Valentine's Day  Happy Valentine's Day(2008)
From 101lifeStyle.com Valentine's Day Romantic Destinations: Valentine's Day Romantic Regions:  1.Rajasthan, India: Râjasthân is one of the largest states of the Republic of India in terms of area and is part of West India. The state capital is Jaipur. Amazing legends of heroism and romance still resound from its equally amazing architecture, that still stands to narrate its tale of a bygone era. The magic of Rajasthan is unequalled in the world for its heritage, culture, safaris, sand dunes and lush green forests with its wildlife. Rajasthan is often expressed as huge open-air museum with relic so well preserved for the travelers and the curious of the day.
It is action-packed with outdoors too; take a safari on horses, camels, elephants or even jeeps with the Aravalis - India's oldest mountain range in the backdrop, or caress your eyes on the sloppy sand dunes, or trail a tiger or just watch birds on wetland. Or you can choose to pamper yourself in the lavish heritage properties. Rajasthan has something for everyone, just choose your activity. Things To Do / See:  A.Travel On the famous Palace On Wheels:
Travelling on the famed Palace on Wheels is one of the most memorable ways to explore India's stately splendour. Unquestionably it's an unparalleled experience to ride the replica carriages refurbished to look like the original saloons of the Maharajas, the erstwhile rulers of India. The Palace on Wheels is one of India's most fascinating sojourns covering the pink state capital Jaipur, the golden citadel Jaisalmer, the blue city of Jodhpur, the National Park Ramthambhor, the symbol of chivalry Chittorgarh, romantic city of Lakes Udaipur, the bird sanctuary Bharatpur and the mughal capital Agra before returning to Delhi.
 B.Complete Rajasthan Tour:
Starting with Jaipur, the capital city , enjoy full day sightseeing at City Palace, Amber, and other attractions. Proceed by road to Bikaner and visit the camel-breeding farm there. Check out Bikaner's Junagarh Fort. Drive to Jaisalmer and spend an idyllic day in this romantic outpost, discovering the wonderful architecture of this isolated city deep in the heart of the desert. Drive to Jodhpur and tour its awesome Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada Memorial. Drive to Mount Abu, visiting the Ranakpur temples en route. At Mt Abu, visit its natural attractions and splendid temples. Drive to Udaipur, spending time at Kumbhalgarh Fort en route. Discover the lake city with its splendid palaces, and visit temples. Also, a boat excursion on Lake Pichola.  C.Wild Life Safaris:
Rajasthan is one of the most sought after tourist destinations because of its varied topography and rich wildlife. Its variety of breathtaking flora and fauna along with enchanting forts like the Jogi Mahal at Ranthambhore is worth a thousand visits. There are customized packaged Wild Life Tours covering famous wild life sanctuaries and habitats. The Tours departs from Jaipur and covers Ranthambhor-Bharatpur-Deeg-Sariska and returns to Jaipur.Ph. 91-141-2202586; 5114768/69, 2203531,2202152.  D.Desert Tours:
The Thar desert in western Rajasthan is the India's largest desert. Because the Thar covers almost 70% of the state, Rajasthan has earned the moniker "Desert State of India". The Thar desert covers the districts of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner. The Thar Desert is characterized by shifting sand dunes and the ubiquitous camel, known as the "Ship of the Desert" since it is the only mode of transportation in the Thar, where human feet and car tyres sink into the soft dunes. Tours to Rajasthan are very popular with tourists, since it gives them an opportunity to take in the desert landscape, beautiful in its harshness, and the forts and palaces built on the rocky hillocks towering over the Thar. The golden Jaisalmer Fort, built at a steep height, shimmers like a mirage in the desert. Mount Abu, the only hill station, lies at the edge of the Thar desert, and is home to the world famous Dilwara Jain temples. The Akal Fossil Park near Jaisalmer hides many prehistoric plant fossils that testify to the presence of forest cover in this now inhospitable terrain.  E.Discover Cultural Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is famous for its many festivals and fairs. The Desert Festival (February) of Jaisalmer celebrates the life of the desert nomads of Rajasthan through songs and dances. The Pushkar Fair(November) near Ajmer attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is held to facilitate the sale and purchase of animals by cattle traders and farmers. Teej (August), welcoming the onset of monsoons, is chiefly celebrated by women who dress up and go on excursions with their friends. Holi (March) is celebrated with people throwing colors on each other, and elephant processions accompanied by dancers.
