Madhu Latha
Incredible India ; A diverse India ; Versatile India ; Enigmatic India ; Intoxicating India ; Spiritual India

India has been called many names by those who see it. India appears as such to each as those who see it that way. Come take a look at my India through my eyes...

Monday, December 31, 2012

A trip to Jaisalmer

Huge sturdy walls with its ninty-nine bastions, enclosing the still inhabited narrow lanes of the old city with its havelis and mansions, the majestic palace rising over the horizon reminds us of the city's past splendour. The citadel and the havelis are all built with the same rich honey coloured sandstone making the city appear to be enameled with gold, hence the name 'Golden City'. The city was once an important trade route of camel-train caravans between India and Central Asia. Great wealth is brought here from different countries and the city florished for several ages. Jaisalmer experienced its share of seiges but the damage was minimum compared to the rest.

Tourist InformationTourist Reception Center ph: 02992-252406

Sightseeing

Jaisalmer Fort
Maharaja's Palace
Jain Temples
Laxminath temple
Havelis
Patwa-ki-haveli
Salim Singh-ki-haveli
Nathma-ki-haveli
Gadi Sagar
Museums
Excursions around Jaisalmer
Lodhruva Jain Temples
Sam Sand Dunes - Desert National Park
Khuri
Barmer - hosts the Thar Festival
Pokaran

What you can do

ToursJaisalmer Camel Safaris
Shopping
: Jaisalmer is famous fro its stunning embroidery, bedspreads, mirror-work wallhangings, oil lamps, stone works khadi textiles, carpets, shawls and antiques

Where you can stay

Shahi Palace ph: 02992-255920; www.shahipalacehotel.com
Residency Centerpoint Paying Guest House ph: 02992-252883;
Desert Moon ph: 02992-250116; www.desertmoonguesthouse.com
Hotel Jaisal Palace ph: 02992-252717; www.hoteljaisalpalace.com
Fifu Guest House ph: 02992-252656; www.fifuguesthouse.com
Hotel The Royal Guest House ph: 9252808707; www.hotelroyaljaisalmer.com
Hotel Nachana Haveli ph: 02992-252538; www.nachanahaveli.com
Jawahar Niwas Palace ph: 02992-252208;

Top End
Mandir Palace ph: 02992-252788; www.welcomeheritagehotels.com
Gorbandh Palace Hotel ph: 02992-253801;
Hotel Rajwada ph: 02992-2786835;

Where you can eat

Chandan Shree Restaurant (All you can eat Gujarati, Bengali, Rajastani and Punjabi Thalis) Hanuman Chowk
Desert Boy's Dhani (veg) Seemagram Campus
Trio (Barbecue tandoori Thali) Gandhi Chowk
Saffron (veg and non-veg) mains
Little Italy (veg pizzas) First Fort Gate

Getting there and away
A well connected city. Buses, trains and planes are available from all major cities.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Visiting Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is a 1334 sq km of wild jungle scrub hemmed in by rocky ridges. A tits center is the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, and are scattered  nearby are ancient temples and mosques, crocrodile filled lakes, chhatris (cenotaphs) and hides. The park is a Maharaja's hunting ground till 1970 - a curious 15 years after it had become a sanctuary.

It is the best place to spot some wild tigers in their natural habitats. Aside from the enormous Ganesh Mela every August, traffic is restricted to organised safaris. Seeing a tiger is just a matter of luck, but the park is also worth visiting for the scenery and other wildlife, particularly if you walk upto the fort. There are more than 300 species of birds in the park.

Best time to vist between October and June

Where you can stay

RTDC Vinayak Tourist Complex ph: 07462- 221333
Hotel Tiger Safari Resort ph: 07462- 221137; www.tigersafariresort.com
Hotel Anurag Resort ph: 07462- 220751
Hotel Ankur Resort ph: 07462- 220792
RTDC Castle Jhoomar Baori ph: 07462- 220495
Hotel Ranthambore regency ph: 07462- 221176; www.ranthambhor.com
Nahargarh Ranthambore ph: 07462- 252146; www.nahargarhranthambore.com
Khem Villas ph: 07462- 252099; www.khemvillas.com
Accomodation is also available in Sawai Madhopur

What you can do
Half-day and Full-day safaris are available in gypsies and canters which can be reserved on the website www.rajasthanwildlife.in, or they can be booked directly from the Forest Office in Ranthambore rd.

Shopping : Saris, scarves, bags, and bedspreads are produced by the tribal women.

Getting there and away
Busses are available from the nearby Sawai Madhopur.
Trains and busses are available from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur.

 

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Visiting Pushkar?

Brahma dropped a lotus flower on the earth and Pushkar appeared. This is a Piligrimage town, with one of the world's few Brahma temple, the city curls around a sacred lake. The main attraction of this piligrim town are the temples and the Ghats.

