Friday, September 26, 2008

Tourist Places - Khajuraho





The remoteness & isolation of Khajuraho.has ensured the survival of one the India's greatest treasures. Built 950-1050AD. 85 temples of which 22 survive, covered in friezes & sculptures claimed to be the most perfect depiction of human form in stone. More famed for thier erotic sculptures, they in fact, depict, inexquisite detail, the everyday life of people,both rich & poor of the 11th century. Places to visit: Erotic Khajuraho Temples.
Area
Access By Air-Links with Delhi,Varanasi,Kathmandu.By Train -Delhi,Mumbai Kolkatta and Varanasi.Bus Service : Chhatarpur Satna,Jhansi,Gwalior,Agra Jabalpur,,Indore, Bhopal,Varanasi.

Distances : Bandhavgarh 189 km,Chattarpur 48 km, Jabalpur 233 km, Jhansi 181 km,Orcha 178 km, Varanasi 399 km

Hotels: Chandela, Usha Bandela, Ramada Hotel, Grand Temple View, Greenwood, Radisson


The city was once the original capital of the Chandela Rajputs, a Hindu dynasty that ruled this part of India from the 10th to the 12th centuries. The Khajuraho temples were built over a span of a hundred years, from 950 to 1050. The Chandela capital was moved to Mahoba after this time, but Khajuraho continued to flourish for some time.
The whole area was enclosed by a wall with eight gates, each flanked by two golden palm trees. There were originally over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 22 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation, scattered over an area of about 8 square miles (21 km²).
Unlike other cultural centers of North India, the temples of Khajuraho never underwent massive destruction by early Muslim invaders between c. 1100-1400 AD. Due to overgrowth following their abandonment, a number of them survived to be discovered by the British in the 19th century. The colonials undertook the laborious excavation of the temples, which required no small amount of reassembly. Today, the temples serve as fine examples of Northern Indian architectural styles that have gained popularity due to their salacious depiction of the traditional way of life during medieval times. They were rediscovered during the late 19th century and the jungles had taken a toll on some of the monuments.


Tourist places - Udaipur




Founded 1599, the glory, the chivalry and valour of the rajputs is displayed at it's finest by the grandeur of this lovely, lake side city. The city is a constant procession of places,temples, lakes and cenotaphs, each out doing the other in it's beauty. The bazaars offer fine crafts especially vividly coloured paintings. Places to visit: City Palace, Lake Palace, Shivniwas Palace, Shaliyon ki Badi, Jagdish Temple, Lake Fateh Sagar.
Area: 17.239kms
Access: Airport - 20kms, Daily flights from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mumbai and Delhi.
Distances: Delhi - 645kms, Agra - 630kms, Jaipur - 375kms, Jodhpur - 300kms
Hotels: Shiv Niwas Palace, Taj Lake Palace, Shikarbadi, Udai Kothi, Rangniwas.

One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert.
The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital of Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola- the city was named Udaipur after him.THE CITY PALACE
Overlooking the lake Pichola is the City Palace, a marvel of marble and granite. The largest palace in Rajasthan, its exquisite worksmanship makes it a must on every visitor's itinerary. The three mahals - Baari, Dilkush and Moti, the Suraj Gokhada of the Sun Balcony, the Mor Chowk Known for its beautiful peacock Mosaics ; the shrine of Dhuni Mata and the Museum of Rana Pratap are the highlights of this complex.

Tourist places - Jodhpur, Rajastan




Rajasthan, the land embellished with infinite imprints of colour and chivalry, harmonious life and lingering music, harmony and hospitality, palaces and pristine nature; has been extending an invigorating invitation to the world, since time immemorial.
Jodhpur, the heart of Rajasthan and the majestic jewel of her eternal crown, iluminate the Thar, enriching the desert with enterpreneurship, scholarship and art.
Rulers of Jodhpur Rao Jodha 1438-1488
Satal 1488-1491
Suja 1491-1515
Ganga 1515
Ganga (II) 1515-1531
Maldeo 1531-1583
Raja Udaya Singh 1583-1594
Raja Sura Singh 1594-1619
Raja Gajsingh 1619-1637
Raja Jaswant Singh 1637-1680
Raja Ajit Singh 1680-1724
Maharaja Abhi Singh 1724-49
Maharaja Rama Singh 1749-50
Maharaja Bhagat Singh 1750-52
Maharaja Bijej Singh 1752-92
Maharaja Bhim Singh 1792-1803
Maharaja Man Singh 1803-17
Maharaja Chatter Singh 1817-18
Maharaja Man Singh 1818-43
Maharaja Takhat Singh 1843-73
Maharaja Jaswant Singh II
1873-95
Maharaja Sardar Singh
1895-1911
Maharaja Sumer Singh 1911-18
Maharaja Ummed Singh 1918-47
Maharaja Hanwant Singh 1947-53
Maharaja Gajsingh II
1953-Present


