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Wildlife in Rajasthan

How To Experience Kanha National Park

How To Experience Kanha National Park is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India that forms the central Indian highlands.The national park is being popularized as the Tiger reserve and interestingly is being declared as one of the finest wildlife areas in the world. Spreading across two revenue districts the Mandala and the Kalaghat, Kanha National Park was declared a reserve forest in 1879 and revalued as a wildlife sanctuary in 1933. Its position was further upgraded to a national park in 1955.

The Kanha National Park is spread across the area of 940 sq km in the Maikal chain of hills. By bringing up the buffer and core zone all together, the Kanha Tiger Reserve has the total area of 1945 sq km.

The landscapes and the surrounding luxurious meadows along with the wooded strands and the dense maroons of forests offer magnanimous sightseeing experiences for the nature lovers. Making the land more beautiful and adorable, the crystal clear streams amidst the dense jungle cleanses the surroundings and makes the wildlife unrivalled. This vivacious land has been the source of inspiration for Rudyard Kipling, a famous writer for his outstanding creation- “The Jungle Book”.

The Kanha National Park is the ideal home for wide ranges of wild creatures; right from the mighty tigers to the most populated Barasingha and the countless species of plants, birds, reptiles and insects. This reserve has fascinated many travelers around the corners of the world with its well developed infrastructure specially meant for them. The best location here to enjoy the most is the Bammi Dadar, also known as the Sunset Point How To Experience Kanha National Park.

How To Experience Kanha National Park

Types of Safaris at Kanha National Park

As with the case of any tourist destination, there is never only one way to experience everything you can experience on a safari tour at Kanha National Park. Here are some exciting safari tours to book yourself in while exploring the region How To Experience Kanha National Park.

Canter Safari : If you are visiting the park as a group of 10 or more people, a canter safari would be your best pick when it comes to exploring the depths of the jungle and getting as close as possible to the wildlife. This is also the most affordable among safari options.

Jeep Safari : For smaller groups, especially couples or small families, the jeep safari offers a more personal experience. You can even gain access to remote and hard to cross locations along the nature trail.

Elephant Safari : Do it like the Royals once did! Hop aboard this giant friendly animal and explore the landscape with a whole new perspective, How To Experience Kanha National Park.

Walking Safari : The most challenging of safari experiences, this is one a true adventurer should opt-in for. Walking safaris in Kanha are restricted to two zones and offer a rather scenic yet adrenaline-pumping journey across steep and rocky terrain.

No matter which safari type you pick, the experiences are open twice a day (early morning and late evenings), with each trail giving you something to remember as you complete it How To Experience Kanha National Park.

How To Experience Kanha National Park

Best Tiger Sighting Zones in Kanha National Park

There are a total of 8 zones in the park. Out of them, four zones lie in the core area. These four best zones of Kanha National Park are:

Kanha Zone : is the oldest zone that enjoyed premium treatment until 2016. It is set at the core of the park.

Mukki Safari Zone : is the second zone to come into operation after Kanha. It is set at the opposite end of the Kanha zone.

The night safari stretches for around two plus hours. However, tickets for it aren’t available online. So, if you wish to add this experience to your bucket list, you will have to buy the tickets for the same at the park gate itself How To Experience Kanha National Park.

Sarhi Zone : is situated on the northern side of the park and is one of the new core zones in Kanha National Park.

Khatia or Kisli zone : was carved out of Kanha zone. Tiger spotting here is as frequent here as in the other zones.

How To Experience Kanha National Park

Best Time to Visit Kanha National Park

Kanha is one of the few National Parks in India which allow unique safari experiences throughout the year. How To Experience Kanha National Park This is mainly due to climatic conditions in Madhya Pradesh.

The most advisable time to book a safari tour is between the months of November and March. The temperatures are calm, with showers of rain and the welcoming sight of blossoming flowers in the land. The tropical climate of the region means you will be experiencing quite a cold and moist final months of the year, so pack accordingly.

It is during the winters that Kanha really shines, with most of the wildlife hustling and bustling about. Summers are terribly hot, and while not an advisable time to visit, however, it does offer a better chance for wildlife photographers to capture wild cats in action How To Experience Kanha National Park.

How To Experience Kanha National Park

How to get to Kanha National Park?

Here is how to reach Kanha National Park.

Via Air: The nearest airport to Kanha National Park is Jabalpur. It is located at a distance of 170 km from Kanha, and it will take you around three and a half hours to reach Kanha National Park from Jabalpur.

Your next best bet is the airport in Raipur. It is a total of 225 km away from Kanha National Park with a travel time of four and a half hours. If you are booking last minute during the peak season, this airport is your best bet.

Via Rail: There is no railway station in proximity to the park. The nearest station to Kanha National Park is the Jabalpur Railway station, about 170 km from the park, How To Experience Kanha National Park.

Gondia is another station from where this park is accessible. Gondia is around 120 km from Kanha National Park.

Via Road: Kanha National park is well connected with many road networks so if you are in your own car, you will have no difficulty reaching it, How To Experience Kanha National Park.

Wildlife in Rajasthan

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Ranthambore National Park

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Top Attractions

Jaipur The Pink City

Jaipur The Pink City Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its coloured gems, the capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. The bustling modern city is one of the three corners of the golden triangle that includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

The story goes that in 1876, the Prince of Wales visited India on a tour. Since the colour pink was symbolic of hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the entire city pink. The pink that colours the city makes for a marvellous spectacle to behold. Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple.

Jaipur traces back its origins to 1727 when it was established by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber. He shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly-growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the Jaipur The Pink City.

Jaipur The Pink City

Attractions & Places to Visit and Explore in Jaipur.

Jaipur The Pink City Come explore the wonders and sites that Jaipur has to offer. There’s always something to see in Rajasthan.

Amber Fort Jaipur

Amber (pronounced Amer) is at a distance of about 11 kilometres from Jaipur. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was the bastion of the Kachwahas of Amber, until the capital was moved to the plains, to what is today Jaipur. The palace, located in craggy hills, is a beautiful melange of Hindu and Mughal styles. Raja Man Singh I began construction in 1592 and the palace, which was built as a strong, safe haven against attacking enemies, was completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh.

The contrast between the harsh exterior and the inviting interior couldn’t be more surprising. Made entirely of red sandstone and white marble, visitors are left spellbound by the magnificence of the palace that utilises carvings, precious stones and mirrors. The splendour of the palace is enhanced by the breath-taking vista of the Maota Lake in front. The palace is nearly seven centuries old and has a legendary past. Originally a small structure that the Rajputs won from the Meena tribes, it was later transformed into the grand Jaipur The Pink City.

Jaipur The Pink City

City Palace, Jaipur

Located deep within the walled city, the City Palace Complex was conceived and built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. A beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the palace is still home to the last ruling royal family which lives in a private section of the palace. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II is credited with building most of the structures, but it was expanded upon by later rulers as well. Jaipur The Pink City The City Palace Complex includes the Mubarak Mahal (the palace of reception) and the Maharani’s Palace (the palace of the queen).

