SHIMLA                

 

 Shimla, originally called Simla, is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. It was the Summer capital  of  India under British rule from 1864 till India got its independence and has seen many important historical events such as  the famous Shimla Pact between India & Pakistan which was signed here.  A popular tourist destination, Shimla is often referred to as the "Queen of Hills" (a term coined by the British).  Located in the north-west Himalayas at an altitude of 2,128 metres (6,982 ft), the city is draped in forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak, experiences pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is famous for its buildings styled in neo-gothic architecture dating from the colonial era.

 

The Kalka-Shimla railway line which was constructed in 1906, added to Shimla's accessibility and popularity. The railway route from Kalka to Shimla, with more than 806 Bridges and 103 tunnels, was touted as an engineering feat and came to be known as the "British Jewel of the Orient”.

 

One of the prominent examples of architecture in Shimla is Indian Institute Of Advanced Studies.  Housed in the former Viceregal Lodge, it was built in 1888. The style of architecture is English Renaissance, the masonry of the walling is light blue limestone and the wrought stonework is done in sandstone in a beautiful light grey tint. It has magnificent lawns.

 

Other Places of interest: The Mall, Ridge & Christ Church

 

SARAHAN               GO TO TOP

 

The Gods were generous when they have gave Sarahan (2165m) its settings. Located halfway up a high mountain side, the road to Sarahan winds past flowering Pine trees.  Above Sarahan, many deodar trees ride the slopes and higher still, encircling the Bashal peak, are trees of smooth birch and variety of wild flowers and rare medicinal herbs.  This sparsely populated village is steeped in ancient legends and the famous Bhimakali temple is located here, regarded as one of the Fifty One sacred Shaktipeethhs.  The temple's unusual architecture and wealth of carvings have made it a resplendent example of what is loosely called the Indo-Tibetan style.  Deep down the alley flows the river Sutlej and across lies the snow-clad Shrikhand peak.

 

SANGLA (BASPA) VALLEY             GO TO TOP

 

This valley, which has been named after a beautiful & populous village Sangla (2680 M), is situated along the banks of Baspa river which flows through this area (which is why it’s also known as Baspa Valley). This is the most charming valley in the entire District of Kinnaur.  The valley is surrounded by richly forested slopes and offers delightful views of the high mountains.  A 17 km journey from the turning point at Karcham a steep road climbs up deep gorges & high cliffs to reach Sangla and the journey is enjoyable and adventurous throughout.  Sangla has managed to retain its pristine nature and is famous for pine nut orchards, Royal red apples and cherry trees, unspoilt glacial streams and quaint little villages.  There’s natural scenery all around and the eternal snow peaks are picturesque and charming.  The Kinnauri people are famous for their distinct culture,their own dialect and simple but elegant lifestyles.

CHITKUL               GO TO TOP

 

On the banks of Baspa River, Chitkul (3450 M)is the last village on the road from Sangla and also the highest in Baspa valley. It is also the last point in this direction one can travel to, without a permit. Of particular interest at Chitkul are splendid viiews of snow clad mountain peaks in the distance, its houses with either slate or wooden plank roofs and  a Buddhist temple.

 

KALPA                GO TO TOP

 

Situated at the height of 2960 M Kalpa is a beautiful village perched above the town of Recong Peo (which serves as the administrative headquarter of Kinnaur district) and is the last big town before you head into the desolate region of Spiti.  River Sutlej hurtles through deep gorges in the valley below and across lie the majestic mountains of the “Kinner Kailash” range. These are spectacular sights early in the morning as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and golden light.

 

Famous for its apple orchards it is Inhabited by Kinnauri people who follow a syncretism of Hinduism and Buddhism and many temples in Kalpa are dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist gods & goddesses.

 

NAKO LAKE               GO TO TOP

 

Nako Lake (3660 M) is a high altitude lake in the Pooh sub-division of district Kinnaur.  The lake is surrounded by willow and poplar trees. Near the lake there are four Buddhist temples.  Also present there is a footlike impression believed to be that of saint Padmasambhava, an Indian sage Guru who is said to have transmitted Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan and Tibet in the 8th century.  And some miles away there is a village called Tashigang where there are several caves where it is believe that Guru Padmasambhava meditated and gave discourse to followers.

 

TABO MONASTERY              GO TO TOP

 

Situated at (3050 m) and 163 km from Kalpa is the ancient village of Tabo, situated on the left bank of river Spiti. Flanked on either sides by hills, its has one of the most important Buddhist monasteries regarded by many as only next to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet.  Tabo is the largest monastic complex of Spiti which has since been declared a protected monument by The Archaeological Survey of India.