Festivals & Events

In the month of Kartika during the full moon, is one of the holiest days observed by the Hindu piligrims who come to Pushkar to bath in the holy waters of the lake. Incence is burned, oil lamps were lit and set afloat on the holy waters, piligrims, tourists, mystics this place is filled with people from all over, making it one of the extraordinary and magical places to be in. As if that was not enough, this is the time of the year, Pushkar hosts the famous Camel Fair. Its a crowded, noisy, chaotic, tacky affair filled with musicians, tourists, traders, street performers, snake charmers, acrobats; and a mind boggling swirl of colors. Every year around 20,000 people converge here and bring their 50,000 or so animals from across different parts of Rajastan. Be here if you wish to experience the full extent of the chaos of Rajastan.

Sightseeing

Temples
Ghats

Where you can stay

Hotel White House ph: 0145-2772147
Bharatpur Palace ph: 0145-2772320
Hotel Navaratan Palace ph: 0145-2772981; www.pushkarnavaratanpalace.com
Pushkar Inn's Hotel ph: 0145-2772010
Green Park Resort ph: 0145-2773532; www.greenparkpushkar.in
Seventh Heaven ph: 0145-5105455; www.innseventhheaven.com
Hotel New Park ph: 0145-2772464; www.newparkpushkar.com
Hotel Goyal Inn ph: 0145-2773991; www.hotelgoyalinn.com
Pushkar Resorts ph: 0145-2772944; www.pushkarresorts.com
Jagat Palace Hotel ph: 0145-2772953 www.hotelpushkarpalace.com

During the Camel Fair, the RTDC and several private operators set up a sea of tents near the fair grounds. There are usuallyfilled up with tour groups. Its cold at night , so bring something warm; a torch (flashlight) is also useful. You need to book well ahead.
RTDC Tourist Village ph: 0145-2772074
other option for tents
Royal Desert Camp ph: 0145-2772957; www.hotelpushkarpalace.com
Royal Tents Ph: 0291-2571991; www.jodhpurheritage.com

Where you can eat

Sunset Cafe (breakfasts Indian and Italian) mains
Sun-n-Moon (italian) Bari Basti
Honey & Spice (breakfast and lunch) Laxmi Market
Raju Terrace Garden Restaurent (pizzas) Sardar Bazar
sixth sense () Hotel Seventh Heaven
Rainbow Restaurent (Continental) mains
Moon Dance (Indian and Italian) mains
Little Italy Panch Kund Marg

What you can do

Camel Treks : For a long relaxing camel rides and travelling to Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.
Reflexology by Dr NS Mathur ph: 0145-2622777
Music at Pushkar Music School ph: 0145-5121277
Yoga by Dr Kamel Pandey at Old Rangji Temple
Reiki by Master Roshi Hiralal Verma ph: 0145- 2773154
Shopping: Known for its silver trinklets, costume jewellery, glass lamps, embroidery and wall hangings. Textile handiwork comes from Barmer, this is a good place to buy some indo-westren wear.

Getting there and away

Regular buses are available from Ajmer.
Busses are also available from Agra, Bundi, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodpur, Udaipur.
Private cabs can also be rented.
 

Friday, December 28, 2012

Rajastani Music


Rajastan is a living study in ethno-musicology.From the hauting melodies of the lovers to the bards and ballads of the valors of their heros, rajastani music is always heartwarming and reaches the hearts of even the ordinary soul. There are two traditional classes of Rajastani musicians in Rajastan : The Langas of the westren Rajastan are favoured mostly by the Muslim audience as they have a distinct Sufi flavour. While the manganiars have a more hindustani bent. Then there are the saperas, snake charmers who blow into the two tubed poongas, while the bhopas are priest like singers who play in the village circuit in times of sickness and poor harvest. The mirasis and jogis of Mewar are famed for their gurguling voices, the maand are highly  sophisticated folk singers, once heard only in the royal palaces.

Songs are often inspired by daily life and their music instruments range from rustic  resonators to thunderous kettledrums. Rajastani instruments are facinating devices often handicrafted by the musicians themselves. They include morchang, a hand-held trumpet, the sarangi (a popular bowed instrument), the kamayacha (a 16-stringed langa speciality that is played with a long bow of horse tail hair), the kharta (a metal castanet) is a favorite with saints and seers, the algoza of th Ajmer region is the South Asian equivalent of a bagpipe.


Where there is song there is dance and the Rajastanis are never backward in shuffling forward. The ghooma gait - a series of gentle, graceful pirouettes; the teerah taali of the kamad community in Pokaran, a boisterous dance in honour of the theft deity Baba Ramdeo. It's an unusual festival in which men play a four stringed instrument called the chau-tara while the women move with dozens of manjeeras (tiny cymbals) tied to their bodies.

