Planning a Trip to Rajasthan

Udaipur: romantic city after unattractive Jaipur. Exquisite lake. Take the boat ride at five pm but: be on time so you can choose the best side to take photographs. Prime place to shop, especially for miniatures on silk. You won't find them anywhere as delicately painted as in Udaipur. Stayed at Jaiwana Haveli: clean, not too expensive, great staff, nice rooms, perfect terrace. Ate at Jagat Niwas: tasty and fantastic view on lake. Book ahead though since very popular. Must visit: City Palace. Sooo beautiful. Take your time.

Jaisalmer is one of the most mystical of cities that arises from the horizon of the Thar desert.  As for tips for the modern day traveler, my experience of this isolated place dates back 25 years, when it was difficult to get to but well worth the effort.        I'm sure it now abounds with places to stay for the budget and more discerning visitor but the interior of the fort must offer the best in spectacular architecture, haveli's and winding streets begging for exploration.  The very colour of the stone used in construction gives a rose gold hue to the place and the views from the highest point are magical in the evening.  I even managed to hitch a ride back to Jaipur on the empty Raj Express steam train and was entertained with silver service by a delightful elderly gentleman who retained fond memories of the days of the British Raj.  I spent perhaps the most comfortable night of my six month stay in india wrapped within crisp, white sheets in a luxurious berth.     India is a large country and I've yet to find myself back in Rajasthan, having spent four months in that state the first time.  It's probably about time I returned with my husband and son and I would urge anyone planning to visit India to spend time in this majestic of areas.

Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh. The pink color was used at the time of making to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of Mughal cities - and repainted in 1876, during the visit of the Prince of Wales. The city is best explored on foot and the adventurous visitor willing to go into the inner lanes can discover a whole new world not visible to the tourist-in-a-hurry. GENERAL INFORMATION
Jaipur is barely 262 kilometers from New Delhi, and is well connected by road, rail and air. Detailed information on how to get to Jaipur and where to stay is given here PLACES OF INTEREST Places of interest are mainly located within the walled city. The City Palace complex is the most important landmark with its numerous outbuildings, courtyards, impressive gateways and temples. Across the road from the palace is the Jantar Mantar , one of the five observatories built bySawai Jai Singh. A collection of complex astronomical instruments, chisseled out of stone- most of which continue to provide fairly accurate information to this day - is the highlight of this observatory Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) adjoins the outside of the palace wall. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal is a remarkable structure which overlooks one of the main streets and also provides some excellent views of the city. In the not-too-distant past, ladies of the court found it convenient to watch the activities on the streets below without being observed themselves. Located just outside the walled city is the sprawling Ram Niwas Garden. The garden houses the majestic Albert Hall Mueseum. Opened in 1887 AD, this impressive building displays a rich collection of paintings, carpets, ivory, stone and metal sculpture among other objects. THE GARLAND FORTS

These forts, though built at different periods, are so located that they seem to be stringed together. AMER
Set in a picturesque location, Amer is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh, it sprawls on the hillside. Click here to see a panoramic view of the formidable Amer with Jaigarh in the background. Built in red sandstone and white marble, the palace complex has some very interesting apartments, the likes of which are not to be found anywhere else in the country. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas and Ganesh Pole are the prominent areas of interest. The old township of Amer lies at the foothills of the palace and has an old world charm, a character of its own. Jagat Shiromani Temple, Narsingh Temple are some of the places of interest. JAIGARH
Jaigarh , or the Fort of Victory, is a rugged fort built in 1726. The world's largest cannon on wheels is to be found here. The fort houses a museum and provides some excellent views of the Amer Palace. NAHARGARH
It is the first of the three forts. Built in 1734, this fort provides some stunning views of the city down below both during daytime and at night. An open air restaurant-"PADAO" lets you enjoy the panoramic view of the city even as you sip a hot cup of coffee on a pleasant evening !
Nearby Excursion Points

SHOPPING
Jaipur is a shopper's paradise. This is one of the few places where the shoppers may actually watch the skilled artisans producing the articles they want to buy.

ok the best time to go would be between november to feb as its winter and hence very pleasant. and ya......don forget to check out the amazing historic palaces!!!

It is a nice town but very touristic. One store and internet cafe running after the other one. Not very authentic anymore, however, the palast is nice but if you want to go more off the beaten track go to Dungarpur which is more south and very beautiful.

Shivam Garden, choti basti, main bazaar, near post office

if you visit the castle, it's worth to pay extra for the photography permit...

If you have time, hang out at the footbridge below the fort. There are pigeon holes in the bridge and often you will have locals who come here to sit in the alcoves to feed the pigeons. I got several absolutely spectacular pictures here while I was waiting for some friends who had gone shirt shopping. When they saw the pictures once we got back, they all wanted to know WHERE that was. One of the pictures won first prize in a photo exhibition here in Myrtle Beach. Also, pay attention to the garland makers by the roadside...they make for a very colorful picture.

Udaipur,Rajasthan (India) also called as the city of lakes.Although u can get there on a bus i suggest u take the train if u dont wanna get roughed up. It has lots of good places and the royal palace stands out. The city has a look of a hill station unlike the other cities popular for horrible heat of Rajasthan. Well conneceted from the cities nearby. You can enjoy all sorts of cuisines here but i suggest u go with the rajasthani thali, its spicy and real fun. You can try kachori or Dal baati choorma. I feel if u r visiting Rajasthan this is the place you would not afford to miss.

Udaipur in Rajasthan is one of the romantic cities in the world. You can enjoy this fantastic city at water level, roof top, or from the hills and valleys close by. You need at least a week here to take everything in and explore the sights. Their are many hotels/guesthouses at very competitive prices. If moneys no object then you may want to stay at one of the most famous luxuy hotels in the world 'Lake Palace'.

Udaipur is one of india's romantic cities. Embrace it from a roof top, on the water, or from their close by hills and valleys. competitive prices for rooms or if mony is no object then stay at the famous, luxury 'Lake Palace'.

Jaipur is defintely worth a visit. Its got some excellent must see sights, great accomadation and excellent food (eat all you want thaili for 30rups)!

dont stay only in the village ! rent a bike and go travel arround. climb to the monestries and watch the beautifull sunrises and sunsets. very good and cheap place for shoping :)

The fort is interesting for a visit, but maybe stay only one night and try and go for a homestay somewhere outside the fort as it's much queiter (i.e. no crazy old ladies screaming day and night outside your window). Check and double check around for a decent camel safari guide as some can be verrry dodgy!! Don't tip the guide if you're unhappy, as they have come to expect it no matter how awful they are.