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Top Attractions

Akal Wood Fossil Park

Akal Wood Fossil Park in Jaisalmer is one of the destinations dedicated to the prehistoric era. It is located on the Barmer road around 17 km away from Jaisalmer city. Akal Wood Fossil Park is the pride of Jaisalmer city; it is the National Geological Monument of India. Spread over 21 hectares of land, the park lies in the region of the potential geological park in Jaisalmer fossil belt. The barren and rocky terrain has about a dozen of fossilized wood logs and exposed tree trunks protected by iron grilled cages and tin sheet roofing Jaisalmer Attractions.

The park houses 25 petrified tree trunks, with about a dozen of fossilised wood logs. It has fossils of over 180 million years and petrophyllum, equisetitis a ptyllophyllum species of the early Jurassic period. The nearby Thaiyat area is a renowned place where the fossils and footprints of Pterosaurs were found. There are also remnants of non-flowering trees such as Redwood, Deodar and Chir. The existing fossils of gastropod shells imply that the region was a sea once upon a time.

Akal Wood Fossil Park It is believed that fossils are lying deep within the soil. Hence excavation processes are ongoing. It was declared the National Geological Monument by the Geological Survey of India in the year 1972, who maintained the park till 1985 after which it was handed over to the Forest Department of the Government of Rajasthan.

Akal Wood Fossil Park
Akal Wood Fossil Park

HISTORY OF AKAL WOOD FOSSIL PARK

Many types of research have been conducted in this park and there were different outcomes on the origin of this fossil park. The most acceptable and close to the truth is that it was a densely growing forest, a very hot and wet place where thousands of different species of plants, trees, and animals were present over 180 million years ago. Due to some unknown reasons or geological changes, this place was submerged by the large sea in the process of nature and the whole forest came under the sea. But after millions of years and many natural climatic changes the forest is now a Fossil Park which has some unbelievable things to experience and to see Akal Wood Fossil Park.

In the year 1972, the “Geological Survey Of India” declared this place as a geological monument that comes under the governance of the government. Till the year 1985, GSI maintained the park and then it was handed over to the Forest Department of Government of Rajasthan. Currently, the forest is in the hands of Akal Wood Fossil Park and they have been taking good care of it by covering the exposed tree trunks with iron cages of tin shooting roof for its protection. Existence if fossils of gastropod shells also suggest the submerging of the forest by the sea. The history of this place is vast and rich with fossils and their origins Jaisalmer Tour Packages.

Akal Wood Fossil Park

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Jaisalmer is during the winter season starting from November till March, when the temperature is at its best and you can enjoy every bit of this amazing city. The pleasant breeze and warm sunlight allow you to be out all day and indulge in the mystical land of art, Akal Wood Fossil Park culture and beauty Jaisalmer Tourism.

Akal Wood Fossil Park

How to Reach

Local transport in Jaisalmer is convenient with a number of options including auto rickshaws, tongas, bicycles and interstate buses Akal Wood Fossil Park.

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Top Attractions

Raj Mandir Cinema Jaipur

Raj Mandir Cinema Jaipur was conceptualized in the late-1960s by Mehtab Chandra Golcha. The cinema was his dream project. He wanted to build a stylish and elegant Cinema Hall where viewers would get an experience as close to royalty as possible. Raj Mandir Cinema was created with the intention of crossing the boundary of traditional cinema and providing a complete experience along with the movies. Mehtab Chandra Golcha wanted his audiences to feel like royal guests who were invited to a palace to enjoy the regal architecture and entertainment. With Raj Mandir Cinema, a new era of cinema began in Jaipur.

The majestic architecture of the building consists of an artistic quality that gives a sense of mystery and illusion that each person visiting would find appealing. Raj Mandir Cinema is also entitled “Pride of Asia” for its magnificent architecture, the ambience and the surreal experience it provides to its audiences. The Cinema has a massive theatre that can accommodate over 300 people at a time. The seating structure is divided into four categories – the Pearl Seats, the Ruby Seats, the Emerald Seats and the Diamond Seats.

Raj Mandir Cinema

Interesting Facts About Rajmandir Cinema

  • One of the unique features of Raj Mandir Cinema, Jaipur is its lightning system. Prior to beginning of the show, the lobby is illuminated with white lights and with the Blue lights, by the time interval arrives.
  • The Raj Mandir, Jaipur has been host to the celebrities like Late Raj Kapoor, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Yash Chopra and many more, many a times.
  • Even today, it brings a touch of classical Indian cinema halls when the Red-Velvet curtains rise from front of the screen. The audience reaction is just electrifying at this moment Jaipur Attractions.
  • This grand cinema hall has a capacity of seating 1300 people in one go (One of the largest in Asia). Hence, “Pride of Asia”.
Raj Mandir Cinema

History of Raj Mandir Cinema, Jaipur

Raj Mandir Cinema is one of Asia’s largest theater halls. On 1st June 1976, Shri Hari Dev Joshi, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan at that time, inaugurated this grand theatre. The first film to be screened here was the Bollywood flick Charas. In 1966, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Mohanlal Sukhadia, laid the foundation stone for this amazing theater. For Shri Mehrab Chandra Golcha, RajMandir was more of a dream Project. It was his dream to build a grand beautiful entertainment spot which can be the best example of Modern and Stylish Jaipur.