In Shekawati the kacchi ghodi is skillfully performed on horses. Holding swords aloft, riders move to the beating of the drums, while a singer narrates the exploits of notorious bandits.
In Bikaner, Jasnathis, revered for their tantric powers, dance on flaming coals until the music peaks and the dancers fall into a trance.

The drum dance of Jalore sees five men with huge drums strapped around their necks accompany a sword-swallower who simultaneously juggles.

Concerts and dances are held regularly for tourists in all major cities, usually in upmarket hotels.

Visiting Kota?

Historically a city of strategic importance, Kota still boasts a huge army base but its contemporary guise is that of a modren industrial center. The revitalising  Chambal river, populated by crocrodilea and piled by boats of all sizes, is the only permanant river of the state. Kota is famous for saries which are woven with a golden thread in the nearby village of Kaithoon. Accomodation and dining in Kota is pretty lacklusture, so consider  it as a daytrip from Bundi or a place to spend a few hours when making a transport connection.

Sightseeing

City Palace and Fort
Jagmandir
Brij Vilas Palace Museum
Gardens

Excursions around Koti

Baroli
Jhalawar

Festivals and EventsDussera Mela in Oct attracts thousands of piligrims in the month of Kartika

Where you can stay

Palkiya Haveli ph: 0744-2387497; www.alisar.com
Brijraj Bhavan Palace Hotel ph: 0744-2450529
Sukhdham Kothi ph: 0744-2320081; www.sukhdhamkothi.com
Umed Bhavan Palace ph: 0744-2325262

What you can do

Boat Trips
Shopping : Rampura rd is famous for its Kota doria saris.

Getting there and back
Buses are available from Ajmer, Bikaner, Bundi, Chittor, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur.
Trains are also available from Agra, Chittor, Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Visiting Bundi

Bundi is an effortlessly captivating town, with narrow lanes of Brahmin-blue houses, assorted temples and a picturesque palace. It still has an atmospher of past wonders, most readily felt around the cupola- clad fairy tale palace that spills down the hillside. A welcome break from the noisy crowds, polluting engines and bustling bazaars and enjoy the contemporary life.

Tourist Information
Tourist Office at Kota Rd ph: 0747-2443697

Sightseeing

Taragarh
Bundi Palace
Mahrao Raja Bahadur Singh Museum
Baoris & Water Tanks
Excursions around Bundi
Phool Sagar Palace
Sukh Mahal
Sar Bagh
Shikar Burj
84 pillared Cenataph
Akoda & Thikarda villages
Rameshwar
Borkhandi
Hindoli
Garardha

Festivals and eventsBundi Utsav & Kashavrai festivals in October and November.
In August the town hosts the Teej celebrations.

Where to stay
Ishwari Niwas ph: 0747- 2442414; www.ishwariniwas.com
Haveli Braj Bhushanjee ph: 0747-2442322; www.kiplingsbundi.com
Kasera Heritage View ph: 0747-2444679; www.kaseraheritageview.com
Haveli Katkoun House ph: 0747-2444311
Bundi Haveli Hotel ph: 0747-2447861
Bundi Vilas ph: 9414175280

Getting there & Away
Buses are available from Ajmer, Bikaner, Chittor, Indore, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Sawai, Madhopur, Kota and Udaipur, private buses are also available.
Train station is 2km south of the old city, there are two trains daily to chittor.
 

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Visiting Ajmer?

A beautiful serene lake, surrounded by bustling historic city, encircled by pale grey hills, is a beautiful sight and has captured the facination of many from Ghori to the Mughals and the British. Ajmer has been favored by the Mughals and many Mughal architecture lies here as a testiment of a bygone era.

SightSeeing

Ana Sagar
Dargah
Adhai-Din-ka-Jhonpra & Taragarh
Akbar's Palace
Nasiyan Temple
Where you can stay
Hotel Ajmeru ph: 0145-2431103; www.hotelajmeru.com
Haveli Heritage Inn ph: 0145-2621607
Badnor House ph: 0145-2627579

Top End
Mansingh Palace ph: 0145-2425956

Where to eat

Mango Masala (Veg fastfood) Sardar Patel Marg
Elite (Local cuisine) Station Rd
HoneyDew (Veg & Non-veg Indian and Chinese) Station Rd.

How to get there
Buses are available from all major cities and towns. Pushkar is the nearest city.
Ajmer is a regular stop on the Delhi-Jaipur-Ahemdabad

Monday, December 24, 2012

Visiting Shekawati?

Shekhawati was formerly a wealthy region acting as a trade route between the Arabian Sea and the Gangetic region. Home of the proud Thakurs and their magneficient havelis traditional and ornate. Though this region is semiarid and difficult to enjoy, the place has its own charm. It is a place to relax.

