Indian Festival of Rathyatra Puri

Rath Yatra, the Chariot's Trip, is the Indian state of Odisha's (Orrisa) most incredible Hindu celebration. Lord Jagannath is the customer divine being of the city of Puri where the yearly festival is held, and also the event marks the deity's return to his city as well as holy place after a long period of lack.

God Jagannath's idol is removed from its holy place together with the idolizers of two other very closely relevant deities during the festival. Each idol is positioned inside a substantial custom built chariot and attracted via the city. The chariots are generally the size of small houses, and also it takes numerous Hindu fans to pull the huge building-sized carts with the streets of Puri during the Rath Yatra. A substantial procession of devotees follows closely behind the chariots playing devotional hymns as well as various other tunes using typical tools.

The celebration dates, selected using a conventional lunar calendar, typically fall between late June and early July. The Rath Yatra festival is an especially special experience for tourists on our India tours as the internal sanctum of the temple where the deities live is closed to immigrants and also non-Hindus, and also the celebration is the only time outsiders can view the ancient icons.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Tours

The Tadoba portion of the park was created in 1955 to help protect the remaining tiger population in the region after centuries of over hunting. In 1986 the Tadoba reserve was merged with Andhari Wildlife Park as part of India’s Project Tiger.

 While the tigers are the largest draw for travelers on Tours of India, there are dozens of other rare species of animals including Indian leopards, sloth bears, gaur, nilgai, dhole, striped hyena, small Indian civet, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, chital, and chausingha.

Marsh crocodiles, once common across Maharashtra, can often be spotted sunning themselves on the banks of Lake Tadoba, and there are dozens of other species of reptiles like Indian pythons slithering through the dense jungle.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve tourist destination is part of India Tours offered by Easy Tours of India - Highest Rated tour agency in US.

New Heritage Tourism Circuit to Open by Fall

Government officials in the southern Indian state of Kerala recently announced the first stage of the long planned Muziris Heritage Tourism Circuit will be completed this fall. Led by the Kerala Tourism Department, the project plans to string together a number of historic monuments and sites tied to the lost city of Muziris, an important multicultural seaport and trading hub that existed between the 1st and 14th centuries in South India Cities, using a series of modern museums and excavations.

A fisherman casts a traditional net into the sea off the coast of the South Indian state of Kerala. Plans for a new tourism circuit in the region are nearing completion.

 

Construction of museums is nearing completion, and a batch of five boat services connecting the circuit area is expected to arrive soon,” a government official with the project recently told The Hindu. 

Plans call for a total of 25 museums to be built in the coming years. The Tourism Department of Kerala believes the museums will help tourists better understand area’s rich heritage as an ancient port of international trade. A network of boat services will ferry travelers through the circuit. Officials expect the current phase to be inaugurated by during the Onam festival in September.

Kerala tourist destination is part of India Tours offered by Easy Tours of India - Highest Rated tour agency in US.

359th Urs of Shah Jahan held in May

For the 359th year, Agra commemorated the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan with a three day celebration at the Taj Mahal marking the anniversary of the ruler’s death in a ceremony known as an Urs.

The Taj Mahal in Agra is marvel of Mughal architecture commissioned by Shah Jahan.Shah Jahan’s cenotaph (a gazebo-like memorial) was wrapped in a 2,400 foot-long muslin cloth, called a chadar, as part of the memorial celebration that opened the Taj to muslin cloth, called a chadar, as part of the memorial celebration that opened the Taj to the public for free during the ritual mourning period.



The Taj Mahal At SunrisePrince Yakub Habeebuddin Tusi of Hyderabad, who claims to be the heir of the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, comes to the mourning ceremony annually on a prayer pilgrimage.

Shah Jahan ruled the Mughal Empire for 30 years before dying in 1666. His rule is considered the zenith of Mughal architecture, and his finest work, the Taj Mahal, was built as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Agra tourist destination, is part of India Tours offered by Easy Tours of India - Highest Rated tour agency in US.

Manali - Tours of India

Manali is located at the northern end of the Kullu Valley and is the main resort in the area. Manali is named after the Brahmin lawgiver Manu. The word Manali literally means “the abode of Manu”. Legend has it that sage Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world.