 

Tabo Monastery was founded in 996 CE by the great Tibetan Buddhist lotswa (translator), Rinchen Zangpo, the king of western Himalayan Kingdom of Guge.  The monastery is surrounded by a high mud brick wall which encloses some 6,300 sq. m. (over 1.5 acres) and contains 9 temples, 23 chortens, a monks' residence and an extension that houses the nuns' residence. It soon became known as an important centre of learning and of the Kadampa School (which later developed into the Gelugpa School).

 

After the earthquake of 1975 a new monastery was built, and in 1983 a new Du-kang or Assembly Hall was constructed. It here that H.H The Dalai Lama held the Kala-chakra ceremonies in 1983 and 1996.  Above the monastery there are a number of caves carved into the cliff face and used by monks for meditation. There is a large and priceless collection of thankas (scroll paintings), manuscripts, well-preserved statues, frescos and extensive murals which cover almost every wall.  His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed his desire to retire to Tabo, since he maintains that the Tabo Monastery is one of the holiest.

 

KAZA                GO TO TOP

 

Situated at an altitude of 3600 meter above sea level on left bank of river Spiti, Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti sub division of district Lahaul & Spiti.  Translated, 'Spiti' means the 'middle country' - a name obviously given as a result of its ties with both India and Tibet.  With freckles of green over a dry, weather-beaten face, Spiti is a cold desert where the monsoon rain never comes.  It is characterised by stark beauty, narrow valleys and high mountains.  A century ago, Rudyard Kipling in Kim called Spiti "a world within a world" and a "place where the gods live" - a description that holds true to the present day.

 

KI MONASTERY               GO TO TOP

 

Key Gompa (also spelled Ki, Kye or Kee) is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on top of a hill at an altitude of 4,116 metres (13,504 ft.) close to the Spiti River, in the Spiti Valley.  It is the biggest monastery of Spiti Valley and a religious training centre for Lamas. It reportedly had 100 monks in 1855.  In the architectural definitions given to various monasteries, Ki falls in the 'Pasada' style which is characterised by more stories than one and often plays the role of a fort-monastery.  Established in the 11th century by Dromtön (1008-1064 CE), a pupil of the famous teacher, Atisha and has a collection of ancient murals and books of high aesthetic value and Buddha images and idols .  It is an outstanding example of the monastic architecture, which developed during the 14th century in the wake of the Chinese influence.

KOMIC VILLAGE               GO TO TOP

 

Meaning “Eye of a snow cock” (“Ko”- snow cock, “Mic” - eye) this small village at the height of 4275 M is claimed to be the highest motor-able village in Asia and home to one of the highest monasteries in the world (Komic Lundup Chhemo).  True or not, the road to this hamlet affords spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges with their peaks covered in eternal snow and the picturesque Spiti valley below.

 

CHANDRA TAAL (Moon Lake)            GO TO TOP

 

At an altitude of 4270 M  Chandra Taal is a beautiful lake in the Spiti region, situated about 25 km by (a narrow jeepable) road from Kunzum Pass (4551 M).  The lake is situated on a plateau (Samudra Tapu) overlooking the Chandra River which originates from a glacier near Baralacha La.  Surrounded by snow clad peaks, this deep blue water lake has a circumference of 2.5 km.  Chandra Taal is a favourite halting place for the shepherds because of rich growth of grass. The water in the lake is so clear that stones at its bottom are easily visible.  It takes about 1 and a half hours to take a picturesque walk along a path which goes all around the lake.

 

JISPA                GO TO TOP

 

Jispa (3142 M) is a small village 22 km from Keylong on the banks of river Bhaga (another river which originates from Baralacha La.  It serves as an impressive & convenient stop-over for travellers headed up or down the road between Himachal Pradesh & Ladakh (Leh-Manali Highway).  The Bhaga river flows in the wide valley offering some great views of the surrounds.

 

SARCHU               GO TO TOP

 

Bordering Himachal Pradesh and the last “settlement” before you enter Ladakh, Sarchu (4325 M)  is mainly a group of temporary camps set-up during summers.  The setting is beautiful and many travellers prefer this as a night-stop on their journeys to/from Ladakh.  The area is dotted by several tented camps offering various levels of comfort & luxury to the weary traveller.  If you’re not already aclimatised, the altidude can cause AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) specially to those coming straight from Manali.

