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Kathputli Dance Rajasthan

Kathputli Dance Rajasthan are a type of puppets. Rajasthan is famous for its puppet-playing tradition. String puppets or Kathputli dance in Rajasthan is an old tradition. In this dance the puppeteer uses balladsto narrate the stories. These storied or tales of romance and chivalry are told with movements of string puppets. In olden days, puppeteers used to travel from place to place through various villages to entertain people. Through puppets, the puppeteer tells the stories of legendary heroes or historic events are narrated through it.

Different types of puppets or Kathputlis are used for popular puppet shows that include Glove Puppets, String Puppets, Rod Puppets and Shadow Puppets. Puppetry or Kathputli Dance Rajasthan holds an important place in traditional entertainment of people. Stories from mythology and legends are told through puppets in Rajasthan. So, with entertainment they spread awareness among the citizens.

What is Kathputli Dance?

Rajasthan Kathputli dance is world famous and well known as Puppetry dance. It is the old tradition of stories from mythology and legends are told through puppets in Rajasthan. String puppetry is very much famous in Rajasthan. Tradition of Kathputli Dance Rajasthan is based on folk tales and stories. Scholars believe that folk tales convey the lifestyle of ancient Rajasthani tribal people and Kathputli art might have originated from present day Nagaur and surrounding areas.

History of Kathputli Dance

According to historians, this art form of Rajasthan is more than thousands years old. It is believed that around 1500 years ago, the Bhat community of Rajasthan started the use of Kathputli as string marionette art. The tradition of Kathputli Dance Rajasthan is based on various folk tales and stories. The scholars are of the opinion that folk tales convey the lifestyle of ancient Rajasthani tribal people and Kathputli art might have originated from present day Nagaur and surrounding areas.

It is said that the Kings and nobles of Kathputli Dance Rajasthan were admirer of Art and Craft. They encouraged and supported the craftsmen in activities ranging from wood and marble carving to weaving, pottery and painting. They would look after the artists and craftsmen in return for the artists singing praises of the patrons’ ancestors.

Performance of Kathputli Dance

Kathputli Dance Rajasthan, For a performance, a small stage is set where puppeteers show puppetry and narrate the story. In the performance, music or ballad plays an important role as the entire performance is based upon the ballad. Sometimes, the puppeteer makes use of various sound effects to achieve the reality impact and give a quality entertainment. The puppeteer shows all his skills to make puppets dance to his tunes. The Kathputli Dance Rajasthan are fixed on stage; in fact they are strung on the stage for the performance. It recounts historic anecdotes, replay tales of love, and include much screeching and high-pitched sound as the puppet twirl and move frenetically at the time of performance.

In olden days, the puppeteers used to travel from place to place through various villages to entertain people. Through puppets, the puppeteer narrated the stories of legendary heroes or historic events. Thus, along with the entertainment they also used to spread awareness among the citizens. Different types of puppets or Kathputlis are used for popular puppet shows that include Glove Puppets, String Puppets, Rod Puppets and Shadow Puppets.

Performance Kathputli Dance

Kathputli Dance Rajasthan is performed during fairs and festive occasions. For a performance, a small stage is set where the puppeteers would show puppetry and narrate the stories. Music or ballads form an integral part of Kathputli Rajasthan as the entire performance is based on the ballad. Sometimes, the puppeteer accompanies the ballads with various sound effects to give the show a greater impact.

These Puppet dances are based on well-known legends and are performed by skillful puppeteers. Displaying his skill in making the puppets’ act and dance, the puppeteer is accompanied by a woman, usually his wife, who plays the dholak, or drum and sings the narrative song. For the performance, a small stage is set where puppeteers show puppetry and narrate the story. During Kathputli dance, tales of romance and courage are told with movements of string puppets.

In the performance, music or narrative song plays a vital role as the whole presentation is based upon the narrative song. Sometimes, the puppeteer makes use of a variety of sound effects to accomplish the reality impact and to give a quality entertainment. The puppeteer shows all his skills and talent to make puppets dance on his tunes. It recounts historic stories, replay tales of love, and include high-pitched sound as the Kathputli Dance Rajasthan twirl and move excitedly at the time of performance. .

In ancient days, puppeteers were known to travel across vast regions through a variety of villages in order to amuse people The puppet shows also tackle some problems like the poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, dowry system, women’s empowerment, and cleanliness. Thus these shows used to spread awareness about the social problems and the ways to overcome them.

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Rajasthan Tourism

Albert Hall Museum Jaipur

Albert Hall Museum Jaipur, A magnificent building built in Indo-Saracenic architectural style, Albert Hall Museum (Central Museum) is located in Ram Nivas Garden. It draws its name from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. Its corridors are decorated with murals reflecting various civilisations. Currently, the museum houses a diverse range of wood crafts, stone and metal sculptures, metal objects, carpets, natural stones, arms and weapons and goods made out of ivory. The museum also displays art from the Kota, Bundi, Udaipur, Kishangarh and Jaipur schools of art. The building’s foundation stone was laid during the visit of Prince of Wales, Albert Edward to Jaipur in 1876 and it was completed in 1887 by architect Samuel Swinton Jacob, the then director of Jaipur PWD.

History of Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur

The foundation of Albert Hall Museum Jaipur was placed during the visit of the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward to Jaipur in the year 1876. So, it was not sure how the building would be used. Due to the suggestion of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II in 1880, a temporary museum was established in 1881 to display the products of local artisans. The construction of Albert Hall was completed in 1887 by the architect, Samuel Swinton Jacob, Director of Jaipur PWD. The temporary museum, whose artefacts were gathered from several parts of India and its neighbours moved in the new museum.

The building became an excellent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The corridors were adorned with decorations in a variety of styles. European, Egyptian, Chinese, Greek and Babylonian civilizations were characterised to enable the visitors to develop their knowledge of art and history. So, Albert Hall became a centre for giving knowledge of the history of civilizations. It also enabled inspiring artisans to enhance their skills and preserving & developing traditional Indian arts, crafts and architectural forms.

Albert Hall Jaipur Architecture

Built in the combined Indian Islamic architecture with neo-gothic which was popular in the Victorian era. The Albert Hall Museum Jaipur is the finest example Indo-Saracenic style of architecture in Rajasthan, designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob.

Albert Hall Museum has handicrafts not only from India but from all over the world. The prestigious museum has a good arsenal collection of various types of blades, sabres, swords, spears, bows and arrows, shields, etc. used by kings or soldiers.

Also, the statues of Egyptian gods and deities are well kept inside the museum. The works of people from clay models to clothes and manuscripts and paintings are really fascinating. It has many other things too.

Without having to cope with the jostling crowd, we spent a satisfying two hours at the museum. In the evening, when it is illuminated with light it looks fascinating from outside.

Albert Hall Museum Timings

The museum is open for the tourists from 9 in the morning and it remains open until 5 in the evening. On Holi, the museum remains closed as it is the local holiday of Jaipur. The last Tuesday of each month from October to March, the museum remains closed on an account of maintenance. Also, the last Monday of each month from April to September, the Museum remains closed for maintenance.