The Old Manali village has an ancient temple dedicated to sage Manu. The town is the center of the flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and the trailhead for numerous treks.

Delhi tourist,destination is part of India Tours offered by Easy Tours of India - Highest Rated tour agency in US.

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Rath Yatra Festival Puri

Rath Yatra is a major Hindu festival celebrating Lord Jagannath (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu & Lord Krishna). It is held at Puri in the state of Orissa, during the months of June or July (the date varies due to the Hindu lunar calendar) and hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees travel to Puri from all over the world to participate. The word Rath means chariot; and Yatra means a journey or a pilgrimage.

Most of the city's society is based around the worship of Lord Jagannath and the ancient temple is by far the most important structure in the area. The festival commemorates Krishna's return to his home in Vrindavan(an ancient forrest area in Madya Pradesh where the deity spent his childhood) after a long period of separation from the people there.

The Jagganath Rath Yatra – Pulling the weight of history and devotion

Throughout the rest of the year the deities Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra are worshipped within the temple where only Hindu’s of Indian origin are permitted. On the day of the Rath Festival they are paraded through the streets so that everyone (including tourists) can have the good fortune of viewing them. 

Three massive (almost 50 feet high), richly decorated chariots, resembling temple structures, are pulled through the streets of Puri. This commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram, and their sister Subhadra to the Gundicha Temple which is situated about a mile from their temple. New chariots are built every year for this purpose.

The spectacle of thousands of Hindu’s pulling the ropes of these colorful chariots and the accompanying chanting and music has to be seen to be believed - the English word "juggernaut" originates from the Jagannath Rath Yatra. 

The huge processions accompanying the chariots play devotional songs with drums, tambourines, trumpets and other musical instruments. Children line the streets through which the chariot will pass and add to the deafening chorus.

Global poets in Delhi participate in World poetry festival

50 poets from 21 countries, including India, participated in a poetry festival focusing on world peace and unity organized by the Sahitya Akademi, a national language institute in New Delhi.

Sabad World Poetry Festival – Poets from 21 countries gathered to share verses in Delhi.

The Sabad World Poetry Festival aimed to present multiple voices from many languages to reveal the uplifting geography of the contemporary world’s poetic imagination. “Verses recited here celebrate the spirit of independence and stand against the imperialistic tendencies of certain countries who take over the land of others,” said Mr. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, President of Sahitya Akademi. 

The festival, which ended March 24, coincided with the 100 year anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore being the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. “Through the medium of poetry we want to establish unity of human beings. Poets do not belong to a nation. According to Rabindranath Tagore, every country is my country,” Tiwari said.

Prominent participants at the festival included George Szirtes (UK), Les Wicks (Australia), Kunwar Narain (India), Nikola Madzirov (Macedonia), Najwan Darwish (Palestine), Oscar Cruz (Cuba), Ingrid Storholmen (Norway), Pia Tafdrup (Denmark), Philip Nikolayev (USA), and Tanure Ojaide (Nigeria). 

Poets read their verses on a wide range of topics like war and the nature of humanity.

Delhi tourist destination is part of India Tours offered by Easy Tours of India - Highest Rated tour agency in US.

Dharamshala Tours Cultural Heritage

Dharamshala is a popular hill station that lies at a height ranging from 1250 meters to 2000 meters. The town is divided into upper and lower sections due to its immense height difference. These two sections are separated by a 3 km distance. The temperature of Dharamshala never crosses the 25 degree mark. You can plan out Dharamshala tours to explore this uncharted region's unique cultural and natural beauty.

A leisurely walk through the lush deodar and pine forests while undergoing Dharamshala Tours gives a marvelous experience in the lap of picturesque nature. Dharamshala is the town of hot springs, lakes and waterfalls. Dal Lake is the most beautiful picnic spot of this town. Bhagsu Waterfall, located 3 km from the quaint town of Dharamshala is also a beautiful tourist option.

Dharamshala is well known for its magnificent gompas. The Tashijong Gompa is one of the most visited gompas of Him`achal Pradesh. Tsuglagkhang Complex is another of the attractive Buddhist monument. It is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet, also known as Dalai Lama Temple. Tibet Museum, Tibetan Library and Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts are other reflections of predominant Tibetan culture in Dharamshala. However, though Tibetan community dominates the entire Dharamshala region; it is the one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destinations found in northern India. Chamunda Devi Temple, Jwalamukhi Temple, Brajeshwari Devi Temple and Bhagsunath Temple are the ancient Hindu temples of Dharamshala.

