Rajasthan's beautiful Pink City Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of rulers whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the city are important attractions. Known as the Pink City because of the color of the stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur's bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie, and dye scarves, and other exotic wares. Western Rajasthan itself forms a convenient circuit, in the heart of the Thar Desert which has shaped its history, lifestyles, and architecture.

JAIPUR ATTRACTIONS:

1. Nahargarh Fort
2. Amber Fort
3. Jaigarh Fort
4. Jal Mahal

Historically, Ajmer always had great strategic importance and was sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni on one of his periodic forays from Afghanistan. Later it became a favorite residence of the great Moghuls. One of the first contacts between the Moghul and the British occurred in Ajmer when Sir Thomas Roe met with Jahangir here in 1616. The city was subsequently taken by the Scindias and, in 1818, it was handed over to the British, becoming one of the few places in Rajasthan controlled directly by the British rather than being part of a princely state.

AJMER ATTRACTIONS:

1. Taragarh
2. Shah Jahan Mosque
3. Pushkar Lake
4. Nasiya Temple
5. Mayo College
6. Man Mahal
7. Foy Sagar
8. Dargah Sharif
9. Ana Sagar Lake
10. Akbar Palace
11. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda

It is nestled between clusters of small hills of the Aravali range. Perched on the most prominent of these hills is a massive ancient fort that whispers tales of the rich history of the city. This city was formerly known as Mewar The people of the state did not accept any external interference and daringly resisted foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries, they formed a group and raided Delhi. But finally, Sultan Bulban (1267 A.D. - 1287 A.D.) suppressed them, bringing the area under Muslim rule.

ALWAR ATTRACTIONS: 

1. City Palace Complex
2. Company Garden
3. The Fort
4. Government Museum
5. Jai Samand Lake
6. Sagar
7. Siliserh Lake
8. Vijay Mandir Palace

Banswara, it is likely, derived its name from bans or bamboo shoots, which once grew in abundance around the places. It was a part of the territory known as Bagar during the reign of Udai Singh (who succeeded to the throne sometime between 1496 and 1498 AD) and is said to have been founded by Jagmal, the younger son of Udai Singh who, being much devoted to his queen, the mother of Jagmal and wanting to see him installed as a ruler of a separate State, had partitioned Bagar between the two claimant sons before his death. Banswara remained the capital of the erstwhile State of the same name for about four centuries thereafter.

BANSWARA ATTRACTIONS:

1. Shri Raj Mandir
2. Kagdi Lake and Mahi Dam
3. Anand Sagar Lake
4. Dialab Lake
5. Abdulla Pir

Bharatpur was the premier Jat State in Rajasthan. Badan Singh established and founded the fort and palaces of Deeg in 1725. Seven years later, his son laid the foundation nearby of the fort of Bharatpur. It was a formidable structure called Logagarh (iron fort), which lived up to its reputation.

BHARATPUR ATTRACTIONS:

1. Lohagarh Fort
2. Bharatpur Museum
3. Bharatpur Palace
4. Keoladeo National Park

Binaker's history dates back to 1488 A.D. when a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji- a descendent of the founder of Jodhpur (1459 A.D.), Rao Jodhaji, established his kingdom here. Rao Jodhaji had five sons but Rao Bikaji was the most enterprising of them. Bikaji chose a barren wilderness called Jangladesh and transformed it into an impressive city, called Bikaner after the founder's name.

BIKANER ATTRACTIONS:

1. Junagarh Fort
2. Lalgarh Palace
3. National Research Centre on Came
4. Laxminath Temple
5. Ganga Singh Museum
6. Sadul Singh Museum
7. Jain Temple

In 1193 A.D. when Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Sultan Mohammed Ghauri, some Chauhan nobles sought shelter in Mewar and became allies to the Rana while other young warriors move towards the Chambal valley and overpowered the Meena and Bhil tribals thus establishing their own kingdom of Hadoti. Later, two branches of Hadas formed two separates states of Kota and Bundi, on either side of the river Chambal. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.

BUNDI ATTRACTIONS:

1. Junagarh Fort
2. Lalgarh Palace
3. Camel Research farm
4. Devi Kund
5. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Shiv Bari Temple
7. Deshnok Temple
8. Kolayat Ji
9. Kalibangan
10. Bhandasar Temple

Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 A.D. overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has it, that he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerizing beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonor and committed Jauhar'.

