoi (also known as Vishnoi and Prahladapanthi) is a religious sect found in the Western Thar Desert and northern states of India. They follow a set of 29 principles/commandments given by Guru Jambheshwar (1451-1536).Jambheshwar founded the sect at Samrathal Dhora in 1485 and his teachings, comprising 120 shabads, are known as Shabadwani. He preached for the next 51 years, travelling across India and many other countries.
Bishnoism was founded by Guru Jambheshwar (1451-1536), also known as Jambhaji. Some writers have used the term Vishnoi, meaning followers of Vishnu but sect members refer to themselves as Bishnoi, a word they claim is derived from the Rajasthani for twenty (bish) and nine (noi). Jambheshwar himself did not refer to Bishnoi but does mention Vishnu. Adherents are also known as Prahladapanthi because of their devotion to Prahlada, another Hindu deity.
Luni is a town in Luni tehsil in Jodhpur district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located 35 km South from Jodhpur district headquarters, Luni is a tehsil headquarters.
Fort Chanwa :-
Fort Chanwa is a red sandstone fort, whose foundation was laid over a hundred years ago during the rule of Maharaja Dalip Singh. The red sandstone comes from Jodhpur. Later the fort became a heritage hotel. Its main features are manicured gardens, carved lattice work friezes and Jharokas
Bandhavgarh National Park is in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. This biodiverse park is known for its large population of royal Bengal tigers, especially in the central Tala zone. Other animals include white tigers, leopards and deer. The mix of tropical forest, Sal trees and grassland is home to scores of bird species, including eagles. To the south are the remains of the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort.
The Bandhavgarh Fort is situated in Bandhavgarh in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is located on the Bandhavgarh hill, rising 811 meters above sea level at the centre of the Bandhavgarh National Park. It is surrounded by a large number of smaller hills separated by gently sloping valleys. These valleys end in small, swampy meadows, locally known as ‘bohera’. The fort is also home to many of the endangered species of Vulture in India
Various dynasties have ruled the fort: for example, Mauryans from the 3rd century BC, Vakataka rulers from the 3rd-5th century, Sengars from the 5th century, and the Kalachuris from 10th century. In the 13th century, the Baghels took over, ruling from Bandhavgarh until 1617, when Maharaja Vikramaditya Singh moved his capital to Rewa. The last inhabitants deserted the fort in 1935.
Throughout the tour of Bandhavgarh fort, wildlife such as tigers, cubs, and deer can be seen. In addition, many rare species of birds like Malabar pied hornbill, falcons, 4 species of vultures, and tortoises swimming can also be seen. At some point one can also see vulture nests from above. The hilltop is considered best for photography of flying birds due to the advantage of being positioned at the top. This makes the Bandhavgarh fort a worthwhile addition to a Bandhavgarh National Park wildlife tour.
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the wild life sanctuaries in the Indian state Madhya Pradesh. The national park is situated at 197 km away north-east of Jabalpur. This wild life park derived its very name from an ancient fort in the area. Bandhawgarh National Park belongs to the Vindhyan mountain ranges of central India and it boasts to have the highest density of tiger population in the country. Now there are about 46 to 52 tigers one can spot here.
The Elusive White Tiger
The forests of Bandhavgarh are the white tiger jungles of the yesteryears. However, no white tigers have been reported from the wild in the last 50 years, and it is believed that less than a dozen have been seen in India in about a hundred years. And yet when white tigers were sighted, it was right here in Bandhavgarh.
Once a hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa in more recent times, Bandhavgarh was declared a park in 1968. This is also the site where the famous WHITE TIGERS of Rewa were discovered.
Wandering through the Bandhavgarh national park on an Elephant Back, the chances of seeing a tiger are quite good. Among the other wild attractions include, Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar and sometimes a Fox or Jackal.