To get a better feel and insight of Dharamshala India Tours you must explore the region's rich cultural heritage. The Kangra Art Museum is famous for its fifth century artifacts., and 17^th century miniature paintings from the Kangra School. It showcases the arts, crafts and history of the people of Kangra valley, down the ages. The War Memorial of Dharamshala holds the memory of heroes of Himachal Pradesh, who died in the Indo-China and Indo-Pak war. St. John's Church of Dharamshala is built in the memory of Lord Elgin, the British Viceroy of India. It is also known as St. John in the Wilderness.

Macleodganj area of upper Dharamshala is the home to numerous Buddhist monuments. It is the seat of the exiled Tibetan government with His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama residing here, and the focal point of Tibetan culture. Kangra Fort is located on the banks of Ganga and Manjhi rivers, and even though it now stands in its ruins, it manages to resonate its erstwhile glory. Macleodganj and Kotwali Bazaar are the main areas to hang out for shopping during Dharamshala tours. Wooden carvings, woolen and silk woven accessories are the main shopping items of Dharamshala. The woolen garments of Dharamshala are available in vibrant styles, and at reasonable rates. Wooden carving on bamboo and cane found in Dharamshala will give exquisite look to your homes. 

Travel Blog by :- Easy Tours Of India

Experience the Real Village Life of India in the Pushkar Fair

Fairs are a signifier of country's cultures and traditions. The tradition of fairs is more or less erasing from our lives as the world is moving ahead towards modernization. Fairs are an integral part of village life. But, in modern cities and towns, people don't any time to visit these fairs and experience the roots of their culture. Instead of going to see a fair people prefer going to the shopping malls or watch a movie. But all the assumptions of the people will be proved to be wrong once the person experiences the Pushkar Fair in Rajasthan. The charm of Pushkar fair is such that cannot be compared to any fair in India Tours.

But before knowing about Pushkar fair details, let us first know some facts about Pushkar. Pushkar is small town 13 kilometers away from Ajmer, Rajasthan. Several local taxis, tongas, buses and cars can take the tourists to the fair. Five rivers, Kanaka, Suprabha, Prachi, Saraswati, and Nanda flow here. The climate is pleasant here. Pushkar is also famous for its Pushkar Lake and temple that is the only temple of lore brahma in the world. A large number of tourists come from different parts of the world to witness the fair.

The fair is so popular that including many localities, various internet websites also serve as a guide to Pushkar Camel Fair

The fair is held every year in the month of Kartik. It is one of the largest cattle fair in entire Asia. Thousands of camels and other cattle are bought and sold here. Men come in traditional Rajasthani attire, turban and dhotis; and women come mirror embroidered ghagras with colorful jewelry. It is seven day fair where the first five days are completely devoted to buying and selling of animals and the last two days are the days of enjoyment. Some of the major attractions of the fair are the Pushkar camel safari and cattle races.

This calm peaceful village settlement will be transformed into a carnival of lively colours again on November 22nd, 2012. Pushkar fair dated 2012 will continue till 24th November 2011. Tourists will surely mesmerize in the real enchanting, beautiful, and mysterious Pushkar fair and festival Tours of India.

 

Every year, this fair is held either in the month of October or November. Witnessing the Pushkar fair is a true experience of vigor and dynamism. So, if one is planning a trip to India, plan it around Pushkar fair 2011, so that the tourist can really experience the Pushkar fair details that are given almost everywhere when we talk about the fairs and festivals of India. The tourist can experience everything; the holy Pushkar Lake, camel safari, folk dances, amazing cuisine, real village life, buy lak Bangles, ghagras, footwear, enjoy the races, and of course see amazing variety of cattle.

Taj Mahal Varanasi Tour Get Pleasant Experience

There are many interesting temples in Varanasi and each one speaks its own story. Durga symbolises power and the Durga Temple is a favourite among the devotees. A characteristic feature of the Durga Temple is the profusion of monkeys, which has given the temple a not so gratifying title of Monkey Temple. The Bharat Mata temple is another unique temple dedicated to the nation. It evokes a sense of unity among the Indian tourists and reflects the diverse and rich cultural heritage of the country. The Tulsi Manas Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The other important temples of the city are the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Sankat Mochan Temple.