The task started under the supervision of Shri Mehtab Chandra after the event of foundation stone. He guided and supervised this project and after lot’s of hard work and dedication, this place was developed into a very stunning royal entertainment place. The credit to this beautiful place goes completely to the creativity of Mehtab Chandra.

It took around ten years to construct this grand piece of entertainment. Shri W. M. Namjoshi designed this beautiful theater in a very artistic stylish modern way and gave the place very elegant and stunning look. Currently, the popular jewelers of Jaipur, Bhuramal Rajmal Surana owns this grand place Jaipur Tour Packages.

Raj Mandir Cinema

Architecture of Raj Mandir Cinema, Jaipur

The architecture of the Raj Mandir Cinema in Jaipur resembles the shape of a meringue. The sight from the outside is magnificent. The entrance is spacious with parking space in the front. It leads to a large circular lobby furnished with carpeted flooring, inviting lights with chandeliers hanging from the ornated ceiling. A semi-circular staircase leads to the movie hall. The lobby also has some seating arrangement for the visitors to rest while they wait for the show. The walls, just as beautifully decorated as the ceilings, consist of wooden tiles, glass inlays and cornices. Delicate lamps, lights and detailing in pink, cream, blue and grey add to the artistic glory of the cinema.

The architecture of Raj Mandir Cinema comes under Art Moderne Style which was created in the 1930s but was seldom used in India. Since it is just one movie hall, it has only one gigantic screen with imperial velvet curtains. The interiors have a central air-conditioning system, mood lights, and air fresheners too. The air conditioning ducts run underneath the seats and have the air fresheners attached to provide an enchanting experience to the audiences as they watch the movie.

Best Time to Visit

Raj Mandir Cinema If you really wish to enjoy every bit of this city’s royal heritage, then the best season to visit is during the winter months between October and March. The maximum temperature is around 20-22 degree Celsius, when the intensity of the scorching sun is at its lowest. The nights are cooler, with the temperature dropping to about 5 degree Celsius, while the days are extremely pleasant.

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Top Attractions

Osian Village Jodhpur

Osian Village Jodhpur (also spelt Osiyan) is an ancient town located in the Jodhpur District of Rajasthan state in western India. It is an oasis in the Thar Desert. The town is a panchayat village and the headquarters for Osian tehsil. It lies 69 km (43 mi) by road north of the district headquarters at Jodhpur, on a diversion off the main Jodhpur – Bikaner Highway. The under-construction Amritsar Jamnagar Expressway passes through this town.

Osian is famous as home to the cluster of ruined Hindu and Jain temples dating from the 8th to 12th centuries. The city was a major religious centre of the kingdom of Marwar during the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty. Of the 18 shrines in the group, the Surya Temple, Sachiya Mata Temple, Katan Bawari and the Jain temple dedicated to Mahavira stands out in their grace and architecture.

The town was a major trading center at least as early as the Gupta period. It maintained this status, while also being a major center of Hinduism and Jainism for hundreds of year. This came to an abrupt end when the town was attacked by the armies of Muhammed of Ghor in 1195. Osian Village Jodhpur is a famous tourist destination.

Osian Village Jodhpur

History And Culture Of Osian

Perhaps the biggest tragedy of Osian Village Jodhpur is that the mainstream traveler seems unaware of its existence, as it’s a town that’s rich in history.

It might be a small town today, but Osian was a stopping point along the silk route during the reign of the Gupta Dynasty. And in its heyday, Osian was also the capital of the Marwar kingdom. So now you know, this town is kind of a big deal!

Osian was once a Hindu-dominated city, but around the 9th century, the city started turning predominantly Jain. This is evidenced by the numerous temples and ruins dotted around Jodhpur Village Safari.

You’ll be interested to know that Osian Village Jodhpur is also known as the ‘Khajuraho of Rajasthan’, thanks to the intricate architecture and sculptures on the Sun Temple here. If you love medieval temples and architecture, this desert town is where you want to be at!

Osian Village Jodhpur

Best Time To Visit Osian

The best time would be the winters, of course. Late October to Early March is when desert experiences are the most enjoyable. Considering Osian is in the Thar Desert, summers can get unbearably hot. Although it does not rain too much, the monsoons do bring out breeds of insects in the desert. So avoid overnight stays during the monsoon as the experience would not be as satisfying.

Also, arriving in October could mean that you can also witness the Marwar Festival in the nearby Jodhpur Attractions.

You can either visit Osian as a day trip from Jodhpur or spend overnight at a tented accommodation in the desert. But if you prefer a rural experience, then another option is to base your Jodhpur journey in Osian and visit the sights in Jodhpur as a day trip.

Osian Village Jodhpur

How To Travel To Osian?

Osian is a desert town in Rajasthan and about 1.5 hrs from the city of Jodhpur Tour Packages. The proximity to Jodhpur is what makes it special. Here are the different ways you can reach this town:

By Air : Being a small town, Osian doesn’t have an airport of its own, so you’ll have to fly to Jodhpur Airport, which is about 65 km away. You can then get a cab from the airport to Osian.

