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Top Attractions

Deeg Palace

Deeg Palace is a small yet interesting town in the district of Bharatpur. Make a point of visiting this town if you want to completely explore the region surrounding Bharatpur. Deeg’s Palace complex and the three-day Deeg festival annually in September are two of the city’s most popular attractions. The Deeg Palace is a grand edifice with built-in classic Rajasthani architecture.

It is built in an unusual way, with innumerable water gardens and palaces intertwined inside a network of charbaghs. Exploring the palace grounds is a fantastic way to spend a few hours in Deeg. The Deeg Fort, also known as Jal Mahal, is another structure with intricate and pleasing architecture that lends character to the region.

Deeg Palace Bharatpur

History of Deeg Palace

The history of the Deeg Palace is much older than what one actually expects. Legends have that once Lord Krishna started his parikrama from Goverdhan and blessed Deeg with his auspicious presence. According to the Skand Puran the former name of Deeg was Dirgha or sometimes it was referred as Dirghapur.

According to the medieval history, Deeg used to serve as the first capital of Bharatpur state during the rule of Badan Singh in 1722. He built this palace and due to its close proximity with Agra, the palace has faced many attacks by the invaders. To protect this fort from regular attacks Surajmal, Badan Singh’s son built the strong fortress with towering walls, bastions, a deep moat and high ramparts which are still standing tall and strong.

Deeg Palace

Architecture of the Deeg Palace

The architecture of Deeg is mainly represented by the mansions called the Bhawans popularly known as Gopal Bhawan, Suraj Bhawan, Kishan Bhawan, Nand Bhawan, Keshav Bhawan, Hardev Bhawan.

The striking features of these palaces are balanced outlines, fine proportions, commodious halls, attractive and logically disposed of arcades, alluring greenery, charming tanks and canals with fountains.

The layout of Deeg gardens is based on the formality of the Mughal Char bagh or fourfold garden patterns and flanked by two reservoirs called namely Rup Sagar and Gopal Sagar.

The architecture is primarily of trabeate order, but the use of the arcuate system has also been made in certain instances. Mostly the arcades are of a decorative quality as each arch is formed by joining spandrel shaped slab cantilevers projecting from the pillars.

The general features of this style are engrailed arches resting on ornate pillars, hypostyle halls flat roof terraces, balconies and pavilions with Bengal roofs, double eaves, moderate structural heights, and spacious internal arrangements.

Deeg Palace

Details about Different buildings inside deeg palace complex

Singh Pol – The main entrance to the Deeg palace and its complex, Singh Pol, is an unfinished structure. Many kings ruled in the princely state of Bharatpur, but none completed the construction of this main gate. The main arch of the gate has two sculptures of lions on both sides, due to which this building is called Singh Pol.

Gopal Bhavan – It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the Deeg palace complex. Its reflection in the surrounding water gives it a shimmering atmosphere like no other. There is a room on either side of the building which the rulers of Bharatpur used to spend the afternoon in summer. The building has a black marble throne, which Maharaja Jawahar Singh conquered from the Red Fort of Delhi.

Suraj Bhavan – This old and beautiful building that housed the Deeg palace complex was built by Maharaja Suraj Mal. It has five arched openings and corner rooms on each side. The entire building is made of sandstone, later decorated with white marble.

Kishan Bhavan – Located on the southern side of the palace complex, it is a well-decorated building. There is a large water tank on the roof of this building which was used to carry water to the fountain.

Hardev Bhavan – Hardev Bhawan is located just behind Suraj Bhawan, in front of this building is a huge garden which is built in the Mughal Charbagh style. The ground floor has a large hall where hundreds of people used to sit together and discuss politics.

The roof of the palace is decorated with an cenotaph and pointed nails were placed on the roof to protect the building.

Keshav Bhavan – Another attractive building of the Dag Palace, Keshav Bhawan is a single story open pavilion situated on the banks of Roop Sagar. This building was built with special technology. Whenever the fountains around the building were run, the sound of thunder was produced in the building. Apart from this, whenever the king used to sit with his special guest, no person could see him from outside the building.

The reason for this is that there are fountains on the walls of this building, in which when the water flowed, there was an atmosphere in the building that it was impossible to see in the building from outside.

Nand Bhavan – The building is situated on the north side of the central park built in the Deeg palace complex, it is a large rectangular hall raised on a terrace. The building is surrounded by gardens with seven gates for entry.

This building was used for wrestling competition, a large wrestling riot has been built in the middle of the building. The center of the roof is made of pure wood and like other buildings, it also has a tank outside and a beautiful exterior.

Purana Mahal – This building is the oldest of all the buildings in this Deeg palace complex, as it was built just after the foundation of the city of Deeg. This building was built by Badan Singh. It continues the tradition of a typical palace.

This is the building where the court was held under the rule of Badan Singh and he used to live in the same building with the family.

Deeg Palace

Best Time to Visit Deeg Palace

From October to March is the greatest season to visit Rajasthan as a tourist. The Deeg Palace fountains are activated twice a year, in September and February, to add to the festive atmosphere. As a result, you may plan your vacation accordingly, and you should absolutely reserve your accommodations ahead of time.

How to Reach

Bharatpur is the nearest city at a distance of around 35km. From Bharatpur you can hire a car. Bharatpur is well connected by road, rail and air to Jaipur and Delhi.

If you have a single day in hand make sure it is not a Friday else the travel would be in vain as the Deeg palace would remain closed.

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Top Attractions

Junagarh Fort Bikaner

Junagarh Fort Bikaner, located in the city of Bikaner, stands proudly as a symbol of invincibility. Originally called “Chintamani Mahal” until the 20th century, it was subject to repeated invasions in the past, but remained unconquered over time. It got its present name, Junagarh, which means “Old Fort”, in the early 20th century, when the royal family shifted to Lalgarh Palace. This is one of those few forts in Rajasthan which is not seated on a hilltop. Rather, the modern city of Bikaner was built around the fort.

Its believe that the first digging ceremony of the fort was held on 30th January, 1589 AD, while the foundation was laid on 17th February, 1589 AD. The construction of the fort is said to have been completed on 17th January 1594 AD. This fort represents architectural excellence and is a great center of art, heritage, culture and history.