Sights to see
There are many half-forgotten villages with conceled havelis if you wish to explore traditional rajastan amoung which
Ramgarh;
Fatehpur;
Mandawa
Nawalgarh
Parasuramapura
Jhunjhunu
Mahansar are notable.

Where to stay:Mandawa is the preferred base for travellers to Shekhawati and the villages around.
Hotel Shekhawati ph: 01592-223036
Hotel Mandawa Haveli ph: 01592-223088
Hotel Heritage Mandawa ph: 01592-223742; www.hotelheritagemandawa.com
Hotel Castle Mandawa ph: 01592-223124; www.castlemandawa.com
Bungli Restaurent ph: 01592-200084
Haveli Nadine Prince ph: 01571-231479; www.culturalcenter.com; at Fatehpur is also a choice.
Apani Dhani ph: 01594-222239; www.apanidhani.com
Roop Niwas Kothi ph: 01594-222008; www.roopniwaskothi.com
Roop Vilas Palace Hotel ph: 9828199991; www.roopvilas.com of Nawalgarh
Hotels in Jhunjhunu
Hotel Shiv Shekawati ph: 01592-232651; www.shivshekawati.com
Hotel Shekawatihetitage ph: 01592-237134; www.hotelshekawatiheritage.com
Hotel Fresco Palace ph: 01592-325233
Hotel Jamuna Resort ph: 01592-232871; www.jamunaresorthotel.com
and in Mahansar
Narayana Niwas Castle ph: 01595-264322; www.mehansarcastle.com

Getting there
Busses are available from Jaipur, Delhi.
 

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Visiting Alwar?

Alwar was once an important state in Rajastan. Under the reign of Pratap Singh  they were able to keep out both Marathas and the Jats out of their territory. However this was one of the first rajastani kingdoms to align themselves with the British.

Sightseeing:
Bala Quila
City Palace
Sariska Tiger Reserve

Where you can stay
Ashoka ph: 0144-2346780
Alwar Hotel ph: 0144-2700012; www.hotelalwar.com
Neemrana Fort Palace ph: 0144-246007; www.neemranahotels.com
RTDC Hotel Tiger Den ph: 0144-2841342
Alwar Bagh ph: 0144-2885231; www.alwarbagh.com
Sariska Tiger Heaven ph: 0144-224815

Where you can eat
Prem Pavitra Bhojanalaya (Old Bus Stand)

How to get there:
Buses are available from Jaipur, Delhi, Bharatpur.
 

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Visiting Deeg?

Built by Suraj Mahl in the mid 18th century as a summer resort for the kings of Bharatpur. Suraj Mahal Palace is one of India's most beautiful Palace complexes, made up of delicately proportioned buildings set in geometric gardens.

Suraj Mahal Palace
The main building Gopal Bhavan was used by the Maharajas until 1950s, containing the original furnishings, from faded,spilling sofas to huge swing fans. Built in a combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The palace sits infront of the Gopal Sagar, and is flanked by two exquisite pavilions.Outside the garden continue the extravagant theme; the Keshav Bhavan (Summer Pavilion) is engineered to mimic the sounds of thunder when it rains and has hundreds of fountains, which sprout coloured water during local festivals.

Deeg's massive walls and 12 vast bastions, some with their cannons still in place, are also worth exploring.

How to get there-
Frequent busses run to and from Bharatpur and Alwar. There is also a direct bus from Agra.
 

Friday, December 21, 2012

Visiting Bharatpur

Bharatpur is the home of the World Heritage listed Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the worlds prime Bird-Watching grounds. With its 364 different species within its 29-sq-km marshland, including many threatened aquatic birds and migratory routes from Central Asia.
Bharatpur was once an important stronghold of Jats who successfully opposed the Mughals and even managed to keep away the British for a long time. After a 20 years long seige by the British they finally signed a treaty of frienship with them. It must have been a sight to see during its reigning days but today Bharatpur has lost its charm although the fort's sturdy defences remain as a testment to their former glory.

Sights

Lohagarh
Keoladeo Ghana National Park

Where you can stay

Spoonbill Hotel and Restaurent ph:05644-223571; www.hotelspoonbill.com
Hotel Pratap Palace ph:05644-224245 www.hotelpratappalace.net.in
New Spoonbill Hotel Restaurent ph:05644-223571; www.hotelspoonbill.com
Hotel Sunbird ph:05644-225701; www.hotelsunbird.com
Birders Inn ph:05644-227346
Bharatpur Forest Ashok ph:05644-222760; www.bharatpurashok.com
Lakshmi vilas Palace Hotel ph:05644-223523; www.laxmivilas.com
Bagh ph:05644- 225415; www.thebagh.com

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Visiting Jaipur?