On great occasions and days of the year such as on World Museum Day, Rajasthan Day, World Heritage Day and World Tourism Day, the entry to the museum is free. Whereas, entry for students is free in the museum from 10 AM to 12 PM.

Best Time to Visit in Albert Hall Museum ?

The museum is open from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening and from 7 in the evening to 10 in the night. The museum is closed on every Tuesday from October to March for maintenance. From April to September, every Monday is closed for maintenance. During Holi festival, the museum is closed.

How to reach Albert Hall Museum

Once inside Jaipur, you can find numerous transportations to reach Albert Hall Museum Jaipur. You can find public transportations too. The museum is close to Merta Road Junction Railway Station. You can reach the station via local train and walk or hire a cab from the station to the museum. You can also find buses from various parts of the city to the museum.

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Wildlife in Rajasthan

Keoladeo Ghana National Park

Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Amongst one of the finest bird sanctuaries on the planet, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary also called as Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a sanctuary that offers security to faunal species also. Keoladeo, the name gets from an old Hindu temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and remains at the focal point of the national park. “Ghana” implies thick, alluding to the thick woods, which used to cover the region.

Settling indigenous water-feathered creatures and also transient water flying creatures and waterside winged creatures, this haven is likewise possessed by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, and Boar. While a large portion of India’s park has been produced from the chasing predicament of royal India, Keoladeo, famously known as Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary, is maybe the main situation where the environment has been made by a maharaja. In prior times, Bharatpur town used to be flooded frequently every monsoon.

In 1760, an earthen dam (Ajan Dam) was developed, to spare the town, from this yearly idea of nature. The sorrow made by extraction of soil for the dam was cleared and this turned into the Bharatpur Lake. Though the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is open around the year, but still, the best time to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is from August to November to witness the resident birds and from October to February to get the sight of migratory birds.

History Of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a man-made garden, Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur built this bird sanctuary 250 years ago. There is a temple of Lord Shiva in the centre of this garden which is known as Keoladeo here, hence the name of this garden was named Keoladeo.

There is a natural slope at this place, due to this, at that time flood situation was created at this place during the rainy season, to avoid this, Maharaja Surajmal constructed the “Ajan Bund” here in the middle of 1726-1763. The dam was constructed at the site of two rivers “Gambhiri and Banganga Sangam” flowing here.

From 1850 onwards, the kings of Keoladeo Ghana National Park started using this place as a hunting ground. Along with this, the king started organizing annual bird hunting in this zoo to keep the British Viceroy happy. In 1938, the then British Viceroy of India, Lord Linlithgow, along with his colleague Victor Hope, hunted over 4,273 birds a day, with the largest number of birds such as “Mallards and Teals” being hunted on that day.

Under the Rajasthan Forest Act 1953, this Bird Sanctuary has been included in the category of a reserved forest, the last hunting in this Bird Sanctuary was organized in 1964, the former Maharaja of Bharatpur reserved the rights to hunt here till 1972. On 13 March 1976, the area was given the status of a Keoladeo Ghana National Park, and in October 1981, under the Wetland Convention, the place was given the status of a Ramsar site.

This Bird Sanctuary got the status of National Park on 10 March 1982, since then the name of the Bird Sanctuary has become Keoladeo Ghana National Park. At the World Heritage Convention held in 1985, this National Park has declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After being declared a national park, in 1982, the government banned farming and protecting domesticated cattle and taking fodder within the protected forest, leading to many violent clashes with local residents and the government over the region, eventually In 2004, the government had to accept the demands of the farmers, after which the government drastically cut the water being sent to this zoo.

The water supply to this park was reduced from 15,000,000 cubic feet earlier to just 510,000 cubic feet. Since this decision of the government, there has been a huge change in the natural environment of this garden which was very terrible, after the water cut, most of the marshy land here has become pleasantly useless, resulting in those who come here for breeding.

Most migratory birds now fly away to Garhmukteshwari in Uttar Pradesh, located near the river Ganges, 90 km from this place.

Flora & Fauna in Keoladeo National Park

Keoladeo National Park is spread across 2,873 hectares of woodlands, grasslands, wetlands & woodland swamps. The vegetation here is of a dry deciduous type, with medium sized trees & shrubs found inside its forest. Some of the trees which can be commonly spotted inside the park are kadam, jamun, babul, kandi, ber, kair & piloo.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park is home to 370 species of birds. A large number of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Siberia & China visit the park. In fact, it is the only region in India where the critically endangered Siberian Crane can be spotted during the winters. Some of the birds which you can expect to spot here are cranes, pelicans, eagles, wagtails, spotted bill duck, white breasted kingfisher, moor hen, painted stork, partridge, magpie robin, honey buzzard, rose ringed parakeet & green footed yellow pigeon.

Attractions in Keoladeo Ghana National Park

The main attractions for tourists visiting the Keoladeo Ghana Park are the migratory birds, which come from as far away as Siberia and Central Asia to spend their winters in Bharatpur, before returning back to their breeding grounds. Some of the migratory birds that visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park include several species of Cranes, Hawks, Pelicans, Geese, Shanks, Ducks, Eagles, Warblers, Stints, Wagtails, Buntings, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Larks, Pipits etc. Besides the migratory and resident birds, other tourist attractions in Keoladeo Ghana bird sanctuary include the Bharatpur government Museum, Lohagarh Fort and Deeg Palace.

Bird watching

Morning is the best time for bird watching. The best way to see the diverse species of birds and animals is to make trips at different times of the day. Wake up with the birds in the early morning, see water birds in daylight and, of course, catch night birds such as owls at dusk and after sunset.

Safari at Bharatpur Sanctuary

A unique way to discover the vegetation and wildlife at the Keoladeo Ghana National Park is the Safari here, which takes you right through the heart of the forests. There are basically three options to choose from when it comes to the safari here – Elephant Back Safari, Jeep Rides and Rickshaw Safari. If you wish to spot birds more closely Rickshaw Safari is the best option for you.

Jeep Safari will take you through the jungles of the sanctuary, where you can get a closer look at the vegetation and animals here. Jeeps can be booked outside the main entrance of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. You can also hire bicycles from the entrance to explore the National Park. Other details for the same are:-

  • Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Safari Fee (Indian tourists): INR 25
  • Safari Fee (Foreign tourists): INR 200
  • Rickshaw Safari Fee: INR 800-1000 per rickshaw for the entire day
  • Video Camera: INR 200

You can take your own vehicle up to Shanti Kutir which is approximately 2 km from the main entrance of the park. The charges for the same is INR 50.

Best Time To Visit Bharatpur National Park

Keoladeo Ghana National Park is located in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. The climate of Rajasthan is very hot, from March to the onset of monsoon in July, the summer temperature in this state easily reaches 50 degrees.

This has a direct effect on the migratory birds of this sanctuary, due to which migratory birds move away from this place during the summer season and only a few species of local birds are seen in this park. The rains are very less in Rajasthan even during the monsoon season, after the water is flooded in the marshy ground of this garden, small islands are formed here which have created a favourable environment for breeding migratory birds.

