AJMER, Rajasthan to Thivim, GOA, India

PUSHKAR (पुष्कर) Rajasthan, India

Rickshaw - Tricycle Taxi

Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Temple at Pushkar Lake
with the Aravalli Mountain Range as a backdrop

SHOPS FOR TOURISTS
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India

पुष्कर

Pushkar is a town in the Ajmer district in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is situated at 14 km North West from Ajmer at an elevation of 510 metres (1673 feet). It is a site of pilgrimage for devout Hindus and a popular destination for foreign tourists. The Pushkar Fair, or Pushkar ka Mela, is the annual five-day camel and livestock fair, held in the town of Pushkar. It is one of the world's largest camel fairs.

Pushkar is one of the oldest cities of India. Pushkar lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. Legend has it that it is creation of Lord Brahma.

AJMER, Rajasthan, India - राजस्थान

अजमेर - राजस्थान

भारत
Ajmer (Rajasthani: अजमेर, Urdu: اجمیر) pronounced [ədʒmeːr] ( listen) is the 5th largest city in Rajasthan and is the centre of the eponymous Ajmer District. Ajmer has a population of around 800,000 (2011 census), and is located 135 kilometres (84 mi) west of Jaipur, the state capital, 274 km from Udaipur, 439 km from Jaisalmer, and 391 km from Delhi.
Ajmer is surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains. It is a pilgrimage centre for the shrine of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and is also the base for visiting Pushkar (11 km), an ancient Hindu pilgrimage city, famous for the temple of Brahma.

AJMER, Rajasthan, India

TEMPLE OF JAIN LORD AADINATH

NARELI, near Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

CHITTAURGARH FORT, Rajasthan, India

KUMBA SHYAM TEMPLE

Chittaurgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India

Princess Padmini's Palace,

Chittaurgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/padmini-palace-1422544.html#ixzz1E9B5jHeb
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Princess Padmini's Palace,

Chittaurgarh Fort, Rajasthan

Rani Padmini was a gallant, famous and celebrated beauty. Legend has it that it was here that Rana Ratan Singh showed a glimpse of her to Allauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi. Overlooking a pool surrounding the 'Zanana Mahal', Padmini is believed to have her reflection shown to Allauddin Khilji in a mirror placed in the main hall from where the above photo is taken.

VIJAY STAMBH

(Victory Tower)

Chittaurgarh Fort, Rajasthan India.

A prominent feature of the Fort at Chittaurgarh is the Vijay Stambh or the Tower of Victory pictured above. This imposing, ornate and magnificent tower is 37 metres high with exquisite sculptures of Hindu deities. Built in 1440 AD by Maharana Kumbha, a powerful ruler of Mewar in celebrating his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malawi and Gujarat, it remains as one of the most visited tourists spots in India.

UDAIPUR, Rajasthan, India

CITY PALACE MUSEUM

Udaipur, Rajasthan, IndiaTRADITIONAL FOLK DANCERSUdaipur, Rajasthan, India
SAHELIYON KI BARIUdaipur, Rajasthan, India.
MONSOON PALACE
Sajjangarh, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

The Monsoon Palace was formerly known as the Sajjangarh Palace. It is a hilltop palatial residence in the city of Udaipur, Rajasthan in India, overlooking the lake Pichola. It is named as Sajjangarh after Maharana Sajjan Singh (1874–1884) of the Mewar Dynasty, who built it in 1884. It offers a panoramic view of the city's lakes, palaces and surrounding countryside. It is said that it was built basically to watch the beauty of the monsoon clouds and hence popularly known as Monsoon Palace. Legend has it that the Maharana built it at the top of the hill to get a view of his ancestral home of Chittaurgarh. It was previously owned by the Mewar royal family, but it is now under the control of the Forest Department of the Government of Rajasthan.

UDAIPUR, Rajasthan, India

ROLLS ROYCE

One from the Maharajah's collection of various vintage cars

Udaipur Vintage and Classic Car Museum at Garden Hotel

SAHELIYON KI BARI

Udaipur City, Rajasthan, India

Saheliyon-ki-Bari means 'Garden of the Maidens'. It is beautifully appointed garden and a popular tourist spot. It is situated in the northern part of the city. It has a small museum, numerous fountains, a lotus pool and marble elephants. It was built by Maharana Bhopal Singh.
'Sahelion Ki Bari' was commissioned for young women attendants accompanying a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry.

LAKE PALACE

Udaipur City, Rajasthan, India.

The majestic Lake Palace was formerly known as Jag Niwas. It has been converted into a luxury hotel with rooms and suites featuring white marble walls. It is founded on a 4-acre natural island of rock foundation on Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India. The hotel operates a boat which transports guests to the hotel from the city.

It was built in 1743 - 1746 by the Maharana Jagat Singh II (62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar) of Udaipur, Rajasthan, as a royal summer palace. It was initially called Jag Niwas or Jan Niwas after its founder. The palace was constructed facing east, allowing its inhabitants to pray to the Sun god at dawn.

The rulers who succeeded later used this palace as a summer resort, holding regal durbars in its courtyards lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens.

