Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi

March 9, 2023 rtp123

Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi, also popularly known as Benares and Kashi, is one of the world’s oldest living cities situated on the banks of the holy River Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, this City of Lord Shiva is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for not only Hindus, but Buddhists and Jains as well.

Believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who stood upon this land at the beginning of time, Varanasi is “older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend” as Mark Twain had rightly put it. Since time immemorial, Varanasi has attracted hordes of pilgrims and devotees from all corners of the world, who come here to explore the religious places and other tourist attractions in Varanasi. To be in Varanasi is an experience of a lifetime, a self–discovery of its own kind, whereby you’ll experience an eternal oneness of the body and soul.

Mythology reins in Varanasi, and the city offers a breathtaking experience to every visitor. The early morning sun rays shimmering across the holy Ganges, the temples and shrines adorning the high banks drenched in a golden hue, the air filled with chants of soul-stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense, and a refreshing dip in the holy waters – the multifarious sights and sounds of Varanasi will mesmerize you.

Besides having remained a major cultural and religious centre in northern India for ages, Varanasi is also famous for the Benares Gharana (school) of Indian classical music developed here. Varanasi is also home to the distinguished Banaras Hindu University. Numerous eminent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians resided in Varanasi at some point of time or other. The local people of Benares are known to be connoisseurs of literature, music, Vedic philosophy, arts, crafts and architecture Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

A holy destination near the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple attracts Hindu pilgrims and visitors who travel hundreds of miles to visit it. The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is around four kilometers from the Varanasi Junction railway station. The spectacular monument, which is devoted to the Hindu god Shiva, has gained the moniker “The Golden Temple” because of its stunning spire, which is plated in about 800 kg of pure gold and is the tallest structure in the world. Because of its remarkable style, this temple has served as an inspiration for the construction of hundreds of other temples across India.

Tourists are required to deposit their cameras, phones, purses, and other personal goods in a rentable locker nearby due to the strict security measures in place surrounding the complex. Take off your shoes and join hundreds of other people waiting to touch the 60-centimeter-tall Shiva lingam housed in a silver altar, which is said to cleanse the sins of those who come near it. It’s a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience Varanasi Tour Packages.

Manikarnika Ghat

At Manikarnika Ghat, plumes of smoke rise to the sky in a swirling motion. Rather than coming from a factory, it is derived from the constant cremations that take place on this ghat. Hindus believe that Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most auspicious sites for the souls of the deceased to attain moksha (liberation from suffering) (emancipation from the cycle of spiritual rebirth). Hundreds of cremations take place every day at this ghat, which is open around the clock. The funeral pyre burns around the clock Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi.

Tourists are regularly approached by priests or guides who offer to walk them around the intriguing ghat; however, some might be pushy in their requests for money. Some Doms (members of an untouchable caste) may be seen carrying cloth-wrapped corpses on homemade stretchers, and mounds of firewood may be placed nearby, ready to be used as kindling for the pyre Varanasi Tourism.

You may also be given the opportunity to see a cremation up and personal – for a cost, of course. Even while it is a deep experience, it is not for the faint-hearted, nor is it a typical tourist destination in the conventional sense. Keep in mind your boundaries, be courteous, and refrain from photographing funerals, mourners, or the recently deceased.

Dhamek Stupa

While Hinduism undoubtedly has a grip on Varanasi, Buddhism has a significant presence in the nearby town of Sarnath, which is less than 12 kilometers away. A large stone and brick building measuring 43.6 meters in height and 28 meters in circumference, you’ll discover the Dhamek Stupa near the temple complex. The stupa was constructed more than 1,500 years ago as a replacement for a building that had been in existence since 249 BCE, according to legend.

The faithful believe that the Buddha visited Dhamek Stupa after attaining enlightenment in order to deliver his first speech, which revealed the Eightfold Path, to the people. As you go around the stupa, have a look at the intricate carvings of birds, people, and flowers that decorate the walls of the structure.

Additionally, Sarnath has several additional tourist attractions that make it an excellent day trip option from Varanasi. Visit the Chaukhandi Stupa (a Buddhist shrine that dates back at least to the 6th century), then head to the Sarnath Museum to see the Lion Capital of Ashoka, a sculpture that used to sit atop the Ashoka Pillar in 250 BCE and was later designated as the official Emblem of India by the government in 1950. Last but not least, spend some time exploring the serene Tibetan Temple before making your way back to Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi.

Dasaswamedh Ghat

The Dasaswamedh Ghat is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Varanasi because of its vibrant environment. In this bustling tourist attraction, you may find flower merchants boasting vibrant flowers, boat operators peddling tours along the Ganges River, and sadhus (holy men) decked up in colorful face paint. During the day, you may spend hours just walking about and people-watching.

At the Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi, Hindu priests perform the Ganga Aarti every night, beginning at around 7 p.m. The priests, who are dressed in saffron robes, lay platters of flower petals and other gifts before blowing a conch shell to signify the beginning of the spiritual rite. For almost 45 minutes, thousands of visitors assemble to listen to the priests chant and wave tiered platters of sandalwood-scented incense in elaborate patterns before them. It’s a lavish sight to see and one of the most popular things to do in the area Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi.

You should get to the ghat at least two hours before the performance begins if you want to avoid the throng and secure a prime viewing position. In addition, from boats cruising along the river or from store balconies perched above the ghat, you may enjoy breathtaking vistas.

Assi Ghat

In terms of popular tourist destinations in Varanasi, the city’s southernmost principal ghat is always near the top of the list. The main feature in Assi Ghat is a Shiva lingam (phallic symbol of the Hindu god), which is located under a holy fig tree. It attracts hundreds of pilgrims every day who come to worship Lord Shiva after bathing in the Ganges River.

Are you feeling a bit stiff after your travels? Take a stroll down to Assi Ghat at the crack of dawn, when you may join dozens of other people in practicing downward-facing dogs to live music every day during morning yoga classes. Additionally, in the evenings, tourists may see another Ganga Aarti performance at this location, which is somewhat smaller and more personal than the one at Dasaswamedh Ghat.

Ganga River

The Ganges River, which was named after the Hindu goddess Ganga, is one of India’s most cherished natural wonders and is one of the world’s longest rivers. The river flows southeast from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal, where it empties into the Indian Ocean. Around 600 million people depend on the Ganges River for their daily needs of bathing and drinking water respectively.

Hindus go from all over the globe to Varanasi to cleanse themselves in the sacred Ganges water and to conduct rituals along the hundreds of ghats (washing stations) that line the river. When it comes to visitors, the river serves as a fixed point of direction for traveling about the city, and you’ll spend a significant amount of time touring and taking in the views of life along the Ganges River.

Consider getting up early and enjoying a dawn ride down the river – bargain with one of the innumerable boatmen that hang out along the ghats to get a good deal on a boat. The purchasing of a tiny floating offering packed with fresh flowers and a candle and the releasing of the offering into the Ganges River are two of the most popular activities to do in Varanasi in the afternoon or early evening. Having this delightful experience will help you connect more deeply with Hindu culture and will be etched in your memory for years to come Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi.

Banaras Hindu University

Since its founding in 1916, Banaras Hindu University has played an important role in the development of Varanasi’s identity. A total of more than 25,000 students attend the well-regarded public institution, making it one of Asia’s biggest residential universities. There are no hill stations in the vicinity of Varanasi, so if you’re searching for a place to get away from the throng and the hustle and bustle of the city, come to this lovely 1,300-acre campus instead.

The tranquil location is covered by hundreds of towering trees and provides a welcome respite from the bustling environment of the Banaras Ghats, which can be found nearby. While on campus, pay a visit to the New Vishwanath Temple, a well-known temple that was ultimately completed in 1966 after a decade-long building process.

The temple, which stands 77 meters tall, is one of the highest in India, and it takes its architectural cues from the adjacent Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Visitors to the institution should also make a point of visiting the Bharat Kala Bhavan, which is located on the campus’s grounds. The cultural institution is home to a stunning collection of miniature paintings, as well as more than 100,000 additional objects of archaeological and aesthetic significance, all of which are on display Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi.

Shri Durga Temple

Varanasi is home to a variety of spiritual activities that are not limited to the ghats. The Shri Durga Temple, located about a five-minute walk west of Assi Ghat, is a popular destination for Hindus who seek to pay homage to the goddess Durga. The 300-year-old temple is easily identifiable since it is painted brilliant crimson from top to bottom.

Monkey Temple is the temple’s nickname, which provides you a hint as to what kind of critters you can see swinging about in this region. You may also see a pair of lovely swans swimming on the surface of a pool of water in front of the temple building Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi.

Ramnagar Fort

Varanasi is one of the few Indian cities that does not have a fort, and it is no exception. Ramnagar Fort is located around 14 kilometers outside of the city core. Originally built as a defensive structure, the 18th-century sandstone fort and palace is now home to a quirky museum filled with vintage automobiles, elaborate hookahs, antique firearms, sedan chairs decked out in jewels, and a unique astronomical clock that has been in operation for more than 150 years.

After taking part in an archaeological treasure hunt at the museum, visit the fort’s temples, one of which is dedicated to Veda Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and other key Hindu epics Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi.

Darbhanga Ghat

Photographers should be aware that Darbhanga Ghat provides the ideal chance to capture breathtaking images of Varanasi. The ultra-luxurious BrijRama Palace, a historic fort that has been turned into a heritage hotel, stands at the top of the steps going down to the riverfront. The Greek pillars and curving balconies of the home provide a royal air to the surrounding region (and to your images) Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi.

Come early in the morning to get unimpeded views of the spectacular sunrise over The Ganges River.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, which is located on the banks of the Assi River, attracts hundreds of people each day who come to present sweets and flowers to the Hindu deity Hanuman, who is worshipped at the temple. According to legend, this temple was built on the site where Hindu saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas had a vision of the monkey deity, which inspired him to build it. When it comes to monkeys, keep an eye out for the mischievous critters that have been sighted jumping about the temple on several occasions.

The months of April and May are especially favorable for visiting this Varanasi destination. That’s when the temple conducts its annual “Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh,” a festival of classical music and dance presentations that takes place over a period of five to six days in the spring and summer. Participating in the almost 100-year-old festival brings together performers from all over the globe Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi.

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

When the Bharatiya Lalit Kala Parishad was established in a wing of the Godowlia Palace in Varanasi on 1st January 1920, it was the beginning of the realization of the plan for Bharat Kala Bhavan. After being relocated to numerous different places across Varanasi between 1920 and 1962, the museum’s collection was finally established in the current structure in 1950 by Jawaharlal Nehru Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi.

The museum was subsequently relocated to its current location at the Banaras Hindu University in 1962. Mahatma Gandhi visited Bharat Kala Bhavan three times, and on his third visit, he wrote on the wall of the building, “the collection is extremely nice.”

The Bharat Kala Bhavan is a university museum in Varanasi, India, and is situated on the campus of Banaras Hindu University. It has played a significant role in the transmission of information about Indian art and culture. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in both the Banaras Hindu University and the city of Varanasi, and it is open to the public Top 12 Tourist Places in Varanasi.

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Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi

March 8, 2023 rtp123

Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi is a place of wonderful attractions and this capital city of the country makes the tourist spellbound and it is really a nice experience to be in this wonderful city of excellence in heritage. Delhi is one of the cities in the continuous existence since the millenniums and it is the place where the dreams come true. There are many attractions in the city of Delhi and one of the major attractions of the place is the tomb of Humayun and this spot is near to the place called Hazrat Nizamuddin Delhi Tour Packages.

