Rajasthan

HISTORICAL PLACES

Amber Fort Overlooking the Delhi Jaipur Highway, the image of the Amber Fort is beautifully reflected in the lake below. Within the Amer Fort lies the famous Jai Mandir (Temple) with its world renowned Sheesh Mahal, a hall full of Mirrors. Arabic Institute Tonk Tonk was the only generous state in Rajasthan ruled by the Muslims. Archaeological Museum (Amer) Situated in the Dil-e-Aram Gardens, of Amer, the very old capital of Jaipur, was established in 1949. Archaeological Museum (Udaipur) The museum at Ahar has a diverse collection of findings from excavations at the mound of Dhulkot. It is supposed to be the site of a 4,000 year old township. Birla Museum At Pilani, in the Campus of Vidya Vihar is located the Birla Museum of Science and Technology. Central Museum Situated in the centre of the rambling Ram Niwas Bagh, this is the oldest Museum in the State. The building was designed by Colonel Sir Swinton Jacob. City Palace Jaipur This former royal residence is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal architecture and craftsmanship. City Palace Museum The art gallery is located in the Diwan-I-Aam, which literally mean the Hall of public audience. The exhibits here included some very precious and ancient handwritten original manuscripts of Hindu scriptures.   City Palace Udaipur City Palace, Udaipur: Originally started by Udai Singh, additions have been made to this building in such an ingenious manner that it is difficult to imagine that the building was not conceived as a whole. Deeg Palace Located 34 kms form Bharatpur is the very old town of Deeg. It finds bring up in Skanda Purana as 'Dirgha' or 'Dirghapura'.    Dungarpur Museum A newly made museum named "Rajmata Devendra Kunwar State Museum and Cultural Centre, Dungarpur" was opened to the public in 1988. Fateh Prakash Museum Inside the historical Chittaurgarh Fort, one big portion of Fateh Prakash Palace in Chittorgarh was transformed into a museum in the year 1968.    Folklore Museum For anyone attracted in seeing the culture of Jaisalmer on display through the ages, the Lok Sanskritik Sangrahalaya or the Museum of Folk Culture situated on the bank of Gadsisar Lake in Mehar Bagh Garden is a must. Fort Museum The city of Bikaner in the state of Rajasthan is also replete with museums including the Fort Museum of Junagarh Fort.   Gadsisar Sagar Tank This tank, south of the city walls, was once the key resource of water supply to the city and there are many small temples and shrines around the tank. In winter a wide variety of water birds flock here.    Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum Ganga Mahal, the imposing halls added by Maharaja Ganga Singh, now houses the Fort Museum. Havelis The beautiful mansions built by Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants are known as 'havelis' and several of these fine sandstone buildings are still in beautiful condition.   Hawa Mahal Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh the 'Hawa Mahal', Palace of the Wind, is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. Jaigarh Fort Also known as the fort of victory, Jaigarh Fort is a rugged structure built in 1726 by Sawai Jai Singh. It was the royal treasury for several years.    Jaisalmer Fort Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Jal Mahal The Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur is noted for its complicated architecture. Jantar Mantar At the entrance to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the 'Yantralaya' of SawaiJai Singh II, the last great classical astronomer in India. Junagarh Fort One of the most imposing forts of Northern India-- Junagarh Fort has remained unconquered till date. Kumbhalgarh Fort Kumbhalgarh, a two hour drive from Udaipur, is famous for its 15th century fort and a game sanctuary. Approachable by road, the huge stone bastion stands atop a hill and allows access through spiked gates. Lake Palace Lake Palace or Jag Niwas was built in 1754 by Maharana Jagat Singh II who gave his name to this elegant white building. Lalgarh Palace Designed by a Britisher for Maharaja Ganga Singh, this palace displays a superb blend of Oriental and European style. Lok Kala Museum The attractive set exhibited in this