Category Archives: Top Attractions

Top Attractions

Samode Palace Jaipur

Samode Palace Jaipur perfectly blends the beauty of traditional Indian art and culture with the luxury of a modern hotel, set among the raw grandeur of the Rajasthani landscape.

The former home of a Rajasthani prince, Samode Palace is a stunning heritage hotel that has been beautifully restored to provide a retreat from the modern world where visitors can explore India’s natural beauty and rich history. With its traditional design, focusing on rich fabrics of red and gold, mosaic floors, stained glass windows, and intricately carved wooden furniture, it feels like a place adrift in time.

Dine on the finest local cuisine in the Royal Rajasthan, where spices hang in the the air, or enjoy the sumptuous buffet. Indulge in a spa treatment at the Kerala Ayurvedic Center. Or simply wander from hall to hall under ornate arches, sit in the central courtyard amidst chirping birds and the soothing sound of water of the marble fountain, or lounge by the ornate pool, taking in the beauty around you Samode Tour.

Samode Palace Jaipur
Samode Palace Jaipur

History

Samode Palace Jaipur is a large town in Rajasthan, which belonged to the landlords known as ‘zamindars’ of the state of Amber. Samode was, even then, considered a very rich town under the kingdom of Amber. Behari Das, a Rajput warrior who was then in Mughal service of the Nathawat clan and inherited the Zamindari of Samode. It was under the British Raj but was restored to the Nathawat clan with the hereditary title ‘Rawal Saheb’ or ‘Maha Rawal’ in 1757, and this lineage is continued to this date Rajasthan Monuments.

Samode Palace was initially built in the 16th century as a Rajput fort, but in the early 19th century, under the nobleman Rawal Berisal, it was converted from a fort into an exquisitely designed palace. Rawal Sheo Singh, the descendant of Rawal Berisal, who was the Prime Minister of Jaipur state for several years, during the middle of the 19th century, further expanded the Palace by adding the Darbar Hall and the Sheesh Mahal. In 1987, it was converted into the heritage “Samode Palace Hotel”.

Samode Palace Jaipur was also built by Rawal Sheo Singh more than 150 years ago. It was built as a resort for the royal family.

Samode Palace Jaipur

Major Attractions

Samode Fort: The Fort stands on a hill above the Samode Palace Jaipur. This used to be the raja’s former residence before Samode Palace was built. The fort also has 300 steps which will lead to a secret underground passage, which was used during times of emergency. From the top of the fort, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the village. Walking among the ruins and the surroundings make one feel as if one is in another era.

Samode Bagh: This is a traditional garden similar to Kashmiri gardens built by Rawal Sheo Singh, a scion of the Nathawat clan of Rajputs. Famous for its collection of Mughal arts inside tents. The decorative fountain and watercourse look magnificent with water.

Samode Haveli: Haveli is the local name for ancient mansions built for top ministers in the royal court. The mansion is five centuries old and was built and used by Prime minister of royal court, Rawal Singhji. At Samode Palace Jaipur, you will find a spa bath and fitness hub, magical performances like puppet shows, Rajasthani music, and dance performances.

Govind Devji Temple: This Krishna temple is an important pilgrimage site, which is famous for rituals and architecture. If you are visiting this temple, do not forget your camera. This is one of the photogenic spots in the village. The temple is dedicated to Govind Dev Ji (Lord Krishna). The image of the deity (murti) was brought from Vrindavan here by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur.

Shekhawati: Shekhawati is a small village, a little away from the village of Samode Palace Jaipur. History has it that in the 17th to 19th centuries, Marwari merchants constructed these grand havelis in the Shekhawati region. This village provides numerous activities like camel ride, folk dance and music, and others. You can spot numerous havelis with murals and paintings in this region Rajasthan Budget Tours.

Local Markets: One can enjoy camel ride through the markets, a musical evening with folk performances and much more. This is the best place to do some souvenir shopping for fiddles, goatskin bagpipe, country violins, an instrument made with a dried gourd, camel skin articles and much more

Samode Palace Jaipur

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Samode is from October-March.

Samode is a large town in Rajasthan which is renowned for the Samode Palace Jaipur, Garden and Palace. Since the climate here is arid and the plains are desert-like, the best way to explore the town would probably be on the back of a camel, with the breathtaking views of the country side and the remnants of a royal era in the backdrop.

How To Reach Samode Palace

Samode Palace Jaipur is placed is about 42 km from capital city Jaipur. One can easily reach here by Air, Railway, and Bus by the following means:

By Air: Nearest airport to the Samode Palace Jaipur International Airport (JAI). The Palace is distanced 56 km away and one can take any public transport to reach the destination within 1 hour 15 minutes.

By Railway: Nearest Railway Station is Jaipur Junction from where the Palace is 39.6 km away. Thus, one can reach there within 1 hour.

By Bus: One can easily take up a bus to Jaipur which will stop at the main bus stop at Jaipur Bus Stand at Jawahar Nagar Marg and can reach the Palace via any public transport in 1 hour 20 minutes by covering a distance of 62 km.

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Bhangarh Fort Alwar

Bhangarh Fort Alwar is located at the border of the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar monuments district of Rajasthan. Bhangarh, a deserted town in Rajasthan, was established in 1613 by King Madho Singh, son of great Mughal general, Man Singh of Amber. In its heyday, it was a vibrant, prosperous settlement that was home to more than forty thousand people. Today, the remains of the fort are well preserved. However, there is a dark story that lurks in its shadows.

It is believed that Princess Ratnavati of Bhangarh was an exceptional beauty, and caught the fancy of a famed magician. His attempt to seduce her failed, and he was sentenced to death. However, before dying, he cursed Bhangarh saying that the kingdom would die out soon. Eerily enough, a war between Bhangarh and Ajabgarh resulted in its total destruction. Subsequently, Bhangarh was abandoned and fell to ruins. The sole chhatri (a small shelter) built high on a hill, is said to have belonged to the magician.

