Shimla
Location :Center of Himachal Pradesh, North India
Go there for :Resorts, Adventure, Shimla Toy Train
Climate :-4° to18°C (Win); Upto 30°C (Sum)
When to Go:April-Oct
Local Tongue:Himachali, Hindi
Seven picturesque hills of Shimla are in Southern Himachal, 117 km from Chandigarh. This once favorite summer retreat of the erstwhile Britons have so changed over the years that if the souls of its founders are to be come back for a dekko, they would either be saddened or gladdened to see it transform into the poshest of tourist magnets amongst the Himalayan hill-stations. The Mall street is lined with branded showrooms, the city is studded with hep resorts and out of every seven heads, one is a rtourist. Considering the phenomenal tourist hobnob, at times, slicing out your space - so wanting of such laid-back vacations - may be difficult in a place Shimla. This difficulty is promptly attended to with the neighboring getaways, the resorts, the golf at Naldehra and skiing at Kufri and Narkanda, and Shimla continues to charm her visitors.
Attractions
The Mall: A languid stroll through the main pedestrian avenue, the Mall that runs along the top of the ridge, is sine qua non for everyone visiting Shimla. This hustling promenade is lined with shops, old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and eateries, once used to be animated with gossip-loving Britons. The Scandal Point, at the junction of the Ridge and the Mall is a legendary favorite and the views of the entire locale from here are as exotic. Overlooking it is the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows. And just below the ridge is the sprawling Annandale, the venue for races, polo matches, cricket and so on.Gaiety Theatre: Located on the Mall road, is one of the oldest theatres in the world that was inaugurated way back in1887, Queen Victoria's Jubilee Year. Notable personalities of Indian cinema like K.L. Saigal, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Jennifer Kendall, Raj Babbar, Anupam Kher, Manohar Singh, Nasseerudin Shah, have performed on the stage of the Gaiety theatre. An evening watching a local drama can be exhilarating.
Jhakoo Hill: A short, but steep climb east of The Ridge will take you to the base of the Jhaku Hill, the highest point in Shimla, at an altitude of 2,445m (7,800 ft.). You need to trudge up a steep 1.5 km (1mile) path to reach the summit, where is perched a little Hanuman temple - a curious blend of Hindu faith and Christian elements suggested by the tinsel and streamer decorations. Once there, adjust your lenses for the photo-shoot for natural beauty of this kind should not go unrecorded.Institute of Advanced Studies: The grey Gothic-style Viceregal Lodge, set amidst sprawling gardens, houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Even in 1888 it had electric light and an indoor tennis court, both rare and advanced for that period. The ambience creates an aura of antiquity not to be missed. The grounds are open for visitors only on Sundays.Himachal State Museum: Very close to the Institute, in a colonial building set in spacious lawns, is the museum. It has collections of Pahari miniatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery.
The Shimla Toy Train: The Indian Railway and Himachal Tourism revamped the 1903 toy train (fondly called), into a luxury train for tourists. The train sketches a track from Kalka to Shimla through 20 stations, 103 tunnels, 969 bridges and 919 curves in its entire journey. This 'small wonder' also appears in the Guinness Book of World Records as the greatest narrow gauge engineering achievement in India. This train journey through the panoramic hills should not be missed.Adventure trails: Camping, Bungee Jumping, Cycling, Horse Riding, Para Gliding, Safaries, Skating, Trekking, Wild Life, Yak Riding are the various options you have once at Shimla.
Shopping
Hunt for colorful Kinnauri shawls, mufflers, and caps; Pangwali blankets from Chamba; Kangra-school miniature paintings; Buddhist thangkas (banners) from Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti and multicolored hand-knitted woolen socks from Lahaul at The Mall street locale. The Himachal Emporium, a little beyond Scandal Point, has the best buys. Right below the ridge is the Lakkad Bazaar which offers just anything imaginable carved out of wood. Diwanchand Atmaram is famous for its woollen ware. If you still have time head for the Tibetan market, right down the Scandal Point, for casual jeans, T-shirts, bags, shoes, jackets et al. And if you are a brand-freak, The Mall has lots of them lined up for you.