In 1533 A.D., during the rule of Bikramjeet, came the second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again Jauhar was led by Rani Karanavati, a Bundi princess. Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaur to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. He learned from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to valor. So in, 1567 A.D. when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur, Udai Singh fled to establish a new Capital, Udaipur-a beautiful lake city, leaving behind Chittaur to be defended by two 16-year-old heroes, Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. These young men displayed true Rajput chivalry and died after Jauhar' was performed. Immediately thereafter Akbar razed the fort to rubble. Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.

CHITTAURGARH ATTRACTIONS:

1. The Fort
2. Vijay Satambh
3. Kirti Stambh
4. Rana Kumbha's Palace
5. Meerabai Temple
6. Padmini's Palace
7. Kumbha Shyam Temple
8. Kalika Mata Temple
9. Govt. Museum
10. Jaimal & Patta Palaces
11. Nagari

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 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. The massive 15th century A.D. Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains. The city is encompassed by a high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. A major trade center of the 16th century A.D. the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second-largest city of Rajasthan.

JODHPUR ATTRACTIONS: 

1. Mehrangarh Fort
2. Jaswant Thada
3. Umaid Bhawan Palace
4. Girdikot & Sardar Market
5. Museum
6. Balsamand Lakes & Gardens
7. Mandore
8. Mahamandir Temple
9. Kailana Lake
10. Osian
11. Luni Fort
12. The Dhawa

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.

JAISALMER ATTRACTIONS: 

1. Jhalawar Fort (Garh Palace)
2. Government Museum
3. Bhawani Natya Shala
4. Gagron Fort
5. Buddhist Caves and Stupas
6. Rain Basera (6KM)
7. Jhalarapatan (6KM)
8. Chandrabhaga Temples(7KM)
9. Buddhist Caves and stupas
10. Dag (100Km)
11. Kakuni (65Km)
12. Bhimsagar (24 km)
13. Atishey Jain Temple, Chandkheri (35 km)
14. Dalhanpur (54)
15. Fort of Gangadhar (120 km)

The princely state of the Jhalas, Jhalawar was created in 1838 A.D., after being separated from Kota by the British. Remarkable contributions from various rulers including Zalim Singh I made it a culturally rich state. Lying in the south-eastern region of Rajasthan at the edge of the Malwa plateau, Jhalawar has a rocky but water-laden verdant landscape, unlike much of Rajasthan. With some exquisite pre-historic cave paintings, massive forts, thickly wooded forests, and exotic wildlife variety. Jhalawar boasts of rich historic as well as natural wealth. One can spot countless species of birds as one drives past the lush countryside. Red poppy fields and orange-laden orchards make the countryside all the more fascinating and colorful during winters. The area around Bhawani Mandi is known for contributing a major share to the production of citrus in the country.

JHALAWAR ATTRACTIONS:

1. Jhalawar Fort (Garh Palace)
2. Government Museum
3. Bhawani Natya Shala
4. Gagron Fort
5. Buddhist Caves and Stupas
6. Rain Basera (6KM)
7. Jhalarapatan (6KM)
8. Chandrabhaga Temples(7KM)
9. Buddhist Caves and stupas
10. Dag (100Km)
11. Kakuni (65Km)
12. Bhimsagar (24 km)
13. Atishey Jain Temple,
14. Chandkheri (35 km)
15. Dalhanpur (54)

The history of the city dates back to the 12th century A.D. when the Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later, in the early 17th century AD during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi -Rao Ratan Singh, gave the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then Kota became a hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture.

The history of Kota is linked with the history of Bundi. Both Bundi and Kota came under the rule of the Chauhans in the 12th century. The descendants of the Chauhans set up their capital at Bundi and ruled from here. While Bundi was the capital, Kota formed the land granted to the eldest son of the ruler. This arrangement continued until 1624. In 1624, Emperor Jahangir, the great Mughal ruler, partitioned Bundi and made Kota an independent state. Rao Madho Singh, son of the ruler of Bundi, ascended the throne of Kota. It became a part of the British Empire in 1818 and later became a part of the Indian state of Rajasthan when it gained independence in 1947.