Locals believe that his curse lingers even today, which has earned Bhangarh Fort Alwar a place in the Top 10 haunted places in the country. Regardless of sceptics and believers, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is the custodian of the site, has firmly banned entry into the ruins after dusk. Bhangarh is legally off-limits between sunset and sunrise. It is not entirely because of ghosts, though. It is more of a caution against leopards and other wild animals that roam here at night.

Bhangarh Fort Alwar

History of the Haunted Fort

The fort revolves with centuries of history. It is said that the fort was built by Man Singh I, a member of Akbar’s Navaratnas in his court in honor of his son Madho Singh I.

There quite a several spines chilling tales associated with Bhangarh Fort Alwar that has spread fear among the locals for centuries. In one such story, Madho Singh who ruled the fort under the condition that the shadow of the fort will never fall upon the home of Bala Nath, an ascetic. However, as years passed and successors of Madho Singh ruled and died in the fort peacefully, along came a successor with immense greed. The very greed drove him to make the fort bigger. The fort was built vertically and its shadow engulfed the home of the ascetic. The fort was reduced to ruins and thereafter the fort stayed haunted since.

The second story, however, is more popular and fervently believed by the locals. You come to Alwar Tour and ask the question ” is Bhangarh haunted”, you’ll probably get this story from the local.

As per this tale, there was a princess named Ratnavati whose beauty was famed above and beyond. A black magician once fell in love with her. The desperate black magician bewitched a cosmetic that the princess used to make her fall in love with him. The princess smelled suspicion and foiled the entire conspiracy of the black magician by pouring the bewitched cosmetic over a massive stone boulder, which then supposedly crushed the ‘Tantrik’ to death. Before his last breath, the black magician cursed the entire area close to the fort making it haunted since and forever. Even centuries later, people still say that princess Ratnavati was the reason for the apocalyptic situation.

Bhangarh Fort Alwar

The Fort at Night

Entry to the fort is strictly prohibited after sunset and before sunrise. The whole region is engulfed in the deafening silence once the sun has made his last appearance on the horizon. Several beliefs circulate among the locals and it depends on you whether to believe it blindly or question it. However, better to be safe than sorry. It is said that the spirits roam in Bhangarh Fort Alwar at night and various strange noises are heard.

Also, as it is said, anyone who enters the fort at night would not be able to return in the morning Rajashan Budget Tours. Visitors have always recounted their experience and they always mention that they have an eerie feeling of being watched by someone or something in the dark. These people have also said that there is a dizzying heaviness in the air. It is up to you to believe it or not. That being said, the fact that the ASI has strenuously warned against the mishaps that may befall at a night hike in the area is not something to be taken lightly.

There is evidence to support the claim of those who say that those tried their luck either went missing or weren’t able to explain anything coherently. You might say that the entire episodes were mere figments of imagination by ruminating minds, but the fact that there are people who had ventured to question the truth and never returned is unquestionable.

Bhangarh Fort Alwar

Best time to visit Bhangarh

This fort is in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Due to heat in the summer, It is not recommended to visit this place in summer. After the rainy season and in winter the Bhangarh Fort Rajasthan visit can be planned.

October to February is the best time to visit Bhangarh Fort Rajasthan

How to Reach Bhangarh Fort

The closest town to Bhangarh Fort is Alwar which is located at a distance of 90 km from the place. The most convenient way to reach Bhangarh from here is via a rented cab or an easily available bus.

It takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Bhangarh from New Delhi. Two routes can be opted for it, one via Neemrana and other via Alwar. Though the latter is a shorter route, it takes a longer duration of time owing to the unfavorable road conditions. The easiest way to reach Bhangarh Fort from Delhi is by driving to the place, taking NH8, and pass through Neemrana. Post this, turn to NH11A and continue for about 50 minutes then take SH55 and drive for another 20 min until you reach your destination.

Bhangarh Fort is just 83 km from Jaipur, and it is an excellent place to go for a day trip with friends. Take the NH11 and continue onto Agra Road. From Dausa, take the NH11A and continue for about 15km. From there, take the SH 55, and you can reach the destination. Overall, it won’t take you more than 2 hours from Jaipur to reach Bhangarh Fort. It will be an enjoyable trip knowing the haunted stories of Bhangarh Fort Alwar.

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Pokhran Fort

Pokhran Fort, popularly known as Balagarh, is an ancient fortress built in the 14th century. The monument stands in the middle of the Thar Desert. It is historically situated on an old trade route through which spices, salt and silk were exported to Persia and other countries. It is the premier fort belonging to the chief of the Champawat of the Rathore clan. The glorious past and the history of the fort attract a number of tourists from different parts of India and abroad.

Travellers can see the beautiful red sandstone palaces, the conventional jharokhas and grand towers here. At present, Thakur Nagendra Singh Pokaran along with his spouse, Thakurani Yashwant Kumari Pokaran, have happily opened the gates of the fort for visitors. The fort is a splendid example of the Mughal and the Rajput styles of architecture Rajasthan Budget tours.

There is a museum in the fort displaying the royal collection of weapons, clothes, paintings and handicrafts. In addition, there is the Grand Library with a rich collection of classic books about the great Rao Bahadur Rajshree Thakur Chain Singh Ji Pokaran.

Pokhran Fort

History of Fort Pokhran

Pokhran is a city and a municipality located in the Jaisalmer district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a remote location in the Thar Desert region and served as the test site for India’s first underground nuclear weapon detonation. Balagarh fort was built by the Marwar Thakur, Rao Maldeo in the 14th Century, it is otherwise known as the Pokhran Fort. Pokhran means the place of five mirages enclosed by sandy, rocky, salt ranges. Although a small temple made of red sandstone, the fort is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is situated in a remote region of the Thar desert which also served as a test site for India’s first underground nuclear weapon detonations.

The majestic fort has a huge door with sinister spikes jutting out to stop elephant stampede. It houses a museum displaying armoury, pottery, miniature paintings and costumes worn by the maharajas of the bygone era. Surrounding the fort is the village of Pokhran that welcomes every traveller with a warm heart. The local weavers and potters working at the market, safari over the sand dunes, a community that feeds the migratory birds are all the beauty of Pokhran.

