Thursday, August 10, 2023

Alwar City: A Historical and Cultural Enigma

 Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, India, Alwar City stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of history, culture, and architectural marvels that define this region. With its roots tracing back to ancient times, Alwar has evolved into a modern city while still preserving its historical significance.


The history of Alwar can be traced back to the Rajput dynasty, particularly the Kachwaha clan. The city's foundation is often attributed to Maharaja Pratap Singh in the 18th century. However, its historical significance predates this period, with mentions in epics like the Mahabharata. Alwar's strategic location along ancient trade routes contributed to its cultural amalgamation, as traders and travelers from different corners of the subcontinent left their marks on the city.


One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Bala Quila, a massive hilltop fort that overlooks Alwar. Its rugged architecture not only offers breathtaking panoramic views but also stands as a silent witness to centuries of battles, power shifts, and cultural influences. The intricately designed palaces, temples, and gates within the fort complex provide a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the royals.



Image Source - hindi.mapsofindia.com


Alwar's architectural heritage extends beyond the fort, with monuments like the City Palace showcasing a fusion of Rajput and Islamic architectural styles. The Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri, a cenotaph, stands as a symbol of a queen's devotion to her king, adorned with delicate carvings and intricate marble work. The Sariska Tiger Reserve, located nearby, offers a unique blend of nature and history, allowing visitors to witness both the regal tigers and the historical ruins scattered across the reserve.


The city's culture is equally captivating, with vibrant festivals like the Alwar Festival celebrating its artistic and musical heritage. The festival's events, including traditional dances, handicraft displays, and local cuisine, create a lively atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. Alwar is also known for its folk music and dance forms, which reflect the colorful traditions and stories passed down through generations.


Modern Alwar retains its historical essence while embracing progress. The city's growth in infrastructure, education, and industries has led to improved living standards for its residents. Yet, it's heartening to see that Alwar has managed to balance development with the preservation of its cultural identity.


In conclusion, Alwar city stands as a living chronicle of Rajasthan's history, with its forts, palaces, and traditions. Its significance transcends time, inviting travelers and enthusiasts to delve into its historical and cultural enigma. As the years pass, may Alwar continue to shine as a beacon of the past and a testament to the enduring spirit of Rajasthan cultural heritage tour.

Friday, June 4, 2021

Seven impressive attractions and features of Rajasthan

 Rajasthan is the extraordinary state of India. The kingdom of the Rajas and Maharajas is rightly attributed to the name of the royal state. There are endless attractions in Rajasthan that invite thousands upon thousands of people every year. There are many forts and palaces, historical ruins, happy playgrounds, living art, living culture, pompous fairs and festivals. It is a must see in India that has many impressive features and attractions. Explore the splendor of Rajasthan's seven formidable attractions.

 


Pink City - Jaipur:

Jaipur hangs over visitors with its warm pink atmosphere. It is the historical city of India and is the capital of Rajasthan. It is considered to be the first planned city in India. In this historic city, you can see the well-preserved past of royal rulers, whose essence still feels alive. The city's impressive scenery, magnificent forts and palaces, active bazaars, comfortable accommodations, etc. make this city a great travel destination in Rajasthan, India.

 

Ranthambhore National Park:

Ranthambhore National Park is one of the largest national parks in India. There are large populations of tigers in the park. It is the best place to see tigers in India. Tiger safari is the popular adventure in the park. It is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan.

 

Pushkar Fair:

Pushkar Fair is the most famous fair in Rajasthan. Camel races, cattle fairs, mustache competitions, etc. are the main attractions of the Pushkar fair. Camel dance competitions are also held. At the fair you can feel the essence of the timeless culture and tradition of Rajasthan. The true culture and tradition of the place manifests itself in fairs and parties.

 

Sand dunes:

The hilly sand dunes are the main attraction of the Rajasthan desert. Most of Rajasthan is covered by the desert and is an important part of Rajasthan's tourism. Sam and Khuri villages are the best places to explore impressive sand dunes. In the remote desert area, you can see sand dunes of various shapes.