Jaipur is the city of Victory,is the Capital of Rajastan. The city owes its name to the most famous warrior Maharaja Jai Singh who incidentally was a very learned astronomer of his time. In 1727 with the Mughal emperor on the wane Jai singh decided to move from his cramped hill fort in Amber, so he laid the plan to the beautiful city of Jaipur, which was surrounded by walla and rectangular blocks, according to the principles set down in the Silpasastra, an ancient Hindi architectural treatise. He also built in the Jantar Mantar Jaipur's ancient and yet remarkable accurate Observatory.
Jaipur has a well-preserved and living history, everywhere you look the you find glimses of the past that take you back thousands of years. However modren Jaipur has burst forth from its old defensive walls and is now shiny with crome and glaas buildings and modren shopping and facilities to accomodate the constant onrush of travellers triangulating from Delhi to Agra. There are three main interconnecting roads in the new part of town: Mirza Ismail (MI) Rd - where the majority of restaurents are found - Station Rd and Sansar Chandra Marg. Many tourist facilities are along or off this roads.

Tourist Information

Governament of India Tourist Office ph:2372200; Beyond the gated entrance of Hotel Khasa Kothi, provides brouchers of all of India.

Rajastan Tourism Development Corporation Central Reservation Office ph: 2202586; Behind the RTDC Hotel Swagatam, this Office handles bookings for RTDC hotels through out Rajastan, including the RTDC Tourist Village at the Pushkar Mela.

SightSeeing:

Old City (Pink City)
Hawa Mahal
City Palace
Jantar Mantar
Central Museum
Nahargarh
Royal Gaitor
Galta Surya Mandir
Birla Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
Moti Dungri
Amber Palace
Jaigarh
Abhaneri
Balaji

What you can do

Ayurvedic Massage
Kerala Ayurvedic kendra ph:5106743; www.keralaayurvedickendra; Bajaj Marg
Chakrapania Ayurveda ph: 2624003; www.chakrapaniaayurveda.com

AstrologyDr. Vinod Shastri is the medal laden general secretary of Rajastan Astrological Council & Reserch Institute ph: 2663338

Walking Tour
A 4km walking tour of the city is all you need to take in the beauty of the busy bazaars and have a totally rajastani experience.
Starting at Panch Batti, beneth the statue of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, head north along MI Rd, then turn left at Gopinath Marg and enter the walled city. Once inside, walk straight towards the Kajane Walon ka Rasta (Teasure keepers road), where you will find fine marble crafts-manship. Turn right at Chandpol Bazaar and continue until you reach the intersection of Choti Chaupur and Kishanpol Bazaar, where textile artisans design their bandhani(tie-dye) and loharia (literally 'waves'; tie-dye technique creating a stripped and zigzagged effect).
After crossing Choti Chaupar, you will reach Tripolia Bazaar home to an array of metal trinklets and kitchen utensils. Tucked away to the right is Maniharon ka Rasta(Gemstone makers street), the domain of lac(resin) bangle makers. To the north of the bazaar is the soaring Iswari Minar Swarga Sal.
About 50m from the minaret is Tripolia Gate, the three arched main entrance to the City Palace though only royal decendendants are permitted to enter via the portals. The public entrance is to the left, via Atishpol (Stable gate). From here you can visit the city palace, the Jantar Mantar and, to the north of the city palace, the very impressive Govin Devji Temple, surrounded by gardens.
Come out of the complex through the Jaleb Chowk (You may need to ask). To your right is the Hawa Mahal and the bustling Siredeori bazaar. A few meters away is the large square Badi Chaupar and further south is the Johari bazaar, known for its gold and silversmiths. Many of the grand havelis shading the street belong to wealthy cotton merchants. Of particular interest here is the meenakari. This highly glazed and intricate enamel work in the shades of green and royal blue is a speciality of Jaipur.
If you turn right before Sanganeri Gate, you will reach Bapu bazaar, then furtherbwest is Nehru Bazaar, which extends between Chaura Rasta and Kishanpol Bazaar on the inside of the southern wall. Brightly coloured fabrics, camel skin shoes and perfumes make this area hugely popular with local women. At the end of Nehru Bazaar, to your left is the Ajmer Gate. come out of the gate and you will see MI road. Turn right from here and you will come back to Panch Batti.
 Tours
The RTDC offers half/full day tours of Jaipur and arouns including the Amber Palace.
City night tours are also available
Book all tours at the RTDC Tourist Hotel Gangaur or any RTDC tourist offices.