In the Bandhavgarh National Park the visitors can be entered on elephant back apart from the four wheelers
Top Tourist Attraction To visit During Triangle Tour :-
Delhi, Agra and Jaipur these three Indian cities make up the Golden Triangle of traveling in India known to all. The golden triangle tour is a quintessential introduction to the rich culture, tradition and history of India, especially for the first time travelers. The 6 days and 5 nights holiday package consists a tour to major destinations of India – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The golden triangle tour is no doubt one of the popular tourist circuits in India that offers a wonderful opportunity to marvel the grandeur, glory and vibrant culture. Moreover, our expert representatives will help you in planning a perfect tour itinerary that will leave you mesmerized with pleasurable memories for lifetime.
The triangle has three important points in the North Indian region making up the route viz. – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. These places are located at a distance of 200-250 kms from each other and are packed with history, culture and heritage. This diversity makes this route the perfect journey of odds!
When it comes about Golden Triangle, Delhi is the first place who welcomes the visitors and takes to explore the glimpses of Mughal Era and Sultanate. Old Delhi and New Delhi are the two parts of this city. It has everything from monuments, parks, shopping and delicious delicacies. The Major Attraction Of city are Akshardham Temple, Lotous Temple, The Red Fort, India gate, Qutub Minar and much more .
Akshardham temple represents the architectural essence of India’s rich history, culture and tradition. Well-connected by the metro route of Delhi this is a must see destination in the capital city of the country. Lotus Temple is one of the most iconic structures in India and a must see sight for any traveler worth his buck. The Red Fort Built in 1638 by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, this is a World Heritage site located in Delhi. Red Fort was the home to most Mughal Emperors of the dynasty for up to almost 200 years, and is situated right in the centre of Delhi.
Qutub Minar The tallest minar in the country, this is yet another World Heritage site that you must check off from your list of must-see spots in the Golden Triangle trip. India Gate Not to be confused with the similarly named, Gateway of India located in Mumbai. This is a War memorial structure in Delhi and a landmark of patriotic history for Indians.
Agra is the second destination of Golden Triangle. It is the land which has one of the seven wonders of the world. Here you can get lots of Mughal Era’s architecture and Taj Mahal is one of them. Don’t miss to taste the “Agra ka Petha” as it is popular in India and comes into various flavors. The Major Attraction Of The city is Taj Mahal, The red Fort Agra/ Agra fort and much more.
The biggest symbol of love the Taj Mahal is also a World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. No trip to India is ever complete without a glimpse of the Taj Mahal. The Agra Fort is very centrally located and probably the most popular building in Agra after the Taj Mahal. You can actually get a glimpse of the Taj Mahal from Agra Fort.
Jaipur is the last destinations of Golden Triangle and known as The Pink City of india. The majestic fort and monuments are the special treat here. It is the perfect destination for those who wants photography, sightseeing and entertainment. This Pink city is the symbol of royal culture, delicacies etc. Starting from walking through the streets to travelling in a hot air balloon, this city has everything for all kinds of travelers. This is the place with royal heritage and modern culture. The Major Attraction Of city are the Amber Fort. City Palace, Hawamahal, Jantar Mantar, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jalmahal (Palace In Water) And Much More Palces To visit in city
Amber Fort is the most magnificent Fort which was started by Raja Mann Singh and later on completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. Hawa Mahal the 18th century palace which has rows and rows of windows and screens. The wind constantly flows into the palace giving its name. Jantar Mantar has a lot of sculptures and structures which measures time, track starts and also predicts the eclipse. In the middle of the old town core, City Palace of Jaipur plays home to a royal residence and blends a fusion of architectural styles.
Fresco wall paintings of Shekhawati are unique in themselves, although it was the Mughal kings who made murals fashionable, their religious indictments forbade them from having man or animal as motif; they were allowed only floral and abstract designs. To an extent this posed as an obstacle. Wall painting in Shekhawati boomed only after Mughal power was declined. For the early corpus, the artists depended heavily on traditional Indian subjects. This consisted of scenes from mythology, especially of Lord Krishna, local legends, animals and plants, daily lives of men and women, towns and the Shekhawat Rajas. Most of the towns are good enough to see classic fresco wall paintings, few are Mandawa, Ramgarh, Fatehpur, Nawalgarh, Bissau, Dundlod, Alsisar etc.