Also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is Said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which shiva manifested has supremacy over others gods, broke through the Earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Gaths and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of  Varanasi

Early morning visit the sacred river Ganges before sunrise, to see how the Hindus of Varanasi pray to the rising Sun and then pray to the river Ganges. Enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges and see the cremation grounds from the boat. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Later visit the Golden Temple, Bharat Mata Temple and Birla ( Shiva ) Temple. In the afternoon transfer to Airport to fly for delhi. Upon arrival farewell dinner at Restaurant followed by Indian folk dances from different States. After that transfer to International Airport to fly onward your Sweet Home.

On your India to Varanasi you can not only partake of the unique experience of seeing all this happening in the ghats of Varanasi but also actively participate in them. The air reverberates with the chants of the Sanskrit slokas and as one offers prayers the mind is filled with a certain serene calm which makes one think that he or she has been partly cleansed of his sins and purified. The ghats do have a quaint charm that is simply not explicable in words. It can only be savored on Tours to Varanasi. One can have the best view of these ghats when enjoying boat rides in the middle of the Ganges.

On India Tours to Varanasi do make sure to visit the temples in Varanasi. The gold plated spire on the Vishwanath Temple is sure to impress any onlooker. The architectural features of some of the others are also quite admirable. A few of the monuments in Varanasi also deserve to be a part of your sight seeing trip. And do make sure to keep some time reserved for visits to the museums which house a very interesting collection of arts and artifacts and for shopping so that you can buy some exquisitely beautiful Benarasi saris.

Word Heritage - Qutab Minar in Delhi

Qutab-Minar in red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m.Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first storey, to which were added three more storey’s by his successor and son-in-law, Shamus’s-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36). All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honey-comb design, more conspicuously in the first storey. 

Numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters in different places of the minar reveal the history of Qutb. According to the inscriptions on its surface it was repaired by Firuz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351-88) and Sikandra Lodi (AD 1489-1517). Major R.Smith also repaired and restored the Minar in 1829.

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, to the north-east of Qutab Minar was built by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak in AD 1198. It is the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. It consists of a rectangular courtyard enclosed by cloisters, erected with the carved columns and architectural members of 27 Hindu and Jaina temples which were demolished by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak as recorded in his inscription on the main eastern entrance. 

Later, a lofty arched screen was erected and the mosque was enlarged by Shamus’s-Din Iltutmish (AD 1210-35) and Alau'd-Din Khalji. The Iron Pillar in the courtyard bears an inscription in Sanskrit in Brahmi script of fourth century AD, according to which the pillar was set up as a Vishnudhvaja (standard of god Vishnu) on the hill known as Vishnupada in memory of a mighty king named Chandra. A deep socket on the top of the ornate capital indicates that probably an image of Garuda was fixed into it.

The tomb of Iltutmish (AD 1211-36) was built in AD 1235. It is a plain square chamber of red sandstone, profusely carved with inscriptions, geometrical and arabesque patterns in Saracenic tradition on the entrances and the whole of interior. Some of the motifs viz., the wheel, tassel etc., are reminiscent of Hindu designs.

Travel Blog by :- Easy Tours of India

Rajasthan is Popular Dilwara Jain Temple

Mount Abu, also said to be 'the paradise of Rajasthan' is one of the popular Jain pilgrimage sites. This beautiful and fascinating city is famous for its Dilwara Caves and its natural beauty. Named after the Arbuda Devi, the city is also known for being the headquarters of the Brahmakumaris religious sect. Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan, is also said to be the God's abode. There are many temples in this region and the place is said to be an important place of penance for the sages in ancient times.

Built between the 11th and 13th century, the Dilwara Jain Temples are known for their intricate carvings and the white marble used to build the temples. The temples are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. Vimal Vasahi, Lun Vasahi, Shri Risha Lhdeo, Shri Parshvanath and Shri Mahavir Swami are the other five Jain temples. Two brothers - Vastupal and Tejpal, built the Lun Vasahi temple, which is most sacred among the five. The unique feature of this temple is the marble dome in the porch, which is made up of a cluster of half open lotuses, which appear to be almost transparent. You can too enjoy the nature basking in its glory through the IndiaTour Packages for Mount Abu.

