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Rajasthan: From Multi-Coloured Turbans to Opulent Palaces

The most incredible state of India, which means the land of rajas and Maharajas, Rajasthan is the largest state of the Republic of India which is located in the northwest of India, covering an area of 342239 square kilometers with a population of 68548437. It involves 22 kingdoms of princely states that are merged under a common name 'Rajasthan' on 30 March 1949. The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur (Pink City) and shares its boundary with 5 states Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat.


Rajasthan has a unique layout i.e., the west consists of infertile land (mainly desert), and the east consists of fertile land. It is a colorful state with warmhearted locals, exquisite delicacies, and pure spices with chronicled fables of the province and is one of the enchanting states which attracts a vast number of tourists.


This article describes 6 days tour covering Rajasthan’s 3 cities with family, individually or for a couple too. The route which we cover is Jaipur-Udaipur-Mount Abu-Jaisalmer spending 1 night and 2 days in each city. The most important thing we consider in this article is the most favorable time to visit Rajasthan. i.e., October to March because of a sunny day with cooler nights and the weather is not too humid.


……. let’s start the mesmerizing journey……


 

JAIPUR


Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is the largest city and the capital of Rajasthan. This city is named after its founder Maharaja Jai Singh and is a most liked destination in the country mainly for its famous heritage sights like forts, regional food, the Pinkish color of walls and buildings, and whatnot.


Also, the interesting fact is that it is India's first planned city. To explore the whole of Jaipur in just two days is a little hard but we can explore most of the things if we plan.


WAYS TO REACH


Delhi is the center of the route when we planned a trip to Rajasthan.

 

BY AIR

The city has a domestic Airport known as, Jaipur International Airport which is well connected to major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, etc. Domestic Airlines operate regular flights from major cities of India.

  • Delhi to Jaipur- time takes around 1hour

  • Mumbai to Jaipur- time takes around, 2 hours 30 minutes

  • Chandigarh to Jaipur- takes time around, 6 hours 20 minutes

The recommended way to reach Jaipur by Chandigarh is by train or road.

 

BY TRAIN


Jaipur is well connected by trains and different railway Stations.

Delhi to Jaipur - 4 hours 30 minutes

Chandigarh to Jaipur - 12hours 20 minutes

 

BY ROAD


The city is well connected by road to different cities of the country.

There are State and private buses run from Delhi or other cities.

Delhi to Jaipur - 280km

Chandigarh to Jaipur - 518km

 


DAY 1

HAWA MAHAL


Hawa Mahal, or we can say "Place of Winds", was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh especially for royal ladies to watch everyday street scenes from windows. Sunrise from that palace is fascinating to watch as windows of the Hawa Mahal light up with the sun, and one can have breakfast of kachori in front of Hawa Mahal as there are many shops.

Also, it looks beautiful at night as it lights up. You can reach the place through a local bus or cab.


ENTRY FEE:

  • Indian visitors- 20Rs. per person

  • Foreign visitors- 50Rs. per person


TIMING

  • 9:30am – 4:30pm

 

AMER FORT

  • It is located 11km North of central Jaipur

  • Amer is one of the most visited places in Jaipur as your trip is incomplete without visiting the Amer fort.

  • Tourism of India has listed the Fort in the 47 iconic sites.

  • It is a UNESCO world heritage site and is a part of "hills forts of the Rajasthan".

  • Amer Fort is famous for its artistic elements like large different gates, cobbled paths, Matota lake.

  • The magnificent architecture of the place reflects Mughal and Rajput styles. There are many sights in Amer to see like Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-E-Khas, Zenana Deori, Sheela Mata Mandir, etc.

  • To explore Amer Fort, there is a ticket for that, the details of which are- 100Rs. for Indian Visitors, 10Rs. for Indian Students; 500Rs. for foreign Visitors, 100Rs. for foreign students. {carry students identity card is important.


TIMING

  • 8 am – 5:30 pm

 

JAL MAHAL


Jal Mahal is located on the main road that leads to Amer. Visitors like to visit Jal Mahal and Amer together. It is the most photography friendly spot for tourists. You are not allowed to go in the water or near the Mahal but you can watch the beautiful symmetrical Mahal in the center of Sagar lake.

 

JAIGARH FORT


Jaigarh Fort was built in 1726 AD by Sawai Jai Singh and the main reason to build it was to protect the Amer Fort. There are many attractions to see within the fort like Laxmi Villas, Lalit Mandir, Vilas mandir but mainly people visit the fort to see the Cannon; world's Largest Cannon on wheels called "Jaivana Cannon". You can visit Jaigarh Fort either by the Tunnel connected by Amer fort, the length of which is 7km, or you can take an autorickshaw or cab from Amer.