JODHPUR, Rajasthan, India

JODHPUR, Rajasthan, India

VIEW OF THE SPECTACULAR MEHRANGARH FORT

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/46349625

JASWANT THADA, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

The Jaswant Thada is an architectural landmark located in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharajah Jaswant Singh II


Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, India

This spectacular fort is located in Jodhpur city in Rajasthan state and is one of the largest forts in India.

The fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city, and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. It consists of several palaces with intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. A winding road leads to and from the city below.

There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning 'victory') built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory') gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of the Mughals.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort has a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin, which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms.

Please double-click on picture for an enlarged view.

JAISALMER

Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan, India.

Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in the world. It is situated in Jaisalmer city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from where it derives it name.

It is completely self-contained - a fort with its own township. Souvenir shops line up the maze of alleyways. One can have a complete view of the surroundings below as one passes through the various terraces, portals, rooms, gun and canon holes and balconies of the fort.

The majestic fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert on Trikuta Hill. It has been the scene of many battles. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the "Golden Fort".

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.

Desert Camps near Sam on MDR 15

A tour of the desert consists of a camel ride across the stretch of the desert along the roads that lead towards the western border at sunset. An evening of entertainment is provided with traditional Rajasthani singing and dancing to to the music of local talented artistes.

JAISALMER

BIKANER, Rajasthan,India

Bikaner
Bikaner is a District in the northwest of the state of Rajasthan in northern India. It is located 330 kilometres (205 mi) northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. Bikaner city is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner Districtand Bikaner division. It was formerly the capital of the princely state of Bikaner. The city was founded by Rao Bika. Bikaner.[1][2][3] in 1486 and from its small origins it has developed into the fourth largest city in Rajasthan. The Ganges Canal, completed in 1928, and the Indira Gandhi Canal, completed in 1987, have allowed the farming of crops such as mustard, cotton, groundnuts, wheat and vegetables. Other industries include wool production and the mining of Gypsum, plaster of Paris and bentonite.
Bikaner is famous for sweets and snacks (or namkeens in Hindi).

BIKANER, Rajasthan, India

JUNAGARH FORT

Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/46146750
Junagarh Fort (जुनाग्द क़िला) is a fort in the city of Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. Originally it was called Chintamani and was renamed Junagarh or "Old Fort" in the early part of the 20th century when the ruling family moved to Lalgarh Palace outside the fort limits. It is one of the few major forts in Rajasthan which is not built on a hilltop. The modern city of Bikaner has developed around the fort. The fort complex was built under the supervision of Karan Chand, the Prime Minister of Raja Rai Singh. He was the sixth ruler of Bikaner, from 1571 to 1611 AD. Construction of the walls and associated moat commenced in 1589 and was completed in 1594. It was built outside the original fort of the city, about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from the city centre.

It is believed that despite the repeated attacks by enemies to capture the fort, they were unsuccessful in their attempts, except for a lone one-day occupation by Kamran Mirza, who was the second son of the Mughal Emperor Babur who attacked Bikaner in 1534. It was then under the rule of Rao Jait Singh. In the battle, the Mughals were defeated by Rathors and then Kamran returned to Lahore.

The 5.28 hectares large fort precinct is studded with palaces, temples and pavilions.[2] These buildings depict a composite culture, manifest in the mix of architectural styles.[6]

VISHNU DEVI MANDIRSagar Road, NH11, Bikaner, Rajasthan - India

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/46145293

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER'S CHURCH, Bikaner.

Sagar Road - NH.11, Rajasthan, India

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/46144937

JAIPUR, Rajasthan, India

AMBER FORT, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

आमेर क़िला

On a pleasant afternoon in early January we visited this ancient citadel.

Known also as Amer Fort, it is located in Amber, 13 km from Jaipur, Rajasthan State, India.

Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) elements, and its ornate and breathtaking artistic mastery. The fort borders the Maota Lake, and is a major tourist attraction in Rajasthan.

CITY PALACE, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

The Pink City

City Palace is one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The majestic and beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. City Palace has intricate and fascinating art, truly outstanding in this artistry and architecture, a memory that will last you a lifetime. Covering a vast area with sub-divisions consisting of sprawling gardens, grand royal courtyards and magnificent buidlings, reminiscent of the past Rajput galantry.

JAL MAHAL, Lake Palace, Jaipur

Rajasthan, India

Jal Mahal means 'Water Palace'. This grandiose and imposing palace is located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, India. The palace and the lake around it were renovated and enlarged in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber.

Jaipur (Rajasthani: जैपर , Hindi: जयपुर Urdu: جئے پور [ˈdʒəjpʊɾ] ( listen)), also popularly known as the 'Pink City', is the capital andlargest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, the city today has a population of 3.1 million.
Jaipur is one of the finest planned cities of India, located in the semi-desert lands of Rajasthan. The city which once had been the capital of the royalty now is the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal families. At present, Jaipur is a major business centre with all requisites of a metropolitan city.
Jaipur has some big and famous areas in India like Mansarovar, Vaishali Nagar, Sanganer, Jhotwara, Amba-Bari, Raja Park etc.
~ Wikipedia

GOA TO JAIPUR, Rajasthan, India

TOUR OF RAJASTHAN, India

By train : Goa to Jaipur.