 

TSO KAR (“Tso” means “Lake” in Ladakhi)            GO TO TOP

 

Tso Kar, also known as White Lake, is situated in the Rupsa Valley, about 76 km from Tso Moriri between the “More Plains” and Puga and is just a few kilometers off the Manali-Leh highway.  It is a brakish lake at a height of about 4524 M.  The area along this lake is inhabited by nomadic people employed in rearing of goats, sheep and yaks. A variety of birds and animals, including the Kiangs (Tibetan Wild Ass) can be spotted in the surroundings.  The lake and its surrounding area is a breeding ground for a variety of birds.  Among them are the brahminy duck.

 

TSO MORIRI               GO TO TOP

 

Tsomoriri or Lake Moriri (Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve), in the Changthang (literal meaning, northern plateau) area of Ladakh, is a High Altitude Lake with an altitude of 4,541 M and is the largest of such lakes in the Trans-Himalayan bio-geographic region, entirely within India. It is hemmed between Ladakh in the North and Tibet in the east and Zanskar in the west; the Changthang plateau is the geographical setting with snow peaks that provides the source of water for the Lake.  During winter, the surface of the lake becomes frozen and it is possible for animals and human beings to walk over it.   The lake is the only breeding ground outside of Tibet for one of the most endangered cranes, the Black-necked crane.  Tso Moriri can be reached either from Leh through Chumathang & Mahe or from the Manali-Leh highway via Tso Kar & over Polokong Ka La (4940 M) & Namshang La (4739 M), turning south at the village of Sumdo.

 

PANGONG TSO              GO TO TOP

 

Pangong Tso, an endorheic lake, is one of the largest salt lakes in Asia situated at a height of about 4350 M in the Changthang region of Ladakh. It is 134 km (83 mi) long and extends from India to Tibet. Roughly two thirds of the length of the lake lies in Tibet. The lake is 5 km (3.1 mi) wide at its broadest point. During winter, the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water.  Pangong Tso can be reached in a five-hour drive from Leh, most of it on a rough and dramatic mountain road. The road crosses the third highest pass in the region, “The Mighty Chang La” (5289 M), inhabited only by a few Indian Army personnel who offer free tea to anyone who makes it up these towering ranges. The road down from Chang La leads through Tangste and other smaller villages, crossing a small glacier melt called “Paagal Naala” or "The Crazy Stream", named so by the Indian Army for its erratic course & behaviour.  Most of the streams feeding the lake are on the Tibetan side.  The rare black necked cranes and other migratory birds are seen here.

 

LEH                GO TO TOP

 

Leh town, at an altitude of 3,560 M, is located in the Indus river valley at a crossroads of the old trading routes from Kashgar, Tibet, and Kashmir.  There are two roads in to Leh, one from Manali in Himachal Pradesh in the south, and one from Srinagar in the west.  The overland route from Manali to Leh, covering a distance of 473 km (294 mi), is one more commonly taken by tourists. It takes two days, normally with an overnight stop.  Leh has a cold, arid climate with long, harsh winters from October to early March, with minimum temperatures well below freezing for most of the winter.  The temperatures can range from -28 °C (-18.4°F) in winter to 33 °C (91.4°F) in summer.  The city gets occasional snowfall during winter. The weather in the remaining months is generally fine.  Average annual rainfall is only 90 mm .  Leh District, with an  area of 45110 Sq Km (which makes it largest district in the country in terms of area) is one of the two districts located in Ladakh, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the other being the Kargil District to its west.  

 

 Leh has for centuries been an important stopover on trade routes along the Indus Valley between Tibet to the east, Kashmir to the west and also between India and China. The main goods carried were salt, grain, pashm or cashmere wool, charas or cannabis resin from the Tarim Basin, indigo, silk yarn and Banaras brocade.  The town is still dominated by the now ruined Leh Palace, former home of the royal family of Ladakh, built in the same style and about the same time as the Potala Palace.

 

KHARDUNGLA              GO TO TOP

 

Khardung La (“La” means pass in Tibetan) at an elevation of 5359 M (GPS & SRTM data) is a high mountain pass located 37 km north of Leh.  This pass on the Ladakh Range is the gateway to the Shyok and Nubra valleys.  Built in 1976, it was opened to motor vehicles in 1988 and has since seen many automobile, motorbike and mountain biking expeditions. Maintained by the Border Roads Organisation, the pass is strategically important to India as it is used to carry essential supplies to the Siachen.  The pass has historical importance as it lies on the major caravan route from Leh to Kashgar in Chinese Central Asia.  About 10,000 horses and camels used to take the route annually, and a small population of Bactrian camels can still be seen at Hundar, in the area north of the pass, mute witnesses to history.

