Colors of India

A guide to Morocco

Morocco, or Kingdom of Morocco, is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea (north), Algeria (east), Mauritania (south), and the Atlantic Ocean (west). Primary cities in the region include the capital, Rabat, as well as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fes. Morocco is a leading producer of phosphates and other important minerals, including copper, iron, manganese, ore, zinc, coal, and lead. Textiles, leather goods, and food processing are other major important economic industries. Fishing and tourism also contribute to the steady growth of the economy. Most Moroccans are a combination of Berber and Arab origin and are Muslim. Small Jewish and Christian minorities also exist. Tourists visiting the country have the opportunity to explore a vast history, new culture, and a different way of life.

History

Morocco was unified by the Idrisid dynasty in 780, creating the first Islamic state in Africa independent from the Arab Empire. The Berbers had resided in Morocco since the second millennium B.C. The country was annexed by Rome in A.D. 46, as part of the province of Mauritania until the Vandals overran the weakening empire during the 5^th century. In 1086, Berbers took over parts of Moorish Spain until their expulsion in the 13^th century. The region has experienced a vast amount of invaders, including the Carthaginians, Phoenicians, Byzantines, Vandals, and Romans. By central 1800s, Europe had taken an interest in the country, while the Ottoman Empire was weakening. In 1912, The Treaty of Fez transformedMorocco into a French protectorate. Spain gained control over Tetouan in the north and Ifni in the south. The Rif Berbers rebelled against the Spanish and French authority in the 1920s, with leader Muhammad Abd el-Krim. The Spanish and French task forced united to crush the Rif republic in 1926. Morocco became a constitutional monarchy in 1977.

Culture

In the political world, Morocco is considered an Arab or African state. This bilingual country uses both Arabic and French as its official languages. Arabic is spoken by a large majority of the public, however French is taught in schools. More than 40 percent of the population in Morocco is of Berber descent. In the north of Morocco, Spanish is the common language. Clothing styles in Morocco differ from town to town. Influenced by Blakan, Berber, French, Spanish and Turkish traditions, costumes are traditionally composed of heelless, yellow leather slippers known as Baboosh. Men wear long, full-sleeve garments of neutral colors with hoods referred to as djellaba. A red cap called Fez or tarbouche is worn for special events. Djellabas worn by Moroccan women consist of bright colors or ornate patterns. Culinary traditionsin Morocco are based on a diet of candies and meats. Traditional meals, such as the harira, is a rich, sweet soup composed of empanda with dove meat, chicken, egg, lamp, cuscus made from semola or vegetables. Almonds and the candies of the kab-el-ghzal are also famous dishes.

People of Morocco

Morocco is approximately the size of California, but is home to more than 32 million people. Family values are highly important to the people of Morocco. Elders are greatly respected and provide a strong influence to the other members of the family, especially young children. In common tradition, Moroccan people of the same sex greet one another with a kiss on the cheeks. When visiting someone at their home, it is customary to bring along flowers, dates, pastries or figs. If the household has children, a small gift is given as a sign of affection. In the average Moroccan home, women are responsible for household chores and the wellbeing of the family. Most do not work outside of the home. Men are in charge of providing income for their household. Many work as farmers or in small grocery or corner stores. It is considered offensive for visitors of Morocco to take photographs of the locals without their permission. If visitors maintain a sense of respect and consideration for the locals, most will welcome newcomers with open arms.

Economy

Morocco has a relatively liberal economy and is the 5^th African economy by GDP. Governed by the law of supply and demand, Morocco has earned second place as the most competitive economy in North Africa, just behind Tunisia. Its economic downfall is the low levels of unemployment and underemployment in the region. Overall unemployment is at 8.6 percent since 2010, and 31 percent among young urban males. Major resources in Moroccan economy include tourism, agriculture, and phosphates. Sale of seafood and fish are also an important economic factor. Morocco maintains its status as the world’s third largest producer of phosphates, after China and the U.S. The growing manufacturing sector accounts for more than 34 percent of total exports and employs nearly 40 percent of the Moroccan workforce. The production of clothing and textiles makes up $1.27 billion in exports. Imports, especially petroleum imports, are another major problem in the economy due to high costs. Another is the problematic rainfall that produces sudden floods and droughts that forces Morocco to import grain.

