The Haunted Village of Kuldhara, Rajasthan

The State of Rajasthan is one of the most popular tourist destinations due to its rich cultural heritage, historical places and monuments. However, one such tourist attraction exists that is renowned for being haunted and hence attracts visitors. 

Village - Kuldhara

District and City - Jaisalmer

State - Rajasthan

Renowned As - Haunted Village 

Distance from the city of Jaisalmer - 20 km

Managed By - Archaeological Survey of India 

( ASI )

Entry Fees -  ₹10 / Person and ₹ 50 / Car 

Timings - 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Time Required For A Visit - 2 to 3 hours 

Best time to Visit - Winter Months ( October to February )

The village of Kuldhara is a popular tourist site that can be reached via vehicles from the nearest city of Jaisalmer. The popularity of the abandoned village lies on the local legend that is very intriguing to say the least. It is believed that the village was founded in the 13th century by a Brahim by the name of Kandhan who dug a well and named it Udhansar. Historical accounts of those times show that this region had a number of villages centred around a temple of a Goddess. It was majorly populated by the Paliwal Brahmins. Until the 18th Century it was a well - settled region with a population of about 1000 residents. There are inscriptions found on the ruined walls of the temple, various pillars around the wells that show sculptures of Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesh, Mahishasura Mardini. The group of villages were bustling and leading their lives by means of agriculture, trade and banking.

However, the eerie legend states that the 85 odd villages with a population of 1000 plus villagers disappeared overnight and no one knows where they went and settled.

The reason being that the evil state minister Salim Singh who would already levy unreasonable taxes on the villagers, once got smitten with the daughter of the village chief and asked for her hand in marriage. The Chief requested for a night to ponder and within the night he commanded all the villages to be emptied to escape from the atrocities of the minister. It is believed that the villagers cursed the place while leaving and to this day no one has resettled the place and the belief is that it is haunted.

However, modern day historians and archeologists believe that the reason for mass migration might be the shortage of water due to the drying up of a nearby river Kakni , the 3 wells and a step well and / or tectonic activity.

Today, the site is full of ruins of the village houses, wells, cremation grounds and the temple. There are houses with no roofs, walls crumbling and the scientists concur that this disintegration is not on par with natural processes that occur with time. Hence, the theory of earthquake and / or dwindling water supply may be a more logical explanation.However, the locals do believe the legend and there have been instances where reporters, paranormal experts have felt the presence of spirits, shadows and unexplained voices. 

Visitors who are interested in paranormal activities like to conduct experiments to check for them.Those interested in the sad history of the place feel emotional on seeing the wiping out a bustling and prosperous community from their homeland.

Images - Wikipedia

 

Tourist places in Udaipur, Rajasthan

The State of Rajasthan is one of the top tourist destinations in our country. It has many cities worth a visit. One such city, also referred to as The Venice of the East, is the city of Udaipur. It was founded by Maharaja Udai Singh II in 1553 and it was the capital of Mewar Kingdom. It abounds in historical monuments, palaces, museums, forts and lakes. Here is Jaisamand Lake, which is Asia's second largest man-made lake. 

The following is a list of its tourist attractions that are not-to-be missed on a visit to the State.

1. Ahar Museum

2. Ahar Cenotaphs

3. Adhbudji Jain Temple, Nagda

4. Animal Aid Unlimited

5. Ambrai Ghat

   
   
   

6. Art_en_Soule Shoppe

7. Art World

8. Art & Frames

9. Arvana Mall

10. Aravati Vatika

11. Amrakh Mahadev

12. Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal

13. Bagore ki Haveli Museum

    
    
    

14. Badi Lake

15. Bada Mahal

16. B.G.Sharma Art Gallery

17. Bahubali Hills

18. Behram Shah's Statue

19. Bougainvillea

20. City Palace of Udaipur

    
    
    

21. City Palace Museum

22. Chetak Smarak

23. Crystal Gallery

24. Complete Arts

25. Chandpole Bridge

26. Daiji Bridge

27. Duddhtalaii & Musical Garden

28. Doodh Talai Lake

29. Fateh Sagar Lake

30. Forum Celebration Mall

    
    
    

31. Fateh Prakash Palace

32. Gulab Bagh

33. Gangaur Ghat

34. Gogunda

35. Goverdhan Sagar Lake

36. Gallery One

37. Guru Gobind Singh Park

38. Hall Of Heroes

39. Haldighati

40. Indigo Art School

41. Inspirit Art Gallery

42. Jag Mandir ( Lake Garden Palace )

43. Jagdish Mandir

    
    