Tour of Rajasthan: in a Toyota Qualis.
Return to Goa from Jaipur by train.


Our tour of Rajasthan started in Jaipur, and went in an anti-clockwise direction:
Jaipur - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Chittaurgarh - Ajmer

With sincere thanks to our Lourdes & Leo Kapoor without whom this trip would have not be possible. Also our sincere thanks go out to their families for their warmth and welcome along the way in Jodhpur, Udaipur and Ajmere. They indeed made our holiday a very special one and extremely enjoyable. We will remember it for a long time to come.

Jaipur to Bikaner

via Sikar

335 Km  6 hrs

NH 52 and NH 11

Bikaner to Jaisalmer

via Phalodi, Pokran, Bhadriya

330 km  6 hrs

NH 11

Jaisalmer to Jodhpur

via Chandan, Pokran, Dechu

250 Km  5 hrs

NH 11, NH 125

Jodhpur to Udaipur

Via Rohat, Pali, Nadol, Rajsamand, Nathdwara

250 km  5 hrs

NH 62, NH 58

Udaipur to Chittorgarh

Via Debari, Bhatewar, Menar, Mangalwad, Bhadsora, Ghosunda

150 km  3 hrs

NH 27, NH 48

Chittorgarh to Ajmer

via Gangarar, Bhilwara, Banera, Raila, Bhinai, Nasirabad

200 km  4 hrs

Nh48

Rajasthan is the largest state of the Republic of India by area. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert), which has an edge paralleling the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with Pakistan. The state is bordered by Pakistan to the west, Gujarat to the southwest, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, Uttar Pradeshand Haryana to the northeast and Punjab to the north. Rajasthan covers an area of 132,150 sq mi or 342,239 km². The proportion of the state's total area to the total area of the country is 10.41 per cent.

 Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of the state. Geographical features include the Thar Desert along north-western Rajasthan and the termination of the Ghaggar River near the archaeological ruins at Kalibanga of the Indus Valley Civilization, which are the oldest in the Indian subcontinent discovered so far.

One of the world's oldest mountain ranges, the Aravalli Range, cradles the only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, famous for Dilwara Temples, a sacred pilgrimage for Jains. Eastern Rajasthan has the world famous Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur, famous for its bird life and is a World Heritage Site and two famous national tiger reserves, Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger Reserve. Rajasthan was formed on 30 March 1949, when all erstwhile princely states ruled by Rajputs, known as Rajputana, merged into theDominion of India.
- Wikipedia

AULD LANG SYNE

Again, we bid farewell to yet another completed year as we usher in another. Each year we wish and pray for peaceful days ahead, free from turmoil, war, natural disasters. Some folks happily attend parties, family get-together, large social gatherings in communities irrespective of caste or religion to celebrate the new year. Some may be thinking of their loved ones who were with them in the last year, and as fate has it, they are not with them today to share in those happy moments of yesteryear.

We remember the good old days when attending a New Year’s Eve Ball was the norm. Today as we are much older, we can’t help but reminisce about the good old days, and the good times we had then shared with our friends, some of whom are not longer with us. Some times I tend to ask myself why we refer to those days as the good old days. Conversely, I believe that the days are the same, the only difference being that we are getting older.

Poignantly though and quite aptly, some of us may reminisce once again in forming a circle with our friends at the Ball, waiting for the count-down at the stroke of midnight and singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

At the same time, in true fashion of “Old Long Ago’ we take time to re-kindle cherished memories of our loving Fredrick and Benny Barboza.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and days of old lang syne.

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

'OLD LONG AGO' - MOMENTS OF YESTERYEAR

With all good wishes for
A Very Happy, Peaceful &
Prosperous New Year 2011

Tony Fernandes

WORDS IN FOND MEMORY

LIFE

The rolling stream of life rolls on.
But still the vacant chair
Recalls the love, the voice, the smile
Of the one who once sat there.


Sent by Edna Fernandes

REMEMBERING FREDDY BARBOZA

Remembering

Fredrick Charles Barboza

SECOND DEATH ANNIVERSARY

The Composer

You once composed
and sang songs
with love,
Will you continue
That labour of love
and sing them
in heaven above?
We ask.

Surely you will,
we guess
as perhaps
there still remains
an unfinished task.

Keep up the tempo,
keep up the rhyme,
in the company of
a heavenly choir
with songs and lyrics
while we cherish
the legacy
you left behind.


An Impromptu Ode

by Tony Fernandes

The ECHO Harp

The ECHO Harp 54/64 M2 C/G

1-026.021-64

Harmonica by M. Hohner

double sided vibrato tone harmonica

in the keys of C & G.

This tremolo tuned harmonica has 32 holes

and plays 64 notes on each side

SILENT NIGHT

Please press play and turn up the volume.

Silent Night

Harmonica (Echo Harp) and Guitar

Played by Tony Fernandes 

in the Key of C 

Photo: 'Tonferns Crib'