Place:- Jaipur
Hotel Booked:- Jaipur (near Jaipur Station)
(Saturday 12.00 to Monday 11.00)
How to Reach: Jaipur is having its own airport. Jaipur Station is the nearest railway station having train from all over India. There is an excellent bus service between Jaipur to Delhi by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) with buses approximately every half an hour in both directions. Non-A/C and AC Volvo bus services are offered. Jaipur belongs to the tourist Golden Triangle along with Delhi and Agra.
Place to Visit: Jaipur is a romantic pink hue pervades everything in Jaipur, hence the nickname “Pink City”. Jaipur's nickname, the Pink City, is due to its distinctly coloured buildings, which were painted this colour to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. The present earthy red colour originates from repainting of the buildings undertaken for a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876.
Day1
Saturday Morning
City Palace- An imposing blend of traditional Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is a vast palace complex occupying nearly one-seventh of the Pink City. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The complex is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings. It is home to several palatial structures like the Chandra Mahal, (home to present Maharajah of Jaipur), Mubarak Mahal (housing a textile museum), Diwan-e-Khas (or Hall of Private audience housing the two largest silver vessels in the world, which are duly mentioned in the Guinness book), the Diwan-e-Aam ( or Hall of Public Audience) and the gateway Ridhi Sidhi Pol (with four small doorways decorated with motifs depicting the four seasons).
Jantar Mantar- approx 2 km from City Palace- Timing: 9AM-5PM. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II not only envisioned and executed the highly organised city of Jaipur, he was also responsible for the development of five astronomical observatories throughout west central India. Jantar Mantar is one such observatory located in the heart of Jaipur.The large-scale geometric formations are the stars of this historical structure, jutting out independently with staircases that lead to nowhere and in what would appear to be a random manner. The observatory is a wonder to architects and artists alike, and today, it is presented to audiences as an all-encompassing experience, complete with time-lapse sequences, drawings and 3D models to showcase this historical site.The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices (or yantras in Hindi) for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets and determining the celestial altitudes etc. There is signage providing elaborate explanations for the use of each device. It is advised to take the help of Guide to understand the full architect.
Hawa Mahal- approx 1 km from Jantar Mantar – Time:9AM-5PM. The breeze (or hawa in Hindi) circulates through these windows, giving the palace its name. The iconic facade is best seen from the street, which is free. the romantic pink sandstone fortress cascading over the streets of Jaipur, was originally built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Singh as part of City Palace, it was an extension of the Zenana (women's) chamber. Its purpose was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. It is a five storey high red sandstone structure complete with over 950 windows. From behind the dark shadowed windows of Hawa Mahal, high above the streets, the women could observe the city below without being observed themselves.Today, the structure still stands as proudly as ever. The landmark “honeycomb” facade reaches five stories high and is made up of 152 windows nestled into rounded latticed balconies, exemplifying the strong yet delicate Rajput architecture in all its splendour. When the sun drops down toward the horizon, a small beam of sunlight can sometimes be seen shining through a top story window. For visitors looking to learn about the history of this building, a visit to the Hawa Mahal Museum, just behind the monument, is a must. It displays relics, artifacts, statues, and other historical memorabilia that commemorate Rajasthan’s royal history.
Local Market
Ask to taxi to cover below mentioned place. Ask all in fare including petrol, toll, parking and all. Make video of whole conversation and keep in records for aarguing at the end with them.
Sunday Morning
Amber Fort: One such Rajput palace is located only about 11 kilometres from the centre of Jaipur. The sand-coloured walls of Amber Fort fade into the surrounding hillside in a nearly perfect disguise. This was the original capital of Rajasthan before Maharaja Jai Singh II relocated during his reign to the City Palace. Constructed using breathtaking red sandstone and marble, this structure was built roughly 200 years before Jaipur was established. The main sights within the fort include the Sheesh Mahal, adorned with thousands on thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceiling. It's a bit of a hike up from the town, and the touristy thing to do is to ride on an elephant to the top (in order to get an elephant it is better to arrive there in the morning, otherwise at midday the elephants are done working; however, the road that the elephants walk on is not so long).
Jaigarh Fort: A fort which has never conquered in any battle. A better reason to visit the fort, though, are the scenic gardens at the other end and the spectacular views over the Amber Fort and the hills around. The remains of the foundry where the Jaivana (and many more) were cast are also in the fort grounds. A true fortress, this fort lacks the intricacies of the fort-palace architecture found elsewhere in Jaipur.
Nahargarh Fort: The smallest of the three forts, notable primarily for excellent views over Man Sagar lake and the vast sprawl of Jaipur. Built in 1734 by the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in a mix of Indian and European styles, the fort also houses the (relatively) compact Madhavendra Bhawan palace, although its former splendor is fading under layers of graffiti and pigeon droppings. Some of the film Rang De Basanti were shot at this fort. To get to the area where the "Pathshala" song was shot, take a left turn as soon as you enter the fort. The fort also houses the Jaipur's Wax Museum and Sheesh Mahal, although tickets for these have to be bought separately and are ridiculously expensive.