Mubarak Mahal now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and displays a vast and unique collection of royal costumes, delicate Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Benaras silk saris, and other dresses with Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery. The clothes of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I are also on display. The Maharani’s Palace, surprisingly, has an interesting display of very well-preserved Rajput weaponry, some dating back to the 15th century. Other than the arms, the palace is adorned with beautiful paintings on the ceiling that are well-maintained.

Jaipur The Pink City

Jantar Mantar – Jaipur

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is considered to be the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. It contains sixteen geometric devices, designed to measure time, track celestial bodies and observe the orbits of the planets around the sun. It also houses the Interpretation Centre that helps the tourists to understand about the working principles & chronolgy of the observatory.

Jaipur The Pink City

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal, literally the Palace of Winds, was built in 1799 by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh as a summer retreat for him and his family. It also served as a place where the ladies of the royal household could observe everyday life without being seen themselves. This unique five-storey structure is a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, and the exterior, with its small latticed windows (called jharokhas), resembles the crown of Lord Krishna.

The windows also serve as an air-conditioner of sorts, blowing cool air throughout the palace, making it the perfect retreat during summers. Built from pink sandstone, the Hawa Mahal is Jaipur’s iconic landmark and visitors can view its complete magnificence from outside, from across the road. However, it is also possible to climb right up to the top for a wonderful view from the windows. Today, the Mahal is maintained by the Archaeological Department of the Government of Rajasthan and also houses an archaeological museum in the courtyard Jaipur The Pink City.

Jaipur The Pink City

Albert Hall Museum, Central Museum Jaipur

The building gets its name from The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the inspiration for its design. The exquisitely built Albert Hall is housed in the centre of Ram Niwas Garden. Sir Swinton Jacob (who is also the mastermind behind many other palaces in Rajasthan) conceptualised and designed it using styles from the Indo-Sarcenic architecture and the Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone of the building in 1876. The museum displays a wide range of metal objects, wood crafts, carpets, stone and metal sculptures, arms and weapons, natural stones and ivory goods. It also houses a large collection of miniatures from Bundi, Kota, Kishangarh, Udaipur and Jaipur schools of art.

Jaipur The Pink City

Nahargarh Fort Jaipur

Nahargarh Fort sits proudly on a ridge of the Aravalli Hills, creating an impressive northern backdrop to the city of Jaipur. It was constructed during the reign of Jai Singh in 1734, and was later expanded in 1868. Nahargarh, which means abode of tigers, was a formidable barrier, defending Jaipur against attacking enemies. Within its walls, the fort houses Madhavendra Bhawan, the summer destination for the members of the royal family.

Built by Sawai Madho Singh, the palace has 12 matching boudoirs for the queens, at the head of which is a suite for the king. They are all connected by corridors decorated with delicate murals. Even today the palace is a favoured spot for local picnickers. The fort looks brilliant when floodlit at night. Overlooking the city, it presents a glittering view of the city lights Jaipur The Pink City.

Jaipur The Pink City

Jaigarh Fort Jaipur

About 15 kilometres from Jaipur, Jaigarh Fort was built by Sawai Jai Singh II sometime in the early 18th century amidst the arid, rocky and thorn-scrub covered hills. Despite its ancient construction, it still retains most of its imposing citadel appearance. Visitors can see the world’s largest cannon – Jaiban, at the fort.

Birla Mandir, Jaipur

The Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, or the Birla Temple, as it is more popularly known as, is located at the base of Moti Dungari. Built on an elevated platform, this comparatively modern temple is built entirely of white marble and dominates the skyline of south Jaipur. The temple was commissioned and built by renowned Indian industrialists, the Birlas, in 1988. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also called Narayan, and his companion, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune.

The temple is a work of art and has a marvellous display of exquisite carvings and sculptures covering many mythological themes. The eye is drawn to the images of Laxmi and Narayan, carved as they are, from one piece of marble. The top of the temple has three domes, each representing the three religions followed in India. This is designed to pay homage to secular India. The temple looks spectacular at night when it is lit up. Other than the main temple, the complex has a museum that exhibits the earlier belongings of the Birla family.

Jal Mahal Jaipur

One of the most wonderful sights in Jaipur is the beautiful Jal Mahal or Lake Palace. The light, sand coloured stone walls and the deep blue of the water make for a wonderful contrast. The palace appears to float in the centre of Man Sagar Lake, where its magnificent exteriors can be enjoyed by tourists.

Sisodiya Rani Ka Bagh Garden Jaipur

Sisodia Rani Palace and Garden is located 8 kilometres from Jaipur on the Agra road. Laid out in Mughal style, it is painted with the legends of Radha and Krishna. The garden is multi-tiered and has fountains, water courses and painted pavilions. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built it for his Sisodia queen, Jaipur The Pink City.

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Fair Festival & Events

Abhaneri Festival Rajasthan

Abhaneri Festival Rajasthan is celebrated in the historical Abhaneri village, situated at a distance of 80 km from Jaipur. The village is famous for its ancient and medieval period heritage. The main dance performances of the Abhaneri Festival like the Kachhi Ghodi and Bhawai take place in the thousands of year old Chand Baori Step-well.

The Kachhi Ghodi is a famous folk performance of Rajasthan. It is a heroic style dummy horse dance performed by the Bavaria bandits of the Shekhawati region. The Bhawai Dance is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan. It is performed by skilled women dancers dressed in bright ghagra cholis, silver neckpieces and armlets.

Another important tourist attraction of this festival is the Raas Leela. It is a cultural performance which depicts the lives of Radha and Krishna. The Kalbelia Dance, a traditional snake charmer dance of Rajasthan, attracts tourists with its rhythmic beats and exotic moves.

This cultural festival of Rajasthan is incomplete without puppetry, the famous traditional art form of this state. Witness numerous interesting stories of Rajasthani folklore enacted through these expressive puppets. The Abhaneri festival also offers you the chance to shop for exquisite handicrafts and artifacts in the Art and Crafts Exhibition.

After witnessing the many spectacular sights of the festival, you can also try the Camel Cart Rides and experience the rustic charm of Abhaneri Festival Rajasthan.

History of Abhaneri Festival

Abhaneri village is thriving despite its minuscule size, since 9th century. It had great value in terms of historic elements and social beauty. This is very clear, thanks to the sculptures and structures of ancient times. The main element of all is the step well, which holds more than 2500 steps, built in perfect symmetry. One need to descend 20 m to reach the bottom of the well.

The wells were built in a strategic manner to store as much water as possible during monsoon and to serve as a public arena for womenfolk to enjoy, during summer season. Indication of this festival can be found in many historic monuments, which were built thousands of years ago. Abhaneri Festival Rajasthan Some believe that the festival welcomes monsoon.

How Abhaneri Festival is Celebrated?

This celebration is ideal for arranging a short escape particularly from Delhi and neighboring territories to encounter the shading, energy and wealth of Rajasthan. The scope of attractions here will drench you in their provincial appeal and inundate you in its warm accommodation.

