SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT - PAGE 1

The Pink City Jaipur will be the right place to start your desert odyssey.

Jaipur- The Pink City as it is called, is the capital of the state of Rajasthan .Jaipur is coloured deep into history and culture. Here the past comes alive in the magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure -trove for the shoppers. This fascinating city with its charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.

Prime sites in Jaipur-

* Hawa Mahal * Gaitor * Amer Palace * City Palace * Jantar- Mantar * Jal Mahal * Nahargarh Fort * Sisodia Garden * Birla Mandir * Jaigarh Fort * Central Museum

Jodhpur - Packed with history, art and culture , this princely state is treasure -trove of some exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis- standing a testimony to the imperial grandeur. Once the capital city of the famous Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodhaji -chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed decent from Lord Rama. The city is encompassed by a high wall, 10 km. long with eight gates. Within the city, atop a rocky hill, stands the massive fort, 120 mtr. above the plains.

Prime sites in Jodhpur - Mehrangarh Fort * Umaid Bhawan Palace * Mandore * Jaswant Thada * Clock Tower and Sardar Market * Kailana Lake

Jaisalmer - Jaisalmer is an amber-hued city, in the heart of the desert which dazzles gloriously in the early mornings. The sunset has a peculiar glow here. It is the golden beauty of the desert etched in yellow sandstone. Perched atop the Trikuta Hill, it stands tall against miles of gleaming sand. It epitomes the desolate, awesome charm of the desert. Jaisalmer is famous for cobbled streets, strewn with palaces, forts, temples and havelis. Every house here, is exquisitely carved, having filigreed work all over. These houses date back to 12th -16th century. And hence Jaisalmer is also called 'the Museum City'.

Prime sites in Jaisalmer - Jaisalmer Fort * Salim Singh-Ki- Haveli * Gadsisar Lake * Patwaon-ki-Haveli * Nathmalji-ki-Haveli * Jain Temples

Important note - No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a visit to the most picturesque dunes. Adventure freaks can go out on a camel safari - getting the real feel of the desert on the camel-back. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes create enchanting mirages which is a photographers delight. What about you capturing them into your camera! Various cultural programmes are organized against the backdrop od these fascinating dunes.

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