Where you can stay

Bani Park
Hotel Anuraag Villa ph:2201679 www.anuraagvilla.com
Sajjan Niwas ph:2311544 www.sajjanniwas.com
Dera Rawatsar ph:2200770 www.derarawatsar.com
Madhuban ph: 2200033; www.madhuban.net
Umaid Bhawan ph: 2206426 www.umaidbhawan.com
Umaid Mahal ph: 2201952
*Hotel Jaipur Palace ph:0141 2743161 www.hoteljaipurpalace.in
Hotel Meghniwas ph: 2202034; www.meghniwas.com
Jas Vilas ph:2204638; www.jasvilas.com
Shahpura House ph:2203069; www.shahpurahouse.com
Nana-ki-haveli ph:2615502; www.nanakihaveli.com
Narain Niwas Palace Hotel ph: 2561291; www.hotelnarainniwas.com
Alsisar Haveli ph:2368290; www.alsisarhaveli.com
Top End
Samode Haveli ph:2632370; www.samode.com
Jai Mahal Palace Hotel ph:2223636; www.tajhotels.com
Raj Palace ph: 2634077; www.rajpalace.com
Rambagh Palace ph:2211919; www.tajhotels.com
Raj Vilas ph:2680101

Where u can eat

MI Road
Handi Restaurent (Mugalai)opp. main post office
Natraj Restaurent (veg orth Indian, continental, chinese)
Copper Chiminey (veg&non-veg Indian, continental, chinese)
Dr. Dosa (veg)
Niro's (veg & non-veg)
Moti Mahal Delux (veg & non-veg Indian)
Old City
Mohan
Ganesh Restaurent (local cuisine)
LMB (veg)
Palace Cafe (veg & non-veg snacks)
Jai shankar Pavitra Bhijnalaya (veg Indian) near main Bus Station
Thali House (veg) station rd.
Four Seasons (veg) Subhas Marg
Little Italy (veg) Pritviraj Marg
Peacock Rooftop Restaurent (veg & non-veg) Hotel Pearl Palace Hari Kishan Somani Marg
Om Revolving Restaurent (veg) Church rd
Chocolate Boutique ;68 Gopal Bari rd.
Bake Hut ;Aravind Marg
Jal Mahal ; MI rd.
Baskin robbins ; Sanjay Marg
Barista ; Mall 21, Bhagwandas Marg
Cafe Coffe Day ; MI rd.
Lassiwala ; MI rd.

Entertainment

Raj Mandir Cinema ph:2379372 ; Bhagwandas Marg
Chokhi Dhani ph:2225001

Shopping

Jaipur is famous for gemstones, main gem dealing area is Pahar jang of Surajpol
Johari and Siredeori Bazaars for jewellery shops selling gold, silver and fine meenakari work.
Bapu Bazaar is lined for sarees.
Kishanpol Bazaar is famous for bandhani textiles.
Nehru Bazaar has jootis(footwear)
Best place for bangles is Maniharon ka Rasta
Amber Rd is where you will find block prints, blue pottery, carpets and antiques


Rajasthali (MI rd opp. Ajmer Gate) Governament owned Emporium
Anokhi (C-11 Prithviraj Marg) www.anoki.com
Fabindia (Sarojini Marg) www.fabindia.com

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Rajastan - Land of Kings

Rajastan - Raja's sthan, the place of kings, aptly named as it is the home of the most valient Rajput clans, who claim to originate from the sun, moon, and fire. The fabulous realm of maharajas and their majestic forts and lavish palaces. The remanants of rich and romantic past, either in evocative ruins or restored to former splendour, have earned Rajastan a place on most traveller's list. It is a land of deserts and jungle, camel trains and tigers, glittering jewels, vivid art and vibrant culture. The home of spectacular and colorful festivals, amazing shopping expirience and a wide variety in the cuisine of Rajastan. Rajastan is a must see state if you are looking for a romantic royal experience.
 - Be mesmerised by the magnificence of the cliff-top fort of Mehrangarh, looking over the blue city of Jodpur.

 - A ride over the sea of the desert to the sandstone castle of Jaisalmer.

 - Visit the fairytale city of Udaipur and get lost in it's luxury and splendor and those romantic lakes and palaces.

 - The chaotic Capital, the Pink city of Jaipur offers an adventure and an amazing shopping experience.

 - The mystical small quaint town of Pushkar around the holy lake hosts India's most famous fairs.

 - Let your imagination run wild in the storybook world of frescoed havelis of Shekhawati.

 - A relaxed holiday in Bundi is exactly what you need after the cultural rollercoaster experience of Rajastan.

