Home >> Cities of Rajasthan

Amidst the sand dunes and thorny vegetation of Thar desert towers a fort, 120 metres above the plain. The fort overlooks the imperial city of Jodhpur, which is a part of the Desert Tourist Triangle. The old Jodhpur city is surrounded by a 10 km long wall with eight gates serving as entrances. The new city is settled around this walled area. The Maruthal or 'land of death' , came into life when the Rathores of Kanauj moved in. But the city of Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD. This city was on the silk route of the 16th century and hence was host to a number of travellers.

Mehrangarh Fort : Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures.

Umaid Bhawan Palace : The only palace built in 20th century under the famine relief programme, has now been converted into a hotel with some parts being retained as a museum. { Book Forts and Palaces Tours }

Jaswant Thada : The 19th century royal cenotaph is built in white marble, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur are also displayed here.

In the harsh terrain of the hills and ravines of Aravallis, flourishes the city of lakes, Udaipur. One of the most romantic places in India, Udaipur is situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, which whisper the mood of a bygone era.

The city was founded in 1567 AD by Maharana Udai Singh on the advice of a sage. Udaipur was last of the numerous Mewar capitals. It was in Udaipur that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. He was obsessed with Chittaur and the past glories of the Sisodia clan possessed his mind. Maharana Pratap left Udaipur to win back Chittaur from the Mughals. But he failed in his attempts and Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar till India got her independence.The memory of the failure of noble Pratap gives Udaipur its pervading mood of nostalgic wistfulness.

The city acquires its scenic beauty from the Aravallis. Three lakes- Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar make it an oasis in the desert.

Udaipur : Udaipur is known as the ' City of Lakes'. The two most scenic and famous lakes of the city are Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh Sagar.

Lake Pichola : Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and has two island palaces- Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Lake Fateh sagar lies to north of Pichola and was built by Maharana Jai Singh but it got the name of Fateh Singh who rebuilt its dam. Both the lakes are breathtakingly beautiful and one can take a cruise on their waters. The sunset over these lakes is a sight to be cherished.

City Palace : This majestic white royal building towers itself on a hill and is surrounded by crenellated walls. The palace stands along the shores of Pichola. more...

Lake Palace : This former summer residence of the royal family has now been converted into a fabulous hotel.

The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. The exotic, remote and beautiful, Jaisalmer is a bit of a paradox. So far west that it is in the heart of the desert, one would expect barren near-desolation. Yet this frontier town is today one of Rajasthan's best-loved tourist destinations. Local colour and warmth prevail over the inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a special magic.

In medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The glory of Jaisalmer faded when sea trade replaced the old land routes. But there is still an 'Arabian Nights' quality about the town. The narrow streets in the walled city preserve a traditional way of life : the craftsmen still work at the ancient crafts of weaving and stone carving, the making of silver jewellery and embroidery. And the stately, nonchalant camel is everywhere.

The Jaisalmer Fort : The golden - hued Jaisalmer Fort 'Sonar Kila' can be seen miles away before reaching the town.

Manak Chowk and Havelis : A main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous 'havelis'. Havelis: Some of the most exotic mansions or 'havelis', all intricately latticed, are stretched all over Jaisalmer, each with a different facade.

Gadsisar Sagar Tank : A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.

Temples : TJain Temples: - The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain Temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras - Rishabhdevji and Sambhavnathji. ..

This Royal walled city is a part of the desert tourist triangle and lies on the northern tip of the triangle. The city was founded in 1486 AD by the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji was son of Rao Jodhaji who had asked his son to establish a kingdom of his own. The challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose the wild country 'Jangaldesh' as his territory and thus the city of Bikaner came into existence.

A seven-kilometres wall with five entrances was built to protect the city from vagaries of the desert and any external aggression. The city flourished as an important trade centre between Gujarat seaports and West Asian countries. The unbroken line of descendants of Bikaji ruled Bikaner till India got Independence. Bikaner is known for good breed of riding camels, which are among the best in the world. The Camel Festival held every year is famous all over the globe. Bikaner has many magnificent buildings made of Reddish Pink sandstone that transcends the surrounding barren wilderness. Unlike other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner has been able to preserve its traditional aura of the medieval era, which makes a visitor come here year after year.

Junagarh Fort : One of the most imposing forts of northern India-- Junagarh Fort-- has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh. more...

Lalgadh Palace : Designed by a Britisher for Maharaja Ganga Singh, this palace displays a magnificient blend of Oriental and European style. more... { Book Forts and Palaces Tours }

On the highway from Jodhpur to Bikaner, an hour out of the Rathore stronghold, past the medieval temples of Osian with their stunning stone carvings, is the small township of Khimsar. Established by a scion of the house of Jodhpur, Khimsar was once a small kingdom. And though Jodhpur royalty claim it was never independent, the Thakurs of Khimsar claim that not only was it an individual entity, but that one of the visitors to their ancestral fort was Emperor Aurangzeb himself.

The fort architecture of Khimsar offers great heterogeneity. Originally, the fort walls , turrets, and stables were built solely for war, and were constructed around the beginning of the 16th century. Subsequently, by mid 18th century, the royal family moved in when a new zenana or ladies' residence was constructed. Finely carved windows in stone were constructed in this section for providing purdah or veil for the ladies in waiting. Thakur Onkar Singh, the present chief and the 17th direct descendant of Rao Karamsi (the original builder of the fort) built himself a regal additional wing in the 1940's. Today, this fort ranks amongst the premier Heritage Hotels of India.