Due to the marshy land here, the soil of this garden becomes very slippery during the monsoon season, which is not right for tourism. The monsoon departs after September and by October, the cold starts increasing here.

The cold season is the best time for breeding migratory birds, and during the winter season, thousands of migratory birds come to migrate to this bird sanctuary. If you are also planning to see this bird sanctuary, then the winter season will be the best for you.

How To Reach Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

  • By Air: Jaipur, New Delhi, and Agra are the nearest airport to Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Once you reach any of these airports, you can board a taxi or cab to reach Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
  • By Rail: The closest railway station to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is Bharatpur Junction. Several trains run from all the major cities in India to Bharatpur.
  • By Road: Many private buses frequently run from Udaipur, Agra, Ajmer, Jodhpur to Bharatpur bus stop. NH-11 connects Bharatpur with Agra (5 hours, 56 km), Delhi (5 hours, 176 km) and Jaipur (6 hours, 176 km) from where tourists prefer to drive. Once you reach Bharatpur, you can hire a cab or taxi to reach Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keoladeo National Park

Q. What is the best time to visit Keoladeo National Park?

Keoladeo Ghana National Park can be visited any time of the year, as it is open throughout the year. August to November is the best time to visit it to spot the resident breeding birds, while October to February is when you can spot a variety of migrant birds. Some migratory birds however, can also be spotted during March. During the winters, it can get quite foggy both during the day and the night.

Q. What kind of safaris are available at Keoladeo National Park?

Cycle/rickshaw/horse tongas safaris are conducted inside the Bharatpur National Park. Safaris start from 8 AM and are available till 5 PM. Most tourists prefer taking the cycle rickshaw safari as it’s noiseless & lets them spot a greater number of birds. You can also rent bicycles and take a cycle tour of the park. To hire a cycle, you will have to submit your identification card at the counter.

Q. What are the park timings of Keoladeo National Park?

The park is open from 6:30 AM to 5 PM during winters, and 6 AM to 6 PM throughout the rest of the year.

Q. How to reach Keoladeo National Park?

By Air: The nearest airport is Agra Airport, situated about 56 kilometers from Bharatpur. Taxis can be hired from the airport to reach Bharatpur.
By Rail: Bharatpur Railway Station is just about 5 kilometers away from the bird sanctuary.
By Road: NH 11 connects the maj

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Top Attractions

Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace

Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, also known as the Sajjan Garh Palace, is a hilltop palatial residence in the city of Udaipur, Rajasthan in India, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake. It is named Sajjangarh after Maharana Sajjan Singh (1874–1884) of the Mewar Dynasty, who built it in 1884. The palace offers a panoramic view of the city’s lakes, palaces, and surrounding countryside. It was built chiefly to watch the monsoon clouds; hence, appropriately, it is popularly known as Monsoon Palace.

It is said that the Maharana built it at the top of the hill to get a view of his ancestral home, Chittaurgarh. Previously owned by the Mewar royal family, it is now under the control of the Forest Department of the Government of Rajasthan and has recently been opened to the public. The palace provides a beautiful view of the sunset.

Maharana Sajjan Singh started the construction of the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace Udaipur, who was the 72nd ruler of the Mewar Dynasty. The Place reflects the rich culture and history of the Mewar Kingdom. He ruled for only 10 years due to his untimely death. But it was under his reign that Udaipur gained recognition as the second Municipality in India. He was a great thinker and developer and have a major contribution to developing Udaipur City.

History of Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace

Maharana Sajjan Singh was the 72nd ruler of the Mewar dynasty. In addition, he undertook many projects of civil work like road, dam constructions, water supply & other developments in infrastructure. Later on, he took a project to build an astronomical observatory which is the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace. Unfortunately, he passed away before he could complete the Sajjangrah Monsoon Palace. Later on, his successor Fateh Singh completed its construction keeping a palatial hunting lodge in mind.

Architecture of Sajjangarh Fort

The palace possesses a very grand court in its center that consists of various rooms and even a staircase. The court also comprises a very huge statuette of Maharana Pratap made out of bronze. Apart from this, the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace also consists of domes, fountains, Jharokhas, marble pillars engraved with floral carvings that reflect the vibrant architecture, culture and art of Rajasthan and even the royal quarters that have been further divided into Zanana Mahal (rooms for women) and Mardana Mahal (rooms for men).

The fort also comprises the Diwan-e-Khaas (hall meant for audiences that were private) and the Diwan-e-Aam (hall meant for general public). Lime mortar has been used for the plaster of the fort walls. There are tall turrets within the fort that are regulated by guards and they are visible even from a very long distance.

During the evening, the fort is illuminated and the view of the fort is very similar to fairytale castle floating in the night sky. There is a museum located in the ground floor of the beautiful palace that consists of paintings, maps of the palace, designs of the beautiful palace and even pictures of different kinds. The place also comprises an original system for rainwater collection which has the capability to store 195,500 liters of water. This water reservoir served to be very useful and the idea was also very innovative because of the dry desert environment of Udaipur. Boat ride across Lake Pichola renders a mesmerizing sight of the grand palace located at Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace.

On the flipside, the great palace one would get the stunning sight of the valley that is covered with thick and dense forest along with lush greenery. The place is not found to be commercialized as there are no vendors and no shops found in and around the fort. This makes the fort and the entire area surrounding the fort very peaceful, calm and quite. The palace also possesses a restaurant that remains under the supervision and is also owned by The Lalit Groups.

The restaurant provides breakfast, lunch, coffee and tea to the tourists who visit the fort. The Sajjangarh Fort Udaipur is considered to be the best sightseeing spot of Udaipur and this is the reason why it is very popular as a tourist destination in the city. Rs. 10 is the entry fee for the Indians into the fort and for foreigners it is Rs.80. Students can enter the fort with a nominal entry fee of just Rs.2. However, it is very sad that the fort is not being maintained by the Government of Rajasthan is an appropriate manner.

The interiors of the fort have been ruined and the fort walls have also got damaged. The authorities who have the responsibility of maintaining the fort should take useful measures in improving the Palace condition because of its importance as a tourist destination in Udaipur.

Entry fees and timings of Sajjangarh Fort

The Entry Fee of Monsoon Palace is Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 80 for foreigners.

The Timings to visit Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace is from 8 am to 6 pm. It is open on all days of the week.

Best Time to Visit Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace

As the name suggests, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace is best visited during the monsoon to fully capture its magnificence. It would be a good idea to avoid visiting Monsoon palace during summer time as the temperatures can rise up to 40 degree celsius. Winters are a good time to visit too but you may miss the reason as to why the palace earned this pseudonym.

How to reach Sajjangarh Palace

The City of Lakes, Udaipur, is very well connected. There is an airport, railway station and a national highway connecting it to all nearby cities and states. You can reach Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace via multiple ways mentioned below.

Airways- Dapok airport of Udaipur is about 27.4 Km away and can be easily reached by domestic flights from Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad.

Railways- You can take a direct train to Udaipur from various places such as Mumbai, Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. Udaipur railway station is 7.9 Km from Sajjangarh Fort.

