Amazing facts about Rajasthan that will lure you to pack your bags
Rajasthan, known as the “Land of Kings” is one of most diverse and beautiful states of India that has managed to grab the attention of tourists across the globe. When we say Rajasthan, the first thing that comes to our mind is the vast desert filled with sand dunes, camels, puppets and of course the folk dance and music. However, there are much more to it than just these. When you visit the state, you can discover many different things, a lot more color and magic. It is a place where modern world and ancient romances fuse, charming every visitor. Here are some of the interesting facts about the state that will definitely lure you to pack your bags.
History dates back several centuries beyond
The existence of the traces back to several thousands of years as it has been revealed that it was part of the Indus Valley Civilization. The traces were found in Kailbangan, a town near the city of Bikaner.
A color coordinated Cities
The first thing that comes to our mind when we hear the name Rajasthan, is a massive desert filled with sand dunes and a dull as well as parched land. But when you visit the state, you will be amazed to see that it is one of the most colorful states of India and more or less every city is color coordinated. The city of Jaipur is pink, Jodhpur is blue, Jhalawar is purple and Udaipur is white. Isn’t this really amazing!
Even the mountains are pretty old
As the history reveals the existence of the state is as old as 5000 years, even its geography has had a long journey and has traveled a long way with time. The Arravali Mountain range that offers a mesmerizing backdrop to many of the forts and palaces is the oldest mountain range of India. Its existence is said to be even older than the Great Himalayan Mountain range.
Mythological Significance
The captivating and astounding state of Rajasthan finds its mention in the great Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It is said that Lord Rama had spent sometime in the jungles of this region during the time of exile and even the Pandavas of Mahabharata had lived in the jungles of the region during their period of exile.
Not the entire state is parched
Desert being synonymous with Rajasthan, we always imagine it to be a dry and parched land. However, you will be amazed to find that it has a diverse topography. Some of the places are filled with lush greenery, where you won’t be able to find even a speckle of sand around. You will even spot green meadows in the middle of nowhere.
A colorful state
While travelling through the cities and towns of the state, you will be amazed to see mutiny of colors. Even though it is a desert land, you can find all bright colors, especially visible in the turbans of the men and ghagharas worn by women. The bright colors worn by people add to the vibrancy and beauty of the state.
Amiable and hospitable people
The best thing about the state is its people. Even though they look rough and stern, you will be startled by their hospitability and amiable nature. They are always willing to welcome you to their homes and you will not be allowed to leave unless you join them for a lip smacking meal.
The first planned city of India
Jaipur, the capital of the royal state is the first planned city of India. It was founded by the king Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1727. He built the city in compliance with the ancient Hindu doctrines of architecture, Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra. It was designed and planned by Bengali architect and scholar Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya. It is known as the Pink City as every house is painted using pink color.
City of Lakes, Udaipur
The princely state of Udaipur is well-known as the “City of lakes” or “Venice of East” owing to the presence of 5 artificial lakes, which are considered to be the lifeline for the people. The city is like an oasis with Aravali as its backdrop. The splendid palace built in the middle of the Lake Pichola is the prime attraction of the city.
Temple of rats
You will be astounded to see that the Karni Mata temple in the city of Bikaner has over 20,000 rats and these rats are treated with utmost respect. People across the globe visit the temple to get a glimpse of this amazing thing.
Second longest wall
Did you ever known the fact that the Kumbhalgarh fort, which scuttles up to 36 km in length, is the second largest continuous wall in the World? Yes, the fort situated in the desert state has the longest continuous wall in the country and the second longest in the World after Great Wall of China.
Mehrangarh Fort
The Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur, which stands overlooking the city, is one of the largest forts of India. This fact is perhaps known to all and is there is nothing to be amazed about. But, did you know that your favorite superhero Batman Hollywood Blockbuster, “The Dark Night Rises” was made in this very fort?
Jaisalmer Fort, the only inhabited fort in the World
Jaisalmer Fort is still the abode of a huge mass of population and is apparently the only inhabited fort in the World. Even today, majority of Jaisalmer’s population resides within the fort, which sounds quite interesting.
India’s First Nuclear Test was done here
Phokhran, a hamlet near Jaisalmer has managed to engrave its name in the chronicles of modern history as it is the place where India’s first nuclear test in 1974 as well as the second nuclear test in 1998 was commenced.
Haunted Places
The state houses two most haunted places of the world. Perhaps, you must have heard about Bhangarh but there is a Ghost Village named Kuldhara, 18 km from Jaisalmer. This village is said to have been deserted overnight in the year 1825. Both the places are considered to be the most haunted places of not only India but of the World.
Temple of “Bullet Baba”, OM Banna
Yes, the name “Bullet Baba” is sure to raise your eye brows. It is a temple in a small village named Chotilla in Pali district about 40 km from Jodhpur, where the presiding deity is a “Royal Enfield Bullet Motorcycle”. I am sure you are awe-stuck. This bike belonged to a man named Om Singh Rathore, who met with a road accident while on the way to Chotilla. He was riding the bullet, when his bike skid and hit a tree, killing him on the spot. When the local people informed the Police, they took the bike and kept it in the Police station but to their astonishment, in the next morning the bike was found at the place where the accident took place. Police first thought it to be a prank and took back the bike and emptied the fuel tank. However, the next morning again the bike was found in the same spot. After the news spread across the village, a temple was built in the spot and homage is offered to the bike. It came to be known as the Temple of “Bullet Baba” and the preferred offering is alcohol, unlike the other temples.
These are some of the amazing and interesting facts about the Royal State of Rajasthan. I am sure after knowing these facts, you will surely pack your bags and head toward exploring this captivating and astounding region.
