India News Update

Saturday, 25 July 2015

Kota - Rajasthan - India

Rajasthan, the combination of two Hindi words (1) King (2) Place, means Place of Kings. Before becoming Rajasthan, it was scattered in many small states ruled by different kings of their time. All these states were united by Mewar's Rana's and turned it into a whole big state of India as Rajputana (Rajasthan).

There are so many heritage sites and places which you would like to visit.

Kota:

25th Largest district of Rajasthan state in india and at the boarder of Madhya Pradesh State. It is situated on the bank of river Chambal. It is the 47th most popular city of India and also known as education hub of rajasthan as its having a large number of Medical and Engineering colleges as well as large Number of education tutorial points.

so many famous tutorial points are well known by all as below

1. Career Point (CP)

2. Allen Coaching institute

3. Dashwani Classes

4. Resonance Institutes

5. Bansal Coaching Classes

6. Vibrant Academy

This education industry is of about 300 crore rupees and lakhs of students from all over the country comes here for grooming their career.

Along with this Education centre, there are still more places for common man who just want to visit for tourism/site seeing.

Chambal Garden:
Its is located on the banks of chambal river in city Kota. It is well maintained and well planed garden by UIT,Kota. The close view of Gharial and Crocodiles can be taken from this garden. The river can be crossed by hanging bridge or by boad to take a close view of fish eater reptiles.
Kota Barrage:

Kota Barrage is the fourth in the series of Chambal Valley Projects, located about 0.8 km upstream of Kota City in Rajasthan. Water released after power generation at Gandhi Sagar dam, Rana Pratap Sagar dam and Jawahar Sagar Dams, is diverted by Kota Barrage for irrigation in Rajasthan and in Madhya Pradesh through canals on the left and the right sides of the river. The work on this dam was completed in 1960.

The total catchment area of Kota Barrage is 27,332 km², of which the free catchment area below Jawahar Sagar Dam is just 137 km². The live storage is 99 Mm³. It is an earthfill dam with a concrete spillway. The right and left main canals have a headworks discharge capacity of 188 and 42 m³/s, respectively. The total length of the main canals, branches and distribution system is about 2,342 km, serving an area of 2,290 km² of CCA. 50% of the water intercepted at Kota Barrage has been agreed to be diverted to Madhya Pradesh for irrigation. The Barrage operates 18 gates to control flow of flood and canal water downstream, and serves as bridge between parts of Kota on both side of the river.

The massive flow/froth of water during opening of gates in monsoon season — and accompanying vibration of bridge — are particular attraction among locals. Though in past, mis- or non-communication about the discharge of water to residents near river bank has resulted in lost of lives of persons engaged in swimming or washing activities downstream.

Other Places worth visiting nearby Kota are
Kansua temple with a four faced Shiva Lingam:

The Kansua Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the speciality of this temple is that it houses a rare four headed idol of Lord Shiva. Therefore, it is considered to be an important pilgrimage for Shaivites.
Bhitria Kund:
Adhar Shila:

Adharshila is a large piece of rock suspended in the Chambal river valley. The Mosque of sufi saint Meer Sayyad Ali Hamdani is situated close to Adharshila. Devotees throng in large numbers to visit and pay their respect to the saint. This is dargah (grave) of famous saint Hazrat Maula Ali shah sahab. He and his companions used this place for prayers. This place was out of Kota city limits just 30 years back in 1970s also. accompanied to this grave yard is also there. Its a very big rock stayed on a small rock with unbelievable angle. People believe this was god gift. Here a very good small garden and you can gaze at magnificent view of river Chambal.
Budh Singh Bafna Haveli:

Budh Singh Bafna Haveli is a tourist spot situated in Kota, Rajasthan. The place lies along the eastern bank of the Chambal River. Kota Airport, 10 km from City Center, is the nearest airport and the nearest railhead is Kota Junction Railway Station.
Yatayat Park.
Kishor Sagar:

A new Attraction developed in Kota on the banks of Kishore Sagar Lake. The Park has the exact Replica of the 7 wonders of the World : 1. Taj Mahal. 2. Great Pyramid of Giza 3. Brazil's Christ the Redeemer. 4. Eiffel Tower of Paris. 5. Leaning Tower of Pisa 6. New York's Statue of Liberty 7. Rome's Colosseum. This is city's most beautiful place to visit during the night. The lake is beautiful with all the lighting and there are replicas of sever wonders of the world which makes it an amazing sight. The recently constructed Seven wonders of the world replicas have added value to the southern end. The musical fountain on the northern end should be constantly maintained.
Darra National Park:

It consist of three wild life sanctuaries, and it was established in year 2004. The Three Sanctuaries are 1. Darrah Wild Life Sanctuary, Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary and Jawahar Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. The are is large tracts of forest which was the hunting place of Kota's Maharaja's.
Rao Madhosingh Nuseum:

Rao Madho Singh Museum consists of numerous collections which includes attractive ancient sculptures, mural paintings, miniature paintings, royal armory and frescos. It is famously known as ‘Maharao Madho Singh museum'. It is Situated in Old Palace of Kota, this museum is named after the son of first ruler of Kota. Along with sculptures many articrafts in museum attracts historian as well because these articraft belongs to royal and once used by Kota rulers.

