Sunday, January 11, 2009

Rajasthani Jewelry

Some of the most attractive Indian jewelry comes from the land of Rajasthan. Rajasthan is considered to be the crafts paradise of India. In colors, concepts and workmanship – the handicrafts of Rajasthan are incomparable. Their ethnic aura makes them absolute collector's delight. Rajasthani jewelry has a vast and varied tradition. Each area in Rajasthan actually has its own unique style of making jewelry. While the rural Rajasthani women prefer to adorn themselves with chunky silver jewelery, the urban ladies generally go for gold jewellery. Some of the traditional ornaments are rakhri, timaniyan, bala, bajubandh, gajra, gokhru, jod, etc.

Rajasthan is also famous for its precious and semi-precious jewelry traditions. Exquisite ornaments are made in Jaipur and Jodhpur using emerald, diamond, pearl, garnet, agate and lapis lazuli. Rajasthan specializes in meenakari. Meenakari is the art of enameling on gold or silver. In Jaipur, craftsmen use the champleve or raised-field style. In Nathdwara, enameling is done on silver and other metals. Pratapgarh meena or theva work in gold on green or red enamel is widely appreciated for its beauty and appeal.

Kundan is the art of setting precious stones in gold. Kundan jewelery is exclusive both in terms of design and perfection. Often, a combination of meenakari and kundan is used to give the jewellery two equally beautiful surfaces – enamel at the back and kundan-set gems in the front.

Jewelry in Rajasthan is much more than just adornment – it is a part of their culture and traditions. All Rajasthani women wear bangles for it is considered inauspicious for a woman's forearm to be bare. Lac bangles are worn as an auspicious sign and good omen. Lacquer bangles are made in an amazing variety of designs and colors – some in flat colors, some iridescent or marbles, while others flash white fire from rhinestones or tiny mirrors at the turn of the wrist. Glass bangles – an all time favorite of all Indian women, are available in a large variety in all the parts of Rajasthan – the greatest variety being offered in Jaipur and Jodhpur.

So next time you visit Rajasthan, make sure you buy some of these fabulous handmade jewelery. You can also buy them online and get it delivered at any part of the world.

Wooden Jewellery we design and handcraft jewelry and hair accessories using laminated wood in a variety of color combinations. Utilizing quality jewelry findings, gemstones and French-made clips, we create lightweight, durable and unique pieces of wearable art.

Kundan Jewellery One of the oldest forms of jewellery made and worn in India is the 24-carat pure gold Kundan jewellery. Kundan work is a method of gem setting,

Stone Jewellery Today's urban women no longer wear Jewellery only at weddings and formal occasions, and they require accessories that match their attire. Jewellery with the stones are the vogue & inevitably, stones embellish the jewelry with its fascinating charm & mesmerizing effect.

Enamel Jewellery The art of enamel jewellery dates back thousands of years. Almost as soon as people discovered how to make glass, it was applied to metal for decorative purposes. This range of jewellery is designed to show off the vibrant enamel colours on simple geometric shapes.

Plastic Jewellery Plastic Jewellery Being real attention grabbers, the jewelry items made of plastic are very stylish accessories. Owing to its easy availability, various craftsmen and manufacturers to churn out an enthralling range of fashion jewelry are experimenting with, plastic.

Quill Jewellery Quills are dyed in colour using natural or commercial dyes. Quills can be used in full length or cut into small pieces and be pieced by width.

Bangle Jewelry Bangle is an American automobile designer. He is the Chief of Design for BMW Group, responsible for design strategy and conception across all BMW's brands including Mini and Rolls Royce.

Shopping In Rajasthan

Shopping In Rajasthan
Rajasthan is among the richest state in India as far as the field of art and craft is concerned. The richness of Rajasthan is so extraordinary that it touches every aspect of life in the desert and semi desert of Rajasthan and finds new meaning in the expressions of its visitors.

Terracotta Rajasthan's Terracotta tradition, dating back to the indua Valley Civilization, continues today in all parts of Rajasthan.

Textiles Rajasthani textiles come in a fascinating range ot dyed and block-printed fabric which are further. embellished by embroidery.

Paintings An irressisable buy bare the paintings of Rajsthan . The paintings done in inimitable styles and colour rendering are so distinctive that they catch the eye and touch the soul.

Jewellery The artistic delicacy and elaborateness in the manufacturing of Rajasthani jewellery made of purest and finest materials is world-renowned. Rajasthan became famous for its jewellery industry from very early times, being an important source of precious and semi precious stones.

