Rajasthan is the most vibrant and colorful states in the Western region of India. Listed below are some of the must visit cities and places in this beautiful state. If you get an opportunity, do attend some of the very well known festivals of this state listed below during your stay in Rajasthan.
Ajmer-Pushkar
Situated on the base of Taragarh Hill and flanked by beautiful Aravali mountains on all sides, the historic city of Ajmer is most popular as a pilgrim destination for both Hindus and Muslims. It is a perfect place to see an amalgamation of Hindu culture with Sufi traditions. The city has been ruled by various dynasties ranging from Chauhans to Mughals to British in the past and that is the reason why you will find an influence of all these cultures in the current lifestyle and traditions of the people here.
Pushkar is another holy city (located at a distance of around 10-12 km. from Ajmer) and home to the one and only Brahma temple in the world.
Places of Interest
Dargah Sharif – Dedicated to the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moin-uddin-Chisti, Dargah Sharif is an important and most visited pilgrim tourist destination for Muslims in India. An amazing fact is that apart from Muslims, this shrine is visited by people of all castes, creed and religion. The Dargah is marvelously decorated and thousands of pilgrims throng here during the annual festival of Urs, when it is believed that all wishes made during this time are surely fulfilled.
Adhai Din ka Jhonpra - Walking through narrow and crowded bazaars near the Dargah Sharif, you will reach Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. Built in Indo-Islamic style of architecture, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, as the name indicates is basically a mosque which was constructed in two and half days. It is believed that this mosque was built by converting a Jain temple into a mosque during the Mughal rule. The interiors of the mosque resemble a Hindu temple and you will still find some inscriptions written in Sanskrit on the pillars.
Ana Sagar Lake – Spread across an area of around 13 km., the Ana Sagar Lake is an artificial lake which adds to the charm of the Ajmer city. The banks of this lake are filled with locals and tourists during the evening. Sun going down on the lake during the evening makes an amazing sight to watch.
Taragarh Fort - One of the most spectacular monuments in Ajmer which should not be missed by any tourist is the Taragarh Fort. Guarding the Ajmer city, the fort built in Rajasthani style of architecture sits on a hillock providing panoramic views of the city below. Also, picturesque views of the Kota city especially after sunset are most prominent from the Taragarh Fort. Sculptures of elephants embellished on the front gateway of the fort will definitely not go unnoticed by any visitor.
Main highlights of the Taragarh Fort are huge water reservoirs carved out of solid rocks, ‘Bhim Burj’, ‘Miran Saheb ki Dargah’ and ‘Rani Mahal’.
Brahma Temple - Located in the holy city of Pushkar, the lord Brahma Temple is the top visited tourist attraction. It is the only temple dedicated to lord Brahma in the world and is believed to be 2000 years old. According to Hindu mythological beliefs, it is believed that Goddess Saraswati, the first consort of Lord Brahma, cursed Brahma that he would only be worshipped in the Pushkar city. This is the reason why there is only one temple dedicated to Lord Brahma that too in Pushkar.
Huge numbers of pilgrims throng this temple during Kartik Poornima, the full moon day of Kartik (October) month, the day when the famous Pushkar Fair also begins.
Saraswati Temple - This temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati also known as Savitri, the first consort of God Brahma. The temple is located behind the Brahma Temple on the top of Ratnagiri Hills. To reach the temple, pilgrims are required to climb lot of stairs built on the hill. From the top, you can get panoramic views of the Pushkar Lake and the Sand dunes.
Gayatri Temple - This temple is dedicated to Goddess Gayatri, the second consort of Lord Brahma. The temple is located on top of the hill opposite the Pushkar Lake.
Festivals Held in Ajmer-Pushkar
Urs Festival
The annual festival of Urs held in the month of May invites thousands of pilgrims belonging to different communities to Ajmer Sharif every year. Celebrated in remembrance of the great Sufi Saint, Khwaja Moin-uddin (whose mortal remains are buried here), the festival of Urs lasts for around 6 days during which mass prayers, Qawallis and Mehfils are conducted. Entire mosque is filled with the fragrance of fresh jasmine flowers, incesce, rose water and sandalwood paste. You will find several kilometer long queues to the tomb on the 6th day. It is believed that if someone with a pure heart prays and offers a ‘Chadar’ on the tomb during these 6 days of Urs festival, his/her wish is definitely fulfilled.
Pushkar Camel Fair
The world’s largest camel fair is held every year in the month of November in the holy city of Pushkar. Attending this beautiful fair gives the biggest opportunity to every tourist in Rajasthan to soak himself in the true spirits of this colorful state in Western part of India. During the festival, you can experience the actual show of cattle trading. The tiny city comes to life during the days of festivity with colorfully dressed people, folk dancers and acrobats all around. This is the perfect time to actually experience the fun of a true Indian ‘Mela’ where you will find colorfully dressed women in Ghagras buying rainbow colored bangles and ornamental jewellery, hoards of children queuing up to get their turn for the giant wheel rides, small little girls enjoying street food and ice-creams, acrobats and folk dancers performing live shows, crowds cheering the camel and horse races and cattle traders calling out loudly with their bids.
Attending the Pushkar Camel fair is a great treat to your eyes when you are in Rajasthan. During this year (2013), the fair will be held from November 6th to November 17th.
Jaipur
A vibrant and colorful city of Rajasthan, more commonly known as the Pink City, Jaipur has also acclaimed to its credit the reputation of being the first planned city of India. Known for its stories of bravery, chivalry and valor, Jaipur is a city of exquisite charm, natural splendor and unique architectural grandeur. Majestic forts and havelis, captivating palaces, tranquil gardens, pious temples, serene lakes, charm of camel safaris, narrow streets of bustling bazaars, rich cultural heritage, enchanting folk music and rustic village life is what lures every tourist to this capital city of Rajasthan.