Rajasthan is famous for its paintings, music and folk dances. Its miniature paintings of the many different schools of Rajasthan are now collector's items. The arts and culture has been influenced by the Persian elements during Mughal rule, and can be seen in the graceful Bikaner paintings and frescoes on palace walls.
Rajasthan is famed for its jewelry and gem cutting techniques. A strong Mughal influence is visible in the Thewa style of pendants, which are painstakingly handcrafted and inlaid with semi precious stones and gold. The enameled lac bangles of Rajasthan are made by etching designs on the material, filling it with colors and enameling with gold.
The folk dances of Rajasthan are known for its lively, and belles in rich ghaghra and armful of bangles dancing to the tune of the Sarangi, a Rajasthani string instrument. The folk poets of Rajasthan, known as Bhopas, recite ballads as they wander from village to village. Rajasthan is famous for its mirror work, done on clothes, cushions, even walls. Some old havelis, or mansions, in Rajasthan still have richly frescoed walls with mirror work. The varied, colorful arts and folk dances lend color to the barren desert of Rajasthan.  F.Shopping:
Rajasthan is known for its handicrafts and many styles of painting and folk art. The jewelry of Rajasthan, like the enameled bangles and inlaid pendants, are very popular with visitors looking to take home a souvenir of their visit. This makes Rajasthan a shopper's paradise, and visitors can look forward to blissful hours spent browsing through the handcrafted items displayed in the bazaars and government emporiums like the Rajasthali in Jaipur. Jodhpur is one of the best places to buy ethnic Rajasthani jewelry. The Jauhri Bazaar of Jaipur offers many bargains to the tourists who want to buy Rajasthani textiles and readymade clothes. The dhurries or carpets of Rajasthan are another of Rajasthan's attractions. The stone sculptures of Rajasthan, made from marble, sandstone or the unique Kota stone, are also something Rajasthan is known for. Rajasthan is also famous for its red Terracotta Pottery.  G.Impressive Architectural Wonders:
From the forts of Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, to the havelis of Bikaner and Mandawa, Rajasthan is full of architectural wonders and natural beauty. The wall of Alwar Fort, in Alwar, is 5 kilometers long. Located on hilly terrain almost 600 meters above sea level, it was built by the Raput rulers before the advent of the Mughals. Also situated in Alwar is the Vinay Vilas Mahal, built in the 18th century. It was influenced by Mughal architecture and has pillars and large halls. The Chittaur Fort, in Chittaur in southern Rajasthan, was built by the Mauryans in the 7th century. It straggles over an area of 700 acres. The massive gates guard the fort well. The elaborate chhatris (ornamental umbrellas) are a testimony to the grandeur of the Rajput days. Also worth visiting is the Palace of Queen Padmini, one of the most beautiful women of her times. Jaipur's City Palace, in the heart of the old city, is a graceful structure consisting of marble arches and pillars, richly carved and decorated with semi precious stones. It occupies almost 1/7th the area of Jaipur, and is built inside a fort complex. The Palace Museum houses weapons of the Maharanas and warriors of the erstwhile Jaipur state. Hawa Mahal, also in Jaipur, was built in 1799 AD. It was built for the royal women so they could watch the sights of the city without being seen themselves. The octagonal sandstone structure has a latticed façade. This permitted the ladies of the palace to see the world outside while secluded from strangers. The massive Jaisalmer Fort, made from Jaisalmer's unique yellow sandstone, is known as the Golden Fort because of its deceptively gilded appearance. It is perched atop a hillock, overlooking the barren desert terrain below. The fort once protected houses, bazaars and entertainment districts. It houses old temples, havelis, and no less than five palaces. The Udaipur Palace, situated beside the lovely lake Pichola, is an architectural wonder. Its architecture shows a marked European influence. The Chhoti Chitra Shali is decorated with blue tiles, while the Chini Mahal has interiors done up in Chinese and Dutch tiles. Meherangarh Fort, in Jodhpur, The Umaid Bhawan Palace, in Jaisalmer, The Lake Palace, on the Jag Niwas Island in Udaipur are very famous and worth a visit.Apart vfrom Forts and Palaces, Rajasthan is also famous for its Havelis and temples. The havelis in the Shekhawati region, especially Mandawa, are fabulous. Built by rich merchants, these havelis have intricately carved facades and opulent interiors, with frescoes and mirror work. The Patwon ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, was built by a family of cloth merchants. It is no less opulent than the palace of a king.  H.City Hopping:
Pink City Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, was created as a highly planned city by maharaja Jai Singh in 1727 AD. The Jantar Mantar, built as an observatory by the Maharaja, is laid out in a complex grid, with very accurate instruments for gauging altitude and measuring planetary distances. The Hawa Mahal, the palace of the royal ladies, was built in 1799AD. Its sandstone façade, with latticed balconies, is a major tourist draw.