Rajasthan Carpets Rajasthan carpets are suprb in workmanship and command sizeable export market. Exquisite carpets in traditional and contemporary designs, woollen druggets or 'Namdas' and hand-woven cotton duries also known as 'Panja' durries are thepopular floor coverings.

Floor Coverings Rajasthan's Floor Covering industry has been revitalised to suit the needs of the modiern buyer and Rajasthani Carpets are making headway in markets not only in India but abroad.

Toys And Dolls Toy makers of Jaipur make elephants and horses of suffed cloth, decorated with tinsel & embroidered fabric. Paper - mache birds and animals are available in different sizes and colours and make an interesting buy.

Kundan Meenakari One of the oldest forms of jewellery made and worn in India is the 24-carat pure gold Kundan jewellery.

Blue Pottery Jaipur is the home of glazed Blue - Pottery which has its origins in Persia. Its distinctive feature is that no clay is used.

Stone Craft Religious themes are carved in stone all over Rajasthan. The images are life- like and are skillfully sculptured in different varieties of stone.

Leatherware The leather of work of Rajasthan is interestingly a joint effort of the local men and women. While the men do the tanning, cutting and stitching, the women do the embroidery and ornamentation.

Woodcraft The choices is so varied that it is difficult to choose, whether it's the desert carvan with tiny camels, or Lord Krishna playing the flute in a divine mood, or nymphs in aesthetic dance poses.

Furniture The furniture of Rajasthan displays grandeur and elegrance. The carved and decorated chests, chairs, cradles and low tables & stooles are simply a steal. Each object is desirable whether inlaid figures or embellished with hunting scenes.

Puppets The art of making the puppets has a long tradition in Rajasthan. But these are not only the puppets who has made them famous but, also the people who decorate and dress and finally make them dance before the public.

Jewellery And Gemstones At Jewellery Haven, we carry a wide range of exquisite handcrafted gemstone jewellery catered for people like you. The jewellery that you see are all lovingly created by our designers and the pieces are all one-of-a-kind.

Durries A Durrie is a cool, light rug. Rajasthani durries are smooth and closely woven. Pastel shades and a sparse use of geometrical motifs are popular. Durrie weaving is also a craft special to Rajasthan.

Stone Carving Stone carving is a major handicraft of Orissa. As is evident from the innumerable archaeological monuments, rock-cut sculptures, caves and temples built for centuries and embellished with most beautiful and intricately carved statue and other adornments.

Tourists Attractions In Rajasthan

Tourists Attractions In Rajasthan
Rajasthan is the only land where much of the medieval character has been retained through its magnificent forts, palaces and Havellis. Here, the remains of the medieval times have perfectly blended with the modern buildings that have cropped up in the present tims.

Siliserh Lake Palace, Alwar Siliserh is famous for the beautiful Siliserh Lake which was built in 1845 AD by Maharaja Vinay Singh. The Siliserh lake, which was built by constructing an earthern dam between two hills is a must to see destination in Rajasthan.

Sariska National Park In Alwar Sariska National Park is situated in Alwar district of Rajasthan. Although larger than Ranthambor, it is less commercialized and has less tigers but a similar topography.

Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar The property covers 25 acres/10 hectares & the steped palace of this architectural jewels cut into the hillside to sprawl over 3 acres/1.2 hectares & rises to 10 levels commanding the most splendid views.

Dargah Sharif Ajmer The Dargah Sharif Ajmer is the burial place of the Muslim saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti. Every year hoards of Muslims as well as pilgrims of other faiths come to visit the Ajmer Sharif Dargah.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary or the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, India’s most famous bird sanctuary is located at Bharatpur in the state of Rajasthan. This bird empire is spread over an area of about 230 square kilometres.

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner Junagarh Fort is an impressive fort in the city of Bikaner, Rajasthan. It was built in 1588 AD by Raja Rai Singhji, the sixth ruler of Bikaner, who ruled from 1571 to 1611 AD.

Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner Karni Mata Temple, 30 miles south of Bikaner in Deshnoke, is one of the strangest holy spots in India.We left Bikaner and were on route to Jodhpur when Bela asked us if we wanted to stop at the "Rat Temple" which was on our way.

Taragarh Fort, Bundi Your tour to Taragarh Fort located at Bundi is a visit to a dilapidated fort which has seen better days in the past. Other attractions to watch out for are Bhim Burj and Dudha Mahal.

Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh Chittorgarh Fort is known for its heroic history. The stories of the valiant Rajput men and women, who sacrificed their lives in the defense of their honor and this grand fort, live on in the ambience of this impressive structure in Chittorgarh.