Performed by the Manganiyars with their verses discussing the narratives of valor of Alexander the Great, the rajas and maharajas of Rajasthan, Langa singing of Rajasthan is incredibly famous. Artists, writers and artists summon the favors of Krishna to play captivating music on percussion instruments, ghungroos and sarangi.

The Bhawai society move of Rajasthan has gifted ladies artists in splendid ghagra-cholis and silver neckpieces and armlets, performing spinning move while adjusting a heap of pots. It is an absolute necessity to watch while visiting the Abhaneri celebration.

Abhaneri celebration, as a rule, has a stupendous expressions and artworks display where you can search for ethnic doodads and painstaking work of Rajasthan. The setting is wonderfully adorned with blossoms and rangolis, which in itself is an incredible sight Abhaneri Festival Rajasthan.

Things To Do in Abhaneri Festival

Actually, Abhaneri Festival Rajasthan is observed between the period of Kajli Teej and the Marwar festival (Jodhpur). The dates usually fall in the month of September or October or the combination of the two. This awe-inspiring festival is celebrated for two to four days.

  1. Langa Singing

This is a musical rendezvous hosted by the Manganiyars community singers. The musical experience through various folk-singing performances and enchanting tunes of the traditional instruments will transcend you into another reality. The Manganiyars seek blessings of Lord Krishna before beginning their performance. Their songs take you down the history lane and speak of the valour of kings, queens and Rajasthan’s rich history. The Langa Singing event of the festival is popular far and wide and will certainly leave you humming a tune or two Abhaneri Festival Rajasthan.

  1. Kalbelia Dance

Kalbelia dance or also known as the ‘snake-charmer dance’ is a unique showcase by the tribal community that will forever stay with you as a memory. The vivid traditional clothes can be seen moving gracefully, as the dancers move to the rhythmic beats and unfurl an exotic aura. Abhaneri Festival Rajasthan The experience is so joyous that by the end of it, you will be tapping your feet to match with the tune.

  1. Kachhi Ghodi Dance

Just when you are unwinding from the magical spell of the singing of the Manganiyars, the ‘Kacchi Ghodi Dance’ will bring you back to your senses immediately.

Performed by Bavaria bandits of the Shekhawati region, this art form is unique to the culture of Rajasthan and brings a sense of adventure and passion into the celebrations. The dance is performed by males situated on a dummy horse. They carry real swords in their hands and move them in rhythmic motions with the loud sounds of the ‘dhol’ or ‘drum.’ An element of daredevilry is also added, as the performers play with fire. The procession is like a scene straight out of a movie, that you cannot take your eyes away from Abhaneri Festival Rajasthan.

  1. Bhawai Dance

If the men perform acts of courage in the ‘Kachhi Ghodi Dance’, the women bring the spotlight onto them during this event. The dance is generally performed by women of the Bhawai community. Wearing colourful ghagra-cholis, the motion of them twirling in the night while balancing 7-8 earthern pots on their head without any support, is a sight to behold. This is a must-watch event if you attend the Abhaneri Festival Rajasthan.

  1. Raas Leela

Raas-Leelas are popular throughout the country, but in Rajasthan, the Abhaneri Festival Rajasthan displays the best kind of these performances. A dance cum drama exhibition. these lively events are of great entertainment to the audience, as they outline a 200-year-old tradition of Ramayana on the stage. Many enjoy these performances as they outline a religious history while others appreciate the artform and the traditional music accompanying the performance.

  1. Puppet Shows

Want to take a trip down to your childhood? Remember, when you watched your first-ever puppet show as a kid and were completely blown away?

The puppet shows in the festival serve the purpose of igniting your inner child and instilling in you that familiar sense of awe and excitement. Puppetry in Rajasthan is an art form that has been growing since a long time. Hence, there is no better place and time to watch puppets narrating interesting tales and meeting your inner-child again Abhaneri Festival Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Fair Festivals

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Religious Destinations India

Tirupati Balaji Temple

Tirupati Balaji Temple Lord Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala (Tirupati) is one of the most famous temples in India. Being an Indian, you would have surely heard about Tirupati. It’s a fascinating ancient city renowned for the prominent Hindu temples. The city with lots of vigour and charm and an amazing religious presence is always a delightful location to reach out to even if it is for a one day trip in and around Tirupati. And if you think that you require that bliss and blessings in your life with a touch of divinity, then a road trip here is strongly recommended.

Not that we need to promote this place for a tour. Indians and International Travellers alike throng this place all the year round. You wouldn’t believe it, but there are at least 50,000 to 1,00,000 devotees reaching out to this town on a daily basis. Yes, when the numbers are so huge, obviously the place must have some lure to attract attention year after year since times immemorial Tirupati Balaji Temple.

Tirupati Balaji Temple

History

The history of the city has been almost always associated with that of Lord Venkateshwara Temple but their origin is obscured by the layers of antiquity. Constant devotion of the rulers of various Southern dynasties in different centuries has kept the revered destination intact, as pilgrims witness it today.

Pallavas, Pandayas, Cholas and Kings of Vijaynagar Empire were the main contributors who added to the wealth and value of the temple. The biggest addition was made by Krishnadevaraya who also got gold statues of himself and his wives installed in the temple. Tirupati Balaji Temple The enhancement of wealth was continued by the other Hindu rulers like Ragoji Bhosle. The treasure of the temple is growing since then as pilgrims give away a part of their riches in devotion to the Lord Venkateswara.

Deities of Temple include Dhruva Beram, Kautuka Beram, Sanapana Beram, Utsava Beram and Bali Beram. Each one of them are worshipped through vastly different rituals which is also something of interest to the tourists and pilgrims, making the temple the most visited worship place of the world. Its riches and treasures are second only to Sree Padamanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

Tirupati Balaji Temple

Architecture

Built in accordance with the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple has three entrances, which lead to the sanctum sanctorum. The first entrance is called as ‘Mahadwaram.’ A towering gateway (Gopuram), measuring 50 feet high, is placed right in front of the first entrance. The temple has two circumambulation paths. While the first path houses many pillared halls, flagstaffs and a dedicated area to distribute the offertories, the second path has many sub-shrines, main kitchen, main hundi and many other important edifices. Guest houses and various food counters have been recently constructed for the benefit of the pilgrims.

A gold-plated tower inside the main shrine is called ‘Ananda Nilayam’ and is the most important part of the temple. The inner temple of ‘Ananda Nilayam’ houses the main deity and was constructed around the 12th Century A.D. It was later reconstructed throughout late the 1950s to 1960s. The temple also has a holy pond called Swami Pushkarni, located towards the northern side. Pushkarni, which covers a huge area of 1.5 acres, is one of the most sacred places of the temple. A legend has it that the pond was carried to the hills all the way from Vaikuntham (Lord Vishnu’s abode) by Garuda. Saluva King Narasimha Raya constructed a pillared hall at the center of the pond in 1468.

Tirupati Balaji Temple

Attractions

Famed as the Tirupati Balaji Temple, Venkateswara temple is dedicated to Lord … A visit to a natural attraction like that surely is a must.

