If you are planning a vacation that is a perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, Rajasthan, Jaipur is surely the place to be.
The vibrant state of India is known for its forts, palaces, havelis, temples, and national parks that offer a glimpse of the opulence of the state. Its colorful markets, exquisite handicrafts, and delicious cuisine make it a paradise for tourists looking for an immersive travel experience.
Even though a ‘Desert State”, it is an alluring romantic destination in India that houses the rustic Thar Desert, the mesmerizing lakes of Udaipur, the intense forests of Ranthambore, unique Rajputana culture, multicolored turbans, and dunes.
The unique culture of Rajasthan can be witnessed across the Shekhawati, which comprises districts like Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Churu in the North Eastern area of Rajasthan. Mandawa is one such place in the state where you can experience the rich Shekhawati culture in the comfort of modern amenities. It is a spectacular destination that is immensely beautiful and famous for its magnificent architectural grandeur.
Jaisalmer is popular for its sandstone buildings and ornate palaces. The West of this city is a vast dune, and to the South lies Gadisar Lake, where visitors can go boating. The old city, with buildings displaying intricate architectural details from the past, sits within the 19th-century Jaisalmer Fort. It is a marvel of architecture and one of the most popular attractions of this desert city.
Travelers can immerse themselves in colorful festivals, traditional music and dance performances, and handicrafts that reflect the state’s rich heritage.
Jaipur
The crowning jewel of the Rajasthan Tour Packages is the Pink City -Jaipur. Whether you are traveling solo or with your loved ones, Jaipur will mesmerize you with its palaces, forts, bazaars, and cuisine.
Amber Fort
Amber Fort located just outside the city, is a magnificent fortress that exudes grandeur, and regal charm. Built by one of the most trusted generals of Akbar, Maharaja Mann Singh I in 1592, it served as the main residence of the Rajput rulers.
Clad in pink and red sandstone and marble, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and lies eleven km away from Jaipur.
Explore its splendid architecture, beautiful courtyards, and intricate carvings. The Amer Fort with its several gateways, paved paths, and ramparts overlooks the Maotha Lake in the town of Amer, which used to serve as the capital of the princely state of Jaipur. Don’t miss the chance to experience an elephant ride up the fort, a traditional way to ascend to its royal splendor.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar located near the City Palace is the largest stone astronomical observatory in the world. Because of its rich cultural, heritage, and scientific value, Jantar Mantar features on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
The nineteen instruments built out of stone and brass were built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727-33. The intelligent construction and placement of the instruments allowed the observers to note the position of heavenly bodies with their naked eye alone.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal known as the Palace of Winds, is an iconic landmark of Jaipur. It’s a unique honeycomb-like structure with carved windows that allow the cool breeze to flow through, creating a mesmerizing sight. Explore its multiple levels and soak in the magnificent views of the bustling city street below.
The opulent City Palace in Jaipur is one of the most famous tourist attractions located in the old part of the city. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during the years 1729 to 1732, as the vast complex of the palace occupied one-seventh of the walled city. The palace is divided into a series of courtyards, buildings, and gardens including the Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal. The museum showcases various handcrafted products and artifacts that belong to the royal heritage of the City Palace.
Udaipur
Udaipur the “City of Lakes” is nestled amidst the Aravalli Range, this city lures visitors like a magnet to iron pins with its regal charm, historic grandeur, and scenic landscapes. Located around stunning water lakes and encompassed by the Aravalli Hills in all directions, it is known for its azure lakes, magnificent palaces, vibrant culture, and delectable food. Besides being a must-visit destination, it is also one of the best places to experience luxury in India Also known as the “Venice of the East” it is one of the most romantic cities in India. Lake Pichola is a lake located in the heart of Udaipur.
The oldest and one of the largest lakes of the city is flanked by lofty hills, heritage buildings, and bathing ghats. A visit to Lake Pichola is incomplete without a boat ride, especially in the dawn. During evenings, the whole place seems dipped in gold as the heritage buildings and pristine water turn golden with the reflection of the sun. Built by Pichhu Banjara in 1362 AD, is 3 miles in length,2 miles in width, and has a depth of 30 feet.