minute museum which is a base for the preservation of folk arts includes dresses, dolls, masks, musical instruments and paintings. Manak Chowk Manak Chowk, Jaisalmer: Manak Chowk outside the Jaisalmer fort is the centre of local activity and is also a landmark through which one can reach the lanes where the famous carved havelis of Jaisalmer mentioned-above are to be found. Mehrangarh Fort Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. The fort has been a witness to the splendour of a bygone era. Mehrangarh Museum An excellent museum with rare and interesting artifacts, textiles, paintings, transport items etc. laid out with utmost care and thought. Modern Art Gallery A small gallery in the primary floor of the Ravindra Manch Auditorium in RamNiwas Garden of Jaipur shows a selection of works by the well known modem artists and sculptors of Rajasthan. Museum Bangar The Pali area and the course of the desert very old kingdoms of Godwar andMarwar have contributed to the uncommon group of antiquities at Shri BangarGovenement Museum. Museum Bharatpur Located in the centre of the famous Lohagarh Fort, the Bharatpur Museum houses a rich collection of archaeological wealth of the nearby areas as well as from the old Bharatpur State. Museum Indology Produced and established by Acharya Ram Charan Sharma 'Vyakul' in 1960, the Museum of Indology has a set of Folk and Tantra art. Museum Jaisalmer The Government Museum in Jaisalmer is located on Police Line Road close toMoomal Hotel. It was started in 1984. Museum Jhalawar Located in the old Garh Palace close to the Bhawani Natya Shala is the Government Museum. Museum Jodhpur Situated in the Umaid Gardens on High Court Road, it has a big and quite interesting set. Museum Kota Originally located in Hawa Mahal just above the entrance of the fort, it has now been shifted to the Brij Vilas Palace and has a new display and deco'r. Museum Mandore About 8 kms from Jodhpur, Mandore was the capital of Marwar. This enchanting place having beautifully carved cenotaphs, Hall of Heroes, palaces and an old fort, is of immense historical significance. Museum Mount Abu The only hill station in western and central India - Mount Abu has been a centre of cultural activity since the prehistoric period. Museum Udaipur The Government Museum of Udaipur was at first located in Gulab Bagh and was called the Victoria Hall Museum. Nahargarh Fort Beyond the hills of Jaigarh, stands the fort of Nahargarh like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful capital. Palace of Padmini The palace is situated in the Chittorgarh fort and was built in the 13th century for the legendary Queen Padmini whose beauty resulted in the historic battle between Allauddin Khilji and Rana Ratan Singh. Rao Madho Singh Museum The old 17th century Kota Fort Palace is a huge complex of buildings, halls, temples and courtyards altered and added from time to time by dissimilar rulers.    Sawai Man Singh Museum Situated within the City Palace complex and nestled amidst older buildings, temples and the palace quarters, this museum was founded in 1959 by MaharajaSawai Man Singh II. Shilp Gram Museum ShilpBgram is situated near Fateh Sagar Lake, 6 kms from the City Palace,Udaipur.    Shri Sardul Museum and Anup Library Forts of the early 20th century Lallgarh Palace have been transformed as a Museum containing a big numbers of items used and composed by MaharajaGanga Singh and his successors. Umaid Bhawan Museum The ruling family of Jodhpur has newly converted a part of the gigantic UmaidBhawan Palace as a palace museum. Umaid Bhawan Palace This is known as Umaid Bhawan Palace because of the particular type of sandstone used, to build it - which is not weathered. Vijay Stambh Synonymous with the tradition of valour and chivalry, Chittorgarh or Chittaur, the capital of Mewar, was under the Rajput rule from the 7th to the mid 16th century. Virat Nagar Musuem Virat Nagar was the capital of the famous Matsayadesh. Frequent references of Matsayadesh have been made in the Indian epic- the Mahabharat. Govt. Museum-Alwar Housed in the old City Palace, it has a exclusive collection of arms, Bidri work, lacquered and ivory work, musical instruments, stuffed animals, good-looking brass and pottery works from Jaipur

