Thursday, July 15, 2010

Jaisalmer - The Jewel of Rajasthan


Jaisalmer, "the jewel of Rajasthan" showcases beautiful forts and palaces. A popular tourist destination, it has unique art and culture, that magnetize tourists across the globe. Jaisalmer reinforces the Rajput era with well preserved heritage monuments like The Jaisalmer Fort, The Royal Cenotaphs at Bada Bagh, Lodruva Jain Temples, Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli, the Sand Dunes at Sam, Khudi desert, Akal Fossil Park, Manak Chowk, Gadsisar Tank and much more.

Once a sleepy desert city, Jaisalmer has transformed itself into a major tourist destination of India. Situated amid picturesque Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer city commands premiere position among the tourist attractions scattered all over the desert land of Rajasthan. The Jaisalmer city is revered both by Indians as well as foreign tourists.

Like various other cities of Rajasthan, you will discover different facts of Jaisalmer as you explore this wonderful city with us. Tough there are historical monuments scattered all over the city but the Jaisalmer Fort will immediately command your attention. Made of sand stones and locally known as Sonar Quila, the Jaisalmer Fort is a dominating structure amidst sands. The Jaisalmer city is also known for its old mansions, better known as Havelis. Among many of them you will find Salim ji ki haveli and Nathmal ji ki haveli as the most striking. There are other monuments too, which are equally important because of their distinct and individual architecture. The amalgamation of ancient and the medieval era architecture will catch your fancy.


The Jaisalmer city is a prominent educational as well as cultural hub in the region and regularly showcases the vivid cultural aspects of Rajasthan. Among others, it includes folk dances as well as semi classical and folk music.

The city is easily accessible and people are warm and welcoming. In spite of harsh living conditions, Rajasthani people are known for their warm hospitality all over. So come to Jaisalmer and enjoy the traditional rhetoric of 'padharo mahare desh' (welcome to our lands).

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Camel Safari in Jaisalmer

The name Jaisalmer is an addiction in itself. You can see the long stretches of sand dunes as far as your eyes can go. The golden crests and troughs provide you with the sense of limitlessness. It is said while in Rome do as the Romans do. So, why opt for SUV when you have a camel. Take a camel safari to experience the limitless Thar Desert. Welcome to Jaisalmer!

Most of the camel safaris are in the vicinity of Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Osian and Khimsar and stretch from anywhere between 2 to 7 days, with longer ones up to a month. There are shorter daylong camel safaris too, which give you a glimpse of the desert. The majority of camel safaris start from the desert fort town of Jaisalmer. In most cases, one camel is provided per person and a camel cart accompanies the entourage, laden with food, utensils and other supplies; it's also an option for anyone who gets sick of sitting on a lurching camel. Tents, food, mineral water, mattresses and an escort are invariably provided, and we will also make sure that you get a full dose of local entertainment in the evenings. For longer camel safaris, which are spread over a few days, camps are usually set up at night in the vicinity of villages.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Jodhpur - The Sun City


Jodhpur "The Sun City" sets 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.

Jodhpur was previously known as Marwar. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It is divided into two parts - the old city and the new city. The old city is separated by a 10 km long wall surrounding it. Also it has eight Gates leading out of it. The new city is outside the walled city.

Jodhpur is a very popular tourist destination. The landscape is scenic and mesmerizing. Jodhpur city has many beautiful palaces and forts such as Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhavan Palace and Rai ka Bag Palace. Other charms of Jodhpur include Government museum and its beautiful Umed garden. The city is known as the "Sun City" because of its bright and sunny weather throughout the year. Read on for more Jodhpur information.

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 centre of the 16th century A.D. the fortress-city of Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan.

While the graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. The jumbles of wide winding streets are flanked with pavement stalls.

The lifestyle in Jodhpur is unusually fascinating with folks wearing lovely multihued costumes, artistically designed. Women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket, with three quarter length sleeves, covering the front and back. The colorful turbans worn by the men folk add more color to the city. It was from here that the popularity worn baggy - tight, horse riding trousers- ‘Jodhpurs’ took their name.

Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with a colorful display of the rich collection of exquisite handicrafts. The tie and dye fabric, embroidered ‘jutis’ or slippers in suede, camel skin, velvet and more color to the city. It was form here that the popularly worn baggy-tight horse riding trousers,-" Jodhpurs",took their name Countless festivities celebrate the rich past and culture of the princely state. The Marwar Festival held annually is one such spectacular bonanza.

Places to Visit

Umaid Bhawan Palace: The only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to famine struck population. The palace was completed in 16 years.

This opulent edifice in sandstone is still the residence of the former rulers with a part of it running as hotel and remaining part as a museum.

Girdikot and Sardar Market: These colorful markets with tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes are situated in the heart of the city and are popular for a wide range of handicrafts, making them the favorite haunt of shoppers.

Mehrangarh Fort: The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 meter high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names. Not worthy of these are the Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, and miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.

Jaswant Thada: A cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers.

Museum: The museum has an exquisite ensemble of paintings, sculptures and antique weapons.

Excursions from Jodhpur

Balsamand Lake and Gardens (5 km): A pretty lake built in 1159 A.D. A splendid summer Palace stands by the lake side surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Mandore (8 km): The ancient capital of Marwar has cenotaphs of the Jodhpur rulers. The Hall of heroes has fifteen figures carved out of the rock on the wall which represent Hindu deities. Its beautiful gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular picnic spot.

Mahamandir Temple (9 km): Built in 1812 A.D. it is noteworthy temple with 84 carved pillars.

Kailana Lake (11 km): The beautiful lake is an ideal picnic spot.

Osian (58 km): An oasis in the desert, situated on the diversion off the main Jodhpur-Bikaner Highway. A drive to this ancient township takes one past undulating terrain, punctuated by desert stretches and little hamlets. Osian has 15 beautifully sculptured Jain and Brahmanical temples. Of these the most outstanding ones are the earlier Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira.

Dhawa (45 km): A wildlife sanctuary with the largest number of Indian antelopes.

Nagaur (135 km): An imposing fort with beautiful murals. It is also the venue for beautiful murals. It is also the venue for a week long cattle fair held in Jan/Feb every year.

Rohit Fort (40 km): Now a heritage hotel, the fort is worth a visit.

Luni Fort (20 km): Now converted into a heritage hotel, this fort and its surroundings are worth a visit

Friday, June 25, 2010

Udaipur - City of Lakes & the Venice of East


Udaipur city, formally known as the city of lakes and Venice of East. Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a 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 Pichola.

The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favorably 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.

Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichola stands the splendid City Palace - a marvel in granite and marble.

Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Surajpole or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city.

This city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis drenched in romance and beauty. Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences - an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry.

Exquisite Lake Palace of Udaipur, shimmering like jewel on Lake Pichola is overwhelming in splendor.

Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the majestic Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, religious townships of Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mount Abu, make the visit to this region a memorable one.


Udaipur was named Asia’s 2nd best city of 2007 and Travel & Leisure magazine named hotel Oberoi Udaivilas as the “World’s best hotel” for 2007. Udaipur is a favorite marriage destination. Many celebrities (from Bollywood like Raveena Tandon) were married in Udaipur.

James Bond buffs may well recognize Udaipur's famous Lake Palace, since it made an appearance in the past 'Octopussy' movie, which was filmed on location in Udaipur itself

In all Hindustan there is no more picturesque a city than which Udai Singh, when driven from Chittorgarh, founded amongst the mountains."- said King George V, visiting Udaipur in 1905. Udaipur, the city of the Suryavansi Rajputs, hidden amongst the hills that encompass the great Pichola Lake -- has been called the `Venice of the East`. Indeed with its enchanting palaces surrounded by mirror-like lakes, undulating hills and colorful bazaars, Udaipur looks as though it has been lifted straight from the pages of an Arabian Night’s fairy tale book. The hills, the lakes and the altitude give Udaipur an extremely agreeable climate. Probably no other city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur. A visit to Udaipur is a must for travelers who want to experience the unique and vibrant history of Rajasthan.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Varanasi - The holy city of India


Varanasi, the holy city of India, is also known by the name of Kashi and Benaras. Kashi, the city of Moksha for Hindus since centuries, is known for its fine-quality silks, 'paan' and Benares Hindu University and Avimukta of the ancient days; Varanasi is the most popular pilgrimage point for the Hindus. One of the seven holiest cities, Varanasi city is also one the Shakti Peethas and one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in India. In Hinduism it is believed that those who die and are cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births.