KOTA ATTRACTIONS:

1. Maharao Madho Singh Museum
2. Kota Barrage
3. Jag Mandir
4. Chambal Garden
5. Rana Pratap Sagar Dam
6. Govt. Museum
7. Haveli Of Devataji
8. Kansua temple with a four-faced Shiva Lingam,
9. Bhitria Kund,
10. Adhar Shila Dargah
11. Budh Singh Bafna Haveli
12. Yatayat Park
13. Bhanddeora Temple
14. Nahargarh Fort
15. Sitabari
16. Shergarh
17. Fort Of Shahbad & Mosque
18. Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary
19. Rock Paintings of Alaniya
20. Baroli (45KM West)

In Rana Kumbha's time the kingdom of Mewar spread from Ranthambore to Gwalior, including vast tracts of present-day Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Mewar's rulers became patrons of all that was best in Indian martial and fine arts, architecture, and learning. Of the 84 fortresses defending Mewar, 32 were designed and built by Rana Kumbha. Of these, Kumbhalgarh with its 36-kilometer long wall and soaring towers is the most impressive. Kumbhalgarh stands on the site of an ancient citadel dating back to the second century AD belonging to a Jain descendant of India's Mauryan emperors. It defined the boundaries between Mewar and Marwar and became a refuge for Mewar's rulers in times of strife. Its steel gray ramparts encircle the fertile Shero Mallah Valley, with ancient monuments cenotaphs, ponds, and flourishing farms. Kumbhalgarh fell only once in its history, to the combined forces of Emperor Akbar, Raja Man Singh of Amber, and Raja Udai Singh of Amber, and Raja Udai Singh of Marwar.

KUMBHALGARH ATTRACTIONS: 

1. Dussehra Mela (Sep - Oct of every year)
2. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Muchchal Mahavir
4. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The history of Mount Abu is as diverse as the city itself. It was once a part of the Chauhan kingdom of Rajasthan and served as a summer resort for the Rajput kings of the region. After that, it was leased by the British government from the then Maharaja of Sirohi for use as the headquarter of the resident to Rajputana (another name for Rajasthan).

During the British rule in India, it was the favorite summer destination of the British, who came here to escape the dusty, dry heat of the plains particularly Rajasthan. It also served as a sanatorium for the troops. The small huts and cottages here tell stories of those times even today.

MOUNT ABU ATTRACTIONS:

1. Gaumukh Temple
2. Delwara Jain Temple
3. Adhar Devi Temple
4. Museum & Art Gallery
5. Viewpoints
6. Shri Raghunathji Temple
7. Gardens & Parks
8. Trevor's Tank
9. Guru Shikhar
10. Achalgarh
11. Mount Abu Tourist Palace
12. Gaumukh Temple
13. Delwara Jain Temple
14. Adhar Devi Temple
15. Museum & Art Gallery
16. Viewpoints
17. Shri Raghunathji Temple
18. Gardens & Parks
19. Trevor's Tank
20. Guru Shikhar
21. Achalgarh

At about 90 min. drive (about 48 km) from Udaipur in Rajasthan lies a very popular Dham, Nathdwara set amidst idyllic hills on the left bank of the Banas river, where one can see devotees in large numbers flocking for worship. The place is most popular for its sacred Vaishnava temple of Lord Srinathji, the manifestation of Lord Krishna. Sri Nathdwara or the gateway leading to the Srinathji is also the center of the Pushtimarg Sampradaya, a doctrine created by Jagat Guru Sri Vallabhacharya. One can find the idol of Srinathji, sculpted out of one piece of black marble belonging to the 12th century, and was first installed by Sri Vallabhacharya in a small temple at Jaipur, near Mathura. The little town is a honeycomb of lanes and alleys leading to the hub of activity, the Srinathji temple. The Haveli of Srinathji (as the temple is called), was once a royal palace of the Rajput rulers. Over 1000 devotees reach the temple early in the morning to serve the Lord, each day of the year. Getting up during the early hours for the first darshan is a regular observation where Lord Sir Nathji resides in regal splendor. Darshans or glimpses of Srinathji can be sought 8 times in the day. Collectively known as Ashtaya, the 8 darshans are Mangala, Shrungar, Gwal, Rajbhog, Uthhapan, Bhog, Sandhaya Aarti, and Shayan. In each of them, the Leelas (divine manifestations) of the Lord are described and harmonized with His daily routine. Groups of devotees constantly flush into the temple, pushing, pulling, and reaching out, sometimes even getting hurt in the process. The darshan is like a matter of life and death for them, and they endure it bravely eight times in a day just for those few seconds.

NATHDWARA ATTRACTIONS:

1. Srinathji Temple
2. Rajasamand Lake
3. Nav Chowki

Historically, Pushkar always had great strategic importance and was sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni on one of his periodic forays from Afghanistan. Later it became a favorite residence of the great Moghuls. One of the first contacts between the Moghul and the British occurred in Pushkar when Sir Thomas Roe met with Jahangir here in 1616. The city was subsequently taken by the Scindias and, in 1818, it was handed over to the British, becoming one of the few places in Rajasthan controlled directly by the British rather than being part of a princely state.