Rao Madho Singh Museum has its name among the best museums of Rajasthan. Visitors of the museum can see the rich collection in the mseum which throw light on the glorious past of Kota rulers.

Entry Fee: Rs 10/- (lower section), Rs 50/- (upper section) - Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Rani's Stepwell:
Waterfall:
City Mall:
City Palace:

This is a nice fort. There are charges to enter the fort and you have to pay separately for photography the ancient things of maharaja has observed in this fort. There are things like force and different things with which fight was done in old times but looking at the fort from inside i am going back in history.
Jawahar Sagar Dam:

Jawahar Sagar Dam is a dam across the Chambal River. It is situated 24 kilometres south-west of Kota, Rajasthan, India. It is one of the dams which have been built under the chambal valley project of State of Rajasthan and MadhyaPradesh. The dam also produces 99 MW (3x33 MW) of hydro power

Bundi - Rajasthan - India

There are so many heritage sites and places which you would like to visit.

बूंदी (Bundi):

Bundi is a district near Kota District and is famous for its monuments listed below. Bundi comes in the Hadoti region (हाड़ोती क्षेत्र). As per 2011 census, population of bundi is more than 1 lakhs. City is encircled by Aravali hills from three sides and it most famous for its step-wells (बावड़ी) specially for rainy days.

It was named (Bundi) due to the ruler 'Bunda Meena' of the area, Earlier it was know as Bunda_ki_Naal, means Narrow Way of Bunda. Later on Hada King Rav Deva (राव देवा हाडा) rules the place after defeating Jaita Meena (जैता मीणा), and he named the surrounding area of Bundi as Hadoti (Means places of Hada Raja's). Site Seeing places at Bundi are as below.

Taragarh fort:

Taragarh fort is situated at top of the hill overlooking the city. Hill is very steep. Earlier it was known as Bheem Burg (भीम बुर्ज) and a Big size canon was placed there named Garh Gunjam / गर्भ गुंजन (Means thunder from womb).
Bundi Palace:

Situated adjacent to Taragarh Fort on the same steep hill. There is a art gallery called by name of Chitrashala (चित्रशाला), that is open for general purpose and is famous for its wall paintings done by water colors. Badal Mahal.
Step-wells of Bundi:

There are around more than 50 step-wells in Bundi, of which only one have been maintained. They used to be the only source of water for the town until a pipe lined water system was introduced. After that these step-wells were abandoned and the monuments were left without care. Most of the former step-wells inside the town have become dumps for garbage and are slipping out of the public consciousness.

Bharatpur - Rajasthan - India

There are so many heritage sites and places which you would like to visit.

भरतपुर (Bharatpur):

A District of Rajasthan State and also part of Delhi's NCR (National Capital Region). It used to be the capital of Jat Kingdom in historical time. Agra is 55 km and Mathura is 35 km from Bharatpur. More than 20 kings have ruled this place in history of Rajasthan (India). There are not only the Ancient places of importance but also the national park as well. Bharatpur's language seems is such straight forward language that it appears to other like they are talking rudely but its not like that.. Its their tone which gives such appearance to their language..

Keoladeo National Park:

Keoladeo Ghana National Park or previously known as Keoladev Ghana Bird Sanctuary and is the house of thousands of birds in winter season. More than 230 species of birds visit the sanctuary. It was declared protect in 1971 by Govt of India and is also a 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 km² 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.
Lohagarh Fort / Iron Like Fort:

It was constructed by Bharatpur Jat rulers. Maharaja Suraj Mal used all his power and wealth to 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. Lohagarh fort is not so huge in size but the special thing about this fort that its outer wall is made of sand. Inner wall is of stone and Outer wall was made of sand so that intruders could not destroy this fort.

