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• Hawa Mahal • Jantar Mantar • City Palace • Lake Palace • City Palace • Lake Pichola • Mehrangarh Fort                                 • The Jaswant Thada • Umaid Bhavan Palace • Jaisalmer Fort • Gadsisar Sagar Lake • Salim Singh Ki Haveli • Junagarh Fort • Lalgarh Palace                                 • Dilwara Temple • Achalgarh Fort • Ajmer Sharif • Pushkar Fair

Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal, a classical monument that reciprocate a fresh feeling within the minds of the onlookers. This historical monument was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1799. Maharaja Jai Singh had a specific purpose behind constructing this multilayered edifice. The main purpose was that royal females, who used to follow stringent purdah system, could easily see the ceremonial processions on the streets. For this specific purpose, the building was designed in such a manner that it had 900 peepholes. Hawa Mahal is an exotic cenotaph in Jaipur, the pink city of Rajasthan and one can also cover this edifice within the famous package Golden triangle. This much popular historical place is one great attraction that tourists seldom miss. The five storeyed facade entrusted with the elegant trellis work on the windows and small balconies with around 900 niches. The upper floor is reached through a raised ramp rather than stairs a device to facilitate movement by palanaquins carried out by servants. The beautifully carved doors opens into the majestic courtyard. The courtyard has a double story building on the three sides. There is a small archeological museum here. Only the eastern wing has three more storeys above, which are just a single room thick. The building, standing on a high podium, is a fifty-foot high thin shield, less than a foot in thickness, with small intimate chambers, which give this historical place its unique facade.
Jantar Mantar	Top^
Jantar Mantar is the a masterpiece of architecture situated in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed 5 observatory in west central in India between 1727 to 1734. And Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the largest of all. The Jantar Mantar was essentially a Sanskrit word yantra mantra meaning instruments and formulae but later due to mispronunciation it was changed to the known name. Jantar Mantar was built not only to verify astronomical observations made at Jaipur, but also to stimulate interest in astronomy, which had become enmeshed in theory, superstition and religious jargon. Sawai Jai Singh sent his colleagues to all parts of the world before starting the construction of this observatory. They all returned with many manuals on astronomy containing cutting-edge technological information. One of these manuals was a copy of La Hire's "Tables". The king ordered the observatory to be built according to the details contained in this manual.
City Palace	Top^
City Palace is one of the major tourist attraction in Jaipur. The palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kacchawaha clan of Rajput and later on completed by his successors. It also houses a museum that showcases the grand collection of 2000 weapons that date back to 1580. It has a good collection of various types of Rajasthani dresses a fascinating armoury of Mughal and Rajput weapons. The palace showcases an impressive blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Built in the capital city of Rajasthan, city palace is segregated into series of courtyard, gardens and buildings. It houses several palatial structures like the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Badal Mahal, Sri Govind Dev Temple and the City palace museum.
Lake Palace	Top^
The Lake Palace is located in Udaipur, the land of lakes and palaces. The Palace swiftly nestles itself on the Jagniwas island and cover 1.5 hectares of the island in the middle of the pichola lake. Initially, the lake palace was known as Jag Niwas and was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1754. The palace beautifully encompassed by the majestic hills and blue sparkling water of the Pichola Lake. Today, the enchanting palace is converted into a luxury hotel. The lake palace is beautifully crafted in pure white marble. The palace adorn itself with slender carved columns, fountains, filigreed screens, domed chattris and swimming pool that were created for royal princes. It is a three storeyed palace embellished in yellow sandstone and marble slabs. The interior of the palace is decorated with coloured stones.
Mehrangarh Fort	Top^
Mehrangarh Fort located in Jodhpur city in Rajasthan state is one of the largest forts and a famous tourist place in India. The fort of Rajasthan is situated on a lofty height, 400 feet above the city, and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its territorial boundaries, there are several palaces, which are known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards. Mehrangarh-sun or Sun-deity; 'garh'{Sanskrit}-fort; i.e.'Sun-fort'; according to Rajasthani language pronunciation conventions, 'Mihirgarh' has changed to 'Mehrangarh'; the Sun-deity has been the chief deity of the Rathore dynasty; is one of the largest forts in India. Though the fortress was originally started in 1459 by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur of Rajasthan, most of the fort of Rajasthan which stands today dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638–78). This magnificent fort is located at the centre of the city spreading over 5 km atop a 125-metre high hill.
The Jaswant Thada	Top^
Jaswant Thada is about four kilometres away from Jodhpur city. It is situated on the left side of Fort Mehrangarh, in fact between the fort and the city. It is a royal cenotaph built in 1899 in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, who was the 33rd king of Jodhpur. The cenotaph was built by his son, Maharaja Sardar Singh. In the cenotaph, portraits and photographs of other kings of Jodhpur are displayed. Jaswant Thada is an architectural marvel, built with expertly carved sheets of white marble. The marbles are very thin and polished and carved in such a way that the outside surface emits a glow during day time.