The name of the place is kept in the honor of the saint named Hazrat Nizamuddin. India gate is another major attraction and this is the spot of the famous Amar Jawan Jyoti. This is the flame that keeps burning in the honor of the warriors of India. Come to the wonderful Raj Ghat and salute the Mahatma. Among the chief attractions of Delhi, Lotus temple, the wonderful red fort and the Jama Masjid hold a special place in the eyes of the tourist. Delhi fascinates the tourist and the splendid Connaught place is among the major attractions. It is a complex of enjoyment because of the shopping avenues.

You’ll find quite a few tourist attractions in Delhi which will keep you active and amused throughout your remain inside the metropolis. Infect, you will find so numerous places to determine in Delhi, India that it is almost impossible to cover all of them inside a solitary trip. Old Delhi gives some magnificent monuments sights like Red Fort, the historical Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid etc. Not to become left powering is New Delhi sightseeing tour that boasts of several government structures, embassies, together with numerous historical places. A few of the popular tourist attractions of Delhi are mentioned below:

Red Fort– The Epitome of The Mughal Era

Red fort is recognized as the powerful reminder of the Mughal era along with a symbol of India’s struggle for freedom. It is known to be one of the best places to visit in Delhi and was built by fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan at the time he decided to shift his capital from Agra. It is the first place in Asia to have an amazing sound and light show.

Major Attraction

the best part of this place is the sound and light show which take place daily except Monday. The show timings are different for Hindi and English. For Hindi, it is from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm and for English, it is 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Tickets are available in the ticket booth at Fort an hour before the show starts. The cost to watch this show: on Weekday’s ticket costs: 60 rupees for adults and 20 rupees for children of 3 to 12 years Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi.

Timings: 7 am to 5:30 pm, except Monday
Fees: no fees for children below the age of 15, for Indian citizen, Citizens of BIMSTEC nations and SAARC is rupees 10 and other foreign citizens rupees 250.
Weekend and government holiday: ticket costs 8- rupees for adults and 30 rupees for children of 3 to 12 years of age.
Nearest metro station – Chandni Chowk. You can also take an auto-rickshaw or else a taxi from the metro station. You can easily reach Red Fort from any part of the city via DTC buses.

Humayun’s Tomb– Amazing Works of Mughal Architecture

Humayun’s tomb is known to be the must-visit tourist place in Delhi. The design of this magnificent monument pertains to typical Mughal architecture with a Persian influence Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi.

Due to its beautiful design and illustrious history, Humayun’s tomb was featured in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in the year 1993. The most notable features inside this tomb are the gardens squares with pathways water channels.

Timings: the monument is opened daily from sunrise to sunset
Entry fee: rupees 30 for Indians and rupees 500 for foreigners
Nearest metro station: JLN Stadium

Qutab Minar– Structure With Chiseled Carvings

Qutub Minar in Delhi is said to be the tallest individual tower worldwide and also a second tallest monument in Delhi. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and is located in Mehrauli Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi.

The view of this magnificent monument will surely take you back to the rich history of India. Besides this beautiful monument, the Qutub complex presents many other ancient strictures too like Iron pillar and Alai Darwaza.

Best Attraction

The best attraction of Qutub Minar is the Qutub festival held in winter months November and December. It is a three-day festival which is celebrated for the magnificence of monument and flaunts its glorious history.

Timings: remains open all days except Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Entry fees: rupees 10 for Indians and rupees 250 for foreigners.
Nearest metro station: Qutab Minar

Bahai Temple ( Lotus Temple)

Bahai temple in Delhi is an edifice dedicated to Bahai faith and is known to be one of the topmost tourist spots in Delhi.

The beautiful structure of Bahai temple unfolds in the form of breathtaking white petal lotus and seeks to propagate the oneness of the Almighty and is opened for all regardless of religion, nationality, and gender.

This lotus temple in Delhi is one of the seven Baha’i House of Worship worldwide. It is one of the must-visit places in Delhi not for its architecture but to get a new way of meditation and a pleasant ambiance Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi.

Timings: opened all days of the week except Monday. Timings from October to March are 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and April to September is 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.
Entry fees: free
Nearest metro station: Nehru place metro station

Lodhi Garden– Treat For Eyes

Lodhi Gardens are the most popular tourist spots in Delhi located on main Lodi road and were earlier known as Lady Willington Park. The place offers many beautiful fountains, ponds, blossoming shrubs, flowering trees, artificial streams, and a jogging track.

It is recognized as the popular spot in Delhi to visit for people of all ages. You can see many species of birds all throughout the year. Lodhi gardens are a sheer visual treat for eyes especially in the months of February and March owing to winter flowers are in full bloom Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi.

Nearest metro station: Lok Kalyan Marg
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm, all days open
Entry fee: Free

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple – Largest Hindu Temples Worldwide

Swaminarayan Akshardham temple is one of the best places in Delhi to visit as it epitomizes about 10000 years of Indian culture in all its awe-inspiring beauty wisdom and grandeur. This beautiful temple in Delhi showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, timeless spiritual messages, and traditions.

A visit to Akshardham temple in Delhi is an enlightens journey all the way through the country’s glorious values, arts, and contributions towards harmony, happiness, and progress Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi.

Best Attraction

the musical fountain show that showcases the cycle of birth, life, and death. , the ticket cost 30 rupees for adults and senior citizen and 20 rupees for children of 4 to 11 years of age.

Entry fee: Complex entry is free
Timings: first entry at 9:30 am and last entry at 6:30 pm. Monday closed
Nearest metro station: Akshardham

India Gate- A Monument that Defines Delhi

India gate is among the best places to visit in New Delhi. It is 42 meter high stands in the middle of a crossroad and commemorates 70000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in fighting for the British Army during world war one.

There is one more memorial Amar Jawan Jyoti near India gate which is an eternal flame which burns day and night under the arch. This is to remind the nation of soldiers who laid their lives during the Indo Pak war in 1971 Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi.

Nearest Metro station: Patel Chauk & Janpath
Timings: you can visit this place at any time opened from morning to night.
Entry Fee: free

Jama Masjid- Largest Mosque in India

Jama Masjid in Old Delhi is known to be the marvelous treasure and is also one of the largest mosques in India. The courtyard of this beautiful mosque holds more than 25000 devotees altogether. The mosque was completed in 1656 and took six years to complete.

The climb on the southern tower of Jama Masjid will offer a stunning view across the rooftops of Delhi. Keep in mind to cover your head, legs as well as shoulders while visiting the mosque or you will not be allowed to enter Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi.

Timings: open daily from sunrise to sunset. 7 am to noon and 1:30 to 6:30 pm.
Best time to visit: the best time to visit this place is in Morning.
Nearest metro station: Chawri Bazaar
Entry fees: free

Jantar Mantar– Most Fascinating Observatory Site

Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory site and is recognized as one of the best places to visit in New Delhi. It is with an eccentric design where you can spend many hours roaming around. This extraordinary site in New Delhi is also among the places to visit in Delhi with friends for a pleasant picnic in gardens.

This observatory was built to assist and improve the studies of time and space. It consists of about 13 architectural astronomy instruments which can be utilized to predict the movement and timings of sun, planets, and moon by compiling the astronomical tables.

The smart and intelligent placement of these instruments permits an observer to note the position of heavenly bodies with the naked eye. This amazing site also has masonry built astronomical instruments that proved themselves by the test of time and till date working well as they did earlier Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Delhi.

Nearest metro station: Patel Chowk and Rajiv Chowk
Entry fees: rupees 5 for Indians and rupees 100 for foreigners.
Timings: open from sunrise to sunset, i.e., 9 am to 7 pm

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Best 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Jaipur

March 6, 2023 rtp123

Best 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Jaipur the capital city of Rajasthan is first ever planned cities, according to Indian Vastu Shastra. Tightly sheathed in legends and myths, the city is an alluring concoction of the past and the future. The most distinguishing factors of the city are its mesmerizing monuments such as honeycomb Hawa Mahal, the exquisite water palace Jal Mahal, a fairy tale like grand Amer Fort, towering Nahargarh Fort, and each one has a story to tell that makes a trip to Jaipur even more special.

The state capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is encompassed by the Aravali hills. A famous commercial hub the heritage city is much more developed compared to many others in Rajasthan. It was during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh, that Jaipur was painted pink during the grand welcome of the Prince of Wales. It is a color associated with the hospitality, and the pink color is retained by the residents even today. The city is a top priority on the itinerary of Golden Triangle Tour of India that is entitled to be a most preferred choice for tourist across the globe Jaipur Tour Packages.

The pink city of Jaipur is also very eminent for its vibrant and exotic fairs & festivals. Some of the primary festivals of Jaipur city are Kite Festival, Elephant Festival, etc., which are celebrated in the city with great zeal and zest. The collection of inimitable forts, beautiful havelis, and colorful bazaars make a tour to Jaipur most optimal things to do.

Best 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Jaipur

Amber Fort

The legendary Amber Fort is a seven centuries old Rajputana palace located around 11 kilometers away from Jaipur. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is among the most magnificent architectural wonders of India.

Set up on the Aravalli hills, the Amber fort (also known as Amer Fort) was constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and was completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh. Built in red and yellow sandstone complemented by white marble, the splendid fortress offers a breathtaking view of the Maota Lake.

The splendid palace is divided into four courtyards and includes attractions such as Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Siladevi Temple, and the Sheesh Mahal. The main entrances to the palace are Suraj Pol and Chand Pol, both of which lead to the main courtyard called Jaleb Chowk. You can enjoy an elephant ride to the fort entrance or take a car. After spending three to four hours exploring the fort you can dive into its history with the beautiful light and sound show.

Hawa Mahal

The most iconic landmark of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is a 200-year-old monument in the heart of the city. Famous for its unique honeycomb design and Indo-Islamic architecture the five-storeyed palace has 953 lattice work windows. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as a summer palace, painted in pink and adorned with floral motifs, dome-shaped arches, and patterned pillars Jaipur Tourism.

The palace was designed to offer unobstructed views of Jantar Mantar, the City Palace, and Sireh Deori Bazaar. Its intricately designed windows called ‘Jharokhas’ enabled the royal ladies to enjoy royal processions and daily market activities on the street without being visible to the public.

Royal celebrations took place on the first floor called the Sharad Mandir, the second floor called the Ratan Mandir was decorated with colorful glass work, the other two floors were named Vichitra Mandir and Hawa Mandir. The top floor known as Prakash Mandir had an open terrace on each side offering breathtaking views of the city. You can visualize their lives looking through the fretwork windows and experience the richness of Rajputana culture through the paintings and ceremonial armor preserved at the museum within the complex.

Laxmi Narayan Temple/ Birla Mandir

Located at the foothill of Moti Doongri, the Laxmi Narayan Temple or the Birla Mandir was built in 1988 by the B.M Birla Foundation. Land for the temple was given by the Maharaja of Jaipur for a token amount of one rupee. Birla Mandir is renowned for its architectural excellence crafted in pure white marble.

Dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of wealth) and Narayan (Lord Vishnu), the temple houses hand-sculpted idols of the deities, carved out of single piece marble. Like the other Birla temples across the country, the Laxmi Narayan temple signifies the diversity and richness of Indian culture and the holistic approach of Hinduism.

Its three-dome design is a representation of secularism among different religions in India. Intricate designs and mythology-based carvings adorn the domes, ceilings, and walls of the temple. The presence of statues of great philosophers and religious teachers from across the world represent the inclusiveness of modern Indian culture.