Now you will think that outer wall is made of sand than it can be destroyed easily but its not like that. This fort is surrounded by water by digging the sand from outside perimeters and the sand was used to make outer wall, so that the canon's bullets immerse in sands wall and will not blast/destroy the inner stone wall. It was the time when English intruders were started using Canon's to win forts of the other countries. Due to water outside the fort, enemies could not reach near the fort and they had to attack from far places and that's why this fort is called undefeated.
English author and History writer of Rajasthan 'sir Jams Tod' has written that Winning this is fort is like biting iron grams. Total 13 attacks were made to this fort but it was inaccessible by foreign invaders.

The inaccessible Lohagarh 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 metaled) gate while the one facing the south is called Charburja (four-pillared) gate.

Monuments in the fort include 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.

More places to visit in Bharatpur.

Government Museum: Collection of all historical as well as new scientific things.
Golbagh Palace:
Moti Mahal:
Shri Rajendra Suri Kirti Mandir:
Kishori Mehal:
Laxmi Vilas Palace:
Jawahar Burj:
Fateh Burj:
Ganga mandir:
Laxman mandir:
Vishwapriya shastri park:
Bankebihari temple:
Nehru Park:
Dev Narayan Temple (Sarsena)

More Near About Bharatpur

Deeg Palace/Water Palace:

It is located 32 km from Bharatpur and was built in 1772 as a summer resort for the ruler of Bharatpur. Jat King Badan Singh, who came to the throne in 1721, built a palace here but due to its strategic location and proximity to Agra, Deeg had to face repeated attacks by invaders. It was then that his son, prince Suraj Mal, began the construction of a fortress around the palace around 1730. The fort had massive walls and a deep moat to keep away the raiders.

Elaborately filigreed gates, stone slabs, ornate beams, and marble Jaalis from Mughal constructions have been used in various parts of the palace. A fine marble swing, rumoured to have belonged to Nur Jahan, was also brought here as a war trophy from the Mughal court. The swing stands at a vantage position overlooking the gardens. Keshav Bhawan, the monsoon pavilion is a single-storeyed baradari placed on an octagonal base, it stands right next to the Rup Sagar tank.
Bayana Fort:

Bayana is located in a small plain, between two hill ranges running more or less parallel to each other near the left bank of the Gambhiri river, at a distance of 45 km southwest of Bharatpur.
Gopal Bhavan
Laxman mandir [deeg]
Kailadevi Temple [Karauli]

Kaila Devi (Goddess कैला देवी) temple is located on the banks of the Kalisil river in Karauli district. The temple is devoted to the tutelary deity, goddess Kaila, of the rulers of the Karauli state. It is marble structures with a large courtyard of a checkered floor.In one place are a number of red flags planted by devotees. The place is also famous for its fair held during the dark half of Chaitra (March–April), which lasts for a fortnight.The priests of this famous temple belongs to Meena caste of Rajasthan who were the rulers of Matsya kingdom.

Languriya Songs are very much popular there in the Mela's. People gets lost in these folk songs so much that they forgets everything and dance like mads.

Kaila Devi Shrine is located near Karauli. Karauli is a holy city situated 160 km from Jaipur and 103 km from Sawai Madhopur, is venue for the famous Kaila Devi fair. Earlier called Kalyanpuri, after the local deity Kalyanji, Karauli was founded in 1348 A.D. Karauli was strongly fortified by its rulers. The city is surrounded by a wall of red sandstone strengthened by bastions at several places. The peripheral wall, now dilapidated at several places, has six gates and eleven posterns. Raja Gopal Das of Karauli ruled from 1533 to 1569. During this time, he defeated Daud Khan.

To acknowledge his valorous deeds, the Mughal Emperor, Akbar, bestowed on him the award of Ranjit Nagarah which is still with the erstwhile rulers. As per the legends, the ruling family of Karauli, recognised as the head of the Yadhuvanshi Rajputs, are the descendants of Lord Krishna. Situated 23 km. from Kaila Devi, Karauli was an erstwhile princely state in eastern Rajasthan. Karauli is famous for its pale red-stone. Karauli has some noted places of visits like temples of Kaila Devi and Madan Mohanji and other historic monuments.
Temples at Kaman
Fatehpur Sikri:
Fatehpur Sikri is a city and a municipal board in Agra district in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The city was founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. After his military victories over Chittor and Ranthambore, Akbar decided to shift his capital from Agra to a new location 23 miles (37 km) on the Sikri ridge, to honor the Sufi saint Salim Chishti. Here he commenced the construction of a planned walled city which took the next fifteen years in planning and construction of a series of royal palaces, harem, courts, a mosque, private quarters and other utility buildings.