Roadways- The Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace is 10km away from central Udaipur City. You can take a local cab, auto-rickshaw or a bus run by the government to reach the destination.

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Top Attractions

Vintage Car Museum Udaipur

Vintage Car Museum Udaipur is the Vintage & Classic Car Collection of the Maharanas of Udaipur, past and present. The pick of the Collection are the four Rolls Royce’s of which one has won awards while another was used in the James Bond classic Octopussy. Other classics such as a Cadillac Convertible has been used by dignitaries on their visit to Udaipur.

Being car enthusiasts, we didn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Vintage Car Museum Udaipur while in town. The Vintage & Classic Car Collection has been a popular attraction in the city of Udaipur ever since it was inaugurated in 2000. The grand limousines and cars showcased in the Collection belong to the Maharanas of Mewar both past and present. Despite some vehicles being over seventy years old, each one has been painstakingly restored so that they are still in perfect working condition. The Collection has been curated for the benefit of vintage car lovers from India and all over the world.

History of the Vintage Car Museum, Udaipur

Owned by the Rana Shri Arvind Singh Ji Mewar, the Vintage Car museum Udaipur is not very old. Inaugurated by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu on the 15th February of the year 2000, this museum is the official property of the HRH group. Home to more than 20 vintage cars, it includes 4 antique Rolls Royce cars, 1939, Cadillacs, rare models of Mercedes and many other vehicles. Exhibited in the Garage of the Mewar state motor garage, this is now a museum.

This Vintage Car Museum Udaipur will surely blow your minds. Vehicles dating back to 1900s are all in their top quality. There is also a shallow petrol pump in this property which is quite unstable now. So, you will certainly get to know much more about this heritage site once you actually visit this site. You will literally be spellbound to see so many antique cars in one place and you will just be stunned.

Unique feature of the Vintage Classic Cars Museum

  • The museum boasts of a great collection of classic cars more than 70 years old.
  • Some of the most well-recognized beauties include the infamously regal Rolls Royce Phantom, Cadillac, Austin, Morais, Chevalate and more.
  • All these cars are maintained to perfect working conditions.
  • These rides have belonged to the royal lineage for decades and are still the property of the presiding Maharana.
  • The cars will be a natural inheritance to the former Maharanas of the royal house .
  • While previously these cars were bought as the kings’ own luxury rides, but presently the royals do not indulge in their safaris
  • The guests at the Garden Hotel can have the unique advantage of cruising aboard one of these luxury cars as an aristocratic safari.
  • Many of the newest cars to the collection were later made as a collectible and not as a ride person

Entry fees and timings of Vintage Car Museum

The Vintage Car Museum Udaipur opens at 9 AM and closes at 9 PM.

The price of the ticket is Rs. 250 for adults and Rs. 150 for children.

Best time to visit the Vintage Car Museum

There is no fixed time to visit any museum; museums are always a protected treasure of knowledge.So, the best time to explore and indulge in knowledgeable facts stored in the Vintage Car Museum Udaipur is between October and March.

Nearby Attractions

  • The Lake Palace (Jagniwas) is located close by and is a popular tourist destination in Udaipur.
  • The City Palace is situated on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, along with the Lake Garden Palace on one of the islands in the lake.
  • A boat ride on Lake Pichola is also quite a famous tourist activity in the city.
  • Saheliyon Ki Bari is a beautiful and vast garden for a retreat during the day.
  • Many of the royal palaces and monuments of Udaipur are situated quite close to the Vintage Car museum.

Udaipur’s royal background is contained in the grandiose lifestyle of the royal families of Mewar, and the Vintage Car Museum Udaipur only explains how rich and exquisite the life of the Rajput dynasty really was. This intriguing museum should certainly be one of the top places to visit when one goes to Udaipur.

How to Reach Vintage Car Museum

The Vintage and Classic Car Museum is nestled on the Lake Palace Road, which is near the popular Gulab Bagh Zoo. You can access this destination by road through a personal vehicle or public transport. Once you reach Udaipur, you must visit Udaipur Bus Depot or Udiapole to reach 1.5 km. It is situated near the mesmerizing Pichola Lake.

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Top Attractions

Jal Mahal Jaipur

Jal Mahal Jaipur literally means the “Water Palace”, but when it was built, Maharaja Madho Singh I did not intend to use it as a palace. Instead, it was supposed to be a hunting lodge for the king and his entourage during their duck hunting trips. The palace stands in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city, and is a famous spot till date for sightseeing. The Jal Mahal is designed in a classic Rajput manner, with pink sandstone in a symmetrical style.

While a lot of people come to see the Jal Mahal Jaipur from the banks of the Man Sagar Lake, not many are aware of the technology and innovative design that has gone into building this ancient palace. On the surface, the palace appears to have one floor, but actually, there are four more submerged levels to the palace as its stone walls hold back millions of litres of water, and the specially designed lime mortar prevents water seepage into the palace, something which it has been doing for more than 250 years.

For now, the palace is not open to a majority of the public, so tourists flock to the banks of the lake to gaze at this magnificent structure. In the evenings, the banks are full of street food vendors as well, and the place gets pretty crowded as people visit what is possibly the most serene spot in the hustle and bustle of the city. The light colour of the sandstone walls creates a sharp contrast with the deep blue of the lake, and one can also see some green foliage sprouting from the inner courtyards of the palace, making it one of the most photographed spots in Jal Mahal Jaipur.

Jal Mahal, Jaipur: History

Jal Mahal Jaipur, one of the top places to visit in Jaipur, doesn’t have any recorded history about who built it or when. However, it is popularly believed that Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh constructed Jal Mahal in 1799 to serve as a hunting lodge during his duck shooting trips. Some people also credit Maharaja Madho Singh I for the construction of this palace and date its origins back to the 1750s. Regardless of who built the palace, it was never meant to be used as a regular palace for living.

Later, the palace was renovated by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber in the 18th century. Over the years, the structure suffered subsidence due to partial seepage of lake water and waterlogging issues. After several years of deterioration and neglect, renovation works were carried out in the early part of the 21st century to restore the palace into its former glory. Though the palace and many of its features have been restored, its original terrace garden could not be salvaged. Plans are on to create a new terrace garden modeled on the rooftop garden of the famous Amer Palace in Jaipur.

Jal Mahal Architecture

Jal Mahal Jaipur stands in the middle of a lake that has a maximum depth of 15 feet and a minimum depth of 4.9 feet. It is a five-storied structure built in the Rajput style of architecture, with influences of the Mughal architectural style. While four of its stories remain under water, only the top story remains visible, giving you an impression that the palace is floating on the waters of the lake.

Jal Mahal has been constructed out of red sandstone. Four elaborate chhatris designed in octagonal shape adorn the four corners of the palace. A huge Bengal-style rectangular chhatri also exists on the roof of the palace. In its heyday, the terrace garden of Jal Mahal was decorated with arched passages.

Best Time to Visit Jal Mahal

The best time to visit Jal Mahal Jaipur is during the rainy season when the weather becomes even more pleasant. The rain imparts a great edge to the stunning look of the sandstone of this palace and makes it look extremely stunning. People especially prefer to visit this spot during October as the weather is extremely pleasant during this month.