Cuisine
Non-vegetarian dishes, with a generous dose of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and red chilies, are an integral part of Himachali cuisine, considering that vegetables are hard to get by during the harsh snow-bound months. These include exotic dishes like Chasnidar Maas (mutton in a sweet and spicy gravy) and mutton cooked in yoghurt. In Himachali cooking, spices are not fried in ghee or oil. Instead, these are added to the dish at the end, to retain the flavour. Another distinctive feature of Himachali cooking is that the rich, highly flavoured and seasoned preparations avoid the excessive use of onion and garlic, favouring the use of lassi (buttermilk) instead. Himachal is known as the fruit-bowl of India with a thriving food processing industry that churns out fruit-based drinks, squashes and concentrates. The popular flavours are plum, litchi, strawberry, mango and guava. For alcoholic drinks, try the locally brewed wines such as apricot, plum and apple & ginger cider. In predominantly Tibetan areas, a rice wine known as "Chang" is popular. Go to Devicos, beyond the Scandal Point, for its pao bhaji. Baljee's, on the eastern end of The Mall, is popular for its delectable Indian and Western cuisine. As for the local cuisine, you only need to follow the direction of the aroma.
Getaways
Mashobra (12 km): The sequestered Mashobra village, with one of India's loveliest hotels - Wildflower Hall, is an ideal base for treks up the area's highest peak Shali at 10,000 ft. or for a stroll to the "sacred grove" of Sipur, which is crowned with a small indigenous-style temple dedicated to the local deity, Seep. Naldhera (22km): Beyond Mashobra is the the popular recreational resort of Naldehra. Other than the Golf Course and the cedar forests, the charming log huts studded in the lush grasslands, make it a warm overnighting locale. The hot sulphur springs of Tattapani, noted for their curative effects, lie a farther 28 km away.
Chail (45 km): Go there to see for yourself how the world's highest cricket pitch at 7,800 ft. and the highest polo ground looks like. A romantic legend (a scandalous one for the Britons) goes that the Maharajah of Patiala, eloped with (or abducted, again depending on who's telling the story) the daughter of Lord Kitchener. Predictably, he was forced to return the daughter and was banished from Shimla for ever, which made his construe his own summer capital at Chail.Kufri (12 km): Only half-hour drive away from Shimla is Kufri with a fine forested slopes and a ski-resort. It also has a Himalayan Nature park and close by is the Indira Tourist Park with HPTDC's Cafe Lalit. Here one can enjoy a Pony or a Yak Ride. Incase your trip is timed somewhere between January to March, don't miss out the winter sports festival held every February. One can also hike through thick forest around Kufri to the Mahasu Peak - the highest one in Kufri. Narkanda (64 km): Narkanda, located amidst fragrant pine forests is a winter ski resort. It has a choice of slopes ranging from a beginners run and a slalom slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier. A winding route with some breath-taking views link Narkanda with Shimla.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
NAINITAL
Nainital
Location : Uttaranchal
Go there for :Lakes, Corbett National Park
Climate :11°-27°C (Sum); 2°-16°C (Win)
When to Go:Mar-Jun, mid-Sep to October
Nainital is one of the loveliest of Kumaoni hill stations in the North Indian state of Uttaranchal. This 'lake district' was once home to wildlife conservationist and man-eating-tiger hunter Jim Corbett, whose escapades and travelogues are still reiterated with pride. The Corbett National Park and the legion of lakes - Bhim Tal, Sat Tal, Naukuchia Tal and, of course, Naini - are Nainital's jeweled attractions.
Attractions
Naini Lake: Nainital was once brindled with about 60 lakes and was called 'Chakta'. A legend goes that after Sati committed suicide, her dazed husband Lord Shiva went about carrying her body and her eye happened to fall near a lake. The spot is commemorated with the Naina (means 'eye') Devi temple, and needless to say, the lake is the pristine Naini lake whose waters are still considered holy.
Naina Peak (or Cheena peak): At 8566 ft (2611m), Nainital's highest peak stands overlooking the beautiful eye-shaped Naini lake. The young and energetic can hike up the 6 km from the north-end of the town (Mallital) and for those who dare not, ponies can be hired in Mallital or on Snow View. But miss-it you should not!
Land's End: About 4 km away from the town center and perched at 9,452 ft. (2881 m) on the southern border of the lake, this hill affords a quintessential view of another lake, Khurpa Tal and of course of the entire Nainital.Astronomical Observatory: The telescopes and binoculars set up near Hanuman Garh for those jaw-slacking views of the valley.
