Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Golden City of Jaisalmer in Thar Desert


Jaisalmer holds a unique place in all the cities of Rajasthan. The largest district of Jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan is located amidst the scorched and sandy terrain of the Great Thar Desert of India. Jaisalmer is one of the most attractive cities of the Rajasthan. It is located deep in the Thar Desert.

Jaisalmer was founded by the Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 A.D., a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, atop the Trikuta Hill.

Jaisalmer is more often and aptly called the “golden City” as the sunsets, the sandstone buildings emit a lustrous glow. Jaisalmer has such a mystic aura and grandeur that no other city can match. There are ancient palaces, temples and haveli constructed of yellow sandstone, on which when golden sun rays fall, give the city a golden hue.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Enchanting Jodhpur


Jodhpur is the one of most vibrant cities of Rajasthan. It shines with its color culture and undying traditions that it has become face of Rajasthan. It lies on the edge of Thar Desert. Most striking features of this region are smooth sand dunes and the thorny vegetation. Historically speaking, origin of Jodhpur is credited to Rathore Clan. Rao Jodha laid the foundation of Jodhpur in India in 1459. Before him it was known as Marwar.

Jodhpur has many tales of olden days to be told in this vast expanse of shimmering desert. Jodhpur has its grandeur aptly flaunted by its grand palaces, fort and temples. Further a dash of color is added by its exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, folk music and above all the color full, lively attire of people special and commoners. The popular tight, horse riding trousers, 'Jodhpurs', took their name from this city only. Traditionally, the women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket and wear lots of jewelry to display their prosperity and happiness. A unique feature is the Jodhpuri Turban worn by the men folk here traditionally. Language spoken here are Hindi, Marwari and Rajasthani.



The Jodhpuri people are amongst the most hospitable people of India. The lifestyle in Jodhpur, India is quite fascinating. Jodhpuri cuisine is dotted by typically rich Marwari hue and has unmatched flavor typical of only Marwari food having lots of ingredients, irresistible aroma and moreover has to be prepared by skilled hands.


People from India as well as all over the world visit Jodhpur every year. There are a number of tourist attractions in Jodhpur, enchanting the tourists. If any wants to visit Jodhpur in Rajasthan in India, one must visit its palaces and forts, temples and cenotaphs as these are the living proofs of splendor, traditions and culture of Jodhpur.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Cultural Diversity of Ajmer in Rajasthan


Ajmer is located in the southwest of Jaipur is an oasis among the otherwise desolate hills of Rajasthan in India. Ajmer is truly a cultural kaleidoscope. This is a land of composite cultures. Hindus and Muslims here show remarkable harmony and worship at common places.

This land of varied cultures was founded in 7th centuary by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan.

In present times, Ajmer is one popular and unique pilgrimage of Hindus and Muslims.
Ajmer is the home to Dargah Sharif tomb of sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti who gets equal obeisance from both Hindus and Muslims. Not only this, Ajmer is the educational center also, Mayo college and school, established by the British is in Ajmer. Puhkar, a scared destination for Hindus, which has the only Brahma Temple of the country, is just at 11 km from Ajmer and Ajmer serves as the base for visiting Pushkar. Month of Nov/Oct that is month of Kartik saw great influx of pilgrims visiting Puskar, hence Ajmer, to take a dip in the holy lake.


So Ajmer is an example of secular India, one must visit this charming place.