The city of Varanasi is situated along the west bank of the Ganges in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath, is located 10 kms from the holy city Varanasi, where Buddha preached his first sermon. Visiting this holy venerated Buddhist place will be like cultivating one's mind and soul. So, if u wish to purify your mind, body and soul this is a rightful choice for you. We understand your expectations of something different. Once you go through our realm at India Luxury Car you will feel the difference. Because we are confident that sitting in our ravishing cars at India Luxury Car will give you a mind-boggling experience.

Considered as the abode of Lord Shiva, Varanasi is situated on the west banks of River Ganges, which is believed to have the power of washing away all of one's sins. As pundits here will tell you, whatever is sacrificed and chanted here or given in charity reaps its fruits thousand times more than those good deeds performed at other places because of the power of that place. It is believed that three nights of fasting in Varanasi city can reap you rewards of many thousands of lifetimes of asceticism!

Varanasi is the oldest city of the world. Varanasi is more than 3000 years old and is famous as the city of temples. In Varanasi, there are temples at every few paces. Looking at the number of temples in Varanasi, it is hard to believe that a large number of them were demolished during the medieval times. Jyotirlinga Visvanatha Temple or Golden Temple, rebuilt in 1776, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Jnana Vapi well (meaning 'Well of Wisdom) is believed to have been dug by Lord Shiva himself. It is believed that the majestic Alamgir mosque has replaced one of the most ancient shrines known as the temple of Bindu Madhava. The thirty-three hundred million shrines fill one with awe and wonder with sheer numbers.

The Ganga Ghats (river front) are the most popular pilgrimage spot of Varanasi and are centers of music and learning. There is a great tradition of Yatras in the holy city of Kashi and the most sacred path is that of Panchkoshi Parikrama, the fifty-mile path with a radius of five miles that cover 108 shrines along the way, with Panchakoshi Temple as its main shrine. Other popular pilgrimage route is Nagara Pradakshina, which covers seventy-two shrines along the way. Since time immemorial Varanasi is a great center of learning. The holy city has been a symbol of spiritualism, philosophy and mysticism for thousands of years and has produced great saints and personalities like Guatama Buddha, Mahavira, Kabir, Tulsi Das, Shankaracharaya, Ramanuja and Patanjali.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Patna - The Capital of Bihar


Amid the chant of hymns and beating of odaiko by saffron-robed monks, his holiness, Dalai Lama inaugurated the Buddha Smriti Park here on Thursday morning. He also planted two saplings one brought from Bodh Gaya and the other from Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka of the sacred Bodhi tree. The ceremony was held at the under-construction park spread over 21 acres of land in the heart of Patna.

Patna, initially known as Patliputra is the capital of Bihar. Located on the south bank of the Ganges River, this city accumulates many attractions. So, to spot the bloom of these places you undoubtedly need to cull for India Luxury Cars. Renting a car for your vacations can be an expensive tactics, but can be accomplishable with the services at India Luxury Car. We would accommodate you with all the splendid cars like premium, luxury, economy, executive cars that you aspire for.

Patna has magnificently combined the rich heritage and culture of the past with modernity and has emerged as an important center for tourism in the entire Eastern region. Apart from that, Patna is also known for its rich past since it was the center for learning and spiritual enlightenment in ancient India. Patna occupies a significant place for the tourists on pilgrimage belonging to different castes such as Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. There are many things about Patna that make it stand apart from the rest of the tourist destinations in the eastern region. There are magnificent tourist attractions in Patna strewn all over the town. Touristplacesinindia.com offers valuable inputs about Patna that would be of great help to those who are planning for a tour to Patna.

