FAST FACTS

Area:             342,239 sq km
Population: 49.7 million
Capital:         Jaipur

 

Climate:
Summer  (March to June) - Warm
Monsoon (July to August) - Warm
Winter (November to February)- Cool and Pleasant
 

Clothing:
Summer - Cottons
Winter - Light Woolens
 

Languages spoken:
Hindi, Rajasthani
 

Best Time to visit:
Mid-October to mid-March

INTRODUCTION:

Welcome to the most picturesque state of India, Rajasthan. The culturally rich state of Rajasthan is popular for a range of things. The elephants, camels, bird sanctuaries, festivals and fairs, forts, luxury trains, folk dance/music, arts/crafts, and royalty… you name it and Rajasthan has it. So the next time you are planning a vacation for yourself, family or friends do consider the royal land of Rajasthan. In case you have already been there, for sure you would love to visit it again The land still speaks of the chivalry of its rulers; the palaces are evidence of the royalty that reigned for centuries. Rajasthan is the abode of the kings. , that is, Rajasthan (place). The magic of Rajasthan cannot be described as beautifully but can only be done justice to by experience. The lavish landscape of Rajasthan is home to variety of birds and animals that are rare and even endangered, like the desert fox and the caracal. Amongst the best-known wildlife areas are the Ranthambore National Park, the Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo Ghana National Park and the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The beauty of these places never fails to capture the hearts of the nature lovers. The Keoladeo National Park used to the duck hunting reserve of the kings at one point of time but today features as one of the world heritage sites in India.

Most of the luxury trains of India chugs through Rajasthan. The 'palace on Wheels' is an example of the best luxury trains in the world. With the royal treatment and the ravishing experience the journey becomes an unforgettable one. The comfort, the cuisine, the charm of the land when all of these ingredients are put together you are bound to get a collection of unique memories. The Royal Orient and the Fairy Queen, the oldest running steam locomotive of the world are the other examples of the trains that are out there to provide you a once in a lifetime experience.

The availability of the royal treatment to the tourist to the royal Rajasthan continues in the heritage hotels. The splendid structure of the palaces, the history of the havelis, the inimitable experience and the incomparable comfort of the heritage hotels can be enjoyed at several places in Rajasthan including Rambagh in Jaipur, Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur and Laka Palaces in Udaipur.

The desert land of Rajasthan even has a hill station, the summer retreat with coniferous trees, mount Abu. Mount Abu also happens to be a popular pilgrimage center for the followers of Jainism who flock frequently to the Dilwara temples dedicated to the Tirthankaras.

TOURISM IN RAJASTHAN

The diversity of this desert land of Rajasthan is sure to leave you spell bound. Rajasthan happens to be the largest state of India with an area of 3.42 lakh sq. kms. Rajasthan also boasts of being the only desert of the sub continent, namely the Great Indian Desert in combination with the Aravali mountain range. The development in all the aspects of life of the people of Rajasthan has not faded the charisma, color and charm a bit.

Rajasthan is one of the most visited states in India. This state in the north west of India, is known for its grand forts, beautiful palaces desert sands, camel safaris and colorful festivals. You'll feel transported back to an earlier royal time on your Indian Holiday in Rajasthan.

Known for its historic landmarks such as Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, the Jaisalmer Fort and the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, and the beautiful Lake Palaces in Udaipur, Rajasthan is a fabulous destination, filled with romance and passion. With rich handicraft traditions that have been passed down for generations, the craftsmen of Jaipur create wonders with gems and jewellery, textiles, wood carving, dyeing, embroidery and mirror work. You're sure to enjoy shopping for artifacts, clothes and souvenirs on your trip to Rajasthan, India.

With historic buildings around every corner, you'll walk through historic streets and hear age-old tales of heroism and passion on tours of Rajasthan'scities. Join in the colorful festivals, ride an elephant or a camel or take a royal tour of Rajasthan on the luxury train, the Palace on Wheels. Discover Rajasthan - a fascinating destination to visit on your Indian Holiday

RAJASTHAN ECO TOURISM

The Cultures of the Rajasthan Desert are some of the most well preserved in India. We, at Marwar Eco-Cultural Tours & Travels, are passionate about this land, its cultures and its people and we want to share this passion with you. The Desert and its people will captivate you.

Because we are able to provide you with in-depth cultural information that you would not receive on other Tours. If you have an adventurous spirit or a cultural thirst to quench, we have a Tour that should surpass all of your expectations. We also offer opportunities to get involved with the people and assist in ongoing, non-profit projects. As an NGO, we have assistance projects in most villages we will visit. All of our guides are from Rajasthan, and most are village natives or indigenous people.

They have a great knowledge of local and regional history and are great storytellers. They will keep your attention for hours next to a fire, counting tales of kings and warlords; castles, forts and Havelis (mansions); rituals and traditions. You will see the camel herds, observe villagers' craftsmanship, and gain insight into indigenous nomadic lifestyles.

Shekhawati Festival
Shekhawati a region comprising of three districts in Rajasthan namely Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Churu is situated north west of Jaipur at a distance of 132 KMS and south west of Delhi at about 190 KMS is now known as one of the largest OPEN AIR ART GALLERY in the world. FRESCOES on every wall of over 5,000 havelis, also offers a unique essence of the countryside, its people, food, dance music and livelihood activities in agriculture, animal husbandry and cottage industries. Starting from 1996, for five consecutive years this event has been organized in joint collaboration with Directorate of Tourism, Art & Culture and District Administrations of Jhunjhunu, Sikar & Churu in February every year.

The event offers a unique essence of Shekhawati all encapsuled in a six days extravaganza for visiting tourists.

Farm and Eco Tourism in Shekhawati
Taking a lead from Mr. Purshottam Agarwal (IAS and former Director of Agriculture) and Dr. Lalit Pawar (IAS and Secretary Tourism) The foundation initiated an experiment for promotion of rural tourism in Shekhawati. A visit to a village of this region gives the tourist a real flavour and a closer look of country life. Warm open hospitality is a tradition of the people with their rich food, graceful folk dance, puppet shows, feet tapping music, colourful dresses, camel safaris, agricultural advances, animal-husbandry practices, varied cottage industries and of course the frescoes. No wonder Shekhawati already famous for its frescoes is fast becoming a rural tourism destination too.

Documentation, Preservation And Promotion Of Cultural Heritage In Shekhawati
In collaboration with KALAKRITI (Architectural Firm) and AYAM (Ethnic Art promotion Group), for three years haveli competitions have been held to promote awareness about this heritage. Now a turnkey package has also been developed for providing professional guidance for documentation, conservation and restoration of haveli's. First assignment for morarka haveli at Nawalgarh is in progress. The research work for documentation awarded by Ministry Of Art & Culture, Government Of India, to develop complete restoration and conservation package for Shekhawati haveli's has been completed. The report has also been released during Shekhawati festival 2000 by Dr. Chandra Bhan, Hon'able Minister for Energy, Government of Rajasthan. For the implementation of an intervention The Foundation restricts its role to that of a catalyst, coordinator and facilitator, encouraging necessary participation of the rural community.

NATIONAL PARKS AND SANCTUARIES:

Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur)

Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
Coverage Area: 232 sq. Kms.
Main Attractions: Spoon Bills
Best Time To Visit : The Keoladeo National Park is open throughout the year. August-October is the breeding season, so the birds are best left alone then. The best season for visiting this place is between October to February when the migratory birds come to visit this park from all over the globe.
 

Accommodation: There are rest houses, lodges, dormitories and hotels. Rajasthan Tourism provides good accommodation at its hotel, 'Saras'. Inside the park, the Bharatpur Forest Lodge is maintained by  the ITDC. Shanti Kuteer, Circuit House, Dak Bungalow are also good for a comfortable stay. Park Palace, Govind Niwas and the Tourist complex are the other choices. Almost all the houses around the park lend out one or two rooms to visitors. These are cheap and provide comfortable stay.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the most spectacular bird sanctuaries in India, nesting indigenous water- birds as well as migratory water birds and water side birds. It is also inhabited by sambar, chital, nilgai and boar. More than 300 species of birds are found in this small park of 29 sq. km. of which 11 sq. km. are marshes and the rest scrubland and grassland. Keoladeo, the name derives from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the park.