 

Khardung La is widely, but incorrectly, believed to be the world's highest motorable pass. There are higher motorable passes at Suge La, west of Lhasa, 5,430 m (17,815 feet), and Semo La 5,565 m (18,258 feet), between Raka and Coqen in Central Tibet.  Both these elevations are supported by GPS and SRTM evidence.

 

NUBRA VALLEY - HUNDER             GO TO TOP

 

Nubra Valley lies about 150 km north of Leh.   Local scholars say that its original name was Ldumra (the valley of flowers).  The Shyok River meets the Nubra or Siachan River to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and the Karakoram Ranges. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000 ft. above the sea level.  On the Shyok (pronounced Shayok) River, the main village, Diskit, is home to the dramatically positioned Diskit Monastery.  

 

 Hundar (3020 M) was the capital of the erstwhile Nubra kingdom in the 17th century, and is home to the Chamba Gompa. Between Hundar and Diskit lie several kilometres of sand dunes, and (two-humped) bactrian camels graze in the neighbouring "forests" of seabuckthorn.  Non-locals are not allowed below Hundar village into the Balti area, as it is a border area.  There is a marked presence of people with startling blue eyes, auburn hair and rosy cheeks as against the typical mongoloid features of the Ladakhis.  Local lore has it that they were a Greek tribe who came in search of Jesus Christ's tomb and eventually settled here.  The area is also known for the goats that give you the famous Pashmina shawls.

 

MANALI                GO TO TOP

 

At the northern end of the Kullu valley, Manali is a popular hill station nestled amongst apple orchards along the river Beas.  The British introduced the apple to this areas flora and to this day, apple, along with plum and pear, remains the best source of income for the majority of its inhabitants.  Named after Brahmin lawgiver "Manu", Manali ("the abode of Manu") is a famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking.  Manali also offers hot springs, religious shrines and Tibetan Buddhist temples.

 

SHOJA                GO TO TOP

 

Off the highway leading to Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, Shoja is a picture postcard village with apple groves, cedar forests and rhododendrons right on the periphery of "The Great Himalayan National Park".  Surrounded with lush greenery of deodar trees the village is on a mountain ledge, overlooking the valley.  It is just the setting to take a hike into the woods (to the nearby water-fall or the Serolsar Lake) or just soak in the  view from your hotel and still be very close to all the diversity nature has to offer.

 

AGRA & FATEHPUR SIKRI              GO TO TOP

 

 On the banks of the Yamuna River in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh 200 km from New Delhi lies the town of Agra.  It achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

 

The Mughal Emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri about 35 km from Agra, and moved his capital there. Later abandoned, the site displays a number of buildings of significant historical importance. A World Heritage Site, it is often visited by tourists. The name of the place came about after the Mughal Emperor Babar defeated Rana Sanga in a battle at a place called Sikri (about 40 km from Agra). Then the Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his head quarters, so he built a majestic fort.  However, due to shortage of water, he had to ultimately move his headquarters to Agra Fort.

 

BHARATPUR              GO TO TOP

 

 Located 50 km west of the city of Agra, Bharatpur was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733. Located in Mewat region, Bharatpur was once an impregnable, well-fortified city, and the capital of a kingdom ruled by Jat maharajas.  It is home to a popupal bird santuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park (now declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO).  This former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajas is one of the major wintering areas for large numbers of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia. Some 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian crane, have been recorded in the park.

 

JAIPUR                GO TO TOP

 

Also popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan state. It is the former capital of the princely state of Jaipur. Founded  in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who ruled from 1699-1744 initially from his capital Amber, which lies at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur. He felt the need of shifting his capital city with the increase in population and growing scarcity of water. Jaipur is the first planned city of India. The King consulted several books on architecture and architects before making the lay out of Jaipur. Finally under the architectural guidance of Vidyadar Bhattacharya, (initially an accounts-clerk in the Amber treasury and later promoted to the office of Chief Architect by the King) Jaipur came into existence on the classical basis of principals of vastushastra and other similar classical treatise.

 

Places of tourist interest include City palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall Museum, Nahargarh, Jaigarh & Amber Fort.