By Train : Osian has decent rail connectivity with major cities including Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Delhi, and Mumbai.

By Road : Osian is well-connected to nearby major cities. You can easily get buses and cabs to get around.

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Wildlife in Rajasthan

Desert National Park

Desert National Park is among the largest of its kind in the country, encompassing an area of 3162 sq kms. The park covers a huge area extending from Jaisalmer/Barmer all the way to the India-Pakistan border. In spite of being right in the middle of an arid, dry, and sandy desert, the desert national park presents a wonderful opportunity to see the wildlife such as camels, desert fox, Bengal fox, chinkara, wolves, desert cat, and the Blackbuck. The intriguing landmark offers everything one can expect from a desert ecosystem, craggy rocks and compact salt lake bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes. The dunes consist of about 20% of the park.

The entire area is covered with thorny bushes, cacti and a few desert plants. If you want to explore the majestic wildlife at the Desert National Park, then the best way to do so is by going for an adventure-filled jeep safari which will be an entirely new exciting experience. It is located close to the mighty Thar desert and defies all stereotypical notions of the non-existence of flora and fauna in the deserts. As, even though the ecosystem is harsh and fragile, it houses an abundance of birdlife and is a haven for a variety of migratory and resident desert birds. One of the rarest species of birds, The Great Indian Bustard is found here.

Apart from that various eagles, harriers, falcons, buzzards, kestrel, vultures, Short-toed eagles, tawny eagles, spotted eagles, laggar falcons and kestrel can also be seen here. One can see the life forms continuously fighting with the harsh environment to survive and prevailing to create yet another marvel of nature. Apart from the magnificent birds, the desert park also has a collection of fossils of animals and birds, some of which are more than 180 million years old. Some 6 million-year-old fossils of dinosaurs have also been found in the area. Visiting the desert national park to witness the mighty birds soaring in the sky while marvelling the changing landscape of the desert is definitely one of the best ways to spend holidays.

Desert National Park

History

The Thar Desert’s vast stretches of sand are interspersed by hillocks, rocky areas and sandy and gravel plains. It is spread across 200,000 sq.km, of which more than 60 percent of the desert lies in Rajasthan alone, while the rest extends into Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.

In 1980, a portion of it was declared the Desert National Park, which is spectacularly representative of this desert ecosystem. The highlight here is the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, which has been extirpated from 90 percent of its former range Jaisalmer Tour Packages.

There are approximately 73 villages and also settlements or Dhanis existing within the Park. Of these villages, Sudasari is the prime location for Great Indian Bustards.

Apart from the GIB, this seemingly inhospitable ecosystem hosts a variety of bird species, both migratory and resident. Chinkaras run loose on sand dunes, Desert and Indian Foxes bask in the morning sun and Desert Cats make bold appearances out of their burrows during the day.

Desert National Park

Flora and Fauna at Desert National Park

Excited to know more about the Desert National Park? Let’s peep into its flora and fauna first –

  1. Animals –

Desert monitors, deadly vipers, spiny-tailed lizards, Krait, and sandfish are the prominent members of the wildlife family.

If you are fortunate enough to be there on time, you can even spot on Desert and Bengal foxes munching on some fresh berries. Apart from these key animals, the Desert National Park also shelters Vulpes, Blackbuck Antelope, Gazelle gazelle, Desert Cat Felis Libyes, and Cervicapra Rajputana Chinkara.

  1. Birds –

As stated early, this park is never-ending heaven for all bird lovers. Desert National Park of Jaisalmer is known to house 150 different varieties of residential and migratory birds. It is a common phenomenon to locate endangered species of The Great Indian Bustard.

Amongst the other common species you have – Demoiselle, Eagles, Falcons, Partridges, Bee-Eaters, Vultures, Larks, Shrikes, Macqueen’s Bustard. As you move on to the next section of the park, you will come across some ponds and waterholes. Larks and wheatears are common species to be located here.

  1. Reptiles –

Not all, but Desert National Park has surely got several reptile species to exhibit before you. Monitor lizard, Spiny-tailed lizard, Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper, common krait are few of the reptile species to be traced here.

  1. Vegetation –

Although a sparse one, you still can find a variety in the vegetative species at the Desert National Park. Prominent amongst the vegetative species are aak shrub, sewan grass, and cacti.

It has got a well-diversified desert type of landscape where you have small salt lake bottom, fixed and shifting dunes, and craggy rocks.

While strolling through the park, do not forget to raise your head high above the sky. You will be surprised by the number of vultures soaring high to present a delightful sight Jaisalmer Monuments.

Desert National Park

Best Time To Visit Desert National Park

The best time to visit the park is from October to March. Given the climate, it is not advisable to travel to the region in summers. The daytime temperature remains very high and usually touches around 42 degrees in summer. Nights are relatively cooler, typical of the arid desert climate. Winters in Jaisalmer are comparatively cooler with day temperatures remaining pleasant at around 24 degrees Celcius and the nights are chilly with the temperature falling as low as 7 to 8 degrees Celcius. As Jaisalmer is situated in the middle of Thar Desert, the monsoon is almost negligible. Jaisalmer remains dry for most parts of the year.