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple: Tirumala Venkateswara Temple The temple has striking architecture with gold plated Vimanam, the tower housing the main deity, Bangaru Vakili, Padi Kavali and the Vendi Vakili and Garbh Gruha. Numerous Vaishnava festivals are celebrated here which draws even more crowd of pilgrims to the place. The presiding deity, Lord Venkateshwara is believed to be staying here until the end of Kaliyuga as per a legend. So, everyone can enjoy company of Lord till the end of the eternity, availing special Seva by purchasing tickets or free Dharma Darshana.

Silathoranam: Resembling conch, discus and a serpent with hood much like Adishesha who is often depicted supporting nether of Lord Visnu, this natural rock formation is given immense importance for it antiquity. Tirupati Balaji Temple Different theorists have unique suggestions pertaining to existence of these formations.

Kapilateertham: Among all the temples in Tirupati, this one is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located at the foothills of Tirumala, the temple has a tank in which pilgrim take a holy dip before proceeding to visit Lord Venkateshwara temple.

Govindaraja Sway Temple: With a prominently visible Gaali Gopuram, the temple is located near to the Railway Station of Tirupati Balaji Temple. The temple complexes houses idols of many deities in addition to Swamy Govindaraja. Duration of May and June attracts pilgrims from all over India to witness the festival of Brahmotsavam.

Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple: Dedicated to Lord Rama, a highly revered incarnation of Lord Vishnu and his wife Sita, the temple marks the return of the divine couple from Sri Lanka. They were believed to have stayed here for few days after their return, making the place sacred for their devotees.

Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple: The temple is believed to be marking the mythological event of wedding of Lord Venkateshwara and Padamavathi Devi. Narayanavanam, the location of the temple, is thus visited by the pilgrims who strongly believe in the legend.

How to Reach Tirupati

By Air : Reniguta is the nearest domestic airport where as Chennai is the nearest International airport to reach Tirupati. Taxi services could be availed to reach the holy destination only 138 Km away, thereafter.

By Train : Connected to all the metropolitans like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam and Madurai by rail, Tirupati is also reached by Reniguta a major railhead just 15 Km away.

By Road : Services of the buses plying on different routes reaching Tirupati Balaji Temple could be taken in addition to hiring taxies or renting cars.

Religious Places Rajasthan

Monuments in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Pilgrimage Trips

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Fair Festival & Events

Durga Puja in Kolkata

Durga Puja in Kolkata, The City of Joy is famous worldwide for its fascinating cultures, amicable people, and mesmerizing festivals. People from all over the world flock to this friendly city every year to witness various festivals celebrated throughout the year. The major festival of Kolkata is Durga Puja which is celebrated in the autumn season.

If you are planning to visit Kolkata, then Durga Puja is the perfect time to go there. The magnificence of this festival enthralls the visitors in a way that they love to come back to the city during Durga Puja in Kolkata every year.

Durga Puja in Kolkata

What is the Festival of Durga Puja?

According to the Hindu Mythology, Goddess Durga emerged from the collective energy of all the Kings and Gods (devas) as an embodiment of Shakti or divine feminine power, to destroy demon Mahishasura; who was blessed to not be defeated by any man or god. The name Durga in Sanskrit means ‘the impenetrable’; she exists in a state of self-sufficiency and in ultimate power. This powerful form of Mother Goddess is highly revered in Durga Puja in Kolkata which is why her return is celebrated with much grandeur and ceremonies.

If you are in Kolkata during Durga Pooja, these are the popular features of the grand celebrations, you shouldn’t miss out on. The preparations for the festival are as fascinating as the festival itself. A week prior to the festival, the city gears up and can be seen wearing a look of eagerness and excitement as it prepares itself to welcome the Goddess home.

Durga Puja in Kolkata

Why is Durga Puja Celebrated?

Durga Puja Festival is one of the grandest festivals of India. It is the cultural festival of West Bengal. It is a 10 days festival, celebrated with pride and glory in various parts of India. In some parts of Northern India, it is celebrated for 6 days. The last four days of the festival – Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami,Maha Navami and Vijay Dashami are the most important days of the festival and are celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Durga Puja is celebrated in the honor of Hindu goddess Durga Puja in Kolkata. It is a festival of the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated because Goddess Durga defeated the demon named Mahishasura as he waged the war against gods.

It is said that he got a boon that no man and any other creature on the planet cannot kill him but every boon has a loophole. As no man could kill him, all the gods assembled in the mountains where they combined all their energies in the form of weapons to Goddess Durga.

As a result, she was able to defeat the evil demon Mahishasura. (As death would only be possible in the hands of a woman). Since then, to honor the power of Shakti, the festival of Durga Puja is celebrated all over India. The last day of the Puja is known as Vijaya Dashami. It is said that Lord Rama defeated the demon Ravana and since then Vijay Dashami is also celebrated as Dussehra.

Through every story we get a glimpse of the victory of good over evil. The Durga Puja Festival has been celebrated in Bengal since the 16th century. The zamindars of West Bengal used to celebrated Durga Puja in Kolkata

Let me give you a handful of reasons why Durga Puja is famous here. They are:

  • Pre-puja preparation includes loads of shopping, gifting clothes or accessories to dear ones, planning for pandal hopping, and many more things.
  • Beautifully decorated pandals with special themes
  • Wonderfully adorned idols
  • Several cultural programs of music, dance, drama, and recitations hosted by various local clubs and organizations
  • Availability of mouth-watering street food at various stalls near puja pandals in every locality
  • Adventurous pandal hopping in various places to view the attractive artwork of pandals and lighting
  • Sacred and delicious Bhog Prasad ( the food offered to God) at different pandals
  • Last but not least the fun-filled Visharjan( immersion of the idol)
Durga Puja in Kolkata

How is Durga Puja celebrated in Kolkata?

Durga Puja is celebrated in Kolkata with loads of emotions, enthusiasm, and preparations. Goddess Durga resides in the hearts of the Bengalis and their zeal and happiness know no bounds when the festival arrives.

Mahalaya Day which comes 11 days prior to Dusshera or Dashami brings the message of the arrival of Ma Durga. After that, the countdown begins and Durga Puja is celebrated for the next 10 days. Some rituals are performed in the first 5 days. However, the main festival is celebrated for the next 5 days.

Almost all the local clubs and some residents of Kolkata celebrate Durga Puja in the clubs and houses respectively. The huge ornamented idols of Goddess Durga along with the idols of her children Goddess Laxmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Karthik, the demon Ashura, and the mount lion are a sight to behold as these idols as a whole tell us the story of Ashura Daman or Defeat of demons by Ma Durga. Huge pandals are built to place the idols and let the visitors get a view of the idols Durga Puja in Kolkata.

Special vegetarian dishes along with sweets called Bhog is offered to Ma Durga. Pushpanjali (flower with Sanskrit chants) are offered to the idols. The beats of dhaks, sounds of conches and bells fill the air with a magnetic aura of divinity. There is also a special dance called Dhunuchi dance where people dance with an incense burner called Dhunuchi in their hands to perform Aarti.

Men, women, and kids of different ages dress up each day of the festival and go for pandal hopping to appreciate the artwork and idol of different pandals. People flock to the stalls of a variety of food items.

