Friday, September 6, 2013

Going Places - Royal Rajasthan

I am taking part in the Write Tribe Festival of Words from September 1 - 7. The theme for this festival is "7" and mine is:

Going Places -  7 journeys I would like to take.

I always think of Rajasthan as the place of kings. So in my mind Rajasthan needs to be roamed royally like in a Palace on Wheels. The perfect tour - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Chittorgarh - Udaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Bharatpur - Agra.

The Palace on Wheels starts and finishes in New Delhi so I guess that would be part of the tour too. Of course I have been to New Delhi and Agra several times but the last visit there was about 35 years ago!

But back to the Palace on Wheels which is a train journey doubling up as a mobile hotel fitted to look like a Maharaja's state carriage. The itinerary is a bit rushed but the charm of this holiday is the ability to live like royalty for a few days.

Jaipur is the largest city in and capital of Rajasthan and is known as the pink city. Last year my school classmates had a reunion in Jaipur which unfortunately I couldn't attend but they had the most amazing time there. On another leisurely visit, I would visit my classmate who now lives there. Jaipur has some interesting architecture.

Ranthambore is one of the largest national parks in northern India and is one of the Project Tiger reserves.

Chittorgarh was built in approx 7AD and first invaded by Allaudin Khilji. Won't bore you with historical details, but as I read up on its history, Allaudin Khilji took me zooming back to my school days. I can't remember the facts behind events but it's quite amazing how one remembers names!

Udaipur is known as the city of lakes and palaces. Someday I hope I will have the chance to stay at the Lake Palace in Udaipur - ultimate in luxury and unfortunately very pricey of course but an experience of a lifetime.

Jaisalmer is called the golden city as it stands on a ridge of yellow sandstone

Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan and is known as the Sun City as it enjoys sunny weather all year round. It is also called the Blue City because of the vivid blue painted houses.

Bharatpur home of the Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the duck hunting reserve of the Maharajas. The name Keoladeo is derived from an ancient Shiva temple situated in the sanctuary.

Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. No more words needed here.

I've also always wanted to visit the Dilwara temples at Mt Abu. So my royal Rajasthan roaming would either end or start with the beautiful Jain temples. Incidentally Mt Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan.

map taken from the palace on wheels website



Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
image source wikipedia



Ranthambore National Park
image source wikipedia


Chittorgarh Fort
image source wikipedia


Lake Palace, Udaipur
image source google images


Jaisalmer
image source google images


Jodhpur
image source wikipedia


Dilwara Temple, Mt Abu
image source wikipedia

Mt Abu
image source wikipedia


Join me tomorrow on my 7th and final journey

My journeys so far:
Journey 1 = Krishna Yatra
Journey 2 = Ram Yatra
Journey 3 = Shiva Yatra
Journey 4 = Himalayan Adventure
Journey 5 = Kaziranga

(my 7 journeys series can be viewed here )

Day 5 posts that I enjoyed
Usha Menon's 7 Thought Provoking Gems - and gems they truly are.
Snuffles Jay's Significance of 7 in Hinduism - very interesting and enlightening.
Neha's 55 word mini stories - aspects of love beautifully depicted


Have a luxurious day and check out some day 6 posts.

Warm Regards
Photobucket

 


Write Tribe

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49 comments:

  1. UnknownSeptember 6, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    I am with you! Exploring the palaces would make for an exquisite trip! Loved seeing the pictures, reading you enticing descriptions, and dreaming along with you about how majestic they are!

    Kathy
    http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:03 PM

      Thanks Kathy. I also enjoyed the virtual journeys I took. I'm glad you journeyed with me.

      Delete
  2. UnknownSeptember 6, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    I am with you! Exploring the palaces would make for an exquisite trip! Loved seeing the pictures, reading you enticing descriptions, and dreaming along with you about how majestic they are!

    Kathy
    http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousSeptember 6, 2013 at 12:31 PM

    I have heard and read so much about The Palace on Wheels itinerary that I seem to have visited these places already in my mind lots of times. I seriously need to do this trip sometime before I become too old or before it becomes any more pricier for me to afford.

    Nice post, awesome pics...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:04 PM

      Thanks Mahabore. The Palace on Wheels has been a dream of mine for a long long time.