Amber Fort, Jaipur Amber is a classic romantic Rajasthan city-fort-palace. Man Singh I started the construction of this beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples in 1592 and his descendant Jai Singh I

City Palace, JaipurA blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture, it houses a number of palaces inside the complex. Other attractions include an art gallery and a rich collection of some rare items

Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer Sam Sand Dunes, 42 away km from Jaisalmer, is the most popular excursion to see the total sandy bush less desert. It has a truly glorious stretch of sweeping sand dunes.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur A majestic palace built up of red sandstones, was palace residence of the royal family of Jodhpur. Now it is grand heritage hotel offering pleasant & unforgettable stay.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur The Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur crowns the acme of a 125-meter steep hill. Explore the palatial treasures of this gigantic fortress on Jodhpur tours.

Pushkar Lake, Pushkar This lake is believed to have appeared all by itself when the lotus flower fell off from the hands of Brahma.

Rajasthan Museums & Art Galleries

Museums and Art Galleries in Rajasthan: Museums in Ajmer, Museums in Alwar, Museums in Bharatpur, Museums in Chittorgarh, Museums in Jaipur, Museums in Jodhpur, Museums in Jaisalmer, Museums in Kota, Museums in Udaipur

Ajmer Government Museum The Museum was started in 1908 by the Government of India with the object of collecting and preserving many unique objects of antiquarian interest which were lying uncared for and scattered all over Rajasthan.

Alwar Government MuseumThe Alwar Government Museum popularly known as the City Museum is located within the complex of the Old City Palace.

Bharatpur Museum Located in the centre of the famous Lohagarh Fort, the Bharatpur Museum houses a rich collection of archaeological wealth of the nearby areas as well as from the old Bharatpur State.

Prachina Museum It contains a fine collection of antique Rajput weaponry, jade handle daggers, camel hide dhals (shiedls) and inliad handguns and camel guns.

Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum Explore royal treasures at the Ganga Government Museum in Bikaner with Indian Horizons. Also known as the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum.

Hawa Mahal Museum Hawa Mahal or the ‘Palace of Winds’ was built in 1799 by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh for the royal ladies to enjoy the procession and day to day activities from the coll confinement of this majestic façade.

Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum The Maharaja of Jaipur (Man Singh II) was the last ruler of the city of Jaipur, India who saw the city's transition from a princely state to a secular one.

Jaisalmer Folklore Museum Jaisalmer is named after its founder Rawal Jaisal (see History). Jaisalmer means the Hill Fort of Jaisal. Jaisalmer is also called as the Golden city of India because the yellow sand gives a yellowish-golden touch to the city & its surrounding area.

The Mehrangarh Museum Jodhpur Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort Museum is one of the finest museums in Rajasthan. It is beautifully laid out. It has a palanquin section where you can see a wide collection of old royal palanquins.

Kota Government Museum Kota is the industrial hub of Rajasthan & has an atomic power plant. It is situated on the banks of Chambal river & famous for its fort & dams.

Udaipur City Palace Museum Udaipur, City Guide facilitates its visitors to come closer to the ethnic India tourism, by visiting to the royal City Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Udaipur City Palace is one of the largest palaces in the world, encompassing some of the magnificent architectural splendors like City Palace Museum.

Udaipur Government Museum Museum of Udaipur peeps into the glorious past of the Royal city. Grab more information about popular Art Museums in Udaipu.

Albert Hall Museum Jaipur Central Museum or the Albert Hall lies in the Ram Niwas Garden. It is a vast and verdant garden housing a zoo, a greenhouse, an aviary, a museum and a sports ground.

Rajasthan Safari

Rajasthan, the western most state of India, is known for its vibrant and colorful customs, traditions, cultural and architectural heritage and extremely exotic desert landscapes.

Camel Safari About the only thing you will have to get used to, when you plan a camel safari, is the the balancing act and getting use to the movement of the camel.

Horse Safari The land of royal dynasties and the Rajputs, the legends of Rajasthan is never complete without the stylish and charming horses. Once, the dignity of the Rajputs were believed to lie in the skill of horse riding.

Eelephant Ride Nothing can be compared with the elephant safari, which is still as regal as it used to be in the ancient past.

Jeep Safari Jeep safaris can be organised by travel agents, but they shouldn't be confused with mere hiring of vehicles to commute between different destinations.

Desert Safari Discovering the golden sands from close view is sheer bliss to savour.