 'Ghana' means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the area. While many of India's parks have been developed from the hunting preserves of princely India, Keoladeo Ghana is perhaps the only case where the habitat has been created by a maharaja. In earlier times, Bharatpur town used to be flooded regularly every monsoon. In 1760, an earthern dam (Ajan Dam) was constructed, to save the town, from this annual vagary of nature. The depression created by extraction of soil for the dam was cleared and this became the Keoladeo lake. At the beginning of this century, this lake was developed, and was divided into several portions. A system of small dams, dykes, sluice gates, etc., was created to control water level in different sections. This became the hunting preserve of the Bharatpur royalty, and one of the best duck - shooting wetlands in the world. Hunting was prohibited by mid-60s. The area was declared a national park on 10 March 1982, and accepted as a World Heritage Site in December 1985.  

Fauna :

Over 350 species of birds find a refuge in the 29 sq km of shallow lakes and woodland, which makes up the park. A third of them are migrants, many of whom spend their winters in Bharatpur, before returning to their breeding grounds, as far away as Siberia and Central Asia. Migratory birds at Keoladeo include, as large a bird as Dalmatian pelican, which is slightly less than two meters, and as small a bird as Siberian  leaf warbler, which is the size of a finger.
Other migrants include several species of cranes, pelicans, geese, ducks, eagles, hawks, shanks, stints, wagtails, warblers, wheatears, flycatchers, buntings, larks and pipits, etc. But of all the migrants, the most sought after is the Siberian Crane or the great white crane, which migrates to this site every year, covering a distance of more than half the globe. These birds, numbering only a few hundred, are on the verge of extinction. It is birds from the western race of the species, that visit Keoladeo, migrating from the Ob river basin region, in the Aral mountains, in Siberia via Afghanistan and Pakistan. There are only two wintering places, left for this extremely rare species.One is in Feredunkenar in Iran, and the other is Keoladeo Ghana. The journey to Bharatpur takes them 6,400 kms from their breeding grounds, in Siberia. They arrive in December and stay till early March. Unlike Indian cranes, the Siberian crane is entirely vegetarian. It feeds on underground aquatic roots and tubers in loose flocks of five or six

Ranthambore National Park   Area : 400 sq km approx./ 39,200 hectares. Established : 1955 as a sanctuary, 1973 as a tiger reserve, 1981 as a national park.

 Description:
Ranthambore National Park is situated in India. s northwestern state of Rajasthan, near the town of Sawai Madhopur, midway between Bharatpur and Kota townships. It is surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and is very near to the outer fringes of the Thar Desert. The entire area has sprawling tracts of the desert and semi-desert vegetation. Originally a hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1980, it became a national park and listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger (1973). Presently the Kaila Devi Sanctuary, also famous for its tigers, and Mansingh Sanctuary also form part of Ranthambore Reserve.

Ranthambore National Park sprawls over an estimated area of 400 sq kms. Steep crags embrace a network of lakes and rivers, and a top one of these hills, is the impressive Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century. The terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bushland. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with dhok, being the most prominent tree. The entry point to the Ranthambore National Park, goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts of the second-largest banyan tree in India. The Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Malik Talab are some of the lakes in the area, that attract the tiger population. They have been spotted at the edges of these lakes, and Jogi Mahal itself. Old crumbling walls, ruined pavilions, wells, and other ancient structures stand witness to the region's glorious past. The entire forest is peppered with the battlements and spillovers of the Ranthambore Fort - tigers are said to frequent these ruins, too. As a result of stringent efforts in conservation, tigers, the prime assets of the Park, have become more and more active during the day. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted here in daylight. They can be seen lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down Sambar around the lakes

 Desert National Park

The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar desert and its diverse fauna. Sand dunes form around 20% of the Park. The major landform consists of craggy rocks and compact salt lake bottoms, intermediate areas and fixed dunes which are quite suitable for the chinkara to move at high speed. The blackbuck is another common antelope of this region. Its other notable inhabitants are the desert fox, Bengal fox, wolf and desert cat.

Sudashri forest post is the ideal place for observing the wildlife of Desert National Park and is the most suitable in the entire 3162 sq. kms. of this park for watching and photographing the activities of the animals from behind cover.

Bird life in this sandy habitat is vivid and spectacular. Birds such as the sandgrouse, partridges, bee-eaters, larks and shrikes are commonly seen. Demoiselle crane and houbara arrive in the winter. The birds of prey seen here are tawny and steppe eagles, long legged and honey buzzards, falcons and kestrels. But the most outstanding of the avifauna is the great Indian bustard. This tall, heavy bird is an epitome of confidence and grace. It is good to see five or six bustards near Sudashri water hole.

Sariska Wildlife National Park 

Area: 800 sq. km (with a core area of 498 sq km).

Description:
Sariska National Park lies in the Aravalli hills and is the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Alwar. Sariska itself is a wide valley with two large plateaus and is dotted with places of historical and religious interest, including the ruins of the Kankwari Fort, the 10th century Neelkanth temples, the Budha Hanuman Temple near Pandupol, the Bharthari Temple near the park office, and the hot and cold springs of Taalvriksh. The large Siliserh Lake is at the north-eastern corner. The forests are dry deciduous, with trees of Dhak, Acacia, Ber and Salar. The Tigers of Sariska are largely nocturnal and are not as easily seen as those of Ranthambhor. The park also has good populations of Nilgai, Sambar and Chital. In the evenings, Indian Porcupine, Striped Hyena, Indian Palm Civet and even Leopard are sometimes seen. The forests are lush during and immediately following the monsoon, but during the dry months of February May there is a shortage of water and in consequence mammals are attracted to water holes. At this time of year visibility is good because of the sparse foliage. Sariska is excellent for bird watching and has an unusually large population of Indian Peafowl.

Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur

This magnificent bird haven in actual came into being paradoxically as a duck shooting preserve for Maharaja Suraj Mull of Bharatpur. He transformed the shallow depression formed by the confluence of River Gambhir and River Banganga into a reservoir by damming the rainwater in monsoons.

Flooding of water created shallow wetland ecosystem causing it to be a perfect habitat for an astounding variety of birds. The park that was a hunting preserve for the Maharaja and the British continued to be so till 1964, after which the hunting was banned.

A forestation policy of planting acacias was vigorously followed. However the ecosystem at the Park continues to be fragile due to pressures of tourism and need for water from surrounding villages. However the environmentalists won the day in 1985 when UNESCO listed it as World Heritage site and earlier in 1982 it was declared as National Park.

And, today the Park is recognized 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.

The Park opens from sunrise to sunset around the year. The ticket is Rs 200 per foreign visitor and Rs 25 for Indian visitor. Vehicles are permitted upto Shanti Kutir about 1.7 kilometres inside at Rs 50 per vehicle. After this you can choose to walk, bicycle, or go by cycle rickshaw, Tonga or boat when the water level is high.

The cycle rickshaw wallah’s displaying yellow plate meaning authorized double up as guides also carry binoculars. Hotels do supply packed lunches and you can get a bite at a canteen on the second gate and even at Forest Lodge.

A paradise for the avian world, and the pilgrimage for the bird lovers, it was known as the best duck shooting resort in the British empire. But was declared a reserve for birds in 1956 and later upgraded to National Park. UNESCO has listed it as a world heritage site. The geographical location is ideal as it is on the main North-South avian route of India. Although small in size, 29 sq km. Only, it boasts to house more than 375 species of beautiful birds, and more than 132 of them breed inside the Keoladeo Ghana National Park and nearly every year new ones are added to the list.

The sanctuary not only attracts birds from India but also from places like Europe, Siberia, China and Tibet Before monsoons hundreds of these exotic birds roost and nest building activities start on the babool and kadam trees of the park. Water coming through the Ajan Bandh starts filling the various ponds and lakes of the Park.