Sites to visit at Fatehpur SIkri are:

1. Buland Darwaja:

2. Jama Masjid

3. Tomb Of Saint Salim Chisti

4. Diwan-e-Aam

5. Diwan-e-Khas

6. Ibadat Khana

7. Anup Talao

8. Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace

9. Naubat Khana

10. Pachhisi Court

11. Panch Mahal

12. Birbal's House:
Taj Mahal : No need to describe about this Ajuba of World. Every one knows better.

Jaisalmer - Rajasthan - India

Jaisalmer:

Majority persons of Jaisalmer are of Bhati Rajput Kin. Former Jaisalmer Ruler Kings were related to Chandravansi Yadu Rajput family. The Sixth Successor of Bhati Dynasty After Deoraj Bhati, took over the charge of kingdom and formed Jaisalmer and the Jaisalmer fort in 1156 on Trikuta Hills, which is also known as Sonar garh Fort or Sonar Qila. For the maintenance of the fort, he started recovering taxes from persons bypassing with camels from nearby roads/ways.

Jaisalmer is not only the prime location for visitors but also for Bollywood industry. Many ads films and movies had been shot here from which some as below.
1. Kachche Dhage
2. Krishna
3. Sarfarosh
4. Tushion
5. Rudali
6. Coca Cola, BoroPlus and Pepsi and Hero Honda's Ads films

L aden with exotic spices and precious silks, these trading caravans were en route to cities like Delhi or Sindh, but had to pass directly through Jaisalmer. This strategic location continued to serve Jaisalmer well, as it lay right on the two main routes connecting India with Persia, Egypt and farther west. He later made it his capital as he moved from his former capital at Lodhruva (which is situated about 15 km (9.3 mi) to the north-west of Jaisalmer). In 1293, the Bhattis so enraged the Sultan of Delhi Ala-ud-din Khilji that his army captured and sacked the fort and city of Jaisalmer, so that for some time it was quite deserted. Some Bhatti's from the Royal family migrated to Jaisal (Now in Pakistan), a place near to Chiniot Distt and some migrated to Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in Distt. Nankana Sahib (Punjab, Pakistan) and others settled in Larkana (in Sind, Pakistan) under the name of Bhutto. In Nankana Sahib, the Bhatti Clan can be traced from the lineage of Rai Bhoe and Rai Bular Bhatti. After this there is nothing to record until the time of Rawal Sahal Singh, whose reign marks an epoch in Jaisalmer's history in that he acknowledged the supremacy of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Following the collapse of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century, Jaisalmer, like the rest of Rajputana, became subservient to the Marathas,^[4] until it came under the protection of the British East India Company following the British victory in the Third Anglo-Maratha War. In 1818, the Rawals of Jaisalmer signed a treaty with the British, which protected Jaisalmer from invasion provided it was not the aggressor and guaranteed the royal succession.

Sand Dunes: A dune is a hill of sand built by either wind or water flow. Dunes occur in different shapes and sizes, formed by interaction with the flow of air or water. Large dune fields are known as ergs. Sand dunes, Moving from one place to other in few minutes with the flow of air. In the summer, so fast moving hot air is called 'Loo'. Most kinds of dunes are longer on the windward side where the sand is pushed up the dune and have a shorter "slip face" in the lee of the wind. The valley or trough between dunes is called Dhore. A "dune field" is an area covered by extensive sand dunes.

Gadsisar Lake: Gadsisar Lake was Excavated in 1367 by Rawal Gadsi Singh, it is a scenic rainwater lake surrounded by the small temples and shrines of Amar Sagar. Earlier, this lake was used to be the main water source of Jaisalmer. Water pond in middle of desert. Bollywood Movie 'Nanhe Jaisalmer' was filmed mostly on this lake.

Sonar Quila/ Jaisalmer Fort:

This is the most famous place and monument being visited in this deserted city of the state, because Its made of yellow stones and sands without calcium carbonate. This is the special and unique thing about this fort that how without cement or concrete, this is standing in high speed wind flowing area/desert and from the years and years ago (constructed nearly 858 years ago). More than 1200 houses are there inside the fort. This fort seems like honey golden fort at the time of sun set. So beautiful to watch this golden fort made in middle of desert. That's why its called Sonargarh (golden fort). it is also known as the Sonar Quila or Jaisalmer Fort. There are ninety nine Burj (towers). where canons are placed to safe-guard the fort from invaders. These canons can be seen at present time also.