The lush green gardens complement the architectural finesse of the temple and add serenity to the spiritual atmosphere. Tourists of diverse religious beliefs flock to the temple to view its mesmerizing beauty.

Jal Mahal

Located 4 kilometer away from Jaipur, Jal Mahal is one of the most popular landmarks of the city. It was built in 1750 by Maharaja Madho Singh as a lodge and hunting retreat. The symmetrical five-story structure of the palace is set in the middle of an artificial lake known as Man Sagar Lake.

The mesmerizing view of the beautiful palace against the backdrop of Aravalli hills and its reflection in the serene lake waters lures thousands of tourists from across the world. Jal Mahal is also recognized as the most photographed structure of India.

Though entry into the palace is reserved, you can explore its beauty while enjoying a boat ride in the lake. You can also spend a rejuvenating evening watching local and migratory birds at the lake. Jal Mahal is a splendid monument located on the main Amer-Jaipur road and can be visited on your way to the Amber Fort.

Albert Hall Museum

Jaipur’s historical journey and rich heritage can be best explored through its museums. Albert Hall Museum is among the most prominent museums in the city and is renowned for its well-blended architecture. It was built in 1876 as a concert hall and its design had a stark resemblance to the Victoria and Albert Museum of London.

The foundation was laid in 1876 by the Prince of Wales during his Jaipur visit and was converted into a museum by the King of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II in 1881. The charming Indo-Saracenic dome structure with intricately engraved arches is built in red sandstone.

You can explore the culture of Rajasthan through the 16 galleries of this museum. Paintings, portraits, carpets, musical instruments, jewelry, ammunition, woodwork, brassware, antique coins, local pottery, handicrafts, and sculptures are on display at the museum. Other attractions worth exploring at the complex are an aviary, a greenhouse, and a zoo.

Galtaji Temple

Galtaji Temple is a revered Hindu pilgrimage built by Diwan Rao Kriparam in the 18th century and was dedicated to Saint Galav. Constructed around 10 kilometers away from the city amidst the Aravalli hills in a mystical setup, the temple draws in travelers of all types.

There are several shrines of Hindu gods Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Lord Hanuman around the Galtaji Temple. Holy kunds, pavilions, and natural springs add charm to the majestic temple built in pink sandstone and designed as a palace.

Natural freshwater springs from the Aravalli hills supply water to seven holy ‘kunds’ or water tanks in the temple complex. The ‘Galta Kund’ is believed to be filled with water throughout the year and considered the holiest of all kunds. Pilgrims take a dip in the reverent water that flows from the ‘Gaumukh‘, a rock shaped like a cow’s head, and fills the tanks. The grandeur of the temple in the beautiful natural setting makes it a picture-perfect spot.

Jaigarh Fort

Built on ‘Cheel ka Teela’ or the Hill of Eagles, Jaigarh fort was built to secure the Amber Fort. Located 500 feet above sea level, the fort offers panoramic views of the Amber Fort and its lush surroundings.

Constructed in 1726 under the aegis of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, the fort has a splendid blend of Indo-Persian architecture. Intricate lattice work windows adorn the cyclopean walls of the fort to offer unobstructed views of the vicinity. You can walk through the magnificent red sandstone fort and imagine life in the era of the warrior kings that inhabited it ages ago.

One of the major attractions at the fort is ‘Jaivana Cannon’ which is the world’s largest cannon on wheels and has been fired just once since it’s existence. Other attractions include the central watchtower, the water heritage walk, Shubhat Niwas (the assembly hall of warriors), and armory. The complex also houses several prominent temples such as Kal Bhairav Temple, Ram Harihar Temple, Lalit Mandir, Aram Mandir, and Vilas Mandir.

Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort was built amidst the Aravalli Hills to fortify the royal residence of the Rajput warriors, the Amber Palace. This majestic structure has overlooked the beautiful city of Jaipur for 300 years. It was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734 as a retreat palace for the kings and queens. It’s fascinating Indo-European architecture and glorious past has attracted tourists from across the world.

The Fort has witnessed important historical events during the 18th Century. You delve deeper into history as you visit the temple dedicated to the Kings of Jaipur and also explore the astounding Sheesh Mahal, visit the wax museum, and click pictures near Jal Mahal.

Other not-to-be-missed attractions are ‘Madhavendra Bhawan’ built by Sawai Madho Singh and the temple of Rathore prince Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit haunted the construction site until the fort was dedicated to him.

Jantar Mantar

Located in the heart of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II between 1728-1734. The observatory had been a meeting point for scientific cultures from across the world and linked political, social, and religious practices to cosmology.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site it is the largest among the other five similar ones built in Northern India. It houses large stone instruments with striking combinations of geometric forms to view celestial bodies through naked eyes. The precision and accuracy of these astronomical instruments have been alluring architects, mathematicians, artists, and historians since times immemorial.

The observatory also features the world’s largest stone sundial which calculates local time and manages to entice the interest of tourists to date. To understand the process of determining planetary movements through observation and calculations you must visit Jantar Mantar at noon, as the readings of the instruments are accurate when the sun is overhead.

City Palace

Located in the heart of the old city, the City Palace, comprises magnificent courtyards, gardens, cenotaphs, and royal buildings. It was conceived and built by the founder of Jaipur, the Rajput King Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, and expanded by the rulers who inhabited it later.

The palace has elements of Rajput, Mughal, and European architecture intricately put together to exude opulence. Members of the last ruling royal family still reside in a private section of the palace. The most prominent sections of the palace are Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Maharani’s Palace, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, and Bhaggi Khana.

You can witness the unique collection of royal costumes including Pashmina shawls, Benaras silk sarees, and other clothes of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I at the museum. Rajput weaponry dating back to the 15th century and well preserved Rajputana paintings, Sanganeri prints, and folk embroidery pieces adorn the walls and ceilings of the palace.

Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple

Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple is among the most revered temples of Lord Ganesh in Jaipur. It was built by Seth Jai Ram Paliwal and Mahant Shiv Narain in 1761.

Locals associate it with the legend of the King of Mewar who was heading back to his palace with a massive idol of Lord Ganesh on a bullock cart. As per the story, the king decided to build a temple at the first stoppage of the bullock cart. Locals believe that the foot of Moti Doongri Hill was the spot where the bullock cart stopped and the temple was constructed on the site.

An exotic palace was built for Maharaja Madho Singh’s son at the site encompassing the temple. The palace has exteriors similar to those of a Scottish castle and was the royal residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh. You can seek blessings at the Ganesh Temple and wow at the exteriors of the palace as it continues to be occupied by the royal family.

Govind Dev Ji Temple

Govind Dev Ji Temple in Jaipur is among the seven revered temples of Vrindavan Thakur Ji. It is located in the City Palace complex and is famous among devotees of Lord Krishna. The temple is exquisitely designed with gold cased ceilings and intricately designed exteriors.

The temple houses the idol of Govind Dev Ji, known as ‘Bajrakrit’. It is believed to resemble Lord Krishna and was sculpted by his great-grandson Bajranabh. The 5000 years old idol was brought to Jaipur from Vrindavan by Raja Sawai Jai Singh, who was a devotee of Lord Krishna.

The temple was strategically placed between Chandra Mahal and Badal Mahal in the complex to ensure the devout king could view the idol from his residence. To date ‘Aartis‘ and ‘Prasad‘ or ‘Bhogs‘ are offered at seven different times during the day. You can plan your visit to the temple around Janmashtami to enjoy the celebrations during the festival.

Panna Meena Ka Kund

Closeby Amer is this amazing stepwell – an antiquated advance well that traces all the way back to the sixteenth century. It has steps embellishing its three sides while the excess side is a multi-storeyed gallery. This eight-story step-well likewise has a local area space where you can sit and go through certain minutes taking in the excellence of this spot.

Akshardham Temple

Dedicated to the Hindu God, Narayana, the Akshardham Temple or Swaminarayan Temple is known for its beautiful architecture, magnificent idols, sculptures, and carvings. The lush green surroundings add to its beauty and serenity.

Akshardham Temple in Jaipur has no such legendary history since it is a modern temple which was built recently in between 19th and 20th century. But it still depicts the architectural wonders of Indian temples and is one of the most visited temples in Jaipur city.

The temple is surrounded by lush green gardens and fountains. Its unique architecture is what attracts most of the tourists here and places to visit in jaipur.

The walls of the temple are beautifully decorated with a number of paintings, sculptures, and carvings which adds beauty to this place. The main idol of the temple which is of Lord Vishnu is decorated with gold and silver ornaments.

Bapu Bazaar

Bapu Bazaar is located between the Sanganer Gate and the New Gate of Jaipur. It is one of the most famous markets in Pink city and the best place to buy anything Rajasthani. The exuberant market attracts shoppers from all over the world.

You can buy authentic mojari footwear made of camel hide, lac bangles, bandhani dupattas, leheriya sarees, potli bags, colorful puppets, ethnic jewelry, fine cotton quilts, and handwoven textiles at reasonable prices. You can also pick up beautiful showpieces, artifacts, baubles, pen stands, keychains with mirror work as souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones.

Don’t forget to binge on local snacks and authentic dishes such as chat, samosas, dal-baati-churma, masala tea, and pyaaz kachori. Falooda kulfi is a must-have specialty at Bapu bazaar, it is yummy and keeps you cool as you shop.

Johari Bazaar

Jaipur is the business hub of Rajasthan, famous for its handicrafts and indigenous products. Johari Bazaar is the oldest and most colorful market in Jaipur, located near Hawa Mahal. It is a shopper’s paradise offering vibrant handmade products, scrumptious local food, and premium quality Kundan jewelry.

You can buy authentic Jaipuri jewelry made in gold, silver studded with diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. The narrow lanes of the market are loaded with colorful traditional apparel, embroidered juttis, and opalescent lehengas.

The small stalls sell everything including famous Jaipuri textiles, traditional blue pottery, cotton quilts, and home décor products. Make sure to bargain well as prices are often swelled up for tourists.

Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing

Dedicated to the traditional Rajasthani art of hand-block printing, Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing is a unique museum just a kilometer away from Amber Fort. It was started to preserve the age-old tradition of carving designs on wooden blocks and printing them on fabrics.

The charitable foundation operates from a 400-year-old two-story haveli known as Chanwar Palki Walon ki Haveli, which has been restored to perpetuate the craft of hand printing using natural dyes. The project has been awarded for ‘Cultural Heritage Conservation’ by UNESCO in 2000.

You can have a holistic experience of the old tradition and see the tools and techniques used to create the blocks and fabrics with contemporary designs. Block carving and hand printing workshops are also conducted by the management upon special request. You can buy handcrafted ‘Anokhi’ merchandise such as textiles, home furnishings, jewelry, and cards at the museum souvenir shop.

Sisodia Rani ka Bagh

Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728, Sisodia Rani ka Bagh is a garden dedicated to his beloved second wife, the Princess of Sisodia Rajput clan of Udaipur. Located around 10 kilometers away from Jaipur the lush gardens offer a rejuvenating respite from the bustle of the city.

The garden showcases elements of Indo-Mughal architecture such as water channels amidst beautiful flower beds and walking tracks across the parks. Fountains and natural springs add a splash of royalty to the garden and a shrine dedicated to Hindu deities’ augment spirituality to its ambiance. The walls of the garden are painted with several scenes from the story of Lord Krishna and Radha. You can spend a day amidst nature and rejuvenate in the tranquil setting of the park.

