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Friday, 20 June 2014

Rajasthan Travel Guide By Quick Travel Trip

Rajasthan is a state in the northwest of India. It is mainly arid and its western border is adjacent to Pakistan. The main attraction for travellers is the vast Thar Desert and one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Aravallis. The Rajput heritage which is apparent in the forts, temples and palaces established by the Rajput Kings like Bappa Rawal, Rana Kumbha, Rana Sanga and Rana Pratap are also popular places to visit.”
Cities Rajasthan City:
  • Jaipur
  • Ajmer
  • Bharatpur
  • Bikaner
  • Chittorgarh
  • Jaisalmer
  • Udaipur
  • Kota
  • Jodhpur
  • Jaisalmer

Other destinations:
  • Jaisamand Lake
  • Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary
  • Mount Abu
  • Ranthambhore National Park
  • Sariska Reserve and National Park
  • Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Bamnera
  • Alwar

Best Places to See
Rajasthan is one of the most popular tourist destination to observe Indian heritage and royalty closely. A fortnight should suffice to be able to glimpse the splendor of the state. It has a lot of natural and man made tourist destinations, which include:

Amber Fort in Jaipur
Camel fair in Pushkar
Chittorgarh Fort - A massive structure with numerous gateways, the fort is an outstanding example of Mauryan architecture.
Mehrangarh Fort - Located in Jodhpur.
Junagarh Fort in Bikaner
Pichola Lake in Udaipur
Bundi Fort in Bundi
Jaisalmer Fort - Located in Jaisalmer. This fort is constructed with sand stones and is an important landmark of Jaisalmer city.
The Desert landscape in Jaisalmer
Jal Mahal in Jaipur
The Pink City in Jaipur
Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur
Khejarla Fort in Jodhpur
Wildlife Sanctuary in Ranthambhore National Park -  Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary was established in 1957. In 1974 this park came under the campaign of “Tiger Reserve”. Visitors can easily see many water bodies, everywhere inside the park, which is the perfect destination to relax during the summer for the wildlife animals.
Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu
Mirpur Jain Temple in Sirohi

Eat

Food is generally very spicy - to be enjoyed in moderation for first timers. Dairy based sweet products are very popular in this part of the country. Restaurants are mostly vegetarian. Finding restaurants serving good non-vegetarian food could be difficult, and in general, non vegetarian stuff in road side eateries should be avoided. Bread - both leavened and unleavened is readily available.
A typical Rajasthani fare would include daal-baati-churma. Daal is lentil curry;baati is round balls made out of wheat flour and baked in charcoal fire;churma is a dessert made out of crushed wheat balls rolled in jaggery/sugar and topped with ghee.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Rajasthan is from October to March as it isn't too hot then and travellers can enjoy sightseeing without being bothered by the heat. A much loved destination with foreign and local tourists alike, a ramble through the state should take you 10 days, including all the major cities and tourist destinations.
The best thing about Rajasthan is that travellers across all budgets can enjoy the state. If you're a budget traveller you'll spend anything between Rs. 55,000- 80,000, a all range traveller would spend between Rs. 80,000-115 ,000 and a high end traveler would spend between Rs. 1, 20,000 – 155,000.

Shopping in Rajasthan
Shopping in Rajasthan is a delightful experience. The land is traditionally rich in making handicrafts and handlooms.
The tradition of art and crafts is Rajasthan actually developed and flourished under the direct patronage of the royalties. Different regions of the state specialize in different kinds of handicrafts, which would lead you to shopping spree in Rajasthan.
Since precious and semi precious stone are available in abundance in Rajasthan, the local artisans craft out exquisite jewellery from them.
Textiles and leather are also favourite medium of handicrafts with the Rajasthani craftsmen. The most striking phenomenon with the Rajasthani crafts is the glow of vibrant colours.
The artisans also fashion amazing objects made out of clay. Rajasthani painting also carves a special niche in Indian art, which displays a lyrical quality through enchanting combination of tender lines and bright colours.

Best Hotel in Rajasthan

  • Taj Hotel Lake Palace, Udaipur

Taj Hotel, Udaipur, spanning over a four acre land, stands with elan in the middle of the Pichola Lake. With Aravalli hills as the backdrop and reflection of white marbles in the Lake, the Hotel has a unique charm.
  • Hotel Jai Mahal Palace

The famous Jai Mahal Palace of Jaipur bears the history of 260 years of Indo-Saracenic architectural grandeur. This age old structure of 1745 AD has now become a major tourist 5 star deluxe hotel.
  • The Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel, Udaipur

The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Ornamenting the banks of the serene Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas offers magnificent view of the 'White city' Udaipur and is the ultimate romantic getaway. With a choice of 82 luxurious rooms and suites, complete with majestic Rajput architecture.
  • Hotel Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore

The Oberoi Vanyavilas Ranthambore is a 5 Star Deluxe hotel, located in Sawai Madhopur district in Rajasthan. It is situated at the junction of the Vindhya hills and Aravali ranges, near Ranthambore National Park.