Wildlife Safari Follow the trails of tiger while in the haven of deciduous beauty.

Rajasthan Wildlife

Rajasthan Wildlife
We are delighted to introduce a new resort in the beautiful lush green, and tranquil surroundings of the land of the White Tiger-Bandhavgarh National Park. This resort was conceptualized, designed and now managed by professionals from the service industry. The resort has 18 elegantly furnished luxury cottages. The balcony of the cottages overlooks the marvellous and gigantic hills of the Vindhyanchal range.

At the Tiger's Den ( Resort, Bandhavgarh ) your day begins just before dawn with wake up call along with a cup of tea/coffee at the designated time (i.e. if you are not already up by some call from the inhabitants of the Jungle of Bandhavgarh ). An open Gypsy awaits you to take you even more closer to the nature and to see the majestic 'Royal Bengal Tiger. We provide some fruits neatly packed and a bottle of mineral water for your 4 hour safari in the jungle.

When you come back from there is running hot /cold water in the attached luxurious bathrooms including a bubble bath if you so desire. Breakfast is served in the Restaurant serving delicious and a rich variety of Indian, Chinese, Italian & Continental cuisine.

We have a 24 hrs power backup with a stand by generator. Adapters are provided in all the cottages for easy connectivity of your electrical gadgets. If you have the time and inclination, body massage can be organized with prior notice. Few more interesting things to do during the day, includes a drive upto the ancient Bandhavgarh fort, a walk to the Baghel museum, a guided walk into a typical Indian village "Tala", nature walks, trip to Chenchpur waterfalls and a host of other activities like an in-house library, some indoor games are also available to relax and unwind within your comfortable cottages. After the delicious lunch you again would like to go back to the Jungle, to trace the Tiger or the beautiful birds of Bandhavgarh. By now we assure you would be in love with the Jungle, the surroundings and the Tiger's Den Resort, Bandhavgarh.

As the sun goes down in the Jungle it is time to get back to the resort.A welcome drink to quench your thirst is provided the moment you enter the resort. Bon-fire with bar-be-que can be organized. Telephone facility for STD/ISD calls is available from the reception of the Tiger's Den Resort, Bandhavgarh.

Look up and you will have a breath holding view of the stars in the sky. Yes, this is the time to talk to the moon, to the stars, and above all, yourself. By the end of the day, you would have found your North Star, and you will sleep as never before to wake up into yet another day which will take you closer to nature. When your stay comes to an end at the Tiger Den Resort you will have wonderful experiences to share with your family and friends.

Bharatpur Bird SanctuaryBharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary and this great waterfowl habitat is one of the finest in the world and was created by a maharaja.

Ranthambore National Park The rare Indian tigers are seen in Ranthambore National Park.

Sariska Tiger Reserve Sariska wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Project Tiger. The Sanctuary extends over an area of 800 sq. kms, and has a wide spectrum and rich population of wildlife.

Gir National Park Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary comprises 1412 sq km of deciduous forest interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen flora, acacia, scrub jungle, grasslands and rocky hills.

Mount Abu Sanctuary The highest point of Aravalis, the Guru Shikhar, lies in this 289 sq km sanctuary. Established in 1960,this provides shelter to the common langaur, wild boar, sambhar and leopard.

Desert National Sanctuary The Desert National Park is located at a distance of 40kms. from Jaisalmer and exemplifies the unusual ecological biodiversity of the renowned Thar desert.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park Keoladeo National Park, situated in the state of Rajasthan in India is a former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajas.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary is located in the most rugged of the Aravali in Pali, Rajsamand and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan.

Darrah National Park An erstwhile royal hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Kota, it is a thickly forested sanctuary lying along the southeastern border of Kota. This hilly sanctuary with thick forests is worth a visit.

Keoladeo National Park, BharatpurLocated beside the man-made Jaisamand lake is this sanctuary established in 1957, this sanctuary is covers a total area of 160 sq km. and harbours sloth bear, leopard, chital, chinkara, wild boar and a number of birds.

Rajasthan Travel Guide

Tourism and Rajasthan go side by side. As you travel to Rajasthan with us, you will explore so many new facets of Rajasthan. Whether it is the sand dunes or the massive forts and palaces, you will realize that there is no other place like Rajasthan. For a traveler who is interested in the history, culture and the lifestyle of the people of the Oriental world, Rajasthan is just the perfect tourist destination. Unlike what its barren scenery suggests, you will find that Rajasthan is the most colorful and interesting place inhabited by humans. An exotic land, a dream come true for the Western world, Rajasthan was home to the Rajputs, the martial races of India known equally for their love of arts and architecture as well as valor and chivalry.