    

44. Jaisamand Lake

45. Jagat Ambika Mata Mandir

46. Jags Art, Art Gallery

47. Karni Mata 

48. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

49. Locky Art School & Art Gallery

50. Lake Pichola

    
    
    

51. Lake Badi

52. Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway

53. Mahatma Gandhi Statue

54. Machla Magra ( Fish Hill )

55. Millennium Art Gallery

56. Maharana Pratap Museum

    
    
    

57. Maharana Pratap Memorial

58. Meerabai Statue 

59. Menar

60. Marvel Water Park

61. Moti Magri

62. Navlakha Mahal  ( Gulab Bagh )

63. Nehru Park

64. Neemach Mata Temple

65. Om Arts & Crafts 

66. Pratap Gaurav Kendra

67. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Park

68. Pacific Art

69. Pitashree Handicrafts

70. Rishabhdeo II Kesariyaji Jain Temple

    
    
    

71. Rajiv Gandhi Park

72. Rajputana Football Club

73. Rkay Mall

74. Rajkiya Saraswati Bhavan, Sarvajanik Mandal Pustakalaya

75. Sahastra Babu Mandir 

76. Square- A Contemporary Art Gallery

77. Shreenath Silver & Art

78. Saheliyon ki Bari

79. Sukhadia Circle Fountain

80. Shilpgram Museum

    
    
    

81. Sajjangarh Biological Park

82. Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace

83. Shri Eklingji Temple

    
    
    

84. Shrinathji Temple

85. The Crystal Gallery 

86. The Place of Art

87. Tripura Sundari Temple

88. Tibetan Market 

89. Udaipur Fish Aquarium

90. Under The Sun Aquarium

91. Udaipur Art Villa

92. Udaipur Solar Observatory

93. Udai Sagar Lake 

94. Vintage Car Collection, Garden Hotel 

95. Wax Museum 

96. Yash Art School

Images - www.tripadvisor.com

Ranthambore National Theme Park, Jaipur

Article by Dr. Apurva Tamhane

The Ranthambore national theme park is one of the most visited National Parks in India. Covering nearly 392 square kilometers of vast landscapes in Sawai Madhopur, the tigers are the precious assets of the Ranthambore National Park which are gradually getting extinct. Back in history, the forests of Jaipur were the private hunting grounds for the kings of Jaipur and of the forests, Ranthambore  got a good name and later on became the best place for wildlife photography in the world.

The Wildlife in the Ranthambhore National Park

A walk through the Ranthambore National Park gives a spectacular sight through the open shrubs and the calm lakes and the best of lush greenlands shows the histories of the widlest of life in these areas of India. The Park also features the Ranthambore Fort of which only the remains and ruins are present for view and to provide the glimpse of the past. The entry to the Ranthambore National Park is straight from the foot of the fort and also the rest house in the forest, named, Jogi Mahal. The specialty of the Ranthambore National Park are the presence of extinct species of Tigers they have. More and more tourists have been coming at the Ranthambore National Park to view the tigers which are now facing extinction. Tigers can even be spotted during the daytime which is not so at the other parks, sometimes hunting and sometimes taking care of their cubs.

The other majestic animals that can be seen at the park are the Langurs and the Chinkara which is an Indian Gazelle and the smallest Gazelle can also be seen here. There are some peaceful and calm lakes in the park out of which the Malik Talao, is one of the biggest where many animals and birds come to drink water and marsh crocodiles can also be found in the big lake.

Nearly 264 species of birds are found in the park. Other animals found in the park are Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar, Chital which are many in numbers and easy to stop. One can ferry in the park in a Jeep or a Lorry van. There are four travel tracks in the park for the safaris.

Care for yourself while on the safari in Ranthambore National Park

The Safari track can get you in a lot of soil and ust. So it is always better to wear Earth coloured – Green or brown coloured clothes. Also the weather can get very hot and dry in the summer. Have a Cap with Sunshade and also have yourself warmly clothed in the morning s in the months of winter.

Climate of the Ranthambore National Park

Because if the proximity of the Ranthambore National Park to the Thar Desert, the climate can become very harsh around 38°C and the rainfall in the park is in the months of July and August. Make sure that you hit the safari track at around 7:30 in the morning.

