Rajasthan's many havelis, old forts, places, temples, bazaars and fairs are a tourist's delight. From the forts of Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, to the havelis of Bikaner and Mandawa, Rajasthan is full of architectural wonders and natural beauty.
Ajmer is famous for the Dargah (mausoleum) of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, the Sufi saint revered by millions of Hindus and Muslims in India.
Pink City Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, was created as a highly planned city by maharaja Jai Singh in 1727 AD. The Jantar Mantar, built as an observatory by the Maharaja, is laid out in a complex grid, with very accurate instruments for gauging altitude and measuring planetary distances. The Hawa Mahal, the palace of the royal ladies, was built in 1799AD. Its sandstone façade, with latticed balconies, is a major tourist draw.
Jaisalmer city, in the southwestern Jaisalmer district, is famous for the Jaisalmer Fort. Built of special yellow sanstone found only in Jaisalmer district, the Fort shines like burnished gold when sunrays fall on it. Jaisalmer's havelis are also a must visit. The Patwon ki Haveli has carved pillars and walls with intricate murals.
Jodhpur, built in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, is chiefly known for the Meherangarh Fort that guarded the opulently fitted palaces of Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Phool Mahal, apart from the king's durbar, or reception hall. Jodhpur Museum houses many antiques and weapons from Rao Jodha's time. Jodhpur is also known for the miniature Jodhpur Paintings that depict beautiful royal ladies and birds and flowers.
Mount Abu, on the Aravalli Hills, is at a height if 1700 meters above sea level. It is Rajasthan's only hill station, with a pleasant climate and moderate rainfall. Once the summer station of the British, Mount Abu has many recreation places and mansions built by the British and Indian rulers. The delicately carved Dilwara Temple Complex, the world famous Jain Temple, is a center of pilgrimage for Jains.
Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East, is a city of lakes. Lake Pichola is at the heart of the city. The magnificent City Palace stands beside the lake. With its many rooms, halls, pavilions, corridors and delicate fittings, the Palace is worth a visit. The Saheliyon ki Bari, the beautifully ornamented garden where royal ladies and their maids amused themselves, is also worth a visit.
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