  • Hotel Laxmi Niwas Palace

Laxmi Niwas Palace is one of the most popular hotels in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Located in the Lallgarh Palace Complex, Laxmi Niwas Palace offers quality boarding and lodging facilities to all its guests.
  • Hotel Basant Vihar palace

Hotel Basant Vihar Palace is a beautiful heritage hotel in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The hotel was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singhji, in the year 1940. It is situated amidst lush green surroundings.

  • Hotel Gajner Palace

Hotel Gajner Palace is a famous hotel in Bikaner, Rajasthan. This grand heritage palace is a division of the HRH Group of Hotels.

  • Karni Bhawan Palace

Karni Bhawan Palace is one of the finest heritage hotels in Bikaner. Once the royal residence of Maharaja Dr. Karni Singh, today it offers luxurious accommodation to both business and leisure travelers in the city of Bikaner.

  • Hotel Lallgarh Palace

Hotel Lallgarh Palace is one of the renowned hotels in Bikaner, Rajasthan. It is situated 250 kilometers away from the railway station. However, this Hotel Lallgarh Palace is quite close to the Bikaner bus stand. Being located on the outskirts of the city, this hotel offers a delightful stay amidst the serene atmosphere.



Wednesday, 11 June 2014

Golden Triangle Tours: India's Iconic Tourist Places

How to visit most iconic places in India in shortest possible time? The answer is short and succinct: India's golden triangle tour.
Now comes the explanation part. Golden triangle tour in India refers to the most popular tourist circuit comprising of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
With destinations including some of the most prominent sites in India which have redefined and shaped the history, heritage and very identity of India, golden triangle tour is one of the best ways to discover the very heart and the soul of India.
From the bustling megalopolis Delhi where the old rubs cheek with the new and with vibrant shopping scene at various flea market and world class infrastructure to the teeming Agra, a city bursting at it seam, but home to one of the most resplendent icon the world has ever produced and then continuing on to Jaipur to discover the secret behind her name ‘the pink city’.
Golden triangle tour with its variety and vibrancy is a top pick among visitors from overseas. What’s included is a dash of history, heritage, luxury, shopping, wildlife, desert safari and elephant ride and folk performances and do we need say more?
Taj Mahal in Agra: A World Heritage Site and voted one of the seven modern Wonders of the World

Planning the Golden Triangle Tour
For the tourists opting for the golden triangle tours Delhi serves as a natural starting point of the journey as it is well connected to major national and International airports. Once getting off at Delhi, tourists can either explore the attractions in Delhi first or else opt to go and visit Agra or Jaipur first and save Delhi tour for later.

Whatever may be the starting point, depending upon the preference or priority of the guests, the tour of these three historical cities offer an exciting as well as enlightening travel opportunity.

What is the India's golden triangle all about?
Delhi
Delhi happens to be one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world and also believed to have been the site of the legendary capital city if the Pandavas in the time of Mahabharata. Delhi is one of the largest and most populous megalopolis in India and is also the national capital of the world largest democracy.
Delhi has witnessed much political change over history and is home to an array of ancient and medieval monuments and ruins. The classical blend seamlessly with the contemporary which may well be witnessed in the well planned Lutyen’s Delhi, modern architecture, educated populace and the world class infrastructure.
Delhi has a total of 175 monuments which has been recognized as the National Heritage site by the Archaeological Survey of India. Major heritage sites include the Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort, Jantar Mantar, India Gate, Purana Qila and Qutub Minar whereas the Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple and the Birla Temple are some prime example of modern architecture.
Akshardham Temple in Delhi receives highest number of visitor footfall
Delhi also offers a lot of shopping and leisure options to the tourists. Places such as Delhi Haat, Janpath Palika Bazaar, Chandni Chowk and Connaught Palace are popular shopping destinations for both domestic and international visitors.
There are a number of getaways at short distance from Delhi if one is willing to stretch their itinerary. Sultanpur National Park, near Gurgaon is one such option especially in winter. Many species of Birds, both domestic and international can be spotted in this national park.
Agra
Taj Mahal in Agra has been voted one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World
Agra is home to 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites which includes the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal, voted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is also regarded as one of the greatest monuments immortalizing love making it one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
 This perfectly symmetrical mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife and took 22 years and 20000 laborers to complete and is considered one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
The entire structure is constructed using white marble and has been a source of inspirations for poets and writers alike. Then there are other important historical and heritage sites like the Red Fort and the Itmad-Ud- Daulah Tomb. Other attractions in Agra include Sikandra, Fatehpur Sikri, Guru Ka Tal and Chini ka Rauza.
               Archways of Fatehpur Sikri: Retrace the history of Mughal empire as you visit this World Heritage Site near Agra built by their greatest emperor, Akbar the Great
Agra is well connected by road, air and rail to major Indian metropolis. Agra is around 200 kilometers from Delhi. Besides sightseeing, other activities in Agra include shopping for handicrafts and leather accessories and jewelries. For the food connoisseurs, there’s an array of gourmet dining options available to savor the occasion while in Agra as part of their golden triangle tour itinerary.
Jaipur
Fondly referred to as the ‘pink city’ due to its medieval structures, Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and completes the golden triangle circuit along with Delhi and Agra.

