Rajasthan, the land of
Maharajas, infinite lakes and towering palaces, is all that and more!
Travellers who have spent years exploring the fantastic expanses of Rajasthan,
will tell you that it's a land of unpredictability and holds a mind-blowing
surprise around every corner. So much so, that if you have truly experienced
Rajasthan once, it'll be difficult for you to go back!
The town of Sambhar is
named after the largest inland salt lake in India, the Sambhar Lake. The origin
of Sambhar Lake is unknown but its mention is found in the epic of Mahabharata.
Legends claim that the regional deity, Shakambari Devi, is behind the flatland's
formation. Irrespective of the narrative, the salt lake is a favourite with
photographers, especially astrophotographers.
The night sky here is
famous for offering a great view of the milky way. Other than photography and
camping at the Sambhar Salt Lake, you can also pay a quick visit to the
Shakambari Devi Temple or climb up the Devayani Tank for a panoramic view.
Kumbhalgarh (literally "Kumbhal fort") is a
Mewar fortress on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills, in the Rajsamand
district near Udaipur of Rajasthan state in western India. It is a World
Heritage Site included in Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Built during the course of
the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. Occupied until the late 19th century, the fort
is now open to the public and is spectacularly lit for a few minutes each
evening. Kumbalgarh is situated 82 km northwest of Udaipur by road. It is the
most important fort in Mewar after Chittorgarh Fort.
Ranakpur is a village located in Desuri tehsil near Sadri
town in the Pali district of Rajasthan in western India. It is located between
Jodhpur and Udaipur. 162 km from Jodhpur and 91 km from Udaipur, in a valley on
the western side of the Aravalli Range.
Situated in the Thar
Desert region, this town is home to fascinating and lesser known sand dunes of
Rajasthan. While tourists get lost in the Sam Dunes of Jaisalmer, they remain
oblivious to the majestic Mahabar Dunes in Barmer. Along with dune bashing, you
can also take a step back into time with its many historical attractions such
as the Siwana Fort, Juna Ruins, Brahma Temple and Jogmaya Temple.
Known around the world
as the heart of regal India, Rajasthan has not yet received enough traction for
its amazing wildlife and biodiversity. The Darrah National Park, in the scholar
town of Kota, is a treasure trove of unique flora and fauna.
The Darrah Wildlife
Sanctuary, Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaswant Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary make
the 250 sq. km of the Darrah National Park in Kota and hosts species such as
the wild boar, deer, nilgai, cheetah and wolves. The park remains open from
10am to 5pm everyday of the week.
Built in the 12th
century, the Gagron Fort is the only fort in north India to be entirely
surrounded by water. Along with achieving a remarkable feat with its
engineering and architecture, the fort has also been pivotal to the history and
culture of India. After being the seat of the Khinchi dynasty for about 300
years, the fort withstood over 14 battles and two jauhars (mass self-immolation
by women of a family/community). Several fascinating tales from its vibrant and
bloody past still echo the walls of the fort. Locals and visitors believe that
King Achal Das can still be heard smoking his hookah, and ghosts of the
thousands of women who committed suicide here still haunt the place.
The shrine of
Mittheshah, a Sufi saint from the 15h century, was built by Akbar near the
Gagron Fort in 1580. This highly revered spot is still frequented by believers,
especially during the Islamic month of muharram when a colourful fair is
organized here. On your trip through the historical gems of Jhalawar, don't
forget the ancient Sun Temple at Jhalrapatan.
Renowned across
Rajasthan as the city that has never been conquered, Bundi is a hidden gem of
the glorious state. Hiding in plain sight near Kota, travellers passing through
Bundi will be surprised to see the well-preserved historical and architectural
sites here.
With over 50 baoris
(step wells), innumerable havelis, cave paintings and a beautiful waterfall
(Bhimlat), Bundi has something to amuse every traveller. Every corner of Bundi
holds a surprise, but places such as the Bundi Palace, Chitrashala, Taragarh
Fort, Rani ji ki Baori, Dabhai ka Kund, Nawal Sagar, Sukh Mahal and Shikhar
Burj, will especially blow your mind.
If you plan on
travelling to the Chaturmukha Jain Temples in Ranakpur, then you're guaranteed
to have the once in a lifetime opportunity to live like royalty in Rawla
Narlai.
Just 36km off the
Udaipur-Jodhpur highway lies the heritage haveli which was once the hunting
lodge of Jodhpur's royal family. Rawla Narlai has over 32 rooms, all
embellished with mirror work and regal designs. The hotel also organises dinner
at the Narlai Stepwell, which will definitely leave you feeling like Rajasthani
royalty.
The countryside of
Narlai comprises of jungles of Aravali Hills where you can take a leopard
safari. And if that doesn't interest you, then head to Seli Bandh, a dam which
turns into a birdwatcher's haven during winters.
Remembered as one of the
greatest displays of courage and military tactics by the Indian Army, Longewala
is a site where in the year 1971, a small group of Indian soldiers chased off a
battalion of 2,000-3,000 Pakistani soldiers. The Battle of Longewala is
depicted in the famous JP Dutta feature film, 'Border', and the town where it
occurred should definitely be visited by every Indian as it stands as a living
example of the army's death-defying efforts in keeping us safe.
Longewala is just 120km
from Jaisalmer and Indian civilians do not require a permit to visit the town.
Civilians are allowed to visit the border post for a day trip (as there are no
arrangements for a night stay there), interact with soldiers and see parts of
the Pakistani tanks that were captured in 1971.
Situated by the Mahi
River, Banswara in Rajasthan is a place full of surprises. From temples ruins
in Arthuna dating back to the 11th century to waterfalls (Kagdi, Juha and
Kadeliya) that turn into a cascading vision during the monsoon, Banswara is a
treasure trove of historical, cultural and natural gems hiding in plain sight.
It is also known as the
home of the Bhil tribe, known as the bow-men of Rajasthan, which still make up
half of the population. Banswara has a fascinating mix of terrains which can
rarely be found together in one place; the cave lake of Ram Kund, the wetlands
of Diablab Lake and the hills around Samai Mata Temple are a few great places
to see this.
Has Rajasthan ever
surprised you? Tell us when, where and how by sharing your travelogue about
your fascinating Rajasthan Tour Travels.
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