Umaid Bhavan Palace	Top^
A splendid example of Indo-colonial and the art-deco style of the thirties, Umaid Bhawan is one of the largest and grandest private residences in the world. The palace was built between 1929 and 1943 and over 3000 artisans worked over 14 years to create this magnificent edifice. Umaid Bhawan palace, built by the late Maharaja Umaid Singhji, is one of the world's Largest and Grandest Royal Residences. Over three thousand artisans from the region worked every day for thirteen years to transform the British architect, H.V. Lanchester's master plan into this magnificent marble and sandstone edifice. The majority of the 'fine buildings' was actually one single complex ! An architectural extravaganza called the Umaid Bhawan Palace - among the biggest private residences in the world. A colossal 347 room structure with two monumental wings separated by a central dome soaring to a height of 185 feet.
City Palace, Udaipur	Top^
City Palace is the largest complex that stands magnificently in Udaipur guarded by the strong fort walls. Initially, the building was started by Maharana Jai Singh II, the city founder and later on additions were made by his successors. The palace is embellished by balconies, tower and cupolas. It is beautifully crafted and settled overlooking the Lake Pichola. The complex houses 4 main palaces and several minor palaces. The palace complex is segregated into - Moti Mahal, Dilkusha Mahal, Baari Mahal, the suraj or the Gokhunda of the sun balcony, the Mor chowk. The Chini chitrashala houses a rich collection of Chinese porcelain and Laxmi Vilas Chowk is an art gallery, which houses a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings. The entrance to the palace is through the northern end of the Tripolia gate with its eight carved marble arches. The soft cream coloured central Chhatri has facing of blue coloured tiles with massive octagonal towers crowned with cupolas. The Sheesh Mahal has inlaid mirror work. The Krishna villas has a series of miniature paintings which are witness to the Royal processions, festivals and the game of 'Chogan'.
Lake Pichola	Top^
Lake Pichola is the most celebrated Lake of all that are there in Udaipur. In the backdrop of overlooking city palace, this shimmering body of crystal clear blue water is a treat for eyes and captivates the imagination of the visitors in the first glimpse itself. Maharana Udai Singhji built Udaipur in this lovely valley surrounded by the Aravalli's simply because of this massive water body. The City Palace complex was constructed on the bustling banks of the placid waters of Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. A man made lake, Lake Pichola is one of the prime attractions of Udaipur. The lake is known for the palace build amidst the lake. The lake was built basically for defence purpose. Cradled amongst hills, gardens, havelis, temples and ghats, Lake Pichola is the picturesque spotlight of Udaipur. The lake sports two islands palaces- Jagniwas (Lake Palace) and Jagmandir. The beauty of the lake and its surroundings can only be felt by seeing it, which increases many folds during sunrise and sunset.
Jaisalmer Fort	Top^
Built in 1156 A.D., the Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh. It was founded by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal. The fort is made in soft The ramparts, bastions and the long-stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously during early morning and at sunset. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high, it has 99 bastion, out of which 92 were built between 1633 and 1647. The five story edifice adorns itself with balconies and windows that displays some of the finest masonry work, while the interior is painted and tiled in typical Rajput style. The main attractions within the fort are a group of beautifully carved Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th century. The fort stands almost 30 meters over the city and unbelivebly houses an entire living area within huge ramparts. It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol.There are several entrances, called 'pols' that guard the Megh Durbar and the Jawahar Mahal, which bear the imperial symbols of the Bhatti clan's lunar lineage. Outside the fort, is the main market place called Manek Chowk.
Gadsisar Sagar Lake	Top^
Situated at a distance of 40 kilometers from Jaisalmer, Gadsisar Lake is the major tourist hub attracting thousands of tourists from all over. It is suggested to venture this place in winter season as you may get the opportunity to see an assortment of migratory birds here. Accommodation is not a problem anymore while planning your trip to Gadsisar Lake. Stay over at Jaisalmer Hotels is suggested since it is the only place close to Gadsisar Lake. The accommodation facility in Jaisalmer offers tourists warm hospitality and hotels catering to their needs and requirements. The facilities available there are designed by keeping in mind the convenience of the tourists. You can find a plenty of hotels ranging from luxury hotels to budget hotels to lodges at your ease. You can pick choose an outlet to stay over depending upon the amount of money you want to spend on your stay.