Places of Interest in Jaipur
City Palace - Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the 19th century, the City Palace is the perfect example of unique combination of Rajput and Mughal style of architecture. The royal family of Jaipur still resides in the 'Chandra Mahal' of the City Palace complex. What amazes the visitors to this palace is the collection of armors with highly skilled decorative work on them, royal costumes and clothing of the then Maharajas and Maharanis, royal portraits and pictures on the walls and the two largest pieces of silverware in the world.
Hawa Mahal – One of the most visited tourist attractions in Jaipur is the 'Hawa Mahal' or the Palace of Winds. Built in red and pink sandstone, the palace is located in the heart of the Jaipur city. The main highlight of this palace is its 900 windows or the ‘jharokhas’ which are intricately designed. The royal women during the Rajput rule were not allowed to go in public and were strictly made to follow the purdah system. This is the reason why this palace was designed such so as to make the royal women have a view of day to day lives of the common people on the bustling streets through these windows.
Jal Mahal - Set in the middle of the 'Man Sagar' Lake, the Jal Mahal or the Water Palace is another attraction which should not be missed by any tourist. It is believed that this palace was constructed for the royal families to enjoy picnics and hold duck shooting parties. Though you can only see the palace from a distance, taking a walk in the evening or watching the sunset and spending a quiet evening alongside the lake with this beautiful palace in the backdrop will surely make your evening a memorable one.
Amber Fort – One cannot miss the Amber Fort when in Jaipur. One of the most sought after tourist attractions, Amber Fort is situated on a hill top overlooking the beautiful Maotha Lake. The crystal clear waters of the lake give a mesmerizing mirror image of the beautiful Amber Fort. The 'Shila Mata Temple' (dedicated to Goddess Kali and having a black marble idol of the goddess with intricately carved silver gates), 'Sheesh Mahal' or the 'Hall of Mirrors' (known worldwide for its exquisite glasswork) and the 'Ganesh Pol' fascinate each and every tourist to this majestic fort.
To reach the Amber Fort, the best way is to take an adventurous elephant ride, which surely will be the most memorable experience for you.
Festivals Held in Jaipur
Elephant Festival
One of the major festivals held in Jaipur is the Elephant Festival which is held every year on the day of Holika Dahan. It is a treat to watch such colorfully decorated elephants with chunky jewellery adorning their ears and feet, gold embroidered velvet rugs gracing their backs, embellished head plates adorning their foreheads, and colorful piants decrating their tusks. Even the mahouts are dressed in best of their outfits. As these royal creatures parade before you on the beats of Nagara, the entire scene creates a magical atmosphere. Several competitions such as beauty contests and tug of war are held between the elephants. The best decorated elephant and its mahout is given an award during the closing cremony of the festival.
Gangaur Festival
One of the most important festivals of Rajasthan, Gangaur is celebrated as a symbol of marital bliss and happiness. It is an important festival for both married and unmarried women who worship idols of lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. Unmarried girls pray to get a good husband and married women pray for their husband’s long life and health. The festival lasts for 18 days and the last day is celebrated with great fervor when the ladies dress up in beautiful attires, adorn their hands with henna and proceed with their idols to the nearby pond where they immerse these idols.
Gangaur Festival celebrations give a great opportunity to foreign toursist to get a rendezvous with beautiful Rajasthani traditions and culture. Also, do try the famous sweet called Ghewar especially available during the festival.
Teej Festival
Teej is a festival of swings and is celebrated during the monsoon months of July-August. It is celebrated for 2 days when the women dress themselves in green attires, make merry, sing teej songs, perform folk dances and sway on beautifully decorated swings bedecked with colorful flowers. Women during this festival keep fast for two days and pray for their long married lives.
Jodhpur
Scenic landscapes, graceful forts and palaces, mouth-watering Marwari cuisine, exquisite handicraft, and hospitable people, is what aptly describes the city of Jodhpur. As it gets the maximum sunshine throughout the country, Jodhpur is also commonly known as the ‘Sun City’. It’s the uniformly colored blue roofs of the houses in the old city which also gives Jodhpur the name of ‘Blue City’.
Places of Interest in Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort
Known for its intricate carvings, Mehrangarh Fort is a massive fort built on the 400 ft. high cliff top overlooking the blue city. The panoramic views of the blue washed rooftops of all the houses in the city below explains you the reason for Jodhpur being called the Blue City. The intricate carvings, awe inspiring beauty and royal grandeur of this magnificent palace is sure to leave you spell bound.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
The well known Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is now a luxury 5 star hotel managed by Taj group of hotels. Located on the Chittar Hill, the Umaid Bhawan Palace was the last royal palace in India. The royal family of the then Jodhpur kings still reside in part of this palace. Comfortable, spacious and luxurious rooms along with an impeccable service will surely make your stay a royal experience.
Festivals Held in Jodhpur
Marwar Festival
Jodhpur is famous for its Marwar festival which is held every year for two days in the months of September-October. The festival is held in the memories of Jodhpur's heroic rulers. The theme of the festival is centered around the folk music and dance of the Marwar region which is based on romantic lifestyle of Marwar rulers. The festival attracts thousands of tourists both national and international. Various musical and dance performances are held at the Mehrangarh Fort during the celebrations. If you are into some research and exploring the Rajasthani culture, traditions and history, then Marwar Festival is a MUST ATTEND festival.