Rajasthan- The Land Of Kings

A State Tourism Special Series

Rajasthan – The Land of Kings – the kingdom of colours, palaces, lakes and deserts has always been one of the most popular and attractive tourist destinations in the world tourism map. Right from the days of Octopussy (1983) to the preset day The Dark Night Rises (Mehrangarh Fort) or the Oscar winner Satyajit Ray’s Sonar Kella at Jaisalmeer fort – filmmakers around the world time and again, have explored the unique appeal of the largest state of India. Whether it is movies, literature, art and culture, food or landscape – the state of Rajasthan has an unsolved mystery for ever that fascinates all the human senses together. And that is, perhaps, why it has always been a photographers’ delight, a foodie’s top priority, a historian’s favourite note book, a painter’s dream canvass, a traveler’s first choice.

HISTORY

Rajastnan has a history no less exciting than any fairy tales or classics of the world. Archaeological findings show that the land of Rajasthan has been inhabited right back to the Indus Valley Civilization of Harappan times. The first of its settlement was traced on the embankment of the Sarasvati River that originated in the Aravalli mountain range in Rajasthan.

For many decades after that the geographical area remained without human habitats till the tribals such as Meena and Bhils gathered and settled in the area. Also, the Aryans were believed to have settled in the area in around 2,000 BC, followed by the Mauryan dynasty during 321-184 BCE. However, due to the strategic location of the state and several ancient rivers, such as the Sarasvati and the Drishadvati flowing through it, the state went on to grab the interest of many empires like Hunas, Arjunyas, Yaudheyas and Saka Satraps, among others.

The famous Rajputs took over the state in the 9^th century thereby causing the inception of a most dynamic and talked about era of the history of Rajasthan. The Rajputs known for being warriors, have an ever lasting impact on the land with its monuments , structures , temples and war and love stories written all over it Eventually, over the centuries, the Rajput empire was split up into 21 dynasties and 36 royal clans.

By the period of 1200 A.D., the Muslim rulers established themselves in many parts of Rajasthan. During the time of Mughal Emperor Akbar many Rajput rulers willingly made an alliance that lead to a long history and cultural influence of both the traditions in the architectural and historical landscape of the state. However, in the year 1582, the story of Rana Pratap’s heroic battle of Mewar have been a favorite subject of literatures in both prose and poems written in various languages.

Evetually, the rise and rise of the British East India Company in the late 18th century, like rest of India lead to the end of all internal battles in Rajasthan. Most Rajput states joined hands with the East India Company, which further resulted in the formation of Rajasthan (then known as ‘Rajputana’) as an independent state. The name ‘Rajasthan’ was popularised by James Tod, an East India Company employee, who was enraptured by the beauty and opulence of the state.

The Modern Day World Heritage site

The largest state of India ( 342,239 square kilometers ) with 33 districts, located on the northwestern side of India, where it comprises of the mighty Thar Desert (also known as the “Great Indian Desert”) and shares a border with the Pakistani provinces of Punjab to the northwest and Sindh to the west, along the Sutlej-Indus river valley. It is bordered by five other Indian states: Punjab to the north; Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to the northeast; Madhya Pradesh to the southeast; and Gujarat to the southwest. Rajasthan today also boasts of a unique achievement of having multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The state has won the title of one of world’s Heritage site not only due to the monument or historic buildings, but everything which relate us to the rich past of the Rajasthani culture or tradition. The folk music, dance, colourful clothes, hand-crafts, paintings, festivals, authentic local foods, the landscape and the nature – all together make it a one of the most sought after heritage destinations of the world.

A Few Major Tourist attractions

FORTS

Chittorgarh Fort

The Chittor Fort or Chittorgarh is the largest fort in India. This world UNESCO World Heritage Site used to be the kingdom of Mewar in the beginning of the 7^th century. It sprawls over a hill 180 m (590.6 ft) in height spread over an area of 691.9 acres above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. The fort precinct has several historical palaces, gates, temples and two prominent commemorative towers.

Allaudin Khilji who coveted Queen Padmini of Chittaur, invaded the city in 1303 A.D. Queen Padmini and the women of the court sacrificed themselves in a pyre of fire rather than to submit to anybody. This sacrifice has been called ‘Jauhar’.

