Rajasthan

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Rajasthan is the largest state of the Republic of India in terms of area of 342,236 km². Rajasthan was formed on 30 March 1949. It has 32 Districts. Hindi & Rajasthani are the main Languages of this state. The state capital is Jaipur. Rajasthan meaning “The Land of the Rajas”, was formerly called Rajputana, “The Country of the Rajputs”. Rajasthan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, for both domestic and international tourists. Rajasthan attracts tourists for its historical forts, palaces, art and culture. Every 3rd foreign tourist visiting India also travels to Rajasthan. The magic of vibrant Rajasthan – its rich heritage, colourful culture, exciting desert safaris, shining sand-dunes, amazing variety lush forests and varied wildlife – makes it a destination nonpareil. RJTRajasthan is often portrayed as one vast open-air museum, with its relics so well preserved that it delights even the most skeptical traveler.The state located in India’s northwest, is bounded on the west by Pakistan, on the north and the northeast by Punjab. Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, on the east and southeast by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and on the southwest by Gujarat. The palaces of Jaipur, lakes of Udaipur, and desert forts of Jodhpur, Bikaner & Jaisalmer are among the most preferred destinations of many tourists.

POWThe Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train. It was launched by the Indian Railways to promote tourism in Rajasthan. The Palace on Wheels comprises of 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons, equipped with world class amenities to enhance the pleasure of traveling. PWTThe train departs from New Delhi and during its eight day journey, travels around Rajasthan with stops in Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra. The state of Rajasthan includes part of the ‘Thar Desert’, as well as ‘Ranthambhor National Park’, home to wild tigers, and verdant Mount Abu and its elaborate temples. A ‘camel safari’ near the inhabited desert trading centre of Jaisalmer gives a hint of the area’s beautiful desolation. Udaipur’s lakefront setting provides rich contrasts. The capital, Jaipur, is a ‘shopper’s dream’. Hire a car to take in the spread-out sights. Stay in a heritage hotel to feel like a Maharaja.

METhe Maharajas’ Express is a luxury train in India owned by IRCTC. The luxury train service was started in March 2010. The Maharaja Express is the most expensive luxury train in India. The Maharajas’ Express train has been equipped with modern amenities to offer comfortable on board experiences to the guest. METThere is Wi-Fi everywhere and wash bathrooms are insuite. Direct-to-Home (DTH) company Dish TV is now offering its services on the luxury train Maharaja Express. Every seat has a dedicated set-top-box enabling the passenger to watch live television. The deluxe train offers 5 different itineraries – Gems of India, Treasures of India , Indian Panorama , Indian Splendour and Heritage of India; while the first two are Golden Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur and Agra) tours of 3 nights and 4 days, the latter three are weeklong pan-India voyages. The train routes across 5 different states of northern and north-central India connecting Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh along with country capital Delhi.

Here are some popular tourist places in different cities of Rajasthan :

  • Ajmer – Popular for shrine of sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti & Brahma temples.
  • Barmer – Barmer and surrounding areas offer perfect picture of typical Rajasthani villages.
  • Bikaner – Famous for its havelis, palaces and temples.
  • Jaipur– Known as pink city of India and the capital of Rajasthan, famous for palaces and temples.
  • Jaisalmer – Famous for its golden fortress, havelis & Libraries.
  • JodhpurFortress-city at the edge of the Thar Desert, famous for its blue homes and architecture.
  • Mount Abu – Popular hill station, famous for Jain Temples and natural beauty
  • Sawai Madhopur – Called Tiger city & it has Ranthambore National Park.
  • Ranakpur- Large Jain Temple complex with near 1444 pillars and exquisite marble carvings.
  • Udaipur – Known as the “Venice of India“, also famous for City Palace, Crystal Gallery & Dudh Talai etc.

Gujrat

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‘Aavo Padharo’, words of welcome in the language of Gujarat because it is here that these words ring truely and the guest is ‘God. In Gujarat you will discover centuries of history as spanning the geological core of the earth onto a fascinatingly vibrant future. Gujarat is unique in its geological and topographical landscape. From volcanic outpourings through bedrock to fossil fields of indegenous dinosaurs; from the art of the neolithic cave painter to the stone masterpieces of a series of civilized architecture.

Gujrat has become Tourist’s Paradise. KGK Ancient cave paintings to historic murals, natural and man made caves. Art, history, music, culture, all dovetail within each other to form a wondrous matrix that is the cultural exuberance of the people of the state. Gujarat is home to an incredibly diverse ecosystem. Arid deserts contrast with fertile forests and powder-white beaches offset towering mountains. Gujarat, the ‘Jewel of the West’ has varied Tourist places like Dwarka, Somnath, Pavagadh, Ambaji.

Fairs and Festivals of Gujrat

Gujarat celebrates unique festivals like “Garba” (October–November, all over the state), “Kite Festival (Makar Sankranti,11–15 January, Ahmedabad), “Kankaria Carnival” (25–31 December, Ahmedabad), “Rann Utsav” (November–December, Kutch), “Modhera Dance Festival” (3rd week January, Modhera) and fairs like Tarnetar Fair (August, Tarnetar) & Vautha Mela (November, Vautha).

orient-expressThe Royal Orient Train is an Indian luxury tourism train that runs between Gujarat and Rajasthan, covering important tourist locations in the two states. There are total 13 coaches that provide five-star hotel comforts to passengers. Cabins are furnished in a palatial style. There are multi-cuisine restaurants that offer Rajasthani, Gujarati, Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine. The Royal Orient train also has a bar on board, as well as a lounge in every coach where passengers can read books and magazines, watch television, listen to music and interact with other passengers. Other facilities include an intercom, channel music, TV, DVD system and a massage-cum-beauty parlor. The Royal Orient offers a 7-day/8-night package. The train starts from Delhi and stops at Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Junagarh, Veraval, Sasan Gir, Mandvi, Palitana and Sarkhej.

Destination GJEight Tourism Hubs have been made, which are Ahmedabad Metro, Ahmedabad Rural (North Gujarat), Surat (South Gujarat), Vadodara (Central Gujarat), Rajkot, Junagadh & Jamnagar (Saurashtra) and Bhuj (Kutch), for convenience of tourists visiting Gujarat.
These hubs are well equipped with the modern infrastructure, facilities and services in the areas of commerce, communication, connectivity, hospitality, transportation, medical facilities etc.

Different Types of Tourism in Gujrat:-

  • Heritage tourism – Forts, palaces, mosques, temples, and places of historical importance.
  • Cultural tourism – Song, dance, drama, Handicrafts, embroidery, woodcraft, metal crafts etc.
  • Religious tourism -Regious Places like Dwarka, Dakor, Ambaji, Sun Temple, Akshardham etc.
  • Wildlife tourism – Large number of Fauna & Flora and has different National parks.
  • Medical tourism – ‘Ahmedabad Civil Hospital’ is the biggest hospital in Asia located at Ahmedabad.