Snow View: The best and the most adventurous way to head for this curio at a supreme 7447 ft. (2,270 m) is to take the motorable cable-car from Mallital. It is the perfect vantage point for those breath-taking views. Some believe Muse sits there, for after the trip one is full of poetry and elated diction. Adventure trails: Horse riding at the Mall and to reach roof-top joints like the Snow View Point, Tiffin top, Kilburi from the Mallital area. Boating cruises on the Naini Lake, treks in the verdant hill and the aforesaid cable-car ropeway offers some lip-smacking options perfect for sunny afternoons. Equipments for mountaineering and trekking can be hired from the Nainital Mountaineering Club and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam. For angling and fishing, permits needs to arranged from different Govt. Centers. One can also hire yacht from the Yacht Club at Mallital.
Festivals: Come September and the quiet town throbs with tourists and pilgrims coming to attend the Nanda Devi Fair and watch the various cultural shows. Vasantotsav, held during Jan-Feb at Ramnagar - the Gateway to Jim Corbett National Park, for obvious reasons, attracts more tourists and cultural fiesta from the Garhwal and the Kumaon hills is showcased.
Shopping
The main shopping promenade is the Mall, which, along with Mallital, is good for wooden stuff and decorative candles. Also check out the Tallital bazaars and the Tibetan market for woolens, cane items and local handicrafts. The best one to head if you have a knack for collecting endemic products, is the Hill Top Tourist Point or Kasta Kala Kendra Collection.
Getaways
Corbett National Park (63 km SW): Established in 1936 by Jim Corbett, among others, this national park is Himalayan India's last expanse of wilderness. For wildlife enthusiasts, the place to stay is Dhikala, the KMVN accommodation. From here you can head into the forest on an elephant or jeep safari. The park is closed from mid-June to mid-November.Sattal (23 km): Literally meaning seven lakes, is a group of small lakes nested together, at an altitude of 1370 m. A spot less explored, this is where you must head for the solitude you so much need to cherish the bounty of nature. Ramgarh (26 km): Located 26 km from Nainital, Ramgarh is surrounded by fruit orchards, especially apples. Mukhteshwar (52 km NE): At 2286 m or 7,500 ft, it provides some eye-warming view of the Himalayas, especially of Trisul and Nanda Devi peaks. There is an All India Research Center for Animal Treatment here. For those interested in history, you must visit the PWD guest house at the end of the ridge where Jim Corbett once lodged when he came to shoot the man-eater of Mukhteshwar. Bhimtal (22km): This lake, which is larger than Naini Lake, at an altitude of 1370 m has an island with a popular restaurant on it. There is also a 17th century temple complex, the Bhimeshwar, alongside a 40 ft high dam at one end of the lake. Tourist buses for Bhimtal leave Nainital at regular intervals.
Ranikhet (60 km): A sheer beauty at 1829 ft., its beautiful pine trees, orchards, the temples, create a feeling of nostalgia and followed by an heart-ache when you turn to leave
Location : Uttaranchal
Go there for :Lakes, Corbett National Park
Climate :11°-27°C (Sum); 2°-16°C (Win)
When to Go:Mar-Jun, mid-Sep to October
Nainital is one of the loveliest of Kumaoni hill stations in the North Indian state of Uttaranchal. This 'lake district' was once home to wildlife conservationist and man-eating-tiger hunter Jim Corbett, whose escapades and travelogues are still reiterated with pride. The Corbett National Park and the legion of lakes - Bhim Tal, Sat Tal, Naukuchia Tal and, of course, Naini - are Nainital's jeweled attractions.
Attractions
Naini Lake: Nainital was once brindled with about 60 lakes and was called 'Chakta'. A legend goes that after Sati committed suicide, her dazed husband Lord Shiva went about carrying her body and her eye happened to fall near a lake. The spot is commemorated with the Naina (means 'eye') Devi temple, and needless to say, the lake is the pristine Naini lake whose waters are still considered holy.
Naina Peak (or Cheena peak): At 8566 ft (2611m), Nainital's highest peak stands overlooking the beautiful eye-shaped Naini lake. The young and energetic can hike up the 6 km from the north-end of the town (Mallital) and for those who dare not, ponies can be hired in Mallital or on Snow View. But miss-it you should not!
Land's End: About 4 km away from the town center and perched at 9,452 ft. (2881 m) on the southern border of the lake, this hill affords a quintessential view of another lake, Khurpa Tal and of course of the entire Nainital.Astronomical Observatory: The telescopes and binoculars set up near Hanuman Garh for those jaw-slacking views of the valley.