How to reach:

By Air: Dabok Airport or Maharana Pratap Airport (code:UDR) is the nearest airport to the fort, 22 km from Udaipur city and 90 km from Chittorgarh.

By Train: Chittorgarh Railway Station serves the city and lies right by the bank of Gambheri River. It is well connected to other major cities like Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota and Delhi. The luxurious Palace on Wheels train stops by there as well. The fort itself is just around 5-6 km away from the railway station.

By Road: Chittorgarh city is well connected by road. It lies along the North-South-East-West corridor expressways and the Golden Quadrilateral. Distance from Udaipur: 116.7 Km while from Delhi to Chittorgarh it is 561.4 km

Ranthambore Fort

Although there have a few theories about the historical reign of the fort with a widely held belief stating that the fort was built in the reign of Sapaldaksha, in 944 CE and another theory pointing out that the fort was built during the reign of Jayant, in 1110 CE, according to Government of Rajasthan’s Amber Development & Management Authority, it is likely that the construction started in the mid-10th century during the reign of Sapaldaksha, and continued a few centuries after that. However, the uniqueness of the Ranthamabore fort lies in the fact that it is situated right in the middle of the core tiger reserve, surrounded by picturesque green trees, small lakes and typical rocky landscape of Rajasthan. The fort is characterised by temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls. Ranthambore Fort has witnessed many sieges and battles. Probably the most famous among these is the war of Rao Hamir in 1301 against the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji. An architectural marvel, the fort includes many attractions such include Toran Dwar, Mahadeo Chhatri and Sametonki Haveli within its premises. The presence of a mosque and temple within the fort precincts bears testimony to the secularity of the Rajput kings. It also hosts a fair every year on the occasion of Bhadrapad Sudi Chaturthi over here.

How to reach:

By Air: The Jaipur International Airport, which is located in the Sanganer, a suburb in Jaipur, is the nearest airport from the Ranthambore Park. The distance between the Airport and the park is 160 km which can be traveled either by the road or by the train.

By Train: Ranthambore Fort is half an hour drive from Sawai madhopur railway station which is well connected with major cities.

By Road: The Ranthambore Park is directly connected through the road with all the major cities and town of India. Jaipur to Ranthambore distance is 160 Km and Delhi to Ranthambore – 381 Km

The Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Kella)

The Jaisalmer Fort another world heritage site of Rajasthan has been a major attraction for tourists and historians alike. The international fame Filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s classic detective movie on Feluda, based on Jaisalmer Fort has made the fort popular by the name of ‘Sonar Kella’ (Golden Fort) as it rises from the desert itself and seems to become one with the golden hues of the sand. The setting sun adds its own magic and shrouds the fort with mystique. The fort is constructed in the classic style of the royals by local craftsmen. This is also called the “only living fort” by many, as there are many people who are still permanently residing inside a part of the fort for generations.

How to reach:

By Air: Top domestic airlines, Jet Airways, Air India, IndiGo, Spicejet and GoAir that have regular flights to Jaisalmer via Jodhpur Airport.

By train: The Jaisalmer Railway Station has good connectivity with major Indian cities through a broad network of trains. From major cities such as Delhi and Jaipur, there are direct trains available for Jaisalmer. Some of the prominent trains that operate from Delhi are Jaisalmer Express and Jodhpur Jaisalmer Express.

By Road : The Distance between Delhi to Jaisalmer by road is 907KM while from Jodhput it is 281.2 km by road.

LAKES

Sambhar Lake , Jaipur

India’s largest inland salt lake the Sambhar Salt Lake is located 80 km (50 mi) southwest of the city of Jaipur and 64 km (40 mi) northeast of Ajmer, Rajasthan. It surrounds the historical Sambhar Lake Town. The legend has it that Shakambhari Devi, the tutelary goddess of Chauhan Rajputs (Prithviraj Chauhan) and the consort of Lord Shiva, converted a dense forest into a plain of silver as payment for some service. Subsequently, at the request of the inhabitants who dreaded the greed and strife that such a possession would beget, she transformed the silver plain into a lake. The name of the lake, Sambhar, stems from a variation Shakambhari, which happened around the sixth century. This has been a major tourist attractions and a favorite among Bollywood production houses as well.