The fresco painting artists were called chiteras, who belongs to the kumhars (potters) caste. They are also called chejaras (masons) since they works both as painters and builders. The paintings were depicted in bright two-dimensional paintings. The chejaras used only natural colors for their art, like kajal (lamp black) for black, safeda (lime) for white, neel (indigo) for blue, geru (red stone powder) for red, kesar (saffron) for orange, pevri (yellow clay) for yellow ochre and so on. Mixed in limewater and beaten into plaster, they remained vibrant for almost as long as the building lasted.
The stories :-
The havelis earned their splendour through backbreaking effort. Mural painting was an elaborate process, involving different materials, layers and techniques. Scenes depicted cover 10 broad themes—decorative designs, daily life, religion, raga mala, folk mythology, historical events or personalities, flora and fauna, erotica, maps or places, and the British and their contraptions. Most chhatris or domes include a rasamandala in the ceiling—a dancing circle in which Krishna miraculously replicates himself so each Gopi finds him dancing next to her.
Besides popular love stories such as Laila–Majnu and Heer–Ranjha, Shekhawati’s murals have a recurrent theme of a couple astride a camel portraying Rajasthan’s most popular romantic tale—Dhola–Maru. Married off as kids, Dhola returns as an adolescent to fetch his wife. En route, they encounter bandits Umra–Sumra, and like a true Rajput wife, Maru repels the attackers while Dhola urges his camel onwards. Paintings also represent lesser-known folk tales of Binjo–Sorath. Binjo mesmerises his young aunt Sorath with his veena as she dances to his tunes. Sassi–Punu recounts the legend of Punu, a prince who weds Sassi, an abandoned princess raised among washermen. Tragically, Punu is kidnapped and Sassi dies in search of him in the desert.
Before the 19th century, artists used natural colours such as lampblack, and red, green and yellow ochres. Lime was a substitute for white and was used for lightening other hues, while indigo, ultramarine, vermilion, verdigris, gold and silver were reserved for prayer rooms and bedrooms.
The Indian Yellow, made from gomutra or urine collected from cows fed on mango leaves, was used, albeit rarely. In 1860, German chemical pigments such as ultramarine, chrome red and emerald green reached India and remained popular till World War I, until supplies were hit. (Inspired by ‘Made in Germany’ paint tins, many painters randomly emblazoned the word ‘Germany’ to depict anything English!) Maroon was popular from 1820 to 1865, red and blue held sway between 1860 and 1910, and multi-coloured paintings using cheap European paints dominated the years from 1900 to 1950.
Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur is a marvel built by Maharaja Umaid Singh of Rathore Dynasty. The youngest palace of India is an architectural splendor, marvelous heritage hotel of Jodhpur and a true royal experience. Built on sprawling grounds of 26 acres, the royal residence is perched high above the Blue City of Rajasthan. The royal home is a magnificent crown of the desert city. Also known as Chittar Palace, interesting stories are hidden in the premises of the golden-yellow monument. The glorious heritage and hospitality is kept alive by the Taj Hotels Group who own a part of the palace pampering guests with exquisite delights.
Last Royal Palace built in India before Independence :-
Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last royal palace built before the Independence of India. Its foundations were laid in 1929 and completed in 1943. Four years after the palace’s completion, the country became a free sovereignty. Independent India had no royal kingdoms, only their lavish homes remained. Maharaja Gaj Singh, the descendant of Maharaja Umaid Singh still resides here.