When assured of enough food, hundreds of large, medium and little cormorant, darter, purple and grey heron, various species of egret, painted, open-billed, white necked and black necked stork, white ibis, spoonbill, night heron and other birds get busy in courting and mating. The trees are overflooded with nest, one can observe a tree housing nests upto fifties and sixties in number belonging to different species of birds looking after their loving young ones. The nests on the trees look like pearl necklaces. Gracious Saras cranes, the tallest flight birds nest in exposed and open area, both partners share the duty of hatching, while changing incubating duties, they come together, raise their neck and give out shrill trumpeted calls in unison and at the same time fan their feathers.

The newly born chicks are only 10cm. in size but grows upto one meter in height within a year. As the monsoons arrive birds from every part of the country start pouring into the park. Migratory water-fowls, including the pride of Keoladeo Siberian Cranes form the indispensable part of Park. The water-fowls visit the park in millions during the month of October. Rosy starling marks the beginning of the arrival of migratory birds. The most noticeable water-fowl coming to the park are bareheaded and greylegged geese.

The ducks spotted here are pintail, common teal, ruddy shelduck, mallard, widgeon, shoveler, common shelduck, gadwall etc. predatory birds like imperial eagle, steppe and tawny eagle, spotted eagle, marsh harrier and laggar falcon are attracted towards the park completing the avian food chain of the ecosystem. Some of them like short toed eagle, lesser spotted eagle are the residents of Park.

About 11 sq km Area of the park is covered with water the remaining portion is rich with Kingfisher, Red Vented and white cheeked Bulbuls, Babblers, Quails, Partridges, Sunbirds, Sparrows, Parakeets and orioles which live in bushes and burrows. The year round activity of the winged beauties has made the park a pilgrimage for bird lovers and an ornithologist’s delight. The animal populaces also show their presence although they are thoroughly dominated by feathers, wings and beaks. The animals include the Black Buck, Sambhar - the largest Indian Antelope, Spotted deer, and Nilgais.

Pythons can also be observed at some places lazing in the sun. Vehicles are only permitted upto Shanti Kutir inside the park. The Electra Van of forest department can be engaged in the sanctuary, although the best way to explore the park is on foot or bicycles which are available on hire. Cycle rickshaws can also be hired.

Mount Abu Sanctuary

The sanctuary comprises the oldest mountain ranges - The Aravali. It was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1960. Apart from having several sightseeing places this sanctuary is a draw for nature lovers as it has great potential for Eco-tourism, In shape this sanctuary is long and narrow but the top spreads out into a picturesque plateau which is about 19 km. is length and 5-8 km. in breadth.

Attitudinally it varies from 300m. at the foot Mil to 1722m. at Gurashikhar, the highest peak of the Aravali Ranges. The rocks are igneous and due the weathering effect of wind and water, large cavities are common the rocks. This feature is typical of Aravali and particularly of Mt. Abu. Toad Rock in Mount Abu is one such example.

Mount Abu has a very rich floral biodiversity starting with xenomorphic subtropical thorn forest at the foot hills to subtropical evergreen forest along water courses and valleys at higher altitudes. These forests consist of 112 plant families with 449 genera and 820 species.

Of these, 663 species are dicots while 157 species are monocots. Mount Abu is the only place in Rajasthan where one can observe a variety of orchids. The place is also rich in bryophytes and algae. Three species of wild roses and 16 species of ferns some of which are quite rare have also been reported from here. The South- West part of the Sanctuary is rich in bamboo forests.

The sanctuary is rich in herbal medicinal plants also. About 81 species of tree, 89 species of shrubs, 28 species of climbers and 17 species of tuberous plants of medicinal importance have been identified.

A variety of fauna including highly rare, threatened and endangered species are found in this sanctuary. The past history of Mount Abu indicates the presence of Lion (last recorded in 1872) and Tiger (last reported in 1970). Presently the Panther is the apex predator.

Other animals found here are Sambhar, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Wolf, Hyena, Jackal, Indian Fox, Common Langoor, Wild Boar, Pangolin, Rate!, Common Mongoose, Indian Hare, Porcupine, Hedgehog, etc. The sanctuary provides an ideal habitat for Sloth Bear. The population of Sloth Bear is increasing regularly as it can be seen while going through the forests or motoring on the road.

Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary

The bird life at Kumbhalgarh is also gratifying. The normally shy and untrusted grey jungle fowl can be spotted here. Peacocks and Doves can be sighted regularly feeding on grains scattered by the jungle guards. Bird like the red spur owls, Parakeets, golden Oriole, grey Pigeons, Bulbul, Dove and white breasted kingfisher can also be seen near the water holes.

Kumbhalgarh’s natural beauty is attracting many tourists and especially for its accessibility from Udaipur, which is 100 Kms from here. Foot tracking and horse safari organised by local tour operators are proving to be very popular. A typical safari route enters the sanctuary from the Kumbhalgarh Fort and cutting across the sanctuary it reaches Ghanerao, and then borders an old abandoned road. On this road, one can sight Chinkaras, Neelgais, four horned Antelope and many birds.

Jaisamand Sanctuary
 

Established in 1957,this sanctuary is located beside the man-made lake of the same name. Covering a total area of 160 sq km, it harbors sloth bear, leopard, chital, chinkara, wild boar and a number of birds. Some crocodiles and fish can also be spotted here. Best time to visit is between November and January.

Darrah Sanctuary

An erstwhile royal hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Kota, it is a thickly forested sanctuary lying along the southeastern border of Kota. This hilly sanctuary with thick forests is worth a visit. The animals here include Wolf, Sloth Bear, Chinkara and Leopard. This sanctuary is stretched in the area of 250 sq Kms, almost 50 Kms from Kota. The best time to visit is between February and May.

Bhensrod Garh Wildlife Sanctuary

A fairly new sanctuary, it was established in 1983 and covers a total area of 229 sq km of scrub and dry deciduous forest. Leopards, chinkara, sloth bear can be spotted here if one is lucky. The best time to plan you safari in Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary is between October and May.

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

This park is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although larger than Ranthambor, it is less commercialized and has less tigers but a similar topography. It covers an area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km. 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.

The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate here is variable as well as erratic.

It is located in the contemporary Alwar district and is the legacy of the Maharajas of Alwar. Pavilions and Temples within Sariska are ruins that hint at past riches and glory. The nearby Kankwadi Fort has a long and turbulent history.

In morning and evening, wildlife in Sariska heads towards the many water holes, which litter the park, thus providing the guests with their best chance of viewing game. At some of these watering holes it is possible to book hides which are situated in prime spots for wildlife viewing.

The picturesque Siliserh Lake lies along the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve and a charming hunting lodge overlooking it, is a marvelous place for visitors to stay.

The dry Deciduous forests of the ancient Aravalli range, are excellent tiger country and Sariska, was once the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwa''. Declared a sanctuary in 1955, it became a Tiger Reserve in 1979 under Project Tiger Herds of sambar, chital, nilgai and sounders of wild boar - the prey population for predators like the tiger and leopard, roam the 765.80 sq km Reserve. Other carnivores include the hyena, jungle cat, and caracal. Interestingly enough, the dhole or wild dog has been sighted in the Park only in the last few years.

The park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Civets Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on species such as Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also well known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found around Talvriksh.

The avian world is also well represented with Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Woodpecker, crested Serpent Eagle and The Great Indian horned Owl. The park is open almost whole year-round, but for wildlife viewing and your comfort it is best to visit from October to April. Safaris are provided by jeep.

The Park has hides carefully located near the water holes. These afford fine opportunities for viewing and photographing wildlife. Splendid ruins scattered in the vicinity of Sariska give it an added interest.

The Neelkanth temples (6th-13th century AD) are just 32 km. from the Park and the historic Kankwari Fort inside the Reserves is where the Emperor Aurangzeb one imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh. Splendid palace complex built in with a 'French' pavilion and swimming pool is now a hotel.

 RAJASTHAN ADVENTURE

 The magic of Rajasthan lies in its heritage, culture, safaris, sand dunes and great wildlife in the national parks/ sanctuaries. The state is vast open-air gallery with antiquity so well preserved for its inquisitive visitors.