The best time to visit Pokhran Fort in Jaisalmer is during the winter season which begins in the month of November and lasts till February. The rest of the year, Jaisalmer experiences extremely high temperatures keeping the deserts dry and arid. The mercury level fluctuates between a maximum of 31°C and a minimum of 7°C during the winter season. The average remains around 20°C, making it an enjoyable time to explore the Fort located in the midst of the Thar Desert. Summers and monsoons (from April to September) are not recommended because the average temperature is quite high, around 34°C during summers and 30°C during monsoons, and the region receives low amounts of rainfall.

Pokhran Fort

Architecture of Pokhran Fort

The Pokhran Fort is a 14th century heritage monument essentially built with sandstone. The architecture is an amalgamation of Mughal and Indian Architecture. The fort consists of wide courtyards, pillars, arched porticos, Jharokas, Chhatris and domes demonstrating the blend of the two architectures. Not as massive as one may have imagined, but the Pokhran fort houses several palaces (Mahal), namely Mangal Niwas, Phool Mahal, Hawa Mahal and Rani Mahal.

A temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is also present on the premises. It has a traditional Hindu Temple Architecture and is as old as the fort itself. Amongst the palaces, Mangal Niwas, which is the main hall of the Pokhran Fort, is quite uniquely built with octagonal-shaped Jharokas that protrude out of the walls. The Mahals form a complex in the centre of the estate which is enclosed by a stone fortification which was built to protect the Fort from intruders.

Pokhran Fort has a museum and a library too. The museum has a collection of antiques belonging to the 14th century which include handicrafts, paintings, portraits, weapons, pottery, terracotta items, attires and apparels of the royal families etc. The library has a grand collection of books including classics, documentaries, journals etc. The interiors of Fort Pokhran are decorated with regal colours and patterns. Each part of the fort has a lush well-trimmed lawn, fountains and courtyards. The internal walls, arches and pillars bear beautiful carvings, mostly depicting the Mughal Style of Architecture.

Several rooms of the fort that have been transformed to accommodate the hotel guests have a blend of traditional and modern décor that consists of heavy wooden doors, ceilings made of carved wood, marble flooring, antique furniture, chandeliers, a swimming pool and modern bathrooms. The entire structure is also lit by contemporary lights and coloured in the hues that suit the yellow sandstone that the regal structure is made of Rajasthan Monuments.

Pokhran Fort

Best Time to Visit Pokhran

The best time to visit Pokhran Fort in Jaisalmer is during the winter season which begins in the month of November and lasts till February. The rest of the year, Jaisalmer experiences extremely high temperatures keeping the deserts dry and arid. The mercury level fluctuates between a maximum of 31°C and a minimum of 7°C during the winter season. The average remains around 20°C, making it an enjoyable time to explore the Fort located in the midst of the Thar Desert. Summers and monsoons (from April to September) are not recommended because the average temperature is quite high, around 34°C during summers and 30°C during monsoons, and the region receives low amounts of rainfall.

How to Reach Pokhran?

By Air – Jaisalmer airport at the distance of 142 km is the nearest airport to reach Pokhranby air. You can take a taxi or bus from Jaisalmer Airport to Pokhran. Jodhpur is another option at the distance of 208 km to reach Pokhran.

By Train – Ramdevara Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Pokhran. Distance between two cities is 21 km that can be covered by bus or taxi. Jaisalmer is another option at the distance of 132 km from Pokhran.

By Road – There are regular buses from Jaisalmer and nearby cities to reach Pokhran by Road. You can take a bus or taxi or reach by your own vehicle.

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Rani Padmini Palace

Rani Padmini Palace is the palace where Rani Padmini lived after she married Rawal Ratan Singh, the ruler of Mewar Kingdom who ruled between 1302 and 1303 CE. The majestic palace is a historical monument related to the self-sacrifice of Rani Padmini after Chittorgarh was attacked by the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji. The two storey monument stands rather strong right at the centre of the Chittorgarh Fort elevated on rocky terrain. The fort is surrounded by a lotus pool which adds to the charm of the monument.

One can imagine how glorious this site would have been when the royal ladies used it, the pool having colourful lotuses depicting grace and beauty in the rugged Chittor Fort. Those exploring Chittorgarh Fort must visit the Padmini Palace. Tourists from all over the world visit Chittorgarh to explore the grand historic monument and hear stories of adventure and sacrifice of the Rajputs of the Mewar Kingdom. The Rani Padmini Palace is where the Rajput women sacrificed their lives when the palace was attached by Alauddin Khilji.

It marks their loyalty and strength to fight or die instead of facing dishonour. When compared to other palaces on the premises, the Padmini Palace is smaller but is considered to be an attractive and a captivating one because of Rani Padmini’s beauty, intelligence and charm and the tragic story associated with her end. The rich history of the palace is even more fascinating when one explores the monument themselves.

Rani Padmini Palace

Rani Padmini Beauty, Brains, and Bravery

Rani Padmini Palace, the wife of the King of Chittorgarh (Mewar) Rawal Ratan Singh, was renowned for her beauty and graceful charm. In fact, it was this beauty that attracted Ratan Singh to the Singhal king’s land where Padmini was the princess. Ratan Singh wooed and wed Padmini and received a huge dowry. Ratan Singh’s courtier Raghav Chetan incurred a reputation as a sorcerer. It may have been this or his demand of a share in the dowry – whatever the reason – the king banished Raghav Chetan who promised to exact revenge.

He made his way to the court of Alauddin Khilji in Delhi. Raghav Chetan tried to entice an anti-Hindu Khilji to attack Chittorgarh, but his plans didn’t seem to work well. It was only when he started to describe Rani Padmini’s beauty that Khilji considered attacking the state and taking the queen forcefully. When Khilji laid siege to Chittorgarh Tour, he realized that the well fortified kingdom would not surrender. He sent message to the king that he would withdraw his siege if allowed to look at Rani Padmini once.