Nearby Tourist Attractions of Jal Mahal

There are many nearby attractions near Jal Mahal that should be a must-visit in your travel list.

1. Amer Fort: Located at a drive of eight minutes from Man Sagar Lake, Amer Fort is one of the prime attractions of Jaipur. This is also known as Amber Fort, and it consists of serpentine staircases and maze-like passages that are a splendour on its own. It is clad in yellow and pink sandstone and is an architectural masterpiece that holds significant relevance in Indian history. This fort is so big that it will take around three to four hours to explore it in great detail.

2. Jaigarh Fort: Jaigarh Fort is another major tourist attraction located at a distance of a few kilometres from Amer Fort. It is perched on the hilltop of “Cheel Ka Teela” and this magnificent fort was commissioned by Sawai Jai Singh 11 to protect Amer Fort from the British rulers. It is a palatial structure surrounded by massive battlements and verdant greenery, and it is connected to Amer Fort through many subterranean passages. The fort currently houses the largest cannon on wheels that is also popularly known as Jaivana.

3. Gaitore: This is the most famous tourist attraction in Jaipur, extremely renowned for its blend of Hindu and Islamic style of architecture. Gaitore is popular for its chattris or cenotaphs which means the resting spot of the departed souls.

4. Jantar Mantar: Jantar Mantar is a renowned astronomical observatory consisting of nineteen architectural instruments and the largest stone sundial in the world. This is a UNESCO world heritage site and it stands as a structure of brilliance in the city of Jaipur. It’s extremely renowned among the visitors for its clever and smart use of geometrical patterns in the form of instruments.

5. Hawa Mahal: This is a distinctive landmark that every visitor stops by in Jaipur. Made with pink and red sandstones this beautiful palace sits on the edge of the city close to Jal Mahal Jaipur. Its beehive-like structure consists of small chhatris and carved dome-shaped pavilions to show the richness of Rajputana architecture. The most interesting aspect of this palace is that a light breeze passes through it all the time which is why it has been named as Hawa Mahal.

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Tanot Mata Temple Jaisalmer

Tanot Mata Temple Jaisalmer or Maheshwari Tanot Rai Mandir is the same temple you have seen many times in the Bollywood ‘Border’ movie. The Tanot Mata Temple is situated close to the India-Pakistan border in a village named Tanot in Jaisalmer District of Rajasthan. This village has a low population (not even a thousand) and very few houses. The village is in the middle of Thar desert and is far away from the city. and sand dunes on both sides of the road makes a great scenery. The feeling of peace one can get at an attack prone place is weirdly amazing.

The road trip to the Temple will be something you will really enjoy. The long-deserted areas. The maintenance and management of this temple is not done by any community or organisation in fact the Indian BSF (Border Security Force) itself handles those things. There is a museum in the Temple where some of the bombs are kept at display from the 1960’s war incident. The BSF men have huge respect for that Temple and they even take some soil from around the temple area and apply that on themselves and their vehicles. They believe that sacredness of the Tanot Mata Temple Jaisalmer will help with their safety.

Even though, there are few restaurants and tea stalls in the area it is suggested for the tourists to carry sufficient amount of food and water which should be enough for them till the return. One more suggestion is to not depend on your mobile phones for anything because the chance of network availability throughout the way and the temple is very low. Another tip is regarding the clothes, temperature there will be too hot given the condition that it is a desert so choose the correct clothes and prepare yourself accordingly, Tanot Mata Temple Jaisalmer.

History of Tanot Mata Temple –

Tanot Mata Temple Jaisalmer In a small Rajasthani village called as Tanot in Jaisalmer district lies this beautiful mystical temple dedicated to the Tanot Mata who is believed to be a re-incarnation of Hinglaj Mata. This is indeed a noteworthy fascination for those who are visiting the mighty Thar Desert of India. The story of this temple is wrapped inside various legends that are certain to impart amazement and interest towards its holy power and immaculateness.

Border Security Force (BSF) of India has been preserving and maintaining this heritage site since the Indo-Pakistan war that took place in the year 1971. It is known that amid the Indo-Pakistani War of the year 1965, Pakistani Army dropped more than 3000 bombs focusing on the Tanot Mata temple and yet not even one detonated.

The Pakistani Tank regiment was stunned and continued shelling, however, again the same thing got repeated. The Pakistani General got curious after the war got over and got to know of the supernatural powers of Tanot Mata Temple Jaisalmer after his visit.

In the wake of offering your regards to the Goddess, you can also check out the historical centre set up in the vicinity. You would be able to see all the arms and ammo that was utilized amid the Indo-Pakistan wars of the year 1965 and 1971. The Tanot Mata temple is a standout one and amongst one of the best places to explore in the Great Thar Desert of Rajasthan. The best time to visit Tanot Mata Temple Jaisalmer is between the months of November to January. It is the time where travellers and tourists flock to this place.

Best Time to Visit Tanot Mata Temple

The best time to visit Tanot Mata Temple is between November and April. During these months, the weather is pleasant and the temperature is not likely to be high. The months of May and June should be especially avoided since the scorching heat of Rajasthan can make you very uncomfortable and might get you sick.

Also, during the months of April and September, the Navratri festival is celebrated in Tanot Mata Temple Jaisalmer, where free lunger is served by BSF. The temple is decorated with beautiful flowers, which make it look glorious. The temple is flooded by devotees from all parts of India during Navratri.

Tanot Mata Temple Jaisalmer

How to Reach Tanot Mata Temple

The best way to reach Tanot Mata Temple from Jaisalmer is via road. It takes about 2 hours to reach the temple from Jaisalmer. There are numerous taxis available from the city to the temple. The route to the temple is quite spectacular as well. 

From yellow sand dunes of the Thar Desert to blue vistas of the sky, your trip to the Tanot Mata Temple Jaisalmer will be quite memorable. 

Even though hiring a taxi is the safest and quickest way to reach Tanot Mata Temple, a few people also hire a bike to cover the distance. 

The road connecting the two places is embellished with windmills and flock of animals, such as camels and deer, truly turning your trip into an adventure! 

Places to visit near Tanot Mata Temple –

Some of the places to visit near Tanot Mata Temple are-

Jaisalmer Fort: This spectacular piece of architecture was built by Raja Jaisal in 1156 A.D. Ranked amongst the largest forts in the world, Jaisalmer Fort is also known as the Golden Fort for its mesmerizing gold and yellow sandstones. It is a two-hour drive from Tanot Mata Temple to Jaisalmer Fort.

Thar Desert: The Thar Desert needs no introduction. Do not forget to camp under the stars, camel safari, and dune bashing in the desert. Thar Desert is quite famous for its camel safari, jeep safari, night camps, Rajasthani dance performance, and dune bashing.

Do not miss the splendorous sunrise and sunset during your time at Thar. The desert is located at a distance of 70 km from the Tanot Mata Temple Jaisalmer.

Gadisar Lake: This pristine lake is located near the Jaisalmer Fort. It is known for its enriching history, scenic spots, and great architecture.