Rajasthan, a regime of erstwhile Rajput Kings is sanctified with splendid picturesque of golden dessert, pristine rivers of Chambal and Banas, majestic Aravalli ranges, forts and palaces, wildlife and courteous Rajasthani people adorned with rich culture.

Luxuriate in any of the adventure activities through camel / horse and desert - village safaris. Enjoy water sports activities like boating, water sailing, rafting and fishing in the tranquil lakes. The more adventure enthusiast can opt for para sailing and hang-gliding on the Aravalli hills. Or shoot, with a camera, the immense treasures of wildlife and birds in their natural habitat.

Rajasthan a perfect destination to undertake a cruiser on a camel caravan. It is most enthralling way to explore the hidden jewels of arid Thar Desert.

Trekking

Lying in the west of India, the topography of Rajasthan varies from sand-dunes of the desert to the lofty hill ranges of the Aravallis which makes Rajasthan a trekker's paradise.

There are many beautiful meadows, dense forests, crystal lakes, waterfalls and rivulets meandering through the countryside. One of the old eat mountain ranges of the world, the Aravallis, extending from northeast to south-west have some beautiful forest areas. Mount Abu, about 1300 m. above sea level is an ideal locale.

Kumbhalgarh is another area in the Aravallis which is also good for trekking. Kumbhalgarh is just 90 kms from Udaipur off the Udaipur-Pali- Jodhpur Road. Trek upto the historic Kumbhatgarh fort. There is also a wildlife sanctuary. The famous Jain temples of Ranakpur are close-by.

Trekking routes in Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh and Rawali Tatgarh are not restricted to any particular area. The entire mountain system offers exciting trails which originate at starting points spread over the entire length and breadth of the Aravallis. One can trek from Abu Road to Guru Shikhar (highest peak of Aravali),Thandi Beri to Kumbhalgarh fort or Ranakpur to

Rawali Tatgarh :

The best time for trekking in Rajasthan is from November to February. But mid-September to end of October and March-April is also pleasant. There is ample space for camping under starlit nights or in the Dak Bungalow and Forest Rest House depending on the tourist's preference.
Water Sports

The lakes of Rajasthan are known for water sports. During the 1982 Asian games, rowing competitions were held at Ramgarh lake near Jaipur. Ramgarh lake is a man-made reservoir around 4 kms. in length and 2 kms in width.

Throughout the year, water sports of all kinds can be arranged here. Facilities for swimming, boating etc. are available. Boating is a regular feature, conducted by trained Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation staff. A fully equipped tourist village with 10 huts is situated here.

Drive for about 10 kms from Alwar and you enter dreamland. The undulating hills flaming with bougainvillea and Gulmohar cradle the majestic Silliserh Lake. A beautiful Palace Hotel which is run by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation provides all facilities.

Udaipur - the lake city of India, is also good for water sports with boating being a regular feature. The ideal place for water sports is Jaisamand Lake situated 50 kms south of Udaipur. This lake is the second largest artificial lake in Asia (the water spread area is 90 sq kms.). Throughout the year, water sports of all kinds can be arranged here.

The Chambal river offers the exhilaration of water rafting in the Kota region. From Jawahar Sagar to Dholpur, the intricate network of the Chambal river, flowing through rocky gorges and forests, provides ideal locales for the perfect water adventure. While traversing the river by boat, one can see the gavial (crocodile) basking in the sun on river banks. Plans are underway to introduce a ferry service on the Chambal river from Kota barrage upstream to Bhensrodgarh - a fine opportunity to ride on the gushing waters. Rajasthan also offers angling sites. Bandh Baretha in Bharatpur, Siliserh and Jaisamand in Atwar, Mansarover near Sariska, Kukas, Chhaparwara and Ramgarh in Jaipur are an angler's paradise. However, the enthusiasts are advised to carry their own equipment and obtain permission from the Fisheries Department, Patience and perseverance in angling, as in life, has rich rewards.
 

Wildlife Adventure

Rajasthan is the only state that can proudly in two National parks, one Tiger Project, one serf National Park and twenty-four wildlife sanctuaries.

The tiger is the biggest attraction of the state. According to naturalists, Sariska Tiger Reserve d Ranthambhor National Park are the best irks in the country for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. The leopard is common in almost every sanctuary of Rajasthan.

The herbivorous population includes blue bull, chital and sambar which are the pride different forest areas. Deer and antelopes can 3 seen frequently during day time. Wild boars and langurs are a common sight. Black buck is common in Talchhapar sanctuary.

The Great Indian Bustard and chinkara are the pride of the Thar Desert. The Desert National ark is an excellent example of the ecosystem of Desert and its diverse fauna. The Indian grey wolf can be seen at Kumbhalgarh sanctuary. The flying squirrel gliding from one tree to another can be seen at Sita mata sanctuary. Jawahar Sagar and Chambal sanctuaries are famous for the gavial.

Bird Watching

Rajasthan's lakes, ponds, marshlands and grasslands are a haven for bird lovers. One can find around 550 species of birds and most of these are residents. The best colony of birds in the world is Keoladeo National Park situated In Bharatpur. It has more than 400 species of birds and more than 130 of them breed inside the park. Being a unique bird place, the UNESCO has recognized it as a world heritage site. It is truly a paradise of feathered life which provides unlimited opportunities to bird watchers. Various other lakes and ponds spread over the state offer the enthusiast an opportunity to watch the activities of the birds.

The major wetlands other than Bharatpur are Kukas, Kalah, Bund, Buchora Chandii, Chhaparwara and Ramgarh in Jaipur, Siliserh Jaisamand and Mansarover in Alwar, Ana Sagar and Fatehsagar in Ajmer, Jaisamand, Pichhola and Badi Ka Talab in Udaipur, Balsamand and Sardar Samand in Jodhpur, Bassi Dam in Chittaurgarh and Meja Dam in Bhilwara.

The best season for bird watching starts with the onset of winter when marshlands and lakes are inhabited by migratory birds as well as resident birds. In salt- water lakes, flamingos are also found, like in Pachpadra near Barmer and Sambhar near Jaipur. Bird watching g is a hobby which has minimum requirements. All you need is a binocular.

Parasailing & Ballooning

The joy of being aloft In the wind and the thrill of defying the elements is what parasailing and ballooning are all about. Unlike other aero sports, in these, once off the ground, the sportsman is on his own.

Since the skies are an element foreign to us, it would be judicious to take all precautions before indulging in the joy afforded by the sports. Responsibility for the safety of the sportsman depends to a large extent on the team helping out in this sport. Ballooning on the other hand permits the balloonist to soar high in the sky and drift over the picturesque terrain.

Parasailing and ballooning are annual events held in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Pushkar and attract a large number of tourists and adventure seekers.

The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation has set up an Adventure Cell in Jaipur (Tel -.0141-202 586,203 531,375466) from where you can obtain assistance and information about different outlets for adventure in Rajasthan.

 Bird Watching Adventure
Rajasthan's lakes, ponds, swamplands and grasslands are a paradise for its aerial population. Keoladeo National Park situated in Bharatpur is the chosen home of the bird life and is the biggest bird national park in whole Asia. This world famous Bhratpur National Park enjoys the pleasure of some rare migratory birds like Siberian Cranes and immense diversities of local population.
The best time for bird sighting begins with the onset of winter when marshlands and water bodies are inhabited by migratory birds as well as resident birds.

Vintage Car Rally Adventure
The Jaipur Vintage Car Rally is getting its popularity among the car adventure enthusiast sports lovers, vintage beauty paramour and tourists at the same time. The event takes place annually in the month of January with an exquisite display of well-equipped cars of yesteryears. The most popular among the vintage models that arrives in from far distant areas of India to participate in the Vintage Car Rally includes the 1903 Humber, 1919 Fiat 501, 1923 rover, 1936 Mercedes Benz 170 V, 1938 Morris 8, 1923 Austin and the 1926 Erskine. The Vintage Car lovers will be excited to know that some of these cars are also available on hire for joyance rides and marriages.