The structures found in the Junagarh Fort Bikaner are palaces and temples, which are primarily built of red sandstone and marble. The palaces, with their courtyards, kiosks, balconies and windows, allure visitors in large numbers. Most of these have been converted as museums and provide a valuable insight into the royal lifestyle of the erstwhile princes and rulers of Rajasthan.

Junagarh Fort Bikaner

History of Junagarh Fort

The foundation of the Junagarh Fort Bikaner was laid by Rao Bika in 1478. Earlier it was just a stone fort. The present Junagarh fort was built to protect the stone fort built by Bika. The city of Bikaner was established in 1472 and grew up around the mighty fortress. There were many attempts to capture it by foreign enemies. However, all except one failed. Kamran Mirza, the son of Babur, captured the striking fort just for one day in 1534 during the rule of Rao Jait Singh.

The city of Bikaner flourished under the rule of its sixth ruler Raja Rai Singh who ruled from 1571-1611. Raja Rai Singh accepted the Mughal rule and held high position under the rule of Akbar and Jehangir. His victories in various wars won him many accolades and jagirs. After gaining position under the Mughal rule, Raja Rai Singh started building the Junagarh fort. The foundation ceremony of this impressive fortress was held on 17th February 1589, and the work was completed on 17th January 1594. Raja Rai Singh, who was an artistic person and had knowledge of architecture, designed the fort to be a grand structure amidst the Thar Desert.

Junagarh Fort Bikaner

Architecture of Junagarh Fort

The Junagarh Fort Bikaner is an epitome of architectural excellence. The architecture is a mix of various cultures, the earliest being the Rajput style. The earliest smear of design is that of the traditional Rajput style influenced by the alliance of the Gujarati association with the Mughals. Next, the architecture reflected semi-western influence and lastly the revivalist Rajput structures built mainly during the rule of Maharaja Ganga Singh.

The Junagarh fort has a rectangular layout with a length of about 1078 yards. It encloses an area of 63119 square yards. The fort was initially built as a safeguard to the old stone fort built by Rao Bika. It used to have a moat earlier for security purposes, but it is now non-existent. The magnificent fortress encloses many palaces with exquisite designs. All the balconies, gates, kiosks and other structures have been influenced by the heritage and culture of the ruler who built them.

One of the main features of Junagarh Fort Bikaner is the stone carvings done in red and gold sandstone. All the structures are made of red sandstone. The interiors are decorated as per ancient Rajasthani style. The palatial fort has seven gates with many palaces as well as Hindu and Jain temples. It also has two main gates made of Golden sandstones. Earlier the Karan Pol was used for entry while the Suraj pol is used now. The Karan pol is east facing which allows the first rays of the sun to fall on it. The golden rays on the yellow sandstone is a beautiful vision and are also considered a good omen.

The lavish structures of this fort and the exquisite beauty of each structure stand witness to the regal lifestyle that had been led here centuries ago. The Junagarh Fort is called “a paradox between medieval military architecture and beautiful interior decoration Bikaner Attractions.

Junagarh Fort Bikaner

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit any place is when you could feel fully comfortable exploring it without the impact of weather conditions. Junagarh Fort Bikaner is located in the middle of the Thar Desert, where summers are hot. Therefore, it is recommended that the tourists visit Junagarh Fort during the cooler months from November to February.

Junagarh Kila, Bikaner is a wonderful destination for a fun-filled day outing in Bikaner. Owing to the importance and the appeal of the place, it is the main destination in all Bikaner tour packages. On a trip to the fort, remember to carry water, wear comfortable shoes, and apply sunscreen as you will have to walk a lot to explore the place.

How to Reach Junagarh Kila, Bikaner

To reach Bikaner from other cities, the best option is to travel via road. RSRTC buses run to Bikaner from cities like Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Ajmer, and Delhi. It is also convenient to travel to the city by air. The nearest airport is Jodhpur, which has many flights from Mumbai and Delhi.

Junagarh Kila in Bikaner enjoys easy accessibility from all points in Bikaner. Located at the heart of the city, the fort can be easily reached by car, bus, cab, or even auto rickshaw. Public buses also run from different points in the city to the fort.

By Air : Bikaner airport is recently opened in 2014. The airport is 13km away from the city. Currently no flight arrives to or depart from the airport but the government is trying to start some flights soon. The nearest airport to Bikaner is Jodhpur. People can reach Jodhpur by air and from there they can reach Bikaner by train or by taxi.

By Train : Bikaner is connected to many cities by train as many long and short-distance trains start from Bikaner or go to other cities via Bikaner. No Rajdhani, Shatabdi, or Garib Rath trains run from the city but superfast trains and fast mail and express trains connects Bikaner to various cities. Bikaner is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer etc. by rail transport.

By Road : Bikaner is well-connected to different cities via road transport. Tourists can either book a taxi or catch state-owned or private buses to go to nearby cities from Bikaner. Tourists can get direct buses to Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Ahmedabad, Pune, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Jaisalmer, and many other cities.

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Wildlife in Rajasthan

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary Udaipur is situated 5km in the West of Udaipur, the lake city, which surrounds the Sajjangarh Palace overlooking Udaipur City. From the Sajjangarh Palace, one can have a magnificent view of lakes of Udaipur and Aravalli hill ranges. The view of Sunrise and Sunset attracts every visitor atop of Bansdara hill.

In the Sajjangarh Wildlife sanctuary, a Safari Park was created and wild animals like Chital, Sambar, Wild Boar, and Blue Bull were reintroduced. Animals like Panther, Hyena, Hare and Jackal has reappeared apart from variety of reptiles and birds. The wall extended further and now the entire hillock has been fenced, improving the vegetal cover of the sanctuary area. In the Hills, at a short distance on the North-West of Sajjangarh, there is an artificial lake named Jiyan Sagar, popularly known as “Bari Lake” or “Tiger Lake”.

The lake was constructed by Maharana Raj Singhji, the ex-ruler of Mewar, in 1664 AD and was named after Jana Devi, the mother of the Maharana. The lake has an area of 1.25 square miles with a storage capacity of 400 million cubic feet of water.

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

History of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a salient part of Sajjangarh Palace built-in 1884. The Palace derived its name from Maharana Sajjan Singh, one of the bravest rulers of the Mewar dynasty. Constructed in stunning white marble with nine floors, the Palace offers marvelous views of Lake Pichola and nearby areas.