PUSHKAR ATTRACTIONS: 

1. Pushkar Ghat
2. Pushkar Temples

Ranakpur is named after Rana Kumbha whom Dharna Sah, a Jain businessman, approached when he had the vision of his great temple to ask for the land for its construction. Renowned for some marvelously carved Jain temples in amber stone, Ranakpur is amongst the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. These temples were constructed in AD 1439. It is located in the mountain ranges of Pali district, 39 km. away from the Phalna railway station. Ranakpur is reached after passing lush green valleys and streams and the heart-capturing views drive away any fatigue of the journey. The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built during the reign of the liberal and gifted monarch Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. An enormous basement covers a 48,000 sq. feet area. There are four subsidiary shrines, twenty-four pillared halls, and eligibly domes supported by over four hundred columns. The total number of columns is 1,444 all of which are intricately carved no two being alike. The artistically carved nymphs playing the flute in various dance postures at a height of 45 feet are an engrossing sight. In the assembly hall, there are two big bells weighing 108 kgs. whose sound echoes in the entire complex.

RANAKPUR ATTRACTIONS: 

1. Jain Temple
2. Sadri
3. Ghanerao
4. Narlai
5. Falna
6. Desuri
7. Rohet
8. Village Safaris

Once an ancient Rajput state, formerly known as Mewat, Alwar was nearest to the imperial Delhi. The people of the state did not accept any external interference and daringly resisted foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries, they formed a group and raided Delhi. But finally, Sultan Bulban (1267 A.D. - 1287 A.D.) suppressed them, bringing the area under Muslim rule. In 1771 A.D. Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput belonging to the clan of Jaipur's rulers, won back Alwar and founded a principality of his own.

SARISKA ATTRACTIONS:

1. Sariska Tiger Reserve Park
2. Sariska Palace
3. Siliserh Lake Palace
4. Vijai Mandir Palace
5. Jai Samand Lake

In the 13th century A.D. Govinda, the grandson of Prithviraj Chauhan took over the reign of the land. Later his successor Vagabhatta beautified the city and built a noteworthy temple at Jhain. In the middle of the 15th century A.D., Rana Kumbha captured the fort and gifted it to his son to be occupied later by the Hada Rajputs of Bundi and Mughal Emperors Akbar and Aurangazeb. Mughal Emperor Shah Alam gifted it to Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur in 1754 and since then it was maintained as the hunting preserve of the Maharaja.

RANTHAMBORE ATTRACTIONS: 

• Jungle Safari: (There are about 42 tigers in Ranthambore National Park. A good network of gravel tracks crisscross the park and safaris are undertaken in open-sided jeeps driven by a ranger)

The Shekhawati region lies north of Jaipur. This was the land where Marwari businessmen started constructing their mansions or Havelis in the 18th and 19th Centuries. The two major communities of this region were the Rajputs and the Marwaris - or one with the will to fight and die for his honor and the other a businessman. During the British period, trade rivalry pushed the Marwaris to port, but the love for their land was still very strong. While wars and treaties decided the fate of a few and the conditions of the peasantry remains the same.

SHEKHAWATI ATTRACTIONS: 

1. Havelis of the Rajputs and the Marwaris.
2. Dundlod
3. Nawalgarh
4. Mukandgarh
5. Khetri
6. Jhunjhunu
7. Mandawa
8. Churu
9. Bissau
10. Harsh Nath Temple (11 km)
11. Jeen Mata Temple (29 km)
12. Rambagh
13. Lachhmangarh Fort
14. Bagad
15. Chirawa
16. Pilani
17. Surajgarh And Kajara
18. Alsisar and Malsisar
19. Mehansar
20. Churu
21. Salasar Balaji
22. Ratangarh
23. Sardar Shahar (46 km)
24. Dudhwa Khara (36 km)
25. Tal Chhapar (100 km)

Udaipur is the jewel of the Mewar kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favorable located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude, and an amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the advice of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.

UDAIPUR ATTRACTIONS:

1. City Palace
2. Saheliyon Ki Bari
3. The Suraj Gokhada
4. Pratap Memorial
5. Gulab Bagh
6. Sajjan Garh
7. Fateh Sagar
8. Pichola Lake
9. Jagdish Temple
10. Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum
11. Nagda
12. Haldighati
13. Kumbhalgarh Fort
14. Jagat
15. Jaisamand Lake
16. Ranakpur
17. Kankroli
18. Rajsamand Lake
19. Ahar