It was built by Raja Rawal Jaisal and rebuilt by Maharawal Garsi in 1367 A.D. One can also visit the famous Folklore Museum and historic Tilon Ki Pol gate here.

The distance between this lake and the temple is 120 km and takes about 2 hours to cover the distance.

Kuldhara: This ghost town is known for its ruins and history. It is said that the state minister of the town, Mr. Salim Singh wanted to marry the daughter of the village chief and announced that if he didn’t agree to his demand, the whole village will suffer the consequences.

The village didn’t accept the minister’s demand and moved away, cursing the place to never see human settlement again.

This abandoned town is thus, known for its spooky tales. It takes about 2 hours to reach here from the temple.

Thar Heritage Museum: The Museum is located in the main market. It is quite popular for exhibiting the history, culture, and architecture of the great Thar Desert.

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Chokhi Dhani Jaipur

Chokhi Dhani Jaipur is a village theme resort in Jaipur. It gives a true feel of Rajasthani culture and tradition that follows the old Indian way of living. It is a place filled with live entertainment, different kinds of rides, beautiful amusements, painting ground. Chokhi Dhani Jaipur gives you glimpses of the village. If you don’t have enough time to explore Jaipur or Rajasthan you can make a plan for Chokhi Dhani, the best place to explore.


Since 1994, it’s been lavishing resort in Jaipur. This resort has been serving worldwide local and native travellers from a long time. It has emerged as a special reception chain with the commitment to produce guests with the distinctive expertise culture. The reception is big yet many people can come together. Chokhi Dhani Jaipur is now accredited with a 5-star DELUXE category under the Ministry of Tourism.

What makes Chokhi Dhani worth visiting

Chokhi Dhani is a traditional resort that allows you to immerse yourself in the true colours of village life while also enjoying the best of Rajasthani culture and cuisine. Chokhi Dhani Jaipur Resort, built with traditional Rajasthani grandeur, has a wonderful atmosphere with ancient artefacts and antique furnishings that make everyone feel welcome. This location provides an ideal pastoral experience, combining a stunning rural setting with modern conveniences. You can sleep under thatched roofs, learn about the community, participate in a variety of events, and relax in a tranquil environment.

Activities

Chokhi Dhani Jaipur, with its numerous cultural programmes and events, provides the best live entertainment. It also hosts mini-village fairs every now and then. Observe the puppet show, traditional fire act, and acrobatics on bamboo “Nat Ro Kartab” to learn about the princely state’s rich cultural heritage. You can also go on a camel ride, get hennaed, and learn about history by watching a biopic, amaze yourself with some spectacular tricks at the magic show and enjoy traditional shopping.

Folk performances

Ghoomer, Potter Dance, Kalbeliya– the Snake Dance, Bhopa-Bhopi Dance, Terah Taali Manjira dance, Chari dance with pots on their heads, and Kathputli dance are among the folk performances available. Folk dances are performed to a variety of folk music as well as some well-known Bollywood songs.

Other activities

There are other activities like bullock cart rides, camel ride, elephant ride at Chokhi Dhani Village. You will also find an astrologer with bird fortune-teller to predict your future and a discotheque where you can dance to the grooves of the DJ. Moreover, there is a lake with name Tal Talaiya where you can enjoy boating as well.

Popular Attractions

Kalagram: It is an ideal destination for shopaholics where one can buy all kinds of handicrafts, artefacts, sculptures, and paintings for home décor and home furnishing. You can also shop for apparels, accessories by the local artisans’ to take back as a souvenir.

Battle of Haldighati Play: There is a play organised here on the Battle of Haldighati. You can relive the memories of the battle through an enactment that unfolded during the epic battle.

Rathkhana: This is another popular section at Chokhi Dhani that displays the ancient chariots used by the royal families of Rajasthan.

Temples: There are various temples including a Vaishno Devi Temple with an artificial waterfall, Jungle Devta temple, and Tejaji temple. These temples let us discover the different sentiments of the folk people of Rajasthan.

The National Museum: It displays the culture and heritage of different states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, West Bengal etc.

Dining Options at Chokhi Dhani

This resort is majorly popular for its excellent Rajasthani cuisine. They serve a truly delectable and filling traditional Rajasthani meal heavily loaded with dal baati, kadi, choorma, Gatta sabzi, and some other delicious accompaniments. However, there are eight dining options available at this beautiful resort, each with its own speciality.

Kesar Kyari

This restaurant offers some delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian Barbecue and grilled delicacies. It has a canopied seating arrangement. This restaurant is perfect for private get-togethers and parties.

Aragosta Restaurant

This regal restaurant is the largest restaurant of Chokhi Dhani Jaipur. It has grand interiors and plush ambience as well as its refined meals.

Bindola Restaurant

It is a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves cuisine such as Chinese, Italian, Mughlai, North Indian, Asian along with desserts. Enjoy the meal with the folksy feel, complete with Rajasthani Mandana wall paintings and roof lanterns.

Chaupal

It is a traditional sit-down restaurant popular for its lavish multi-course meals and charmingly insistent servers, who will serve you more food than you could possibly eat. They serve you Rajasthani dishes like Batis and Churma in an ancient manner.

Gorbandh

It is an open-air dining space to enjoy a vast array of Rajasthani snacks and delicacies.

Sangari

This restaurant serves you food on a leaf platter in the tradition of Manuhaar.

Village themed restaurant

This restaurant offers authentic Rajasthani cuisine and the entire place is set up and designed in the form of a traditional village.

Royal Fine Dining restaurant

This restaurant gives you a rich ambience where food is served in silverware to let you enjoy like kings and queens.

Apart from this, Chandni Mahal Bar is also there offering its guests different flavours of wine. The ambience of the bar is simply astonishing. It has a ceiling with thousands of stunning mirrors, the green marble floor, the gilt furniture and the beadwork curtains that makes it’s interior stunning.

Chokhi Dhani Jaipur Entry Fee

The entry fee depends upon the chosen dining option. For children, the entry will cost from 400 INR to 800 INR. The children below the age of 5 are free. While for adults the entry fee is between 800 INR to 1100 INR.

Chokhi Dhani Jaipur Timings

It is open throughout the week from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. It will take nearly 5 to 6 hours to explore this place completely.

How to Reach Chokhi Dhani Jaipur

Due to its location on the outskirts of the city at Ajmer- Jaipur highway, the best mode of transport to reach here is by road. There are a considerable number of transport options available, both comfortable and affordable. Hiring a private cab from top car rental companies in Jaipur is the best option to enjoy a comfortable and hassle free ride. Additionally, Chokhi Dhani also can arrange pick-ups and drops as they own their own fleet of cabs called Chokhi Dhani Rajputana Cab Services. The charges are INR 900 and INR 1500 for a round trip for a sedan and SUV respectively.

By Bus: If looking for economic options, one may get on to a Rajasthan Road Transport bus from any part of the city and reach Jaipur Bus Station which is situated at Jawahar Nagar Marg. From here, hire a cab or an auto rickshaw to reach Chokhi Dhani, which is 19.5 kilometres away.

By Train: Jaipur Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Chokhi Dhani Jaipur, which is around 20 kilometres away. One may have to hire a cab or taxi from station to the destination.