      Delete
  4. Kajal KapurSeptember 6, 2013 at 1:21 PM

    Considering I love being to historical places...Rajasthan would have been my dream destination and yet besides Jaipur I have not been anywhere else. I'd love this trip too. Beautiful pictures.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:05 PM

      Thanks Kajal. When I lived in India it was like oh I'm here, I can go anytime. Now I wish I had seen these beautiful places when I lived there.

      Delete
  5. Martha Jane OrlandoSeptember 6, 2013 at 1:37 PM

    Thank you for taking us on this amazing journey with you, Suzy! I doubt I'll ever get to see these places for real, but the photos made me feel as though I was there. One great experience!
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:07 PM

      Thanks Martha. I was glad to have you all along. It made my virtual journey all the more delightful. I can't wait to do the real thing now.

      Delete
  6. UnknownSeptember 6, 2013 at 2:23 PM

    Suzy,I enjoyed your journey to Rajasthan.Jaipur, the pink city, is my favourite,The photographs are really captivating.

    Thanks Suzy for mentioning my blog,which you enjoyed reading yesterday. Grateful!!

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    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:08 PM

      Thanks Usha. I have heard that Jaipur is one amazing city. You are welcome Usha, your post was a gem!

      Delete
  7. kalpana solsiSeptember 6, 2013 at 2:43 PM

    Its indeed Royal Rajasthan. The Hawa Mahal is so romantic and I think a Bond movie had some scenes over here. and how can one not relish the cuisine of this rich state. Daal-baati, churma are yummy.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:09 PM

      Hi Kalpana. I hope someday I will see it for real and enjoy the yummy food too.

      Delete
  8. spiritunitySeptember 6, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    I love going on these virtual journeys with you! Beautiful pics and beautifully described. I am falling in love with your country. Thank you for enlightening me to such wonderful places that I've never known about.
    Penny
    http://pennymcdanielspiritualguidance.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:11 PM

      Thanks Penny. My India is an amazing country. I hope someday you will visit. They say one has to move away to truly see the beauty - so true for me, ever since I moved to NZ my India looks so beautiful. NZ is so beautiful too so I am double blessed.

      Delete
  9. UnknownSeptember 6, 2013 at 4:16 PM

    Hi Suzy..Rajasthan has always fascinated me and apart from Jaipur haven't been able to travel much..your post has inspired me to take the journey soon..loved it!

    And thanks for featuring my bog post..I am so glad you liked it..!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:12 PM

      Thanks Neha and you are welcome. I'm glad my post inspired you and thanks for taking this virtual journey with me.

      Delete
  10. S. Susan DeborahSeptember 6, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    I hear you and would like to undertake the same journey some day, Suzy. I like the way you choose the places and unfold them in their grandeur to us. Lots of love to you on this Friday, Suzy.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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    Replies
    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:13 PM

      Thanks Susan. I do hope we both will do this journey someday. Love and joy to you too Susan and have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  11. S. Susan DeborahSeptember 6, 2013 at 4:45 PM

    I hear you and would like to undertake the same journey some day, Suzy. I like the way you choose the places and unfold them in their grandeur to us. Lots of love to you on this Friday, Suzy.

    Joy always,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  12. C SureshSeptember 6, 2013 at 6:28 PM

    Rajasthan is one place I'd love to visit as well as fear visiting :) I sweat too much to enjoy myself in hot climes :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shilpa GargSeptember 8, 2013 at 6:18 AM

      October to Feb is the best season to visit Rajasthan, Suresh. No sweating just some cool nip in the air!

      Delete
    2. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:14 PM

      Oh but Winter would be a good time to go there - that's when I'd go. Thanks Shilpa for clarifying.

      Delete
  13. AditiSeptember 6, 2013 at 6:50 PM

    Now all I need is money to get on to the Palace on Wheels!! Sigh...

    Rajasthan is a cultural delight!! I have covered Jaipur, Agra and Ranthombore...and I'm dying to visit Jaiselmer and Udaipur....hopefully soon now that you've once again aroused the traveller in me! :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:15 PM

      Hi Aditi - yes the money is always a barrier. But how lovely that you've seen so many of the places I would love to go. Wish you happy travelling.