Sajjangarh Palace is also known as Monsoon Palace as it served as a galactic center to the King. Maharana Sajjan Singh used the Palace to keep track of monsoon clouds, and the nearby areas were used as a hunting ground Udaipur Attractions.

Hunting had been a glorious sport in ancient times. Hunting was a reflection of the King’s bravery; therefore, the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary was earlier used as a hunting ground by the royal members of the Mewar dynasty of Udaipur.

The area is thickly wooded, making it a better shooting preserve for royal hunters. However, post-independence, the government of India made hunting an illegal activity. Therefore in 1987, these hunting grounds were converted into a Wildlife Sanctuary to preserve and protect wildlife species.

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Architecture of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is spread in 5.19 square kilometers. There is a rock-solid wall of Kishan Pol which protects the sanctuary. Recently, the fencing of the entire hillock region is done to keep the vegetal cover intact. The sanctuary is facilitated with a small network of roads to ease the accessibility to various parts of the Safari Park.

There is an artificial lake named Jiyan Lake which supports the sanctuary. The lake is also referred to as Tiger Lake or Bari Lake. Built-in 1664, this lake was built by Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar dynasty. The King named the lake on his mother’s name, Jana Devi. The Jiyan Lake covers 1.25 square miles and has a huge water storage capacity of about 400 million cubic feet Udaipur Tour Packages.

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Attractions in Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The major attraction of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is an artificial lake named Jiyan Sagar, which is widely known as “Bari Lake” or “Tiger Lake”. Maharana Raj Singhji, the ex-ruler of Mewar, made this lake and named it after his mother, Jana Devi. The lake has an area of 1.25 square miles with a storage facility of 400 million cubic feet of water. This is an ideal spot for picnics and swimming as it is a clean lake. You can view herbivores like chital, sambar, blue bull, wild boar, etc. from close quarters in this safari park.

A network of jungle roads are created to arrive at diverse parts of the safari park. From Gorilla viewpoint you can go to Bari Lake through the Maharana Pratap nature trail and can watch the beautiful natural beauty of Aravalli hills along with rich flora and fauna in the area. There is a Jhar Water Hole, which is a constant source of water, is situated on Western phase of Bansdara hills. It is bounded by number of ancient Mahua trees. Near the waterhole, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

This place is an ideal place to experience the effect of micro-climate with surrounded forest area by sitting at this place. During the rainy season, the springs flowing through the area add the extra beauty to the sanctuary. Sajjangarh Sanctuary is a place rich with wildlife as well as abundance of flora and fauna.

Best Time to Visit Sajjangarh Sanctuary

According to me, You must visit Sajjangarh between August to February months because the rainy season adds plus points for nature lovers and the winter season is best for hikers.

How to Reach Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur

By Railway : The nearest station is the Udaipur Railway station to reach Sajjangarh. Wildlife Sanctuary is about 7 km away from the railway station.

By Airway : The Nearest airport to reach Sajjangarh Sanctuary is Maharana Pratap Airport of Udaipur. It is about 27 km away from the sanctuary.

By Roadway : It is well connected with roads from the main city of Udaipur. It is settled on NH-76A and the distance from major cities are mentioned below:-

Major CitiesDistance
Jaipur399 Km (Via NH 58)
Jodhpur240 Km (Via NH 62-RJSH32)
Jaisalmer483 Km (Via NH 68)
Bikaner489 Km (Via NH 58)
Kota288 Km (Via NH 27-48)
Kishangarh296 Km (Via NH 58)
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Top Attractions

Sisodia Rani Garden Jaipur

Sisodia Rani Garden and Palace is a palace garden 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from Jaipur city in of Rajasthan state in India. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1728. The place consists of tiered multi-level gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavilions. A double-storeyed palace occupies the top terrace of the garden. The palace has many galleries, pavilions and beautiful murals depicting scenes from the life of lord Krishna. The palace lies on Jaipur Agara highway.

The palace garden derives its name, Sisodia Rani Garden and Palace, from the rani (queen) for whom it was built. She hailed from the Sisodia line of Suryavanshi (Sun dynasty) Rajputs, who ruled and now nominally rule the region of Mewar in Rajasthan.

Sisodia Rani Garden

History of Sisodiya Rani Garden

Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728 for his second queen, a princess from Udaipur. The Maharaja presented this royal garden to his beloved queen to serve as a perfect retreat place for her. Away from hustle bustle of court politics, the garden offered a peaceful haven for Sisodia Rani. The garden is filled with various plant species, lush green shrubs and scented flowers. The walls are decorated with murals of Radha-Krishna, symbolizing the love that the Maharaja had for his beloved queen Sisodia.

Sisodia Rani Garden and Palace is a beautiful palace garden 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from Jaipur city in of Rajasthan state in India. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1779. The place consists of tiered multi-level gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavilions. A charming double storeyed palace occupies the top terrace of the garden. The palace has many galleries, pavilions and beautiful murals depicting scenes from the life of lord Krishna. The palace lies on Jaipur Agra highway.This royal garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728 for his second queen Sisodia.

Sisodia Rani Garden is adorned with beautiful wall paintings of Radha-Krishna love story. The paintings on the wall and the narrative details truly represent eternal love and befits the essence of this garden which itself is a symbol of love. This lush green royal garden is replete with flowerbeds, foliage, beautiful water fountains, pavilions, galleries, iridescent water channels and murals Jaipur Tour Packages.

Sisodia Rani Garden

Architectural Layout of Sisodia Rani ka Bagh Jaipur

The architectural layout of the Sisodia Rani Garden is mostly influenced by the Charbagh style of the Mughal gardens. The gardens are multi- layered with flower beds and fountains, typical of the Mughal gardens.

For those who are unaware of the Charbagh garden style, this was introduced by the Mughals (specifically Babur) after they invaded India. The Charbagh is a native Persian style of quadrilateral or four- part garden divided by walking paths, sometimes lined by water beds that intersect at central point. The principle of the quadrilateral garden design is taken from mentions in the Qur’an where Charbagh is intercepted as gardens of Paradise.

The Mughals and the Kachwaha rulers of Amber had great political association as well as family relationships as one of the Kachwaha princesses was married to the Mughal emperor Akbar. The Kachwahas also fought many wars alongside the Mughals leading the armies. This is one of the reasons for most of the architecture of Amber and Jaipur having Mughal influence.