Reaching Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore park can be reached by Air, by rail and by road.

The nearest airport is Jaipur Airport which is 145 kilometers away from the National Park.

The nearest railway station is the Sawai Madhopur Station which is 11 kilometers away from the Park.

Road connections are excellent to the other tourist places and major cities in Rajasthan.

The Ranthambore National Park Tour and Safari can be a part of your tour in the Golden Triangle tour by Train which is from Delhi to Jaipur, to Agra to Delhi.

Other tours are Palace on Wheels Tour and the Taj and Tiger Tour.

Ranthambore National Park - Rajasthan

Ranthambore, the destination of wild life sanctuaries of India is famous for its different kind of birds and animals. It is also regarded as one of the tiger reserves of India. Watching tigvers in their natural habitat is the major tourist attraction of this place.

    Ranthambore National park is in the proximity of Sawai Madhopur village and to be more precise the village is the gate way of Ranthambore which is just 15 kms away. The National park is in the southeastern Rajasthan. Ranthambore was once the famous hunting grounds of the Rajas and Maharajas of Jaipur.

    Ranthambore national park is spread over 1334 sq dm and is along with the Mansingh Sanctuary and Kaila Devi Sanctuary. The National Park can also be considered as historical and heritage tourist site due to the ruins one can see all over the park. 

Best time to visit Ranthambore National Park: 
           The National park is open to visitors from 1st October to 30th June. The remaining time the park remains closed.

What to wear while visiting Ranthambore National Park?   
           As the National Park is in Rajasthan, which is the part of Thar Desert, the summers are extremely hot and winters are extremely cold. So one should be highly careful in selecting the cloth. The clothes during summer have to be very light and during winther thick enough to save from the chill breeze. Better carry a pair of loves and a muffler.

How to reach Ranthambore National Park? 
           The nearby Airports are at Jaipur and at Kota.      
           The nearby Railway stations are Delhi, Agra, Kota and Jaipur.
           Ranthambore National Park can be reached via road from Delhi via Dausa and from Jaipur via Tonk

Reservation and Tourism Information Offices of Rajasthan

AHMEDABAD
RTDC Reservation Office
A-1, Divya Apartment Near Mitha Koli
Railway Under Bridge, Navrangpura
Tel.: 079-26469580 Fax: 079-26565187

AJMER
RTDC Hotel Khadim
Tel.: 0145-2627426/1364
Fax : 0145-2431330
Tourist Inf. Counter, Railway Station
trcajmer@rajasthantourism.gov.in

ALWAR
Opp.Railway Station,
Tel.: 0144-2347348
trcalwar@rajasthantourism.gov.in

BANSWARA
Ratlam Road

BHARATPUR
Saras Circle, Agra Road,
Tel.: 05644-222542
trcbharatpur@rajasthantourism.gov.in

BIKANER
RTDC Hotel Dholamaru,
Tel.: 0151-2226701
trcbikaner@rajasthantourism.gov.in

BUNDI
Room No.3, Circuit House
Tel.: 0747-2443697

CHENNAI
Tourist Office T.T.D.C. Complex
Omandurar, Govt. Estate,
Wallajah Road,
Tel.: 044-25365554
trcchennai@rajasthantourism.gov.in

CHITTAURGARH
Janta Avas Grih, Station Road
Tel.: 01472-241089
trcchittor@rajasthantourism.gov.in

JAIPUR
Tourist Hotel (Govt. Hostel) M.I.Road
Tel.: 0141-5155137, 5155113

Platform No.1.Railway Station
Tel.: 0141-2315714, 2200778/1364
Sanganer Airport, Tel.: 0141-2722647

Tourist Office, Near Elephant Stand, Amer
Tel.: 0141-2530264

Central Bus Stand, Dlx. Platform No.3
Tel.: 0141-5064102
trcjaipur@rajasthantourism.gov.in

JAISAMER
Station Road, Tel.: 02992-252406
Tourist Information Counter, Rly.Station
trcjaisalmer@rajasthantourism.gov.in

JHALAWAR
RTDC Hotel Chandravati,
Tel.: 07432-230081
trcjhalawar@rajasthantourism.gov.in

JHUNJHUNU
Mandawa Circle, Churu By-Pass Road
Tel.: 01592-232909
trcjhunjhunu@rajasthantourism.gov.in