      Delete
  14. AnonymousSeptember 6, 2013 at 6:57 PM

    I love visiting historical places too. Rajasthan is indeed beautiful and I want to cover all the places you've mentioned in the post. Loved all the beautiful pictures too.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:16 PM

      Thanks Diana. There's something about the history of a place that makes it more charming. I hope you will get to make this journey too.

      Delete
  15. Sherna JaySeptember 6, 2013 at 8:43 PM

    Wow, that's a wonderful journey.
    I don't think i need to go on a vacation now.
    Thank you maam for linking my post as well <3 <3 <3

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    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:19 PM

      You are welcome Snuffles Jay. Thanks for visiting my post and taking a virtual holiday. Glad you could do that :)

      Delete
  16. AnonymousSeptember 6, 2013 at 11:19 PM

    There's a feeling of oneness seeing your post coz Rajasthan is my place...you have done a great job of taking the readers to such lovely places through vivid description and beautiful pictures...thank you
    All the best for tomorrow

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:20 PM

      Thanks Shellymona - this journey has been a dream for so long it almost seems real.

      Delete
  17. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2013 at 12:16 AM

    Awesome 7. Rajasthan is also on my list and add to that some temple places in UP as well as Kerala and Pondicherry:)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:25 PM

      Thanks Vishal. There a lot more journeys I want to take but these would be my top 7. I hear Pondicherry is also an interesting place to visit and I've already been to Kerala though I was quite little then.

      Delete
  18. sugandhaSeptember 7, 2013 at 2:39 AM

    Suzy I wish to go for Palace on wheels too. Though I have seen couple of places - Udaipur, Bharatpur, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore and each of these places are mersmerizing.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:26 PM

      Oh wow Sugandha you are lucky to see so many beautiful places. I think the palace on wheels would be such a unique experience.

      Delete
  19. UnknownSeptember 7, 2013 at 4:33 AM

    thanks to my husband's impromptu,I have been to these lovely places.It was hell of a trip. But i missed the "palace of wheel"train journey.A Must visit place!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:27 PM

      Yes so I hear Anu - I am looking forward to the day I see this all for real.

      Delete
  20. Ruchira KhannaSeptember 7, 2013 at 4:52 AM

    I am happy to say that Rajasthan is one place I ahve visited. It is beautiful and you could capture most of the cities that I have visited.

    Loved the tour though, suzy

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    Replies
    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:28 PM

      Thanks Ruchira. Glad you enjoyed the tour. The virtual tour was fun. Can't wait for the real one.

      Delete
  21. Richa SinghSeptember 7, 2013 at 7:15 AM

    Palace on wheels! It is a dream my friend. And being married in Jodhpur to a marwari guy my dream of a trip on palace on wheels is even more strong... rajasthan truly reflects the most beautiful part of india and its culture :)

    Richa

    ReplyDelete
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    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:36 PM

      My dream too Richa and I am waiting for it to come true. Thanks so much for dropping by. I've always been fascinated with Rajasthan.

      Delete
  22. SayantiniSeptember 7, 2013 at 4:44 PM

    I love visiting palaces and explore the unexplored. I love your list. Great post :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:39 PM

      Thanks Sayantini. Thanks for visiting and welcome to my blog.

      Delete
  23. Shilpa GargSeptember 8, 2013 at 6:17 AM

    Whenever you plan to visit Rajasthan, do let me know, Suzy! Would love to meet you! :)

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    Replies
    1. SuzySeptember 8, 2013 at 5:39 PM

      I would love to meet you too Shilpa and will definitely let you know. :)

      Delete
  24. UnknownSeptember 9, 2013 at 12:05 AM

    A road trip all over India! My dream!!!!
    P.S. All the virtual trips of this week was just awesome :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Corinne RodriguesSeptember 13, 2013 at 4:25 AM

    Rajasthan has such a pull for me, but I haven't yet visited. We were scheduled to go to Udaipur and Kumbalgarh two years back, but my Mom who was to travel with us fell ill. Nothing has worked out since. Hope your trip works out, Suzy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SuzySeptember 13, 2013 at 10:05 PM

      Thanks Corinne. I hope it works out for you too. Rajasthan has a pull for me too.

      Delete

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