 

Udaipur, the city of lakes:

There are many lakes in the city and hence it is called the City of Lakes of India. The famous lakes of Udaipur are Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Jaisamand Lake, Rajsamand Lake, Doodh Talai, Udai Sagar Lake etc. These lakes are surrounded by green gardens which make the scenery beautiful.

 

Jaisalmer Fortress:

Jaisalmer is one of the seven wonders of India. It is the only fort in India that is located in the middle of the Thar Desert. It is made of yellow sandstone and is called the Golden Fort. It is located in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. There are many beautiful palaces, temples and courtyards in the fortress grounds.

 

Chittorgarh Fortress:

Chittorgarh Fort is located in Udaipur. It is the oldest fortress in Rajasthan. It is one of the largest forts in India. It represents the real history of the place. It is often visited by tourists.

 

To explore the beauty and splendor of these attractions, you need to contact one of the Rajasthani tour operators for the right tour package. There are many Rajasthan tour packages available in the market. Rajasthan travel agency will surely offer a package that covers visiting these popular destinations.

 

Amit Kumar is a noted travel and tourism analyst and author. He is the author of many travel guides for Rajasthan Tours Packages and Rajasthan Travels Agent.

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Kingdoms in Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura kingdom
The Anuradhapura Kingdom is the first Sinhalese Kingdom to be established in Sri Lanka. His government began with King Pandukabhaya and the kingdom flourished from 377 BC. Until 1017 d. C. One of the most important events during the Anuradhapura kingdom is the introduction of Buddhism. This was possible due to the strong union between King Asoka of India and King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka.

Let's take a look at the remarkable successors of that time. Some of these rulers are also of South Indian origin.

King Pandukabhaya
The founder and ruler of Upatissa Nuwara from 437-367 BC. BC and first monarch of Anuradhapura. He had two children, Mutasiva and Suratissa. King Mutasiva ruled for more than sixty years (367-307 BC) and built the Mahamevnawa Park. Mutasiva had 09 children, some of the well-known successors are Devanampiyatissa, Uttiya, Mahasiva and Asela.

Image source - https://www.20f9.fun/2020/04/what-you-know-of-kingdoms-in-sri-lanka.html


King Devanampiyatissa
Devanampiyatissa, the son of Mutasiva, ruled between 307 and 267 a. C. An important monarch like Buddhism was first introduced during his reign. After his reign, King Uttiya was from 267 to 257 BC. BC in power for a short time. C. After his reign, he was a brother and king Mahasiva from 257 to 247 a. C.

It was only after Mahasiva's reign that King Pandukabhaya's youngest son, Suratissa, ruled from 247 to 237 BC. However, his reign was short-lived. Two merchants from southern India, Sena and Guttika, killed King Suratissa and ruled the kingdom for 22 years. After his reign, another son of King Mutasiva, Asela came to power from 215 to 205 a. C. only to have been killed in battle by a member of the Tamil Chola dynasty called "Ellalan".

Ellalan
After dominating the Pandukabhaya dynasty, Ellalan ruled Anuradhapura for more than 44 years. During his reign from 205-161 a. C. was known as a wise ruler until 161 BC. BC was defeated and exiled by King Dutugamunu.

King Dutyugamunu
Perhaps one of the kingdom's favorite rulers, Dutugamunu was also known as Duttagamani Abhaya. Anuradhapura, an important ruler at the time, flourished during his reign (161-137 BC) and the kingdom expanded enormously. Dutugamunu was best known and was accompanied by ten giant warriors or Dasa Maha Yodhayo. His well-known works include Mirisavetiya, Lovamahapaya and Ruvanwelisaya, 90 meters high. His contribution to the kingdom is one of the tourist routes of the Holy City of Anuradhapura.

After his reign, the throne did not go to his son because he was married to a lower cast. Instead, his successor was his brother, King Saddha Tissa. After he from 137 to 119 BC. Had ruled, his successors included his sons Thulatthana, Lanja Tissa, Khallata Naga and Valagamba.