Achalgarh Fort	Top^
Achalgarh fort is situated eleven km north of Mount Abu, a hill station in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The fort was built by Maharana Kumbha in 1452 CE. It was one of the several forts built during the reign of Maharana Kumbha.The fort is not in good condition now. There are some features of historical and religious importance in and around the fort. Achaleshwar Mahadeva temple is just outside the fort; the toe of Lord Shiva is worshipped there and a brass Nandi is also located there. Near the temple there are three stone buffaloes standing around a pond. There are Jain temples in the fort . These were built in 1513 CE.There are fine views from there.
Ajmer Sharif	Top^
The final resting place for 'Gharib-Nawaz', Moinuddin Chishti is located in Ajmer. People of all religions visit the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The Khwaja left for heavenly abode in 1256 AD after a six day prayer in seclusion. These six days are celebrated every year as the annual Urs, which is attended by innumerable pilgrims irrespective of their faith. The shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfillment for those who pray with devout and pure hearts. It is said that Emperor Akbar sought blessings for his son at the Dargah. The entry to the Dargah is through the Dargah Bazar that leads to the inner courtyard. The high gateway has beautifully carved silver doors. In the courtyard are kept two huge cauldrons with capacity of 2240 kg and 4480 kg. On special occasions, 'Kheer' cooked in these cauldrons is distributed among the pilgrims.
Pushkar Fair	Top^
Pushkar in general is a quiet place. However, if you visit Pushkar during the time of the fair then you will hardly recognize it. It bustles with activities. The flurry of colors imparts a great look to the place. Another factor about the fair that will surely draw your attention is the huge participation of people in the fair. Though it more of a camel fair but once you visit the fair, you will realize that it has much more to offer. The fair is right reflection of the sanctity and richness of the place. Visiting the fair will be a unique experience for you. Pushkar Fair enjoys the status of being the largest camel fair in the world. This extravagant fair continues for 12 days. According to the Hindu calendar, it usually falls in the month of Kartika. This usually falls in the month of October or November of the English calender.
Junagarh Fort	Top^
Junagarh Fort of Bikaner was built by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, in 1587. The fort is surrounded by a high wall and deep moats. There are 37 bastions guarding the fort with only two gates as the entrance pathway to the fort, the main one being the Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate. The Junagarh Fort has yet been unconquered excepting the brief victory of Kamaran, which he could not retain for more than 24 hours. Just like the 37 bastions, there are 37 red sandstone marvels inside the premises of the fort, which include palaces with intricately carved windoes, delicate balconies, towers and kiosks, temples and pavilions.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli	Top^
Salim Singh ki Haveli was built by Salim Singh Mohta in the 1600s. Perhaps a little bit of history is relevant here, for Salim Singh was no ordinary man. His father was murdered by the courtiers at the Jaisalmer kingdom. Salim Singh nursed a lifelong ambition to get even, which he did when he managed to kill off the courtiers through sheer cunning and careful planning. His courage and ambition ensured that he was appointed prime minister to the king. Salim Singh, true to form, took half a dozen wives, and set about building a lovely structure that we know as the Salim Singh ki Haveli. The haveli, with beautiful pillars, ornate porches, and wide open courtyards, is one of the marvels of Rajasthani architecture. The walls are carved with little peacocks, a symbol of the romance that Rajasthan holds. For the peacock, with all its plumes and pageantry, prefers to live in the more arid regions of northern and western India.
Lalgarh Palace	Top^
Situated 3km north of the city center this palace which built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father, Maharaja Lal Singh The Shri Sadul museum covers entire first floor of the palace. The museum was established in 1076 and there's a reasonable collection of artifacts and personal possessions of the Bikaner Maharajas and a brass vessel known as a Tokan used to collect revenue which was transported by camel to the Bikaner state treasury. Adorning the palace is some fascinating latticework and filigree work. The palace has now been converted into a hotel. Adding to the magnificence of the palace are its terraced lawns the Bougainvillea bushes. If lucky, you may also spot peacocks roaming around the palace. The Palace also houses a rich collection of well-preserved paintings, hunting trophies and old photographs.
Dilwara Temple	Top^
Mount Abu is a famous and only hill station of Rajasthan located in the southwest part of Rajasthan. It is a part of the Aravali range. Mount Abu is separated from Aravali by a narrow valley and Guru Shikhar is the highest point towards the northern end. According to legend, Hindus revere this place because once Nandini, the cow of the sage Vashisht was trapped in a deep gorge and could not free itself. The sage asked for Lord Shiva's assistance. Shiva sent Saraswati, the divine stream, to help flood the gorge so that the cow could float up. Sage Vashisht then decided to ensure that such mishaps would not occur in future and asked the youngest son of Himalaya to fill the gorge permanently. He took the help of the snake, Arbud. This spot came to be known as Mount Arbud since then and was later reduced to its present form Mount Abu.