On the last day which is called Dashami, the married women offer Sindoor (vermilion) to the idols to bid them farewell and play Sindoor Khela with other married women by putting the red color on each other’s faces. Finally, the idols are taken in a truck or lorry to the nearest river and immersed in the water. People take part in these elaborate processions and dance to the tunes of the dhaks Durga Puja in Kolkata.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is the festival of Durga Puja celebrated?

A. Durga Puja is celebrated to honor goddess Durga. It is said that Goddess Durga defeated the evil demon Mahishasura. The celebration of Durga Puja is a symbol of the victory of good over evil. People celebrate and respect the power of Shakti.

Q. What are the dates for Durga Puja Festival 2021?

A. The Durga Puja Festival starts from 7th October and ends on 15th of October 2021.

Q. What are the top things to do in the Durga Puja Festival?

A. The top things to do in Durga Puja Festival are –

  • Pandal hopping
  • Street food at Stalls
  • Participation in Rituals
  • Traditional dress up
  • Enjoy the cultural programs at Pandal

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Wildlife in Rajasthan

Jhalana Leopard Safari Jaipur

Jhalana Leopard Safari Jaipur or Jhalana Safari Park is the Indias 1st Leopard Reserve located in Jaipur city of Rajasthan state, India. It is surrounded by Aravali hills, the oldest mountain series of India. Jhalana became a leopard reserve. The reserve is spread over an area of 20 square kilometers, with immense flora and fauna present in the park.

The Jhalana Leopard Safari Jaipur Conservation Reserve hosts more than 30 leopards and 5 cubs presently! Other than leopards you can spot Striped Hyena, Indian civets, desert cats, and jungle cats, desert foxes, jackals, porcupines, jungle rats, monitor lizards, mongooses, Sambar deer, spotted deer (chital), Blue Bull (Nilgai) and a variety of snakes. You also have the opportunity of visiting Shikaar Audhi, the three-storeyed hunting lodge of the Royal families of Jaipur.

It is located right in the middle of the leopard reserve! It has an animal-spotting platform from where you can also enjoy the sunrise and sunset. Safari in Jhalana became operational for visitors way back in 2016. With a good and healthy population of leopards, Jhalana safari park is the best place to sight a leopard. Sometimes it just happens within the 5 minutes of entering the park.

Due to diurnal nature Leopards can be seen in the daytime as they are not scared with the presence of jeep and humans in their natural habitat. Jhalana safari park gains quick popularity among wild enthusiasts and holds a prominent place in wildlife tourism in the world. Nestled lazily in the foothills of the magnificent hilly terrain of Aravali, the park is the fantastic gateway to an adventure-filled holiday amidst the raw nature along with an unforgettable sighting of exotic wild animals Jhalana Leopard Safari Jaipur.

Jhalana Leopard Safari Jaipur

Jhalana Safari Highlights

  • Stretching for a vast expanse of 400 acres, this leopard sanctuary is surrounded by picturesque Aravali range, and consists of dense green forests & various wildlife animals.
  • Take a tour of the wildlife sanctuary with an experienced and professional driver cum guide.
  • Witness Leopards in their natural habitat form as you enter in the Shikar Audhi area.
  • Spot Jackals, Nilgai, Hyena,Jungle cat, peacock and many more wildlife animals.
  • A treat for all the wildlife photographers to capture the vast variety of wild beasts and lush green flora.

Timing and Duration of Jhalana Leopard Safari

Leopard safaris at Jhalana are conducted in two slots, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Only 10 open Gypsies are allowed to ply in each track of the park.

Jhalana leopard Safari is open throughout the year for visitors. The timings are from 6.45 to 9.30 in the morning and from 3 to 5.50 in the evening in winter. For summers the timing is from 5.45 to 8.50 in the morning and from 3.45 to 6.15 in the evening, Jhalana Leopard Safari Jaipur.

Duration of each safari is 2.45 hours.

Jhalana Leopard Safari Jaipur

Top Attractions in Jhalana Leopard Safari

Jhalana Safari Park in Jaipur slowly is becoming a favorite destination to spot leopards of wildlife photographers, nature enthusiasts, Woman travelers, Sole travelers, and Adventure seekers. What can be more thrilling than an open gypsy safari to see the most elusive cat in the wild?

There are two safari zones open for visitors, one for leopards, desert fox and hyenas, while the other one is birds, blue bull, spotted deer, jackals. On this 3-hour safari, you get to see many other small fauna including panthers. You can witness spotted deer, hyenas, peacocks, monkeys, desert fox, Jhalana Leopard Safari Jaipur, blue bulls, wild boars and many other wild animals in their natural environment.

It is a prime bird-watching spot as it houses many residents as well as migratory birds like peafowl, Asian paradise flycatcher, Indian pitta, grey francolins, Eurasian Sparrowhawk Indian Scops owl, Indian Eagle Owl, Golden Oriole, and many more. Not only this Jhalana Leopard Safari Jaipur is also home to many reptiles, there are around 68 species of snakes and 2 species of lizard. Talking about the adventure this place serves as a perfect place for off-roading, so all those adventure freaks, don’t miss this activity.

Moreover, you can also experience an excellent water bird life if the lake area located in the outskirts of Jaipur city is combined in your safari trip. There lay the twin lake of Chandler and Barkheda consists of some amazing water birdlife. It houses flamingos, cranes, egrets, dunlins, bar-headed geese and cormorants during winters.

The Jhalana leopard Safari in Jaipur was once a forest reserve and in 2016 the forest department got the contract for running a safari. Since then, this park has added revenue to the forest and there is a noticeable increase in the number of visitors including national and international tourists.

Jhalana Leopard Safari Jaipur

Best time to visit Jhalana Leopard Reserve:

The Jhalana Leopard Reserve (The 1st Leopard reserve in India) is open for the safari tours for the visitors for all 12 months even in the monsoon season from 1st January to 31st December every year, according to the entry timings of that particular season. In Monsoon season most of the protected reserves in the country are closed, but here’s something to compensate for that.

Though one can enjoy the Jhalana Leopard Safari Jaipur and savor the view of the majestic Leopard anytime, but from November to April is considered as the best time to visit Jhalana reserve as the weather is delightful at this point of time and nature is in its complete blossom around this time enhancing the beauty of the forest.

How to Reach Jhalana Leopard Reserve:

By Air: The Jaipur International airport is just 6 km away from Jhalana Leopard Safari Jaipur, which is approximately 15 minutes drive from the airport to Leopard Reserve. There are plenty of domestic and international flights connecting the pink city Jaipur to various cities of Indian and abroad. You can get a taxi, cab or Bus at Jaipur airport to reach Jhalana Safari Park.

By Rail: The Jaipur Junction Railway station is the nearest rail station to the Jhalana Leopard Reserve. Which is around 11.7 km away from the forest. The station is the famous tourist station and connected through the direct trains from the major cities of India like Udaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. For covering the distance from the station to Jhalana, you can hire a taxi or catch the local bus.