Built in 1031, by Bhim Deva, the first Solanki ruler of Gujarat, the Vimal Vasahi temple is oldest and is also known to be the first Jain temple. The temple is built with pure marbles and its carvings reflect the excellence of artistry of its time.

The other main attraction of the tourists is the Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of Mount Abu. There is also a temple at the top amidst the beautiful lush greenness of the peak. In the heart of the town, at one end of the Mall is Nakki Lake. With the hills overlooking the beauty of this lake from all sides, the road that leads to the lake appears as if contemplating to take a dip in the lake.

Travel Blog by :- Easy Tours of India

Rajasthan Camel City Of Bikaner

Bikaner is popularly referred to as the 'Camel City of Rajasthan'. Bikaner lies on the ancient caravan routes that linked Western/Central Asia and North India with the seaports of Gujarat. Bikaner thus flourished as a major trade center during the medieval period. The kingdom of Bikaner was established by a Rathore Prince, Rao Bikaji, son of the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodhaji in 1488 A.D. He was able to carve out a state named after him after hardship of 30 years.

Tours to Bikaner comprises of visit to some of the major attractions of the city. Lal Garh Fort is 3 km from the city. It houses the Shri Sadul Museum in the first floor established in 1076 AD. The rich treasure house of the artifacts and personal possessions of the Maharajas of Bikaner will impress you. Most remarkable artifact in the museum is the brass vessel known as a tokna, which was used to collect revenue and then transported to the Bikaner State Treasury by camel. The Royal Train of the Maharaja looks elegant in the front of the palace.

Junagarh Museum cannot be missed while on Tour to Bikaner. Raja Jai Singh, a General in the Mughal Army of the Emperor Akbar constructed the Junagarh Fort. It was started in 1588 AD and was completed by 1593 AD. The huge fort has a 986 m-long wall with 37 ramparts, a moat and two entrances of which the Surajpol or the Sun Gate is the main entrance.

Shiva Bari Temple is at a distance of 6 km from Bikaner. You must visit the beautiful temple with carvings and perfect finishing while on tour of the city. The bronze statue of Nandi and a Shiva lingam are noteworthy.

Sisodia Rani ka Bagh is 8 km from Bikaner on the Bikaner - Agra road. It is a garden palace constructed for the second wife of Jai Singh. The pyramidal gardens looks beautiful over the small hillock with watercourses. There are pavilions also in the garden ornamented with wall paintings.

Camel Research Farm is a government-run camel station nearly 8 km from Bikaner. It is probably one of its kind of a farm in whole of Asia. There are about 230 camels at the research farm and three different breeds are reared here. Enjoy the camel ride, look at the baby camels and explore the small museum.

Tour to Bikaner is more enjoyable at the time of the much-famed Camel Festival. The Department of Tourism, Art and Culture of the Government of Rajasthan organize the festival every year in the month of January. It is an exclusive camel festival where sale and purchase of camels takes place. The festival is made entertaining by the song and dance festivals and other competitions.

 

Travel Blog by :- Easy Tours Of India

Khajuraho Group of Monuments

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Khajuraho Hindi, a town in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, located in Chhatarpur District, about 620 kilometres (385 mi) southeast of New Delhi, are one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. The Khajuraho group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the "seven wonders" of India. The name Khajuraho, ancient "Kharjuravahaka", is derived from the Sanskrit word kharjur meaning date palm. 

I recently set off for a Heritage Tour in Khajuraho and rejuvenated myself with sights that were both mystifying and soothing. The expedition has imprinted memories that often drives me back to that era of Chandela Dynasty. The Temples in Khajuraho tell tales of the affluent culture and architecture of the then dynasty. The expedition was quite an experience that flavours my Heritage.

Nestled among the timbered plains of the Centrally located state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is now a world heritage site under UNESCO. My Khajuraho Temple Tour was an expedition which I never wanted to put an end. There were lots to explore and sight see and I earnestly wished that I had planned a longer vacation in Khajuraho. The pastoral vibes, the humble and cordial hospitality from the village folks made the jaunt more memorable. Besides sight seeing I did enjoy shopping amidst the local bazaar sipping a refreshing cup of tea.