According to Rathore tradition, the clan traces its origins back to the Hindu god, Rama, hero of the epic Ramayana, and thence to the sun. So the Rathore's belong to the Suryavansha (solar race) branch of the Kshatriyas, the warrior caste of Hindus. Later, breaking into historical reality, in 470 A.D. Nayal Pal conquered the kingdom of Kanauj, near modern Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. The Rathor capital for seven centuries, Kanauj fell in 1193 to the Afghan invader's led by Muhammad Ghori.The fleeing ruler, Jai Chand was drowned in the Ganga. But his son Siyaji, had better luck. An expedient marriage alliance between the Rathore Sihaji and the sister of a local prince enabled the Rathors to consolidate themselves in this region. In fact, they prospered to such a degree that they managed to oust the Pratiharas of Mandore, nine km to the north of present day Jodhpur.He later set himself up as an independent ruler around the wealthy trading centre of Pali, just south of Jodhpur. His descendants flourished, battled often, won often, and in 1381 Rao Chanda ousted the Parihars from Mandore which then became the Rathore seat of government.Rathore fortunes then turned for better. Rao Chanda's son and heir, Rainmal, won praise for his capture of Ajmer and was then entrusted with the care of his orphaned nephew, destined to inherit the Mewar throne of Chittor. Rainmal may well have had his eyes on this fine, hilltop fort. But court intrigue and treachery stopped him. In 1438 he was doped with opium, and finally shot dead. This triggered bitter feuds, ending with Mewar and Marwar becoming separate states.Rathore legend continues in various versions. One is that Jodha, one of Rainmal's 24 sons, fled Chittor and finally, 15 years later, recaptured Mandore in 1453. Five years later he was acknowledged as ruler. A holy man sensibly advised him to move his capital to hilltop safety.
Founded 1459.A startling fortress-city and shopper's paradise for rare artifacts not found elsewhere. Apart from the grandeur of the imposing palace and fort, the city itself is a piece of remarkable history.Sights: Mehrangarh Fort - One of the most imposing sights of India with it's intricately carved sandstone edifice sitting ,seemingly impregnable, atop a 400 ft high rock. Inc Museum of colourful, historical artefacts. Also: Mandore (8kms) - former capital. Landscaped gardens, ancient temples, cenotaphs; Hall of Heroes - 16 larger than life sculptures, carved from one rock, of Hindu & folk deities.
Area : 75.50 sq km
Access ; By Air- Flight from mumbai,Delhi,Jaipur,Udaipur,By Train-direct train from Mumbai,Ahemdabad,Delhi,Jaipur etc.
Distances : Mandore 10 km,Mt Abu 264 km,Pokaran 196 km,Udaipur 280 km.
Hotels: Ajit Bhawan, Balsmand Palace, Ranbanka, Taj Hari Mahal, Abhay Days, Chandra Inn

Tourist places - The Capital Of India, Delhi




The Capital Of India, Delhi is divided into two main divisions, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Delhi have all the world class facilities which one can avail.Sights: Red Fort - Build by Shah Jahan in 1648.Purana Quila - Light and Sound Shows at evening.Humayun's Tomb - The old fort of Humanyun.India Gate - Which was build in the honour of Indian Soldiers.Rashtrapati Bhawan - Former residence of Viceroy, now the residence of President of India.Parliament House ,Qutab Minar - Build in 1199, Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk and much more.
Area : 1483 sq.km
Access Well connected to air, rail, road network
Distances : Agra 203 km, Bikaner 471 km,Bhartpur 205 km, chandigarh 238 km,Corbett Park 296 km,Jaipur 258 km, Jodhpur 610 km,Nanital 302,Neemrana 120 km,Rishikesh 224 km,Udaipur 670 km,Varanasi 670 km
Hotels 5 Star : Ashoka,Le Merdien,Maurya Sherton,Taj Palace,Taj Mansingh,The Oberoi,Grand Intercontinental,