One of the largest private residences in the World :-
Maharaja Umaid Singh had a vision to create the largest private residence in the world. For the luxury home, the Maharaja hired the British engineer, H.V. Lancaster, contemporary of Sir Edward Lutyens who planned the buildings of the New Delhi government complex. The Chittar Sandstone has been used for the outer structure. The inner architecture is a combination of lndo-Saracenic, Classical Revival and Western Art Deco styles designed in Makrana marble and Burmese teak wood. The exotic frescoes of the palace are painted by Polish artist, J.S. Norblin.
Umaid Bhawan Palace is spread over 26 acres of lush grounds including 15 acres of well-kept lush gardens. The royal residence has 347 rooms, an exquisite throne chamber, an exclusive private meeting hall, a Durbar Hall to meet the public, a vaulted banquet hall, private dining halls, a ball room, a library, an indoor swimming pool and spa, a billiards room, four tennis courts, two unique marble squash courts and long passages. The gardens of the beautiful property have peacocks freely roaming around. Views of Mehrangarh Fort and other attractions of Jodhpur can also be seen. Don’t lose your way while exploring. It’s a maze of history, heritage and memories. Every corner has numerous stories to narrate.
Royal Residence: The Chittar Sandstone monument has two major wings. One wing is entirely the home of the Rathore Dynasty of Jodhpur. They live their imperial lifestyle away from prying eyes. Maharaja Gaj Singh, grandson of Maharaja Umaid Singh till date resides here with family.
Taj Hotel: The Taj Hotel Group owns and maintains the other wing of the palace. They have under their dominion, 64 accommodations compromising of 25 rooms and 39 suites. The rooms/ suites are categorized as Maharani Suite, Maharaja Suite, Royal Suite, Regal Suite and Deluxe Rooms. The ostentatious rooms have retained the historic charm. Many family portraits, leopard skins and stuffed animal heads are seen. The hotel rooms are blessed with picturesque scene of gardens where magnificent peacocks stroll around. The hotel indulges guests with elegant dining. Indian fares, multi cuisine la carte options and gourmet drinks of fine wines from various countries are available. Spa and yoga studio pamper guests with rejuvenating sessions. The hotel is a luxury experience in the modern times with glories of the regal era.
Museum: The grand property houses a museum. Open for all, here are some marvelous specimens. The museum has exhibits of glass, porcelain wares, memorabilia, and information on the building of the palace. The unique allures are the stuffed leopards, an enormous symbolic flag gifted to Maharaja Jaswant Singh by Queen Victoria in 1877, an impressive collection of clocks in interesting windmill and light house shapes, and photographs of the graceful art-deco interior of the palace. The classic cars of the Maharajas are also on display. A part of the museum, Darbar Hall, has elegant murals, miniature paintings, armors and a rare collection of expensive household paraphernalia of 1930s.
Built for a noble cause rather than luxury :-
The building of Umaid Bhawan Palace has an interesting tale behind it. Once in the 1920s, famine struck Jodhpur then known as Marwar. The troubled people came for help to Maharaja Umaid Singh. His Royal Highness (the grandfather of the present Maharaja) generously commissioned a new palace to give employment to the people. The expensive venture employing the needy was not only a beautiful private residence but a symbol of hope and the new icon of Jodhpur replacing the Mehrangarh Fort. The venture was constructed from 1928 and 1943 giving the hard working people enough to survive the bad times.
The Grandest Hotel Experience :-
Umaid Bhawan Palace became a part of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces in 2005 January. Taj having its legacy of hospitality, was the perfect choice to uphold the royal tradition of the luxurious Umaid Bhawan Palace and extend its indulgent hotel experience.
The 64 accommodation allotted to the property are no short of royal pleasure. From the modern facilities, the old world charm and the mesmeric views, the hospitality in unparalleled. The hotel pampers guest with lavish dining, spa & wellness and leisure. For the royal dining, ‘Risala’ a la carte restaurant serves wide range of cuisine from across the regions. ‘Sunset Pavilion” is an old charm hangout to savor the royal barbeque and drinks. It is the highest point to enjoy a drink in Jodhpur. ‘The Pillars’ is a comfy coffee shop with delicious pastries, sandwiches and sweets. Relish a steaming cup of hot coffee while enjoying a spectacular view of the Jodhpur city.
