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About Rajasthan:
According to the Hindu Mythology, the
Rajputs of Rajasthan were the descendants of the
Kshatriyas or warriors of Vedic India. The emergence
of the Rajput warrior clans was in the 6th and 7th
centuries. Rajputs ancestry can be divided into two:
the "solar" or suryavanshi-those descended from Rama,
the hero of the epic Ramayana, and the "lunar" or
chandravanshi, who claimed descent from Krishana,
the hero of the epic Mahabharata. Later a third clan
was added, the agnikula or fire-born, said to have
emerged from the flames of a sacrificial fire on Mt
Abu.
It has been accepted that the Rajputs
were divided into thirty-six races and twenty-one
kingdoms. The Rajput clans gave rise to dynasties
like Sisodias of Mewar (Udaipur),
the Kachwahas of Amber (Jaipur), the Rathors of
Marwar (Jodhpur & Bikaner), the Hadas of Jhalwawar,
Kota & Bundi, the Bhattis of Jaisalmer, the Shekhawats of Shekhawati and the Chauhans of Ajmer.
Early History:
Rajasthan is the north-western region of India, and
has remain independent from the great empires.
Buddhism failed to make substantial inroad here; the
Mauryan empire (321-184 BC), whose most renowned
emperor, Ashoka, Converted to Buddhism in 261 BC,
had minimal impact in Rajasthan, However, there are
Buddhist caves and stupas (Buddhist Shrines) at
Jhalawar, in Southern Rajasthan. Ancient Hindu
scriptural epics make reference to sites in
present-day Rajasthan. The Holy Pilgrimage site of
Pushkar is mentioned in both the Mahabharata and
Ramayana.
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RAJASTHAN
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Capital |
Jaipur |
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Area |
342,239
Sq.Kms |
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Population |
51.7
Millions |
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Language |
Rajasthani & Hindi |
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Best Season |
Mid-October to Mid-March |
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Emergence of the Rajputs :
The fall of the Gupta Empire,
which held dominance in northern
India for nearly 300 years until
the early 5th Century, was
followed by a period of
instability as various local
chieftains sought to gain
supremacy. Power rose and fell in
northern India. Stability was only
restored with the emergence of the
Gurjara Partiharas, the earliest
of the Rajput (from 'Rajputra', or
Sons of Princes) dynasties which
were later to hold the balance of
power throughout
Rajasthan.Whatever their actual
origins, the Rajputs have evolved
a complex mythological genealogy.
This ancestry can be divided into
two main branches: the Suryavansa,
or Race of the Sun (Solar Race),
which claims direct descent from
Rama; and the Induvansa, or Race
of the Moon (Lunar race), which
claims descent from Krishna, Later
a third branch was added, the
Agnikula, or 'Fire Born'. These
people claim they were manifested
from the flames of a sacrificial
fire on Mt.Abu From these three
Principal races emerged the 36
Rajput clans.
The Rajput clans gave rise to
dynasties such as the Chauhans,
Sisodias, Kachhwahas and Rathores.
Chauhans of the Agnikula Race
emerged in the 12th century and
were renowned for their valour.
Their territories included the
Sapadalksha kingdom, which
encompassed a vast area including
present- day Jaipur, Ranthambore,
part of Mewar, the western portion
of Bundi district, Ajmer
Kishangarh and even, at one time,
Delhi. Branches of the Chauhans
also ruled territories know as
Ananta (in present-day Shekhawati)
and Saptasatabhumi. The Sisodias
of the Suryavansa Race, Originally
from Gujarat, migrated to
Rajasthan in the mid-7th Century
and reigned over Mewar, which
encompassed Udaipur and
Chittorgarh. The Kachhwahas,
originally from Gwalior
in Madhya Pradesh, travelled west
in the 12th century. They built
the massive fort at Amber, and
later shifted the capital to
Jaipur. Like the Sisodias, they
belonged to the Suryavansa Race.
Also belonging to the Suryavansa
Race, the Rathore (earlier known
as Rastrakutas) traveled from
Kanauj, in Uttar Pradesh.
Initially they settled in Pali,
south of present-day
Jodhpur, but later moved to
Mandore in 1381 and ruled over
Marwar (Jodhpur). Later they
started building the stunning
Meherangarh (fort) at Jodhpur.