Chokhi Dhani

Chokhi Dhani is a Rajasthani theme-based resort located 28 kilometers away from the city. It was established in 1989 to offer a glimpse of rustic village life and authentic Rajasthani lifestyle to tourists. The resort has a traditional vibe- featuring mud huts decorated with ethnic motifs, Rajasthani folk performers singing and dancing to entertain the visitors, and authentic Rajasthani food.

Evenings at the resort are busy and fun. You can enjoy activities such as live folk dance and music (Chaupal Nach Gan Re), acrobatics (Nat Ro Kartab), puppet shows (Kathputali Ro Nach), and magic shows (Jadu Ro Khel). You can shop for local handicrafts at the craft bazaar and take leisurely rides on camels, horses, and elephants.

Chokhi Dhani has been accredited as a 5-star luxury hotel by the Ministry of Tourism. For those looking forward to indulging in the royal culture of Rajasthan, the resort has Royal Cottages and Haveli Suites flaunting their regal décor comprising historical relics, vintage furnishings, and handmade artifacts.

Jawahar Circle

Once you are done with your shopping and wish to take a break, you can head to the Jawahar Circle Garden – which is popular as Asia’s biggest Circular Park. Enclosed by a Rose Garden, its real beauty comes alive in winters and spring. Though it just came up very recently in 2009, its outer nursery which is around 1420 meters and the rose garden and its majestic entry gate, have made it one of the top destinations in Jaipur, in a very short span of time.

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Rajasthan Tourism

Unique Places to Visit in Rajasthan

March 4, 2023 rtp123

Unique Places to Visit in Rajasthan, well renowned as a land of colours, is situated in the Northwestern part of India. A place, synonymous with splendid forts, majestic palaces, sandy deserts and native people dressed in colourful costumes. The grandeur of Rajasthan’s culture is revealed through the bright clothing, foot-tapping folk music and dances, various language dialects, delicious food and welcoming people.

Right from the majestic forts and royal palaces in Jaipur, lakes of Udaipur, the beautiful town of Shekhawati, glistening sand dunes of Jaisalmer to rich handicrafts of Jodhpur; Rajasthan is a place that draws tourists around the globe. The fabulous fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are known for its unique competitions and performances which make it all the more special.

Jaipur

The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is the biggest city in this princely region. The beautiful pink and saffron colored buildings delivered this city its name as the ‘Pink City.’ The well-planned layout, artistic and unique architecture of the region was done according to the Vedic Vastu Shastra, and this also makes it one of the most preferred tourist destinations.

According to a recent travel survey, Jaipur was ranked as the 6th of the most amazing places to visit in Asia. Even an average tourist can enjoy a marvel time in the city. Temples, forts, gardens, monuments, museums and extensive marketplaces of the city offer great treats to tourists who visit from all across the world. With unique specializations, the place has lots to offer when it comes to art and craft.

Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, City Palace Museum, Archaeological Museum, Nahargarh Fort and Chittorgarh Fort are some of the finest places in the city. If you wish to enjoy the monsoons then you can visit the city during July-August, or otherwise October – February is the best months to visit the region Unique Places to Visit in Rajasthan.

Major Tourist Attractions of Jaipur:

Amer Fort
Hawa Mahal
City Palace
Jantar Mantar
Jal Mahal
Nahargarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort
Albert Hall Museum

How to reach:

International, as well as Indian tourists, can reach through airways at Sanganer airport, while through trains at Jaipur railway station. Buses are well connected to all the neighboring cities of Jaipur.

Jodhpur

The second biggest and the second most populated city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur was founded by Rathore Rajput Ruler, Jodha king of Marwar, in 1459. Also famous as the ‘Sun City,’ the city was primarily discovered as the new capital of Marwar. While the city enjoys sunny climate throughout the year, it is an important landmark of western Rajasthan as it lies at a distance of just 250 kilometers from the Indo-Pak border.

Also, it is a centrally located region that is a home to extraordinary tourist attractions. There are numerous palaces, hill forts and the old walled city that form the major attractions of this city. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, and Jaswant Thada are other fine destinations in the city. If you wish to escape from the splendid heat of the city, then you can visit the Mehrangarh fort early morning Unique Places to Visit in Rajasthan.

Major Tourist Attractions of Jodhpur:

Mehrangarh
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Jaswant Thada
Ghanta Ghar
Mandore Garden
Balsamand Lake
Kaylana Lake

How to reach:

Reaching Jodhpur is quite easy through three modes of transportation. Tourists can land at Jodhpur airport, while railways are well connected from all the major cities and even road transportation is also a good option.

Pushkar

Located in the Ajmer District of the desert area, Pushkar is famous as the ‘Holy City’ of the region. It is one of the prominent pilgrimage sites in the country and is situated on the banks of the Pushkar Lake that is known to form by the tears of Lord Shiva Unique Places to Visit in Rajasthan.

Pushkar holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is a popular destination for various temples and Ghats that are visited by hundreds of travelers throughout the year. The water of the lake is considered sacred, and this is one of the major reasons to Pushkar being considered as an important pilgrimage spot for the country.

The Pushkar fair is celebrated around Karthik Purnima and is the busiest period of the town. Brahma’s Temple, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, and Parikrama are other spots of attraction in the city.

Major Tourist Attractions of Pushkar:

Pushkar Lake
Brahma Temple
Savitri Mata Temple
Rangji Temple
Varaha Temple
Lake Foy Sagar

How to reach:

Tourists can reach Sanganer airport and take private vehicles for reaching Pushkar, if traveling through train then need to get down at Pushkar Terminus railway station. Bus facility is available from all the nearby cities and towns of Rajasthan.

Udaipur

The ‘City of Lakes’ or the ‘Venice of the East,’ no matter which way you called it, Udaipur is a prime getaway in Rajasthan. The city was once the capital of Sisodiya Rajputs of Mewar, and hence, is a home to the classic grandeur of Rajputana architecture. Discovered in 1553, by the Sisodia Rajput Ruler Maharana Udai Singh II, it is an exotic destination in the state that houses lavish hotels, splendid tourist spots, all of these attracting large numbers of tourist from across the world.

The serenity of Udaipur lies in its picturesque location at the Aravalli Mountains foothills. From palaces, castles, to lakes, forts, museums and temples, this region has it all that makes it a perfect honeymoon destination in India. The well-planned infrastructure and warm hospitality of the people make it a pleasing spot to spend holidays.

Lake Pichola, City Palace Complex, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace, Bagore ki Haveli, Macha Hill are some of the top sites in the city.

Major Tourist Attractions of Udaipur:

City Palace
Lake Pichola
Jag Mandir
Saheliyon-ki-Bari
Monsoon Palace
Jagdish Temple
Fateh Sagar Lake

How to reach:

Reaching Udaipur by airways at Maharana Pratap airport is easier. Even reaching through trains is also quite easy as it is connected to all the major Indian cities. Roadways of Udaipur are linked with all the neighboring cities and states.

Jaisalmer

The marvelous view of this city during daytime has made it named as the Golden City of Rajasthan. Yes! It is the wonderful Jaisalmer that lies at the core of the Thar Desert. The sand and the sandstone used for the architectural construction of the city make it one of its kinds. It is an exclusive place for those who are looking for a home away from their populated homes Unique Places to Visit in Rajasthan.

The architecture of Jaisalmer is unique as the region was primarily built as a walled city that is also one of the biggest forts in the world. There are numerous amazing eateries within the city where you can enjoy tempting delicacies of various cuisines. Patwon ki Haveli, Camel Safaris, Jaisalmer Fort, Bada Bagh, and Ludarva are the top sights in the city that you can catch up.

Major Tourist Attractions of Jaisalmer:

Jaisalmer Fort
Patwon Ki Haveli
Gadisar Lake
Salim Singh Ki Haweli
The Thar Heritage Museum
Bada Bagh
Nathmal Ki Haveli
Desert Cultural Centre

How to reach:

Jaisalmer can be reached by airways at Jodhpur airport, through trains at Jaisalmer railway station and buses are connected to all the neighboring cities.

Bikaner

Rao Jodha founded the exclusive city of Bikaner in 1488. The city was a primary center of war during the ancient ear, but no matter how many wars the city has witnessed in the past, today it stands as a beautiful tourist spot in Rajasthan.

It is a place known for mouthwatering food and alluring forts. Even the craftworks of the region are unique. If you wish to experience the real authentic delicacies of Rajasthani culture, then this is one place that you must visit. There are numerous fairs organized in the city throughout the year that also adds as one of the reasons of its high visitor traffic. These fairs are truly rejoicing and a treat to watch.

The Laxmi Nath Temple and Karni Mata Temple are the major attractions of the city. In addition to this, you can enjoy a great time at other tourist sites in the region Unique Places to Visit in Rajasthan.

Major Tourist Attractions of Bikaner:

Junagarh Fort
Lalgarh Palace
National Research Centre on Camel
Prachina Museum
Shri Laxminath Temple
Bhandasar Jain Temple
Devi Kund Sagar
Rampuria Havelis
Sursagar Lake
Bikaji Ki Tekri

How to reach:

Bikaner can be reached by airways at Jodhpur’s civil airport is present. Even reaching through trains is also quite easy as it is connected to all the major Indian cities. Roadways of Bikaner are linked with all the neighboring cities and states.

Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh is the famous city founded by the Maurya Dynasty, but the city got its initial fame when it was announced as the capital of Mewar. It is the birthplace of numerous great warriors and hosts historical figurines of popular personalities like Meera Bai, Great Maharana Pratap, and much more. It is an ancient place of rich history and therefore houses numerous temples, forts, and palaces that showcase the most magnificent architectural designs and mastery.

Chittorgarh Fort is surely the most preferred tourist place of the city, as it is the biggest fort in the country. The fort was discovered in the 7th century and spreads across an area of 2.8 sq.kms to a high elevation point of 1,075 meters above the sea level. A visit to this region would take you to witness the Rajput style architecture. With exquisite gardens, intricate architecture and beautiful temples, the fort is a spot that one cannot afford to miss Unique Places to Visit in Rajasthan.

Major Tourist Attractions of Chittorgarh:

Chittor Fort
Vijaya Stambha
Meera Temple
Kalika Mata Temple
Kumbha Palace
Padmini Palace
Fateh Prakash Palace
Maharani Shri Padmini Palace
Rana Ratan Palace

How to reach:

Dabok airport in the Udaipur city allows the tourists to land in Chittorgarh and has well-connected railway network to all the major cities. Buses are available from all the nearby places.

Mount Abu

The hill station in Rajasthan and a perfect getaway from the heat and business of the city life, Mount Abu stands proud of the Aravalli mountain range and is an important area of the Sirohi District of the state. It is a perfect holiday spot for those who want to stay away from the scorching heat of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

There are various ancient sites and magnificent temples in the hill station that are truly a treat to the eyes. Nakki Lake, Trevor’s Crocodile Park, Mount Abu’s Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunset Point Unique Places to Visit in Rajasthan.

And Achalgarh Fort is the important destinations of the region. A visit to this hill station of the desert state would calm your senses with its cool temperature and soothing breeze.

Major Tourist Attractions of Mount Abu:

Nakki Lake
Dilwara Temples
Toad Rock
Honeymoon Point
Raghunath Temple
Sunset Point nakki lake
Trevor’s Tank

How to reach:

People might think that reaching Mount Abu can be difficult, but it is quite easy with all the three modes of transportation. Maharana Pratap airport in the Udaipur city allows the tourists to land in Mount Abu and has well-connected railway network to all the major cities. Buses are available from all the nearby places.

