Chitradurga - An Introduction

Chitradurga is an administrative district of Karnataka state in southern India. The city of Chitradurga is the district headquarters. Chitradurga gets its name from Chitrakaldurga, an umbrella-shaped lofty hill found there. Tradition dates Chitradurga District to the period of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The whole district lies in the valley of the Vedavati River, with the Tungabhadra River flowing in the northwest. During the British times it was named Chitaldrug.

Bold rock hills and picturesque valleys, huge towering boulders in unimaginable shapes that is Chitradurga. This place is not known as the "Place of stone fort" (Kallina Kote) for nothing. The landscape looks much like a mischievous giant's playground - with boulders thrown around, forming awesome silhouettes against he sky. And that could be true! According to a story in the Epic Mahabharatha, a man-eating gaint named Hidimbasura did line here on the Chitradurga hill - a source of terror to everyone around. And then Pandavas came here with their mother Kunti in the course of their exile and Bhima had a duel with Hidimba. Hidimba was slain by Bhima and peace returned to the area. These amazing boulders could well be part of the arsenal used during that duel! Seriously though, these boulders and the major part of the city rests on belong to the oldest rock formation in the country.

Bikaner - Shivabari Temple

Shivabari Temple

Built by Dungar Singhji in the late 19th century the temple is surrounded by an embattlement wall. It has four-faced black marble Shiva statue and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva-Lingam. There are two large reservoirs of water known as bawaris.

This red sandstone temple attracts thousands of visitors during Shravan (Feb) especially on Mondays.

Bikaner - Bhandashah Jain Temple

Bhandashah Jain Temple

This temple is oldest existing structure in Bikaner. The beautiful temple was erected near Laxminath temple in 1514A.D. by two brothers Bhandeshwar and Sandheswar and named after them. This marvel piece of architecture is dedicated to 23rd teerthankar "PARSVANATH JI".The seth was very particular about every penny in his personal life but when it came to religious point he ordered hundreds of maunds of Ghee (Clarified Butter) and coconuts to be freely used in the foundation. This temple is carved in red sand stone and white marble - it’s famous for carvings, wall paintings, structural beauty and artisticly designed statues. The rich mirror work, decor and frescoes of Bhandashah: and their gold leaf paintings are noteworthy.

Bikaner - Lakshmi Nath Temple

Lakshmi Nath Temple

Lakshmi Nath Temple is one of the oldest temples of Bikaner. The foundation of Bikaner was laid here in the year 1488 A.D. by Rao Bikaji. It being a historical monument has special identity. This temple was erected during the reign of Rao Lunkaran and boasts of the superb archeological skills of artists and artisans . It was later develpoed by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji. Statues of deities- Vishnu and Laxmi - have all along received the unwavering devotion of countless people through the last four and half centuries.

Bikaner - Devi Kund Sagar

Devi Kund Sagar

Devi Kund sagar is situated 8 km in the east of city. The members of ruling family of Bikaner subsequent to Jet Singh, the great grandson of Rao Bikaji, have been cremated here.On the sides of reservoir of water lie the Royal cenotaphs of rulers of Bikaner dynasty from Rao Kalyan Singhji to last Maharaji Karni Singhji as well as those of their wives and other important members of families.There are cenotaphs (Chhatries) of 22 SATIES of royal family prior to Maharaja Gaj Sigh Ji (1745-1787). There is also one cenotaph of a SATA (male sati) of a ruler.The architecture of the cenotaphs is the prime attraction of this place. Maharaja Surat Singh's Chhatri is built entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on its ceiling. Close by is a Dargah of Rustal Ali Shah Peer which is held in high esteem by muslim community and other people.

Bikaner - Prachina Museum

Prachina Museum

The princelly state of Bikaner was founded by Rao Bika Ji in the year 1488 A.D. Since the foundation of Bikaner, the rulers of Bikaner had a prominent and glorious role in the history of India.

Keeping with the rich and glorious past of Bikaner, daughter of present Maharaja Narendra Singh Ji recently (Oct, 2000) opened a museum "PRACHINA". It is an endeavor to recreate the past and highlight the pace of modernization activated with times and a representation of regional museum as there was a lacuna of courtly tradition and craft Museum in Bikaner. "PRACHINA" is an effort to highlight the aristocratic patronage which thrived and survived in Bikaner. This museum hopes to build and develop a cultural center to revive the dying craft of Bikaner and amalgamate it to present life.