How to reach Desert National Park

Air: Though Jaisalmer is not directly connected to Airways, Jodhpur airport which is 300 Km away is the nearest airport. From Jodhpur you can hire Cabs or take a train journey to reach Jaisalmer.

Rail: Jaisalmer railhead is the nearest railhead to Desert National Park. You can also travel to Jaisalmer by the exotic Palace on Wheels.

Road: Jaisalmer is well connected to the rest of state by roads. Deluxe & Ordinary buses of Rajasthan Roadways & Private companies run from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Barmer, Mount Abu, Jalore, Ahemdabad etc., Roadways main bus stand opposite Railway station & Golden bus terminal near State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, Shiv road, Jaisalmer are the two main bus stands.

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Top Attractions

Bhatner Fort

Bhatner fort is located in Hanumangarh, in Rajasthan (a state in India). This fort is one of the ancient forts of Rajasthan built in the year 295. It is said that the fort was built by the King Bhupat when he was searching for a shelter in the town. He had lost a battle with the Sultan of Ghazni and wanted to find a safe shelter; instead, he built a shelter with bricks and named the fort as Bhatner Fort. King Bhpat was the son of King Bhati who was the ruler of Jaisalmer; therefore he named his fort after his father – King Bhati. The fort is built in the middle of a forest, near the Ghaggar River.

The fort was later reconstructed by Sher Shah Suri, who was also known as Sher Khan, in the 14th century. He reconstructed the Fort of Bhatinda and Bhatner in the same year and strengthens the fort’s pillar and turned it into a fort with strong defense system. Even in the book of “Tuzuk-e-Timuri”, which is an Autobiography of Timur, it is mentioned that the Fort of Bhatner was considered as the strongest fort during the 14th century even if the fort was originally built in the year 295 Rajasthan Monuments.

The Bhatner fort was occupied by various rulers over the years and the last Emperor who captured the fort was Emperor Soorat Singh, the ruler of Bikaner. Since he captured the fort on Tuesday and the day is considered as the Day of Lord Hanuman, the town was named as Hanumangarh.

Bhatner Fort

History of Bhatner Fort Hanuamgarh Rajasthan

In 1805, Raja Surat Singh of Bikaner defeated the Bhati rulers of Jaisalmer and took it under his control. It is said that in this Bhatner fort, great importance has been given to Hanuman Ji. The day Surat Singh defeated the Bhatis was Tuesday. For this reason, this city was also named Hanumangarh.

All the external attacks on India passed through the route of Bhatner, which is why Timur, Prithviraj Chauhan, Akbar, Qutubuddin Aibak and Rathore, etc. ruled it. Timur in his biography ‘Tujuk-e-Taimuri’ described Bhatner as India’s strongest fort. Sher Shah Suri is buried in this fort.

Bhatner’s fort located in Hanumangarh, on the banks of the Ghaggar river, has been placed in the category of Dhawan fort due to being surrounded by desert. Being located on the Delhi-Multan route, it also had strategic importance. According to Jan Shruti, this fort was built by Bhati King Bhupat in the last phase of the third century.

This fort is spread over 52 bighas of land. There are 52 huge bastions in it, the fort is built of ripe bricks and lime. Because Maharaja Surat Singh of Bikaner taking possession of this fort on Tuesday, in 1805 AD, Bhatner was renamed Hanumangarh and a temple of Hanumanji was also built in the fort.

Mahmud Ghaznavi captured Bhatner in 1001 AD. Sherkhan was the ruler of this place during the reign of Balban. Which retaliated against the Mongol invaders from here. Sher Khan’s graves still exist inside the fort. In 1398 AD, Timur attacked Bhatner and looted it Rajasthan Budget Tours.

For the first time in 1527, Rao Jaitasi established the Rathore suzerainty over the fort. At the time of Humayun’s brother Kamaraj’s attack, Rao Khetasi showed immense valor for the fort’s defense and Virgati was received. In 1549, Rathore Thakursi took over Bhatner.

Thakursi was the ruler of Bhatner for nearly 20 years. Once during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar, the royal treasury was being moved from Kashmir and Lahore to Delhi, then plundered in the Machli village of the Bhatner pargana.

Bhatner Fort

HOW TO REACH ?

By Air :Hanumangarh does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Ludhiana Airport.

By Road :There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Hanumangarh.

By Rail :Hanumangarh have own railway station which is Hanumangarh Junction (HMH).

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India Tourism

Fatehpur Sikri Agra

Fatehpur Sikri Agra or ‘the City of Victory’ is a fortified city in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It was founded in 1569 by the Great Emperor of the Mughal dynasty Akbar. The palace city atop a rocky ridge, confined within walls on its three sides and a lake in the foreground, was designed by Tuhir Das using Indian principles of art Agra Tourism.

The structures in the city have been designed following the styles of Hindu, Jain and Islamic architecture, using red sandstone, which is also called as ‘Sikri sandstone‘. The city can be entered through several gates that are erected at different points along the wall bordering the fort. The gates are namely the Chandanpal Gate, the Agra Gate, the Tehra Gate, the Lal Gate, the Delhi Gate, the Birbal Gate, the Gwalior Gate, the Ajmere Gate and the Chor Gate.