The City Palace of Udaipur adorns the eastern banks while the Mohan Mandir is situated in the northeast corner.
Sajjangarh Palace
Sajjangarh Palace located on the outskirts of Udaipur, is perched atop a hill is a former royal residence belonging to the Mewar dynasty. The palatial complex is named after its patron Maharana Sajjan Singh, who ordered its construction and had it erected in 1884. It was intended to be a nine-storeyed astronomical observatory to note and assess the arrival and patterns of monsoon clouds because of its strategic location at Bansdara Peak.
That’s why it has also earned the name Monsoon Palace. Sajjangarh Palace features fascinating Rajput architecture, complete with high towers, turrets, balconies, and pillars.
Jag Mandir
Jag Mandir Palace or The Lake Garden Palace is an opulent palace located on the southern island of Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
The palace is made out of marble and yellow sandstone. It is a sight to see the eight life-sized elephants carved out of pure white marble that seems to guard the palace. The construction started in 1551 by Maharana Amar Singh and continued by Maharana Karan Singh, it also served as a hiding place for Shah Jahan and was finally completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I. Bara Pathron ka Mahal, Kunwar Pada ka Mahal and the Zenana Mahal are the must-visit pavilions. The palace has gardens adorned with roses, jasmine flowers, palm trees, bougainvillea, and frangipani trees. The palace currently comprises a restaurant called “Darikhana’ that serves lip-smacking Rajasthani food.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur popularly known as the ‘Blue City and Sun City “ is the former capital of the Marwar region and the second-largest city in Rajasthan. It is famous for its magnificent Mehrangarh Fort along with temples, lakes, and snacks. Jodhpur was founded in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha and the city has earned its name after him. The second largest city is divided into old city and new city.
Mehrangargh
Beyond question, Mehrangargh tops the list of “must-visit “places in Jodhpur and is one of the largest Indian forts. This invincible fort stands magnificently 410 feet above the city and is guarded by huge walls. The fort encloses a museum which displays various belongings of the royals. It was built by Rao Jodha in 1459. The entrance of the fort, atop a hill, is majestic and has seven gates. These are called Victory Gate, Fateh Gate, Gopal Gate, Bhairon Gate, Dedh Kamgra Gate, Marti Gate, and Loha Gate. Each of these was built at different times and served a very specific purpose. The fort has opulent palaces such as the Sheesh Mahal ( Glass Palace) and Phool Mahal ( Rose Palace).
The delicate and intricate carvings on the walls of the fort, the sprawling courtyards, and its impressive history, museums, and galleries allure tourists from all over the world. There are six different galleries in the Mehrangarh museum-Elephant’s Howdahs, Daulat Khana, Armoury, Paintings, Palanquins, and the Turban Gallery.
Umaid Bhawan
Umaid Bhawan Palace apart from being a heritage hotel, is a museum and the residence of the Royal family of the present owner, Raja Gaj Singh.
As it is located at the highest point in Jodhpur, the Chittar Hill, it is also referred to as the Chittar Palace. Built-in 1943, the palace was commissioned in 1929 and was built to employ the drought and grief-stricken farmers of the area. At present, the 347-room palace has been divided into three parts.
One part is the residence of the royal family, where the tourists are not allowed to enter. The second houses a museum that displays a rich collection of arms, photographs clocks, stuffed animals, and other possessions of the royal family.
The third part has been converted into a five-star hotel and offers exquisite services to its clientele.
Om Banna Temple
Om Banna Temple or the Bullet Baba Temple is dedicated to Om Banna, a traveller who passed away at this site, and his mysterious bike, a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet. It is located fifty-three km away from Jodhpur, on the Jodhpur Pali highway. Nearby villagers and devotees come to pray for a safe journey while traveling.
Conclusion
Rajasthan, Jaipur is globally well-known for its glorifying history, rich culture, dynamic heritage, iconic monuments, and traditions. It has become the most preferred place for holidays, honeymoons, and weddings making it a one-stop destination for all your needs and aspirations.
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