Other Locations You might like to visit :
  • Bharatpur
  • Deeg
  • Alwar
  • Ajmer
  • Kota
  • Chittorgarh
  • Mt Abu
  • Jodpur
  • Bikaner

Facts
Population: 56.5 million
Area: 342,239 sq km
Capital:  Jaipur
Main Languages: Hindi, Rajastani
When to go: mid October to mid March


Festivals in Rajastan

  • Jaipur Literature Festival  (jan; Jaipur; www.jaipurliteraturefestival.org) Featuring international and Indian authors and a pragram of talks, films, debares and theater.
  • Camel Festival (Jan - Feb; Bikaner) Best of breed competitions, races and decorated camels.
  • Nagaur Camel Fair (Jan/Feb; Nagaur) Camel and cattle fair that focuses on livestock trading but still colours the town with festivities.
  • Desert Festival (Feb; Jaisalmer) A chance for moustache - twirlers to compete in the 'Mr Desert' contest, and a host of other desert delights.
  • Elephant Festival (Mar; Jaipur) Parades, polo and human-versus-elephant tugs-of-war.
  • Thar Festival (Mar; Barmer) Just after the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, this features cultural shows, dancing and puppetary.
  • Gangaur (Mar/Apr; Jaipur) a statewide festival honouring Shiva and Parvati's love; it's celebrated with particular fervour in Jaipur.
  • Cattle Fair (Mar/Apr; Barmer) One of Rajastan's biggest cattle fairs.
  • Mewar Festival (Mar-Apr; Udaipur) Udaipur's version of Gangaur, with free cultural events and a cultural procession down to the lake. Local women step out in their finest.
  • Summer Festival (May; Mt Abu) The summer is dedicated to Rajastani Music.
  • Teej (Aug; Jaipur & Bundi) Celebrates the arrival of monsoon.
  • Dussehra Mela (Oct; Kota) Commemorates Rama's victory over Ravana (the demon king of Lanka). Its a spectacular time to visit Kota - huge fire-cracker filled effigies are burnt.
  • Marwar Festival (Oct; Jodhpur & Osiyan) Celebrates Rajastan heroes through music and dance; one day is held in jodhpur and one in Osiyan.
  • Bundi Ustav (Oct/Nov; Bundi) Cultural programs, fireworks and processions.
    Kashavrai Patan (Oct/Nov Bundi & Kota) Held in the month of Kartika, attended by thousands of piligrims.
  • Pushkar Mela (Nov; Pushkar) The Pushkar camel fair is the most famous festival in the state; its a massive congregation of camels, horses and cattle traders, piligrims and tourists.
  • Kolayat Mela (Nov; Kolayat) Held at the same time as Pushkar Mela, but with sadhus rather than camels.
  • Chandrabhaga Mela (Nov; Jhalrapatan) A cattle fair chance for thousands of piligrims to bathe in the holy Chandrabhaga river.
  • Winter Festival (Dec; Mt Abu) Focuses on music and folk dance.
 

Monday, December 17, 2012

Delhi

Delhi is the capital of India. But it has been more than that, the place we call Delhi has been the seat of power for centuries.It has been the capital of the Pandavas of mahabharata to the present parlament. Delhi has the ability to attract power. Over the centuries the capital of India was shifted many times but then again it was shifted back to Delhi. During the epics Hastinapur was the capital of the Kaurava empire until Pandavas established Indraprasta from then on atleast 8 cities were founded on this land since history was known. Four of which were to the south of the present Delhi where Qutubminar stands right now. Hence this part of delhi is commonly addressed as the old Delhi. Firoz Shah Kotla established Firozabad in present-day New Delhi which was the fifth city on this place.
The sixth was founded by Emperor Sher Shah near the purana Quila. While Emperor Shajahan shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi and established the seventh city as Shahjahanabad which is Old Delhi that was well preserved even today.The Chauhans made it a Hindu center after that, but it fell back to the rule of Qutub -ud-din and ushered a six centuries of Islamic rule. When the British came to India they had Calcutta as their capital but soon it was once again shifted to Delhi. the British ushered Delhi to a new age and the buildings built by them were still used.

Festivals Unique to Delhi.
Delhi being the capital of India is the host to many people of different religions and all the religious festivals are celebrated with equal joy.
But the festivals that are unique to Delhi are :

Republic Day Parade (26 January) RajPath, military parade
Beating of the Retreat (29 Jan) Rajpath, end of Republic Day
Flower Show (Jan/Feb)
Independence Day (15 August) Prime Minister addresses the nation from RedFort rampart.
Qutub Festival (Oct/Nov) Sufi music near Qutub Minar.

Tourism
India Tourism Delhi (www.incredibleindia.org)

Sightseeing:
Old Delhi

Kashmiri Gate
Mutiny Memorial
Ashoka Pillar
Red Fort(Lal Qila)
Lahore Gate
Diwan -i- Am
Diwan -i- Khas
Royal Baths
Shahi Burj
Moti Masjid
Khas Mahal
Rang Mahal
Museum of Archaeology
Chandini Chowk
Sunehri Masjid
Jama Masjid
Raj Ghat
Qutub Minar
Tughlaqabad
Quwwat -ul- Islam Masjid
Iron Pillar
Alai Minar