The Bhattis, who belong to the
Induvansa Race, driven from their
homeland in the Punjab by the
Turks, installed themselves at
Jaisalmer in 1156. They remained
more of less entrenched in their
desert Kingdom untill they were
integrated into the state of
Rajasthan following Independence |
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The Rhythms of Music and Dance:
The desert comes alive when the
perfumers take centre stage.
Though the Ghoomar is dances that
is performed in the privacy of
homes, and was once restricted to
the zananas, almost all others are
folk forms that are either linked
to a particular festival. In
recent years however, these
performances have become more
widespread, so that the regional
distinction is beginning to wear
off. Visitors to the state can
request specific enter
entertainments, or simply choose
to be swept away by the rhythms
and a nuance of Rajasthan as it
celebrates.
Bhavai:
One of the state’s most
spectacular performances consists
of veiled women dancers balancing
up to seven or nine brass pitchers
as they dance nimbly, pirouetting,
and then swaying with the soles of
their feet perched on top of a
glass, or on the edge of a sword.
There is a sense of cutting edge
suspense to the performance, and
even through some of the hotel
performers use only papier-mache
pots that are stuck together, the
feat is still one of amazing
dexterity.
Chari:
Dancers choreograph deft patterns
with their hands while balancing
brass pots on their heads. The
performance is made more
picturesque with the flames from
cottonseeds set alight, so that
the bobbing heads create streaks
of illuminated patterns as they
move effortlessly around the
floor.
Drum Dance:
Put a naked sword in the mouth of
a man, and give him three swords
to juggle with his hands while
avoiding causing an injury to
himself. This to the accompaniment
of his troupe that consists of
musicians holding aloft drums
around their necked and cymbals in
their hands. A stirring
performance from a martial race.
Fire Dance:
if there is divine protection to
be offered, the jasnaiths of
Bkaner and churu must be
responsible for most of it. These
dancers perform on a large bed of
flaming coals, their steps moving
to the beat of drums that arises
in crescendo till the dancers
appear to be in a near-hypnotic
state. And no, they’re not likely
to have any blisters to show for
it. These devotional performances
are usually to be seen late on a
winter’s night.
Gair:
There are several variations to
this picturesque dance form that
is performed by both men and
women. The men wear long, pleated
tunics that open out into
full-length skirts as they move
first clockwise then in
anti-clockwise direction, beating
their sticks to create the rhythm
when they turn. Originally a Bhil
dance, and performed at the time
of Holi, its variations are the
Dandia Gair in the Marwar Region
and Geended in the Shekhawati
region.
Ghoomar:
A community dance of the Rajputs,
performed by the women of the
house and traditionally out of
bounds for men, it uses simple,
swaying movements to convey the
spirit of any auspicious occasion.
There is, however, an amazing
grace as the skirts flare slowly
while the women twirl in circles,
their faces covered by the veil.
Traditionally all women, whether
old or young, participate in the
dance, which can continue for
hours into the night. A new bride,
on her husband, too is expected to
dance the ghoomar as one of the
rituals of the new marriage.
Kachhi Ghodi:
Originated from the bandit regions
of Shekhawati, the dance is
performed for the entertainment of
a bridegroom’s party. Dancers wear
elaborate costumes resemble them
riding on dummy horses. A vigorous
dance, it uses mock-fights and the
brandishing of swords, nimble
sidestepping and pirouetting to
the music of fifes and drums. A
ballad singer usually sings the
exploits of the bandit Robin
Hoods.
Kathak:
This formal, classical dance
evolved as a gharana in the courts
of Jaipur where it reached a scale
that established it as distinct
from the other centre of kathak,
Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. Even
today, the Jaipur gharana is well
established, though performances
occur in other centers rather than
in the state where the opportunity
for classical dance forms has been
on the decline for a while.
Kathputli:
A tradition of puppeteering has
long existed in Rajasthan A
traveling form of entertainment;
it uses the ballads retold in the
voice of the puppeteer who is
assisted by this family in
erecting a make-shift stage.
Puppets are strung on the stage
and recount historic anecdotes,
reply tales of love, and include
much screeching and high-pitched
sounds as the puppets twirl and
move frenetically.