The spires and pavilions of the Sisodia Rani Garden are frescoed with Hindu motifs and paintings from the life of Krishna and are built in Indian architecture. The Queen’s palace is placed in such a way that it overlooks the entire garden. The murals on the walls of the palace are majorly based on the love stories and legends from the lives of Lord Krishna and his most beloved Radha. In addition to the murals of Radha and Krishna, the palace walls also have murals and paintings of hunting scenes.

Another aspect of the well- planned architecture is that none of the staircases of the building are visible and appear concealed Jaipur Attractions.

There is a central shrine dedicated to the Hindu Gods like Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Lord Vishnu. There is also a natural spring located beside the central shrine.

Sisodia Rani Garden

Places to visit near Sisodia Rani ka Bagh Jaipur

Galta Ji Temple: Experience history and divinity all at one place when you walk into the architectural marvel that is Galta Ji Temple, built between the crevice of two hills with natural springs and seven sacred kunds (water tanks). Visitors are highly recommended to pay a visit to Galta Ji, especially people interested in ancient history.

Vidyadhar Bagh: Located at a stone’s throw away from the Sisodia Rani Garden, the Vidyadhar Garden was built to pay tribute to the man who designed Jaipur, the first ever planned city of India – Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon away from the bustling city for free with the local delicacies from the snack corners lined outside the park.

City palace: Know where the royals live, because the palace still continues to be the home to the royal family of Jaipur. The whopping entry fee to the city palace is all worth spending when one gets to see the intricacies of the designs and the resplendent interiors, the courtyards and the Sawai Man Singh II Museum. This place is right fit for a history enthusiast.

Jantar Mantar: When the king is a mathematics and astronomy enthusiast, the city has to get infrastructure worthy to be listed under UNESCO World Heritage sites. Built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the Jantar Mantar of Jaipur houses the world’s largest sundial. A visit here can be coupled with a visit to the Sisodia Rani Garden City Palace.

Hawa Mahal: The name of the pink sandstone palace literally translates to ‘Palace of Winds’. Walk up to the top of the palace through the circular staircase and feel that wind on your face and enjoy the view of the city down through the tiny little colourful windows.

Johari Bazar: If anyone is a sucker for artificial jewellery and other traditional artefacts, and got the bargaining gene, live your wish of ‘shop till you drop’ at the Johari Bazar.

Best Time to Visit Sisodiya Rani Garden

The garden is at prime beauty during winter season and early summer season. The winter season starts in October and ends in February. This is the time for pleasing walks, romantic strolls and other relaxing activities. However, during winter, you cannot find many flowers in the garden. The recent rains would have brought lush and greenery to the region. The blooming season starts in summer. March to April is the best time for enjoying flowers, photography and evening strolls.

How to Reach

You can get local buses that leave from Ghat Gate for the Sisodia Rani Garden. It is 10 km from Jaipur Railway station and 14 km from the airport which takes nearly half an hour to reach the garden.

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Top Attractions

City Palace Jaipur

City Palace Jaipur is one of the most famous tourist attractions located in the old part of the city. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during the years 1729 to 1732, the vast complex of the palace occupied one-seventh of the walled city. In fact, it was once the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace is divided into a series of courtyards, buildings and gardens including the Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal. The museum showcases various unique handcrafted products and other things that belong to the royal heritage of the City Palace.

The facade itself is designed with acute and detailed handiwork and showcases a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture styles. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh II, however, the palace itself has been subjected to various changes over the course of time, with some of them even belonging to the early 20th century. The City Palace has three gates, out of which the Virendra Pol and Udai Pol are open to the public.

City Palace Jaipur

History of City Palace

City Palace Jaipur is a palace complex, which used to be the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur, the head of the Kachhawaha Rajput clan. The palace complex is made up of an impressive and vast array of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The palace was built between 1727 and 1732 by Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur Attractions.

City Palace Jaipur has served as the principal residence of the Kachhawaha rulers since 1727, when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II initiated work on it. The vast complex is contained by high walls with monumental arched gateways on three sides providing access to the broad bazaar streets of the city.

City Palace Jaipur is built in the typical Rajput style with fretted screens and fragile pillars supporting carved balconies, and still serves to house members of the ruling family.

It was in this palace that the Maharajas of Jaipur were installed, on the early 18th century gadi, a wooden frame covered with silver plate. Fans of yak-tails and peacock feathers are the symbols of state, held by attendants on formal occassions, while a golden howdah on display was used in 1961 by Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain and the last Maharaja. Surya, the Sun God, is shown flanked by two lions, and peacocks adorn the doors.

Sawai Man Singh II was the last Maharaja of Jaipur to rule from City Palace Jaipur. However, this palace continued to be a residence of the royal family even after Jaipur became a part of the Indian Union in 1949. Jaipur became the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan, and Man Singh II became the Rajapramukh (present day Governor of Jaipur) for a time and later was the Ambassador of India to Spain Jaipur Tour Packages.

City Palace Jaipur

Architecture of City Palace

The architectural style of the City Palace was a fusion of the Shilpa Shastra of Indian Architecture along with Rajput, Mughal and European styles. The main architects for the construction of the palace were Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. Classical Indian principles such as the Vastushastra were promptly followed by the architects during the construction of the palace. It was built using red and pink sandstone and has three gates, namely ‘Tripolia Gate’, ‘Udai Pol’, ‘Virendra Pol’.

The entrances themselves are decorated intricately with the finest handiwork and are a suitable preamble to what lies inside. The palace complex is designed in the form of a grid and has a number of structures within its bounds such as ‘Chandra Mahal’, ‘Govind Dev Ji Temple’, ‘Mubarak Mahal’, and ‘Diwan-I-Khas’. Murals, mosaics, honeycomb window panes and meticulous stonework make the Palace a perfect blend of design, art, colour and culture.

City Palace Jaipur

Places to visit near City Palace –

There are several historical monuments near the City Palace Jaipur.

Jantar Mantar: It is the closest monument to the City Palace. You will find the ticket counter right in front of the gate you used for exit, and the monument is across the road on your right-hand side.

It is a must-see place which houses various examples of traditional techniques of watching the time, measuring objects in the air, etc.

Hawa Mahal: The palace is settled right in the middle of the road spreading the vibes of Rajputana elegance through its structure.

However, initially the Hawa Mahal was a part of the City Palace Jaipur and hence you will not find any gate going inside the palace from the main road.