Bikaner - Gajner Palace

Gajner Palace

A summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas -has often been described as 'an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert'. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of Bikaner, palace stands on the embankment of a lake .The palace was used by Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. Royalty, both Indian as well as international, Viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace. The architecture of Gajner palace is truly outstanding. Built in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokhas and screens , the craftsmanship here is amazing. Palace is surrounded by beautiful wooded area, now a preserved sanctuary which provides shelter to chinkaras , blackbucks, blue bull (neel gai) and flocks of imperial sand grouse. A part of palace has been transformed into hotel.

Bikaner - Karni Mata Temple

Karni Mata Temple

The shrine of Karni Mata can be found in the town of Deshnoke 30 Km south from Bikaner on the road to Jodhpur. Karni Mata is worshiped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

Bikaner - Shiv Bari Temple

Shiv Bari Temple

Built from red sandstone by Dungar Singh in the late 19th century, the temple is surrounded by a wall with battlements. It has a four faced black marble statue of Shiva and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam. There are also two large reservoirs of water known as Bawaris. The temple attracts thousands of visitors during Shravan (August) especially on Mondays.

Bikaner - Laxmi Nath Temple

Laxmi Nath Temple

Laxmi Nath Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bikaner. The foundation of the city was laid here in 1488 by Rao Bikaji. The temple was erected during the reign of Rao Lunkaran and was added to by Maharaja Ganga Singh.

Bikaner - Lalgarh Palace

Lalgarh Palace

The palace was built between 1902 and 1926 according to Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles. The building was commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881 - 1942) in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh and was designed by the British architect, Sir Swinton Jacob. It is coated in red sandstone and has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. The building features magnificent pillars, elaborate fire places, Italian colonnades and intricate latticework and filigree work. The palace houses the Shri Sadul Museum as well as the fourth largest library in the world. Though the Bikaner Royal Family still lives in the palace, part of the building has been converted into a hotel operated by the Welcome Heritage Group

Bikaner - Junagarh Fort

Junagarh Fort

The fort was build in 1588 AD by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner who reigned from 1571 to 1612. Rai Singh had conquered part of Marwar and had been granted territory in Gujurat and Burhanpur by the Mughal emperor Akbar as a reward for his services as military commander. This, as well as funding from Jodhpur, enabled him to build the fort. Rai Singh held high rank in the imperial courts of both Akbar and his successor, Jehangir. During his imperial service he travelled extensively, giving him an appreciation of art and architecture. These ideas have been incorporated meticulously into the architectural style of Junagarh Fort.

It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan not built on a hilltop. It has the following buildings within its complex:

1. Suraj Pol 2. Karan Mahal 3. Durga Niwas
4. Lal Niwas 5. Anup Mahal 6. Chandra Mahal and Phul Mahal
7. Fort Museum

Jaipur - An Introduction

Jaipur

Jaipur, also popularly known as the Pink City, historically sometimes rendered as Jeypore, is the capital of Rajasthan state, India. Jaipur is also the capital of Jaipur District. Jaipur is the former capital of the princely state of Jaipur. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, Jaipur was the first planned city in India. By 2003, after only 276 years, the population had reached approximately 2.7 million. Built of pink stucco in imitation of sandstone, the city is remarkable among pre-modern Indian cities for the width and regularity of its streets which are laid out into six quarters separated by broad streets 111 ft (34 m) wide. The urban quarters are further divided by networks of gridded streets. Five quarters wrap around the east, south, and west sides of a central palace quarter, with a sixth quarter immediately to the east. The Palace quarter encloses a sprawling palace complex (the Hawa Mahal, or palace of winds), formal gardens, and a small lake. Nahargarh Fort crowns the hill in the northwest corner of the old city. Another noteworthy building is Sawai Jai Singh's observatory, Jantar Mantar. With its rich and colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour and bravery, Jaipur is now one of the most important heritage cities in India, and is a must-see for tourists coming to India.