Sand Dunes Safari Camps Adventure
The Sand Dune Safari Camp continues to endure an ideal sojourn on the desert excursion itinerary of group tourists, individual travelers, celebrated film-makers, photographers and adventure seekers from abroad as well as India.

The Dune Safari camp facilitates to explore the unrevealed territory of the rugged terrain of the beautiful desert oasis.
The camps are situated at a distance of 40km from Jaisalmer at Sam Sand dunes, a charismatic region in itself. Enjoy the sunrise or sunset at dawn or at the dusky heaven in the desert and luxuriate in the magical excursion of the mirages in the Thar. One can opt for either a camel or a jeep or can try out a combination of both of them.

Horse Safari Adventure
Horses were greatly priced and it was a symbol of pride for a Rajput warrior to own a good horse. Rajput horses were distinguished for their resistance and immense devotion for their masters. In Rajasthan, the tourist can have the joyance of riding a horse that will take them through remotest villages, pass colossal forts and temples. Nights are arranged in the ancient palaces and Garhs (small forts), evenings can be spent at campsites under the open sky accompanied by local folk dance and musicians.

Wildlife Adventure
Rajasthan's National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries offers a delightful sighting of wildlife that includes its aerial population, mammals, reptiles and an immense diversities of plant growth along the hilly and forested terrain. These wildlife reserves can easily be explored either by jeep or on elephant safari. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ranthambore National Park are homes to the Royal Indian Tiger and are a great source of attraction among the wildlife enthusiast. Other wildlife attractions include wild boar, jackal, sambar and nilgai. The Ranthambore National Park is also a heritage site, as it houses the majestic remnants of a thousand-year-old Ranthambore Fort. A trip to these wildlife reserves is greatly boosted for animal and adventure lovers.

Adventure Sports
The sporting events in Rajasthan are quite unique and stimulating - includes Trekking, Horse and Camel Polo, Ballooning / Para-sailing, Golf, Kite Flying, Bicycling, Water Sports

 APANI DHANI ECOLODGE:

Conceived out of deep commitment to ecology and healthy living, APANI DHANI embodies our attitude towards life. We opened this genuine ecolodge to travelers in 1990, offering charming accommodation in an authentic surrounding.

 Eco-Friendly Housing
Our 9 bungalows are meticulously constructed  in the traditional way: pampas grass (local plant) is used for thatching the roofs of the huts. Sun dried clay bricks, mud plaster and ochre from the nearby mountains are utilized for wall construction and decoration. All the rooms are beautifully decorated with local handicrafts and feature 
full bathroom facilities. All bungalows use solar panels for electricity.

Organic Farming & Healthy Living
Apani Dhani is surrounded by one hectare of agriculture land. We grow wheat, millet, lentils and different types of seasonal  vegetables. Neither chemical fertilizers nor pesticides are used. The grains or lentils we do not grow like rice, are provided by NAVDANYA, an NGO. These products are also organic. The meals are always prepared fresh on demand. Yoga and Naturopathy are part of our daily practice.

  Our Philosophy

 Use Of Alternative Energies
Solar water heating system: The hot water is provided by the home made solar panels designed as per the Central Arid Research Institute - Jodphur
Bio-gas plant producing methane gas: This combustible is used in the kitchen for cooking
Solar oven: occasionally used for cooking rice and lentils

Water Conservation
Bathing: The guests are asked to get used to the Indian way of bathing 
(Hot water running showers are consuming too much of water); 
Flushing: Bricks are put in the flush tank of western toilets to reduce the consumption of water at each flushing)

Recycling
Glass: Mineral water and fruit juices are bought in glass bottles which are taken back by the dealer.
Leaves:  Leaf plates are used to serve the meals. Along with leftover food, those are given to the animals or composted.
Paper: Used paper is turned into papier mache.

Sustainable initiatives
Training: We have trained local young guides and provide them with work.
Support Local: We regularly hire jeeps or camel cart from people from the village for the excursions we propose to our guests.
Buy Local: We invite guests staying with us to buy handicrafts directly to local craftsmen and to visit development projects initiated by the villagers such as the construction of a school building. If they wish, our guests can donate funds.
Finance: We finance studies of children from poor families of this area.
Education: We organise workshops on environmental issues in Nawalgarh, where Apani Dhani is located

 RAJASTHAN SAFARIS

Horse Safari

'Rajasthan' - the land of the Rajputs, is known for its kings, fearless warriors and beautiful women. It's also known for its forts, palaces and temples which are a reminder of the glorious past. Kingdoms were carved and established by the Rajputs on horseback, while swords were stained with enemy blood Horses were highly priced and a Rajput warrior would give anything to own a good horse. Great care was taken to breed horses and to keep a clean and pure lineage. The result of many years of dedication and hard work helped create breeds like the Marwah, Kathiawadi and the Sindhi, each having its own distinct characteristics and bred solely for the purpose of war. These horses were noted for their stamina and fierce loyalty to their masters, these gallant steeds, the Rajputs became famous worldwide. There is an old saying;

"If God didn't create the horse,
He wouldn't have created the Rajputs"

In Rajasthan, the tourist can today have the pleasure of riding through trails dotted and marked with cenotaphs and tombstones of many brave and valiant Rajput warriors. Trails which take them through villages pass huge and ancient forts and temples. Nights can be spent in ancient palaces and Garhs (small forts) now owned by the descendants of those glorious Rajput rulers. These palaces not only provide modern amenities but cultural programmes and entertainment is also available. Evenings are spent at campsites which are splashed with colour in the form of local folk dance and music.

Tourists can have the pleasure of being escorted by a English speaking "trail guide".

What to wear :

Riders are advised to wear boots and a hard hat. Breeches or jeans are comfortable. Evenings are cold and pullovers & jackets are essential. Sun-glasses are required to avoid the glare of the sun. Beds, linen, towels etc. are all provided by the organisers. All meals are inclusive in the package. This Includes an English breakfast and Indian lunch and dinner. Liquor or aerated soft drinks are chargeable extra.

In Jaipur, Horse Safari is organised by some private tour operators. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation organises a Safari on request which starts from Jaipur and the duration of the safari is four days.

Camel Safari

Rajasthan invites you to feel the adventure of a Camel Safari, which takes you through the golden sands of the vast. Thar desert. Like horse safaris, camel safaris are also popular in Rajasthan. The camel, popularly known as the ship of the desert, is not only common in the Thar desert, but also the only means of transportation in remote areas.
Ride through sandy tracks, passing through remote villages. Pitch your tent at a new place each night. Spend the evenings next to the camp tire and dance to the folk music.

The safari is organised to take one through the golden sands of the vast Thar desert and untamed countryside, enabling one to experience the days gone by when time drifted at a leisurely pace. The rolling landscape of the sand & shrub covered area is breathtakingly beautiful and the range of flora and fauna surprisingly large for a desert area.

The camel breeders or Raika are the best guides. They know every pasture, waterhole and village of the region. One can ride or walk along leisurely with the safari and enjoy the deserts-cape. The camel-carts are fully equipped and tourists need not bother about comfort in the desert.

Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation arranges the camel safari on request from Delhi and Jaipur during Nagaur Fair and desert festival.

Other Safari

Like Camel and Horse safaris, another popular form is the Jeep Safari. The Jeep Safari not only refreshes and revitalizes but one feels close to nature while driving through the quiet and beautiful countryside.

Let your senses sway to the romance of the surroundings as you pass forts, palaces, historical landmarks and villages. The average daily move is about 150 kms. consisting of approximately five to six hours of jeep-driving. Spend lazy evenings in bed or swing to the folk dances.

Jeep safaris are organised in every part of Rajasthan, but safaris organised to the Bishnoi village near Jodhpur have a special attraction for tourists. Motorcycle and Bicycle safaris can also be done in every part of Rajasthan.
For those who want to turn cycling into a keenly contested game, there is Cycle Polo too. This year cycle polo was organised at Nawalgarh, Shekhawati. Elephant Safaris are exciting for those in search of an experience of a lifetime. Some tour operators organise elephant safaris between Jaipur and Pushkar.