You must enter the palace from behind, to know how the royal ladies from the bygone era used to witness the everyday life and celebrations of the festivals.

Albert Hall Museum: The museum is appreciated not only for its variety of antique collection but even for its architecture. You should click a picture from the outside and then enter the museum to witness an array of artefacts kept inside it.

Make sure to consume all of your evening and wait till dusk to finish the inside tour, only to be rewarded by the picturesque beauty of the colourfully lit monument.

Nahargarh Fort: This is the best place to witness the entire city of Jaipur. This ancient ruin of a beautiful fort creates the best aura to spend some time in silence. You must go here early in the morning and wait for the sunrise.

Jal Mahal: Jal Mahal is an elegant palace constructed half-submerged inside the man-made lake called Man Sagar Lake. It is beautiful in its real sense and the sight of a nicely lit palace in the middle of the lake is delightful and divine.

Best Time To Visit City Palace

The morning and evening hours and cooler and less crowded. Winter months of October – March are the best months to visit this destination.

How To Reach City Palace, Jaipur

You can easily reach the City Palace Jaipur from any part of Jaipur, as various modes of transportation such as auto rickshaw, taxi or public bus are quite frequently available to this destination. You can also book cabs from any point in the city.

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Religious Destinations India

Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi

Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi and has been accorded the highest position among other ghats by the holy scriptures in Hinduism. It is believed that if a person is cremated here, he immediately attains moksha (salvation). It is bound on both sides by the Scindia Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat. Like all the other ghats in Varanasi, the Manikarnika Ghat is surrounded by a fascinating mythological story which also tells us how it acquired its name.

It is believed that when Goddess Adi Shakti, or Goddess Sati, jumped into the fire and immolated herself, Lord Shiva carried her burning body to the Himalayas. There, he was immersed in unending sorrow. Lord Vishnu, moved by his plight, sent forth his Divine Chakra (one of his weapons) which cut Goddess Adi Shakti’s body into 51 pieces. Each of the place where her pieces fell on Earth were declared as a Shakti Peeth. Because her earrings fell at this ghat, it was established as a Shakti Peeth and named Manikarnika since Manikarna in Sanskrit means ear rings.

A variety of sights, sounds and smells greet you at the ghat. On one corner, you may see a priest sermonising to a crowd of people, while on the other, your eyes meet people engaged in rites related to cremation. As hundreds of bodies are consigned to the flames, the air is filled with smoke, perhaps reminding an onlooker of the inevitability of death and how temporary everything really is. Although photography is allowed at the Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi, one of the tourist attractions in Varanasi, care should be taken that there is no interference with the entire process.

Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi

History of Manikarnika Ghat

It is said that the Manikarnika Kund, which epitomizes life, has been constructed by Lord Vishnu himself. He is said to be the preserver of life on this earth, while the Manikarnika Ghat, which embodies death, has been constructed by Lord Shiva who symbolizes death. He is said to reside in the ashes of the Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi. They reside side by side indicating life and death going hand in hand Varanasi Attractions.

Manikarnika Kund is said to be older that the River Ganges. At the behest of Lord Shiva, Vishnu touched the Kund with his discus and filled the same with his perspiration that was produced by the labor of creating this Universe. At this, Shiva quivered with delight and his earning feel into the Kund. Therefore, it came to be known as Manikarnika Kund.

There is another interesting legend behind the existence of the Manikarnika Ghat, which says that it existed from the time of the epic the Ramayana. It is said that Raja Harishchandra was the pyre man over here. For thousands of years, the light of the Manikarnika Ghat is said to be burning eternally, without dimming down Varanasi Tour Packages.

Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi

Significance of Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi is also famous by the name of Mahasmasana which is one of two cremation Ghats in the Varanasi. Another famous ghat of cremation is Harishchandra Ghat. Manikarnika Ghat is historically associated with the Hindu God named Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is considered that the one who is cremated at this ghat will attain Moksha, the salvation and get directly intermingled into the Lord Shiva.

Manikarnika Ghat is also famous for the temple of the Lord Shiva and Mata Durga which was built around 1850 by the Maharaja of the Awadh. This temple has become the holy shrine of this Ghat. A holy pond named, Cakra-Pushkarini Kund (Manikarnika Kund) is also at this ghat which is believed that dug by the Lord Vishnu. According to the history, this kund existed earlier than the origin of the Ganges.

It is also considered that the Charanapaduka (the footprints) of the Lord Vishnu is here in a circular marble slab, as Lord Vishnu has mediated for many years at this ghat.

Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi

Best Time to Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi If you are looking for spotting cremations, the best time to visit is between 8 am and 7 pm. Every day, more than 300 bodies are cremated in this ghat. Thus, you can easily catch a cremation ceremony. However, finding boats early in the morning and by sunset is quite hard due to heavy demand.

In terms of climate, the winter is the right time to visit Manikarnika Ghat. The winter starts in October and ends in March. The worst time to visit is during peak monsoon, which starts in July and ends in August.

How to Reach Manikarnika Ghat

From airport, railway station, and bus stand, you can reach up to Godolia Chowk by hiring auto rickshaws, cabs or cycle rickshaws. From the Chowk, you ought to walk towards Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi. On the other hand, you can reach Dashashwamedh Ghat or Scindia Ghat and hire a boat to ride along the Manikarnika Ghat. No vehicles are allowed beyond the Godolia Chowk.

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India Tourism

Red Fort Delhi

Red Fort Delhi, which is also known as the Lal Qila, was constructed by one of the most famous Mughal emperors, Shah Jahan. Built on the banks of river Yamuna, the fortress-palace was designed by architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. It took 8 years and 10 months to build the magnificent fort. The fort served as the royal residence of the Mughal emperors from 1648 to 1857. It took over the honor of royal residence from the famous Agra Fort when Shah Jahan decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi.