Maand:
A form of court music, the
maand is a raga formation that
developed in Marwar, and includes
a complex inflexion of voices,
sung in a deep bass. This
sophisticated form of music
percolated down to folk forms and
professional singers use it to
sing ballads that have a haunting
quality as their voices range over
the desert. The maand has also
been used to sing the praises of
their ruller-patrons. A festivals
is now exclusively dedicated to
the even in
Jodhpur.
Sapera Dance:
One of the most sensuous dance
forms of Rajasthan, Performed by
the Kalbelia snake charmers’
community, the Sapera (Snake
Charmers) dancers wear long, black
skirts embroidered with silver
ribbons. As they spin in a circle,
their body sways acrobatically, so
that it is impossible to believe
that they are made of anything
other than rubber. As the beat
increases too much a pitch that it
leaves the viewer as exhausted as
the dancer
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Wonderland Treks and Tours
is organizing following
special Choo sen programmes
for its valued clients, each
tour is specially designed
and is based on a
particular region or theme
of the Rajasthan State. If
you need more customized
Trips and Tailor-made trips
for Rajasthan please let us
know that and we will provide you
the memorable trip to this
Mystic State of the India
Called “Rajasthan”.Royal
Wedding
Rajasthan |
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» Golden
Triangle Tour (05 Days/04 Nights) |
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Day 01: Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival & and
transfer to hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 02:
Delhi - Agra
Enjoy a tour of Delhi that include
visits to Qutub Minar, India Gate (War
Memorial) and Laxmi Narayan Temple.
Drive past Presidents House, Parliament
House and Secretariat Buildings.
Also visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site
of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru,
Jama Masjid and drive past Red Fort and
Chandini Chowk. Late Afternoon drive to
Agra. Upon arrival at Agra check in at
hotel for overnight stay.
Day 03:
Agra - Jaipur
Morning proceed for sightseeing of Agra
Fort and Taj Mahal. Late
 Afternoon drive
to Jaipur. En route visit Fatehpur and
explore its beautifully preserved forts,
palaces and mosques.
Day 04: Jaipur
Morning visit the Amber Fort on an
elephant back. Afternoon explore the
Pink City of Jaipur visiting the
Observatory, Hawa Mahal and City Palace
where the royal family still lives. Rest
of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at
hotel.
Day 05: Jaipur
-
Delhi
Morning visit the colorful bazaars of
the city and late afternoon drive back
to Delhi International airport for
onward journey |
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CLICK
HERE FOR DETAILED ITINERARY OF THIS TOUR
 |
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»
Treasure of Rajasthan
(13 Days/12 Nights) |
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Day 1: Delhi :Arrive
Delhi and transfer to hotel. Check in
hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Delhi- Mukundgarh
:Morning
drive to Mukundgarh. Arrive & check in
at hotel. Afternoon visit Mukundgarh /
Mandawa. Mandawa, founded in 1775 by
Thakur Nawal Singhand still the home of
his descendants has beautiful frescoes,
havelis and mansions. Mandawa Castle,
one of the finest castle of Rajasthan is
now a hotel and houses a collection of
armories, costumes of ancestors, cannons
from 1820 ancient coins, numismatic
collection and many other interesting
items in a Museum. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Mukundgarh- Khimsar :Morning
drive to Khimsar. Arrive Khimsar & check
in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing at
Khimsar. Khimsar is steeped in history-
founded 2500 years ago by the Jain Saint
Mahaveer. This is the starting point of
the great Indian Desert. The founder of
the castle which was built in mid 15th
century was Prince Karamsi- son of
Jodhpur and very close to other places
of interest like Osian and Nagaur. Well
managed Khimsar Fort provides the
visitors with all modern amenities- 50
luxuriously furnished rooms, theme
dinners, a variety of continental and
indian meals as well as traditional
Rajasthani are available. Evening jeep
safari to sand dunes for a sunset view.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Khimsar / Jodhpur :Morning
drive to Jodhpur stopping at Mandor 10
Kms short of Jodhpur to visit the Mandor
Garden the old capital of Jodhpur. On
arrival at Jodhpur, visit Mehrangarh
Fort & Jaswant Thada. Overnight at
hotel.