Silisher Lake, Alwar

Silserh Lake sprawling over a area of 7 km is one of the most beautiful and charming lakes in Rajasthan. Built In the year 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Khan to supply water to the city of Alwar, the lake is in the surrounded by a beautiful landscape of forest and hills. Located 15 km from to the south west of Alwar there is also this hunting chalet here which was made by Maharaja for his Queen Shila. Today it is a tourist bungalow.

Pushkar Lake, Pushkar

According to Hindu scriptures, the sacred Pushkar Lake is described as ‘Tirtha Raj’, the king of all pilgrimage sites. No pilgrimage is considered to be complete without a dip in in the holy Pushkar Lake. Semi-circular in shape and about 8-10 meters deep, Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats and over 400 temples and is truly a magnificent sight to behold.

WILDLIFE

Ranthambore National Park

One of the most popular Tiger parks in India Ranthambore National Park is unique for many reasons. Besides being the busy habitat of Royal Bengal Tiger , the special habitat offers the visitors an opportunity to see the king of the jungle marching around an amazing landscape which includes the historical ruins, blue lakes, rocky hills. Apart from the Tiger one can experience the presence of a rich population of leopards, sloth bears, several deer species like chital (spotted deer), marsh crocodile, palm civet, jackal, desert fox, serpent eagle, waterfowl that along with others make it around 40 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles and 320 species of birds.

There are also Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Common or Hanuman langurs, Macaques, Jackals, Jungle cats, Caracals, Sloth bears, Black bucks, Rufoustailed Hare, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Common Palm Civets or Toddy cat, Coomon Yellow Bats, Desert Cats, Fivestriped Palm Squirrels, Indian False Vampires, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Indian Gerbils, Indian Mole Rats, Indian Porcupines, Longeared Hedgehogs, Ratels, Small Indian Mongoose, Small Indian Civets and Common mongoose.

How to reach :

By Train: Ranthambore Fort is half an hour drive from Sawai madhopur railway station which is well connected with major cities.

By Road: The Ranthambore Park is directly connected through the road with all the major cities and town of India. Jaipur to Ranthambore distance is 160 Km and Delhi to Ranthambore – 381 Km.

Keoladeo National Park, Bharatur

Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a birder’s paradise and is the home to 366 bird species, 379 floral species, 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes, 5 species of lizards, 7 amphibian species, 7 turtle species and a variety of other invertebrates. Every year thousands of migratory waterfowl visit the park for wintering and breeding. The sanctuary is one of the richest bird areas in the world and is known for nesting of resident birds and visiting migratory birds including water birds. The rare Siberian cranes used to visit during winter in this park but this central population is now extinct. Bird photographers and ornithologists from around the world come to visit here during season.

The government and concerned departments have done a remarkable job in marinating the ecology of the park, lake water maintenance considering the rough and dry weather of the atmosphere as well as tourist management.

How to reach:

By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi (216 km from Bharatpur) and Jaipur International Airport in Jaipur (187 km from Bharatpur) are the closest airports.

By Road: An excellent network of roads connects Bharatpur to all the major cities of Rajasthan and the neighboring states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. The city is at a distance of Agra (56-kms), Delhi (184-kms) and Jaipur (176-kms).

By Rail : Bharatpur Junction Railway station is an important station of the West Central Railway zone (WCR) and well-connected with the major Indian cities like Delhi, Jodhpur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jammu, Mumbai, Kolkatta, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, and other. The station is about 5 Km from the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

Desert National Park, Jaisalmer

A Nature’s wonder – Desert National Park, Rajasthan is situated in the west Indian state of Rajasthan near the towns of Jaisalmer and Barmer. This is one of the largest national parks, covering an area of 3162 km. The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert. Sand dunes form around 20% of the Park. The major landform consists of craggy rocks and compact salt lake bottoms, and fixed dunes. Despite a fragile ecosystem, there is an abundance of birdlife. The region is a haven for migratory and resident birds of the desert.

Many eagles, harriers, falcons, buzzards, kestrel and vultures are spotted here. Short-toed eagles, tawny eagles, spotted eagles, laggar falcons and kestrels are the most common among these. Sand grouse are spotted near small ponds or lakes. The endangered great Indian bustard is a magnificent bird found in relatively fair numbers. It migrates locally in different seasons. The most suitable time to visit the area is between November and January. The Desert National Park has a collection of fossils of animals and plants which is 180 million years old. Some fossils of dinosaurs which are 60 million years old have been found in the area. There are facilities for Jeep Safari or camel cart for the tourists to cover the large areas of the park.