Travel Information

Visitors to Morocco require a valid passport and the Moroccan Embassy is typically the first port to call. They charge an average of £17 (approximately $22.00 American) for a single entry and £26 (approximately $34.00 American) for multiple entries. Required visas are valid for an average of 3 months and take between 5 and 7 work days to process. Tourists are able to stay up to 90 days or longer with a visa extension. Visitors may be required to obtain an anti-cholera vaccination certificate if coming from a region where the disease is prevalent. Pets entering Morocco need a health certificate that is ten days old or less, as well as an anti-rabies certificate six months old or less. Travel to Morocco can be accomplished by plane, car, or boat. Once in the country, trains are the best way to get around due to their frequency, speed and comfort. Luxury buses are the next best thing, followed by local buses, shared taxi services, or rented vehicle. Overall, Morocco is a safe area to visit and has one of the lowest homicide rates in the world. Visitors should still think smart when traveling to avoid problems. Tourists should always travel in groups, avoid dark alleys, keep money and passports in a hotel safety deposit box or safety wallet, and ensure that there is nothing important on the outside of the body or back pockets. Hustlers can be a big problems for tourists, but a polite but firm “no, thank you” will usually do the trick.

RAJASTHAN - The place for Royals

Prime Attractions of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is rich in architecture and is a delight for all kinds of tourists with its sandy dunes, mighty forts, lush blossoming gardens, shimmering lakes and outstanding monuments. The medieval zeal of honor among the Rajputs rings true in Chittorgarh Fort, men and women alike, while the romantic reverie hovers over the island palaces of Lake Pichola. One can almost see the shy royal ladies chuckling to see the royal procession on the roads of Jaipur, unseen and safe behind the screens of Hawa Mahal. The religious fervor of the staunch devotees at Dargah Sharief at Ajmer and Shrinath ji at Nathdwara is no less than the grandeur of City Palace of Jaipur and astronomical wonders of Jantar Mantar. We present here a list of the top favorite tourists' places that are not worth a miss in this land of wonders:

Albert Hall Museum
Positioned amidst the gardens of Ram Niwas Bagh in Jaipur, this museum has an assortment of rare articles on its display including textiles, carpets, paintings, metal and wood crafts, pottery, arms and weapons,

Amer Palace
Raja Man Singh built Amer Palace in 16th century. It is a mesmerizing blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Rajputs made use of the Amber Fort from the 16th century up to the foundation of Jaipur in 1727 both for defense purpose as well as the residential purposes.

City Palace
Situated in the capital of Rajasthan, the City Palace of Jaipur or the chief palace is a titillating fusion of conventional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. The gigantic palace complex engages one seventh of the walled city of Jaipur.

Chittorgarh Fort
The Chittorgarh Fort has witnessed three bloody sieges and 'jauhars' (a Rajput tradition in which royal maidens and ladies immolate themselves in the fire to save their honor from the cruel hands of the enemy, when there is no chance of defeating the enemy).

Dargah Sharif
'Dargah Sharif' or 'Holy Dargah' is one of the most sacred Muslim shrines in the country. Venerated by both Hindus and Muslims, it is the tomb of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, a Sufi saint who came from Persia and devoted his life to the service and upliftment of the poor and downtrodden.

Fateh Sagar Lake
The pretty Fateh Sagar Lake of Udaipur is located to the north of Lake Pichola was originally built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh as a medium-sized perennial storage reservoir. Surrounded by holls on three sides and Pratap Memorial on the fourth, it presents captivating scenery.

Havelis of Jaisalmer
The beautiful sandstone mansions of Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants are known as 'havelis'. Their elaborate homes are a poem etched out in sandstone with infinite details and pains, carved and pieced together in different patterns, and though they are lavish and loud in nature,

Hawa Mahal
Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh erected Hawa Mahal or the Palace of the Wind in 1799, which eventually became one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. An integral part of the City Palace, it is actually an extension of its women's chambers, and is secluded from the main complex.

Jantar Mantar
In Sanskrit, 'Jantar Mantar' is used for 'Magical Devices' and it is undoubtedly so with the huge masonry instruments, which were placed here to measure 'the harmony of the heavens'. Conceived by Sawai Raja Jai Singh II, it was completed in seven years from 1728 to 1734.

Lake Pichola
Maharaja Udai Singh did not underestimate the panoramic beauty of Lake Pichola surrounded by beautiful hills when he chose to widen it. Later Maharaja Jagjit Singh conceptualized the two beautiful island palaces in the middle of the lake, now, known as Jag Niwas (the much-renowned Lake Palace) and Jag Mandir that adds to the shimmering beauty of the lake. 

Pushkar
Pushkar is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage sites and it is said that a dip in the sacred lake of Pushkar is akin to the visits to the four main Hindu shrines known as 'Chaar Dhaam'. The charming lake of Pushkar is surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the fourth and presents an ideal site for the religious and cattle fair, which is held every year in the month of October or November.