The queen assented to showing her reflection on a mirror. The sly Khilji, however had other plans. While his accomplices took note of the fort’s entry points and security arrangements, Khilji abducted the King who had accompanied him to the gates. Rani Padmini Palace, known for her ingenuity, sent a regiment of soldiers dressed as women in palanquins to enter the Khilji camp. Ratan Singh was rescued but the siege continued to drain Chittorgarh’s scant resources.

Hearing that King Ratan Singh planned to storm out and face the odds of fighting a much larger army, Queen Padmini and the womenfolk of Chittorgarh prepared a sacrificial pyre and committed Jauhar (self immolation or ritual suicide) rather than facing dishonour at the hands of the enemy. The king and his men, infuriated by the loss of their family decided to commit Saka – a fight unto death, dressed in the ochre robes of ascetics or monk warriors. While Khilji’s army ultimately won the battle, the disappointment that faced them as they entered the fort robbed them of the pleasure of victory.

Rani Padmini Palace

Architecture of Padmini Palace

Rani Padmini Palace is a white three-story monument in the middle of the Chittorgarh Fort. The architecture is simple yet captivating. The palace is surrounded by a water body which is commonly called the Lotus Pool. The palace has a water moat surrounding the monument. The structure was built as per the Persian style of architecture and has stone a staircase leading inside, several windows, spacious room, and pavilions. The top floor has a small room with a mirror on the wall. This is the room which is believed to be the location Rani Padmini showed her reflection in a mirror to Alauddin Khilji.

Rani Padmini Palace

Best Time To Visit Padmini Palace

August to February is the best time for tourists to visit the palace as the weather stays pleasant through the day and makes exploring the site an enjoyable experience. June to September is monsoon time in Rajasthan. The lotus pool is filled with water during this time, making sightseeing an even more pleasurable activity here.

How To Reach Padmini Palace

Rani Padmini Palace is located on the premises of Chittorgarh Fort. Tourists can take a bus ride or chose to hire an auto-rickshaw, taxi or rent a cab to reach the fort premises via Fort Road.

By Road: Padmini Palace is located in the Chittorgarh Fort at a distance of 5 km from centre of Chittorgarh on Fort Rd. One can easily reach here by rickshaw, local bus or taxi or by walk.

By Rail: Rani Padmini Palace is well connected through nearest Chittorgarh Railway station (6 km) to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.

By Air: Padmini Palace can be reach through nearest Udaipur airport (98 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.

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Jaipur Zoo

Jaipur Zoo is in the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan state in India. The zoo was opened in 1877 and is located near to the Albert Hall Museum and Ram Nivas Garden. It is divided into two parts: one for mammals and other for birds and reptiles. Nearly 50 species of different birds and animals from all over the world can be seen here. In year 1999, the ghariyal breeding farm is established which is fourth largest breeding farm in India. A museum was also constructed inside the zoo which exhibits the wildlife of Rajasthan.

The Jaipur Zoo has been constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act. The main objective of the zoo is to complement the national effort in conservation of wild life. In 2018 it was announced that the zoo will be converted into a bird park with large aviaries. Large carnivores have already left the Jaipur zoo.

The zoo is part of conservation breeding programs of the Central Zoo Authority and Government of Rajasthan for the ghariyal, cheetal and crocodile. In 2010, eleven spotted deer have died due to extreme cold conditions. The deer were suffering from suspected pneumonia and succumbed on 16 and 17 January. In October 2013, a rare white tiger, which was brought from Sri Venkateshwara Zoological Park, Andhra Pradesh, died at the zoo. This happened just 13 days after seven-year-old Madhav had refused food.

Jaipur Zoo

Jaipur Zoo: History

The zoological garden or Jaipur zoo was founded by Sawai Raja Pratap Singh in the year 1868, with the intention of dearth reprieve. On the word of the records, a massive amount of about 4 lakhs was invested to build this chronological garden, just then. The zoological garden encircles a vast area of about 33 acres, and is placed at the core Jaipur city. The Jaipur zoo was established at some stage in the supremacy of Sawai Ram Singh II. Being developed on the verdict of the olden Shilpa Shastra, there is no shortage of destinations to travel around Jaipur.

The city of Jaipur, the colourful and vibrant capital of Rajasthan abounds in tradition, history, folklore, grandeur, architectural splendor, exuberance as well as panoramic natural beauty. Among the various parks and sanctuaries in Jaipur tour packages, the Zoological Garden, or the Jaipur Zoo deserves a special mention.

Developed on the decrees of the ancient Shilpa Shastra, there is no dearth of places to sight-see in Jaipur. Apart from the majestic monuments and the ornate palaces, the efflorescence of Jaipur’s natural beauty is manifested in the city’s parks and gardens. The charming scenery of the saffron sunlight playfully casting its beams on the lush greenery is indeed a sight to behold.

Jaipur’s claim to fame rests in its illustrious Zoological Gardens. The captivating charm of the beautifully tended landscaped gardens flourishing in the colourful blossoms of the seasonal blooms is enhanced by the presence of a zoo; an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarium, a museum and a sports ground. Pools glistening like quicksilver coupled with exquisitely sculpted fountains dot the lush and sprawling lawns in the City of Gardens, while colourful flowerbeds fringe the park’s boundary

The park also houses a century-old Zoological Garden that abounds in flora as well as a variety of wild beasts and exotic birds. The zoo’s crocodile breeding ground is renowned all across the country. Apart from housing some of the rare species of animals, the zoo is abode of some variegated species of birds that include ducks, geese, white peacock, chattering lorry, parrot and pheasant. The zoo, with its collection of 71 varieties of fauna, is open throughout the week except on Tuesdays. A visit to Jaipur, a real treat for people who are keen on learning the history and heritage of India, remains incomplete without a stopover at its beautiful Zoological Gardens

Jaipur Zoo

Jaipur Zoo: Timings and entrance fees

The zoological garden is open from Wednesdays to Mondays and remains closed on Tuesdays. The timings are different for summer and winter months. During the summer season, the zoo is open between 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. And during the winter season, it is open between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Jaipur Zoo is during the winter season between the months of November and February. During this time the weather is dry and the temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold to enjoy an exploratory walk in the zoo.