The puppets in Rajasthan are one of the popular sources of entertainment in the state. The art of puppetry is practiced by a community of agricultural laborers of Rajasthan. Known as the Bhats, these people have been associated with Rajasthani string puppetry to carry forward their traditional occupation. Though they belong, originally, to the Nagaur area in the Marwar region, they travel all through the countryside to exhibit their skills. Also known by the name of the “kathputliwalas”, they usually perform the puppet shows during the late evenings.
In the puppet shows of Rajasthan there are a number of wooden dummy dolls that are dressed up in bright and color attires. These puppets are attached with strings that the puppeteer uses to move them around. A miniature stage is set up with the help of a cot that is laid by length. The puppeteer tacks his puppets over a rope joined to the upper legs of the cots. The cots are covered with sheets in order to conceal the puppeteer from the view of the public. He moves the jointed limbs of the puppets with the help of strings attached to each of them.
Loud beats on the dholak (a kind of drum) announce the starting of the puppet show. Throughout the show, there is hooting and whistling by the puppeteers. Each of the puppet shows of Rajasthan has a theme different from the other. One of the most popular themes is that of the dialogues of Amar Singh Rathore of Nagaur. The plays are usually narrated by the female members of the troupe. The narration is accompanied with appropriate songs and beats on the drums that are in perfect harmony with the movements of the puppets. The shows, usually lasting one hour, are enjoyed by people belonging to all the age groups.
The subject of puppet is not new to the world, but it is rather thousands years old. Regionally called Kathputli, where kaath implies wood and putli imply a doll accordingly giving it the name of a wooden puppet. It is the most vibrant part of Rajasthani folk culture and legacy. According to a legend, Raja Vikramaditya of Ujjain was frightfully fond of puppets. His throne was chiselled with thirty two beautiful dolls. The first play was of thirty two puppets which portrayed the life and accomplishments of Vikramaditya. The successors of the man, who initially demonstrated the play, performed a few shows for the later royal families in this manner picking up much acknowledgment and laud.
A long time after Prithviraj Chauhan was so amazed by this workmanship that he asked the Bhats to show a play on his accomplishments. The Bhats made a play on the brave deeds of Amar Singh Rathod of Nagaur additionally. The Mughal period brought a downfall for this art form as it was somehow against the Islamic beliefs. The puppet artists in the Mughal period faced loss of recognition as they were not entertained by the Mughal royal families.
Puppetry is a very old and popular form of folk entertainment. India has a mixed and rich heritage in puppetry. Puppetry is considered as the most significant of all dramatic forms. In India, puppet troupes are found in states like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka. The paper puppets and string puppets are famous in Rajasthan. Andhra Pradesh is well-known for Shadow puppets.Working the edge between entertainment and education, puppets can both teach and persuade Puppets have been a flexible means of communication artistic expression, and instruction for 2,000 years. Their innovative potential is just waiting to be used to help communities grow and change.
There are different types of puppetry shows in India. Some are glove puppets, some are rod puppets, some puppetry shows use string and rod puppets and last but not the least is the shadow puppets. Puppetry is more famous as a rural folk art than it is in urban areas however nowadays puppetry is getting its due appreciation in the cities too. Puppetry shows generally show different episodes from the well-known Indian epics of The Ramayana and The Mahabharata. Since puppets are characters and not people puppet shows can be used to extend social message on responsive issues like family planning, and female literacy.
The state of Rajasthan is distinguished by its fabulous monuments, all of which reflect the glory of the bygone age. Traditions, heritage and culture, all combine to lend this state a characteristic flavor of its own. No wonder, it witnesses a steady stream of visitors the year round.
However, its unique landscape and topography also lends itself to a variety of adventure sports. From jeep safari to paragliding, the opportunities for adventure abound here. Some of these activities also show you a completely different side of the state.