Fatehpur Sikri Agra

INTERESTING Facts about Fatehpur Sikri

  • Fatehpur Sikri Agra was the Mughals’ first planned city in India. Fatehpur Sikri was much larger and more populous than London at the time, according to Ralph Fitch, a 16th-century English traveller. Fatehpur Sikri’s structure and layout influenced the design and construction of Shahjahanabad, or Old Delhi.
  • In 1619, when the region was ravaged by bubonic plague, Jahangir, Akbar’s son, stayed at Fatehpur Sikri for three months.
  • After abandoning the city, Akbar only came back once before dying.
Fatehpur Sikri Agra

Fatehpur Sikri: History

Fatehpur Sikri Agra is considered to be the crowning architectural legacy of Mughal Emperor Akbar who founded it in 1571. The city derives part of its name from a village called Sikri, which existed on the very spot where it was constructed. History has it that Akbar had visited this village and consulted a Sufi saint by the name Shaikh Salim Chishti. The saint foretold the birth of his heir and when the prophecy was fulfilled, Akbar began constructing his capital in the village.

From 1571 to 1585, Fatehpur Sikri served as the capital of the Mughal Empire. In 1573, when Akbar returned victorious from his Gujarat campaign, the city was named Fatehpur Sikri or the City of Victory to commemorate the win. When he proceeded towards Punjab in 1585 to fight for his next military campaign, he abandoned the city. It is believed that the city was abandoned due to two primary reasons – the lack of water and the unrest in the north-western part of the country. Akbar later shifted the capital of his empire to Lahore and then to Agra, and by 1610, Fatehpur Sikri became a fully abandoned city.

Much later, when the colonial rulers occupied Agra in 1803, they established an administrative center here, which remained functional until 1850. The monuments at Fatehpur Sikri Agra were repaired in 1815 under the orders of the Marquess of Hastings Agra Monuments.

Fatehpur Sikri Agra

Fatehpur Sikri Architecture

Fatehpur Sikri Agra is a fortified city that is enveloped by 6-km long defensive walls with several entryways on three sides while fourth side borders on an artificial lake. The city features the Indo-Islamic architectural style and is constructed using red sandstone Agra Tour Packages.

A number of palaces, mosques, monuments, public buildings, and other structures adorn the city, each of which displays exemplary architectural beauty. Within this fortified city, Akbar also built three palaces for each of his three favorite wives. There are also eight gates that serve as entryways to the city, including the Delhi Gate, the Agra Gate, the Lal Gate, the Gwalior Gate, and the Ajmeri Gate, among others.

Among the most famous structures of the city is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India which is functional even today. The intricate architecture of structures like the Buland Darwaza, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Panch Mahal attracts tourists from all over the country and beyond.

Best time to visit

Fatehpur Sikri Agra can be visited between February and April and between July and November as the climate is very pleasant. In the rest of the months, the climate is either very hot or very cold which can cause discomfort to the visitors.

How to Get There

Reaching Fatehpur Sikri from Delhi is convenient as the destination is well connected with the capital of the country by all modes of transportation.

BY AIR : The nearest airport to Fatehpur Sikri is the Kheria Airport. Regular flights ply from Delhi to Agra. The airport is only 40 km away from the city and hired taxis are available at a very affordable charge.

BY RAIL : Reaching Agra on train is a good idea for the travelers who want to make their tour cheaper and yet memorable. From Delhi quite a few trains run on regular basis. The nearest railway station to Agra City is the Agra Cant Railway Station.

BY ROAD : An efficient network of roads connects this amazing tourist spot with all major cities. However, if one is leaving from Delhi, Yamuna Expressway-Mathura-Fatehpur Sikri is the best way to reach at your destination. UPSRTC bus service is available to reach from Bharatpur (25km), Delhi and other major cities.

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Top Attractions

National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary

National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, also called the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, is a 5,400 sq. km tri-state protected area in northern India home to critically endangered gharial (small crocodiles), the red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges river dolphin. Located on the Chambal River near the tri-point of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, it was first declared as a PAs in Madhya Pradesh in 1978 and now constitutes a long narrow eco-reserve co-administered by the three states. Within the sanctuary the pristine Chambal River cuts through mazes of ravines and hills with many sandy beaches along its banks.

Deep within the subcontinent lies a land whose many secrets lie still hidden from the human eye in its still largely unexplored terrain. A land is synonymous with harsh terrains and on its breath taking beauty, Chambal. Now uncover the many secrets of the famed land at the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary. Originating in the Vindhayan ranges in M.P. the Chambal River snakes its way thought the states of M.P. Rajasthan and U.P. before finally meeting the Yamuna in the Etawah district of U.P.

Its rich bio-diversity ensured that it was declared a National Sancturary in 1979 with its total area spanning across the three states of M.P. Rajasthan & U.P. The last bastion for some of the country’s most endangerd wildlife like the Gharial, Muggar, Turtles, Otter and the fresh water Dolphin, the Chambal region also boasts of a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial bird.

After rampant poaching and fishing almost wiped out the Gharial population from the country in the 70’s, captive breeding and reintroduction programme was started. Chambal was chosen as one of the main areas for reintroduction the species back in to the wild. The Chambal Sanctuary in U.P. covers an area of 635 sq. kms National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.