Additionally, to discover and seek each and every animal and bird species in the zoo, visitors should start their journey a little early in the morning, as it can take some time to wholesomely explore the zoo. During the day, evenings are also a good time to visit the zoo. Around 3:00 PM when the sun starts to set is a great time to visit and explore the animal species here.

Jaipur Zoo

How to Reach

The moment you plan your trip to the pink city, you will come across numerous options to reach there. It is completely up to you which option you would like to pick, whether plane, train or bus Jaipur Attractions.

By road: The distance from Jaipur city center to the Jaipur Zoo is about 3.7 km. Visitors can catch local rickshaw and cab service or bus to reach the zoo.

By Air: if you are traveling by air the nearest airport is Jaipur Airport which is 10.2 km and can take up to 30 minutes if you use local transportation service including rickshaw and bus service.

By Rail: The nearest railway station from Jaipur Zoo, Jaipur Junction railway station is around 5 km. There is a rickshaw service available near the station that will drop the visitors directly at the Zoo and local bus service from the station is also available for travellers.

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Alwar City Palace

Alwar City Palace dates back to the 18th Century. Presently, in the ground floor of the palace, government offices and district courts are functioning. The attractions of the City Palace, Rajasthan include an artificial lake constructed by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1815. There are also a number of temples on the banks of the lake.

Inside the palace is a splendid chhatri, having Bengali roof and arches. It is known as Moosi Maharani ki chhatri. Located within this chattri is the Company garden, known as Purjan Vihar. The garden was built during the reign of Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh in the year 1868. Maharaja Mangal Singh made further additions to the garden in 1885. This garden is an ideal picnic spot in summers providing lush green surrounding, along with the cool shades of its numerous trees Alwar Tour.

The Alwar Vinay Vilas Mahal also houses a museum in its upper story floors, known as the Government Museum. On display in the museum are some ancient Mughal and Rajput painting dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum also has a rich collection of some rare and antique Persian, Arabic, Urdu and Sanskrit manuscripts. Amongst these manuscripts, the most prominent ones include Bostan (the garden of spring), Waqiat-e-Babri (Mughal emperor Babar’s autobiography) and Gulistan (the garden of roses). Other attractions of the museum consist of an array of Indian armory weapons and a copy of Mahabharata, painted by the artists of the Alwar School.

Alwar City Palace

History of City Palace Alwar

Alwar is one of the oldest cities of Rajasthan and it has always been a favorite place for the archaeologists. The Alwar City Palace is settled in the year past 1500BC.

It is also called Matsya Desh as Pandavas had spent thirteen years at this place. Alwar monuments is the best place where you can take a relaxed walk through the many forts and tombs that depict the picture of olden times.

Built by Raja Bakhtayar Singh in the year 1793, Vinay Vilas Mahal depicts the architectural beauty of the bygone era.

Alwar City Palace

Architecture of City Palace Alwar

The monument of the Alwar Vinay Vilas Mahal gives you a perfect example of the Indo-Islamic architecture. It is a huge monument, which can be entered through an entrance with projecting balconies on either side.

Jai Pol, Suraj Pol, Laxman Pol, Chand Pol, Kishan Pol and Andheri Gate are some of the entry gates. Beyond the gate lies an open ground with Krishna temples on all four sides Rajasthan Budget Tours.

The Alwar City Palace, Sagar, which is known as a tank, and Moosi Rani ki Chhatri are located just behind these temples. The splendor palace of the palace is well-known for its beautiful architecture and decoration of the late 18th century.

A part of the complex houses the museum where a rich part of its history has been preserved. In the golden Durbar Hall at the City Palace, there is a raised platform upon which rests a gold and velvet throne.

On the walls and ceiling of the palace, there is a fabulous collection of murals and mirror work can be seen.

The City Museum, located on the upper floors of the Palace has a splendid range of miniature paintings of the Alwar School. The colors in the paintings are as fresh and lively as ever.

In the museum, there is the rare silver table which used to interest the dignity of the Rajera and also the vast collection of the armory is an example of the Royals and the style.

Alwar City Palace

How to Reach

The City Palace finds location below the Alwar Fort in the city of Alwar. Alwar can conveniently be accessed from all the main cities in India. The city is well connected by rail, road and air transport. Alwar City Palace has a good connectivity of roads and rails.

The city is connected by government and private bus services to all the main cities and towns of Rajasthan. The nearest major city to Alwar is Bhiwadi. Bus service is available from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Deluxe bus service and AC buses are also available from Alwar to Delhi and other main cities in Rajasthan.

Alwar has a railway station located in the centre of the city. Direct trains are available from Alwar to Jaipur and Alwar to Delhi. From the railway station tourists can take taxis to reach their destination in the city.

The nearest airport to Alwar is in Jaipur. The distance between Alwar and Jaipur is 151Km. Jaipur is connected to other major cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Jodhpur, Goa, etc. by flight. From Jaipur tourists can take taxis or buses; hiring a taxi can cost around Rs 1500.

The Alwar City Palace is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days of the week except Monday. Tourists can get entry into the palace for a fee as small as Rs 5 per person for Indians and Rs 5o per person for foreigners.

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Kuchaman Fort

Kuchaman Fort is situated on the top of a hill like an eagle’s nest. It has many tales to tell. The Kuchaman City controlled the salt trade as far as back as 1250 years ago. For this purpose, Gujjar Pratihara Dynasty had constructed part of the Kuchaman Fort during 760 A.D. They controlled of the salt producing areas that starts from Kuchaman and extend up to the salt lake of Sambhar.

After the fall of the Gurjar Pratihara Dynasty in 960 A.D., the Chauhans ruled the area and were followed by the Gaur rulers Tourist Places Rajasthan.

After the fall of the Gaur rulers, the Rathores became the rulers of this area. Actually, the Rathores got possession of this area only after a war with the Gaurs. The Rathores ruled this area from 1724 A.D. onwards till independence of India and the merger of the erstwhile Princely States.