An exciting sport is Elephant Polo which provides a spectacle for the audience and enjoyment to the participants. The bulky animals move around with surprising speed and poise.

The Jaipur Vintage Car Rally held annually in the month of January has become a big draw for car lovers, sports lovers, vintage beauty lovers and tourists alike.

A keenly contested event, this rally is an inimitable display of well-maintained cars of yesteryears. Among the vintage models which had come in from different cities of India to take part in the 1997 Vintage Car Rally, one could spot the 1903 Humber, 1919 Fiat 501. 1923 Rover, 1936 Mercedes Benz 170V, 1938 Moms 8, 1923 Austin and the 1926 Erskine.

Some of these are available on hire for pleasure rides and marriages.

 
HILL STATIONS:

Mount Abu
Altitude: 1,220 meters (4,003 feet)
Distance from Udaipur: 185km (115 miles)
Population: 17,000
Area: 25 sq. Km
Best time to visit: March-June and September-November.
Winter Temperatures:
STD Code: 02974

The Aravalli hills stretching from Delhi to Gujarat reach their highest point here in a mountain, atop which is a picturesque plateau. This is Abu in Sirohi district, a lush green summer resort and the only hill station in Rajasthan. Mount Abu has a somewhat steep incline, with ravines cut into its sides, filled with trees, bushes and beautiful birds. It is a detached hill, and on the plateau on the summit are granite rocks of fantastic shapes, the space between them covered with greenery. The Hill of Wisdom, The Saint's Pinnacle, The Rajput Olympus, the Mon Capitalia of Pliny. Yes all these are titles for just one place – Mount Abu.

This town is associated with legends from both Jainism and Hinduism, and is supposed to have been home to no less than 330 million different gods and goddesses. There are a number of places on this hill that are believed to have affiliations with various gods, goddesses, saints and sages associated with Jainism and Hinduism. On the hill is a place called Devangan or the courtyard of the gods. The great Hindu sage Vasistha is believed to have performed a sacrifice here which led to the birth of four agnikula (born from fire) Rajput warrior clans to protect the earth from demons. The Jains believe that Lord Mahavira, the last tirthankar (fordmaker), paid a visit to Mount Abu before attaining salvation. A temple with the idol of Lord Rikhabdev, one of the tirthankars, built by his son, is also believed to have existed here in ancient times.

For centuries Mount Abu has been a pilgrimage site. Till about the 11^th century it was an important Vaishnav and Shiva pilgrim center but today it is more readily associated with Jainism. Its most remarkable attractions are its beautifully carved Jain temples, which were built between the 11^th and 15^th centuries. Another site of archeological interest close to Mount Abu is the Achalgarh fort built in 1452-53AD, and is a standing testimony of the exciting political history of this region.

Mount Abu is not just about religion and legends; it has also served as an important hill station for the various kings that ruled Rajasthan, and for the British. In 1845AD Mount Abu was leased by the British and was developed as a hill resort ("a sort of Simla for Rajputana") to escape the heat and dust of the Rajasthan plains. Many maharajas and princes like that of Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Alwar, Tonk and Dholpur built their summer resorts in Mount Abu. With all these maharajas in one place Mount Abu must have been a real happening place for high society. We know of this waggish story about a maharaja who hosted a dinner to which he pointedly did not invited Maharaja Jai Singh the Maharaja of Alwar. Maharaja Jai Singh bought up all the food supplies for miles around, forcing the dinner to be canceled. He then added insult to injury by inviting everybody to his place instead.

The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is still a very popular resort. Owing to its good rainfall the region has a variety of rich vegetation of which Flame of the Forest is the most notable, making the area look like a gigantic garden.

Adding to the already mentioned attraction is the Summer Festival held every year in the month of Aashadh (June). The picturesque landscape with its steep rock surfaces, tranquil lake and pleasant climate make Mount Abu an ideal location for such fun and frolic. The three-day festival is a feast of folk and classical music and a window to the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan. The festival begins with the singing of a ballad which is followed by Gair, Ghoomar and Dhap folk dances which enthrall the spectators. Sporting events such as the boat race on Nakki lake add variety to the festival. The Sham-e-Qawwali is a much awaited musical extravaganza, as renowned singers of the form popularly known as qawwali, gather here. The grand finalé of the festival is a display of dazzling fireworks which adds to the tourist’s delight.

Amongst the tribal cultures that you get a glimpse of at this festival are those of the Bhils and the Nagas. Both have a rich cultural history and have contributed considerably to the development of music and dance.

The Bhils of Rajasthan have a variety of dances which correspond to the agricultural cycle. The Ghoomar dance is the very life-blood of Bhil culture. Performed in all seasons, it is always accompanied by songs of love, glory or defeat. Men and women move in a circle; one half of this circle constitutes the men and the other half of women. This ghoomar dance should be clearly distinguished from the dance of the same name prevalent in urban Rajasthan. The ghoomar dance of the Bhils is an energetic and lively performance while the other is a polite social dance of urban women. Gair is a religious dance-drama of the Bhils. It is performed by the men in the months of sharavana and bhadra (July-August). The dance revolves around the worship of the deity Bhairavanath. The chief worshipper is the bhoya who goes into a trance while dancing; others dance in a circle around a trishul (trident) while keeping time with the parat and thali (metal plates). Different type of dresses are worn by the dancers, representing different characters. In form and style this is a ritual dance-drama, or rather an occupational dance. In essence, this is a fertility rite (see Haryana Tradition & Lifestyle).

The Bhils also offer talent in the field of sculpture. The sculptures by these tribes are not beautifully carved masterpieces, but are interesting, nevertheless. In rural India there is a widespread ritual of offering sculptured clay figures to appease local gods and goddesses to thank them for a favour or to seek their benevolence. The Bhil tribes also place their trust in these votive figures, usually of animals. The Bhil potters mould distinctive clay horses, camels, elephants, tigers and bulls that are then offered to the village deity or to a revered animal itself such as the tiger. Set down in the sacred grove that always lies in a secluded spot near the settlement, the terracotta animals are clustered together in a jumble of new and old, all eventually disintegrating and returning to the earth in their turn.

RAJASTHAN ON PALACE ON WHEELS:

Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels is one of the world's most exciting rail journeys, as much for the train and the facilities provided on board, as for the royal destinations it proceeds to every single day. With everything taken care of – dining, accommodation, sight seeing - as well as organized shopping, there is nothing for the traveler to do but sleep in the history of the land, soak in the colours, and experience the royal life of a Maharaja.

The tour starts from Delhi and comes back to the city after going through, in order:

Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Sawai Madhopur - Chittaurgarh - Udaipur - Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi 

 Comfort in the Palace on Wheels

• every saloon coach is equipped with a saloon, mini-bar and kitchenette.

• each cabin has its own toilet with shower and hot and cold running water.

• Indian or European food is served in separate dining cars.

• a panorama saloon coach with bar is waiting to be visited.

• in each saloon coach a chief steward and his assistant look after your needs.

• a public address system provides background music and is used for important announcements.

• a library is available.

• there is a first-aid room on the train; medical assistance is available at every stopping place.

• a bureau de change which also accepts travelers cheques is also on board the train.

 MAIN PROGRAM

Day 1, Wednesday - Delhi

Delhi, the capital city of modern India, a city known for it's rich, valorous and exotic history. Once the fabled city of the heroes of the Mahabharata, and ruled by the Rajputs before they were displaced by foreign invaders. The tour starts in the evening with a ceremonial welcome aboard the Palace on Wheels at Delhi Cantonment.  You will be introduced to your fellow travellers. Feel free to explore your new home, and acquaint yourself with its various facilities.  Relax with a drink at the bar.  Dinner will be served on board the two restaurants.  The train departs from Delhi at 17.45 hrs. 