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Rajasthan Tourism

Top 12 Places To Visit In Rajasthan

March 3, 2023 rtp123

Top 12 Places To Visit In Rajasthan is the state popularized over its heritage, culture, regal ways and hospitality. You get a sense of fulfilment as you travel through phases of time and also experience exhilarating emotions through various activities which offers thrill and excitement. Rajasthan is a state which is a venture of many ideas into one. A state like Rajasthan is all about bringing variation into cohesion. The cities here always have one thing in common, the culture. With culture comes a great span of land where seclusion is not that uncommon.

Rajasthan is a trip of emotions through time, history and opulence. There is no state which reveals secrets as much as the beautiful destinations to visit in Rajasthan. Cities like Jaipur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Ranakpur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Mount Abu, Bikaner, Pushkar, Ajmer offer endless attractions with endless glimpse of culture, cuisine and fun.

Rajasthan attracts domestic and international tourists equally with opulence of Forts, lakes, interesting history, relishing cuisines, photogenic locations, theme-based holidays, adventure & much more.

Jaipur

Jaipur, the Pink City, is undoubtedly the must visit destination in Rajasthan. The ancient forts and palaces and unique architectural splendors not only win the heart of the visitors but also ensures a memorable Rajasthan Budget Tours.

Jaipur is also an important part of the popular Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit of India. The remnants of a bygone era charm the visitors and provide them the glimpses of the regal lifestyle enjoyed by the reigning monarchies. For visitors, there also are hotels and guesthouses available that assure excellent accommodation in the city.

Best Season: October – March
Weather: Summer 25°C to 47°C, Winter 4°C to 30°C
Attractions: Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Laxmi Narayan Temple

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is a prominent tourist spot located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan in India. It is known as the ‘golden city’ due to its golden dunes and castles clad in golden honey sandstone. Jaisalmer is adorned with lakes, ornate Jain temples and havelis. Climb onto the camel saddle and make your way through this desert to camp under the starry night sky for an unforgettable experience.

The Jaisalmer Fort stands as a citadel with narrow alleys inhabited by people for generations and shops selling colourful handicrafts Rajasthan Car Rental.

Jaisalmer is a town, and to reach the Sand Dunes, travellers have to take a jeep safari followed by a camel ride. Thus, Jaisalmer is an amalgamation of exotic Indian desert culture, heritage and adventure.

Best Season: October – March
Weather: Summer 25°C to 42°C, Winter 7°C to 24°C
Attractions: Havelis, Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Kila), Rajmahal, Tazia Tower

Ranthambore

Rajasthan is also a sought-after travel destination as it houses the popular Ranthambore National Park. Formerly, this national park was the hunting resort of various royal families in power in the state.

In India, this is one of the best national parks, where probability of spotting a tiger is relatively high. There also is the formidable 10th century Ranthambore Fort, which is counted as one of the must-see attractions in close vicinity. The fort features splendid monuments, ruined pavilions, and 3 Hindu temples Rajasthan Group Tours.

Best Season: October – April
Weather: Summer 23°C to 45°C, Winter 4°C to 32°C
Attractions: Ranthambhore National Park, Ranthambhore Fort, Surwal Lake, Jogi Mahal

Bikaner

Though Bikaner receives fewer tourists, the city takes pride in housing some of the best attributes of the state of Rajasthan. If looking for camel safari, Bikaner serves as great alternative to Jaisalmer. The old city and fort are counted amidst the major attractions of the city.

The rat temple (Karni Mata Temple) is also one of the major attractions of the city. If planning to visit Bikaner, make sure you plan around the Karni Mata Festival. This is one of the quirkiest festivals in India where rats are worshiped. In January, every year, a Camel Fair is also organized.

Best Season: October – March
Weather: Summer 29°C to 47°C, Winter 4°C to 30°C
Attractions: Junagarh Fort, Gajner Palace, Lallgarh Palace, Jain Temple, Karni Mata Temple

Jodhpur

The former capital of Marwar, Jodhpur, is one of the most enchanting cities of Rajasthan, with its mighty Mehrangarh fort overlooking the city. The city is called the Blue City as it looks completely blue from an aerial view because of its blue walls and blue houses.

Jodhpur is also famous for its temples, lakes and snacks. The magic lies in the streets of the old city itself, with hundreds of shops, guesthouses, eating joints, and vendors make it a bustling chirpy town, especially near the landmark clock tower and Sardar Market.

Nearby Jaswant Tada and Umaid Bhawan Palace are also among the top attractions in Jodhpur.

Seen in the backdrop of the movie, The Dark Knight Rises, Jodhpur attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. Jodhpur is conveniently located in the centre of Rajasthan making it easier for people visiting Jodhpur to explore other destinations of the state.

Best Season: October – March
Weather: Summer 24°C to 45°C, Winter 5°C to 20°C
Attractions: Jaswant Thada, Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Balsamand Lake, Mahamandir Temple

Mount Abu

The natural splendor and beautiful manmade structures have made Mount Abu a popular travel destination in Rajasthan. Considered one of the best hill stations in India, Mount Abu beckons Jain pilgrims with its numerous popular Jain temples, with Dilwara being the most famous.

Visitors can enjoy palaces, temples, and beautiful lakes. The vibrant bazaars are also not to be missed. The temples mostly date back to the 11th and 13th Centuries AD. The structures and architecture of the temples leave the onlooker spellbound. The place also has great significance on the Hindu Mythology as it is said that here Sage Vashistha carried out the great Yagna.

Best Season: Throughout the year
Weather: Summer 32°C to 45°C, Winter 5°C to 32°C
Attractions: Dilwara Temples, Sunset Point, Nakki Lake, Toad Rock

Pushkar

In spite of being a sleepy little holy town, Pushkar attracts numerous backpackers and hippie types travelers from all across the globe. If you want to see the true colors of the town, try to visit during October-November when the Pushkar Fair, the largest camel festival in the world is organized. Moreover, the town is worth a visit throughout the year. After exploring the religious ghats of Pushkar, do not miss to visit the vibrant markets. You may purchase traditional and handmade items and artifacts as souvenirs and gifts.

Best Season: October – March
Weather: Summer 25°C to 45°C, Winter 8°C to 22°C
Attractions: Pushkar Lake, Brahma’s Temple, Varaha Temple, Aptaeshwar, Varaha

Bundi

Generally, people overlook Bundi as a travel destination in Rajasthan. But, if you want to explore some of the exciting attractions such as lakes, temples, blue houses alike in Jodhpur, and vibrant markets, Bundi is the place for you. The extraordinary Bundi Palace, ramshackle fort, the ancient lanes and about 60 step wells mark the identity of the city. Do not miss to interact with locals and know about popular folklores that would complement the rural travel experience.

Best Season: October – March
Weather: Summer 35°C to 42°C, Winter 5°C to 30°C
Attractions: Garh Palace, Taragarh Fort, Nawal Sagar Lake, Bhoraji-ka-Kund

Udaipur

Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is a popular tourist destination state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in all directions, this ‘Venice of the East has mesmerizing temples and breathtaking Mewar architecture in the backdrop of lakes which makes it a must-visit destination in India. A boat ride through the serene waters of Lake Pichola will be enough to prove to you why Udaipur is the pride of Rajasthan.

Located in a valley and surrounded by four lakes, Udaipur justifies all names ever offered to its charm from ‘Jewel of Mewar’ to ‘Venice of the East’. The Lake Palace hotel is something that offers the city a visual definition. The revered Nathdwara temple is about 60 km from Udaipur.

Best Season: September – March
Weather: Summer 23°C to 45°C, Winter 3°C to 32°C
Attractions: City Palace, Sajjangarh Palace, Sukhadia Circle, Eklingi Temple, Pichola Lake

Mandawa

Mandawa is one of the popular towns, known for holding great significance in the history of the state. Situated at a short distance from Jaipur, the town is regarded as Rajasthan’s sleepy hamlet. There also are numerous travel attractions in the town that makes it a worthy travel destination. Apart from numerous havelis and palaces, there also are vibrant markets where visitors can purchase traditional artifacts as souvenirs.

Best Season: October – March
Weather: summers 25°C to 45°C, Winter 10°C to 22°C
Attractions: Mandawa Castle and Havelis

Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh is a perfect reflection of the abundant, penetrated and overflowing history. Chittor’s primary base is the humungous fort which stays perched on hills of equal tall fortitude. Its past has been painful, but the valor and gallantry of Rajput Kings have surpassed its sorrowful times.

Centered on the fort, Chittorgarh is a place hiding away palaces, temples and wildlife sanctuaries among the star of the show. The heightened towering of the fort makes it an exquisite site to explore. Winters create weather that is both delightful and chilly. The pleasure of walking around the city is unparalleled, and tourists will have the greatest fun. During the Monsoon season, the city sees brief and sudden downpours. If you wish to escape both harsh winters and sweltering summers, the ideal months to visit are October to March Top 12 Places To Visit In Rajasthan.

Chittor lies deep in the lands of Rajasthan. Hence connectivity depends a lot on the mode of travel you end up deciding for yourself. You can explore the city well by choosing the optimal travelling option.

You can travel to Chittorgarh by road and explore the city on foot. The location is linked to other cities by a large network of roadways. The city has expressways in the shape of the North-South-East-West corridor and the Golden Quadrilateral Vehicle Project, which ease road transit to Chittorgarh. Roadway connectivity is additionally provided through NH 76, NH8, NH79, RJ SH 61, NH 89, and NH11. Buses are to consider but rentals of tempos, cars and other such private hiring can give a more personalized adventure.

Ajmer

Ajmer is an oasis of natural wonders. From highland ranges engulfing the city to heritage soaked streets, Ajmer is a town of utter pilgrimage importance. The city which borrows its name from Ajay Meru, the hill on the bottom of which the city is located, means the ‘invincible mountain’. The place holds multi-cultural throng and accentuates religion to the fullest.

Places such as Ajmer are bustling and filled with the scent of incense to denote its strong divine presence. The ideal time to visit Ajmer is during the monsoon and winter months. The finest weather to take advantage of and travel to one’s heart’s content is between October and March. The majority of religious and secular celebrations occur in October and November, when the ideal weather makes it possible to explore the city from top to bottom.

Ajmer is a bit secluded compared to other cities which are a part of Rajasthan. You may not find direct travel options to the city but nearby cities which will give you a close enough chance to explore Top 12 Places To Visit In Rajasthan.

From important and nearby cities, Ajmer is accessible through NH8, NH112, NH116A, NH89, and NH15. While buses and public transit are excellent options for getting to this location, most people think that hiring cars, tempos, or other vehicles is the best option. With such a lovely alternative, mapping towns by car becomes an incredible venture.

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Fair Festival & Events

12 Major Festivals in Rajasthan

March 2, 2023 rtp123

12 Major Festivals in Rajasthan is a royal state which has truly exhilarating festivals. While the royal pleasures give you enough reasons, travel to Rajasthan has a number of excellent reasons per their interest. Festivals in Rajasthan are among the significant lures that draw people from across the world. Impressive traditions, colors, sights, and experiences are open to all tourists.

Representing the royal state’s history, culture, and charm, you must attend Festivals in Rajasthan. To showcase Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage, major festivals take place across the state in different months on different themes.

