The largest state in India, Rajasthan with its capital Jaipur, located at a distance of 250 kilometers from Delhi and included in the famous “Golden Triangle”, is a very popular destination for tourists. And this is not surprising: where else in India can you see so many sights at once, generously seasoned with local flavor?
Attractions of Rajasthan
- Victory Column
The Victory Column – one of the main attractions of Fort Chittorgarh – was built in the XV century.
The eight-story tower height of thirty-seven meters is dedicated to one of the supreme gods – Vishnu. The Victory Column was built between 1442 and 1449 in honor of the victory of King Rana Kumbh over the Muslim rulers of Gujarat and Malva.
The Victory Column is partly made of red sandstone and partly of marble. The tower is decorated with numerous images of gods and goddesses of Hinduism, with the designations of each of them.
An internal staircase of one hundred and fifty-seven steps leads to the summit, which passes through the central room and the gallery surrounding the tower. Going upstairs, visitors can see the wonderful views of Chittorgarh.
- Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is truly considered a symbol of Jaipur. It is also called the main miracle of this city. The palace was built in 1799 and is part of the city palace complex. It was originally built as a harem wing for the Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. He wished that each of his wives would be able to observe the events on the main street, in this way numerous closed balconies appeared, which now adorn the palace.
The Palace of the Winds has five floors. The building is made of pink sandstone and with its shape repeats the crown of Krishna. He received the name “Palace of the Winds” due to numerous small window openings through which the air passed, which provided salvation on hot days.
Of course, the Hawa Mahal is one of the most visited tourist sites. It is simply impossible to pass by, because he is the embodiment of an oriental tale for numerous visitors from around the world.
And what sights of Rajasthan did you like? Next to the photo gallery there are icons by clicking on which you can rate this or that place.
- Camel Farm
The city of Bikaner in the state of Rajasthan is famous for its camels. Tourists love to come to this city for camel festivals, where various contests take place, ranging from riding to camel haircuts and beauty contests. At 10 kilometers south of Bikaner is a camel farm, on which camels are bred. It was built by the central government in 1984 and consists of a stable and a research building. Bikaner Farm supplies almost one third of India’s camels and nearly two thirds of Rajasthan camels to the market. The camels, which are displayed here, are distinguished by a small stature, elongated body, furry ears, shorter powerful legs and a light color.
The farm can be visited from Monday to Friday from 3 to 5 o’clock in the afternoon. The entrance to the farm is free, but you can take a picture of animals for 10 rupees.
- City Palace
City Palace is one of the main attractions of Jaipur. The palace was built in 1728 and occupies almost a whole block of the ancient city. The palace is surrounded by a fortress wall. During the construction of the palace complex, two architectural styles were combined – Rajput and Mongolian.
The palace is decorated with abundant marble carvings and beautiful halls, where precise geometric proportions are observed. The palace complex includes many attractive for tourists – there is a museum of costumes and weapons, there is an art gallery, where collections of carpets and miniatures are exhibited. Visitors can also see the temples that are part of the complex, the apartments of the ruling family, and after the visit go to the souvenir center.
- Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh fort, located on the high cliffs of Marwar with a height of 122 meters, was built by Roa Jodh in 1459. Part of the fortress belongs to the reign of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Until 1943, the ruling Rajput family lived in the fortress.
Inside the fort are several palaces, decorated with intricate carvings. Seven gates were built by Maharaja Man Singh in honor of his victory over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner. Palm prints on this gate still attract the attention of many tourists.
In one of the palaces of the fort is a museum, which is one of the most well-equipped museums in the state of Rajasthan. It stores collections of old royal palanquins, gilded domes of palanquins, weapons, costumes.
Also, Mehrangarh Fort is a favourite place for filming Hollywood and Bollywood films. In 2011, filming of Christopher Nolan’s latest The Dark Knight Rises trilogy began here.
- Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer is one of the largest fortresses in the world. The fort was built in 1156 by the ruler of Pao Jaisal, from which the name originated.
The fort is proudly located in the middle of the large desert Tar. During its existence, the fort has been the scene of many battles. It consists of 99 bastions, of which 92 were built between 1633 and 1647. The fort also played an important role in trade with Persia, Arabia, Egypt and Africa.
Its massive walls of yellow sandstone change color depending on the time of day. When the sun sets, the fort merges with the desert. It is because of this amazing phenomenon that the fort is also known as the “Golden Fort”. Also among the locals goes another name of the fort – “Sonar Kila”. The fort consists of the Raj Mahal (Royal Palace), Jain temples, the Laxminath Temple and four massive locks.
Book the Palace on Wheels train online and make your seat reserve in advance!
