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NEW DELHI - Capital
of India and a mixture of Hindu, Muslim and British architecture.
The city consists of 2 parts - Old Delhi which was the capital
of Muslim India, between the 12th and 19th centuries and
New Delhi, the imperial city created by the British.
MANDAWA - This small
town is situated at the beginning of the great Thar desert,
which extends west towards Pakistan. Its position on the
camel routes between India and Central Asia brought great
wealth. The wealthy merchants built magnificent mansions
of golden - yellow sandstone, which are known as "Havelis"
BIKANER - This desert
town was founded in 1488 and contains the Jungarh Fort and
palace within and also the Indian governments camel breeding
farm.
JODHPUR - The impregnable
Meherangarh Fort, sitting atop a sheer rocky outcrop, totally
dominates the city, which was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha,
chief of the Rajputs. For many centuries, the proud Rajputs
were the most feared and respected warriors - the many palaces,
temples and immense forts are reminders of their proud history.
The old city encloses a fascinating jumble of winding streets
and many bazaars.
PUSHKAR - This small town
is one of the holiest Hindu sites in India. Its sacred lake
is dedicated to Brahma, the Lord of Creation, and is surrounded
by bathing ghats and innumerable temples. These temples
are home to the Sadhus, who are people who have renounced
all wordly possessions and roam India seeking enlightenment.
Once a year, during the full moon in November, Pushkar is
transformed into the worlds biggest camel and cattle fair.
This fair is predominately a rural gathering, with thousands
of the colourful and friendly Rajasthani villagers attending.
During the day, camels are raced, paraded, bought and sold,
whilst at night, the desert air is filled with the sounds
of the distinctive Rajasthani folk music.
There is
a separate tour organised to this fair - refer Pushkar Camel
Fair tour.
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JAIPUR -
Known as the "Pink City",due to the distinctive
pink sandstone used in its construction. It was founded
by the great warrior and astronomer, Jai Singh. It contains
many forts, palaces, bazaars and the famous astrological
observatory.
SARISKA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
- Accommodation will be at the former Maharajas hunting
lodge, which is a magnificent building set in 50 acres,
with fine antiques and stately rooms. An afternoon or
early morning jeep ride into the wildlife reserve, in
search of antelope, wild boar, hyena, blue bulls and the
elusive tiger.
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BHARATPUR - The famous
Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary is nearby. An afternoon or early
morning boat ride through vast swamps, to observe some of
the 328 different species of local and migratory birds.
AGRA - It has a magnificent fort, a
perfectly preserved, but abandoned, Moghul city called Fatehpur
Sikri and probably the most famous building in the world
- the Taj Mahal. The Taj was constructed by Emperor Shah
Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, between 1632 and
1653. Although the Taj is amazingly graceful from almost
any angle, its the close up detail which is really astounding.
Semi precious stones are inlaid into the marble in beautiful
patterns and with superb craftmanship. |