King Valagamba
After having ruled the peaceful kingdom for only five months, before 103 BC. BC was driven out by invaders from southern India. C., King Valagamba was in exile for 14 years, hidden in the Dambulla caves. After a long exile, Valagamba defeated the invaders and gained 89 BC. Chr. The throne back. C. Out of gratitude, he turned his exile house into a temple and also built the Dagoba Abhayagiri in Anuradhapura.

After the Valagamba era, many ruled in his family from 76 BC. The kingdom of Anuradhapura. C. at 66 d. C. Subharaja King was the last known king of the Vijaya house.

During this time, however, it's important to talk about the first queen in power from 47 a.m. to 42 p.m. Queen Anula was also the first female head of state in Asia. After being in power for five years, history claims that he poisoned at least four husbands and wives during his tenure to stay in power.

Anuradhapura Kingdom to Vijaya
A new era began with the Vijaya House, which ended in 66 AD with the murder of King Subharaja by King Vasamba. Vasamba built 11 reservoirs and 12 canals during his reign between 67 and 111 AD to support the country's rice cultivation. After his reign, his son, grandson, King Gajabahu I and many more ruled the Kingdom of Anuradhapura.

Here are some other interesting facts about the Anuradhapura kingdom.

King Mahasen (AD 277-304) built the tallest Jethavanaramaya stupa, sixteen large tanks, and two irrigation channels, the largest of which was the Minneriya tank and taxi services in Udaipur.
King Dhatusena (AD 455-473), another great successor who was responsible for many developments in the kingdom. During his time he built 18 irrigation tanks, a large canal or Yodha Ela (Jayahanga) and the legendary 43-foot statue "Avukana" by Lord Buddha.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

The history of cheap car rental

Most of us don't think twice about hiring a cheap car to travel from one place to another. We accept these services as an integral part of our daily life and never worry about their history. When we travel for pleasure or when we need a car for our business trip, we simply pick up the phone and call a cheap car rental agency. These cars are extremely useful when we visit another city with our family. Who launched these services and who was the first to realize the great potential of this thriving industry?

Although it is very difficult to know the exact origin of the cheap car hire services, whose origins are rooted in the mists of time, it is widely recognized that the first car rental company of this type was founded by Joe Saunders. This gentleman started this sector with his Ford Model Car. This particular automobile made automobile transportation affordable for everyone. Traditionally, Saunders rented their cars to customers and charged them 10 cents per mile traveled. A special mileage tracking device was used to calculate the number of kilometers traveled by car.

Car rental in Jaipur
Saunders' first person to rent the car was said to be a street vendor who used it to impress a local girl he was taking to dinner. Whether or not there is a truth in history, the fact underscores the usefulness of these cheap car rentals for travel sellers. In no time, Saunders had great success with his business and started growing in the same way. By 2008, this gentleman had rental car depots in more than 20 states in the United States. However, this success was short-lived and the economic collapse caused by the Great Depression found Saunders struggling to find enough business and eventually failed.

Saunders' initial success was pointed out to the others, and it didn't take long before another person, Walter Jacobs, launched a cheap car hire service using the same Ford car model. Although Jacobs was successful in this venture, he sold his operations to the Rajasthan Cab Company, owned by John Hertz. Subsequently, Hertz was purchased by General Motors and their investment capabilities ensured the survival of Hertz. The post-war era saw many organizations offering cheap car hire services for Jaipur to Alwar Taxi.

The close relationship between the rental companies and the growth of air transport has ensured the success of this sector. Business travelers traveling by plane rented and used these cheap rental cars in the cities they visited. Anticipating the growth of air travel, another entrepreneur, Warren Avis, also launched an inexpensive car rental service, and its operations were based in airports. Cheap car hire services are available nowadays at almost all major airports. What started as a humble rental service and 10 cents a mile has become a giant today, and check here for Alwar to Jaipur taxi fare and distance.

Amit Kumar Parashar has written travel articles for many years. You can find more of his works on his Rajasthan website Tours and Taxi [https://www.toursandtaxi.com/] and Jaipur Car Hire [https://www.rajasthancab.com/]