History

Chambal was once infamous for its denizens – the dacoits and bandits; almost every Indian who grew up in the ’70s, ‘80s and ’90s are familiar with these notorious names – Daaku Maan Singh, Phoolan Devi a.k.a. the Bandit Queen, Paan Singh Tomar and many more. The labyrinths of the Chambal ravines and its dry scrub forests gave generations of bandits a safe shelter to play hide and seek with the governmental forces. But the presence of these bandits and dacoits saw the area benefit from an environmental perspective.

Due to their presence, the area has seen no industrial development and the absence of polluting units in the vicinity has essentially contributed to the survival of the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary and for it to thrive untouched and unpolluted. In fact, today, it is one of India’s most pristine rivers. A 400km stretch of the Chambal river with up to 6km wide ravines on either side, this sanctuary is a tri-state protected area with a total area of 1235 sq. km Rajasthan Budget Tours.

Flora & Fauna

Common plants in the sanctuary include khair (Mimosa catechu/ Acacia catechu), palash(flame of the forest /Buteamonosperma), churel (Indian elm tree), ber (Indian plum/Ziziphusmauritiana) and grassy patches on both sides of the river.

National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is the main area for the species reintroduction programme of the gharial. Apart from critically endangered gharial, the red-crowned roof turtle and the Ganges river dolphin, other large threatened inhabitants of the sanctuary include smooth-coated otter, mugger crocodile, Indian wolf and striped hyena . Chambal supports 8 of the 26 rare turtle species found in India, including three-striped roof turtle, Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle, and crowned river turtle. Other reptiles that live here are: Indian tent turtle, soft shell turtle, Indian roofed turtle, Indian flapshell turtle and monitor lizard.

Other Mammals include: Hanuman langur, rhesus macaque, golden jackal, common palm civet, Bengal fox, Indian small mongoose, Indian grey mongoose, wild boar, sambar, nilgai, jungle cat, blackbuck, Indian gazelle (chinkara), porcupine, northern palm squirrel, Indian flying fox, Indian hare and hedgehog National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.

It is also an important bird area with over 320 species of resident and migratory birds reported here. The most popular is the Indian skimmer. Others include Sarus crane, Pallas’s fish eagle, Indian courser, lesser flamingos, pallid harrier, black-bellied terns, ferruginous pochard, red-crested pochard, bar-headed goose, great thick-knee, darters, greater flamingos, and brown hawk owl National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.

Best Time to Visit Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary

Throughout the year, the place receives different weather conditions. However, the best time to visit the sanctuary is the winter season. As compared to other seasons, it is more relaxing and comfortable go on a wildlife safari in National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary in the winter because of the favourable weather conditions.

How to Reach Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary?

The sanctuary of Chambal can be easily reached by all the means of transport, whether rail, road or air. However, the best way to reach is by railway. Because of the vast rail network, railway proffers better connectivity as compared to the other two means. The airway is also an ideal way to reach National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary for those who are travelling from far destinations and prefer time over money.

By Air: The nearest airport to Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary is Kheria Airport, which is located in the city of Agra. The distance between the airport and the sanctuary is around 140 km, which can be easily covered by 3-4 hours drive. The airport is pretty well connected with all the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata through Air India flights. From the airport, one can hire a taxi to reach the sanctuary.

By Rail: Agra Cantonment Railway Station serves as the nearest railhead to Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary which is located at distance of around 157 km. Trains to/from all the major cities of the country like Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Chennai, Kolkata and Chandigarh run operate to/from Agra Cantonment Railway Station. Through its wide rail networks, railway provides impressive connectivity to travellers from any corner of the country. From the station, tourist can hire a taxi or board a bus reach Chambal. The railway is the best way to reach National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.

By Road: National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary is also accessible via road and national highway networks. Buses from nearby cities and towns ply on a regular basis to Chambal. Besides, one can also prefer a self-drive to reach Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary from neighbouring cities like Delhi and Agra via roads and national highways.

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Religious Destinations India

Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple

Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple Jaipur is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanumanji. The temple is stationed at the Delhi- Jaipur bypass and is situated at the hilltop giving the visitors a panoramic and wide-angle view of the hills that surrounds the mandir.

Besides the mandir, there is an altar that can hold up to 500 people at a time. The Khole Ke Hanuman ji temple was built by Pandit Radhe Lal Choubey in 1960 and it is believed that once, RadheLal Ji was chilling while he spots a Hanumaanji carving out of the rock.

He envisioned it to be as a sign from God to build a Mandir and so he did. According to the legends, it is believed that the area was known as Narwar Das Ke Khol which is the place where Baba Nirmal Das spent the rest of his life dedicated to lord Hanumaanji centuries ago.

The temple is spread about 100 square feet area in the Laxman Dungri Hills. With the flow in time, the temple complex expanded and new constructions were built in and around the pilgrim Religious Places in Rajasthan.

Though there are several Jaipur tourist places to visit without any doubt this is one of them. Hence this amazing place should add into JAIPUR TOUR PACKAGES. So we will say if there is a plan to visit in Jaipur, this place should not miss anyway.

Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple

History and Legend behind Khole Ke Hanuman Temple

The temple situated on a hill top and surrounded by hills on three sides, was commissioned by Pandit Radhe Lal Choubey, a resident of Jamwa Ramgarh, after he chanced upon a rock with carving of Lord Hanuman. Taking it as a cue, he decided to build a temple at the site in 1961.

Pandit Choubey had already started offering his prayers long before the temple was established. It is believed that Baba Nirmal Das used to worship Lord Hanuman at the same site a few centuries ago and this site was earlier called Narwar Dar Ki Khol. Pandit Radhe Lal Choubey also played an instrumental role in coming up with the Narwar Ashram Seva Samiti, a community that dedicatedly worked towards the temple building.

At the time when the temple was built, it occupied only 100 square feet of area at the site of Laxman Doongari hill. As time passed and the temple gained popularity, the temple complex was expanded and today, it is spread across several acres of land (around 300 times compared to the initial area) with a grand structure for the temple.

The name of the temple, ‘Khole Ke Hanuman’ was termed after the word ‘Khola’, which means valley in local language.

Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple

Architecture of Khole Ke Hanuman Temple

The Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple is built in a typical mix of Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. It majorly appears like a replica of any Rajput palace, made out of Dholpur sandstone and marble, with domes and walkways lined with carved columns. The abundance of latticed windows and chhatris does add to the elegance of the temple structure.

The central location of the temple complex is dedicated to the sanctum sanctorum, where the original idol of the presiding deity is placed. It is a tiny room inside a huge building, and the idol of the deity is installed on a single piece of marble stone.

Apart from the main deity, the temple complex also houses small temples dedicated to Goddess Durga, Lord Ram, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. The Shiva temple also has replicas of the 12 jyotirlingas.

The temple complex has lush gardens, guest houses, kitchens and dining areas for visitors. The dining areas are so huge that they can serve up to 5000 people at a time. The lawns outside the temple are beautifully manicured with seating areas and chhatris. There is a marble chhatri dedicated to Pandit Radhe Lal Choubey, the founder of the temple.

Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple

How To Reach Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple

Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple is located amidst the Lakshman Dungri Hills close to the Delhi Bypass road, about 13 kilometres to the north-east if Jaipur city centre. It is easily accessible by the roadways within the city and people can choose one of the three routes that lead to the temple.
The first route goes via Shanti Path – NH 248, the second goes via Tonk Road – NH 248 and the third goes through NH 248 – Galta Road. Rental cabs are best for tourists as they can cover several attractions in a day. Otherwise, an auto-rickshaw, a tuk-tuk or a local bus ride can be a good option to commute shorter distances in the city.

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Top Attractions

Fateh Prakash Palace

Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel is a prestigious member of the heritage hotels of India. This gorgeous building in Udaipur is a matter of pride for the country. The Palace can be viewed via boat as it is located on the banks of Lake Pichola. It is certainly worth a long regard due to its golden majesty and grandeur.

The Hotel itself is a heritage hotel and is very well equipped with amenities ranging from swimming pools to squash courts. It is sure to be an enjoyable as well as regal experience if you intend to stay here.

Fateh Prakash Palace You can plan a dinner or lunch at the Gallery Restaurant here. If you love continental food you are sure to enjoy the food as much as the experience. The Sunset View Terrace which is a lake side restaurant on the premises is great for an evening coffee or some snacks. They also have buffet dinners Udaipur Tour Packages.

History of Fateh Prakash Palace

The Fateh Prakash Palace was built in the early 20th century under the reign of Maharana Fateh Prakash, and thus the palace got its name from the ruler. It has now been converted into a luxury hotel.

Fateh Prakash Palace is smaller than the other two authentic palace hotels found in City Palace Complex of Udaipur. The palace was earlier used for an exclusive venue for most of the royal parties; this is the place where the Maharanas of the Mewars held the court.

Even in the present scenario, the hotel is used for hosting some of the most propitious ceremonial dinners and corporate events. The Royal family of Mewar still owns this hotel, and it is considered to be the great hotel from all of the HRH Group of Hotels. They have hotels all over the Rajasthan.

The palace hotel has created history and is an unbeatable winner of the National Tourism Award. It is known for being the greatest heritage hotel in the Heritage Grand category. Shiv Niwas Palace hotel is the counterpart of the Fateh Prakash Palace which is surprisingly much more famous than the Fateh Prakash Palace.

It is the very special interiors of the hotel that makes it the best out of the lot. It holds an invaluable collection of royal artifacts, weapons, crystals, and portraits.

Architecture

The palace is studded with numerous corridors and pillars built in Rajasthani style. It is beautifully decorated with wall paintings showcasing legends from Rajasthan belonging to the 17th. and 19th.centuries. In 1968, a large portion of Fateh Prakash Palace was converted into a museum.

Places to visit near Fateh Prakash Palace

Some of the best places to visit within a 10 km distance of Fateh Prakash Palace are mentioned below.

City Palace – Situated at a distance of 4.6 km from the Fatehgarh, the City Palace of Udaipur is an architectural wonder and is a trendy sightseeing place. The natural settings around the palace are breathtakingly beautiful. There are light and sound shows organized here which are worth watching.