Jaipur is considered by many urbanists to be one of the best planned cities. Almost all Northern Indian towns of that period presented a chaotic picture of narrow twisting lanes, a confusion of run-down forts/temples/palaces and temporary shacks that bore no resemblance at all to the principles set out in Hindu architectural manuals, which calls for strict geometric planning. Thus, for Sawai Jai Singh II and the Bengali Guru Vidyadhar (who was a 'Shaspati' - Hindu Priest Architect), the founding of Jaipur was also a ritual and a golden opportunity to plan a whole town according to the principles of Hindu architectural theory. The town of Jaipur is in fact, built in the form of a nine-part Mandala known as the 'Pithapada'. Nine signifies the nine planets of the ancient astrological zodiac. It is also known that Sawai Jai Singh II was a great astronomer and a town planner and hence the 'Pithapada'. Also, the commercial shops designed are multiples of nine (27) and then having one cross street for a planet.

In the 19th century the city grew rapidly and became prosperous; by 1900 it had a population of 160,000. The city's wide boulevards were paved and lit with gas. The city had several hospitals. Its chief industries were in metals and marble, fostered by a school of art founded in 1868. The city also had three colleges, including a Sanskrit college (1865) and a girls' school (1867) initiated under the reign of the enigmatic Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II. There was also a wealthy and enterprising community of native bankers, particularly the Jains and the Marwaris. The city has a vibrant and healthy Muslim population.

Places of interest - Jaipur

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is a palace in Jaipur, India. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, and designed by Lal Chand Usta. It forms part of the City Palace and extends the Zenana or women's chambers, the chambers of the harem. Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen.

It has five stories and is constructed of red and pink sandstone, highlighted with white quakeee quick lime. The side facing the street outside the palace complex has 953 small windows, and the breeze (hawa) which circulates through these windows gives the palace its name, and keeps it cool even in hot months.

The entrance opens onto a courtyard with a double-storied building on three sides, and one on the eastern wing with three more stories, which is just one room wide. There are no stairs to reach the upper floors, only ramps.

Places of interest - Jaipur

Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal is located in Jaipur India, which is the capital of the State of Rajasthan. It is on the way to Sisodia garden. The rajput style "Water Palace" sits in the center of the Man Sarobar lake.

The lake is often dry in the summer but winter monsoons frequently turn it into a beautiful lake filled with water hyacinths.

Places of interest - Jaipur

Jaigarh Fort

The Jaigarh Fort on the hills above the Amber Palace complex offers stunning views of the foothills of the Aravalli range, as well as attractions such as immense underground water-storage tanks, a medieval canon foundry and an impressive collection of medieval cannons including the Jaivana which is reputed to be the world's largest cannon on wheels. Historically this was the original Amber Fort, although it became known as Jaigarh from the time of Sawai Jai Singh II onwards.

Jaigarh Fort, located around 15 km from Jaipur is one of the most spectacular forts in India, with almost all its original facilities intact. While Jaigarh Fort is on top of the hill, Amber Fort is at the bottom. Both the forts are connected through well guarded passages. Many consider the two together as one complex.

Jaigarh Fort was a center of artillery production for the Rajputs and it is home to the world's largest canon on wheels, The Jaivana. The foundries provide fascinating information for the visitors. The manner in which they drew in blasts of air from the desert is most intriguing. A 5km long canal can be seen entering the fort complex to bring in water from the high hills and store in the fort for the armymen. A huge water tank is centrally located connecting the canal. It is assumed that the Kings of Amber/Jaipur used the compartments below the water tank to store the gold and jewellery of the royal family. It is said that this tank was opened during the Emergency declared by the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during 1975-1977. Views of the barren Aravalli Hills gradually disappearing into the desert haze can keep one engrossed for hours.

Places of interest - Jaipur

Amber Fort

Amber Fort, located in Amber 11 km from Jaipur, Rajasthan state, India, the Meenas were the original builders of Amber, which town they consecrated to Amba, the Mother Goddess, whom they knew as `Gatta Rani' or `Queen of the Pass' [ Tod.II.282 ]. Built over the remnants of an earlier structure, the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh, Commander in Chief of Akbar’s army and a member of the Emperor's inner circle of nine courtiers in 1592. Amber was modified by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II.

The structure which is today known as Amber fort was initially a palace complex within the original fort of Amber which is today known as Jaigarh Fort. Connected with Amber through fortified passages Jaigarh fort is located on a hill above the Amber complex, and is constructed of red sandstone and white marble. It overlooks Maotha lake, and was reputed to be the treasure vault of the Kacchwaha rulers. Today, tourist can ride up to the fort from the base of the hill on an Elephant. On the ride, you can see the beautiful sights of Jaipur, a great view of Maotha lake, and the original city walls.