These varieties of fairs and festivals infuse life into the barren land of Rajasthan and fill the colors of joy all around. Out of all of such festivities, some of the major ones are Ashwa Poojan, Navratri, Guru Purnima, Mt. Abu: Summer and Winter Festival, Pushkar Fair, Gangaur Festival, Nagaur Festival, Kite Festival, Kumbhalgarh Festival, Teej, Marwar Festival, Summer Festival, Baneshwar Fair, Sheetla Mata Fair, Elephant Festival, Camel Festival, Desert Festival, Pushkar Fair and Urs Fair, that are celebrated in different parts of Rajasthan. Also, Hindus one of the biggest festival Dussehra and Diwali are also celebrated with much grandeur and the display of fireworks.

To add more fun to these celebrations there are various activities and competitions that are organised like turban tying competition, puppet shows, camel races, Mr. and Miss. Desert competition, folk music and dance performances, cock and bull fighting, camels and cattles trading. These occasions serve as an exceptional platform to showcase state’s traditional artifacts and handicrafts where the shopaholics and art lovers can gather a lot of fun.

Desert Festival, Jaisalmer

A three-day event organised by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation in the month of February, it is an absolute bonanza that celebrates the delights of the desert. The atmosphere is alive with song and dance, with the artists dressed in bright colours and traditional finery, depicting the tragedies and accomplishments of the desert. A showcase of desert rituals and life, camel races, gymnastic stunts, several competitions like the longest moustache, turban tying, Mr Desert etc, delicious food and interesting stalls selling handicrafts and other souvenirs will make it a memorable 3 days of your life

Location: Sam Dunes (42 kilometres from Jaisalmer)

Pushkar Fair, Pushkar

The Big Daddy of all desert festivals, Pushkar Fair is a spectacular five-day camel and livestock fair held in the town of Pushkar, on the banks of the Pushkar lake in Rajasthan. It also coincides with the religious celebration of Kartik Ekadashi, when the Pushkar lake was supposed to be created by Lord Brahma. Primarily a livestock fair for the buying and selling of camels,

the Pushkar fair attracts hordes of tourists making it a true cultural bonanza of art, music, dance, puppet shows, gypsy dance, races, competitions with a host of vendors selling delicious snacks including camel milk cheeses and cakes, jewellery, shawls and other titbits. The entire festive and spiritual atmosphere completely lights up the desert in these five days.

Location: Pushkar Fair Ground, Pushkar, Ajmer, Rajasthan

Teej Festival, Jaipur

One of west India’s biggest festivals, Teej commemorates two things – a woman’s love for her husband and the advent of the monsoon season. The festival is marked by colourful celebrations where the womenfolk observe fasting and apply mehndi designs on their hands, enjoy long swing rides, song and dance with other women, tell stories and deck up in festive attire to celebrate the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The markets and bazaars of Jaipur are filled to the brim with attractive clothes, jewellery and sweets like Ghewar and Malpua. A procession of a decorated idol of Goddess Parvati is carried through Jaipur, and thousands of devotees and tourists throng to see the procession and the antique palanquins, chariots, bands, folk music and dance and soak in the cultural revelry.

Location: Chaugan Stadium, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Gangaur Festival, Jaipur

Another festival that commemorates the goddess Parvati and her home-coming, it is celebrated with huge fanfare in Rajasthan by women. Processions of a decked up Goddess Gauri are carried all over the city and everyone participates in these processions, often accompanied by elephant processions, old palanquins, chariots, folk song and dance and often ends with fireworks. It coincides with the Mewar Festival in Udaipur. This is a very famous festival of Rajasthan.

Location: Across Jaipur

Jaipur Literature Festival

Perhaps not as glamorous as some of the other festivals on this list, JLF is the world’s largest free literary festival. Nobel laureates, Booker prize winners, debut novelists – the who’s who of the literary world come together for five days of readings, discussions and debates at the Diggi Palace in Jaipur. A great platform that provides access to some of the greatest authors and thinkers on this planet and gives courage to young minds to dream and imagine, it is not a chance anyone should miss.

Location: Diggi Palace, Jaipur

Nagaur Fair, Nagaur

The second largest fair in the country, it is essentially a cattle fair that attracts more than two lakh animal owners to bring their horses, cows, bullocks, oxen, camels etc. to be a part of a large trade show. A lot of animal races and cockfights in the day, followed by some dance and music in the nights attracts tourists and animal owners alike. Organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry, it brings out the true Rajput flavour of Rajasthan.

Location: Nagaur, Jodhpur

Kite Festival, Jodhpur

A 3-day festival to celebrate the spirit of Makar Sankranti, the Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival, is simply put, a kite-flying competition. In reality, it is a colourful and extravagant spectre of kites, of myriad shapes, colours and sizes that deck up the desert sky. A number of helicopters release kites in the sky and children release balloons, making it a truly magnificent and spectacular event.

Location: Jodhpur Polo Ground, Jodhpur

Camel Festival, Bikaner

Organised in the honour of the ship of the desert, the Camel Festival is a spectacular festival celebrated in Bikaner. Just like the other celebrations of Rajasthan, this festival kicks off with great pomp and show. Celebrated every year in the pleasant January, the Camel Festival is a two-day long affair with a colourful parade of the decked up camels against the backdrop of the magnificent Junagadh Fort. It includes camel race, camel games and other cultural performances.

Though celebrated to glorify the camels of Rajasthan, this festival also includes the traditional Rajasthani folk performances. The festival concludes with an awe-inspiring display of fireworks, illuminating the majestic skies of Bikaner.

Location: Karni Singh Stadium, Bikaner

Mewar Festival, Udaipur

The city of Udaipur comes alive with colours of festivities during the Mewar Festival which marks the advent of spring in the region. It is a major Rajasthan festival and people from all over the globe flock to Udaipur to witness the glory of the town during this time. The whole town is decorated with bright lights and a joyous mood reigns in the air. This festival includes a number of practices, like dressing the idols of Isar and Gangaur and carrying them in a traditional procession through various parts of the city. People also engage in cultural dance and songs, revealing the colourful culture of Rajasthan.

Location: Across Udaipur

Kumbhalgarh festival

The Kumbhalgarh festival is a celebration of Maharana Kumbha’s contribution toward art and culture. It is celebrated in his place of residence, the Kumbhalgarh Fort. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is beautifully decorated during this time, with all the chandeliers being brought out for display along with other royal works of art. Traditional artists are called from all parts of India to showcase their craftsmanship from jewellers to potters. The festival is divided into three days with different themes on each day.

There are also different competitions held each day, to bring out the enthusiasm of the visiting tourists. Kalbeliyas, Langas, Kachi Ghodi and Odissi dancers often hold dance sessions. The festival is a joint venture of the government of Rajasthan and the Department of Tourism to give a feel of India to foreigners.

Location: Kumbhalgarh

Bundi Utsav

The Bundi Utsav is the main festival in Rajasthan and major attraction of the town of Bundi. It is located 39 km, Northwest of Kota. It is a little off beaten track for tourists. The town of Bundi sets a beautiful backdrop for this festival. It is dotted with palaces and forts which make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. The nearby river of Chambal gives ample opportunities for water sport activities. As the entire festival is a celebration of the town, the stalls and shops set up of the natives themselves.

Seldom are people called from outside. It also hosts various competitions like the turban weaving and moustache competition. The festival has various food stalls, shops selling souvenirs and traditional art. The festival also showcases cultural programs, ethnic sports, Shobha Yatra and the famous Fold Dance. The fireworks display marks the end of the festival and is absolutely breath-taking.

Dates: November- December (month of Karthik)
Location: Bundi, Haodati District

Brij Holi, Bharatpur

The most loved festival in India is celebrated in a grand and elaborate style, a few days ahead before Holi, in Bharatpur located in the Brij region of Rajasthan. The spirit of the city comes alive during this festival, with people dressed in their brightest attires and singing colourful songs. Lord Krishna is worshipped in this festival, thus the entire love story of Krishna and Radha is showcased in the form of a dance, which is the unique feature of this festival. The entire region is immersed in the colours of Holi during this time and the people are at their merriest self. Tourists from far and wide come to Bharatpur to experience the out of the world festivities.

Location: Brij, Bharatpur

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Religious Destinations India

Things To Do in Haridwar

March 1, 2023 rtp123

Things To Do in Haridwar Known as a famous Hindu pilgrim destination, Hardwar is one of the most popular places to visit in India. If you wish to witness Indian culture and traditions, Haridwar is the place to be. The Ganga aarti at Har-ki-Paudi is an incredible experience. You can go temple-hopping across Haridwar and take a dip in the Ganga at one of the ghats.

Shopping in Haridwar for pickles, precious stones and Gangajal is something tourists regularly indulge in. The Kumbh mela in Haridwar that is held every 12 years is the best time to visit this place. It is known to be the largest gathering of pilgrims in the world.

Ganga Aarti, Haridwar

India is a spiritual country full of devotion. A country blessed with religious beliefs and natural holy attractions that makes people confirm the existence of goodness of God. No matter where you plan to travel in India, you’ll come across many temples, monasteries, mosques, and churches. It is a country that comes in a package to arouse your senses. In the northern parts of India, there is a holy destination believed to be an ancient city. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage destination in the state of Uttarakhand, Haridwar.

This city is located a few minutes from the Yoga capital of India, Rishikesh. Haridwar Attraction has several sacred Ghats which are bathing steps where pilgrims perform the cleansing ceremony by dipping their body in the water. This is done to purify their souls.

Har ki Pauri hosts Ganga aarti in Haridwar, this is a river-worshipping ceremony. In India, the Ganga River is considered holy which flows from Devprayag to the Murshidabad District of West Bengal. During this auspicious aarti, tiny flickering lamps or Diyas are lit and floated off the steps into the river. It is a spiritual event one must experience while holidaying in India. However, the Haridwar Ganga aarti time varies. It has different time slots enabling people to witness the holy ceremony twice daily Haridwar Tour Packages.

Haridwar morning aarti is less ceremonious, it begins with chanting of the mantras and the fire is lit as an offering to the holy river. The pandits circled the fire around in a clockwise manner facing the Ganga River. The evening aarti is the most popular with many pilgrims, foreigners, and locals coming to attending the Ganga aarti. The Haridwar evening aarti begins between 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Har ki Pauri Ghat. Since it is a mass gathering Ghat, people come before 5:00 PM to reserve seats.

If you want to watch the aarti from the opposite end, you can go to the other side of the bank around 4:30 PM. This is because the gate leading to the opposite bank closes around 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM. Some people also take the liberty to hire a boat and watch the ceremony live without any interruption.

Ganga Aarti, Haridwar Timings: 5:30 A.M to 6:30 A.M and 6:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M

Ganga Aarti, Haridwar Entry Fees: Nil

Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar

Located in the stunning state of Uttarakhand, Haridwar attracts you into its spiritually significant land. Here, you can find many religious places from where you can hear echoes of devotional music being played all day. One name, in particular, is the Bharat Mata Mandir that sits beside the holy river Ganga. This Mata Mandir in Haridwar is one of the most visited temples which was founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri. The temple was inaugurated in 1983 by Smt. Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India.

Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar has a significant meaning behind its construction. This beautiful building colored in off white and dusky red is dedicated to all the patriots and freedom fighters. One of the most fascinating things about this temple is that it is eight stories tall and each floor has a special significance and dedication. The first floor is dedicated to Bharat Mata, Mother India, the second floor is dedicated to renowned Indian heroes and is called Snoor Mandir.