How to reach:

By Air: Top domestic airlines, Jet Airways, Air India, IndiGo, Spicejet and GoAir that have regular flights to Jaisalmer via Jodhpur Airport.

By Train: The Jaisalmer Railway Station has good connectivity with major Indian cities through a broad network of trains. From major cities such as Delhi and Jaipur, there are direct trains available for Jaisalmer. Some of the prominent trains that operate from Delhi are Jaisalmer Express and Jodhpur Jaisalmer Express.

By Road : The Distance between Delhi to Jaisalmer by road is 907KM while from Jodhput it is 281.2 km by road.

ART & CULTURE

Pushkar Camel Festival

The Pushkar Fair, also called the Pushkar Camel Fair or locally as Kartik Mela or Pushkar ka Mela is an annual multi-day livestock fair and cultural fest held in the town of Pushkar , Rajasthan. The festival attracts millions of photographers and tourists from all across the world every year. The Pushkar fair takes place during late October and early November. Throughout the week the visitors enjoy the colour, the culture, local foods and ambience of this amazing festival by the banks of the Pushkar Lake.

Desert Festival , Jaisalmer

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is an annual event that takes place in February month in the beautiful city Jaisalmer. The unique festival that takes place on the mighty sand dunes of Thar Desert at a distance of approximately 40 km from the city of Jaisalmer, represents the canvas of the essence of the land. The serenity of the soil, people and their tradition reflects in the festival.

Braj Holi, Bharatpur

They say no tour of Rajasthan can be complete if you have not experienced the Braj Holi in Bharatpur. Braj Holi is celebrated few days ahead of the main Holi festival. While the festival is dedicated to Hindu God Krishna, it also impersonates the eternal love of Radha and Krishna. Travelers both domestic and internationals as well as locals participate in the celebration of colour and cultural events orgaised by the local groups, which include folk dance, songs, musical instruments etc . The music , the colorful attire and splashing colour at each other –everything together create an environment one must experience once.

Elephant Festival, Jaipur

Elephant Festival is a festival celebrated in Jaipur city in Rajasthan state in India. It is held on the day of Holi festival, usually in the month of March. The festival features Elephant polo and Elephant Dance. The Elephant Festival begins with a beautiful procession of bedecked elephants, camels, horses and folk dancers. The owners proudly embellish their elephants with vibrant colours, jhools (saddle cloth) and heavy jewelry.

FOODS

The land of Rajputs is also known for its very special and mouthwatering foods. The authentic Rajasthani cuisine is among those rare cuisines boasting of a never-ending platter with a plethora of dishes; ranging from tangy drinks to spicy starters, mouth-watering sabzis and crunchy bread along with added delights of chutneys, achars, papad and chhach. Not to forget the delicate desserts and rich crunchy delights that melt in your mouth instantly!

In the News

The state government and tourism have been taking varieties of initiatives in order to further development of tourism facilities, modernization. There are continuous steps to development and planning of new national parks, user friendly approaches to support and attract the international and domestic tourism and also to boost the sector.

Some of the recent Campaigns and popular Hashtags :

Bicycle Campaign
On the Walls of Rajasthan (painting of Rajasthan men and women depicting the culture )
#OntheWallsofRajasthan
#Explore#Rajasthan
#RajasthanTourism # RajasthanDiaries
#TravelMore # Artists #TravelLover
#WildOf Rajasthan
#SariskaTigerReserve

“Rajasthan offers a flavour for every palate -the wild cats and the reptiles, the colours and the music, the dunes and the hills. If a traveller is ready to break out of his comfort zone, make a little effort, Rajasthan has a nook, a corner waiting to be discovered. Places one can walk, or cycle or sit down and read a book. Maybe just lie down and gaze at the stars. Low impact, experiential tourism is in itself a journey of discovery. ..discovering destinations, discovering one’s self. As we say, ‘padharo’.”

– Mr. Arijit Banerjee
( Additional PCCF, Government of Rajasthan)