By Air: Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport to Chokhi Dhani, at a distance of around 12 kilometres. The best way to reach Chokhi Dhani from the airport will be by hiring a cab.

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Places to Visit in Darjeeling

Places to Visit in Darjeeling, There are numerous tourist places to visit in Darjeeling, a breath-taking town settled cosily on the foothills of Himalayas. The untouched beauty of this incredibly beautiful town is a respite from the bustling city life and thus, attracts visitors from all over the country.

Amongst the countless tourist attractions in Darjeeling, Tiger Hill seems to have made quite a mark among tourists, because this place is a complete package for nature as well as snow lovers. Another highlight of visiting Places to Visit in Darjeeling is its Himalayan Railway, known for its Toy Train experience which offers pleasant mountain views.

Next to the list is Darjeeling’s Ropeway, set up to give the tourists awe-inspiring views of verdant tea estates that aren’t easily accessible. Apart from the above attractions, places like Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, Rock Garden, and Peace Pagoda should definitely be on your list. Clearly, when it comes to places to see in Darjeeling, the list is simply inexhaustible.

Tiger Hill

The highest peak in the Darjeeling-Kurseong range, Tiger Hill is a famous vantage point in Darjeeling. Sitting at an altitude of 8,442 ft (2,573 m), the summit offers resplendent views of Mt Kanchenjunga at sunrise.

When the sun rises, its orange light hits the snow-capped peak in a dazzling way. If you look far away, Mount Everest is also visible from here if the sky is considerably clear.

It is one of the most charming Places to Visit in Darjeeling that you should not miss visiting. For witnessing the sunrise, you need to start as early as 4 o’clock in the morning.

Tourist cars queue up near the summit and the place gets crowded as the sunrise approaches. So, it is better to reach there beforehand and secure a place in the observatory.

Tiger Hill summit is located around 11 km from the main town. It is accessible by car and is about 45 minutes drive from Darjeeling town.

Batasia Loop

Located right below Ghoom Railway Station, Batasia Loop is a train halt point on Siliguri to Darjeeling route. It is an engineering marvel of British period which was commissioned to counter a steep fall after the train crosses Ghoom station en route to Places to Visit in Darjeeling.

Witnessing the toy train move around the loop is a fantastic experience. In the center of the Batasia Loop, there is a Gurkha Soldiers war memorial surrounded by a garden. If you are not up for the toy train ride, it is easily reachable by a car from Darjeeling town.

Peace Pagoda

Nestled on the Jalapahar Hill, the Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda stand as a symbol of world peace and harmony. Both the structures are located in the same complex. The temple is also known as Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple.

A Japanese Buddhist monk, Nichidatsu Fujii, laid the foundation stone of the pagoda in 1972. Inside the pagoda, there are four images of Lord Buddha depicting the four avatars.

Visitors are given drums and sticks to join rhythmic drum beating during prayer time. It is absolutely otherworldly experience when you can feel divine vibes all around the place.

From the center of the town, it takes roughly 15 minutes to reach there by car. It remains open from 4:30 am to 7 pm for tourists.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Zoological gardens are normally off the itinerary for me. However, Zoological Garden in Darjeeling is really worth a visit.

Officially known as Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, it was established in 1954 for the conservation of endangered high-altitude animals. In 1975, the park was renamed in the memory of late Padmaja Naidu, former governor of West Bengal.

A well-kept zoological park, it houses numerous Himalayan animal species including red panda, snow leopard and Himalayan wolf.

So, if you have not sighted these rare species in the wild, you can see them here. Red pandas and snow leopards are the star attractions for visitors.

The park also runs captive breeding initiatives for many such animal species of the Eastern Himalayan region. It is definitely one of the amazing Places to Visit in Darjeeling to visit for the wildlife admirers.

Happy Valley Tea Estate

Happy Valley Tea Estate is the closest tea garden to Darjeeling town, situated about 3 km from Chowk Bazar. It was established as Wilson Tea Estate in 1854 by a Britisher. Later in 1903, a Bengali gentleman, Tarapada Banerjee took over the tea estate.

It was renamed as Happy Valley Tea Estate in 1929 after being merged with a neighbouring tea garden. Perched at an altitude of 6,900 ft (2,100 m), it is one of the highest tea gardens in the world.

A visit to this tea estate gives opportunities to learn about the entire process of tea processing from leaves plucking to drying. For tea connoisseurs, it is one of the Places to Visit in Darjeeling to visit. As you take a tour of this garden, the special tea aroma fills the senses.

It is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm, 5 days a week (Tuesday to Saturday). During winters, it is usually closed for visitors when plucking and processing are not taking place.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

A famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is the oldest of the three Mountain Railways of India. The other two are Nilgiri Mountain Railways in Tamil Nadu and Kalka Shimla Railway in Himachal Pradesh.

It was constructed between 1879 and 1881 to connect the Darjeeling Hills with the plains. DHR runs on a 2-feet gauge track and is fondly known as the Toy Train.

From New Jalpaiguri to Places to Visit in Darjeeling, the 88 km long track passes through fantastic loops and zigzag reverses. It is approximately a 7 hour train journey through the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region.

They also offer a 2-hour Joy ride between Darjeeling and Ghum, India’s highest railway station at 7,407 ft. The train halts at Ghum for about 30 minutes when you can take an amble through the DHR museum.

Best Time To Visit

Best Time To Visit I would recommend the Summer season, from March to May, for visiting Places to Visit in Darjeeling. The weather stays pleasantly cool and skies are clear during these months. So, you can see the imposing peaks of the Himalayas from various viewpoints.

With the onset of monsoon in June, it starts to rain heavily. Incessant rains sometimes cause landslides in the region. Avoid traveling to Darjeeling in the rainy season from June to September.

The next best season is right after monsoon from October to November. Winter (December to February) is harsh and the temperature drops significantly, making it freezing cold. Owing to mist and fog, you might not be able to see the Himalayan mountain peaks.

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Bhutan Tour Guide

Bhutan Tour Guide is not an ordinary place, it has been the most loved country by tourists. Be its colourful culture or enigmatic mountain, the tourist places in Bhutan has always attracted tourists from across the world. The country of rolling hills and charming culture always exudes the charm that cannot be missed. Delightful people, dense forest, gigantic mountains and exclusive cuisine, always give a delightful experience. Bhutan is a place to experience and feel its warmth that will stay in your for lifelong.It evokes a sense of emotion that retains its opacity to keep you hooked. Bhutan is surprising and its traditions are visible Bhutan Tour Guide.

A flight to Paro will be surely the most part of your journey overlooking the enigmatic snowy mountain calling you to explore them. Bhutan is blessed with hilltop monasteries that brings out the peace which you desire to have during your visit. These monasteries are century old and are still strong in terms of construction and solace which is offered. Some of these monasteries are listed in the UNESCO Heritage List and introduces to the long-lasting religion. Bhutan is known for its colourful festivals that have been celebrated since the time of kingdom. These festivals showcase the culture and present the story that is hidden beneath.