The third floor is dedicated to women of India and it is called Matri Mandir and the fourth floor is called Saint Mandir which is dedicated, great saints. The fifth floor has an assembly hall featuring amazing paintings and the floor above that is dedicated to different forms of Goddess Shakti.

The remaining two floors are equally stunning with the seventh floor dedicated to the incarnations of Lord Vishnu and the eight dedicated to Lord Shiva. From the top floor, you can also get a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range and also Sapt Sarovar. Haridwar Bharat Mata Mandir fascinates millions of people even if you are not necessarily a religious person. You can come and explore this stunning attraction anytime while you are in the city.

This temple is open all day throughout the week. It offers a nice relaxing vibe since it is located around 5.0 km from the center of the city. Due to its quiet and tranquil atmosphere, it also caters to a perfect place for meditation.

Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar timing: 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM

Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar Entry Fees: Nil

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the holiest cities in Uttarakhand and across the country, it is bound to treasure some of the best temples. Amongst the many, Chandi Devi Temple is by far the holiest temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi. The location of the temple making it even more stunning, Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar is located in Neel Parvat on the Eastern summit of the Shivalik Hills. This mountain chain is situated in the southernmost part of the Himalayas of India.

Built-in the year 1929, during the reign of Suchat Singh, the King of Kashmir Chandi Devi Temple has had many devotees coming from all corners of the country to seek blessings. It is also highly revered by pilgrims as a Siddh Peeth. This means that it is a place where desires get fulfilled if wished upon wholeheartedly. The main Murti located inside the temple was installed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Adi Shankaracharya was one of the greatest Hindu priests of all time.

If you come here, don’t get confused by the name as many of the locals call Chandi Devi Temple as Neel Parvat Teerth. This is because it is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) located within the city of Haridwar. Because of its stunning location, many people also prefer the choice of trekking instead of taking the means of a ropeway. Also since many elderly pilgrims cannot walk, it takes time to board the ropeway and reach the top.

Verdant greenery surrounds the entire temple complex and the hill making it a beautiful place to dwell. It is also a lovely place to watch the sunrise and sunset. Another thing the pilgrims can do is by exploring the other side of the Neel Parvat. After darshan at Chandi Devi Temple, you can visit a shrine dedicated to Devi Anjana who was the mother of Lord Hanuman. Many festivals are celebrated in Chandi Devi Mandir Haridwar like Navratri and the Chandi Chaudas. And during the mass gathering at Haridwar Tourism during the holy festival of Kumbh Mela.

You can find many pilgrims come to seek blessings from the deity. Items not allowed inside Chandi Devi Temple are any kind of leather accessories, non-vegetarian food, and alcohol.

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar Timings: 5:00 A.M to 5:30 P.M and 6:00 P.M to 6:30 P.M

Chandi Devi Temple Entry Fees: Nil

Har ki Pauri Ghat, Haridwar

In India, there are many religious places with every state having its pilgrimage sites. Each destination is enveloped with historically significant items that have connections to the unseen spiritual force. In one of Uttarakhand‘s spiritual destinations, Haridwar, you can connect with your inner spirit by attending the auspicious Ganga Aarti. Every day, thousands of pilgrims come to Haridwar to soak in the richness of spirituality. The city consumes you through its many temples and Ghats where the aarti is performed.

The holy ceremony is performed in Har ki Pauri Ghat in the Brahma Kund area. The Ghat is said to have been built in the 1st century BC by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Brithari.

As foretold by many priests, it is believed that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu visited Brahma Kund in Har Ki Pauri. The foot imprint of the Lord Vishnu can be found in the Ghat, thus it got its name. The same imprints are also present on one of the stones of the Ghat. Another story suggests that the nectar (Amrit) fell on this very spot thus various religious events are performed here. One famous celebration is the Kumbh Mela. The Ghat also thrives during the festive occasion of Baisakhi festival, Ardh Kumbh Mela, Magh Mela, and Kanwar Yatra.

Har ki Pauri darshan is famous across the country calling in devotees to attend the darshan. Ultimately making it the center of attraction in Haridwar. The literal meaning of the name Har ki Pauri is ‘Har’ meaning ‘Lord Shiva’, ‘Ki’ meaning ‘of’ and ‘Pauri’ meaning ‘steps.’ An interesting fact as to why Har ki Pauri is famous and considered an ideal place for worship is because it is the point where the Ganga River makes an exit from the mountain terrains and enters into the plains. People who come to witness the religious ceremony have many vantage points.

Har ki Gauri Ghats in Haridwar offers another point where people can see the aarti without anyone blocking the view from across the main Ghat. You can cross the bridge to the opposite side of the Ghat, or you can also hire a boat and watch the ceremony comfortably. There are also many hotels near Har ki Pauri that lends out their balconies for tourists to see the Aarti.

Har ki Pauri, Haridwar Timings: 24 hours

Har ki Pauri, Haridwar Entry Fees: Nil

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the most ancient pilgrimage places in India is blessed with tons of temples all around the city. Thus, Haridwar means “Gateway to the Lord” with Hari meaning Lord and Dwar meaning Gateway. During your visit to Haridwar, you will come across many holistic shrines that have been dedicated to various Hindu deities. And amongst the many Mansa Devi Mandir leaves no stone unturned to impress devotees coming from across the country.

This temple dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi is located on top of Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills. It offers a splendid view of the surrounding area of the city and a constant chain of the Himalayas. It is said that Mansa Devi in Haridwar is also called by the name Bilwa Tirth. It is one of the five pilgrimages (Panch Tirth) within Haridwar.

Based on the legends, Manasa or Mansa Devi came out from the mind of the sage Kashyap in the form of Shakti. The name Mansa means wish and in that regard. Many pilgrims come to the temple to wish by tying a thread on a tree located in the temple with a hope that their wishes will be granted. After their wishes are fulfilled, the devotees return to the temple to untie the thread. Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar is beautiful and religiously oozing with hope and devotion.

It has two different ways to each, one can either hike for approx. 3 kilometer to the hilltop or get on a cable car or Udan Khatola called locally to the station on top. The hike can be tiring during hot weather so many opt for cable cars.

The Mansa Devi Mandir cable car in Haridwar runs from 7 AM between April and October, and 8 AM for the rest of the year. April to June is considered peak pilgrimage season and it remains crowded all day throughout the season. Haridwar’s Mansa Devi darshan is very auspicious. Many of the devotees take Prasad as an offering to the Goddess with bags filled with flowers and coconuts. Inside the temple complex, you’ll find many small shrines leading towards the main temple where the Goddess dwells.

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar Timings: 8:00 A.M to 12:00 Noon and 2:00 P.M to 5:00 P.M

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar Entry Fees: Nil

Patanjali Yog Peeth, Haridwar

Excessive travel makes one weary and we need some relaxation and India is no stranger to offer such rejuvenation. No matter where you go, you’ll find exceptional institutes that give you a chance to connect to your inner self. And if you are in a holy city of Uttarakhand in Haridwar, you can not only have a spiritual experience but you can make use of your visit by visiting the Patanjali Yog Peeth Haridwar. This is a well-known Ayurveda institute which was founded in 2006 by Yog Guru Ramdev.

This massive complex is said to be one of the top institutes for Ayurvedic treatment and medication. Not only you can come here for a soul-calming treatment but also learn about the different forms of yoga and meditation in their in-house college. Their world-class facilities are known throughout the globe for their several activities. It has many facilities such as laboratories, research Centres and also many other facilities such as the canteen and ATM.

Patanjali Yog Peeth in Haridwar comprises two campuses, the Patanjali Yog Peeth – I was commissioned on 6 April 2006. It was made into Ayurveda College with a campus library which is also a research center for yoga and Ayurveda. Many ancient textbooks are restored and digitized here. The second campus was inaugurated after a few years in 2009. It has different auditoriums to comfortably allow people to do different activities. Patanjali Yog Bhawan which can accommodate thousands of participants is 200,000 sq. ft. in size.

It is here people practice yoga, pranayama, and meditation. There is another auditorium called Shradhalayam which is fully air-conditioned spreading to over 60,000 sq. ft. Another auditorium spreading to 40,000 sq. ft. is Panchakarma and Shatkarma Centre that can hold about 1,000 people. Here you can perform and also participate in therapies like Panchakarma and Shatkarma.

You can choose some of the best therapies provided by Yog Peeth in Haridwar that are suitable for your body like Sun therapy, Hydrotherapy, Shat Karma, Naturopathy, Panchakarma and more. Patanjali Yog Peeth is located within an hour from Haridwar, Uttarakhand. You can easily reach here by bus or taxi from the city and have a rejuvenating time.

Rajaji National Park

One of the prizes possession national parks of Uttarakhand is Rajaji National Park now renamed Rajaji Tiger Reserve. This lovely animal refuge is shared by three districts of the state: Pauri Garhwal, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Surrounded by the Shivaliks on the foothills of the Himalayas, you can expect stunning sights of staggering mountains covered in dense forest and snow. Rajaji National Park is famous for tigers and it is a protected area for these wild beasts. However, there are only approx. 11 tigers in the park.

It is outnumbered by other wild species like leopards that are over 250 in population. It is also an ideal habitat for elephants, this national park has over 600 elephants. Rajaji National Park built-in 1983 is the second famous tiger reserve of Uttarakhand after Corbett National Park. The wild wilderness of this national park attracts many nature enthusiasts to come and dwell amid the forest.

Rajaji National Park safari will give you an experience you’ll never forget as you explore the three zones Chilla, Jhilmil, Ranipur. You can swift through the jungle on a jeep and listen to the birds sing, there are over 400 bird species. Make sure to also stay alert to get a glimpse of the wild beasts and simply enjoy the moment away from the city. Since Rajaji National Park is situated in Uttarakhand, you can easily visit many nearby destinations. Some are known for spirituality like Haridwar and some for its soothing ambiance in Nainital.

You can also rent a car and drive through the national park, private vehicles are not allowed inside, and you’ll need special permission from the forest officials. You can, however, make advance Rajaji National Park safari booking. The jeep safari in Rajaji National Park is operated twice daily in the morning and evening for two or three hours. The gates to the park remain open from 7:00 A.M to 9:00 A.M and 3:00 P.M to 5:00 P.M. The best time to come for a wildlife safari in Rajaji Tiger Reserve is during the cooler months. The national park remains open from the months of mid-November to mid-June, the dates may vary.

Rajaji National Park Timings: 7:00 A.M to 10:00 A.M and 2:30 P.M to 5:00 P.M

Rajaji National Park Entry Fees: INR 150 for Indian nationals and INR 600 for foreign nationals

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Wildlife in Rajasthan

Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary

February 28, 2023 rtp123

Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Chittorgarh is one of those epic wildlife attractions where nature coexists with religious and mythological beliefs. As per mythology, Devi Sita spent her days of exile in the deep woods with Luv and Kush, the twins born to Sita Mata and Lord Rama. And hence, the sanctuary got its name from here.

From a wildlife photographer’s perspective, Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is one of those rare wild habitats where I have spotted the highest number of mammal species. The wildlife reserve is popular as the biodiversity hotspot of Rajasthan. It is home to the largest biota of the state. A wide variety of flora and fauna mark the uniqueness of this wild haven.