Day 2, Thursday - Jaipur

Arrive at 00.00 in Jaipur the Pink City, known for it's colourful and fascinating Architecture. Your tour begins at the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, followed by a visit to the Amber Fort, riding on canopied elephants in pomp and royal style of ancient maharajas. After indulging oneself in shopping at Rajasthali, the State's Handicrafts emporium for souvenirs and crafts, an exotic and sumptuous lunch awaits you at the  majestic Rambagh Palace. The home of the erstwhile rulers, The City Palace, now a museum, full of royal splendor and the amazing Jantar Mantar - Astronomical Observatory, are to be explored at leisure.In the evening after a cultural program of enthralling dance and music, dinner is a celebration under the canopy of the star-lit skies at exotic Jai Mahal Palace. The train departs from the Pink City at 17.30 hrs.

Jaipur became the capital of the Kachchwaha dynasty when they shifted here from their hilltop fort of Amber.  It was built according to the principles laid down in the ancient Architectural Treatises, but with all the opulence deserving to a royal city. At its center rose the seven-tiered palace of the royal family, and around it came up gardens and temples, its Astronomical Observatory and the myriads of mansions and business houses. Jaipur also offers a greats shopping experience since the city is the country's capital as far as handicrafts go - and they include a very extensive range - as well as a major international center for the cutting and polishing of gems and stones.  It also has a large number of palace hotels, and both Rambagh and Jai Mahal, which are the venues for their lunch and dinner, are intimately linked with the history of this former princely state.  Rambagh, in fact, was the last palace in which the former maharaja and his glamorous Maharani, and now Rajmata or Queen Mother of Jaipur, the popular Gayatri Devi, resided.  The palace not only has most of the original furnishings and artifacts, but its famous Polo Bar also has pictures of the last maharaja with English Aristocracy and other important guests.

Day 3, Friday - Jaisalmer

Arrive at 06.15 hrs at Jaisalmer. Spend the day in this isolated, but architecturally, one of the greatest Royal Bastions of the World. After a safari dinner served under the stars, at a campsite, come back to the train to resume your journey. Departure is at 23.30 hrs.

Jaisalmer was the stronghold for the Bhatti Rajputs, and a hardier race never lived. Their earlier settlement was marked by bandit, as they looted caravans at will, stealing horses, and inviting the wrath of the West Asian invaders. Over time they began to settle, and the 12th century fort with its ninety-nine bristling bastions was established on top of Trikuta hill, exactly as prophesied for these descendants of Krishna.Isolated Jaisalmer may have been, a lost city in the sands of the Thar, more mythic than real for those of who heard it, but the caravans that passed through its territories enriched the coffers of the treasury. It also kept Jaisalmer in touch with the world, for such caravans carried not merely goods but also artisans and master-craftsmen. The Maharawalas of Jaisalmer thought little of making use of their services to build the magnificent, sandstone architecture for which it has become known around the world.

However, even more magnificent, along the cobbled stone pathways of the fort, arose the havelis, the mansions of the Jain merchants who were as powerful in the court of the time, as they were adept in business. Their homes are a poetry of sandstone, carved and pierced incredibly into different patterns, and though they are opulent and effusive, the result is in perfect harmony, and never offending the eye.

Day 4, Saturday - Jodhpur

Its time for you to visit yet another desert kingdom, Jodhpur, where you arrive at 08.00hrs. You can spend the morning at Mehrangarh Fort that towers over the city like an eagle’s eerie and then come downhill to lunch at Umaid Bhawan Palace, the largest art-deco residence in the world and now home to the head of the royal family, museum and luxury hotel. Departure, after unwinding and relaxing at the palace, is at 15.30 hrs. 

The 500 year old history of Jodhpur, the bastion of the valiant Rathore Rajputs, bristles with conflicts and sieges, with battles and savage skirmishes, so it is difficult to believe that they found the time to not only build the impossibly invincible looking Mehrangarh Fort, but also its lavish and delicately embellished palaces. Within the Fort, reached by a steep path with huge guarding at its turns and places at angles, to prevent elephants from storming them, are a large number of apartments where the maharaja’s retainers now serve as guides. Within, the apartments are painted and gilded and have windows and balconies to allow them an uninterrupted view of the desert around it, now peopled with homes. The vintage battle arms of the royal past are well presented – swords and daggers and spears and matchlock guns; a battle tent seized from Emperor Jehangir; howdahs and chariots and carriages; cribs and beds; the royal, octagonal throne; musical instruments, large drums, even a collection of turbans.

From the ramparts of the fort, where the cannons are still mounted, the sweeping view also takes in a huge palace located on top of another lower hill. This is Umaid Bhavan, the palace the Maharajas set out to build as a famine relief project, but also ambitiously as the World’s largest private residence

 It was intended to and did rival the Presidential palace coming up then in Delhi. Build by a British Architect; while the planning has incorporated the elements of the Rajput lifestyle (large county yards, for example, or a zenana wing), there is a formal western sense of symmetry and restrained sense of ornamentation. Only in the royal suites does exuberance take over, since a Polish artist, then traveling in India, was given the permission to create huge paintings to suit the art-deco theme of the architecture and furniture in the palace. The grounds of the palace are huge and towards the back, there is a bougainvillea garden, perhaps the only of its kind in the world, and at the end, a Baradari, a pillared pavilion where the maharajas held Mehfils, entertainment courts. Within the palace the courtrooms are more formal, while the ballrooms resounded, till recently, with the sounds of revelry, now captured in the whispered conversations of tourists.

Day 5, Sunday - Sawai Madhopur

Arrive at 04.00 hrs, steam into Sawai Madhopur, to spend the day in the wilds of Ranthambhor where your hosts are, of course, royal. Ranthambhor National Park is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, the most majestic of the big cats, and magnificent in its agility and grace.  As it moves through the underbrush, its tawny gold hide striped with black bands, merges with nature, and the jungle stands to attention.

Ranthambhor is also very picturesque.  A number of lakes from the shallow lands where tiger sightings are quite common, and where herds of deer can be seen foraging, while crocodiles bask in the sun.  The lofty hills ring the park, and in the distance, the ramparts of Ranthambhor fort create a dramatic silhouette.  Once, this was the scene for fierce battles, and for fiery Jauhars, but all that is of the past now, though former hunting lodges such as Jogi Mahal, close to the lakes, is still retains its former grandeur and glory.

Ranthambhor is particularly well known for its tiger sightings because the undisturbed ambiance and the spreading, shallow lakes provide them the surroundings best suited to their needs, and therefore sightings by day time are quite common. Various conservationists and wildlife photographers have worked at length here to document the life cycle of the tigresses of Ranthambhor, even giving them names, so that they are now a part of the regional lore.

Since the best time to visit the park is early morning, the train arrives at 04.00 hrs, and leaves for its destination, Chittaurgarh at 11.00 hrs. Arrival at Chittaurgarh at 15.30 hrs. Chittaurgarh is India's most valorous fort, its history an unending saga of passion, chivalry and romance.  Within its sprawling ramparts were beautiful palaces, but few of them remain, the fort having been sacked by invaders. Lunch and dinner are served on board the train.

Day 6, Monday - Chittaurgarh and Udaipur

Arrive at 07.30 hrs, Chittaurgarh and Udaipur, the capitals of the Sisodia Maharanas, enjoy pre-eminence among the Rajput clans of Rajasthan.   Spend the day sight seeing at Udaipur.  Lunch is at Lake Palace, the beautiful island palace built as a summer resort by the royal family, and now converted into one of the world's finest hotels.  The train departs again at 20.00 hrs, and dinner will be served on board. 

Maharana Udai Singh, laid the foundation for a new kingdom-Udaipur-situated by Lake Pichola, where the impressive City Palace was lavished with aesthetic and imaginative works of art, and the art of miniature painting was encouraged as decoretal.  Subsequently, the princes built the seemingly floating Island Palace, the royal summer retreat, offering a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Besides the Lake Palace, there are other such retreats that have been converted into modern hotels, one of them, Shiv Niwas, being run by the current head of the family.  A graceful, valorous race, the Sisodias and their city bring alive the excitement of a medieval kingdom as it once was, and with a little imagination, can still almost be...

