| Located on the northeast borders of India, Rajasthan stretches out in to the Thar Desert. Rajasthan, literally translated as the land of kings & princes, is the ultimate confluence of history, chivalry, romance, rugged natural beauty, art & crafts and colour.
Against the backdrop of the dull desert landscape & the once impregnable sand coloured forts. It is the land of colourful people and attire, who narrate amazing legends of heroism and romance. Legends, which still resound from its equally amazing architecture standing erect, a witness to a glorious bygone era.
Today, years after the last bugle was sounded, and after the warring kingdoms of erstwhile Rajputana, sheathed their swords, the desert appears romantic, its arts, the expression of a brave yet sensitive race, its architecture the embodiment of strength and grace. It is as if, in celebration of life itself.
The appearance of its grand forts perched on rocky hills still tell the story of the bravery of its men and the stoic sacrifice of its women, and the chivalrous old world manners of all.
The magic of Rajasthan is unequalled in the world for its heritage, culture, safaris, sand dunes and lush green forests with its wildlife. Rajasthan is often expressed as huge open-air museum with relic so well preserved for the travellers and the curious of the day.
It is action-packed with outdoors too; take a safari on horses, camels, elephants or even jeeps with the Aravalis - India's oldest mountain range in the backdrop, or caress your eyes on the sloppy sand dunes, or trail a tiger or just watch birds on wetland. Or you can choose to pamper yourself in the lavish heritage properties.
Take part in the vibrant dances with swords & swirling skirts, with lamps & horses. Buy exclusive craft of mirror work embroidery, metal and leather craft. Exalt the beautiful miniature & pichwai paintings. Taste the distinct cuisine. Rajasthan has something for everyone, just choose your activity. Live like a prince in the land of kings & princes.
South west of Jaipur, Ajmer is an oasis wrapped in the green hills. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. When Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Since then, home to many dynasties. Today, Ajmeris a popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus as well as Muslims. Especially famous is the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims. It is a centre of culture and education, the British chose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College a school exclusively for Indian nobility. Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (11 km.), the abode of Lord Brahma, lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake. The Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the month of Kartik (Oct./Nov.), devotes throng in large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred lake.
Ajaipal Chauhan founded Ajmerin the seventh century. He constructed a hill fort "Ajaimeur" or the invincible hill. The Chauhans ruled Ajmer till the 12th century when Prithviraj Chauhan lost Mohammed Ghauri. Thereafter it became a part of the sultanate of Delhi. Ajmer was also favourite residence for the great Mughals. One of the first contacts between the Mughal King Jahangir and Sir Thomas Roe took place here in 1616. The Scindias took over the city in 1818 and then handed it over to the British and it became one of the only part of Rajasthan controlled directly by the East Indian Co.
The bus stand in Ajmer is located near the RTDC hotel Khadim. And the railway is further north and most of the hotels are west of the stations. Northeast is the main post office and most of the cities market is located behind and up to Agra Gate. Further north is a large artificial lake called the Anna Sagar. |
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