The Red Fort derives its name from the red-sandstone walls, which make the fort almost impregnable. The fort, which is located at Old Delhi, is one of the massive and prominent structures of India and is a fine example of Mughal architecture. It is often considered as the pinnacle of Mughal creativity. In modern times, the fort is of importance to the people of India as the Indian Prime Minister delivers his Independence Day speech from the fort, every year on August 15. In 2007, it was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Red Fort Delhi

Interesting Facts on Red Fort

  • Lal Qila is full of afternoon stories and its legends make for an interesting cosy chat. There is one which talks about how the prisoners were beheaded and used as a foundation of the building for good luck.
  • There lies a hidden ‘baoli’ or stepwell touted to be older than the Red Fort Delhi which remains inaccessible to visitors even today.
  • It was said that one could fish from the fort back in the day when it was built on the western banks of the Yamuna but then the river changed its course over the years.
  • The British destroyed the green belt inside the fortress to build barracks for the colonial army.
Red Fort Delhi

History of Red Fort

The construction of Red Fort Delhi began in the holy month of Muharram, on 13 May 1638. It took nine years to build, and under the supervision of Shahjahan, the Fort was completed on 6 April 1648. To contain the older Salimgarh Fort inside its boundaries, the walls were built asymmetrical, unlike any other Mughal buildings Delhi Tour Packages.

It remained the seat of Imperial Mughal Rule till 1857 when the Great Revolt took place. It consists of several other structures which were built during Shah Jahan’s life, and some which were added by the later rulers. His son and successor Aurangzeb, added the Pearl Mosque or the Moti Masjid to the fort complex when he took over as the emperor after a fierce War of succession between him and his three brothers.

The Fort saw its degradation after the Aurungzeb rule was over. In 1712, another ruler Farrukhsiyar replaced silver ceiling with copper. In 1739, the Persian Emperor Nadir Shah invaded Delhi and looted the Red Fort, taking away with himself the precious Peacock throne. The Fort was captured, plundered and attacked several times between 1739 and 1857 by Ahmad Shah, Marathas, Sikhs and the British. To raise funds for the defence of armies from Ahmad Shah Durrani, Marathas sold the silver ceiling of Diwan-e-Khas in 1760.

The Fort was the seat of Mughals for 200 years, but after the revolt of 1857, the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II was exiled to Rangoon. He was the last Mughal resident of the Fort and the symbol of 1857 rebellion against the British in which Shahjahanbad residents participated. This marked the end of the Mughals.

The fort was then occupied by the British Colonial Rulers, who invaded a lot of precious artifacts such as the Kohinoor diamond, the Jade Wine Cup of Shah Jahan and the crown of Bahadur Shah II. They planned a systematic destruction of the Fort which included destroying of furniture, gardens, harem apartments and servant quarters. Except for the white marble buildings, almost all of the inner structure was destroyed. Later in 1899, when Lord Curzon became the Viceroy of India, he ordered reconstruction of the building and gardens were also restored.

After the British left India, the first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru raised the National Flag from Lahori Gate and since then, every Independence and Republic day witnesses the Prime Minister unfurling the National Flag and giving his ceremonial speech at the Red Fort Delhi.

Red Fort Delhi

Architecture of Red Fort

Combining features of Indian, Persian and Timurid forms of architecture, the Red Fort Delhi is truly a monument par excellence. The architect of the Red Fort was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, who also designed the Taj Mahal. It is surrounded by a 2 km perimeter wall which acted as an effective defensive measure. The structure of the fort is octagonal, and it has several gates, the prominent ones being Lahori, Ajmeri, Kashmiri, Mori, Turkman and Delhi gates.

The Red Fort Delhi houses several structures inside its premises. The most well known among all these are the Diwan-i-Aam, the Diwan-i-Khaas, the Moti Masjid and the Nahr-i-Bashisht (stream of paradise).

The ‘Diwan-i-Am’ also known as ‘Hall of Public Audience’ is a rectangular hall consisting of three aisles, with a façade of nine arches. Originally there were six marble palaces along the eastern water front. A water-channel, called the Nahr-i-Bihisht (‘Stream of Paradise’) runs through it, with an ivory fountain fitted with a central marble basin. The Mumtaz-Mahal now houses the Delhi Fort Museum. The Diwan-i-Khas (‘Hall of Private Audience’) is a beautifully decorated pillared hall, with a flat ceiling supported by engrailed arches. Peacock Throne is said to be kept here before being taken away by Nadir Shah.

The Hammam (‘Bath’) consists of three prime sections divided by corridors. The complete interior and the floor is built of marble and inlaid with coloured stones. Moti-Masjid (‘Pearl Mosque’) which was added later by Aurangzeb is to the west of the Hamman. The red-stone pavilion in the middle of the tank in the centre of the Hayat-Bakhsh-Bagh is called Zafar-Mahal and was built by Bahadur Shah II in about 1842.

Most of these buildings were inlaid with precious stones and intricate floral motives. The unique cusped arches, highly intricate ornamentation and the double domes are the most important features of the Red Fort’s architecture, something which became a trademark of Shahjahani architecture.

Timings of Red Fort Light & Sound Show

Red fort light and sound show timings are 7.30 PM to 8.30 PM for Hindi show. For show in English language, the timings are from 9 PM to 10 PM. This is from the month of May to August.

During the months of September and October, the timings for the show are 7 PM to 8 PM (Hindi) and 8.30 PM to 9.30 PM (English).

During the months November to January, timings are 6 PM to 7 PM (Hindi) and 7.30 PM to 8.30 PM (English) while from February to April it is from 7 PM to 8 PM (Hindi) and 8.30 PM to 9.30 PM (English).

Red Fort Light & Sound Show

One of the major attractions of Lal Qila Delhi is the light and sound show. The Red fort sound and light show is conducted in Hindi and English languages. Started in 1996, this show became immensely popular among visitors soon after its start. Here, the modern technologies are combined to present a peek into the historical grandeur of ancient India.

One of a kind, this show is around 1 hour long. The shows are organised in the evening, with an interval of one hour between them. As the shows starts, with the lighting and accompanying sound, Red Fort gains an impressive appearance. The emphasis is majorly on the history of the Mughal reign and its role in the construction of Red Fort.

Tickets for the light and sound show can be bought from the ticket booth at the Red Fort Delhi. Tickets are available till 1 hour before the show starts.

Places to visit near Red Fort:

Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid is situated right in the vicinity of the Red Fort Delhi. The mosque was also built by Shah Jahan in the 1650s. The place gives you an ideal flavor of how the traditional Old Delhi city was. The famous Jama Masjid is one of the most ancient and famous places of prayer for Muslims across the country.

Chandni Chowk: Chandni Chowk is the traditional marketplace that is dotted with stalls of handicrafts, furniture, clothes, dress materials, food, jewelry, souvenirs among other such things. The place is just a few blocks away from Red Fort. A visit to Delhi will remain incomplete if you don’t cover this shopping hub.