Day 5: Jodhur / Jaipur :Morning
drive to Jaipur. On arrival check in at
hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6: Jaipur :Morning
sightseeing tour and visit to the Amber
Fort. Amber Fort, the ancient capital of
the state until 1728. See the Sheesh
Mahal or the hall of victory glittering
with mirrors, Jal Mahal and Kali.
Ascend, on elephant back, the hill on
which fort is situated. City sightseeing
tour, Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan
was given a color coat of pink a century
ago in honor of a visiting prince. Ever
since it had retained that color. Built
by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable
astronomer, this city is 260 years old.
Visit the Maharaja's City Palace and the
observatory and drive past Hawa Mahal ,
the palace of winds. Overnight at hotel
Day 7: Jaipur / Bharatpur :Morning
drive to Bharatpur. Arrive Bharatpur &
check in hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of
Bharatpur. Visit Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary on rickshaws. The most
spectacular water- Birds Sanctuary
features nesting of indigenous water-
birds, migratory birds. From October
till December, the indigenous water-
birds nest around the lake from December
on the migratory Geese, Duck and Cranes
are the main feature of the sanctuary.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 8: Bharatpur / Orchaa :Morning
drive to Orchaa. Arrive Orchaa & check
in at hotel. Visit the well- preserved
medieval township of Orcha built in the
16th century. Sightseeing include the
Rajmahal with its beautiful murals, the
Laxmi Narayan Temple and the Jehangir
Mahal built in the 17th century, to
commemorate the visit of the emperor
Jehangir. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9: Orchaa / Khajuraho :Morning
drive to Khajuraho. Arrive Khajuraho &
check in at hotel. Enjoy visit to
Khajuraho and its temples, built during
the reign of the Chendela Kings from
950-1050. Today only 22 of the 85
original remaining temples are
magnificent examples of Hindu
architecture. These exquisite
sculptures,.which adorn the spires with
a galaxy of gods and goddesses, beasts
and serpents and a multitude of erotic
couples represent a paean to life, love
and joy. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10:
Khajuraho /
Agra :Morning
drive to Agra. Arrive Agra & check in at
hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Agra :Morning city
sightseeing tour visiting the world
famous Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal
Emperor Shahjahan in 1630 for his Queen
Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal
remains. Later visit the Agra Fort
containing the pearl mosque and the hall
of public and private audience.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12:
Agra / Delhi :Morning
drive to Delhi. Arrive Delhi & check in
at hotel. Evening at Leisure and
Shopping at New Delhi. Go out for Dinner
with your Guide in a well known
restaurant (on Prior Booking Only).
Overnight at Hotel
Day 13: Departure to IGI-New
Delhi :Early
morning Departure to International
Airport for Flight Back Home |
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CLICK
HERE FOR DETAILED ITINERARY OF THIS TOUR
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»
Royal Rajasthan Tour (18 Days/17 Nights) |
|
Day 1: Delhi :Arrive
Delhi. Assistance on arrival and
transfer to hotel. Overnight at
hotel.Morning, combined sightseeing of
Old and New Delhi visiting Qutub Minar.
India Gate (war memorial), Laxmi Narayan
Temple a (modern Hindu temple), drive
past President's estate, Parliament
House, Secretariat building, Raj Ghat
and Shanti van, the cremation sites of
Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru,
Jama Masjid, the Red Fort and Chandni
Chowk. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02:
Delhi / Agra :Morning
drive to Agra. On arrival & check in
hotel. Afternoon city visit the
magnificent Taj Mahal built by the
Emperor Shah Jehan between 1631 and 1653
as an expression of his love for his
Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Over night at hotel.
Also visit Itmad- Ud- Daula's Tomb built
by Empress Noorjahan in memory of her
father. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03:
Agra / Bharatpur :Morning,
drive to Bharatpur via Fatehpur Sikri.