By Road: There is a direct road passing nearby the Jhalana forest reserve connecting it with cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Kota, etc which is further connected with the major cities of India. So, If you are choosing the direct road trip from Delhi, Mumbai, or Udaipur, you can easily reach the Jhalana without any hassle. You can get on the road trip in your own vehicle or opt for the state Bus services to reach Jhalana Leopard Safari Jaipur.

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Jaipur Travel Guide

Jaipur Travel Guide, the capital of Rajasthan, is the first planned city of India. Also known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur has many coloured gems that signify the ancient history of the place with sight-holding architecture and culture. People visit Jaipur from all around the world for its abundance of beautiful forts and palaces. These forts and palaces take you through a historical journey of cultures and traditions. Jaipur tourism holds many breathtaking experiences with historical palaces and metropolis advantages.

The heritage sites, the food, the arts and crafts, the markets, and the people truly makes this place worth visiting. There’s a wealth of Jaipur tourist attractions waiting to be explored. The traditional jewellery, clothes, artefacts, and handicrafts in Jaipur markets are irresistible. Many hotels in Jaipur let you have traditional experiences of the city and its culture. The cheeriness of the Pink City with decorated roads and statues brings excitement to everyone. With so many festivals and shopping, you get to take home loads of memories.

With affordable hotels and attractions, Jaipur tours are filled with plenty of experiences for you and your family. In this Jaipur Travel Guide, you can find everything you’d want to know about Jaipur tourism.

Jaipur’s history

The city was laid out in 1728 in a simple grid pattern by a young Bengali, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, architect to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (of the royal lineage that had ruled from Amber, 11km/7 miles to the north, since the early 10th century). Seven blocks of buildings are divided by wide, tree-lined avenues; at the heart of the city is the palace, which covers a further two blocks. These rectangular divisions represent the nine divisions of the universe.

The whole is surrounded by a crenellated wall with seven imposing gates (pols), still in use today. Each of the blocks houses mohallas, districts given over to the practice of various crafts or trades, from bangle-making to fabric dyeing to minakari (enamel work), for which Jaipur Travel Guide is famous.

Why is it called the Pink City?

Jaipur is also called the Pink City. The obvious reason is that the color of most historical places in Jaipur that were made in red sandstone and marble, render a pinkish glow in the sunlight. But there’s a more detailed story behind Jaipur’s moniker.

In 1876, the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria were to be on a tour of colonial India, which also included a tour and stay in the city. Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh, who was ruling the state at that time, saw this as a great opportunity to strengthen the ties of the royal family with the British aristocracy.

To impress Prince Albert, the maharaja set out to beautify his city, in the colour of hospitality – pink. This included using red sandstone exclusively for newer constructions and repainting older ones with terracotta pink. As expected, the prince was highly impressed and named it the Pink City.

The maharaja’s queen, who also loved the color scheme, convinced the king to make it illegal for the city’s buildings to be painted in any other color from thereon. Thus, in 1877, a law was passed to make all buildings and structures of the city to be done in pink. Surprisingly, the law is still in effect today Jaipur Travel Guide.

Food In Jaipur

Jaipur has also seen a lot of cafes pop up in the recent past. Most of these cafes are excellent and we strongly recommend you visit Tapri on your next trip to Jaipur. It’s a great rooftop cafe to visit around sunset. Grab a chai, take a breath and unwind as you watch the sun slowly come down over this beautiful city in Pink.

Jaipur takes its food extremely seriously. For the capital of a flamboyant state, the food scene in Jaipur is a fusion of the modern with the traditional. The Lassiwala on MI road in Jaipur serves arguably the best lassi in the country. There are a few impostors around, so ensure you go to the legitimate shop (the one with the green and white roof). Masala Chowk near Albert Hall Museum is a food haven for street food lovers. An open air food court with a plethora of food stalls from, Masala Chowk should be on the list of every foodie.

Ensure you get your hands on some dal bati churma, dahi papdi chaat, and some missi roti and dal during your time in Jaipur Travel Guide.

Jaipur Things To Do & See

Jaipur is known for its historical palaces and architecture.Here are some of Jaipur’s must see sights.

  1. Hawa Mahal Palace

The Hawa Mahal Palace was built in 1799 for the ladies of the Royal household. Hawa Mahal means the ‘Wind Palace’ or the ‘Palace of Winds’. It has 953 small windows, which were built to keep the palace cool during the summer time in older times. The landmark is built with pink and red sandstone and resembles a honeycomb structure and is shaped like a crown. It is a perfect example of a Rajput style architecture. Jaipur Travel Guide To access the Hawa Mahal you need to enter from the side of the City Palace as Hawa Mahal was built as a part of this palace, therefore it doesn’t have its own entrance.

  1. Jaipur City Palace

Located just behind the Hawa Mahal, the City Palace is a fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It now has the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and encompasses several buildings, various courtyards, galleries, restaurants, and the offices of the Museum Trust. The famous structures in the complex are the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

  1. Jantar Mantar

Built in the 18th century, the Jantar Mantar is a collection of 19 architectural astronomical instruments. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. It features the world’s largest stone sundial, and can be found nearby both the City Palace and Hawa Mahal. The instruments in Jantar Mantar allow the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, Jaipur Travel Guide.

  1. Albert Hall Museum

A beautifully built museum, the Albert Hall Museum displays artifacts and information about the history of traditional arts and crafts of Rajasthan. Located near the Jaipur Zoo, at night with all the lights on it looks even more beautiful. People can buy tickets for both morning and evening entry.

  1. Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal means “Water Palace”. This palace is in the middle of the Man Sagar lake in Jaipur city, built with yellow and red sandstone. Consisting of five floors , but when the lake is full of water then only one floor is visible and the other four floors are underneath the water. The Jal Mahal is embraced in its background by the Rahargarh Hills.The Palace looks beautiful both by day and in night when all lights are on Jaipur Travel Guide.

  1. Nahargarh Fort

Perched on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, you can catch a glimpse of the city from the Nahargarh Fort, which was opened in 1734. This fort, as well as the Jaipur Amer Fort, and the Jaigarh Fort, were built for defensive purposes. In those times the Kings used to construct their palaces high above ground in order to secure their kingdom from enemies. These days tourists can take their cars to the top but in earlier times people had to climb a lot of steps to reach to the King’s palace.

  1. Jaighar Fort

The Jaighar Fort is also known as the Victory Fort .Located in Amer which is just next to Jaipur Travel Guide, 12 km, the fort features a cannon named “Jaivana”, which was manufactured in the fort area and was then the world’s largest cannon on wheels. The fort is nearby the Amer Fort and is situated near the Aravalli Hill range.

  1. Amer Fort

Located in Amer which is 12 km from Jaipur, the Amer Fort is beautifully built and has many artistic style elements. The fort is nearby the Jaighar Fort, overlooking the Maota Lake, which is also the main source of water for the Amer Fort. The fort consists of the Diwan-e-Aam, or “Hall of Public Audience,” the Diwan-e-Khas, or “Hall of Private Audience”, the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas .The fort was the residence of the Rajput Maharajas and their families Jaipur Travel Guide.