Once you reach the palace, you can take a tour through the fort, or view it on your own. The most magnificent sight of all is the hall of mirrors. When royalty lived there, at night when they had to come through and needed lighting they would take a single candle and because of all of the tiny intricate mirrors, the entire room would light up.

Places of interest - Jaipur

Nahagarh Fort

Nahagarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the pink city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The view of the city from the fort is breath taking. Along with Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort it formed a strong defence ring for the city. During the Sepoy revolt of 1857, Nahagarh served as a refuge for Europeans fleeing from the havoc created by mutineers in neighboring states. The word Nahargarh means the abode of tigers. Legends say that it was name after Prince Nahar whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed construction of the fort.

Built mainly in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it is partially in ruins. It was extended in 1868. The rooms are linked by corridors and still have some delicate frescos. There are nine apartments for the nine queens the Maharaja had and all are well planned and decorated. Nahargarh is also called as the Hunting residence of Maharajas.

Places of interest - Jodhpur

Osiyan Temple

An ancient Jain temple, well worth the visit, lies in the village of Osiyan, about 60 km outside Jodhpur. There are many sections of this temple, which was built in several distinct phases.

Osian (Osiyan) is an ancient town located in the Jodhpur District of Rajasthan state in western India. It is an oasis in the Thar Desert, 65 km north of the district headquarters at Jodhpur, on a diversion off the main Jodhpur - Bikaner Highway.

Osian is famous as home to the cluster of ruined Brahmanical and Jain temples dating from the 8th to 11th centuries. The city was a major religious centre of the kingdom of Marwar during the Pratihara dynasty. Of the 18 shrines in the group, the Surya or Sun Temple and the later Kali temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira stands out in their grace and architecture.

Places of interest - Jodhpur

Jaswant Thada

The Jaswant Thada is architectural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs.

The Jaswant Thada is architectural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs. The Jaswant Thada is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers. The grounds are also comprised of exquisitely carved gazebos, a beautiful multi-tiered garden, and a small lake.

Places of interest - Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort

The Mehrangarh Fort lies at the outskirts of Jodhpur city and is located atop a 125 m high hill. The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur ka kila) is the most majestic and one of the largest forts in India. It was originally started (c.1459) by Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur. However, most of the extant fort dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638-78). The walls of the fort are up to 36 m high and 21 m wide; they enclose some exquisite structures. The fort museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort provide not only excellently preserved cannons but also a breath-taking view of the city.

Mehrangarh Fort located in Jodhpur city in Rajasthan state is one of the largest forts and a famous tourist place in India. The fort is situated on a lofty height, 400 feet above the city, and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its territorial boundaries, there are several palaces, which are known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards.

Places of interest - Jodhpur

Umaid Bhawan Palace

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is not only one of India's most imposing palaces but also among its most recent. This lavish art deco monument to royal living had an improbable conception: it was built as a public relief and employment project during a long period of drought. Over one million square feet (90,000 m²) of the finest marble was used in the construction of the palace. A special type of sandstone, called Chittar sandstone, has been used in constructing the palace and this gives it a special effect. For this reason, it is also referred to as Chittar Palace by the locals. Its style of construction, with beautiful balconies, charming courtyards, green gardens and stately rooms, makes it a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The project employed three thousand artisans over a period of 15 years (1929-1943). The palace is named after its builder, Maharaja Umaid Singh (1876-1947), who was incidentally the president of the British Royal Institute of Architects. In 1977, the palace was segmented into the royal residence, the Heritage Hotel and a museum. Its 98 air-conditioned rooms are elegantly decorated with antique furniture as well as all the other amenities of a five star hotel.

Umaid Bhawan Palace was originally called Chittar Palace during construction, due to its location on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur. Ground for the foundations of the building was broken on 18 November 1929 by Maharaja Umed Singh, it was unfinished until 1944. Umaid Bhawan was one of the last royal constructions (and India's last Palace), built to provide work and drought relief for the poor. The building is dramatically illuminated at night causing some controversy in a city that continues to endure daily multi-hour power cuts.