Ajmer is famous for the Dargah (mausoleum) of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, the Sufi saint revered by millions of Hindus and Muslims in India.
Jaisalmer city, in the southwestern Jaisalmer district, is famous for the Jaisalmer Fort. Built of special yellow sanstone found only in Jaisalmer district, the Fort shines like burnished gold when sunrays fall on it. Jaisalmer's havelis are also a must visit. The Patwon ki Haveli has carved pillars and walls with intricate murals.
Jodhpur, built in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, is chiefly known for the Meherangarh Fort that guarded the opulently fitted palaces of Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Phool Mahal, apart from the king's durbar, or reception hall. Jodhpur Museum houses many antiques and weapons from Rao Jodha's time. Jodhpur is also known for the miniature Jodhpur Paintings that depict beautiful royal ladies and birds and flowers.
Mount Abu, on the Aravalli Hills, is at a height if 1700 meters above sea level. It is Rajasthan's only hill station, with a pleasant climate and moderate rainfall. Once the summer station of the British, Mount Abu has many recreation places and mansions built by the British and Indian rulers. The delicately carved Dilwara Temple Complex, the world famous Jain Temple, is a center of pilgrimage for Jains.
Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East, is a city of lakes. Lake Pichola is at the heart of the city. The magnificent City Palace stands beside the lake. With its many rooms, halls, pavilions, corridors and delicate fittings, the Palace is worth a visit. The Saheliyon ki Bari, the beautifully ornamented garden where royal ladies and their maids amused themselves, is also worth a visit.  I.Get A Romantic Haveli Experience:
For those who want a taste of Rajasthan that is off the beaten track, and yet have a romantic time, the heritage havelis of Rajasthan are a good option. The havelis are run much in the line of the heritage hotels, maybe with fewer luxuries, but more hospitality from the host. The traditionally dressed retainers who have served the resident family for years also serve you, making you feel at home. The Shekhawati region has many havelis that have been converted to hotels. The Mandawa Palace is the chief among these.  J.Enjoy A Romantic Meal:
Udaipur is a romantic lake city in southern Rajasthan, India. In Udaipur you can indulge in the best of Indian cuisine with a good variety of restaurants serving both traditional southern vegetarian dishes as well as meat dishes more typical of northern India. Lunch at the Shivniwas Palace Hotel is a hedonistic experience, with the magnificently ornate pool, eagles soaring over the hotel towers and even squirrels scurrying around the beautiful gardens. The service and food are among the best in Rajasthan with the tasty fried, spicy eggplant; the lamb, spinach and yogurt along with accompanying dishes and washed down with one of the varieties of local beer or imported wine. Dinner in the courtyard, by the pool is accompanied by live sitar music on most evenings. Another equally good restaurant is at the neighboring Fateh Prakesh Hotel - situated in the same grounds - with wonderful views over the Lake Palace Hotel and the Maharajahs Lake Palace and a rich display of historical paintings and weapons on the walls. Other restaurants recommended are the Roof Garden Cafe with it's hanging gardens and view of the City Palace, and Berry's Restaurant on Chetak Circle serving moderately priced vegetarian and meat dishes, including delicious tandoori dishes and scrumptious vegetarian kofta - dumplings stuffed with vegetables and spices. If possible, you should visit the Lake Palace Hotel on Jagniwas Island for the renowned view of the city and slightly pricy buffet lunch. However the hotel is not always accessible to non-resident guests so it's a good idea to check first with the tourist office on Ashok Nager Road just outside the old city wall. All the heritage hotels and havelis in Rajasthan provide authentic Rajasthani food. How To Get To Rajasthan, India:  By Air:
Indira Gandhi International Airport is a major gateway to India. Located in the national capital, Delhi, it is a vital link between India and rest of the globe. Fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport. Jaipur is 262 kms. from Delhi, and is well connected by road, rail and air from all over the country. Domestic Flights ply daily from Delhi to Jaipur. There is also a special luxury train, the Palace on wheels,which starts from Delhi every Wednesday from September to April, on a round trip of Rajasthan, the first stop being Jaipur. Regular luxury buses are available round the clock and speical trains like the Shatabdi Express and Intercity Express ply regulary. Jaipur is well connected with Jodhpur and Udaipur Rajasthan by Air, and rest of Rajasthan by Road and Rail.