Swaminarayan Akshardham temple: The Akshardham temple is just 3.2km from the Red Fort. So you can hire an auto or get a cab to reach there. This is a very calm, serene, and fantastic place to visit with a great ambiance. The architecture of the temple is brilliant with white marble and broad corridors everywhere. The temple follows special security checking so be prepared to submit all your cell phones, cameras, etc. You can spend around two hours at the temple. This is an ideal place to visit with your family on weekends.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib: This gurdwara on Ashoka Road is just 4km from the Red Fort Delhi. This is a must-see place in Delhi which is considered as the pious place for believers of the Sikh religion. The service of hundreds of volunteers here to the visitors and devotees is exemplary. A visit to the place brings you true peace and helps you connect with your inner self.

Raj Ghat: This is another must-visit place for all Delhi Tourism. Raj Ghat is where the mortal remains of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was buried. The black marble platform burial in this open-air memorial site is beautiful with a nicely maintained garden that offers a calm and serene atmosphere. Maintaining silence is a must if you are a visitor here.

Fatehpuri Mosque: Fatehpuri Mosque is one of the most famous mosques and monuments of Delhi. It is located right in the vicinity of the Red Fort. It was built during the Mughal era. The mosque remains open every day from 5 am to 10 pm. On special occasions and festivals, the timings might change slightly. The place remains closed on Sundays. Visiting the mosque, which was built following the architectural pattern of the famous Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, will give the flavor of the old Delhi charm and the traditional Mughal culture. The mosque wears a grand look on Id and other such occasions.

Best Time To Visit

The Red Fort Delhi remains open in all seasons, every day from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. However, it is difficult to roam around the fort if you visit Delhi during summertime. The scorching heat of the national capital is quite notorious and despite enough preventive measures, one might fall sick. Therefore, the best time to visit the place is anytime from October to February.

The weather this time remains pleasant. Neither do you need to carry warm clothes nor umbrellas to beat the sun. Overall it is a good time as the national capital is decked up owing to various festivals this time, especially Dussehra and Diwali.

How To Reach Red Fort

The nearest Metro Station is Chandini Chowk on the Yellow Line. You can hire an autorickshaw or a taxi from the metro station. Also, you can reach Red Fort Delhi from any part of the city through the DTC buses that ply regularly on this route.

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Top Attractions

Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur

Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur, also known as the Clock Tower, is a significant and most famous landmark in India’s Blue City or Sun City. Jodhpur places to explore can not end without ticking off this immense landmark situated inside the city grounds right next to Sardar Market. During his rule between 1880 and 1911 Maharaja Sardar Singh constructed the tall, colossal structure. Then this place turned out to be the town’s most famous landmark. The near proximity to one of Jodhpur’s popular markets, adds to this place’s tourist appeal Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur.

After sunset at this place one can indulge in shopping and experience the charm of the city. It’s a perfect way of discovering Jodhpur people’s daily lives. The Clock Tower is lit up with stunning lights at night and looks even more spectacular, and with its beauty enthralls visitors. The best thing to do at this spot is to buy artefacts and local ethnic art from the nearby Sardar Market and check out the popular chat delicacies. This landmark’s splendor definitely makes it to the top of the list of ‘places to visit in Jodhpur.

Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur

History of Ghanta Ghar

Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur was established during Maharaja Sardar Singh’s reign (between late-19th Century and early 20th Century) as a major landmark near the Mehrangarh. The Clock was bought from London and is believed to be bought from the company that made the Clock Tower in London. The area gradually became one of the most bustling and busy areas of Jodhpur Tour Packages.

Several shops came up, and a marketplace, known as the Sardar Market, was set up, which was named after the Maharaja and, since then, has been a shopper’s delight. During the time, products like spices, vegetables, clothing, tools etc., were available in the market. Today, the scene is relatively modern as a lot more is sold and purchased at this market Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur.

Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur

Architecture of Ghanta Ghar

Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur is a good example of 19th Century stone masonry. It is made completely of sandstone, in harmony with the sandstone of the Mehrangarh Fort in the background. The tower is a five-tiered structure with a dome as the sixth level. The first level on the ground has a broader square-shaped structure with patios and jharokhas. This level is bounded with an octagonal stone fencing that makes the monument a roundabout and a landmark.

The ceiling of the ground floor makes a balcony for the first tier which, along with the second tier, has carved stone jharokhas. The fourth tier is the stone clock. The fifth is a small chhatri or a gallery kind of a structure with arches and pillars Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur.

Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur

Best Time To Visit:-

Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur is located in a busy area which is visited by millions of people on a daily basis. Therefore, there is no special day or event for paying a visit to this amazing clock tower. It can be visited during any time of the day and year.

How To Reach Ghanta Ghar

Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur is located in Nai Sadak, near the Ghanta Ghar Market or Sardar Market. From the city centre, it is barely 4 kilometres away. Jodhpur has good public transport. Auto rickshaws, local buses and even cabs can be a good option other than self-driven vehicles. By road, travellers would have to take either the NH 62 – Ratanada Road route or the NH 62 – Harish Joshi Marg route.

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Top Attractions

Bisalpur Dam

Bisalpur Dam is built on the Banas river in the Tonk district of Rajasthan. It is constructed from concrete. This dam the thirst of many cities including Jaipur, Tonk, Ajmer and meets the needs of irrigation.

Bisalpur is a village situated in the Tonk district of Rajasthan and it is for the ancient temple of Lord Gokarneshwar It is famous. Bisalpur dam built on the river Banaspur is the second attraction of Tonk, which brings this village into the discussion.

This dam is built in two stages. The objective of the first phase was to provide drinking water to the people of the village, while the second step was to improve irrigation facilities. This dam is 574 meters long and 39.5 meters high.

Bisalpur Dam

History of Bisalpur Dam Jaipur

The Bisalpur dam was built in the 1990s by the state government. During the construction, the people displaced by the dam rioted against the state government’s recovery and resettlement program, calling it unjust Rajasthan Budget tours.