My Khajuraho Heritage Tour started off during early March and it was perhaps the best season to visit the Temples. I wandered myself among the Temples discovering many sights that were both enthralling and marvellous. The structures of the Temples sometimes seem to me frozen and spell bounded humans artistically carved and preserved so as to depict many untold tales that contemporary world would never get to know. My Khajuraho trip was part of my India Tours Heritage Packages and hence I could not stay longer to explore and unveil every secret concealed among the various architectural works in the temples.

It was always my life long dream to pay a visit to the famous Khajuraho Temples and I have made that dream come true. I went back from the trip loading sacks of memories of the marvellous and breath taking sights the temples offer. Khajuraho Temples are quite an ideal heritage site for a heritage tours.

Darjeeling Mountain Railway of India

Darjeeling is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal. A popular tourist destination, it is located in the Mahabharat Range or Lesser Himalaya at an average elevation of 6,710 ft (2,050 m). It is noted for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Mountain Railways, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darjeeling is the headquarters of Darjeeling district which has a partially autonomous status within the state of West Bengal.

The development of the town dates back to the mid-19th century, when the colonial British administration set up a sanatorium and a military depot. Subsequently, extensive tea plantation was done in the region, and tea growers developed hybrids of black tea and created new fermenting techniques. The resultant distinctive Darjeeling tea is internationally recognised and ranks among the most popular of the black teas. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects the town with the plains and has one of the few steam locomotives still in service in India.

Darjeeling has several British-style public schools, which attract students from India and neighbouring countries. The varied culture of the town reflects its diverse demographic milieu consisting of Nepalese, Tibetan, Bengali and other ethno-linguistic groups. Darjeeling, with its neighbouring town of Kalimpong, was a centre of the Gorkhaland movement in the 1980s. The town's fragile ecology has been threatened by a rising demand for environmental resources, stemming from growing tourist traffic and poorly planned urbanisation.

The opening of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in 1881 further hastened the development of the region. In 1899, Darjeeling was rocked by major landslides that caused severe damage to the town and the native population.

Travel Blog by :- Easy Tours of India

Bharatpur Palace

Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj

A few of the eight imposing towers still stand erect within the glorious ramparts of the fort. Especially two of them - Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj are of special interest. These were built by Maharaja Suraj Mal to commemorate his victories over the Mughals and British respectively. The coronation ceremony of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur was also held at the Jawahar Burj. The Jawahar Burj was built by Suraj Mal in 1765, in celebration of the successful attack on Delhi. There are a series of pavilions here, the ceilings of which display some badly deteriorating frescoes. The Fateh Burj is a victory tower too, raised after driving away the British forces in 1805. It was from these towers that the Jat Maharajas happily surveyed their fast-growing territory.

The Vijay Stambha

There's an iron pillar in the palace complex called the Vijay Stambha (Victory Column) on which is inscribed the genealogy of the Jat kings, starting right from Lord Krishna. UN Sharma has mentioned the chronology of Krishna in which starting from Sindhupal in 64th generation of Krishna to Bharatpur ruler Maharaja Brijendra Singh (1929-joined the Indian Union), all the rulers are mentioned as Yaduvanshi Jats.

Ganga Mandir (Temple)

Maharaja Balwant Singh started the construction of this big temple in 1845. The construction was carried out by a unique method, where all persons employed in the service of the state, were asked to donate one month’s salary of their service or any raise in pay towards the shrine. The temple is a beautiful piece of architecture.

Laxman Mandir (Temple)

This temple is famous for beautiful stone work with elaborate carvings from doorways to ceilings, pillars, walls and arches. The temple is dedicated to Laxmana, brother of Lord Rama.

Travel Blog by :- Easy Tours of India

Government Museum Bharatpur

The Government Museum, Bharatpur is located inside the historic Lohagarh Fort which is about 4 Km. away from the main bus stand and railway station. The Kachahri Kalan and Kamara Khas buildings built during the reign of Maharaja Balwant Singh in first half of 19th century A.D. In 1939, sculptures and other objects were collected from various places of the region and initially displayed in Public Library under the patronage of H.H Maharaja Sawai Brijendra Singh.