Snow View: The best and the most adventurous way to head for this curio at a supreme 7447 ft. (2,270 m) is to take the motorable cable-car from Mallital. It is the perfect vantage point for those breath-taking views. Some believe Muse sits there, for after the trip one is full of poetry and elated diction. Adventure trails: Horse riding at the Mall and to reach roof-top joints like the Snow View Point, Tiffin top, Kilburi from the Mallital area. Boating cruises on the Naini Lake, treks in the verdant hill and the aforesaid cable-car ropeway offers some lip-smacking options perfect for sunny afternoons. Equipments for mountaineering and trekking can be hired from the Nainital Mountaineering Club and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam. For angling and fishing, permits needs to arranged from different Govt. Centers. One can also hire yacht from the Yacht Club at Mallital.
Festivals: Come September and the quiet town throbs with tourists and pilgrims coming to attend the Nanda Devi Fair and watch the various cultural shows. Vasantotsav, held during Jan-Feb at Ramnagar - the Gateway to Jim Corbett National Park, for obvious reasons, attracts more tourists and cultural fiesta from the Garhwal and the Kumaon hills is showcased.
Shopping
The main shopping promenade is the Mall, which, along with Mallital, is good for wooden stuff and decorative candles. Also check out the Tallital bazaars and the Tibetan market for woolens, cane items and local handicrafts. The best one to head if you have a knack for collecting endemic products, is the Hill Top Tourist Point or Kasta Kala Kendra Collection.
Getaways
Corbett National Park (63 km SW): Established in 1936 by Jim Corbett, among others, this national park is Himalayan India's last expanse of wilderness. For wildlife enthusiasts, the place to stay is Dhikala, the KMVN accommodation. From here you can head into the forest on an elephant or jeep safari. The park is closed from mid-June to mid-November.Sattal (23 km): Literally meaning seven lakes, is a group of small lakes nested together, at an altitude of 1370 m. A spot less explored, this is where you must head for the solitude you so much need to cherish the bounty of nature. Ramgarh (26 km): Located 26 km from Nainital, Ramgarh is surrounded by fruit orchards, especially apples. Mukhteshwar (52 km NE): At 2286 m or 7,500 ft, it provides some eye-warming view of the Himalayas, especially of Trisul and Nanda Devi peaks. There is an All India Research Center for Animal Treatment here. For those interested in history, you must visit the PWD guest house at the end of the ridge where Jim Corbett once lodged when he came to shoot the man-eater of Mukhteshwar. Bhimtal (22km): This lake, which is larger than Naini Lake, at an altitude of 1370 m has an island with a popular restaurant on it. There is also a 17th century temple complex, the Bhimeshwar, alongside a 40 ft high dam at one end of the lake. Tourist buses for Bhimtal leave Nainital at regular intervals.
Ranikhet (60 km): A sheer beauty at 1829 ft., its beautiful pine trees, orchards, the temples, create a feeling of nostalgia and followed by an heart-ache when you turn to leave
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Andaman & Nicobar Island.
The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands consisting of about 293 islands (39 of which are inhabited) is situated in the Bay of Bengal. Andaman group of islands consists of North Andaman, Middle Andaman. South Andaman and Little Andaman besides many smaller islands.Nicobar group of islands comprises Great Nicobar, Car Nicobar, Nancowry, Katchal and Chowra. The headquarters of this Union Territory is at Port Blair, situated in South Andaman Island. The topography of the islands is hilly & they abound in evergreen forests. Timber is plentiful and of a vast variety. The white sandy beaches have a back drop of luxuriant greenery & in the clear blue waters of the lagoons enclosed by coral reefs is an underwater world full of fish of every possible variety.
This Union Territory is stretched over an area of more than 700 Kms. from north to south with 36 inhabited islands. Once a hill range extending from Burma (Myanmar) to Indonesia, these undulating islands are covered with dense forests and endless variety of exotic flowers and birds. The topography of the islands is hilly and abounds in evergreen forests. The sandy beaches on the edge of meandering coastline are fringed with coconut-palms that sway to the rhythm of the sea. The sea around the islands offer excellent scope for water sports. The rare flora and fauna, underwater marine life and corals, with crystal clear water and mangrove- lined creeks, offer a dream-view of the rare gifts of nature-lover, who seek absolute peace and tranquility in the lap of mother nature. Adventure tourism like trekking, island camping, snorkeling, scuba diving etc..are the real attractions. A visit to these islands is a memorable lifetime experience.
