SANDYSTHAN
Rajasthan through eyes of Sandy
SANDY | Dec 15th, 2016
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Manganiyars
Rajasthani folk music wafting on the winds blowing across glistening sands is sure to touch the very core of the listener'??s soul with its lilting melody. An invaluable and integral part of the music are the Manganiyars. They are a community of musicians whose music used to echo in the royal courts of Rajasthan of yore. Their music has been passed on from generations and has held listeners spellbound across the frontiers of time. The music of the Manganiyars is about wars and acts of bravery, about Hindu Gods and everyday life. Their rhapsody in the desert is indeed a haunting experience.
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Keoladeo National Park
Rajasthan is home to a National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo National Park is where thousands of migratory birds travel to during winter from faraway lands. It is considered to be one of the best bird sanctuaries in the world, and its wetlands are home to about 366 bird species along with other flora, fishes, and reptiles. The National Park is an ornithologist'??s haven and is also a great destination for a beautiful getaway in the arms of nature. Walking, bicycling or cruising along in a cycle-rickshaw in the Park guarantees a tranquil experience.
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Architecture of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a ballad lovingly crafted in stone and marble by its unique and rich architectural style. Its palaces, forts, and temples stand as a silent ode to the mastery of the builders of an era gone by. The architecture is an excellent blend of Hindu and Muslim elements and dates back to the sixth century which saw the genesis of Maru-Gurjara architecture. Amer Fort and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, Dilwara Temple in Mount Abu and Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur are just a few examples of the magnificence of the architecture of Rajasthan.
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Hot Air Balloon Rides
A unique way to experience the magic of Rajasthan and indulge one'??s visual senses is to take a hot air balloon ride over its spectacular landscapes. The experience of drifting like a cloud over the desert and getting a bird?'s eye view of the majestic beauty of Rajasthan is a memory to cherish for a lifetime. Your spirits are bound to soar, and your heart will skip a beat as you hover above the Pink City, Jaipur, lakes of Udaipur, holy environs Pushkar, the forests of Ranthambore and the fort-palace of Neemrana. Balloon rides are available early mornings and late evenings.
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Deshnok Karni Mata Temple
This unique temple is dedicated to a female Hindu saint, Karni Mata who is supposed to have lived sometime between the 14th and 16th century. It is famous for its 20,000 odd rats which live here and are considered to be sacred. The temple was built by Maharajah Ganga Singh in the early 20th century and has an exquisite marble facade with silver doors. Other panels in silver depict various legends and incidents associated with Karni Mata while beautiful marble carvings adorn the premises of the temple. The temple is situated near the historic city of Bikaner.