One can take excursion to following places from Patna:

Nalanda: Located 55 kms east of Patna, this was a popular Buddhist centre of learning under Pala Empire. The ruins of Nalanda University, archaeological museum and Silao are the must visited places in Nalanda. The great Mahavira is believed to have attained moksha at Pavapuri near Nalanda.

Rajgir: Rajgir is a noticeable city in the Indian state of Bihar. It was once the capital of Magadhan kingdom. The main attractions in Rajgir are Shanti Stupa, Ajatshastru Fort, Venu Vana, Cyclopean wall, Sonbhandar and Pippala caves.

Vaishali: Vaishali, a district in Bihar state, is bounded by hills of Nepals on the north and river Gandak on the west. Located at 70 kms from Patna, the Ashokan Pillar, Bawan Pokhar Temple, Buddha Stupa 1 and II are a must-see in Vaishali.

Khajuraho - The Heart of Madhya Pradesh


The Heart of India is Madhya Pradesh, and the heart of Madhya Pradesh is Khajuraho. Khajuraho is an example of rich cultural heritage of India. One of the top tourist destinations famous for its sculptures, temples and architecture. The realistic sculptures of the temples are famous world wide. These temples were built during the Chandela Empire. Most of the temples depict the lifestyle of a woman in medieval age. They represent life in 11th century.

The Sculptures of Khajuraho are an example of a highly matured civilization. These temples were constructed in between 950 – 1050 A.D. The name Khajuraho came from the tree “Khajur” (the date palm tree) which is found in good number in this region. The city boasts such exclusive temples which are different from any other temple in India. So, to view the exemplary temples for their bold architecture you need to visit the modest village of Khajuraho. With our car rentals at this place, you will have easy access to all the charms of the Khajuraho temples. So, don't miss a chance to hire our cars at India Luxury Car.

Held every year from 25th February to 2nd March, Khajuraho Dance Festival takes place at the open-air auditorium in front of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to the Sun God and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. They are situated in the Western Group of temples, which is the largest, well maintained and most easily accessible temple group of Khajuraho. Started regularly since 2002, this weeklong festival has already become legendary with its outlandish classical dance performances presented in a dreamlike setting of splendidly illuminated temples. Khajuraho temples present sculptures depicting various skills and arts of courtly love including dance and music in stone and what venue can be more befitting to hold the cultural festival highlighting the various classical dances of India!

One can visit Bandhavgarh National Park (270 Kms from Khajuraho) & Panna National Park (57 Kms from Khajuraho) as an excursion.

Connectivity
By Air - Khajuraho airport is well connected to many cities in India, like Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Bhopal, Indore, Allahabad and Mumbai. All air service providers have flights from Khajuraho to other cities.

By Train - The nearest railheads are Harpalpur (94km) and Mahoba (63km). For people coming from North India, Jhansi (172km) is the most convenient railway station for traveling to Khajuraho. On the other hand, the Satna railhead, located on the Mumbai- Allahabad railway route and at a distance of 117 km, is convenient for travelers from Mumbai, Kolkata and Varanasi.

By Surface - Well maintained roads connect Khajuraho to cities, in and around Madhya Pradesh.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Delhi - The Capital city of India


New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India.

Delhi is one of the most picked destinations on tourist's itinerary. It is known for its plethora of attractions. For its tourists it has many things accumulated. So come and explore the mystical charisma of Delhi s attractions. Come out for a spin in world's most gallant cars. We are experts in providing your fantasy cars. We will provide you with a wealth of advantages that you will not find at any rental company except India Luxury Car

Narrating the city's Mughal past, Old Delhi, takes you through the labyrinthine streets passing through formidable mosques, monuments and forts. You will also discover lively and colorful bazaars that boast to cater all sorts of good and items at mind-blowing prices amidst a barely controlled chaotic ambience. The imperial city of New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture of British Raj.

It generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting well-composed and spacious streets under the shade of beautifully lined avenues of trees and tall and imposing government buildings.

New Delhi is beaming with pride to host the Commonwealth Games 2010. India's distinct culture, where the traditional is successfully combined with the modern, will make the Delhi Games special. Right now what you see and really experience are the infra structural changes that are taking place, to be honest, on daily basis. But now we even have news from across the country informing us about the preparation of athletes.