JODHPUR
RTDC Hotel Ghoomer Campus
High Court Road
Tel.: 0291-2545083/1364
Tourist Information Counter, Ratanada Airport
trcjodhpur@rajasthantourism.gov.in

KOLKATA
Tourist Office2, Ganesh Chandra Avenue,
1st Floor, Commerce House
Telefax.: 033-22132740
trckolkata@rajasthantourism.gov.in

KOTA
RTDC Hotel Chambal,
Tel.: 0744-2327695
trckota@rajasthantourism.gov.in

MOUNT ABU
Opp. Bus Stand
Tel.: 02974-235151
trcmount@rajasthantourism.gov.in

MUMBAI
Rajasthan Tourist Information Bureau,
Government of Rajasthan,
91-Mint road, Grover mansion,
Ground Floor, Fort, Mumbai-400 001
Ph: 022-22626223, 30722770
Fax: 022-30722589
mumbai@rtdc.in

NEW DELHI
Bikaner House, Pandara Road,
Tel.: 011-23389525, 23383837
Fax.: 011-23382823
trcdelhi@rajasthantourism.gov.in

PUSHKAR
Tourist Information Counter,
Hotel Sarovar Telefax : 0145-2772040

SAWAI MADHOPUR
RTDC Hotel Vinayak
Ranthambhor Road,
Tel.: 07462-221333
Railway Station, TEL.: 07462-220808
trcswm@rajasthantourism.gov.in

SIKAR
Collectorate Campus

UDAIPUR
Fateh Memorial, Suraj Pol,
Tel.: 0294-2411535, 2521971/1364
Dabok Airport
Tel.: 0294-2655433
Tourist Information Counter Railway Station
trcudaipur@rajasthantourism.gov.in

Ranthambore Wild Life National Park - Tiger Reserve

One of the biggest National Parks in North India is this Ranthambhore National Park (often misspelled as Ranthambore National Park). The park is a part of Project Tiger Reserve in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. This is the area where the Aravalli Hill Ranges and Vindhya Plateau meet. One of the best places to see the Bengal Tigers in its deciduous natural habitat. The National park is bound by Chambal and Banas in south and north respectively. The entire region where this National Park is located had once been the hunting grounds for Jaipur Maharajas and so it have turned out to be a major tourist attraction.

About Ranthambore National Park
        Spread over 1,334 sq km the National park the entire park have huge number of Flora spread all over. One can find Banyan trees, Dhok and Pipal trees, Mango trees and ever green trees too. There are six man made lakes in the park and there are lots of perinnial streams flowing through the park. The park is considered to be the water shed for the surrounding areas. The National Park being the part of Vindhya Platueau and Aravalli hills have lots of rock formations, steep scarps and also Savannah desert region (as it is in Rajasthan).

Major Wildlife Attractions of Ranthambore National Park
         Ranthambore National Park is a major Tiger reserve of India and it have attracted lots of tourists and also wild life photographers. Though a tiger reserve, being a park, Ranthambore National park hosts 272 different varities of birds, 12 types of reptiles which include March Crocodiles and 30 different mammals. One can also spot Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazzele, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and also a large number of birds.

Best Time to visit Ranthambore
         The best time to visit Ranthambore National Park is October-March (Winter) and April-June (Summer).

What to where to Ranthambore National Park
         The clothes that one should wear while visiting Ranthambore National Park depends upon the season one visits.

         The summer is quite hot (as it is close to the Thar Desert of India) so one can expect a temperature of about 35 to 47 degrees and so it is best to carry light T. Shirts and other summer clothes along with a cap and glasses.

         The winter is just the opposite as summer and freezing cold. The days are pleasant, but evenings and night are very chilly and it is better to carry thick and heavy winter clothes. Though the morning ride in jeep is liked by many tourists, doing this in winter one have to wear lots of thick clothes and cover them with muffler and gloves for hand.

Entry and Exit timings of Ranthambore National Park
   1. 6.00am to 9.00am and 3.00pm to 6.00pm in the months of October - March
   2. 6.30am to 9.30am and 3.30pm to 6.00pm in the months of April - June.