Kuchaman Fort with its high and massive ramparts, 32 bastions, 10 gates and various defenses is a formidable Fort unique in its architecture. For its water management and storage schemes. Kuchaman Fort had several underground and over ground tanks that exist even today. The underground hideouts, secret escape routes, dungeons and the ancient flourmill are truly exceptional and can be seen only at this exquisite Fort of Kuchaman.

The Kuchaman Fort has been restored back to its past glory, thanks to the great efforts of the direct descendant of the former Rathore Rulers, Ranjit Singh Rathore. The restoration process required not only ample time and money, but also great precision and skill in planning, without disturbing the originality of this Ancient Architectural wonder. It required “travelling back in time”, conceptualizing the ambience of the “havelies” and forts of those times. The work involved using the same ingredients that were used by the masons centuries ago.

The descendants of the masons and artisans who had built the Kuchaman Fort still live in and around the city of Kuchaman and are known as “Kumawats”. Due to lack of any demand for their skills and patronage in the few decades, they had to emigrate to other regions and change their profession for earning their bread and butter.

Kuchaman Fort

Kuchaman Fort History

According to popular folk belief and local history, around the 9th century, the ruler of this place, Thakur Jalim Singh, with the blessings of a Mahatma named Vankhandi (who used to do penance on the said hill), laid the foundation of the fort of Kuchaman, which was later expanded by his descendants. was done.

Another possibility regarding the construction of Kuchaman Fort is that the history of the fort is 1200 years old, here in 760 AD people of the Gujjar Pratihar dynasty used to rule, it is said that they had built some part of this fort after this Here Chauhan rulers came under control in 960 AD.

When the Chauhan kings became weak, the Gaur rulers came here, and after defeating them the Rathor kings became the rulers of this place, which remained till the independence of India,

Kuchaman city Fort Jodha Akbar and Drona Jessie have been the shooting spots of Bollywood films. Long balconies, hanging balconies and popular miniature paintings are the main attractions of this royal fort.

The interior walls of the Kuchaman fort are carved with original inlay works of glass, semi-precious stones, and gold. Colors made from natural dried flowers were used to make these decorations, further adding to the beauty of the place Rajasthan Budget tours.

The roof of the main hall of the fort, also known as Durbar-e-Khas, is depicted with portraits of all the rulers. In addition, the ceiling of each room has beautiful carvings.

Kuchaman is one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan. The fort is built on an upright mountain. This fort is known for its water storage. It is also said that the king of Jodhpur had a gold-silver mint here.

Giant 17 water tanks are built here to collect rainwater. There is a stepwell inside the fort. Apart from this, the remains of the ancient stepwell are also seen on the hill from the north, behind the fort. According to sources, it is built even before the construction of the ancient Bawdi Fort.

Kuchaman Fort

Architecture of Kuchaman Fort

The outer fort walls are carved with murals and miniature paintings. There are 10 entrance gates opening from various sides of the fort with 32 bastions guarding the entire fortification. All the entrance doors are richly carved with two bastions on each side. Guards used to be on duty 24×7 with proper arms. During the earlier days, the entire Kuchaman city was inside the fort walls with desert on the outer area. At present times the city has stretched much beyond the fort walls and is quite populated.

The interior walls of the fort complex showcase the original inlay works of semi precious stones and gold. The colours used to do these decorations were so rich, that it enhances the beauty of the place. It is impossible to understand that these colours were all made from natural dried flowers. Each room has got beautiful carved works on their ceilings. The main hall or the Darbar-e-Khas has got all the Rathore rulers’ portraits painted on the ceiling Rajasthan Monuments.

There are wonderful frescos and gild artworks of flowers and motifs on the walls and pillars of the fort. Tourists can observe some ancient Hindu mythological stories beautifully drawn at different region. A typical form of miniature painting had remained the main form of art for the Rathore clan. There are long balconies and hanging terraces present, which portrays architectural brilliance of the then era. The fort area has got a separate Sheesh Mahal or glass palace. The entire structure is covered with glasses of various size and length.

Kuchaman Fort

How to Reach Kuchaman Fort

On a daily basis there are approximately 56 flights that operate at Jaipur International Airport. IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express are the most popular airline brands that fly frequently to this airport.

Besides flying you can also reach Kuchaman City through train.Kuchaman Cityis one of the most popular train stations in Kuchaman City.On an average about 20 trains pass through Kuchaman City on a daily basis.Jaipur to Kuchaman City, Merta City to Kuchaman City, Makrana to Kuchaman Cityare some of the most popular routes to Kuchaman City with 36, 34, 34 trains weekly respectively.

By road Kuchaman City is surrounded by Makrana, Sikar, Kishangarh which are 10.53 km, 36.65 km, 39.46 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.

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Baran Tourism

Baran Tourism A separate area carved out of the beautiful region of Kota, Baran is located further in the Hadoti province of Rajasthan. A traveller’s dream, Baran is the land of picturesque wooded hills and valleys, where one can stumble upon old ruins that tell stories of an era long gone. The city is known for its Ram- Sita temples, serene picnic spots and vibrant tribal fairs and festivals.

The history of Baran dates back to the 14th century when Solanki Rajputs ruled over the region. In 1949, Baran became the head-divisional quarter of Kota when Rajasthan was reconstituted. It became an established district of Rajasthan in 1991. Baran Tourism is popular for attracting tourists who prefer exploring the non-commercial aspects of the State. Its architectural marvels, a beautiful collection of temples dedicated to Ram and Sita and mighty fortresses add to Baran’s natural beauty.

Baran Tourism

History of Baran

Baran city was under Solanki Rajputs in the 14th -15th century. It is not exactly known that when the main town of the twelve villages under Solanki’s was being named as ‘Baran’. There are several thoughts for it, like some says since it was formed by twelve villages so it is called ‘Baran‘, others says since the city was built by the 12 nearby villagers so it is named as ‘Baran’. There are also saying that since the soils of the area is mostly ‘Barani’ so it is called ‘Baran’.