 

PUSHKAR               GO TO TOP

 

Situated 14 KM north-west of Ajmer, Pushkar (meaning "lotus") is a holy town set around a lake with various ghats and temples spread all around its periphery.  Said to be the seat of Brahma, one of the Hindu holy trinity who is worshipped as the creator of this world, it is famous for it's annual, colourful and huge cattle fair popularly known as the "Pushkar Fair".   Apart from buying and selling of livestock it has become an important tourist attraction with highlights like a camel race, & the "longest moustache" competition.  Thousands of tourists come to be a part of this amazing spectacle every year.

 

MANDAWA               GO TO TOP

 

Mandawa is located in the Jhunjunu district of Rajasthan, 150 km from Jaipur.  A remote feudal principality in the centre of the Shekhawati region (getting its name from Shekhawat Rajputs who settled here in mid 18th century), Mandawa was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here from China and the Middle East. Thakur Nawal Singh, the Rajput ruler of Nawalgarh and Mandawa, built a fort in 1755 to protect this outpost. The township that grew around the fort soon attracted a large community of traders, who settled here.  This town has been referred to as the "open art gallery" of Rajasthan because not just Mandawa but the entire Shekhawati region  is dotted with fascinating mansions (havelis) that have lavishly painted walls.

 

BIKANER               GO TO TOP

 

Situated in North-west Rajasthan Bikaner city is the distric headquarters of the distric of Bikaner.  The city was founded by Rao Bika in 1486 and from its small origins it has developed into the fourth largest city in Rajasthan.   The Ganga Canal completed in 1928 and the Indira Gandhi Canal completed in 1987 have allowed the farming of crops such as mustard, cotton and wheat.   Bikaner is also known for its handicrafts and leather articles, for its palaces and for having Asia's biggest camel farm.

 

The city is also known for its intricately carved “Jharokas”. These red sandstone stone jalis (screens) are found on the windows of the Junagarh fort, temples and havelis (mansions of Northern India).  Jalis would be used for ventilation and for women to watch the world while remaining hidden.  A popular Indian spicy snack made from moth dal, spices and edible oil “Bikaneri Bhujia” gets its name from this city.

 

Places of tourist interest: Junagarh Fort, Laxmi Niwas Palace & Lallgarh Palace

 

JAISALMER               GO TO TOP

 

Nicknamed "The Golden City", Jaisalmer ("The Hill Fort of Jaisal"), named after its founder Rao Jaisal  , lies in the heart of the Thar Desert,and has a population of about 60,000.  It is also the administrative headquarters of Jaisalmer District.. The yellow sandstone found in the region gives a yellowish-golden touch to the city & its surrounding area. The fort was built in 1156 by the Bhati Rajput ruler Jaisal, it is situated on Trikuta Hill and had been the scene of many battles. Its massive sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, turning to a magical honey-gold as the sun sets.  This is a living fort and about a quarter of city's population still live inside the fort. The main attractions inside the fort are: Raj Mahal (Royal palace), Jain temples and the Laxminath temple.  Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured.

 

Other places of interest: Patwon-ki-haveli, Desert Culture Centre & Museum & Gadisagar Lake

 

SAM SAND DUNES               GO TO TOP

 

40 km from Jaisalmer lie the Sam sand dunes surrounded in typical desert landscape.  This remote location brings you close to life in rural Rajasthan.  It’s popular with tourists wanting to enjoy a camel safari into the desert while watching  a spectacular sunset bathing the entire area in a golden hue.

 

JODHPUR               GO TO TOP

 

Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan.  It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name & was the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar.  It is also referred to as the Blue City due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the city.  The Mehrangarh Fort lies at the outskirts of Jodhpur city and is located atop a 125 m high hill. The magnificent Fort (Jodhpur ka kila) is the most majestic and one of the largest forts in India.  It was originally started (c.1459) by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur. However, most of the extant fort dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638-78). The walls of the fort are up to 36 m high and 21 m wide and enclose some exquisite structures. The fort museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort provide not only excellently preserved cannons but also a breath-taking view of the city.

 

Other places of interest: Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada (Royal Cenotaphs)

 

RANAKPUR                GO TO TOP

 

Located between Jodhpur and Udaipur, in a valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range, Ranakpur is widely known for its marble Jain temple.  The Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement covers 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty four pillared halls and domes supported by over four hundred columns.  The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved & no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kgs. whose sound echoes in the entire complex.

 

KUMBHALGARH              GO TO TOP

 

Kumbhalgarh, a Mewar fortress, was built during the course of the 15th century by Rana Kumbha and enlarged through the 1800s. Kumbhalgarh is also a birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar.  This most-remarkable of forts stretches across 36 kms of the Aravali Mountains and is 1100 m high from the sea level. It was never conquered, for reasons which become apparent the instant you set eyes on it.   The massive frontal wall is an astounding 15 feet thick.  Surrounded by thirteen mountain peaks, guarded by seven great gates and seven ramparts, strengthened by rounded bastions and immense watchtowers, this mountain fortress has witnessed many battles.

