RAJASTHAN IPHACON 2017

Rajasthan

Formerly known as RAJPUTANA or the ‘land of the kings’

Largest state in the republic of India

Covers an area of 342,239 sq kms which is 10.4% of India

Covered by the Great Indian Desert, Thar, which runs parallel to the Sutlej-Indus river valley

Being located at the forefront of Indian civilization, the state has seen the age of kings thus, explaining the moniker ‘the land of kings’

Houses an amazing display of arts and architecture, courtesy of it being a princely state

Each individual kingdom of Rajasthan has a distinctive style of architecture and arts making it one of the most culturally diverse places in the world

Jodhpur How would it feel to be greeted by the first ray of sun in the morning, not through your window at your home but in a land where the sun

seems to ‘rise’?

• Jodhpur is famously called the Sun City, as the sun is visible here first every morning

• Jodhpur was founded in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha and the city earned its name after him

• The second largest city in the state of Rajasthan is divided into old and new city

• The city is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces

Mehran Garh Fort • Situated nearly 13 kms from AIIMS

Jodhpur.

• Mehrangarh Fort tops the list of ‘must visit’ places in Jodhpur.

• It is one among the largest Indian forts.

• This invincible fort stands magnificently 400 feet above the city.

• Rao Jodhaconstructed the fort in 1459 AD. Though the attempt to construct the fort was started in 1459, the fort had seen many centuries before it was completed. Hence, you could find that the style of architecture represents various periods.

• The grandeur in architecture is awe-inspiring.

• It offers stunning views of the city. The fort stands as a symbol of power.

Jaswant Thada • Situated nearly 12 kms from

AIIMS Jodhpur

• Was built in memory ofMaharaja Jaswant Singh, the Second in the year 1899.

• The tranquillity of the marble construction is enchanting.

• The carvings are intricate.

• Inside Jaswant Thada, you will find the portraits of the Rathore rulers

• The grounds of Jaswant Thada consist of a stunning multilevel garden, intricately carved gazebos and a pond

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum • Located nearly 9 kms from AIIMS Jodhpur.

• The construction was started in the year 1929 and was completed in 1943.

• The palace is situated on the highest point in the city.

• The 347-roomed massive palace is named one of the largest private

residences in the world.

• The palace boasts of a combination of Indian and European style of architecture.

• A part of the palace still serves as a residence to the former royal family, while other two parts of the palace are converted into Hotel and museum.

• Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel was awarded Best Heritage Hotel in India at the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards in 2015.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum

Mandore Gardens • Located nearly 16.7 kms from

AIIMS Jodhpur.

• Mandore, belonging to the 6th century, was Marwar’s capital before Jodhpur was established.

• The Mandore Gardens also house a government museum, a ‘Hall of Heroes’ and a temple to 33 crore Gods.

• Various artifacts and statues found in the area are housed at the museum.

• The architectural splendor of the bygone era is clearly evident here.

Balsamand Lake • Located 15.7 kms from AIIMS Jodhpur

• An artificial lake that was constructed by Balak Rao Parihar in 1159 AD

• The lush greenery around the lake has mango groves, papaya groves and groves of guava, plum and pomegranate

• Balsamand Lake Palace was intended to serve as summer resort for the royal family of Jodhpur

• The lawns and gardens with birds and peacocks finding their homes here, the place is exquisite

• The palace reflects Rajputana style of architecture

• The palace turned heritage hotel was built of red sandstone

Kailana Lake o Located nearly 8.5 kms from AIIMS Jodhpur

o Located on west of the city.

o This is another artificial lake, which was constructed in the year 1872

by Pratap Singh.

o This is one amongst the most frequented lakes in Rajasthan.

o It is a birdwatchers’ paradise.

o You could sail on a boat if you aim to add some breath taking photographs to your collection.

o The view of sunset would be stunning.

Machiya Safari Park • Is nearly 8 kms from AIIMS Jodhpur

• A must see place for those interested

in wildlife.

• The main fauna of the Machiya Safari Park of Jodhpur, Rajasthan includes, deer, desert fox, monitor lizard, blue bulls rabbits, wild cats, mongoose, monkeys, etc.

• There is also an exclusive bird watching point from where you can see a large number of birds. Thus, serving as a good place for bird watchers too.

• The safari park also has a fort inside its complex. The fort also gives a nice view of the sunset.