Day 7, Tuesday - Bharatpur and Agra

If it’s Tuesday, it must be Bharatpur. Arrive at 06.00 hrs at a royal kingdom where the Jats, rather than the Rajputs, ruled. Bharatpur’s Jat history is not too old, with Suraj Mal establishing a firm stronghold in a region contested by both the Rajputs and the Mughals. Suraj Mal’s exploits are legendary, and the fort, Lohargarh, or Iron Fort, has a history that recounts it with pride. The only fort in the state to have bastions of mud, these proved meritorious because they simply swallowed up the cannon shells, not allowing them to impact.

However, it is not for its fort, or palace, or even the close by fortified resort of Deeg that passengers of the Palace on Wheels are here; their attention is drawn to the bird sanctuary, one of the finest in the world. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park was developed by a royal edict when dykes were created so that water could be canalized for the hunting preserve at the maharaja of Bharatpur wished to create. In the early decade of this century, Bharatpur became famous among visiting British royalty and aristocracy for the amount of game the visitors bagged. These days, thankfully, only shooting by cameras is permitted in this sanctuary with over three hundred species of birds, many of them migrant species that come from parts as distant as Siberia and China.

After visiting the sanctuary in the morning, visitors travel by couch to Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city build by Emperor Akbar on a lavish scale, but which he had to abandon soon after because of shortage of water. From here to Agra, first for lunch at Welcome Group Mughal Sheraton and then for a visit to the world’s most well-known monument and well worth its fame; The Taj Mahal. Built in the memory of his beloved empress by Emperor Shah Jahan, this marble mausoleum is the greatest gesture of love known to mankind, and is breathtakingly, bewitchingly beautiful. Land for the building of the Taj Mahal in Agra came from the maharaja of Jaipur and the marble used in its construction was from the mines of Makrana, also in Rajasthan. The precious stones used in its inlay, and the craftsmen employed for the twenty-two years its construction took, came not only from India, but from all over the World. 

The Taj Mahal is the perfect finale to your Royal Sojourn.

Day 8, Wednesday - Delhi

Wednesday, and you’re back in Delhi as early as 06.00 hrs where, after breakfast on board the train, you descend to the humdrum existence of modern life, with only royal memories to retain for the rest of your lifetime.

Tariff per Person per night

Cabin              October - March        September & April

single              US$ 485             US$ 395

double             US$ 350             US$ 295

3-Berth Cabin                            US$ 285    US$ 260 

(Half Price for children between 5 and 12 Years).

 VILLAGE TOURS:

Life in Rajasthani Village

For what is referred to as a desert, Rajasthan is amazingly populated: its landscape scattered with a number of villages and hamlets, telltale signs of tree groves and populations of cattle being the only indication that there is such a settlement in close proximity.

The typical village has always been difficult to spot till one is actually upon it. Its simplest hamlets, the most basic form of civilization with a way of life that has probably remained unchanged since centuries, consists of a collection of huts that are circular, and have thatched roofs.The walls are covered with a plaster of clay, cow dung, and hay, making a termite-free (antiseptic) facade that blends in with the sand of the countryside around it. Boundaries for houses and land holdings, called baras, are made of the dry branches of a nettle-like shrub, the long, sharp thorns a deterrent for straying cattle.

Eco - friendly Houses

If a hamlet looks bleak, it is hardly surprising: the resources for building these homes, which are the most eco-friendly living unit, are made with what is available at hand, and in Rajasthan, and particularly so in its western desert regions. This can mean precious little. A village that is even a little larger may have pucca houses, or larger living units, usually belonging to the village Zamindar family. Consisting of courtyards, and a large Nora or cattle enclosure, attached to one side or at the entrance, these are made of a mixture of sun-baked clay bricks covered with a plaster of lime.

Decorative Facades

Decorative facades in such units are limited to creating a texture in the plaster in the facade, or using simple lime colours to create vibrant patterns at the entrance, and outside the kitchen. These homes capture, for many of its residents, the only cosmos they know. For the women, but for visits within the village community, the only social occasions were in the nature of pilgrimages which were usually combined with fairs. But it is when they step out that the stark desert and the village break into a feast of colour: turbans bob past in saffron and red; skirts billow beneath mantles that veil the faces of their women- if they didn't, the jewels that glint on their foreheads and faces would add to the shocking surprise of their magentas and their blues, greens and pinks.

A Multi-community Settlement

Each village is a multi-community settlement, the various castes creating a structure of dependence based on the nature of their work. While changes are being wrought in this structure, with ceilings on land holdings, and with young seeking employment opportunities in towns distant from their villages, the social fabric has still not been rent.

Rajputs - The Ruling Community

At the head of the village settlement are usually the Rajputs, the warrior race whose kings ruled, till recently, over these lands. The Rajputs served their kings, joining their armies, and raising their cavalries, but an attendant pursuit was as agriculturists. Often, they employed labour to work on their extensive fields, and kept cattle for dairy produce. In fact, the cattle density in Rajasthan is very high, and milk from desert settlements is supplied to the large cities close to the state, including Delhi.

Intensely Religious People

An intensely religious people, each home in Rajasthan will have a room or at least an alcove where they fold their hands and say their prayers before calendar images of their gods. To seek benevolence from their gods, for in this hostile landscape, it is easy to be superstitious, and they pray to the terrible image of Kali, the wrathful form of Shiva's consort, to protect them from the demons of the elements, and the scrounge of mankind.

Cusines

The principal meal for the family consists of dinner, when freshly baked bread and porridge is served with a yoghurt curry called karhi, and with vegetables that may consist of dried beans, or, now, increasingly fresh produce that is grown and transported from neighbouring states. For most families, breakfast is a glass full of hot tea gulped down with stale bread, before rushing off to attend to the day's tasks, and lunch is a frugal meal of unleavened bread eaten with a spicy chutney of chillies and garlic.

Most meals are vegetarian, and though they eat meat, the Rajputs too do not consume it regularly. In the old days, game would be hunted, and the spoils shared with families in the village. With the ban on hunting, meat now comes from the goats raised in the communities, but they are slaughtered only for special occasions, and at the time of festivals that demand offerings of blood. It is this frugal diet that keeps the people of Rajasthan in fine fettle, slender of build, and not given to fat, and with a posture that is erect

A Journey to Rajasthani Village

Travel Rajasthan and explore the hinterland of this magnificent land. Spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of chaotic city life, and view the colorful lifestyle of the villages, which will take your breath away. In remote villages, the colorful turban clad men breath life that is palpable, carrying in their jaunty strides, the spirit that is their destiny.
Religion is the way of life in these remote hamlets. Each home has a separate room where they offer prayers and seek benevolence. The images of local deities daubed with vermilion can be seen outside every village.

Camel ride…the best way to view villages

Camel ride is specially recommended to view the various colors of the villages in Rajasthan. Camping in close vicinity to the villages and participating in all aspects of village life is an experience that you would cherish for the rest of your life.

Multi-hues of a village life

Agricultural practices in Rajasthan date back to the time of Indus valley civilization and observing them is an experience in itself to cherish for a lifetime. Camels and sometimes buffaloes are used for pulling the plough and most of the farmers wait for the rains to water their fields. Three important crops grown here are wheat, corn and millets. Take a tour in the green field and watch women milking the cattle while the elderly and young take them out to pastures for grazing and when you are tired and feel thirst, take a bite of watermelon, which is a perfect way to quench your thirst.

The most admirable sights

Some of the most admirable sights include women around a community well, people sitting in a group and discussing everything from world politics to domestic issues and the assemblage of children in an open air school. People are so friendly and hospitable that they would offer you almost everything without expecting anything in return.

Shekhavati - A Memorable Experience

The most colourful villages in the Thar are to be found on the Shekhawati tract. These have well-built houses, more often then not with painted walls and beautiful decorations and wall paintings. If the villages of the Thar are dotted with jhonpas, the cities feature a variety of architectural forms and structures. They depict either varying forms of adjustment with the inclement weather or intense love and pride for architectural richness and extravagance. Some of the towns show excellent town-planning and settlement development. Although habitations are designed keeping in mind the climate, they are also products of the political and cultural history of the region.