Udaipur Travel Guide

Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city. The famous Jain Temple, dating back to the 15th century having 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures.

Bikaner/Mandawa Travel Guide

The medieval Fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the terrace of Castle Mandawa. Precious collection of arms with jade handles, traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen at the Museum at the Castle. The havelies worth a visit are Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia in this town. Built in 1775 by Thakur Nawal Singh, descendant of Rao Shekhaji, who also founded the city of Nawalgarh? The Castle, now a 51 rooms hotel has no two rooms alike. It also houses an interesting collection of paintings, jade, costumes and antiques. The courtyard and the terrace come to live during evenings with candle-lit dinners and fire-dances during the season. Two hundred and forty year old fortes that has been converted by the family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.

Kota Travel Guide

Brijraj Bhawan Palace, a colonial style palace, situated on the bank of river Chambal, was built in the early nineties. The palace has large spacious rooms that are tastefully done up with antique furniture. An interesting feature of the palace is the fact that almost all the rooms overlook the Chambal River providing an arresting view of the mighty river.

Umed Bhawan Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces of Kota. Built in 1009 by Maharao Umed Singh II of Kota. This palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob who spent many years in Rajasthan. The overall design of the palace is European. There is an Edwardian drawing room, a billiard room and a very well laid out garden surrounding the palace. There are long corridors, courtyard and Italian marble floors. Chambal Garden The lush green garden at Amar Niwas makes a lovely picnic spot. While absorbing the ambience of the place one can enjoy a boat ride. Maharao Madho Singh Museum situated in the old palace, it houses a rich collection of Rajput paintings of the Kota school, exquisite sculptures and other valuable antiques. The museum is the treasure house of artistic items used by the rulers of Kota.

Ranthambhore Travel Guide

Ranthambhore forest is of tropical dry deciduous type further classified as Dhok climax forest because of the predominance of Dhok (Anogeissus pendulla) found nearly everywhere. Dhok is an extremely hardy tree, capable of withstanding prolonged droughts. The leaf of this tree is good fodder and they are browsed by herbivores, and form a significant part of their diet. Even the dry, fallen leaves, eaten by them, are rich source of nutrition.

The lakes abound with aquatic vegetation including Duckweed, lilies and lotus. A haven for a multitude of wild animals, the Park boasts of playing host to tigers, leopards, the elusive hyenas, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles and so on. Besides, there are over 300 species of birds, from the majestic Crested Serpent Eagle to the exotic Golden Oriole.

Tiger, at the apex of the food chain, lord over the kingdom in a subtle way. Solitary by nature, it operates in stealth. Therefore tiger sightings, frequent as they are, are always a matter of chance. However, even evidences of tiger's activities are very exciting.

Ranthambhore is also very rich in bird life with over 300 species of birds. In fact, for a keen bird-watcher Ranthambhore and its surrounding areas are paradise. Birds like Greylag geese, Bar headed geese, Painted stork, Pochards, Gadwall, Mallard, Tawny Eagle, Greater and Lesser Spotted Eagle, the rare Black Eagle, Greater and Lesser Flamingos and many more are regular winter migrants which come from their nesting grounds north of Himalayas to Ranthambhore and surrounding areas.

During summers also there are many migratory species of birds that come to this region from southern parts of India and Srilanka. Such species include Indian Pitta, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Painted Snipe, Common Hawk Cuckoo (or Brain Fever Bird) and Golden Oriole.

Besides Tiger, there are many other animals to observe, understand and enjoy, Elegant and graceful Spotted Deer, huge Sambar, Crocodiles basking around the banks of the lakes, Vultures soaring in the sky, Crested Serpent Eagle scanning the ground from its perch or the kaleidoscope of waterfowls at the pools are all the interest for a visitor with sensitivity.