Guda Bishnoi Village • It is approximately 25 kms from the

main city of Jodhpur.

• If you want to get an experience of the tribal India, Jodhpur Guda Bishnoi Village is the place for you.

• The Guda Bishnoi village of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is scenic beauty marked with Khejri trees and deer.

• Also in the village is the Guda Bishnoi Lake. It is an artificial lake, perfect as a picnic spot.

• A person interested in exotic wild life & nature should definitely visit this village.

Osiyan

Surrounded by golden sand dunes and hamlets, Osian, located 65 km north of Jodhpur, is famous for its Hindu

and Jain temples and is known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan due to the erotic

sculptures on the temples.

Khejadla fort

• Located 85 Km east of Jodhpur.

• Khejarla is a convenient and scenic one hour drive from Jodhpur.

• The fort is surrounded by village with view of plains of Marwar.

JAIPUR

Jaipur • Nearly 337 kms from Jodhpur.

• The capital of the state, Jaipur is also the largest city in the princely

state of Rajasthan.

• It was founded in 1727, by the Kachwaha Rajput Ruler Sawai Jaisingh II, who was the ruler of Amber.

• Also known by the nickname ‘Pink City of India’ which is due to the distinctive saffron or pink color of the buildings.

• The planning of the city was done according to the Vedic Vastu Shastra (Indian architecture).

• The well planned streets and detailed and artistic architecture make it one of the top preferred tourist locations.

Jaipur

Main attractions are:

o Hawa Mahal

o City Palace

o Amber Fort

o Nahargarh fort

o Jantar Mantar Observatory

o Dera Amer Elephant Safari

o Albert Hall

o Jal Mahal

Jaisalmer

• Jaisalmer is nearly 300 kms from Jodhpur.

• Well connected by road and railways.

• Every old city has facts to declare, tales to impress, uniqueness to wonder and spirit to live.

• Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is one such city, which offers facts about the courageous rulers and citizens of the bygone era, tales of unequalled courage, unique in its beauty and undaunted spirit to keep us alive and kicking.

• The city is located deep inside in the famous Thar Desert and is famous for sand dunes.

Jaisalmer

Main attractions are:

o Jaisalmer Fort

o Bada Bagh

o Patwon-Ki-Haveli

o Sam Sand Dunes

o The Thar Heritage Museum

o Gadisar Lake

o Desert Nation Park

o Silk Route Art Gallery

UDAIPUR

• Situated nearly 264 kms from Jodhpur.

• Its not a overstatement to call Udaipur as Venice of the East, the City of Udaipur is known by its common moniker, the city of lakes.

• The city was the capital of the Sisodiya Rajputs of Mewar and is famous for its palaces that exemplify the finesse of Rajputana Style architecture.

• Udaipur was founded in 1553 by the Sisodiya Rajput Ruler Maharana Udai Singh II.

Udaipur

Main attractions are:

o City palace

o Bagore Ki Haveli

o Lake Pichola

o Sajjan Garh (Monsoon Palace)

o Fateh Sagar Lake

o Moti Magri

o Saheliyo ki Badi

o Karni Mata Mandir (Cable car)

Famous places near Udaipur

• Haldi Ghati

• Shri Nathji Temple (Nathdwara)

• Ranakpur

• Jaisamand Lake

BIKANER • Located nearly 250 kms from Jodhpur.

• The city of Bikaner was founded in 1488 by the Rathore Rajput Ruler Rao

Bika, who was the son of the Rathore Ruler Rao Jodha who founded Jodhpur.

• The land was usurped from the rivaling Jat rulers of that time.

• However, no matter how many wars the ancient city has seen in the past, today Bikaner is another prime tourist destination and is famous for its sweets and snacks.

• The place is known for its forts and food.

Bikaner Main attractions are:

o Junagarh Fort

o Lalgarh Palace

o Gajner Palace

o Bikaner Camel Safari Day Tours

o Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

o Ganga Singh Museum

o Sadul Singh Museum

o Jain Temple

AJMER • Ajmer is 235 kms from Jodhpur

• Located in the heart of Rajasthan Ajmer is a small town with a very interesting past .

• Ajmer is mainly famous for Dargah Ajmer Shareef.

Pushkar • Pushkar is around 200 Kms form

Jodhpur.

• The town is one of the oldest cities of India and the date of its origin is unknown and is often associated with the Hindu mythology.