Jaipur, build as one of the most planned city in India is a bustling megalopolis and has usual bedlam and congestion of typical Indian cities. Resplendent fortresses nestled atop hills, majestic palaces and an array of monuments stand testimonials to the glorious past of this erstwhile princely state of Rajputana.
Hawa Mahal in Jaipur is one of the most popular landmarks in India. 
There are a plethora of sightseeing options including Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall Museum, Birla temple, Govind Devji Temple and the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar).
One of the top tourist places in Jaipur is Chokhi Dhani. It is an ethnic resort in the outskirts of the city. Visitors could get a peek into the heritage and cultural legacy of Rajasthan in microcosm at Chokhi Dhani.
Folk dance performances, puppet shows, camel ride and numerous other activities are performed inside this ethnic resort in Jaipur which is followed by a sumptuous 5 course meals to conclude the day's proceedings.
Yet another appeal of Jaipur is the vibrant shopping scene Cornucopia is what defines shopping experience in Jaipur. Some of the most in demand items among shoppers include silver jewelries, precious and semi-precious gemstones, blue pottery, handmade footwear, and multicolored dresses.
Kripal Kumbh (for high quality blue pottery items), and Anokhi (with high-quality textiles is well worth visiting) are some of the best in the trade for those who appreciate art and craftsmanship.
Accommodations are available in all categories including luxury hotels and palaces which are now converted into heritage hotel. If its the indulgence you are looking for during your stay in Jaipur, go for one of the heritage hotels in Jaipur. And for the best in the city, we'd recommend Taj Rambagh Palace.
What is the best time to go for golden triangle tour of India?
Since this tour circuit is about exploring Delhi and Jaipur, the best time to plan your vacation is winter. From November till February, the weather condition is ideal for sight seeing. Summer months from mid March till mid October (including monsoon in between) could get rather punishing due to hostile weather. Since this tour is more about sightseeing like forts and palaces (which means walking), winter months are best to embark on a golden triangle tour.
How could we extend our golden triangle tour package to have more of India?
India's golden triangle tour could be done in just 4 days to a week's tour itinerary. But if you have enough time up your sleeve there are plenty of extensions to get more out of your vacation in India.
To visitors, Rajasthan offers plenty of extensions. if you are interested in culture and history, destinations such as Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer and Bikaner could serve as good extention to your golden triangle tour package.
If you are interested in wildlife, extend your itinerary to include Ranthambore which is renowned for its tiger spotting ops and a medieval fort which is now inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Yet another extension is Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur (yet another site inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage ) which is a birder's paradise with home to over 350 species of birds.
Then there is Bundi and Mandawa or the entire Shekhawati region renowned for their havelis with intricate carvings and paintings which attracts many visitors from overseas. Pushkar (renowned for its Cattle Fair) and Mount Abu are 2 other good extension to your golden triangle tour.
Yet another popular extension to the India's golden triangle tour opted by many visitors is the inclusion of Khajuraho (a World Heritage Site) and Orchha (preferred for its heritage and pastoral ambiance) in Madhya Pradesh.
Visitors also extend their golden triangle by traveling to Golden Temple in Amritsar which is often considered one of the top ten places in the world to visit before you die and travel all the way to Wagah Border to witness the renowned Beating Retreat Ceremony.
Some other popular extensions include golden triangle with Andaman and golden triangle with Goa.
So what's your calling?