Colorful Rajasthan

If you are looking for adding some colors in your life then don't give a second thought just pack your bags and land in Rajasthan (that literally means Land of Kings). India has 29 states and Rajasthan is the largest one in context of area, comprising of its capital i.e. Jaipur (known as pink city) 

 This is Hawa Mahal in Jaipur which is designed in the form of the crown of Lord Krishna.

Another city Jodhpur (known for the blue color)

Picturesque view from the top of Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur city.

Beautiful Udaipur (city of lakes)

Marvellous Lake Palace in Udaipur.

Golden Jaisalmer (yellow city)

Amazing view of Jaisalmer city.

   

Ajmer (known for famous Dargah i.e. mosque)

Eminent Ajmer sharif dargah which is shrine of  Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.

The above pictures have definitely justified the title "Colorful Rajasthan". So get yourself indulged in the liveliness and lovely culture of this beautiful state. Wanna feel like a king or queen ?
Let's get started with our royal journey!

EASTERN RAJASTHAN TOUR

Whether it is the bustling, historic city of  Jaipur, the painted havelis in Shekhawati, or the famous annual cattle fair at Pushkar, this region captures the colorful heritage of this state.

Top itinerary:
1. Jaipur
2. Shekhawati
3. Ajmer
4. Pushkar

                   

Getting around
Bus : If you wanna go to Shekhawati it is better to avoid this mode of transportation as the buses here are overcrowded and this can cause you discomfort while travelling there.

Car : The best way to get around Shekhawati is travelling by car. Hire a car or cab and explore this place at your own pace.

Auto : While in Jaipur you can opt for autos to get around different places but remember to bargain hard for a fair price, or set a fixed rate before you start your tour of the city's sights.

Rail : In case of Ajmer it is better to go by train
(from Jaipur) and then from Ajmer you can catch a bus to Pushkar very easily.



1. WHEN YOU ARE IN JAIPUR...
Jaipur is divided into two types : the old one which is rich in culture and the new city of Jaipur, well laid-out with wide roads, parks, gardens and pretty houses.

Point of interest in old city of Jaipur

• CITY PALACE : Great place to know about the history of Jaipur.
  

City Palace, Jaipur, which includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces and other buildings, is a palace complex in Jaipur. It was the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur, the head of the Kachwaha Rajput clan. It is in the central-northeast part of the Jaipur city, which is laid in a grid pattern with wide avenues. It is a unique and arresting complex of several palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples. The most prominent and most visited structures in the complex are the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Maharani's Palace, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

• HAWA MAHAL : this is known as the 'Palace of Winds' or 'Palace of the Breeze'.
  

Hawa Mahal  is a palace in Jaipur, so named because it was essentially a high screen wall built so the women of the royal household could observe street festivals while unseen from the outside. Constructed of red and pink sandstone, the palace sits on the edge of the City Palace, and extends to the zenana, or women's chambers.

• JANTAR MANTAR : Interesting place having instruments for astronomical observation

The Jantar Mantar monument of Jaipur, is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai SIngh, and completed in 1734 CE.It features the world's largest stone sundial, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.It is near to both Hawa Mahal and City Palace. The instruments allow the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye. The monument expresses architectural innovations, as well as the coming together of ideas from different religious and social beliefs in 18th century India.

• JAL MAHAL : located in the middle of the lake

Jal Mahal (meaning "Water Palace") is a palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, in Jaipur city. The palace and the lake around it were renovated and enlarged in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber. "The Jal Mahal palace has got an eye-popping makeover. Traditional boat-makers from Vrindavan have crafted the Rajput style wooden boats. You move past decorated hallways and chambers on the first floor to climb all the way up to the fragrant Chameli Bagh. Across the lake, you can view the hills, dotted with temples and ancient forts, and on the other side, bustling Jaipur. The most remarkable change is in the lake itself.

• NAHARGARH FORT : A hilltop fort offering heavenly views

                                 

Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the pink city of Jaipur. The view of the city from the fort is impressive.

Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defense ring for the city. The fort was originally named Sudarshangarh, but it became known as Nahargarh, which means 'abode of tigers'. The popular belief is that Nahar here stands for Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed construction of the fort. Nahar's spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, which thus became known by his name.

• JAIGARH FORT : a beautiful hilltop fort with a museum

Jaigarh Fort is situated on the promontory called the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the Aravalli range; it overlooks the Amer Fort and the Maota Lake.The fort was built by Jai Singh II  in 1726 to protect the Amber Fort and its palace complex and was named after him.

 It has a length of 3 km along the north–south direction and a width of 1 km. The fort features a cannon named "Jaivana", which was manufactured in the fort precincts and was then the world's largest cannon on wheels.The palace complex (Laxmi Vilas, Lalit Mandir, Vilas Mandir and Aram Mandir) located ), an armoury and a museum.

• AMER FORT : 16th century hilltop fort and palace

                                                                       

Amer Fort  is located in Amer, a town with an area of 4 square kilometres located 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from Jaipu city. Located high on a hill, it is the principal tourist attraction in the Jaipur area.The town of Amer was originally built by Meenas and later it was ruled by Raja Man Singh(December 21, 1550 – July 6, 1614)

Amer Fort is known for its artistic Hindu style elements. With its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks Maota Lake. It is the main source of water for the Amer.

Something new: A kilometre-long underground passage walk from Amer to Jaigarh Fort,  has recently opened. Don't miss it. If one wants to opt for a golf cart ride through the tunnel, it is priced at 100 INR per person.


Your Jaipur tour will not end here, you still gotta explore the new version of it. What I mean is the new city of Jaipur which offers you a little modernized living and culture.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• ALBERT HALL MUSEUM
  

Albert Hall Museum is a museum in Jaipur city. It is the oldest museum of the state and functions as the State museum of Rajasthan. The building is situated in Ram Niwas Garden outside the city wall opposite New gate and is a fine example of Indo-saracenic architecture. The building was designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, it is spread across two floors and displays artwork, textile paintings & weapons pertaining to the various ethnic groups of the state. It is named after King Edward VII (Albert Edward), during whose visit to the city as the Prince of Wales, its foundation stone was laid on 6 February 1876.

• BIRLA TEMPLE

 At the foot of Moti Dungri fort is the Birla Temple. This temple forms one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night.The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Due to this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple. Birla Mandir is constructed in the finest quality of white marble. The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night. Travel treat: There is a famous Ganesh Temple near by this beautiful temple. If you wanna know more about Indian culture (in context of people having deep faith in God), don't miss this place.

• JAWAHAR KALA KENDRA

Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) is a multi arts centre. It was built by Rajasthan Government with the purpose of preserving Rajasthani arts and crafts. The centre has been made in eight blocks housing museums, one amphi theatre and the other closed auditorium, library, arts display rooms, cafeteria, small hostel and art-studio. It also houses two permanent art galleries and three other galleries. and host its own theatre festival each year.

• CENTRAL PARK 

Central Park, constructed by the Jaipur Development Authority is the largest park in Jaipur. Central Park is located, as its name suggest, in the centre of Jaipur city. Having a big lush green beautiful garden and Rambagh Polo Ground and golf club nearby makes it a perfect enjoyable place in Jaipur. Central Park Garden also has a long 5 km jogging and walking track which is the best place for many Jaipurites for walking and jogging. Central Park is also a bird watchers paradise as a number of migratory and native birds visit it round the year.

Central park also has a 206 feet high first day and night monumental National flag with the flag of 28 feet wide and 72 feet in length. This national flag looks magnificent when high voltage light falls on it at night time. It is the tallest tricolour of the country. Musical fountain, temple and stone states are some of the attractions in the Central Park, Jaipur.

I will be sharing the Information about the other three destination in my next post so leave the feedback about my work below. I'll catch you later.