Tourist places - Bikaner city





A city - awesome and beautiful. A vast expanse of rippling sand and scorching son.An arid, rocky scrubland. It is situated on an elevated ground, surrounded by a seven-kilometer-long embattled wall marked by five gates.
The Rathore prince Rao Bikaji, the liveliest and most enterprising son of Rao Jodhaji of Marwar, founded Bikaner in 1488 AD. The harsh desert surrounds this rich city, no doubt few could gather courage to venture into this part of the globe.
.The old part of Bikaner city is surrounded by a stone wall that is 15–30 feet (5–9 m) high and has five gates. Bikaner is now a trade centre for wool, hides, building stone, salt, and grain. Bikaneri woolen shawls, blankets, carpets, and sugar candy are famous, and there are also ivory and lacquerware handicrafts. The city has electrical and mechanical engineering works, railway workshops, and factories that manufacture glass, pottery, felts, chemicals, shoes, and cigarettes. The old part of the city is overlooked by a fort and has numerous buildings of bright red and yellow sandstone. Within the fort are several palaces of different periods, a museum housing Rajput miniature paintings, and a library of Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts. The city's colleges (including a medical school and a teachers' training institute) are affiliated with the University of Rajasthan. Bikaner is situated in an arid tract of undulating sand hills where the breeding of camels, horses, and sheep is the principal occupation. Because there are no rivers, irrigation is chiefly by means of deep tube wells. Bajra (pearl millet), jowar (sorghum), and pulses are the chief crops grown in the locality.
Founded in 1488. A timeless desert city.ringed by 7Km. long walland famed for its sandstone architechture which stands in stark contrast to the surrounding desert wilderness.Sights:Junagarh Fort, 1588, with saveral places and temples, Lallgarh Palace cavered from red sandstone, Ganga Golden Jublee Museum and a Camel Breeding Farm.
Area : 38.10 sq km
Access : well connected to air,Rail and Road network.
Distances : Bundi-396 km, Jaisalmer 333 km, Jodhpur 243 km, Mandawa 200 km.
Hotels; Gajner Palace, Lalgarh Palace, Karni Bhawan Palace, Laxmi Vilas Palace.
Attraction to visit in Bikaner: Junagarh Fort, Camel Breeding Farm, Lalgarh Palace

Tourist Places - Agra




Agra is the one of the prominent destinations of the World Tourism map with three heritage monuments -The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri & Red Fort. It is more just a dacadent city of graveyards and stones, but it is a vibrant centre of Culture, Art and Religious philosphies that have enriched mankind and shaped humen thought over centuries. Agra is famous for handicrafts products such as Inley work on Marvel, Leather work,Footwear, Brasswear, Carpets, Jwellery, Zari and Embroidery work
The Agra city is world wide famous for its Taj Mahal, which is the mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Emperor Shah Jahan. Agra also have many other places to see one of them is Agra Fort, build by Emperor Akbar between 1565 - 1573. The Tomb of Akbar is 12 km from Agra City
Area : 120.57 sq km
Access : flights from Delhi,Khajuraho,Varanasi.Train from Delhi,Jaipur,Varanasi

HOW TO REACH AGRA
BY AIR
Indian airlines connects Agra to Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi. Kheria Airport is about 9 km. from Govt. of India Tourist Office.
BY RAIL
Agra is a major railway junction on main broad guage routes to the south, east and west. Two of the best trains viz. Shatabdi Express (between Delhi and Bhopal) and Taj Express ( between Delhi and Gwalior) are available to access agra. Some other train servicing the city are : G.T. Express ( New Delhi to Chennai), Dadar Express (Mumbai to Amritsar), Jhelum Express (Jammu to Pune), Kalinga Utkal Express (New Delhi to Puri), Karnataka Express (New Delhi to Trivendrum), Ujjani Express (Dehradoon to Ujjain) and Hyderabad Express (New Delhi to Hyderabad).
BY ROAD
Agra, on cross roads of national highways 2, 3 and 11, is excellently connected to all parts of the country. Some important road distances from Agra are: Bharatpur-54 km., Delhi-204 km., Gwalior-119 km., Jaipur-232 km., Khajuraho-400 km., Lucknow-369 km., Mathura-45 km., Nainital-353 km., Varanasi-605 km. and Mussorie-417 km.
Distance :Delhi 200 km, Jaipur - 250 km,Bhartpur-56,Varanasi-607,Ranthambore-294 km,Sariska-189 km,Nanital - 376
Hotels : 5 Star-Mughal Sherton,Taj View,Clarks Shiraz,Howard park plaza