Situated at a height of 250 feet and surrounded by 30 feet high walls, the face of the fort is not visible to others. Any one trying to observe the face of the fort from any side, they got deceived by its architecture and till they got the right entry gate, they were attacked to defeat or run away. It is one of the largest fortifications in the world and included in world heritage by UNESCO. It is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It is a World Heritage Site. It was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from whom it derives its name. (Rawal Jaisal's son was Shalivahan II; Manj and Bhati Rajputs are descended from him. The fort stands in the middle of the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill, and has been the scene of many battles. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are of a light brown to brownish orange color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby exploit the natural surroundings to disguise something the fort in the yellow desert. The fort is located in the very heart of the city, and is one of the most notable monuments in the locality.
Many Jain temples are inside the fort and tourism is the second profession in the city after stones business.

Lakshminath's Temple:

There is temple of god Krishna, which is known as God Lakshminath Temple. A very attractive marble image of god Krishna attracts every one. It is believed that once, In Jaisalmer, a bad famine happened, The king then placed his sword at the feet of lord Krishna's Statue in the temple and take an oath, that till the famine deminishes, he will not pick up his sword in hands. And the Magic happened that year and a huge rain fall in the state.
Krishna Kund (Pond):
There is a story of Mahabharat time that once Shri Krishna and Arjun visited this 80 meter high Trikuta Hills, and then Arjun felt thrust, there was no water near about and hence Shri Krishna Hit and Arrow and dug the well for him. He drunk the water and satisfied his thrust. This Pond is known as Krishna Pond.
Desert National Park):

This is one of the largest national parks, covering an area of 3162 km². It is situated in the town of Jaisalmer. This is the Only national park in the country which spreads in the desert. Many type of birds and animal can be viewed here which comes from throughout the world.

Rajsamand & Nathdwara - Rajasthan - India

There are so many haritage sites and places which you would like to visit.

A. RajSamand:

The city is named due to Rajsamand Lake, an artificial lake created in the 17th century (1660) by Rana Raj Singh of Mewar. It is Located 66 kms in the north of Udaipur, Rajsamand Lake lies between Rajnagar and Kankroli. Noticing the dimension of the lake, the lake Spreads to the length of 12 kilo meters and 5.25 kilo meters in width. The lake has the approximate depth of 5 Meters.

Kumbhalgarh Fort:

Built during the course of the 15th century by Rana Kumbha and enlarged through the 19th century. Occupied until the late 19th century, the fort is now open to the public and is spectacularly lit for a few minutes each evening. Kumbhalgarh is situated 82 km northwest of Udaipur by road. It is the most important fort in Mewar after Chittaurgarh.

Build on a hill top of 1100 meters above sea level, the fort of Kumbhalgarh is having a perimeter walls 36000 Meters long. The second longest wall in the world after Great wall of China. The width of the wall in 15 feets. It has seven fortified gateways. There are over 360 Temples in the fort and out of them about 300 temples are Jain temples. From the top of the palace, many kilometers of Aravali Mountain Range can be viewed Easily. Its the Birth place of legendary warrior "Brave Son of India, Maharana Pratap" & Coronation Place of Rana Udai Singh. So high that highly protected from all sides , a type of Giri Durg (Hill Forts).

B. Nathdwara:

Nathdwara is located in the Aravalli hills, on the banks of the Banas river in the rajsamand district, 48 kilometres north-east of Udaipur. This town is famous for its temple of Krishna which houses the idol of Shrinathji, a 14th-century, 7-year-old "infant" incarnation of Krishna. The idol was originally worshipped at JATIPURA Mathura and was shifted in the 1672 from Govardhan hill, near Mathura along holy river Yamuna after being retained at Agra for almost six months, in order to protect it from anti-Hindu fanatic iconoclastic Islamic policies of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb’s. Literally, Nathdwara means ‘Gateway to Shrinathji’. Nathdwara is a significant Vaishnavite shrine pertaining to the Pushti Marg or the Vallabh Sampradaya or the Shuddha Advaita founded by Vallabha Acharya, revered mainly by people of Gujarat and Rajasthan, among others. Vitthal Nathji, son of Vallabhacharya institutionalised the worship of Shrinathji at Nathdwara. Nathdwara town itself is popularly referred to as ‘Shrinathji’, after the presiding deity.

Shrinathji Temple:

As per the religious beliefs, the shrine at Nathdwara was built in the 17th century at the spot as exactly ordained by Shrinathji himself. The idol of the Lord Krishna was being transferred to a safer place from Vrindaban to protect it from the anti-Hindu, iconoclastic and barbarian destruction of the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. When the idol reached the spot at village Sihad or Sinhad, the wheels of bullock cart in which the idol was being transported sank axle-deep in mud and could not be moved any farther. The accompanying priests realised that the particular place was the Lord's chosen spot and accordingly, a temple was built there under the rule and protection of the then Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar. Shrinathji Temple is also known as 'Haveli of Shrinathji’ (mansion).