This
park is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although larger
than Ranthambor, it is less commercialised and has less tigers but a similar
topography. It covers an area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately
500 sq km. The Northern Aravali Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture
of sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys. The area was declared a sanctuary in
1955 and became a National Park in 1979.The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate here is variable as well as erratic.
In morning and evening, wildlife in Sariska heads towards the many water holes, which litter the park, thus providing the guests with their best chance of viewing game. At some of these watering holes it is possible to book hides which are situated in prime spots for wildlife viewing.
Tonk and the persian art
It is located, 96 kms away from Jaipur. This is a quiet town which was ruled by tribes of 'Pathans' from Afghanistan. The focal point of Tonk is the Suneri Kothi, the Golden Bungalow. A fairly ordinary monument from outside, it has stunningly rich ornamental interiors. There are also some interesting building that accommodated the British office. Tonk is also famous for its leather and felt industry and one can pick up a good bargain from the markets. The Nawab of Tonk was an avid book lover and built a sizable library of Arabic and Persian manuscripts. Arabic and Persian Research Institute are also located here.
Sanganer
Sanganer
is located 16 Kms from Jaipur. It is also known for exquisite Jain temples.
Moreover, it is an important centre for crafts and hand-printed textiles that
is internationally famous.The most beautiful temple in Sanganer is the ancient
Shri Digamber Jain temple. The temple has fine carvings as those of the magnificent
Dilwara temples of Mount Abu. Built in various phases with sky-high shikharas
(spires), the temple represents an old style of architecture. The last phase
was probably built in the 10th century. The beautiful nij-mandir (inner temple)
is a stone shrine with three pinnacles. In the centre is an idol of Parshwanath
with 7 serpent hoods. All around it, are carvings of lotuses, creepers and elephants
pouring water from pitchers held in their trunks. But the main idol is that
of Adinath, installed in the shrine behind this. The town is most famous for its hand paper and mostly screen-printed fabric. The fabric is popular for small floral designs. A wide variety of material for apparels, furnishing and curtaining is available. Some of the traditional designs were produced in the patronage of the royal family. It is a beautiful sight to see brightly colour fabric drying out in the sun near the river.
Sawai Jai Singh II set up a paper business in Sanganer on the outskirts of Jaipur. The town emerged as one of the biggest paper making centres in northern India. In between, however the industry did get a setback, but after independence, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) included the handmade paper in its agenda for promotion of crafts.
Samode
The
fort is an old fortified residence of the Nathawat family (hailing from chomu)
that served as the Prime Ministers of the Jaipur Royal Court is located some
40km from Jaipur and 264 km from Delhi in the range of Aravali. This magnificent
fort is as charming and romantic in itself, and exhibits grandeur, good taste,
class and elegance. The way to the fort's main entrance is through the inside
of the village, which can be covered from the highway by a camel safari, with
the locals welcoming the guests with smiles and thrilling expressions. The inside
of the fort reflects expressions of the medieval architecture that is renovated
a bit for the oriental formality. The open courtyards in the centre has separate
wings on the sides that extends to 43 spacious rooms & suites having private
balconies and views. The walls are in warm colours to highlight the intricate
marble work, the antiques and the colourful art with traditional artefacts.
The Durbar hall of Samode Palace is one of the most beautifully painted chambers
with glass & minakari work and the same goes for the private restricted
spaces- meant for the "zannanis", women of the family.Bagru
It is located 30 kms away from Jaipur on the Ajmer Road and is well known for its Bagru prints. This technique simulates a wooden block on which the required design is first carved, then the carved block is used for transferring the motif in the desired colour on the fabric. This process is most effective on ethnic floral patterns and for printing in vegetable dyes in traditional Bagru Prints.