Jagdish Temple- Located 1.2 Km away from the Fateh Prakash Palace, Jagdish Temple is an important religious center of Udaipur. Jagdish Temple is one of the most prominent Hindu temples in Udaipur fetching devotees from all over the world.

Monsoon Palace- Also known as the Sajjangarh Fort, located 8.2 km away from the Fateh Prakash Palace, it is a treat to watch. This is one of the most astonishing castles built in the hills overlooking Chittorgarh and Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best time to visit Fateh Prakash Palace

October to all year round, you can visit this beautiful structure as the sight of Lake Pichola is breathtaking. However, during the winter months from October to March, the beauty of this palace and surrounding increases manifolds, making the stay here all the more worthwhile.

How To Reach Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur

By Road: Fateh Prakash Palace is located in the city palace complex on the shore of Lake Pichola of Udaipur city. One can easily reach here with the local taxi, private buses or cab.

By Rail: Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur is well connected through nearest Udaipur Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.

By Air: Fateh Prakash Palace can be reached through nearest Udaipur Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, and Jaipur.

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Top Attractions

Sambhar Lake

Sambhar Lake is the largest inland saltwater lake in India. Located at a distance of 80 kms from Jaipur and 64 kms from Ajmer, Sambhar Lake sprawls over 5700 sq. km. of the catchment area. Boasting of an extremely extensive saline wetland, the lake is divided by a 5.1 kms long dam that also helps in the salt-making process. Besides, the area attracts a lot of migratory birds. That makes it one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. It is frequented by nature lovers, wanderers, birdwatchers, photography enthusiasts and all kinds of tourists.

Sambhar Lake is fed by five rivers namely Medtha, Samaod, Mantha, Rupangarh, Khari and Khandela and is elliptical in shape. The beauty of the landscape is further enhanced by the backdrop of the beautiful Aravalli mountains. In addition to that, the city surrounding the lake is called the Sambhar Lake town and that also has a couple of tourist attractions like the Salt Laboratory and the Salt Museum.

Sambhar Lake

History

Sambhar Lake is steeped in antiquity and even finds a mention in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. History states that the lake was part of the kingdom ruled by the demon king ‘Brishparva’. According to a Hindu legend and local beliefs, the protector goddess of the Chauhan Rajputs (Of Prithviraj Chauhan fame) – Maa Shakambari Devi, converted the forested region into a vast plain of precious jewels. People around the area got worried that this will result in permanent strife in the region and prayed to the Goddess to withdraw the boon Rajasthan Monuments.

Shakambari Devi relented and converted the area of jewels into a jewel of different kind, ‘salt lake’. Thus, Sambhar Salt Lake is said to have come into existence. A temple devoted to Maa Shakambari Devi is located on a rocky outcrop near Sambhar Lake. From the higher elevation on which it is situated, it appears as if the Goddess is guarding the lake. Shakambari Mata Temple is the venue for a popular religious fair in the month of August when people from the surrounding villages come to attend it.

Sambhar is the setting for an important event in Indian Mughal history – the wedding of Akbar and Jodha Bai took place at Sambhar Lake in 1562. Over a period of time, Sambhar Lake was controlled by the Scindhias, Marathas and Mughals. In 1709, the Rajput Kingdoms of Jaipur & Marwar regained control over it. The rulers of Jaipur and Jodhpur jointly owned the lake, and in the year 1870 Sambhar Lake was leased to the British.

According to some historical records, Sambhar town was founded in the 6th Century AD by Raja Vasudev of the Chauhan Kings.

Sunset and sunrise in Sambhar Lake are surreal and must be experienced for the feeling of calmness that they bring. There is also a Bhairav Temple in front of Shakambari Mata Temple. Locals worship the deity and make small homes with rocks in the open space, I couldn’t understand the reason for the same though.

Sambhar Lake

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sambhar Wildlife Sanctuary and the lake is from October to March. Avoid travelling to Sambhar from June to September, as this is the monsoon season and neither would you find much wildlife then, nor would you be able to witness much of salt production Rajasthan Budget tours.

Sambhar is home to the largest saline lake in India and home to rare avian species. Located 60 kilometers to the west of Jaipur, Sambhar is a quaint, yet picturesque town and is also becoming a very popular tourist destination. For those wanting to savor a unique, outdoor experience, Sambhar gives you the opportunity to enjoy the vast expanse of the wildlife sanctuary and one can admire the famous view of the Salt Lake.

Sambhar Lake

How to Reach

The best way to reach Sambhar Lake is by road in a bus. You can take any bus bound for Nagaur or Kucha­man, from Jaipur Sindhi Camp Bus Stand. The first stop is Sambhar and here you can get down. The nearest railway station is at Sambhar Salt Lake Station. Most trains do stop at this station, however, it will be better to confirm before booking tickets. The nearest airport is in Jaipur which is around 120 kms from Sambhar Lake.

By Road: Sambhar lake is located near the Jaipur city at a distance of 80 km. One can easily reach here with the local taxi, roadways or private buses or cab.

By Rail: Sambhar lake, Jaipur is well connected through nearest Sambhar Lake Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad.

By Air: Sambhar lake can be reached through nearest Jaipur Airport, also called Sanganer Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.

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