Port Blair
Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar islands, that comprises of 350 odd islands. Out of these huge number of islands only few of them are Inhabited. These are islands are yet to be touched by the amenities of the modern life, these islands are truly provides a perfect tropical paradise. The history of this island is not a very happy one as this was used as a torture cell for the Indians who were caught by the Britisher's while trying to fight against the British raj in India. The prisoners brought to this place were sent here never to be seen again by there families. Earlier feared and dreaded by the people this tropical haven was named 'kala pani' or the place of black waters.
These islands are a true paradise for ecologists and ornithologists with more than 242 species of birds, 46 species of mammals and 78 species of reptiles, some of them almost extinct still walk these islands. Port Blair supports a population of around 300,000 that are mostly dependent on the tourists for their lively hood. Port Blair also supports a lot of museums that are part of the town. The best museum is the city is the navy museum that is about various coral reefs and shells that are found around this city. Also zoological park and the mini zoo in the area offering various wildlife species are quiet popular with locals and tourists.
History
Mythologically, the name Andaman was presumed to be derived from Hanuman, who was known to the Malays as Handuman. Since pre-historic times, these islands were the home of aboriginal tribes. The tribes of the Andaman group of islands were the home of aboriginal tribes. The tribes of the Andaman group of islands are the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas, and Setinalese, all of Negrito origin, while the tribes of Nicobars are the Nicobarese and Shompens, both of Mongoloid stock. The first settlement by the British took place in 1789, which was later abandoned in 1796. The second settlement was basically a penal settlement, taken up in 1858, after the First War of Independence, followed by the settlement of convicts, Moplas, come criminal tribes from Central and United Provinces, refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, Burman and Sri Lanka as well ex-servicemen.
People
In these islands people of all faiths - Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs etc., and of all languages like Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Nicobari etc., live together in complete peace and harmony. Inter-religion and inter-regional marriages are common. This amazing racial and cultural mix is correctly described as Mini-India.
Arts and Crafts
The main crafts of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands include shell and exotic woods crafted for the tourists, palm mats, and beautiful natural shells. Due to the fear of over exploitation of the Islands' natural resources, trade of some products is now banned.
Forests
Forests are the green gold of the islands. The reserved and protected forests extend over 86% area of the territory and the forest cover is more than 92%. About 50% of the forests has been set aside as Tribal Reserves, National parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, Which are inviolate. Luxuriant mangroves, perhaps the richest in the world, occupy nearly 11.5 % of the territory. More than 150 plant and animal species are endemic in nature. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is rich in corals, varieties of coloured fishes, sea turtles etc., beside other out of which 39 are endemic. Megaopde, Swiflet, Hornbaill and Pigeon are some of the specialities of the Andanman & Nicobar Islands.
Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar islands, that comprises of 350 odd islands. Out of these huge number of islands only few of them are Inhabited. These are islands are yet to be touched by the amenities of the modern life, these islands are truly provides a perfect tropical paradise. The history of this island is not a very happy one as this was used as a torture cell for the Indians who were caught by the Britisher's while trying to fight against the British raj in India. The prisoners brought to this place were sent here never to be seen again by there families. Earlier feared and dreaded by the people this tropical haven was named 'kala pani' or the place of black waters.
These islands are a true paradise for ecologists and ornithologists with more than 242 species of birds, 46 species of mammals and 78 species of reptiles, some of them almost extinct still walk these islands. Port Blair supports a population of around 300,000 that are mostly dependent on the tourists for their lively hood. Port Blair also supports a lot of museums that are part of the town. The best museum is the city is the navy museum that is about various coral reefs and shells that are found around this city. Also zoological park and the mini zoo in the area offering various wildlife species are quiet popular with locals and tourists.
History
Mythologically, the name Andaman was presumed to be derived from Hanuman, who was known to the Malays as Handuman. Since pre-historic times, these islands were the home of aboriginal tribes. The tribes of the Andaman group of islands were the home of aboriginal tribes. The tribes of the Andaman group of islands are the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas, and Setinalese, all of Negrito origin, while the tribes of Nicobars are the Nicobarese and Shompens, both of Mongoloid stock. The first settlement by the British took place in 1789, which was later abandoned in 1796. The second settlement was basically a penal settlement, taken up in 1858, after the First War of Independence, followed by the settlement of convicts, Moplas, come criminal tribes from Central and United Provinces, refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, Burman and Sri Lanka as well ex-servicemen.