BEACHES AND LAKES

Ana Sagar Lake The beautiful artificial Anasagar Lake, located to the north of the Ajmer city, was made in 12th century by building a dam across the river Luni, named after the then ruler Anaji Chauhan. This lake was built by Anaji during 1135-1150 AD.

Fateh Sagar Lake This is the second most important lake among the three lakes in the city of Udaipur. Dug up in the year 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, the lake was destroyed by flood waters. Later, it was reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh.

Gadsisar Lake  In the dry region of Jaisalmer, Gadsisar Lake has its own importance. The lake was once a major source of water supply in the city of Jaisalmer and as such it is not surprising to find numerous shrines and temples around it.

Gaib Sagar Lake Set amidst the obviously scenic locale of Dungarpur, is the well-known Gaib Sagar Lake. It is the well-known bird paradise, with trees lined on the pathway of the lake.

Kailana Lake Kailana Lake is very pretty with its placid waters and picturesque surroundings. An artificial lake, it serves as an idyllic picnic spot with its fabulous sunsets and rare tranquility and peacefulness.

Pachprada Lake This is yet another salt water lake in the district of Barmer. The lake produces high quality salt. It contains sodium chloride upto a level of 98%.

Pichola Lake Maharaja Udai Singh did not underestimate the panoramic beauty of Lake Pichola surrounded by beautiful hills when he chose to widen it.

Pushkar Lake Pushkar Lake is semicircular lake around which there are 52 "Ghats". The max depth of the lake is 10 mts. The lake is a holy place and is known as the king of the "Trithas".

Rajasmand Lake Not very far away from Udaipur, on the way to Kumbhalgarh lies a place called Rajasmand. The place is known for its picturesque Rajasmand Lake which was built by Rana Raj Singh in the year 1660 AD.

Sambhar Lake Distinct from sweet water lakes of Rajasthan, this is a saline water lake in the state of Rajasthan. Infact, this is the largest saline water lake in entire India and a major source of salt production in India.

Sardar Samand Lake Developed by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933, the resplendently good-looking Sardar Samand Lake is 60 km from Jodhpur.

SPIRITUAL

Ajmer-e-Sharief The Dargah Sharif, located at the foot of a barren hill, is the place where the Khawaja Moin-ud-din Chistis' mortal remains lie buried.

Birla Mandir Dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan Temple, the Birla Temple at Jaipur is a modern temple built of white marble on top of a hill.

Brahma Temple The Brahma temple is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus. It is nestled in the Pushkar valley which lies beyond Nagaparvat and the Anasagar lake.

Dilwara Temple The Jain temples at Dilwara, near Mount Abu are considered to be masterpieces of temple architecture.

Dwarkadhish Temple This 16th century monumental temple is devoted to Dwardkadhish (one of the seven forms of Krishna).

Eklingji Temple Eklingji, the city dotted with temples, is located about twelve miles to the North of Udaipur in Rajasthan.

Galta Located about 10 kms from Jaipur, Galta is a holy pilgrimage centre, having a temple dedicated to Sun God.

Gayatri Temple The Gayatri temple on the other side of Pushkar is in honour of the wife who sat by Brahma's side in Savitri's absence during Brahma's ceremonial sacrificed.

Govind Dev Ji Temple In Jaipur, the Pink City, many temples are well known for their artistic beauty but the Govind Devji temple is special.

Jagdish Temple Maharana Jagat Singh built this temple between 1628-1653 at a whopping cost of Rs 1.5 million.

Kaila Devi Temple Kaila Devi(Goddess) Temple is located on the banks of the Kalisil river in Karauli district.

Karni Mata Temple The Karni Mata temple, 30 kms from Bikaner, is devoted to an early fifteenth century mystic who was measured to be a reincarnation of goddess Durga.

Khed Ranchorrai Mandir Few hundred years ago Khed was the capital of the Rathores of western Rajasthan, whose influence extended over the entire region.

Kiradu Ancient Temples Kiradu Ancient Temples lie at a distance of 39km from Barmer city in Hathma village.

Luna Vashi Temple The other important temple here is the Luna Vashi temple dedicated to the twenty-second tirthankar Shri Neminathji.

Mahavir Swami Temple Mahaveer Swami is the smallest of Dilwara temples. Constructed in the year 1582 AD, the temple is dedicated to 24th Jain Tirthankara Lord Mahaveer.

Nasiyan Jain Temple Nasiyan Jain Temple also known as the Red Temple and situated on Prithviraj Marg, this Digambar Jain temple was built in 1865.

Ossian Temples Ossian is located at the edge of the Thar Desert, 65 kms north west of Jodhpur.