Rajasthan, India Hotels:  A.The Udaivilas Palace in Udaipur, another luxury resort, overlooks the picturesque Lake Pichola: Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Aravalli ranges and steeped in the romance of the historic region of Mewar, Udaivilâs, The Oberoi Group's newest luxury resort, is situated on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur. In this tranquil, salubrious setting, Udaivilâs has been conceived as a splendid palace, wonderfully recreating the romance of the past, representing the continuity of the grand traditions of Mewar and yet completely in keeping with the 21st century. The resort is spread over an expanse of 30 acres, and its carefully planned and executed design has evolved as a seamless assimilation of spaces resembling the old palaces.
B.Hotel Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur:Umaid Bhawan palace is a classic example of indo-colonial art deco style of the 1930's. The only palace to be constructed in the 20th century, it was a monumental task performed by three thousand artisans 14 years to create this heritage wonder. a unique feature of this palace is how the hand-chiseled sandstone blocks have been put together in an interlocking pattern without any mortar binding. This even more amazing because the palace is large - 195 meters long and 103 meters wide. The imposing entrance leads one to lobby adorned with black Belgian marble, flanked by two impressive banquet halls - the Rathore durbar and the Marwar hall. Crystal lamps, mounted shikar trophies in the palm court lead to the spectacular 56-metre high center dome hall. a pair of polished marble stairs lead to the maharajah's private apartments and regal suites. Rooms are decorated with original furniture. Conference hall, bar, private auditorium, health club and sports facilities are available. The palace museum with its fascinating collection of art facts of the royal age and the palace library are the added attraction here.
C.Oberoi Rajvilas Hotel in Jaipur: Rajvilas is set in 30 acres of orchards, gardens , decorated pools and fountains. The hotel is build with exacting detail, recreating a traditional Rajasthani fort setting . A key feature of the landscape is a large lotus filled water body in which floats a 250-year-old temple on a small island. A haveli or traditional Rajasthani mansion has been restored to its former beauty and contains the hotel's world class spa. It is 08 km from the city center and 16 km from Jaipur airport.
D.The Rajmahal Palace hotel, also in Jaipur:The glorious Raj Palace is situated in Jaipur, the last bastion of kachhwaha Rajput rulers.The first haveli ,(mansion) of the city Built in1728 A.D. is now converted in to a centrally air-conditioned luxurious heritage hotel. The Raj Palace provides modern comfort with an old world charm, which includes 24-hour hot and cold water supply, a gym, shopping arcade, modern business centre and Diwan -E- Aam, a grand hall for gala theme occasions.
E.The Devigarh Fort Palace: Devigarh Fort Palace, situated in the heart of Aravali Hills in Rajasthan. Devigarh Palace is 18th century monument, now converted into one of the most romantic & peaceful Resorts. It is the best bet for corporate events & conferences. All of the 23 suites at Devi Garh are unique; luxurious and beautiful, yet equipped with the most modern of conveniences to make a guest feel totally at home.
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