In October 1999, the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government approved a project to bring the Bisalpur reservoir water to Jaipur city. Yet, due to financial limitations, the project was unable execute on time. In 2004, the Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government began the formation of a channel to fetch Bisalpur water to Jaipur. The Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency altogether gave the fund to this project. ADB funded the transmission system along with purification, while JICA funded the transfer system. Later in 2009, the Bisalpur water finally reached Jaipur, heading to public protests in encompassing districts like Ajmer, Bhilwara, Dausa and Tonk, whose citizens urged a share of the water.

Bisalpur Dam

Architecture of Bisalpur Dam Jaipur

The Bisalpur dam is the massive dam in the state measuring 574 m in length and 39.5 m in height. Dams are usually constructed for many varied purposes such as irrigation, creating reservoirs to store water, to supply water and others. This dam fulfilled all the objectives. It was constructed in two phases. The 1st phase intended towards providing drinking water to the villagers, while the 2nd phase focused on driving water to where it is needed for irrigation purposes and enhancing the irrigation facilities.

Bisalpur Dam

Places To Visit Near Bisalpur Dam

Bisal Dev Temple

The temple is located beside the Bisalpur dam on the Banas river devoted to Gokarneshvara, an aspect of Shiva. Temple was built in the 12th century by Vigraharaja IV. This historical temple is 9000 years old and built on the top of the hill overlooking the joining of the Banas river and dai rivers.

Hadi Rani Ki Baori

Hadi rani ki baori is stepped well located in todarsingh town and built-in 17th century AD. The boari is devoted to Hadi rani for her sacrifice and legendary character. The stepwell is rectangular in plan with double-storeyed and images of Bharma, Ganesa ana Mahishasuramardini. This place is 13 km away from Bisalpur Dam.

Shri Kalyan Temple

Shri Kalyan temple is known as diggi Kalyan located in malpura tehsil, Tonk district, Rajasthan. The temple is 5699 years old devoted to Lord Vishnu himself. The idol is attractive and charming. The diety blesses visitors and bring prosperity and happiness in there life. This place is 58 km away from Bisalpur Dam.

How To Reach Bisalpur Dam

By Airway : Jaipur airport is the nearest airport which is 156 km from Bisalpur Dam. Another option is Dehradun airport which is 262 km.

By Railway : Bundi railway station is the nearest station which is 85 km from Dam

By Roadway : The dam is 72 km from Tonk and 164 km from Jaipur. You can explore this place via car, bike or rental vehicle.

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Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is a mosque located in Ajmer, Rajasthan and is considered as one of India’s oldest Mosques present till date. This mosque originally was a Saraswati Temple and a Sanskrit college, but during the Tarain Battle and the invasion, the temple and the college were destroyed and then were converted into a Mosque. The mosque was founded in the 1192 CE by Muhammad Ghori. There are different meanings behind the name ‘Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra‘, some say due to the fact that the mosque was constructed within 2 and a half days, the name was decided as Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra.

But there are people, especially the Sufi’s who claim that the name ‘Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra’ refers to the temporary life of a human on earth. The Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra Mosque was built according to the Mamluk dynasty architecture and was built out of the remaining materials of the Saraswati temple and the Sanskrit college. Therefore there were a few features of Hindu and Jain religion here and there but the gods and goddesses were removed from the remaining materials. Till 1947, i.e. when India got the Independence, ‘Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra’ was used as a mosque and was later taken over by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) who are protecting and maintaining the Mosque in the city.

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

Facts

  • There are seven arches in this building. These arches are unique examples of Hindu-Muslim architecture.
  • It is situated at a short distance from Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah.
  • In this ruined building, 7 arches and 70 pillars of Hindu-Muslim workmanship have been made and magnificent work has been done on the roof as well.
  • Many things are prevalent from this and now every year a fair of two and a half days is held here.
  • Its name is due to the construction of this two-and-a-half day hut.
  • Earlier there was a very big Sanskrit school here.
  • In 1198, Muhammad Ghori converted that school into a mosque.
  • Its map was prepared by Abu Bakr.
  • The inner part of the mosque looks like a temple apart from the mosque.
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

History of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

It is said that the mosque is a construction which is made from the remains of the Sanskrit college which was made by Vigraharaja IV who was also known as Visaladeva and was a king of the Shakambhari Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty. A temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati was located inside the temple.

But the original and ancient building was demolished by Qutub Ud-din-Aibek and it was done in 12th century. And the orders were given by Mohammad Ghori when he defeated Prithviraj III in the second battle of Terain. The mosque was named as Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra means a hut made in two and a half days.

This mosque was ignored for many years by the kings of Rajasthan and after seeing the ignorance the Archeological Survey of India but the famous Maratha leader Daulat Rao Sindhia restored the central dome of the mosque, and forced the locales to stop the removal of stones from the structure.

And this incident is also mentioned in an inscription named Saavan encouraging the Hindus and Muslims not to remove stones from the ancient building.

The Archeological Survey of India has managed and kept this place in a good condition that make the place one of the best tourist attractions of Ajmer Tour Packages and also maintained its architecture well.

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

Mosque Architecture

The mosque is among the earliest examples of the Indo-Islamic architecture. It was designed by Abu Bakr of Herat, an architect who accompanied Muhammad Ghori. The mosque was built almost entirely by Hindu masons.

The exterior of the building is square-shaped, with each side measuring 259 feet. There are two entrances, one at the south, and another at the east. The prayer area (the actual mosque) is located in the west, while the north side faces a hill rock.

The actual mosque building on the western side has 10 domes and 124 pillars; there are 92 pillars on the eastern side; and 64 pillars on each of the remaining sides. Thus, there are 344 pillars in the entire building. Out of these, only 70 pillars remain standing now.

The main arch is nearly 60 feet high, and is flanked by six smaller arches. The arches have small rectangular panels for passage of daylight, similar to the ones found in early Arabian mosques.

How To Reach

By Air: The nearest airport to Ajmer is Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. From there, you can avail local cabs or private taxis that will take you to Ajmer.

By Train: Ajmer is linked by train from all the major cities of India. The best option is to catch a train from Delhi. There are trains like Shatabdi Express, The Pink City Express and Chetak Express that will take you easily to Ajmer.

By Road: Ajmer is well connected by a good network of roads from Delhi, Agra and other major cities of Rajasthan. So finding a public road transport won’t be difficult.

Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra is a sacred site for the Muslims. This mosque stands as a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It relays the history of Mughal emperors and is one of the best places to visit in Ajmer because of its historical and spiritual relevance.

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