India P88-135 18/9/06 14:35 Page 92

Rajasthan & The North Introduction As rich in beauty as in historic sites, North India and Rajasthan is a much visited region.

Delhi, the entry point for the North can SHOPPING HORSE AND CAMEL SAFARIS take you back with its vibrancy and Specialities include marble inlay work, precious Please contact our reservations team for details. and semi-precious gemstones, embroidered and growth from its Mughal past and British block-printed fabrics, miniature Mughal-style FAIRS & FESTIVALS painting, famous blue pottery, exquisitely carved Get caught up in the excitement of flamboyant rule. The famous Golden Triangle route furniture, costume jewellery, tribal artefacts, and religious festivals celebrated with a special local starts here and takes in Jaipur and then don't forget to get some clothes tailor-made! farvour. onwards to the Taj Mahal at Agra. There’s SHOPPING AREAS Feb - Jaisalmer Desert Festival, Jaisalmer Agra, marble and stoneware inlay work Taj so much to see in the region with Mughal complex, Fatehbad Raod and Sabdar Bazaar. Feb - Taj Mahotsav, Agra influence spreading from Rajasthan in Delhi, Janpath, Lajpat Nagar, Chandini Chowk, Mar - Holi, North India the west to the ornate Hindu temples of Sarojini Nagar and Ajmal Khan Market. Mar - Elephant Festival, Jaipur Khajuraho and Orcha in the east, which Jaipur, Hawa Mahal area, Chowpars for printed Apr - Ganghur Festival, Rajasthan fabrics, Johari Bazaar for jewellery and gems, leads to the holy city of Varanasi where silverware etc. Aug - Sri Krishna Janmasthami, Mathura - Vrindavan pilgrims gather to bathe in the crowded Jodhpur, Sojati Gate and Station area, Tripolia Bazaar, Nai Sarak and Sardar Market. Ghats alongside the Ganges. Sep - Oct, Ram Leela, Ramnagar nr Varanasi Jaisalmer the Sardar Market, Sonaran Ka Bas, Oct - Nov, Pushkar Fair, Ajmer The most colourful and perhaps the most romantic Mank Chowk and Gandhi Chowk. state in India, Rajasthan is famous for its striking desert Udaipur Clock Tower, Hathipole, Surajpole and landscape, palaces, and festivals. It is steeped in Kajri. Speciality silk weaving in Varanasi at history with tales of chivalry, romance, warriors, and Chowk, Godowlia, Vishwanah Lane and Thatheri Bazaar. royalty. The well-known legendary cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer are filled with ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Be prepared for hard bargaining and look out for the government emporiums, which sell goods stunning forts that bear the history of the Rajput from around the state in most major cities. Beware warriors. The opulent palaces of breathtaking of imitation gems. grandeur and luxury pay tribute to it's royal past and HERITAGE HOTELS abound with treasures of artistic skills long forgotten. Owners of ancestral homes, whether forts, palaces From the richly painted havelis of Shekhawati in the or havelis (old merchant houses with central north to the glimmering fairytale lake city of Udaipur courtyards), who can no longer afford them as in the south, the state’s wealth of history and art their own exclusive homes, converted them into atmospheric hotels. Stays in heritage hotels are provides a unique opportunity to see something of a highly recommended. disappearing world. Rajasthanis with their vibrant ghagras (skirts), saris and turbans, heavy silver, jhootis (sandals) and twirling moustaches make it an unforgettable experience.

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