The sanctuary stretches over a huge area of 423 sq km. It is situated in the South-East region of Rajasthan in Chittorgarh, Pratapgarh and Udaipur District. The confluence of the ancient mountain ranges Arawallis, Vindhyas and Malwa plateau make the land highly undulated. Ancient Valmiki Ashram and Lakhiya Bhata are the places of attractions located inside the sanctuary. Drawings of prehistoric animals engraved on rocks in Lakhiya Bhata is a must-watch for history lovers.

Having the highest number of animal and plants species, Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is considered one of the richest sanctuaries. Approximately 325 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, 40 species of reptiles, 30 species of fishes and 9 species of amphibians are can be spotted here. As we drive deep into the jungle, Leopards, Indian pangolin, Striped Hyenas, and four-horned Antelopes maintain the thrill. During the sunset, we can see Flying Squirrels gliding from one tree to another. Rusty-spotted Cat and Black Napped Monarch are utter beauty to see Wildlife in Rajasthan.

Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is a dwelling to over 800 plant species out of which 108 species are identified as medicinal herbs. The sanctuary is covered with a tropical dry deciduous vegetation that is nourished by several freshwater bodies that flow through the jungle. It is the only forest region where more than half of the trees are Teak Salar, Tendu Peepal, Gulmohar, Amaltas, Bakayan, Mahua, Sindoor and Rudraksha.

Geography of Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary

Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary lies at an altitude ranging from 280 and 600 metres above average sea level. It receives an average rainfall of about 756 millimetres annually. During summers the temperature varies from 32 to 45 degree Celsius whereas during winters it varies from 6 to 14 degree Celsius. Seasonal rivers including Tankiya, Budhho, Sitamata, Karmoi and Jakham meander through the dense forest among which Jakham is the most significant one.

Flora of Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary

The main vegetation of Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary comprises dry deciduous forest which exhibits an extremely rich flora. Most of the vegetation in the sanctuary consists of Teak with high building value. Other trees include Neem, Babool, Peepal, Tendu, Salar, Bamboo, Ashok, Arinja, Mahua, Amla, Semal, Bel and many others. Shrubs and climbers are also found in abundance. Several herbs having high medicinal value grow in the forest out of which 17 varieties belong to the endangered species. In olden days, 1828 AD, a separate state forest department was established for managing the rich biodiversity of this region.

Fauna of Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary

Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers as the place hosts a huge assemblage of exotic birds including both native as well as migratory. Common varieties found here comprise White Necked Stork, Painted Stork, Little Egret, Lesser Whistling Thrush, Black-Winged Stilt, Red Turtle Dove, Green Pigeon, Rose-Ringed Parakeet and others.

The birds Black-Necked Monarch and White-Throated Ground Thrush were discovered in the sanctuary only. Vegetarian Mammal Flying Squirrel is the most attractive member of Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary which glides from one tree to another. Having nocturnal feeding activities, these species hides in the hollow of Mahua tree during day time. Other fauna of the sanctuary include Wild Bear, Spotted Deer, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Hyena, Leopard, Pangolin, Caracal, Four-Horned Antelope, Deer and others.

Best Time To Visit Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is best explored during the day in the winter season as the weather stays pleasant and one can spot a number of migrating birds and local species of animals.

How To Reach Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary

Most routes in the region pass through the Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary and hence road connectivity is quite good. Buses regularly ply from Chittorgarh to other towns through the sanctuary. Tourists can book cabs or rent taxis to reach the reserve. Those travelling by private vehicles can reach Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary from Pratapgarh via Udaipur – Pratapgarh road.

By Air : Udaipur Airport is the nearest airport to the park.

By Rail : Mandsaur Railway Station in Madhya Pradesh is the nearest station to Pratapgarh about 28km away while Chttorgarh Railway is the nearest in Rajasthan about 110 km away.

By Road : Daily bus services connect pratapgarh with Chittorgarh (110 km), Banswara (85 km), Udaipur (165 km), Dungarpur (195 km), Rajsamand (133 km), Jodhpur (435 km), Jaipur (432 km) in Rajasthan; Ratlam (85 km), Mandsaur (32 km) in M.P. and Delhi (705 km).

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Rajasthan Tourism

Major Tourist Attractions in Mount Abu

February 27, 2023 rtp123

Major Tourist Attractions in Mount Abu is the famous hill station located in the sirohi district, rajasthan. It is the only hill station in rajasthan. It is situated in the aravalli range in pindwara. The highest peak on the mountain is guru shikhar at 1772m above sea level. Mount abu is 150km away from udaipur and 27km away from abu road. For enjoying this beautiful and unique place every year tourists come from all over world. The beauty of this place is that this place connect you with the nature with all beautiful visiting place near and inside mount abu.

Even the old kings of rajasthan and gujarat used to come in mount abu to enjoy its beauty, which consist mind freshning feelings at the top of mountains with eye warming greeny environment, ancient amazingly constructed temples like dilwara temple and well known sunset point of Mount Abu Tour Packages.

There are more then 20 popular places in and near mount abu that attract all the tourist that come for mount abu sightseeing, like: Nakki lake, Dilwara temple, Sunset point, Guru shikhar, honeymoon point, toad rock and more.

Toad Rock

One of the most interesting places to visit in Mount Abu is located adjacent to Nakki Lake. The Toad Rock is a one-of-a-kind rock formation that resembles a toad and attracts a large number of curious visitors on a regular basis due to its unusual shape and fantastic location. This rock is easily climbed and sat on to enjoy magnificent views of Nakki Lake and the beautiful city beyond. It is one of the most visiting tourist attractions in Mount Abu, capturing the attention of all visitors.It is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Mount Abu Tourism.

Timing– 6:30 AM To 6:45 PM
Time Required– 1 hour
Entry Fee– No Entry Fee

Nakki Lake

This fascinating Nakki Lake is one of the best places to visit in Mount Abu and is crowned with numerous attributes. It is the largest man-made lake at the height of 1100 meters in India on the one hand, it is called romantically Mount Abu’s Love Lake while being the holy lake of the proud tribe of Garcia. The latter comes to Shukla Paksha to worship the lake in April to remember and devote their nails to their ancestors (hence one more reason for the name Nakki). The lake is about 1⁄2 mile long and 1⁄4 of a mile wide Major Tourist Attractions in Mount Abu.

Timing– 9:30 AM To 6:00 PM
Time Required– 1-2 hours
Entry Fee– No Entry Fee

Dilwara Jain Temple

Dilwara Jain Temple is world-renowned for its magnificent design and radiant marble stone carvings. It is one of the best places to visit in Mount Abu and appears to be a genuine essential temple from the outside, but every cloud has a silver coating. The temple’s interior displays the incredible work of human craftsmanship that went into it. These temples were constructed between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries AD and feature exquisite subtle elements of marble stone carvings that are both remarkable and unparalleled.

This was accomplished during a time when no vehicles or streets were accessible at a height of 1200+ meters in Mount Abu. Huge marble stones were transported on elephant backs from Ambaji’s Arasoori Hills to this remote bumpy area of Mount Abu. Dilwara Temple is another popular Jain tourist attraction. This is one of the best tourist attractions among the Major Tourist Attractions in Mount Abu.

Timing– 5:00 AM To 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM To 8:00 PM
Time Required– 1 to 2 hours
Entry Fee– No Entry Fee

Raghunath Temple

Shri Raghunath Ji Temple is a 650-year-old temple on the banks of Nakki Lake in Mount Abu dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s reincarnation. It is primarily visited by Vaishnavites, who regard the temple as one of the most sacred places on Earth. Raghunath Ji is believed to protect his followers from all-natural disasters and liberate them from life’s pains and problems. Several wall inscriptions and delicate paintings and carvings at the Raghunath Temple showcase Mewar’s architectural heritage. One of the main attractions is the exquisitely carved idol of Shri Raghunath Ji. This is one of the Major Tourist Attractions in Mount Abu with family.

Timing– 5:00 AM To 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM To 8:00 PM
Time Required– 1 to 2 hours
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

Achalgarh Fort

Among the plenty of places to visit in Mount Abu, this is one of them The Achalgarh Fort is a 15th-century fort in Mount Abu that is now in ruins. The ruined fort complex is home to a massive gate known as Hanumanpol, which served as the main entrance. Within the fort complex, there is a well-known Shiva Temple (Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple) and Mandakini Lake. Another major draw is a massive Nandi statue. The Paramara dynasty built Achalgarh Fort, which Maharana Kumbha later renovated. Inside the fort complex, there are some Jain temples that were built in 1513. The fort is located on top of a hill and is accessible via a short hike Major Tourist Attractions in Mount Abu.

Timing– 10:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Time Required- 1 hour
Entry Fee– No Entry Fee

Trevor’s Tank

Another site to add to your list of places to visit in Mount Abu is this park is primarily a man-made crocodile breeding facility near Mount Abu, the lush green surroundings and enriching, fresh atmosphere of this park will make one forget the park’s main purpose! Trevor’s Tank, also known as Trevor’s Crocodile Park, is home to a variety of animals other than crocodiles, which obviously dominate the park. Aside from being a breeding ground for these deadly reptiles, the park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Overall, it is one of those pristine Major Tourist Attractions in Mount Abu that attract a wide range of tourists, from peace seekers to nature lovers and photographers.

Timing– 6:00 AM To 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 50 Per Person

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India Activities

Pink Pearl Water Park

February 25, 2023 rtp123

Pink Pearl Water Park – means water slides, rain dances, fun, food, and more. The big Pink Pearl water park is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. It is a popular fun spot for families and visitors, who is looking for fun and entertainment during the hot summer season. Features of the park have a variety of water rides and attractions, such as water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, as well as food and beverages and some other amenities. It’s a place where you can enjoy yourself with family and friends. The water park has a wide range of activities that are sure to thrill and delight for all age people Rajasthan Activities.

Pink Pearl Visit Timing

Timing: 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Other Important Guidelines

Pink pearl Dress Code – Swimsuit and rubber slippers.
No jewelry or other metals are allowed in the pool.

Pink pearl water park Jaipur ticket price

Monday to Saturday – Adults Rs 600
Sunday – Adults Rs 700
All Days – Kids Rs 450 ( Height 4.5 ft to 3.25 ft )
Note:- Costumes and lockers extra charges ( Optional )

Pink Pearl Water Park Activities

Lazy River: Float down the lazy river on a tube, and take in the scenery of the park.
Wave Pools: Ride the waves and splash around in one of the park’s numerous wave pools.
Water Slides: Take a plunge down one of the park’s many thrilling water slides.
Kiddie Pool: Let the little ones cool off and have a blast in the kiddie pool.
Tube Rides: Enjoy a ride down the river on a tube with friends or family.
Water Basketball: Shoot some hoops and have a blast playing water basketball.
Rock Climbing Wall: Test your skills and conquer the park’s rock climbing wall.
Aqua Park: Have a blast playing on the park’s interactive aqua park.
Hot Tub: Relax and enjoy a dip in the park’s hot tub.
Swim Lessons: Take part in the park’s swim lessons and learn the fundamentals of swimming.
Amusement Park: Enjoy the amusement park rides with your family and friends.
Food Court: Enjoy a delicious meal at the Food Court with a variety of dishes.

How to reach Pink Pearl Amusement(Water) Park Jaipur

Pink Pearl Hotel & Fun City is 16 kilometers from the city center on the Jaipur Ajmer Expressway, next to Mahindra & Mahindra’s multi-commodity Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Pink Pearl offers guests comfortable, stylish accommodations as well as entertaining games and activities to make their stay memorable and enjoyable.

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