» Location : Rajasthan
» Founded By : Rao Bikaji
» Tourist Attractions : Junagarh Fort, LalgarhPalace
» Best Time To Visit : October To March
This Royal walled city is a part of the desert tourist triangle and lies onthe northern tip of the triangle. The city was founded in 1486 AD by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji was son of Rao Jodhaji who had asked his son to establish a kingdom of his own. The challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose the wild country 'Jangaldesh' ashis territory and thus the city of Bikaner came into existence.
A seven-kilometres wall with five entrances was built to protect the city from vagaries of the desert and any external aggression. The city flourishedas an important trade centre between Gujarat seaports and West Asian countries.
The unbroken line of descendants of Bikaji ruled Bikaner till India got Independence. Bikaner is 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. Bikaner has many magnificent buildings made of Reddish Pink sandstone that transcends the surrounding barren wilderness. Unlike other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner has been able to preserve its traditionalaura of the medieval era, which makes a visitor come here year after year.
Prime Attractions :
» Junagarh Fort - One of the most imposing forts of northern India-- Junagarh Fort-- has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.
» The Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum - This small museum has a large collection of pre-Harappan, Gupta and Kushan pottery. The rich collection of pottery,carpets, paintings, armoury and coins make this museum one of the best in Rajasthan. The Bikaneri miniatures, which are displayed in a sepetrate section for local arts, makes visit to the museum a must.
Udaipur in a singular fashion represents Rajasthan's great combination of history, chivalry, opulence, culture andats.The beautiful laid-back city deserves spending several days to explore,soaking in the culture and spending relaxed evenings at rooftop restaurants watching its incredibly beautiful palaces. The city's many lakes and palaces that seem straight out of fantasies, definitely make it the most romantic city of the world. Surrounded by hills and verdant greens; Udaipur is certainly an Oasis in the landscape of Rajasthan.
Udaipur has been the capital of the world's longest ruling dynasty- the Sisodias of Mewar. The defiant and fiercely independent Rajputs of Udaipurhad always displayed courage and chivalry against the rulers of Delhi.Udaipur was formed when Maharana Udai Singh shifted the capital of Mewarfrom Chittaurgarh to this safer and naturally protected place. While Mewar's history is loaded of tales of bloody battles and honored deeds, it also narrates a story of the most vibrant life style and opulent living.
The Lake Pichola is the central attraction of Udaipur. All palaces are located on its banks or over its waters. It is quite rare to find any other water body in the world having so many historic buildings as part of its premises. A relaxing boatride in the evening can be the most memorable experience of watching all these white buildings gleaming in the setting sun.
Udaipur's palaces seem straight out of fantasies. The City Palace is the largest palace complex of Rajasthan formed by continuous additions by several generations of the Maharanas. It is also a fine piece of architecture; noteworthy are its narrow passages and corridors deliberately made to restrict the free movement of enemy soldiers. The long palace over looking the lake also has two fine heritage hotels - Shiv Niwas Palace and Fateh Prakash Palace. While Shiv Niwas Palace houses extraordinary suites such as the imperial suite, Fateh Prakash Palace has the grand durbarhall and unique Crystal Gallery. The sunset terrace of the palace, which gives unrestricted views of the Lake Palace, is ideal for enjoying one'sevening tea accompanied by live Indian classical music.
The Lake Palace seemingly a float on the Lake Pichhola is a complete destination in itself. The hotel is ultimate in opulence. It seems as the ideal venue for a romantic love story. Another island is Jagmandir that hasa palace and a cute little garden. To the north of the lake is Gangaur Ghat,used by common people for bathing and washing. The ghat is also the venue for the annual Gangaur festival. Surrounding the Gangaur ghat is the oldcity of Udaipur. The old city is a complete contrast being a hive of activities. The interesting labyrinths run up and down as the city is supposedly settled on a mound. The interesting feature is that all houses are painted white with colorful elephant paintings flanking the main doors.Nothing seems to have changed in this part of Udaipur. One can even see several craft items being produced and sold including the famed Udaipur miniatures. The Jagdish temple is the prominent landmark in the center of the town.
Udaipur has dozens of tourist spots with in a small radius. The temple of Eklingji, the patron deity of Udaipur royal family is worth visiting and soare the nearby Sas-Bahu temples at Nagda.
Nathdwara is the town famous for the temple of Shri Nathji (Lord Krishna).The highly revered deity here is dressed in different costumes during the whole day combined with dozens of interesting rituals. Nathdwara is also famous for its Pichhwai style of miniature paintings depicting Lord Krishnaas the central character.
