Jaipur gets its name from its founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, the chief architect and town planner of Jaipur, designed the city as per the Hindu treatise, Shilp Shastra and is the first planned city of India. In 1876 AD, Jaipur was painted in pink to welcome Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria and earned the epitaph 'Pink City'. It is also home to excellent handicrafts and is specially known for the exquisite gold jewellery, blue pottery, precious stones, juttis, tie and dye textiles, miniature painting, handmade paper, etc.
Hemmed in by the lush green hills of Aravalis, Udaipur is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities of India; popularly known as 'the City of lakes! It is a shimmering jewel surrounded by azure lakes. Udaipur was founded in 1553 AD by Maharana Udai Singh, along the shores of Lake Pichhola. Surrounding the aquamarine expanse of Lake Pichhola is a kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temple and gardens. Especially overwhelming in splendour are the two beautiful island attractions Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and Jag Mandir emerging from the placid waters - both a marvellous example of traditional
The golden fort rises from heart of the Thar desert like a golden mirage. The citadel has an interesting legend to its origin. According to it, Lord Krishna - the head of Yadav clan, forétold Arjuna that a remote descendent of Yadav clan would build his Kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled when in 1152 AD Rawal Jaisal, a descendant of Yadav clan founded the golden city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone perched atop the Trikuta Hill (80m height), houses the entire township within its ramparts. The Fort is approachable through four gates, made invincible by sharp twists and turns.
The great Ranthambore Fort, perched atop a creek 200m high, has been witness to the rise and fall of many rulers. It came under Chauhans in the 13th century AD to be occupied later by the Mughal emperors Akbar and Aurangzeb. The area became a hunting preserve of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur in 1754 AD. Sprawling over an undulating terrain of the Aravali and Vindhyan ranges is the wilderness of Ranthambore National Park, 392 sq km in area. The park is one of the finest Tiger Reserves Of India. A system of three artificial lakes enhances the scenic beauty of the park.
A unique destination of the desert triangle is Bikaner. The royal fortified city with a timeless appeal is sheer beauty amidst the sand dunes. and transformed it to an impressive city called Bikaner after the founder's name. Its strategic location on the ancient caravan routes, linking Central Asia and North India with Gujarat seaports, made Bikaner a prime trade centre in the times of yore. A medieval aura pervades the city, as visible in its fort, palaces and temples - each a delicate creation in red and yellow sandstone bearing testimony to the rich historical and architectural legacy. More popularly called the camel country, Bikaner is renowned for the best riding camels in the world. The 'ship of the desert'is an inseparable part of life here be it for pulling heavy carts, for transporting grains or for working on wells. Gaily caparisoned camels can be seen at Bikaner's annual Camel Festival held in January. Camel dance, Camel decoration, Traditional fur cutting on Camel and many other exciting contests enliven the festivities.
The fortified city standing sentinel to the great splendour and romance of Thar desert transports the visitor to the imperial times. Once the capital city of Marwar State, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodhaji - the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendents of Lord Rama, the epic hero of Ramayana. A major trade centre of the 16th century, Jodhpur is currently the second largest city of Rajasthan. The city is encompassed by a high wall, 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. The forts and palaces of Jodhpur are unsurpassed in beauty and grandeur. Jodhpur is famous for handicrafts like tie-and-dye fabric, embroidered leather shoes or 'Juttis', lacquerware, 'Jodhpuri' baggy trousers, carpets, antiques and marble souvenirs from Makrana. The ideal time to visit the princely city is during the 2 day Marwar Festival held every October when folk artistes perform against the magical backdrop of Mehrangarh - reviving the legends and folklores of the by gone era.
S.Rajadurai MBA
Managing Director