In the year 1948, joint Rajasthan was formed and that time Baran Tourism was one of the districts in the joint Rajasthan. On 31st March’ 1949, Rajasthan was reconstituted and that time Baran district headquarters was converted into Sub Division headquater of Kota district. It is also worth noting that ‘Baran’ in urdu means rain and no wonder that Baran has the second highest rainfall in the state after Banswara district Rajasthan Budget Tours.

Baran Tourism

Places to visit in Baran

Baran is a city in Baran district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a municipality and the district headquarters of Baran district, famous for its 11th century Bhand Devra Temple on banks of Ramgarh crater. It is 339km from the state capital Jaipur near Kota city.

Ramgarh Bhand Devra Temple

This mini Khajuraho of Rajasthan nestles 40km away from the Baran Tourism. Ramgarh Bhand Devra temple is famous for the devotion towards Lord Shiva. In addition to this, it is in the belief that it came into existence in the 10th century. The temple resides on the side of a small pond. The offering of Prasad here is of two types. Firstly, sweets and dry fruits are in use. Secondly, there is an offering of meat and alcohol. This temple ranks top among places to visit in Baran.

Sitabari

Sitabari is famous for two reasons in Baran. Firstly, it is a worshipping place for Sita and Laxman. In addition to this, this place is a very famous picnic spot. It nestles 45km away from Baran city. There are many kunds present here, such as Sita Kund, Surya Kund, Valmiki kund, etc. In addition to this, Sitabari fair is a famous event taking place here and makes it the most visited place to visit in Baran.

Kakuni Temple Complex

The beautiful flowing Parvan River passes next to this Kakuni Temple Complex. The complex is famous for many temples present there. Jain and Vaishnava Gods and Lord Shiva are enshrined in these temples. Moreover, museums at Jhalwar and Kota also have idols and statues of Kakuni temple present there Rajasthan Monuments.

Suraj Kund

Suraj Kund extracts its name from the Sun God. This is a place that is visited by a lot of visitors from all over India. Most importantly, Suraj Kund is famous as people come here to pay respect to their late relatives; it is only done here among all other places to visit in Baran Tourism.

Sorsan Mataji Temple

The Sorsan Mataji Temple is popularly famous for ‘Akhand Jyot,’ which is an oil lamp. This is because; it has been burning uninterrupted for 400 years. Moreover, Shivratri is celebrated here every year. There are numerous places to visit in Baran Tourism, but Sorsan Mataji Temple holds a special place.

Shahabad Fort

Establishing its roots in the 16th century, Mukatmani Dev, a Chauhan Rajput is behind its construction. In addition to this, there is a dense forest, which is surrounding this fort. When we consider all the places to visit in Baran Tourism, Shahabad Fort is definitely on the list. Moreover, the fort has 18 cannons. It is in the notion that Aurangzeb also resided here for some time.

Shergarh Fort

This Fort resides 65km away from the Baran district, and it is the most admired destination among all the places to visit in Baran. Most importantly, river Parvan flows beside it. That is why; it was in the notion that this place holds a significant area for rulers. The fort extracts its name from its capture by Shershah of the Sur dynasty. In addition to this, there is an inscription from 790 AD, which defines the importance of this fort as the most prominent forts of Rajasthan.

Baran Tourism

How to Reach Baran

On a daily basis there are approximately 0 flights that operate at Jaipur International Airport. JetLite, Jet Konnect and IndiGo are the most popular airline brands that fly frequently to this airport.

Besides flying you can also reach Baran through train. Baran is one of the most popular train stations in Baran. On an average about 21 trains pass through Baran on a daily basis. Kota to Baran, Chhabra to Baran, Sawai Madhopur to Baran are some of the most popular routes to Baran with 29, 16, 14 trains weekly respectively.

By road Baran is surrounded by Jhalawar, Sheopur, Kota which are 40.64 km, 41.61 km, 42.0 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.

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Kishangarh Fort

Kishangarh Fort in Ajmer is an imposing structure that was built in the year 1653. Maharaja Roop Singh built the massive Kishangarh Fort. It is said that an incident he saw once inspired him to get a fort built. He saw a sheep that was protecting its lambs from some wolves and got the idea to build a fort that would protect his empire. The massive Kishangarh fort of Rajasthan is an undying symbol of magnificence that never fails to thrill visitors who come to India. The interiors of the fort give you an idea of the magnificent days of yore. Despite repeated attacks by external forces, the Kishangarh Fort remained undefeated.

The interiors of the Kishangarh fort are beautifully decorated with extensive murals and paintings. It is from here that the Bani Thani style of painting started and gained much popularity. One gets an idea of the lavish lifestyle of the rulers of Rajasthan. The fort comprises of several courtyards and magnificent quarters that are adorned with water fountains here and there. Kishangarh Fort has played a very important role in the cultural and historical heritage of Rajasthan.

A very popular attraction over here is the Phool Mahal, which means the Palace of Flowers. The stunning murals and wall paintings over here will definitely have you admire the place forever. The architectural details over here are exquisite and are a testimony to the splendid craftsmanship of Rajasthan. The regal quarters are quite lavish and give you an idea of the royal life led by the Maharaja here. The walls have been decorated tastefully and the delicate ornamentations and carvings only add to the splendid beauty of the place Rajasthan Budget Tours.

Kishangarh Fort

History of Kishangarh Fort

In 1649, after the Kishangarh state was established, Maharaja Roop Singh ascended the throne. This fort was initially known as Roopangarh Fort and was a city in itself named after the king. As the name suggested, it had become a city of unparalleled beauty under the rule of Maharaja Roop Singh and the fort showcased beautiful and refined architectural styles. High gates, walls and roofs marked most of the buildings. It is located about 27 kms from the city of Ajmer.

Inside the Kishangarh Fort is another imposing structure known as the Phool Palace or Phool Mahal which showcases the splendour of Rajput Rathore kings. Presently, both the fort and the Phool Palace have been converted into boutique hotels, so as to enable the tourists from India and abroad to have a glimpse of the grandeur of the craftsmanship of the kings and artisans Rajasthan Monuments.