 

Surrounding Kumbhalgarh Fort is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Covering an area of 578 sq.km the sanctuary extends across the Aravalli Range and is home to a very large variety of wild life, some of which are highly endangered species. The wild life includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, smabhar, nilgai, chaisingh (the four horned antelope), chinkara and hare. The bird life at Kumbhalgarh is also gratifying. The normally shy and untrusting grey jungle fowl can be spotted here.  Birds like the red spur owls, Parakeets, peacocks, golden Oriole, grey Pigeons, Bulbul, Dove and white breasted kingfisher can also be seen near the water holes.

 

UDAIPUR               GO TO TOP

 

Known as the City of Lakes & “Venice of the East” Udaipur  is the historic capital of the former rajput kingdom of Mewar.  Founded by Rana Udai Singh it is known for its stunning Rajput-era palaces, forts, gardens & temples.  Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in India.  The Lake Palace covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels.  A very romantic setting, Udaipur is a popular wedding destination with many celebrities (Indian & Foreign) choosing it as a venue for their weddings.

 

Places of interest:  City Palace, Jagmandir Island, Lake Pichola, Sahelion-ki-bari

 

CHITTORGARH              GO TO TOP

 

Former capital of the Sisodia clans of Chattari Rajputs of Mewar, Chittorgarh is home to the Chittorgarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India.  The huge fort is located on the top of a 180m high hill & covers an area of 240 hectares.  Seat of the fiercely independent Rajputs, the fort of Chittor was under siege thrice and each time they fought bravely and thrice Jauhar (act of self immolation by leaping into a large fire) was committed by the ladies and children.  This was usually done before or at the same time their husbands, brothers, fathers and sons rode out in a charge to meet their attackers and certain death..  Chittorgarh Fort has a historical importance & is known as the pride of Rajputs who preferred death agianst capture and dishonour at the hands of their enemies.

 

CASTLE B IJAIPUR               GO TO TOP

 

Located 40 km from Chittorgarh, this 16th century Castle, situated in fortified walls, was converted to a hotel in 1991 by the ruling family. The Castle is still home to the ruling family who run it not as a hotel but as a ‘HOME’ where people can come and experience traditional Rajput hospitality.

 

BUNDI                GO TO TOP

 

The town of Bundi is situated km north from Chittorgarh in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan.  The city is surrounded on three sides by hills of the Aravalli Range and a substantial wall with four gateways encircles the city.  Bundi is known particularly for its architectural note seen in its ornate forts, palaces, and stepwell reservoirs known as “baoris”.

 

The Taragarh Fort, or 'Star Fort' is the most impressive of the city's structures. It was constructed in AD 1354 upon the top of steep hillside overlooking the city.  The fort offers a remarkable view of the city below.

 

The Bundi Palace is situated on the hillside adjacent to the Taragarh Fort and is notable for its lavish traditional murals and frescoes. The Chitrashala (picture gallery) of the palace is open to the general public.

 

The largest of Bundi's baoris or stepwells is the intricately-carved Raniji ki Baori. Some 46 m deep, it was built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji. The steps built into the sides of the water-well made water accessible even when at a very low level. The baori is one of the largest examples of its kind in Rajasthan.

 

The Nawal Sagar is a large square-shaped artificial lake in the centre of Bundi containing many small islets. A temple dedicated to Varuna, the vedic god of water, stands half-submerged in the middle of the lake.  The lake feeds the numerous baoris in the old city by maintaining the water table.

 

RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK           GO TO TOP

 

Ranthambhore National Park is one of the largest and most famous national parks in northern India. It is situated in Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, about 130 km from Jaipur and was formerly the hunting grounds for the Maharajahs of Jaipur before Indian independence.  It was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 by the Government of India, and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves in 1973.    It is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these majestic predators in the jungle.  It is named after the historic Ranthambhore fortress, which lies within the national park. The park covers an area of 392 Sq.km. And has several lakes in its vicinity.  Other major wild animals include the leopard, nilgai, dhole, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and chital.  It is also home to wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles.

 

 Ranthambhore Fort is a formidable fortress within the famous Ranthambhore National Park.  It was founded in 944 CE by the Chauhan Rajputs.  The fortress commands a panoramic location, 700 feet above the surrounding plain.

 

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