RAJASTHAN STATE - CITIES

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       Cities of Rajasthan echo the glory of this princely state and are a living symbol of this state rich cultural diversity.Packed with history, art and culture, this princely state is a treasure – trove of some exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis – standing a testimony to the imperial grandeur.

Jaipur :
       The capital of Rajasthan state, this city is also called as 'Pink City',because of the pink sandstones which were used to construct the buildings. Jaipur, which is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts & enclosed by embattled walls, is a major attraction for the first-time visitor.
       Jaipur & its surroundings are rather like an endless museum. The city also offers an endless variety of crafts. Jewellers here still fashion the beautiful enamel-on-gold(Kundan Work) jewellery, studded on the reverse with precious stones or pearls & turquoise that one sees in miniature paintings. Jaipur's lacquer bangles are famous all over the world. For sightseeing, Jaipur city has a lot to offer.
[ more on Jaipur ]

Ajmer :
       Ajmer city, surrounded by the Aravallis and located in the heart of Rajasthan, is 130 km to the west of Jaipur. This place is worth visiting for its natural charm,and its religious,historical and architectural interests. The city has seen the rise and fall of many kingdoms.
      Ajmer is a major centre for Muslim pilgrims during the fast of Ramazan, and has some impressive Muslim architecture. The annual Urs at Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is held on a grand scale and attracts pilgrims from all over the world irrespective of their caste and religion. For Hindus,Ajmer is just a base to reach nearby Pushkar,and if during the Camel Fair of Pushkar, accomodation becomes a problem; Ajmer is the option open to them.
[ more on Ajmer ]

Alwar :
      Alwar is a city situated between a cluster of small hills in the Aravalli range. There is a massive fort on one of the hills bringing to mind the glorious history of this place.
      The city has rich heritage buildings,nice lakes,pictureque wooded valleys. Some of the finest variety of birds and animals are spotted here. Alwar has one of the finest wild life sanctuaries in Rajasthan-Sarika, which is an excellent tiger country.
[ more on Alwar ]

Bikaner :
       Bikaner lies in the center of the hot Thar Desert, 240 km northeast of Jodhpur. The layout is straightforward outside the old city. The old city is encircled by a seven-km-long city wall with fine entrance gates, constructed in the 18th century.
      The city is chiefly interesting for the superb large fort and palace, built of the same reddish-pink sand-stone as Jaipur's famous buildings, are outside the city walls. It is also known for good breed of riding camels, which are among the best in the world. The camel festival held every year is famous all over the globe.
[ more on Bikaner ]

Bundi :
       Bundi which is just 36 kms from Kota,is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is surrounded by a massive wall with four gateways. This unexplored city has a rich historical wealth. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Had Chauhans - who sprang from the famous Chauhan dynasty; rulers of Delhi and Ajmer.
       This city has interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm.
[ more on Bundi ]

Jaisalmer :
      Jaisalmer is known as the Thar or The Great Indian Desert and is on north-western part of Rajasthan . The temples, fort and palaces are all built of yellow stones. The setting sun renders the city a bright golden yellow colour which is a spectacular sight. It is due to this that this city is also called 'The Golden City'.
      This Golden city of Jaisalmer is very famous for its Desert Festival, held in Jan/Feb every year, when the city echoes with the sound of melodious tunes and rhythms. During this festival, the desert seems to bloom in a thousand colours.Other attractions are the magnificent palaces, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels.
[ more on Jaisalmer ]

Chittorgarh :
       The town of Chittorgarh is very famous for its fort. The sprawling hilltop fort of Chittorgarh epitomises the whole romantic, doomed ideal of Rajput chivalry. Three times in its long history, Chittor was sacked by a stronger enemy and, on each occasion, the end came in textbook Rajput fashion as jauhar was declared in the face of impossible odds.
       Despite the fort’s impressive location and colourful history, Chittor is well and truly off the main tourist circuit and sees surprisingly few visitors. But it sure is worth a visit.
[ sightseeing in Chittorgarh ]

Jodhpur :
      Jodhpur city at the edge of the Thar desert was once the capital of the Marwar state . It was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. A major trade centre of the 16th century A.D. the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan.
      In Jodhpur, the genuis of its sculptors comes to life in its exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis which stand as a testimony to the imperial grandeur. The most alluring part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle, festivity and the smiling people who treasure this former Princely state.
[ more on Jodhpur ]

Kota :
       Kota city lies on the eastern bank of Chambal River . The commanding fort stands overlooking the modern Chambal Valley Project with its many dams- Kota Barrage,Gandhi Sagar,Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Sagar. Today Kota serves as army headquaters. It is also Rajasthan's industrial centre (mainly chemicals), powered by the Hydroelectric plants on the Chambal river.
[ more on Kota ]

Udaipur :
      Udaipur, situated in the state of Rajasthan, means the 'City of Sunrise' has manifold attractions like imposing marble palaces, enchanting cool lakes, luxurious green gardens, and old temples.It has so many lakes and palaces that it is often called as the 'City of Lakes and Palaces'.
      Udaipur has had a history of successful and star-crossed relationships due to which the city is called as the most romantic city in the country. .The palaces are an architectural delight and are massive, also they are in excellent condition. The detail work in every pillar in the palaces leaves one spellbound and wondering. It is a city rich in famous creations of Mughal and superbly crafted elegance of Rajputs.
[ more on Udaipur ]

Mount Abu :
      Mount Abu is the only hill station in the desert state. Getting to Mount Abu is easier from Gujarat, since it is to the south of the state in the Aravalli mountains. The closest city, though, is Udaipur. The Dilwara Jain temples have often been compared to the Taj Mahal. There are a few interesting places to grab a bite around the lake, a lot like the Mahabaleshwar lake in Makarashtra, only a lot more picturesque. Mount Abu is especially known for its picturesque sunsets, which are seen best past the hills from the Lake.
[ more on Mount Abu ]