Safari Timings in Ranthambore National Park
S.No.        Month                                    Morning Trip                      Evening Trip
1        1st October to 31st October      7.00 A.M. to 10.30 A.M.   2.30 P.M. to 6.00 P.M.
2        1st November to 31st January   7.00 A.M. to 10.30 A.M.   2.00 P.M. to 5.30 P.M.
3        1st February to 31st March       6.30 A.M. to 10.00 A.M.   2.30 P.M. to 6.00 P.M.
4        1st April to 15th May                6.00 A.M. to 9.30 A.M.    3.00 P.M. to 6.30 P.M.
5        15th May to 30th June               6.00 A.M. to 9.30 A.M.    3.30 P.M. to 7.00 P.M.

How to reach Ranthambore National Park
By AirThe nearest Airport is in Jaipur which is about 140 kms from Ranthambhore National Park.
By RailSawai Madhopur station is in a distance of 11 kms from Ranthambhore National Park.
By RoadSawai Madhopur district is connected by road with all the districts of Rajasthan and there are well laid roads leading to the National Park.    

Accomodation in Ranthambore:
Oberai Vanyavilas
Hotel Ankur Resort

Palace on Wheels - Experience the life of Maharajas

Palace on Wheels was first started in the year 1982 as a means to promote Rajasthan Tourism. The entire train had coaches that were used in the British period and this train was regarded as a special Heritage Tourist Train. The main aim of the Palace on Wheels train was to provide an unique experience for the tourists of Rajasthan. 


The first train of the Palace on Wheels which run using steam engine started running from October 1982. 
 
 

In the year 2009, Indian Railways started running the new luxury train Palace on Wheels or Royal Rajasthan on Wheels train which covers a circuit of Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Chittorgarh Hill Fort, Udaipur, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Tajmahal of Agra. 

The entire tour circuit trip is for seven nights and eight days though there is an option to book for minimum of 4 nights journey from Jaipur to Udaipur.

Palace on Wheels is a splendid and enchating royal journey in train. The train itself gives the feel of the era of the Maharajas. The Palace on Wheels have luxurious cabins, wall to wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars and all these comes with personalized services. 


The train Palace on Wheels have 14 carriages and all the carriages are well designed and decorated with the Rajput style. 


The coaches named after the princely states of Rajputs are decorated with Rajasthani style. 


All the saloons in the coaches have channel music, intercom facilities, attached toilets with 24 hours supply of cold and water shower. 

The names of the 14 coaches are:
1. Alwar
2. Bharatpur
3. Bikaner
4. Bundi
5. Dholpur
6. Dungargarh
7. Jaisalmer
8. Jaipur
9. Jhalwar
10. Jodhpur
11. Kishangarh
12. Kota

13. Sirohi
14. Udaipur


Each saloon have a mini pantry and a lounge. One can get hot and cold beverages and refreshments and a place to relax. 


The bar in the Palace on Wheels is well stocked with Indian and International brands.

Facilities in Palace of Wheels: 
There are individual and Common Facilities available in the Palace on Wheels


Individual Facilities
All the 14 coaches are airconditioned deluxe salons, and have 4 twin bedded chambers. 


The luggage is placed in the respective salons and the passengers can board just as it is enjoying the royal welcome.


Every guest is provided with a welcome kit on arrival which have stationery items, brochures, cards and anything more needed can be asked for from the Khidmatgar. A complimentary beer or wine is also provided to the guests. 

A personal attendant - Khidmatgar is always at the service of the passengers and they take care of every need of the passengers.

Safety measures and other arrangements are made to safely secure the personal belongings in the train.

The guests are provided with toiletries. Soaps, shampoos and moisturizers are provided in the train. 

Special assistance is provided to needy in the form of wheel chairs, creches and special personal assistant. 

The two restaurants in the Palace on Wheels are named as Maharaja Restaurant and Maharani Restaurnat.  guests can choose from the Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines on board Palace on Wheels. Mineral water is served to all the guests on board


Every morning the guests are given newspapers and dailies along with a hot cup of tea or coffee or any beverages of choice. A large collection of magazines are also available to choose from.



Common Facilities
Guests can play Indoor games like Chess, Playing cards, Chinese Checkers, Carom Board and Crossword Puzzles.

The lounge in every coach provides a great place for relaxing and interacting with other guests.

To post mail, a mail box is provided on board.


Medical aid is provided in the train. First aid is available immediatly and in case of need a doctor can be arranged in the nearest station.


Guests can choose from a vareity of handicrafts from Rajasthan from the Emporium inside the Palace on Wheels which is owned by the state. 


The entire train is a no smoking train.