Tourism opportunities in Rajasthan are immense. Rajasthan tourism offers a great variety of travel experiences. Whether it is sand dunes, Desert safari, Rajasthan forts and palaces, the colorful tribal life or the fairs and festivals of Rajasthan, travelers to Rajasthan are assured of a truly regal experience. Come, feel the royalty of Rajasthan yourself

Jaisalmer Tourism Jaisalmer has been dubbed the `Golden City Of Rajasthan` because of the honey colour imparted to its stone ramparts by the setting sun.

Kota Tourism Kota is a famous for its industries as well as natural beauty. It is situated on the bank of the river Chanbal in the southeast Rajasthan.

Jaipur Tourism The royal city Jaipur was founded by Sawai Jai Singh and came to be popularly known as the Pink City when it was painted pink to enchant the Prince of Wales in 1876.

Jodhpur Tourism Jodhpur is the second largest city of the state of Rajasthan. It has been drawing the attention of tourists from all over the world. Standing as the sentinel of the country's western border, Jodhpur is famous for its magnificent forts and palaces.

Dungarpur Tourism Dungarpur district is the stronghold of the Bheels, a tribe whose history of occupancy in the Aravalli range is said to date back to 4000 BC.Founded in 1197.

Pushkar Tourism Pushkar city is regarded to be the abode of Lord Brahma. Brahma is one of the three Hindu gods forming the great Hindu trilogy. Lord Brahma symbolizes birth and is regarded as the creator of the world.

Bundi Tourism Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways.

Bharatpur Tourism 175 km from Jaipur & 185 km from Delhi, is know for the Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bird Sanctuary) and also a halting place on the way from Agra (55 km). The only city that was ruled by Jats. And you can also see the old fort and museum.

Ajmer Tourism Ajmer always had great strategic importance and was sacked by Mahumud of Ghazni on one of his periodic forays from Afghanistan.

Udaipur Tourism Udaipur is known as the Venice of the east. It is also called the city of lakes. The Lake Palace on Jag Niwas Island in the middle of Pichola Lakes is the finest example of its architectural and cultural explosion.

Tonk Tourism It is located, 96 kms away from Jaipur. This is a quiet town which was ruled by tribes of 'Pathans' from Afghanistan. The focal point of Tonk is the Suneri Kothi, the Golden Bungalow. A fairly ordinary monument from outside,

Baran Tourism Baran town is carved out of Kota city is situated further into the Hadoti region of Rajasthan. The region is less crowed and attracts tourists who like to wander through isolated areas and in the interiors one can chance upon a ruined temple here and an abandoned fortress there.

Barmer Tourism Barmer is situated at a distance of 224km from Jodhpur on the Luni-Munabao section of the Northern Railways. Located atop a hill as so many of the cities of western Rajasthan are, it houses the remains of an old fort called Garh right on its peak.

Hanumangarh Tourism The worth visiting places of tourist’s interests in and around Hanumangarh are: Bhatner Fort, Brahmani Temple, Temple of Mata Bhadrakali, Sila-Mata Temple, Indira Gandhi Main Canal and Shahid Bhagat Singh Chowk.

Sikar Tourism Sikar is one of the three district which come under Shekhawati, the land of murals. The region belonged to the Shekhawat thakurs (chieftains), descendents of the enterprising Rao Shekha who founded this principality sometime in the 15th century (see History of Shekhawati for more).

Bikaner Tourism Bikaner has a number of hotels and lodges to accommodate its guests. The price range varies noticeably to meet the demand for various levels of tourists.

Dausa Tourism Dausa is an ancient town of archaeological importance. it is one of the erstwhile kingdoms of Kachhawah rulers of Dhundhar. An old fort and many havelis are located in and around Dausa.

Chittorgarh Tourism The history of Chittor is one of the most stirring chapters in Indian history for it was there that the flower of Rajput chivalry sprang to life and the immense stretch of its sacred walls and ruined palaces relate the saga of innumerable sieges

Bhilwara Tourism The best time to visit Bhilwara is during the winter months from October to March. Winter months are pleasant enough for long stays. The summer months are best avoided for visiting Bhilwara.

Sawai Madhopur Tourism Various hotels in Sawai Madhopur also arrange sight-seeing trips for the guests. So, what are you waiting for? Make your vacations a lifetime experience by traveling to Sawai Madhopur and enjoy its great tourist attractions.