Places of interest - Jodhpur

Umaid Bhawan Palace

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is not only one of India's most imposing palaces but also among its most recent. This lavish art deco monument to royal living had an improbable conception: it was built as a public relief and employment project during a long period of drought. Over one million square feet (90,000 m²) of the finest marble was used in the construction of the palace. A special type of sandstone, called Chittar sandstone, has been used in constructing the palace and this gives it a special effect. For this reason, it is also referred to as Chittar Palace by the locals. Its style of construction, with beautiful balconies, charming courtyards, green gardens and stately rooms, makes it a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The project employed three thousand artisans over a period of 15 years (1929-1943). The palace is named after its builder, Maharaja Umaid Singh (1876-1947), who was incidentally the president of the British Royal Institute of Architects. In 1977, the palace was segmented into the royal residence, the Heritage Hotel and a museum. Its 98 air-conditioned rooms are elegantly decorated with antique furniture as well as all the other amenities of a five star hotel.

Umaid Bhawan Palace was originally called Chittar Palace during construction, due to its location on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur. Ground for the foundations of the building was broken on 18 November 1929 by Maharaja Umed Singh, it was unfinished until 1944. Umaid Bhawan was one of the last royal constructions (and India's last Palace), built to provide work and drought relief for the poor. The building is dramatically illuminated at night causing some controversy in a city that continues to endure daily multi-hour power cuts.

Places of interest - Wayanad

Thirunelli Temple

Nestled amidst mountains and forests, the ancient riverside temple of Thirunelli is a fine specimen of classical Kerala temple architecture. Legend has it that this temple was dedicated by the Creator, Lord Brahma to propitiate the Preserver, Lord Vishnu. The idol is in the form of Chathurbhuja.

Often referred to as Dakshina Kasi (the Kasi of the south), this temple draws pilgrims from all over, primarily for ancestral rites.

The two main festivals here are in April and August/September.

Distance: Kalpetta: 64 kms. Sulthan Bathery: 71 kms. Mananthavadi: 29 kms.

Places of interest - Wayanad

Lakkidi

One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands picturesque scenery. It is about 58 kms. north east of Kozhikode and five kms. south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghats pass at an elevation of 700 m. above mean sea level.

The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. The 12 kms long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghats road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience.

Places of interest - Wayanad

Kuruva Island

The Kuruva Island with 950 acres of evergreen forest lies on one of the tributaries of the Kabini. The island is home to various species of rare birds, orchids and herbs.

Distance: Kalpetta: 40kms. Sulthan Bathery: 58 kms. Mananthavadi: 17 kms

Places of interest - Wayanad

Edakkal caves

An interesting trek up the Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal town takes you to the fascinating neolithic cave site of Edakkal. Etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archaeologists and historians worldwide.

With at least three distinct sets of petroglyphs, the earliest thought to date back over 5000 years, it is assumed that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at various stages in history.

An interesting attraction close by is a telescope installed by the DTPC a few feet from the caves that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding country.

Distance: Kalpetta: 28 kms. Sulthan Bathery: 12 kms. Mananthavadi: 45 kms. .

Places of interest - Wayanad

Pakshipathalam

Located deep within the forest in the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of more than 1700 mtrs, Pakshipathalam is a formation of large boulders, some as tall as two storey buildings.

The deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals and distinctive species of plants.

The journey involves an arduous 7 km. trek through thick forest commencing at Thirunelli. (Special permission required from DFO- North Wayanad at Mananthavady).

Distance: Kalpetta: 71 kms. Sulthan Bathery: 78 kms. Mananthavadi: 36 kms.

Places of interest - Wayanad

Chembra Peak

At 2100 metres, the spectacular Chembra Peak located towards the southern part of Wayanad is the tallest summit in the region. Climbing this peak is a challenging mountaineering endeavour and would take a full day.

The surrounding areas offer exceptional photo opportunities. Camping on the peak is a unforgettable experience.

Distance: Kalpetta: 17kms. Sultan Bathery: 42kms

Bijapur - Malik - E - Maidan

Malik-e-Maidan (The Monarch of the Plains)

Malik-e-Maidan (The Monarch of the Plains) the largest medieval cannon in the world Being 4 m long, 1,5 m in diameter and weighing 55 tons, this gun was brought back from Ahmadnagar in the 17th century as a trophy of war by 400 oxen, 10 elephants and tens of men. It was placed on the Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) on a platform especially built for it. The cannon's nozzle is fashioned into the shape of a lion's head with open jaws & between the carved fangs is depicted an elephant being crushed to death. It is said that after igniting the cannon, the gunner would remain underwater in a tank of water on the platform to avoid the deafening explosion. The cannon remains cool even in strong sunlight and if tapped, tinkles like a bell. In 1854 the cannon was auctioned for Rs. 150 but the sale was canceled in the end.