Sahelion Ki Bari
Saheliyon-ki-Bari or the 'Garden of the Maids of Honor' of Udaipur was once reserved for the royal ladies who came here for a stroll. A well planned garden, with extensive lawns and shady walks situated on the banks of the dainty Fateh Sagar Lake was constructed in 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for forty-eight young ladies-in-waiting sent to the royal house, as part of the dowry as a cool summer retreat for them.

Shrinathji Temple
48 km from Udaipur, Shrinathji of Nathdwara is actually a temple of Lord Krishna with his image carved out of a single block of black marble. Set amidst idyllic hills, it is said to be the second richest temple in the world. The royalty of Udaipur pray at the temple and as the head of his clan, the Maharana is also called as Shriji among his people.

Umaid Bhawan Palace
The famine had struck the arid and barren land of Jodhpur and farmers were dying of hunger as their lands yielded nothing and they had no money to buy food. It was then, when like a judicious king, Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur undertook the construction of this magnificent building as a famine relief project to provide employment and a regular source of income to his subjects.

Rajasthan Forts Palaces

Rajasthan, the Royal State of India, is known as the regal home of the great Indian Maharajas who have managed to maintain their traditional splendor. In the heart of the Thar, the chivalrous rulers of Rajasthan are still alive in the various folklores and folk songs that narrate the evergreen legends of their bravery and romance. The glory is well preserved in the people of Rajasthan and in the majestic forts and palaces. Braving the unmerciful desert winds and oppressing heat of the scorching sun, they have stood invincible against many-a-sieges and have provided refuge to the rulers in their time of strife. Now, they have been opened to the tourists who come here to see a wonderful display of their rich heritage and splendid artistic architecture. Many of these forts and palaces retain their old charm and tradition. Some of the royal residences have been now turned into heritage hotels, where the visitors can still experience the magic of India's regal past.

Amber Fort
Raja Man Singh built Amer Palace in 16th century. It is a mesmerizing blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Rajputs made use of this Amber Fort from the 16th century up to the foundation of Jaipur in 1727.

Chittorgarh Fort
The Chittorgarh Fort has witnessed three bloody sieges and 'jauhars' (a Rajput tradition in which royal maidens and ladies immolate themselves in the fire to save their honor from the cruel hands of the enemy, when there is no chance of defeating the enemy).

Gadsisar Sagar
Gadsisar Tank is situated south of the city walls of Jaisalmer. It was once the main source of water supply to the city and is surrounded by small temples and shrines.

Jaigarh Fort
Not very far from the Amber Fort, Raja Sawai Jai Singh built the Jaigarh Fort (translated as fort of victory) in 1726. This former royal treasury in Jaipur is remarkably well preserved for the military structures of that period and is regarded as one of the three mightiest forts of India.

Jaisalmer Fort
Crowning Trikuta Hills, the majestic fort of Jaisalmer is more than 800 years old. Made of golden yellow sandstone, the fort stands in the heart of the Thar desert, and has witnessed better times of wealth and prosperity when it was an important trade centre and fell on the ancient silk routes.

Jal Mahal
Built to be a pleasure palace for the royal family in 1799, Jal Mahal Palace (translated as Water Palace) of Jaipur is an extremely romantic place with its red sandstone intricate architecture casting beautiful reflections in the calm waters of the Man Sagar Lake, full of hyacinths.

Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort of Bikaner was built by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, in 1587. The fort is surrounded by a high wall and deep moats.

Kumbhalgarh Fort
84 km from Udaipur, Maharana Kumbha built Kumbhalgarh Fort in the 15th century. It is the second most important fort in Rajasthan after the Chittaurgarh Fort. Crowning the Aravalli Hills, the fort is not so easily accessible with seven great gates that stand guarding its entrance.

Lalgarh Palace
Oriental fantasy and European comforts are blended together most tastefully in the Lalgarh Palace of Bikaner. Maharaja Ganga Singh built Lalgarh Palace. There are terraced lawns that have been artistically planned and are in forever bloom with Bougainvillea bushes and peacocks that charm almost everybody who witness it.

Mehrangarh Fort
One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort holds its place on a steep hill. The number of palaces in its premises are made of sandstone and are excellent examples of stone the highlights of the palace are Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace, which has a delicately carved stone screen and houses the Sringar Chowki, royal throne of Jodhpur, Umaid Villas that displays Rajput miniature paintings

Nahargarh Fort
Cradled in the Nahargarh Hills, the Nahargarh Fort of Jaipur was built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh in 1734. Jaipur was the capital of Raja Jai Singh II and Nahargarh was a fitting standguard, rightly called the Tiger Fort. It was the first of the three forts built by the rulers of Jaipur.