Kishangarh Fort

Structures and Architecture

It’s been more than 350 years that the Roopangarh Fort is standing tall and has seen a lot of ups and downs. But, the glory of the fort in form of its architectural design still persists. Primary feature of Kishangarh Fort is its fortification with nine turrets in the corners. Inside the fort, there are plenty of granaries, jails, armouries, foundries and various other important buildings. Durbar Hall is one of the largest structures inside the fort, which was used by the kings to carry out their day to day official discussions with their ministers.

Latticed windows in the balconies still exist which showcase the finer work of the artisans of the past era. During the rule of the kings, the fort was used as a place for patronising arts and crafts, including music and instruments. Miniature style of paintings of Bani Thani style was seen to prosper under their patronage. These were started in 18th century and plenty of such paintings adorn the walls and minarets of Kishangarh Fort.

Phool Mahal is a structure inside the fort, which is a must see for the visitors. It is the Flower Palace, showcasing the living grandeur of the Rathore clan kings. Plenty of gorgeous frescos and murals adorn the walls of the palace. Phool Mahal is also converted into a heritage hotel which provides the best glimpse in the spring season, where flowers and greenery abound.

Kishangarh Fort and Phool Mahal are nowadays visited by tourists with some of them preferring to stay for a day or two to feel the essence of the living style of the maharajas, who ruled this land long back. Nearby the fort, there are a few lakes which are presently converted to well-known picnic spots. A bird sanctuary is also found near fort. Most of the rooms have been adorned with beautiful paintings, while the life size portraits are found in most places. To attract tourists, various folk dances and musical shows are organised on a regular basis.

There are plenty of structures inside the fort which are also functional and used by people nowadays. Today, much of the functions and activities in day to day life of people of Kishangarh are related and intricately interweaved with the fort and different monuments inside. Still the charm of the olden days during the times of the Maharajas is evident from the large gardens and courtyards.

Kishangarh Fort

How to Reach Kishangarh Fort

By Airway : Kishangarh has its own Meteorological airport and it is only 8 km away from main Kishangarh city. Another option is Jaipur International Airport and it is 107 km away from Kishangarh.

By Railway : The Kishangarh Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach there and it is located in the corner of the city. Another option is Ajmer Junction and it is only 29 km away from Kishangarh City.

By Roadway : Kishangarh is located on Rajasthan State highway 7 and National Highway 48 & 448. You’ll reach here by bus & taxi and those are always available from every city in Rajasthan.

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Taragarh Fort Bundi

Taragarh Fort Bundi or ‘Star Fort’ is the most impressive of structures of city of Bundi in Rajasthan. A rather ramshackle fort, with its overgrown vegetation.

It was constructed in 1354 upon a steep hill. There are three gateways to the fort, well known as Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak. Most parts of these gateways are now in ruins. During its heyday, Taragarh Fort Bundi was renowned for its tunnels crisscrossing the entire hillside.

However, these tunnels are now inaccessible for maps. The largest of its battlements is the 16th century bastion known as the ‘Bhim Burj’, on which was once mounted a particularly large cannon called Garbh Gunjam, or ‘Thunder from the Womb’.

There are some huge water reservoirs which were built to store water and supply it to the residents during time of crisis. The reservoirs have been carved out of the rocky base of the fort.

Rani Mahal is a small palace within the fort complex, built for the wives of rulers. The Mahal has, however lost most of its charm as the shine of its spectacular murals and stained glass windows have completely faded away. The fort also has Miran Saheb ki Dargah. He was the governor of the fort and laid down his life in an encounter Rajasthan Budget Tours.

Taragarh Fort Bundi

History

Taragarh Fort Bundi, being a trendsetter for the rest of the forts to come, was the first fort to be built on top of a hill. The Taragarh Fort is the oldest fort in Rajasthan, and it has a long bloody history. It has been passed from the hands of the Marwari rulers into the hands of the Mughals. But after the death of QutubuddinAibak, successor of Sultan Sahabuddin, Chauhan and Rajput rulers attacked the fort in a combined effort. When the British came, they acquired the fort from the Rajputs . The fort is the oldest and has seen its fair share of wars Bundi Tour.

Taragarh Fort Bundi

Architecture of Taragrah Fort

A giant gateway welcomes you to the Taragarh Fort. There are three distinct gateways to enter the fort. These portals are known as Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak. The gates are engraved with carvings of elephants. The tunnels in the fort are also worth giving a visit. It would be interesting to know that the tunnels in this mighty fortress had a significant role to play during times of war since it provided a secure exit for the king and his deputies in cases of emergencies or looming dangers. Unfortunately, tourists are not allowed to enter the tunnel as there are no comprehensive maps of the tunnels that are available.

Other than this, the magnificent fort is also home to a myriad of massive battlements and ramparts. The largest amongst these is the 16th-century bastion, known as Bhim Burj, on which the giant cannon Garbh Gunjan or the ‘Thunder from the Womb’ was once mounted. The Chauhan bastion also has some huge water reservoirs, which were built to store water and supply it to the residents in times of crisis. These reservoirs have been fixed out of a rocky base of the fort.

The Rani Mahal in the Taragarh Fort Bundi is also a top-rated tourist attraction. The palace boasts of its stained glass windows and murals, which still are adorned with the charm of the bygone era. It also houses the famous Miran Saheb ki Dargah in its complex. The Taragarh Fort offers an excellent view of the entire town and is ideal for bird watching, which makes it famous amongst tourists.

Taragarh Fort Bundi

Best Time To Visit Taragarh Fort

Usually, the months of October-March are best suitable for a visit to the Taragarh Fort Bundi. These months of winters will save you from the scorching summer heats of April-June and the monsoons of July- September and would help you to explore the place with full enthusiasm.

How to reach?

The Taragarh Fort Bundi is only 10 km distant from the Dargah Bazaar. After reaching here, take an auto or cab through the Taragarh road. It is around 30 minutes’ drive from the bazaar.

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