Masked people, colourful clothes and music are enough to keep you hooked and create interests. Then there are textiles and handicrafts that showcase the true art of the people here. Bhutan Tour Guide is not only about festivals and monasteries, but also of thrilling mountain activities, river rafting and archery competitions which are the part of Bhutan travel. All these certainly makes Bhutan the Gross National Happiness country giving a different picture altogether. So pack your bags and head to this happy country, to visit the most awaited tourist places in Bhutan.

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History of Bhutan

Archaeological evidence suggests this area was inhabited as far back as 2000 BC. Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the seventh century AD, extending the Tibetan Empire into the region and ordering the construction of two Buddhist temples in the Paro area.

Until the early 17th century, Bhutan Tour Guide was essentially a patchwork of small, warring fiefdoms, and then the Tibetan lama and military leader Ngawang Namgyal, who had fled religious persecution in Tibet, unified the area. To defend the country against periodic Tibetan advances, Namgyal built a network of impregnable dzongs (fortresses) and promulgated the Tsa Yig, a legal code that helped to bring local lords under centralized control. Many dzongs still exist and are active centers of district administration and religion.

Through the British East India Company, the British entered Bhutan Tour Guide in the 18th century as part of its colonial expansion into India, China and the region as a whole. The British remained involved in the country’s affairs for the ensuing two hundred-plus years. After centuries of internal struggles, civil wars and conflicts with neighboring peoples, during which the British backed certain leaders and factions, Bhutan chose a king in 1907. The nation settled into an agreement that gave the British control of Bhutan’s foreign affairs.

In 1953, the king established the 130-member National Assembly in order to promote a more democratic form of governance, and the country eventually changed from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy.

It was only in 1999 that the country lifted its ban on television and the Internet and began to open up more to the outside world. In 2005, Bhutan began to implement a new constitution, and in 2007 and 2008, it held its first national parliamentary elections. After opening its country to commercial tourism in 1974, Bhutan Tour Guide welcomed 287 tourists that year. Every year, as the draw of this vibrant, unspoiled country increased, more and more people made the journey. Today, over a quarter-million people visit Bhutan annually.

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Interesting facts about Bhutan:

  • Bhutan is known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, because of the violent thunderstorms that growl over the country’s valleys
  • Bhutan is the first country to measure growth and performance through “Gross National Happiness” instead of Gross National Product
  • Bhutan outlawed tobacco in 2004 and it’s rare to see people smoking on the streets
  • The national sports of Bhutan are archery and darts
  • Thimphu has no traffic lights – just white gloved traffic officers
  • Gangkhar Puensum is the highest mountain in Bhutan. It is so sacred that no one has climbed its peak

Places to visit in Bhutan

Bhutan Tour Guide, the last Himalayan Kingdom, is a country where you would find happiness prevailing across! Sharing international boundaries with India and China, this picturesque piece of heaven is shrouded by the mystical Himalayas, cuddled with pictorial plains and magical sub-alpine mountains. Amidst all these miraculous beauties, one would find a range of scenic places to visit in Bhutan.

1. Phuentsholing

As you enter the Land of Thunder Dragons through the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing entry point, you will feel a uniqueness all around you! The pristine beauty of this Bhutanese town, its livelier ambience, and friendly locals will surely create a deep impression in your mind and soul.

Often revered as the ‘Gateway to Bhutan’, Phuentsholing is among the most popular holiday destination in the country. The fact that this town is located adjacent to the Indian town of Jaigaon, Indian national often flee to this town to enjoy day-outs and family picnic during the months of December, January, and February.

2. Thimphu

In addition to being the capital city of Bhutan Tour Guide, Thimphu is also known for its perfect mix of cultural values, indigenous traditions, and modern vibes. The largest city in the country, it is also touted as the most developed and modern destination in Bhutan.

Shrouded with some of the most ancient monasteries, dzongs, and other point of interests, Thimphu also proves to be an ideal destination if you want to sit back and laze around while enjoying the best of Bhutan’s weather.

3. Punakha

If you ask anyone about what is so special about Punakha, you are likely to get introduced its kaleidoscopic weather conditions and natural beauty. A hidden gem in Western Bhutan Tour Guide, this scenic valley enjoys a warm summer and an enjoyable winter.

This gorgeous valley entices visitors with its rich and diverse history, array of ancient dzongs, and friendly locals. Punakha Dzong, which is known to be one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan is located in this pictorial valley. While in here, visitors should also make it to its local rice fields, which is often famed as one of the most scenic treats to the eyes.

4. Paro

If you happen to Google about Bhutan Tour Guide, there are high probabilities that you would be shown exhilarating images of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan. Well, if you have ever come across any such images, you should know that you already had a glimpse of how beautiful Paro Valley would be!

Located at a lofty elevation of 7,200ft, this picturesque valley is an esteemed tourist destination in Bhutan’s tourism map. Along with the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, this valley is also the home to more than 150 noted sacred sites and tourist points. As you enter Bhutan, make sure that your itinerary has a tour to the scenic Paro Valley; else, you will miss out a slice of heaven in Bhutan.

5. Bumthang

Comprising of four of the most stunning vicinities in the entire country – Choekhor, Chumey, Tang, and Ura, Bumthang Valley takes all the pride of being one of the most tranquil tourist destinations in Bhutan. A proud valley that sits at an altitude of 2,600-4,500m, this valley in Central Bhutan is a picture-perfect destination for leisure seekers, history diggers, honeymooners, and others.

Visitors yarning for some secluded moments and peace of mind, should visit Bumthang without even thinking twice. Its magical weather, tourist attraction points, and other tourist options would surely keep you engrossed with all the required fun, frolic, and peace of mind.

Best time to visit Bhutan

Bhutan’s calendar is filled with different seasons in different regions. You may need to do your research specifically for a particular region. However, there is one chunk of the year that is uniformly pleasant – from October to December – clear skies and sunny days with a hint of chill make the perfect weather to visit Bhutan.

How to reach Bhutan

By Air: Bhutan only has one international airport, based in Paro. The domestic airport is found in south central Bhutan Tour Guide (Gelephu Airport). You can catch a flight via Druk Air, which operates direct flights from Kolkata, Delhi, Bangkok, Kathmandu and Dhaka to Paro. The closest airport in India is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. Flying to Bhutan is a treat for the eyes, and during fine weather you can enjoy great views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Lhotse.

By Road: There are only three borders open to outside tourists, via the road. These are Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup. You can either take a taxi, bus or any other form of public transportation to cross the border. Phuentsholing is a four to five-hour drive from Bagdogra Airport. Samdrup is situated about 150 kms away from Guwahati and the drive takes approximately 3 hours. You can also catch the bus from Esplanade Station in Kolkata to Phuentsholing.

By Train: There are no direct train routes to Bhutan Tour Guide. You’ll need to disembark from the train and catch a cab or bus to Bhutan. The most convenient stations are New Alipurduar, Siliguri, Hasimara and Jalpaiguri station. Hasimara is a mere 17 km from Phuentsholing, while New Alipurduar is 60 km from Jaigaon. You can catch a bus from Jaigaon. Trains from Guwahati stop at Jaigaon railway station.

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