ENTREE FEE

  • Indian visitors- 50Rs. per person

  • Indian student/child (5-12)- 30Rs. per person

  • Foreign visitors- 100Rs. per person

  • Foreign Student/child (5-12)- 60Rs.

 



NAHARGARH FORT


Nahargarh Fort is one of the famous of the three forts; it was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh for the defense system for Jaipur. This magnificent fort is situated on Aravalli hills. This Fort is mainly famous for its scenic and amazing views of Jaipur, and its architecture.

There is also the Jaipur Wax Museum in the Fort. You can also visit Nahargarh biological park located within the fort premises.


ENTREE FEE

  • For Indian visitors- 50Rs. per person

  • For Indian Students- 5Rs. per person (valid identity card)

  • Foreign visitors- 200Rs. per person


TIMING

  • 10:00AM – 5:30PM


VISIT DURATION

  • 2-3 hours

 

CHOKHI DHANI


If you are visiting Rajasthan, Chokhi Dhani is a must on the bucket list. It is nearly 25km away from Jaipur city. Chokhi Dhani village resort has everything to offer under one roof to know the Rajasthani heritage or culture. This resort is most famous for its Rajasthani thali and the unique serving.


But you will feel highly connected to culture right from the gate of the resort, with the beautiful Diya wall, and welcome ceremony with tilak. It's the best place to visit with family. When you start exploring the entire resort, or I can say city, you will see that it is joyful for everyone, no matter how old they are. Traditional dances in Rajasthani dresses is a major attraction, and you can also dance with them or sit down and enjoy a bonfire, puppet shows, elephant rides, camel rides, get photographed in traditional attire, mehndi design, Museum visit, shopping, artifact shop, all in one place.

And the dinner at Choki Dhani is the most tasteful Rajasthani traditional food you can ever have.

The dining facilities are extremely good.


ENTREE FEE

  • Adult: 750Rs. per person

  • Child: 450Rs. per person

TIMING

  • 5:00PM TO 11:00 PM

 

Day 2

TEMPLES TO VISIT


Moti Dungri Ganesh Ji Temple, Birla Mandir, Akshardham Mandir, Govind Dev Ji Temple.

 

CITY PALACE


The City Palace is popular with tourists especially first-timers. It was established at the time of Jaipur by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The architecture of the palace shows the Mughal, Rajput, and European styles. The Royal Family still lives in the palace but that part is private and not open to the public. It is famous for its buildings, fortresses, history, and culture.


There are so many attraction points within the city palace so if you want the full tour of the palace it will take some time.


Mubarak Mahal, Pritam Niwas Chowk, Chandra Mahal, Maharani Palace, Peacock Gate, Rose Gate, Lotus Gate, Chandeliers of Diwan-I-Khas, etc.


The small part of the palace form into the museum. Mubarak Mahal is also a part of it which showcases the Rajasthani textiles or clothes worn by Kings and Queens.

 

ENTREE FEE


The entry fees of City palace Jaipur vary depending on what kind of sights and facilities you want, like visiting the museum during day or night.

  • For Indian visitors- 200Rs.

  • For child or Indian student (with identity card) or senior citizen/defence- 100Rs.

  • Foreign visitors- 700Rs.

  • Child(5-12years)/ student with valid ID- 400Rs.

  • Senior citizen/ disabled- 430Rs.

Time duration- 2 hours

 

MARKETS TO EXPLORE


Bapu Bazar (for all Jaipuri items), Johri Bazar (Famous for jewellery), Tripolia Bazar (Famous for bangles), Chandpol Bazar (for handicrafts) In the evening time, you can leave for Udaipur.

 

ACCOMMODATION


There are several hotels, guesthouses, and hostels available in Jaipur with the ranges according to the facilities, views, and security.

The price for guest houses ranges from 500Rs. to 800Rs. per person per night and the hotel prices vary from 800rs. To 10,000rs or may be higher than this according to the hotels and facilities.

 

UDAIPUR – THE VENICE OF THE EAST


Udaipur, the capital of Mewar, Rajasthan also known as the city of lakes is known for its amazing locations, rich cultural background, and grand architecture from the period of Rajputs.


The city is famous for its ancient palaces, massive forts, breath-taking lakes, beautiful lush green gardens, age-old temples, romantic locations and so much more. The city looks mesmerizing as it is designed by the bygone era palatial architecture. The city is a perfect example of how magnificent nature can be.


Udaipur comes with a rich history as it is the historic capital of the kingdom of

Mewar in the former Rajputana Agency. It was founded back in the year 1558 by Udai Singh II of the Sisodia clan of Rajput when he shifted his capital from the city of Chittorgarh to Udaipur after Chittorgarh was besieged by Akbar.