Parshavanath Temple Dedicated to Jain Tirthankara Shri Parshavanath, this temple was built by the Mandlik family in 1458-59 A.D.

Pittalhar Temple Pittalhar temple was built by Bhima Shah, who was a minister under Sultan Begada.

Rama Kunda Temple Rama Kunda is located 11km off Jaisalmer on the Ramgarh road on the bank of the Kak river.

Ramavaikunth Temple This intricately carved temple dates back to 1920 and has images of 361 deities.

Ranakpur Temple Ranakpur in the state of Rajasthan is one of the five most important pilgrimage sites of Jainism.

Rangji or Rangnath Temple Rangji temple is known for its pleasant south Indian style of architecture.

Rani Bhatiani Temple Located on the Nakoda-Balotara road, Jasol was once ruled by the Mallani clan of Rajputs, who held sway over Barmer for a long time.

Rishabhdevji Temple The Chaturmukh Jain Temple of Rishavadev, carved in amber stone is open on all four sides.

Sas Bahu Temples Built by Yashomati in 10th century, the Saas-Bahu temples in Udaipur are dedicated to the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Sheetla Mata Temple Dhanop is a little village near Bhilwara with only the Sheetla Mata Temple to boast of. But it makes for an interesting visit as it's the brightest temple around.

Shri Mahavirji Temple This Digember Jain piligram centre is 90 Kms by rail from sawai Madhopur on the Delhi-Mumbai Broad gauge route.

Shrinathji Temple The temple of shrinathji or Lord Krishna, belonging to the Vaishnav religion is located at Nathdwara, 48 kms. north of Udaipur.

Shri Ramdev Temple A wonderful pilgrim centre which symbolizes national unity and combined harmony as devotees of all religion comes here to pay homage.

Surya Narayan Stone Temple Built during mid-15th century this temple dedicated to the Sun God - Surya, has a tower over the altar and follows a circular plan due to its numerous wall projections.

Varah Temple The Varah temple of Hindu was built in the 12th century and, and the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is said to have destroyed it.

Vimal Vasahi Temple Vimal Shah, the minister of Raja Bhimdeo (a local Rajput ruler), built the Vimal Vashi temple in AD 1021.

WILDLIFE AND ADVENTURE

Darrah Sanctuary The sanctuary is located on southwestern range of Satpura range in Shirpur Tehsil of Dhule District. The sanctuary was once extremely rich in wildlife, now it is trying to regain its previous status.

Desert National Park The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert and its rich fauna. The Sudashri forest post is the most ideal place for observing wildlife in the Desert National Park.

Jaisamand Sanctuary The sanctuary allows a close encounter with the rich wildlife in their natural habitat. Established in 1957 in a area of 260 kms ad joining the Jaisamand Lake, it harbours sloth bear, leopard, chital, chinkara, wild boar and a number of birds.

Keoladeo National Park Once the royal hunting preserve of the princes of Bharatpur, this 29 kms park is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world, inundated with 400 species of water birds.

Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary The 586 sq. kms. Sanctuary sporting a rich variety of wild life like the panther, sloth bear wild boar, four horned antelope and scientifically bred crocodiles in the lake are the major attractions.

Mount Abu Sanctuary Located at the acthighest peak (1722 mts above the sea level) of Aravali, the Guru Shikhar lies in this 289 sq kms sanctuary. Established in 1960, provides shelter to the wild boar, sambhar and leopard.

Ranthambore National Park Located near the outer fringes of the Thar Desert and surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges, Ranthambhor National Park is Rajasthan's most well known tiger reserve under Project Tiger.

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary Once the hunting reserve of the maharajas of Alwar, in whose jurisdiction it fell, Sariska's forest's are typical of the Aravallis with their undulating terrain of low hills, teep escarpments, wide valleys & hill plateaus.

Van Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary Van Vihar and Ramsagar, old wildlife reserves of the rulers of Dholpur extend over an area of 59.86. sq. kms, were notified as wildlife sanctuaries by the Rajasthan Government in 1955 AD. Van Vihar is about 18 kms from Dholpur and Ramsagar is another 18 kms from Van Vihar.