• The town is famous for its temples and various Ghats which are frequented by hundreds of visitors during the annual bath.

• The water of the lake is considered sacred and thus is responsible for the town’s repute as a pilgrimage spot.

• City is also famous for Camel fair.

Pushkar Main attractions are:

o Pushkar lake

o Man Mahal

o Brahma Temple

o Pushkar camel safari tour

SAWAI MADHOPUR

• The Ranthambore forests were the hunting grounds for the Kachwaha Rajputs of Jaipur till the time India received its independence.

• Later it was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary and it rose to being a tiger reserve in 1973 and got its national park status in 1980.

• Sawai Madhopur is 450 Kms from Jodhpur

• Ranthambore Fort and Ranthambore National park are main attractions in the distract.

MOUNT ABU • Distance from Jodhpur is nearly 312 kms.

• The place takes pride of it being the only hill station in the desert state of Rajasthan.

• Mount Abu is situated in the Aravalli mountain range and is a part of the Sirohi District of Rajasthan.

• It lies in the Aravalli mountain range at an approximate elevation of around 1,220 meters above sea level, with its highest point being ‘Guru Shikhar’ which is at a height of 1,722 meters above sea level.

Mount Abu

Main attraction s are:

o Dilwara Jain Temples

o Nakki Lake

o Achalgarh

o Guru Shikar

o Trevor’s crocodile park

CHITTODGARH

• Distance from Jodhpur is 325 kms

• The ancient city of Chittorgarh also known as Chittor, was said to have been founded by the Maurya Dynasty.

• However its significance rose when the Ruler of the Sisodiya Rajput Clan of Mewar captured the city in 734 Ad and made it the capital of Mewar.

• The place is known to be the birthplace of many great warriors and historical figures like the Great Maharana Pratap and the Hindu saint, Meera Bai.

Chittodgarh Must see places in Chittodgarh:

o Chittorgarh Fort

o Rana Kumbha Palace

o Fateh Prakash Palace

o Meera Temple

o Padmini Palace

KUMBHALGARH

• Kumbhalgarh is approximately 215 kms from Jodhpur

• Kumbhalgarh Fort is a World Heritage Site included in Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

• It was constructed by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century.

• One of the specialties of the fort is that it is the birthplace of the famous warrior and King of Mewar, Maharana Pratap.

• The near invincible fort is the most highest and strongest of forts in Rajasthan.

• The fort is protected and surrounded by a thick wall of approximately 15 kms long. This is the second longest wall in the world and the first is known the world over – The Great Wall of China

RANAKPUR

• Nearly 200 kms from Jodhpur.

The Chaturmukha Jain Temple of Ranakpur In the heart of the remote and enchanting valley of the Arvallis, skirting the rivulet Maghai and enveloped in the solitude of the

surrounding forest, stands, in solemn grandeur, the Chaturmukha Jain Temple of Rishabhadeva.

RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK • Situated approximately 450

kms from Jodhpur.

• Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national park in Northern India.

• The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan.

• Being considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park terrain is major wildlife tourist attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers in this destination.

BHARATPUR BIRD SANCTUARY / KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK

• Located 600 kms from Jodhpur.

• The Park is recognised as the most important breeding and feed grounds for the birds in the world.

• Some species are still endangered and especially the

Siberian crane.

• Visitors are advised to maintain low noise level and avoid littering the park.

SARISKA NATIONAL PARK

• Situated 450 kms away from Jodhpur.

• It covers an area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km.

• Although larger than Ranthambor, it is less commercialised and has less tigers but a similar topography.

• The Northern Aravali Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys.

• The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.

DESERT NATIONAL PARK • Located 350 kms away from

Jodhpur

• The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of theThar Desert and its rich fauna.

• The Sudashri forest post is the most ideal place for observing wildlife in the Desert National Park. Sand dunes form less than 20 percent of the Park, which consists of craggy rocks, pavements and compact salt lake bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes.

• Its inhabitants include the blackbuck, chinkara, wolf,Indian fox, desert fox, hare and desert cat

SITA MATA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY • Its 435 kms from Jodhpur.

• In forest of bamboo and dry deciduous vegetation.

• The forested Sanctuary provides rich pastures for a variety of

Deer that includes the Chousingha and for Caracal wild Boar, Pangolin and Leopards.