People
In these islands people of all faiths - Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs etc., and of all languages like Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Nicobari etc., live together in complete peace and harmony. Inter-religion and inter-regional marriages are common. This amazing racial and cultural mix is correctly described as Mini-India.
Arts and Crafts
The main crafts of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands include shell and exotic woods crafted for the tourists, palm mats, and beautiful natural shells. Due to the fear of over exploitation of the Islands' natural resources, trade of some products is now banned.
Forests
Forests are the green gold of the islands. The reserved and protected forests extend over 86% area of the territory and the forest cover is more than 92%. About 50% of the forests has been set aside as Tribal Reserves, National parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, Which are inviolate. Luxuriant mangroves, perhaps the richest in the world, occupy nearly 11.5 % of the territory. More than 150 plant and animal species are endemic in nature. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is rich in corals, varieties of coloured fishes, sea turtles etc., beside other out of which 39 are endemic. Megaopde, Swiflet, Hornbaill and Pigeon are some of the specialities of the Andanman & Nicobar Islands.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is located in the north western side of the Indian subcontinent. Rajasthan has a vibrant culture and a rich architectural heritage. This beautiful desert state, complete with ancient palaces and forts, is one of the most desired tourist destinations in India. Rajasthan is endowed with extraordinary palaces and forts. It is a combination of temples, forts, palaces, gardens, lakes, wildlife, desert and people, their attires, culture, customs, music and traditional Rajasthani cuisine People tend to think since it is a desert state, traveling to Rajasthan is very difficult. As a matter of fact, getting to Rajasthan is as easy as reaching any other destination. How to reach Rajasthan.
By Air :- The main international airport in Rajasthan is located in the capital city Jaipur. The airport caters to many international and domestic flights. It is located in a place called Sanganer in Jaipur. Apart from this airport, there are three more domestic airports in Rajasthan. They are at Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Rajasthan is well connected to strategic places in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Aurangabad, etc.
By Rail :- Rajasthan is well connected to the rest of India by a wide network of railway lines. You can get train service to Rajasthan from just about any state in India. Rajasthan also has the much-famed Palace on Wheels, which is an absolutely royal treat for anyone who wants to travel in this royal train.
By Road :- Rajasthan is well connected by a wide network of roads. There are many National Highways that pass through Rajasthan thus making traveling much more easy from nearby places like Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad and Bhopal. Commuting from one place to other within Rajasthan is also very easy as there is a wide and well-maintained network of roads within the state.
H
awa Mahal
awa Mahal Hawa Mahal is a major landmark and a famous tourist attraction of Jaipur.The literal meaning of Hawa Mahal is Palace of Winds. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. Hawa Mahal is a pyramid-shaped facade with five stories. It has 953 small windows decorated with tiny lattice work.These pink sandstone windows commonly known as "Jharokhas".The golden light of the early morning sun floats beautifully through the windows of this palace creating a wonderful sight for one and all. The palace has to be visited to experience the true beauty.
Jantar Mantar.Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. Initially Jantar Mantar was named as Yantra Mantra, which means instruments and formulae, but due to mispronunciation of the term, it is changed to the recognized name. Jantar Mantar is wholly constructed with stone and marble. Jantar Mantar at Jaipur is the largest stone observatory in the World and this feature makes it, a special destination for a traveler. Jantar Mantar has a remarkable collection of architectural astronomical instruments. It portrays noteworthy attempt of the ancestors, who were interested in astronomy and knowledge of celestial bodies.Mehrangarh: One of the most stunning hill forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh appears to rise from the bluff-coloured sandstone hill itself, so well built into the base that it is difficult to tell where the hill ends and the walls begin.
Umaid Bhawan Palace:
Umaid Bhawan Palace can qualify for several firsts: the largest private residence in the world, the finest extant example of art-deco, the only palace to have painting from the Ramayana painted by a Polish artist, the first to use air-conditioning, electricity and elevators, and the most impressive for its size and dimensions.
Patwon Ji ki Haveli.
Patwon Ji ki Haveli.
The Patwon Ji ki Haveli is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the havelis in Jaisalmer. It was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis.This is the largest Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. This haveli is presently occupied by the government, which uses it for various purposes. The office of the Archeological Survey of India and State art and craft department is situated in the haveli itself.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli :
This haveli was carved by two brothers. One worked on right side and the other on left, but the harmony in design exists still. Screened windows, projected balconies and intricate carvings illustrate superb craftsmanship.
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