Afternoon visit to Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary on rickshaws. The most
spectacular water- birds sanctuary
features nesting indigenous water- birds
and migratory birds. From October till
December the indigenous water- birds
nest around the lake from December on,
the migratory geese, duck and cranes are
the main feature of the sanctuary.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Bharatpur /
Karoli :Morning,
drive to Karoli. Arrive Karoli & check
in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of
Karoli, the kingdom of Karoli, founded
in 1348, close to the borders of both
Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh has
ravines in the countryside and is now
off the beaten track. Better known for
its pink stone used for construction,
Karoli is a pilgrimage center and has an
old palace which, though mostly in
ruins, is still representative of the
opulence of its medieval durbars.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Karoli / Pachewar
:Morning,
drive to Pachewar. Arrive Pachewar &
check in hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Pachewar /
Deogarh :Morning,
drive to Deogarh, Arrive Deogarh & check
in hotel. The Deogarh Castle is located
on a hillock and is encircled by the
town. It was built in 1670 by Rawat
Dwarkadasji of the Chundawat clan of the
Siaodia Dynasty. Constructed by the
famed Sompura architects, well-known for
their additions and alterations
according to the needs of the residents.
There are five floors and over 200 rooms
have murals done by local painters after
whom Deogarh school of painting has
acquired fame the world over. The family
has a large collection of Deogarh
miniatures. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Deogarh / Narlai
:Morning,
drive to Narlai. Arrive Narlai & check
in hotel. Afternoon visit the Narlai. A
legend says it that it was here that the
sage Narad Muni meditated long before it
was inhabited and later it became a
hunting preserve for the Sisodias.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Narlai / Luni :Morning,
drive to Luni. Arrive Luni & check in
hotel. Afternoon visit the Luni River
that has provided a lifeline to dwellers
in the desert even though it has been a
seasonal phenomenon and its floods in
the past have wrought havoc. Overnight
at hotel.
Day 09: Luni / Jaisalmer
:Morning
drive to Jaisalmer. Arrive Jaisalmer &
check in hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Jaisalmer :Morning,
city tour throbbing in the heart of the
Thar. The origins of Jaisalmer go back
to the 12th century, when Rawal Jaisal
abandoned his old fort at Ludarwa and
laid the foundation of a new city. Visit
the magnificent fort, the Patwon Ki
Havelis (mansion) and Salim Singh Ki
Havelis. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11:
Jaisalmer /
Bikaner :Morning,
drive to Bikaner. Arrive Bikaner & check
in hotel. Afternoon city tour. Bikaner
city is bolstered by imposing walls and
has a 16th century fort housing old
palaces, temples and mosque. Founded by
Raja Rai Singh, the fort is
distinguished by its long range of 37
pavilions, a line of balconies and
aerial windows of varying designs. Also
visit Lallgarh Palace, the museum,
Bhanda Sagar Jain and Deshnoke Rat
Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12:
Bikaner / Kuchaman :Morning,
drive to Kuchaman. Arrive Kuchaman &
check in hotel. Located in Nagaur
District, Kuchaman Fort has had a
strategic role to play in Rajasthan's
history which unravels as one moves
around its 17th century battlements. Its
picturesque village is idyllic for those
who would like to discover the charm of
walking through it. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Kuchaman / Pachar:Morning,
drive to Pachar. Arrive Pachar & check
in hotel. Afternoon visit lake to one
side and sand dunes on the other.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14: Pachar / Jaipur :Morning,
drive to Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur & check
in hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15: Jaipur :Morning
excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride
ascent to the fort
AMBER FORT PALACE -
Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani
fort palace. Its construction was
started by Man Singh I in 1592, and
completed by his descendent Jai Singh I.
Its forbidding exterior belies an inner
paradise where a beautiful fusion of
Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's
ultimate expression.
Continue sight-seeing.CITY
PALACE -
A delightful blend of Mughal and
traditional Rajasthani architecture, the
City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of
the area in the walled city. It houses
the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev
Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest
and the best preserved of the five
observatories built by Jai Singh II in
different parts of the country. This
observatory consisting of outsized
astronomical instruments is still in
use.
HAWA MAHAL -
The ornamental facade of
this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent
landmark in Jaipur. Their five-story
structures of sandstone plastered pink
encrusted with fine trelliswork and
elaborate balconies. The palace has 953
niches and windows. Built in 1799 by
Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal
grandstand for the palace women.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16: Jaipur- Sariska :After
Breakfast, Drive to Sariska, A Wild life
Sancutary is located here. After 3
Hourss of Drive, Tranfer to Hotel and
Eveneing at Leisure.Overnight at Hotel.
Day 17: Sariska :After
Breakfast, Explore the Sariska National
Park and Go on a wild Safari with your
Local Guide, you will see many spices of
wild Animals, Tigers are no | | | |