These were shifted to the present building of Kachahri Kalan in 1944 A.D. and it was formally opened to public on 11th Nov, 1944. Later on the Kamara Khas building was added to it. It has rare and distinguished collection of sculptures, inscriptions, coins, arms and weapons and decorative art objects. The Government museum has in its possession above 4000 antiquities. The buildings which house the museum in itself are marvellous examples of artistic beauty.

The sandstone durbar (Maharaja's meeting hall) with finely carved walls, pillars and archways now houses a museum. Today most of the fort is occupied by government offices and a museum. One thing which strikes one immediately about the architecture is the lack of ostentation; Lohargarh is definitely much simpler as far as carvings, paintings and other frills go. 

Travel Blog by :- Easy Tours of India

Bharatpur Fort

Lohagarh Fort (Iron fort) is situated at Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India. It was constructed by Bharatpur Jat rulers. Maharaja Suraj Mal used all his power and wealth to a good cause, and built numerous forts and palaces across his kingdom, one of them being the Lohagarh Fort (Iron fort), which was one of the strongest ever built in Indian history.

 

The inaccessible Bharatpur Fort could withstand repeated attacks of British forces led by Lord Lake in 1805 when they laid siege for over six weeks. Having lost over 3000 soldiers, the British forces had to retreat and strike a compromise with the Bharatpur ruler. Of the two gates in the fort, one in the north is known as Ashtdhaatu (eight metalled) gate while the one facing the south is called Chowburja (four-pillared) gate.

 

t is very different from the other forts in Rajasthan state, there is no flamboyance associated to fort but it generates an aura of strength and magnificence. The fort is surrounded with moat which was previously filled with water to ward off the enemy attacks. The sandy ramparts were strengthened by sandy battlements, thus the enemy guns proved of no avail.

Some interesting monuments in the fort are Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas. Moti Mahal and towers like Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj were erected to commemorate the victory over the Mughals and the British army. The Gateway has paintings of huge elephants.

The Lohagarh Fort, constructed by Bharatpur Jat rulers, true to its name stood solidly in front of many British attacks, and frustrated them to ends. Lohagarh Fort means 'Fort of Iron', and the fort was what its name suggested; virtually impregnable. Protected by deep moats on all sides, it was said that it could fall "only when a crocodile swallowed up all the water of the moat. It's obvious that the Jats did not believe in laxity. So, while lesser forts gave way more easily, Lohargarh stood firm, giving Bharatpur the security it needed.

Travel Blog by :- Easy Tours of India

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

The park was established as a national park on 10 March 1982. Previously the private duck shooting preserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur since the 1850s, the area was designated as a bird sanctuary on 13 March 1976 and a Ramsar site under the Wetland Convention in October 1981.The last big shoot was held in 1964 but the Maharajah retained shooting rights until 1972. In 1985, the Park was declared a World Heritage Site under the world Heritage Convention.

It is a reserve forest under the Rajasthan Forest Act, 1953 and therefore, is the property of the State of Rajasthan of the Indian Union. In 1982, grazing was banned in the park, leading to violent clashes between local farmers and the government.

The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India is a famous avifauna sanctuary that plays host to thousands of birds especially during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made the National Park their home. It is also a major tourist centre with scores of ornithologists arriving here in the hibernal season. It was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. It is also a declared World Heritage Site.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a man-made and man-managed wetland and one of the national parks of India. The reserve protects Bharatpur from frequent floods, provides grazing grounds for village cattle and earlier was primarily used as a waterfowl hunting ground. The 29 km (18 mi) reserve is locally known as Ghana, and is a mosaic of dry grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps, and wetlands. These diverse habitats are home to 366 bird species, 379 floral species, 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes, 5 species of lizards, 7 amphibian species,7 turtle species, and a variety of other invertebrates.

Every year thousands of migratory waterfowl visit the park for wintering breeding etc. The Sanctuary is one of the richest bird areas in the world. It is known for nesting of its resident birds and visiting migratory birds including water birds. The rare Siberian cranes used to winter in this park but this central population of Siberian Cranes is now extinct. According to Sir Peter Scott Keoladeo Sanctuary is the world’s best bird area.

Travel Blog by :- Easy Tours of India