  1. Statue Circle

Statue Circle is a tribute to the founder of Jaipur – Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. It is a statue that connects four roads and forms a circular passage. It is made up of white marble and illustrates the Maharaja, holding an astrological diagram depicting Maharaja’s love for astrology, Jaipur Travel Guide.

Best Time to Visit Jaipur

As Jaipur is a landlocked city located in the tropical zone, the temperatures are extremes. The best time to visit Jaipur is in the winter season; from October to March. The weather is pleasant, all the tourist places open after the monsoons and our digestive system is also quite efficient then so that we can enjoy the local delicacies.

How Reach Jaipur Pink city

Air : Indian Airlines connect Jaipur with Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Bombay, Varanasi, Calcutta, Ahmedabad.

Rail: Jaipur is connected by rail with Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Abu Road (Mount Abu), Udaipur, Bombay and Sawai Madhopur.

Road: Good motorable roads connect Jaipur with Delhi 258 km, Agra 236 km, Bikaner 321 km, Udaipur 405 km, Ajmer 131 km, Jodhpur 316 km, Bharatpur 176 km, Jaisalmer 638 km and Bombay 1202 km. Jaipur Travel Guide

Bus : Regular buses ply from Jaipur to the above places and Alwar, Kota, Sariska, Mathura, Indore, Chittorgarh and Barmer

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Top Attractions

Ana Sagar Lake Ajmer

Ana Sagar Lake Ajmer, situated in the north-west of the city, Is an artificial lake and situated near to Ajmer Bus stand, was created in the 12th century by building a dam across the river Luni for domestic water supply. The lake’s water- spread area varies between 97 and 182 ha, and the depth ranges from 1.9 m to 4.4 m. Its catchment covers 70.6 sq.km. Nearly 30% of the population of the city resides within the catchment area of the lake.

It is one the most popular lake in the Ajmer and it is one of the largest lakes in the Ajmer City. Ajmer is also known as a holy place due to “Ajmer Dargah Sharif” and “Puskar Lake and Barhmaji Temple”.

Anasagar Lake is highly degraded because of pollution from various point and non point sources. The wastewater from the catchment area enters the lake through an open surface drainage system as the natural valley lines have been converted into open drains. There are about 8 major/minor open drains which carry an estimated 13 mld wastewater from the areas surrounding the Ana Sagar Lake Ajmer.

Ana Sagar Lake Ajmer

The History of Ana Sagar Lake:

The picturesque Ana Sagar Lake in Ajmer was established by emperor “Anaji Chauhan”, who is the grandfather of “Prithvi Raj Chauhan”. Hence, the lake is named after the sovereign Anaji chauhan. King Anaji Chauhan built this lake at some stage between 1135 -1150 AD. He built this lake for the betterment of the civilization. Basically, AnaSagar Lake was constructed by raising a dam across the “Luni or Lavanavari River”. The catchments of the lake were constructed with the huge support and assistance of the community.

The arresting Pavilions or “Baradari” that are nearby the lake were constructed in 1637 by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan. The Baradari is essentially a Marble stone pavilion. The “Daulat Bagh Gardens” that surrounds the Ana Saga Lake were established by Mughal sovereign Jehangir. The circuit residence that’s placed on the hilltop in the vicinity of Ana Sagar Lake Ajmer once served as the British Residency. The High court has prohibited the edifice in the catchment regions of the Ana Sagar Lake areas in order to maintain the charismatic splendor of the lake.

Ana Sagar Lake Ajmer

Attraction Near By Ana Sagar Lake Ajmer

Daulat Bagh – This is a lush garden with numerous flowers and trees with sprawling lawns. Tourist can visit “Daulat Bagh” gardens or Daulat Bagh park is situated at the south-east corner of Ana Sagar Lake. The park is perfect for evening time with your family or friends. You can see here a perfect sunset view. There are ferries also operated from here to reach an island of Ana Sagar Lake Ajmer so you can enjoy the speedboat ride as well.

The Marble pavilions built in the premises of the Daulat Bagh Garden is the main attraction of the garden beside the beautifully bloomed flowers and tall trees which make the breeze calm and cool. It is the great place to go and take rest while your tour with your kids and family. Becuase here greener is good to see and a spend time. Also, this garden located in the center of Ajmer city.

Ana Sagar Lake Ajmer

Best time of the year to visit Ana Sagar Lake:

Tourists can be in awe of the absolute beauty of Ana Sagar Lake Ajmer if, they visit this place during October and March months. This period of the year is when the weather remains fresh, breezy and agreeable. Also, the water level in the lake will move up to the mark offering a beautiful view.

How to Reach Ana Sagar Lake

By Air: Presently, there is no closest airport to the lake but Sanganer Airport or Jaipur International Airport is located at a distance of about 135 km away to the city Ajmer.

By Rail: The nearest is 2 km away from Ajmer Railway Station from where one can either walk or take a rickshaw.

By Road: You can also hire a cab for reaching here easily if you’re coming from other parts of the city.

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Top Attractions

Bahubali Hill in Udaipur

Bahubali Hill in Udaipur is blessed with so many amazing places, but today we are going to talk about a hidden gem of this city, which many people still don’t know about. Yes, you got it right, its Bahubali Hill in Udaipur.

Located just 12 km from Udaipur City, Bahubali Hills is a wonderful lake viewpoint near Badi lake in Udaipur, which has become a famous tourist attraction in just a few years.

It is also one of the most loved places for photography lovers and pre-wedding shoots in Udaipur. Due to its immense beauty, it would not be wrong if it is called the hidden gem of Lake City.

Bahubali Hill in Udaipur

What is Bahubali Hill?

At a distance of around 12 km from Udaipur rests a Hill named Bahubali near Badi Lake. Badi Lake has always been a center of attraction amongst all the Udaipur and Bahubali Hill simply adds up to the beauty as it provides a spot to all the wanderers to adore the magnificence of the Lake and the Aravali Hills surrounding the place.

The place was recently discovered by a bunch of Udaipurites and gradually it got very famous between the youngsters of the city and the travelers. It is popular with some other names as well such as Badi Hill amongst the citizens as it doesn’t have a defined name for the time being. It is said that the name Bahubali Hill in Udaipur was suggested by a Google user as he found it similar to the one in the Bollywood movie Bahubali.

Bahubali Hill in Udaipur

What to expect at Bahubali Hill?

Bahubali Hill is situated some 1 km ahead of Badi Lake Pal towards the Silence Resort. To reach the top of the hill, a climb for some 10-15 minutes is needed. Unlike earlier, now a rough parking space is available there too for your two and four wheeler vehicles where a bunch of local villagers takes care of your vehicles against 10 Rupees.

Few tea stalls have been opened there recently where items such as chips, tea, water bottle, Maggi, etc. are available. It would be a bit expensive up there as compared to the city so it is preferred to carry your snacks and water bottle with yourself. Bahubali Hill in Udaipur Also, it is advisable to dispose the wrappers and empty bottles in the dustbin wherever it is available.

Bahubali Hill in Udaipur

Best time of year to visit Bahubali Hill?