Rajputs have been keen equestrian and they take to the horses like a fish to water. Their taking to polo in big way was only natural. Their association with polo dates back to the Mughal period and miniature paintings at the Mehrangarh Fort bear testimony to this early introduction to the game. However, Polo did not become a passion until the British period when it became a natural and a marvelous peacetime pursuit. It was in 1889, when the colourful Prime Minister of Jodhpur Sir Partap Singh invited the Bengal Lancers to raise the Jodhpur Lancers; Polo was introduced to Jodhpur in its current modern form. Three years later Jodhpur raised its Polo Team, which won many accolades home and abroad. In 1897, when Sir Pratap travelled to London for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, he took his polo team along, amongst the very first Indian teams to travel abroad, and, for that matter, foreign teams to invade England and create history.
Lying in the west of India, the topography of Rajasthan varies from sand-dunes of the desert to the lofty hill ranges of the Aravallis which makes Rajasthan a trekker’s paradise. There are many beautiful meadows, dense forests, crystal lakes, waterfalls and rivulets meandering through the countryside. One of the old eat mountain ranges of the world, the Aravallis, extending from northeast to south-west have some beautiful forest areas. Mount Abu, about 1300 mts. above sea level is an ideal locale. Kumbhalgarh is another area in the Aravallis which is also good for trekking. Kumbhalgarh is just 90 kms from Udaipur off the Udaipur-Pali- Jodhpur Road. Trek upto the historic Kumbhatgarh fort. There is also a wildlife sanctuary. The famous Jain temples of Ranakpur are close-by. Trekking routes in Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh and Rawali Tatgarh are not restricted to any particular area. The entire mountain system offers exciting trails which originate at starting points spread over the entire length and breadth of the Aravallis. OneCan trek from Abu Road to Guru Shikhar (highest peak of Aravali),Thandi Beri to Kumbhalgarh fort or Ranakpur to Rawali Tatgarh .
Hot air ballooning is one of the most popular sports in Rajasthan. A ride on a hot air balloon in the cities of Rajasthan provides an unforgettable experience. Gliding past the lakes, desert lands, forts and palaces provides a unique perspective of the state. The rides are arranged at dawn or dusk, depending largely on the weather conditions. However, do not forget to bring your camera along with you during the ride, as the views from above are truly captivating.
Paragliding is still in its nascent stage in Rajasthan, but is gaining a rapid popularity with each passing day. The thrill and excitement associated with this sport make it one of the most exciting things to do in Rajasthan for adventure lovers. Soaring above the golden blanketed countryside of Rajasthan equips you with unforgettable memories. However, one can engage in this activity only through the operators who are armed with the necessary equipment.
Jeep Safari :-
Of course, there is an undescribed thrill in sitting comfortably and watching the landscape fly by you as your jeep takes you to exotic locations in Rajasthan. A jeep safari is highly sought after because it takes you to unexplored destinations. One of the greatest advantages of a jeep safari is the option it provides in terms of altering one’s sightseeing requirements. Other than the rural areas, jeep safaris also let you visit historical forts & Palaces which are popular for architectural design and history importance.
Rajasthan is home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries which are home to various mammals, exotic birds and endangered species. One of these is Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, which is renowned for its tiger population. Then there is Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur, which is home to about 379 floral species, 366 bird species and several animals. In the Desert National Sanctuary, Jaisalmer, common sightings include Great Indian Bustard, sand grouse, kestrels, laggar falcons, spotted eagles. Apart from these, there are plenty of other sanctuaries which are famous for holding an exciting variety of wildlife. In all these sanctuaries, one can view the exotic wildlife through a jeep safari.
Adventure in Rajasthan has ample amount of activities to offer to adventure buffs. The state has always been active in various types of traditional sports and games. And with some fantastic wildlife sanctuaries and parks adventure holidays in Rajasthan have got a remarkable growth
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