New Delhi and Around

Rajpath
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Mughal Gardens
India Gate
Sansad Bhavan
Humayun's tomb
Purana Qila
Gandhi Smriti
Crafts Museum
National Museum
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Safdarjang's Tomb
Indira Gandhi Smriti
Hazrat Nizam-ud-Din Dargah
Lodi Garden
National Gallery of Modren art
Nehru Memorial Museum and Planetorium
Tibet House
National Zoological Gardens
Connaught Place
Jantar Mantar
Bahai House of Worship
Akshardham Temple
Lakshmi Narayan Temple
National Rail Museum
Hauz Khas
Shankar's International Dolls Museum
Coronation Durbar Site
Firoz Shah Kotla
Sulabh International Museum of Toilets

Other Features

Alai Darwaza
The tomb of Imam Zamin
The tomb of Altamish
Summer Palaces
Other tombs of kings

Where u can Stay

Hotel New City Palace ph: 23279548 www.hotelnewcitypalace.in
Hotel Bombay Orient ph: 23242691
Hotel Downtown ph: 41541529; 4583
Hotel Namaskar ph: 23583456 www.hotelnamaskar.com
Hotel Rak International   ph: 23562478
Hotel Major's Den ph: 23589010
Hotel Amax Inn ph: 23543813
Lord's Hotel ph: 23588303
Ajay Guest House ph: 23583125 www.anupamhoteliersltd.com
Cottage Ganga Inn ph: 23561516
Cottage crown Plaza ph: 23561800
Cottage Yes Please ph: 23562300
Hotel Navarang ph: 23561301
Heritage Inn ph: 23588222
Anoop Hotel ph: 41541390
Hare Krishna Guest House ph: 41541341
Royal Guest House ph: 23586176
Hotel Kelson ph: 41541020
Peace House ph: 23939415
Wongdhen House ph: 23816689
Ringo Guest House ph: 23310605
Sunny Guest House ph: 23312909
Hotel Eurostar ph: 46062300
Ginger ph: 1800 209 3333 www.gingerhotels.com
Hotel Broadway ph: 43663600 www.oldworldhospitality.com
Metropolis Tourist Home ph: 23561794
Hotel Relax ph: 23562811
Hotel Ajanta ph: 23546891
Hotel Grand Goodwin ph: 23546891 www.goodwinhotels.com
YMCA tourist Hostel ph: 23361915
Prem Sagar Guest House ph: 23345263
Hotel Alka ph: 23344328 www.hotelalka.com
York Hotel ph: 23415769 www.hotelyorkindia.com
Hotel Palace Heights ph: 43582610
Corus ph: 43652222 www.hotelcorus.com
Ess Gee's ph: 5725403 www.essgees.net
Master Guest House ph: 28741089 www.masterguesthouse.com
Yatri House ph: 23625563
Bajaj Indian Home Stay ph: 25736509 www.bajajindianhomestay.com
My Pick Hotel Southern which has its own transportation facilities and other amenities

What u can Do

Golf - Delhi Golf Club on Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg.
Massage and Ayurvedic Treatments - Kerala Ayurveda www.keralaayurveda.biz
Swimming - Siri Fort Sports complex with Olympic sized Swimming Pool along with toddler pool
Cooking - Tannie Baig ph: 9868217288
Meditation and Yoga - Dhyan Foundation ph: 26253374 www.dhyanfoundation.com
Murarji Desai National Institute of Yoga ph: 23721472 www.yogamdniy.com
Sri Aurobindo Ashram ph: 26567863
Spa - Lambency Spa ph: 40587983 www.chandansparsh.com

Shopping
Governament & State Emporiums
Central Cottage Industry in Janpath
State Emporium on Baba Kharak Sing Marg



MarketsChandini Chowk in Old Delhi
Main Bazaar in Paharjang
Karol Bagh Market
Connaught Place
Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan
Palika Bazaar
People Tree
Ansal Plaza
Dilli Haat
Greater Kailash
Nalli Silks
Fabindia
Hauz Khas Village
Khan Market
Lajpat Nagar Central Market
Sarojini Nagar Market
Sunder Nagar Market

 

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Humara Hindustan

India is a subcontinent, this I learnt when I was in school.
India is a subcontinent, this I have learnt in my geography class.
India is a secular country with a democratic constitution, this I learnt in a civics class.
India is the home of some ancient civilizations, this I knew from a history class.

But India is much more than these unimaginative words, India is a destination that is much more fantastical than any Narnia. If you have a little imagination you can live such fasinating stories in this country that you can every imagine. India has captured the imagination of many travellers. Those who venture into this country can hardly keep themselves from being drawn into its spirit. Those who see India are never the same any more. India offers such ancient wisdom, culture and guidence to those who seek it. It offers peace and tranquility to thos ewho crave it, it enlightens you and offers you an new direction to life. India has inspired many great writers, who enchanted by its differnt aspects have produced one of the greatest works by putting their pen to paper with magic as its ink.