Monsoon season is the best very best time to visit here but everybody does not have the opportunity to visit in the rainy season. You can witness an exceptional Sunrise and a Sunset from the hill. The Hill is situated in a forest area and there are no proper street lights, so it is not advisable to go there after it gets dark Bahubali Hill in Udaipur.

Bahubali Hill is an ideal place for the photographers and the selfie lovers as it’s quite a photogenic place and one can get a bunch of stunning pictures there. But while clicking the pictures, one needs to be careful because there are no fences that create a risk of falling or getting hurt. By the way, you can visit in the early morning or evening time would be most suitable to enjoy, Sunrise, Sunset at Badi lake, nature, birds & entire surrounding hills.

Timings: 7 am – 6.30 pm

Distance from Fatehsagar – 8-9 Kms
Distance from City Centre – 12 Km

How to reach Bahubali Hill from Udaipur City

The Bahubill hill stands tall at one of the extreme ends of Badi lake which is around 6 Kms from the famous Fateh Sagar Lake. There are two routes to reach the top of Bahubali Hill in Udaipur, one which goes from Barda village(older route) and other which is recently constructed just next to a bridge.

On the Gmaps, put Bahubali Hill and once you are near to that region, look for a board where its written Nathavato Ka Guda. Once you take a left from there, you will see a stone where it is written Bahubali Hills Parking. If still in doubts, it’s always best to ask the locals nearby. There is ample space for parking and charges are INR 10.

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Rajasthan Tourism

The Blue City of Jodhpur

The Blue City of Jodhpur The second-largest city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is famously well-known as “Blue City”. It is called so as the old part of the city is painted in blue color. It is also referred to as the “Gateway to Thar” sometimes due to being located in the proximity of the Thar Desert. It is also called as the “Sun City” because the weather in the city remains sunny and humid all-round the year.

Why is Jodhpur called the Blue City?

Jodhpur is known as the Blue City because all of the buildings in the oldest district are painted in a light shade of blue. This district lies to the north of the city and the colour scheme is almost uniform. The best vantage point to view the blue painting of Jodhpur is from the Meherangarh Fort’s battlements The Blue City of Jodhpur.

The Blue City of Jodhpur

Major Tourist Attractions in Jodhpur

There are several forts, palaces, castles, markets, lakes, and temples in the city. All of these together contribute to the popularity of Jodhpur. The city holds great historical importance and is also abundant in terms of culture and heritage. The Rajput chief of the Rathore clan laid foundations of the city. Despite modernism, the city has retained its traditional appearance. It is an epitome of the culture and lifestyle of Rajasthan. The Blue City of Jodhpur One can also see traditionalism in the colorful outfits of the locals.

Apart from the vibrant culture, Jodhpur is also famous for amusement parks, cafes, lounges, and malls. If you wish to join in the fairs and festivals, then visit Jodhpur during the festival season. Some of the most popular fairs and festivals hosted in Jodhpur are Nagaur Fair, Marwar Festival, and Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival. Adventure junkies can also get a fair share by trying hands-on activities like paragliding and zip-lining.

The Blue City of Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort

Surrounded by huge walls, Mehrangarh Fort is situated at a height of 410 feet. Covering an area of about 5 km of the hill, the fort is located in the heart of the hill. The fort features walls as tall as 36 m and as wide as 21 m. counted amongst the largest forts in India, this fort was constructed in 1459 by Rao Jodha. There are as many as 7 gates in the fort, namely Victory Gate, Fateh Gate, Gopal Gate, Bhairon Gate, Dedh Kamagra Gate, Marti Gate, and Loha Gate. It also consists of grand palaces – Sheesh Mahal and Phool Mahal.

The museum also contains some finest collection, which boasts of the glorious past of the region. The Blue City of Jodhpur Besides, there are many temples inside the fort such as Chamunda Temple, Nagnechi Mataji Temple, etc.

The Blue City of Jodhpur

Jaswant Thada

Another architectural wonder in Jodhpur is Jaswant Thada. It is located at a distance of 1 km from Mehrangarh Fort. Maharaja Sardar Singh constructed this cenotaph in 1899 as an honor to his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Carved out of white marble, the site is used as a cremation ground for the members of the royal family till date. Representing the captivating artwork including the portraits of Rathore kings, The Blue City of Jodhpur the royal edifice depicts a lot about the lifestyle of the royals. This cenotaph is also known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar sometimes.

The Blue City of Jodhpur

Mandore Gardens

These gardens are nestled at a distance of 9 km from north Jodhpur. These gardens are famous due to their exquisite architectural work, distinguished memorial, and lush green beauty. This is a perfect point of interest for nature lovers as well as history buffs. The architecture of the cenotaphs is inspired by that of the Hindu temples. The most famous cenotaph is dedicated to Maharaja Ajit Singh. The awe-inspiring charm of gardens and red sandstone structures together make up for the appeal of the site.

Constructed as a dedication to the deities and Rajput fighters, Hall of Heroes also features in the gardens. The artifacts are well-maintained in the museum, which is located in the garden complex. The Blue City of Jodhpur The gardens are worth a visit if you wish to inquire into history amidst the scenic surroundings.

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is an environmentally restored area, which has been created out of a barren desert. It is spread across a huge area near Mehrangarh Fort. The park was established in 2006 by making good use of a rocky wasteland. As many as 200 species of flora and fauna take shelter in the park, out of which the most notable ones are Rohido, Hingoto, Kumatiyo in the category of plants while in the category of birds, the most popular ones are the Indian Cormorant and the Great Egret, The Blue City of Jodhpur.

A visitor center is also there in the park to provide information. The park embodies the commitment of the locals towards their environment and culture. The park is considered as one of the major tourist spots in Jodhpur.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Maharaja Umaid Singh of the Rathore Dynasty constructed this palace in 1943 to employ the inhabitants. Serving as a home to the royal members even today, the palace demonstrates marvelous architecture and is well-known to provide an extraordinary experience to tourists. The palace has as many as 347 rooms and is divided into three portions. One part is prohibited for tourists as it is a residential place to the royal family of Raja Gaj Singh. The second part of the palace has been converted to a five-star luxury hotel.

It is owned by the Taj group. The third part of the palace is a well-stocked museum, which has several articles representing the rich heritage and colorful culture of Rajasthan. The palace is also known as the Chittar Palace as it is nestled on the Chittar Hill. Furthermore, there is a graceful garden containing several varieties of flowers in the palace complex, The Blue City of Jodhpur.

Kaylana Lake

Kaylana Lake is the most famous tourist destination in Jodhpur for nature lovers. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride amidst scenic setting. Adding up to the beauty of the lake are gigantic rocks, babool trees, and elevated hills. Located at a distance of 8 km from the west Jodhpur, it is a man-made lake. The lake was shaped by Pratap Singh in 1872. It is spread over an area of 84 sq. km. The Blue City of Jodhpur The lake is also a perfect place to enjoy bird watching.

Jodhpur Tourism

Jodhpur Tour Packages

Jodhpur Places To Visit

Jodhpur Village Safari

Jodhpur Private Day Tours

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