If time permits,
Galtaji Temple : Just ten kilometres outside of Jaipur, Galtaji Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a Hindu site with natural springs where pilgrims can immerse themselves to wash away their sins. The temple is also home to tribes of monkeys who gleefully congregate to enjoy the temple’s fine spring water. This other-worldly temple affords not-to-be-missed views of Jaipur. Galtaji Temple owes its stately elegance to the architects serving under Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who built much of what is most impressive about the palaces of Jaipur.
Famous:-
Place to Stay:-
Best Time to Visit:-
Note:- Use Audio Guide to explore the palace
Eat:- Kachoris, Dal Bati Churma, Kair Sangri and Gatte ki Sabzi
Purchase:- Fancy Jewellery, Handicraft
Do:-
Next:- Take early morning train of Jaipur Jodhpur Intercity SF Express and reach to Jodhpur
Place:- Jodhpur
Hotel Booked:- Jodhpur (Stay in Palace)
(Monday 12.00 to Tuesday 11.00)
How to Reach: Jodhpur is having its own airport. Jaipur is the nearest international airport. Jodhpur Station is the nearest railway station having train from all over India.
Place to Visit: Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City, because most houses in the old city are painted in shades of blue. This is particularly noticeable on the north side of the town, known as Brahmpuri due to the many Brahmins that live there. Frequent buses are available from Jaipur, Agra for Jodhpur.
Monday Night
Enjoy the palace and feel like king and queen in the PALACE
If time permits visit
Mandore Garden: Mandore Garden, is a town located 9 km north of Jodhpur city, in the Indian state of Rajasthan.The place is known as the birthplace of Ravana's wife mandodari. The historic town boasts several monuments. The now ruined Mandore fort, with its thick walls and substantial size, was built in several stages and was once a fine piece of architecture. A huge, now ruined temple is a highlight of the fort. The outer wall of the temple depicts finely carved botanical designs, birds, animals and planets. The 'Mandore gardens', with its charming collection of temples and memorials, and its high rock terraces, is another major attraction. The gardens house the Chhatris (cenotaphs) of many rulers of Jodhpur state. Ravan temple is another attraction at Mandore. It is believed to be the native place of Ravan's wife Mandodari. Ravan is treated as son in law among some local Brahmins. The Mandore Gardens also house a government museum, a 'Hall of Heroes' and a Hindu temple to 33 crore gods. Various artefacts and statues found in the area are housed at the museum. The 'Hall of Heroes' commemorates popular folk heroes of the region. It contains 16 figures carved out of a single rock. Next door is a larger hall called "The temple of 33 crore gods" which houses images of various Hindu deities.
Tuesday Morning
Mehrangarh Fort: Timing 9am to 5pm Mehrangarh Fort is founded in 1458 by Rao Jodha’s new Capital. The name of Jodhapur comes from the Rao Jodha. It is the largest fort in all Rajasthan has never been taken by force. It's easy to see why: it occupies the entire top of a 150 m hill with commanding views all around, with 3 km of massive ramparts built around the edges.
The name "Fort" belies the size of the complex, which houses the Maharaja's palace, several temples and, tucked away in the back, an extensive garden still farmed to this day. Highlights within the palace include:
Chamunda Mataji Temple.
Moti Mahal. (Pearl Hall). Pearl-coloured inside and decorated with coloured glass windows, this is where the MJasiaharaja held his audiences, with the five alcoves on the far wall allowing his queens to listen.
Phool Mahal. (Flower Hall). The most extravagant of them all, this was the Maharaja's pleasure chamber, for dancing girls and revelry.
Sheesh Mahal. (Mirror Hall).
Zenana Deodi. The inner sanctum of the palace once guarded by eunuchs, this is where the Maharaja's wives whiled away their days. The delicate sandstone screens and carvings are exquisite
A bit adventurous, you can actually go zip-lining inside the fort! The Flying Fox consists of 6 separate zip lines which fly around the fort, and give you a bird’s eye view of the gardens and the desert lakes. I can’t say I did it myself, but it is one of the most popular activities in Jodhpur.
Jaswant Thada (1 km downhill from Mehrangarh).This place provides a great view over the city and of the fort. Royal cenotaphs built in marble, with a picturesque location next to a natural desert lake with lots of birds.
Ghanta Ghar: An architectural masterpiece built by Maharaja Sardar Singhji in 1910. It is illuminated with colorful lights at night.
Famous:-
Place to Stay:- Stay in Palace and feel the kingdom life
Best Time to Visit:-
Note:- Use Audio Guide to explore the palace
Eat:- Rajasthani Thali, Mirchi Vada, Samosa and Pyaaj (Onion) Kii Kachori, Makhaniya Lassi, Mawa Kachori.
Purchase:- Fancy Jewellery, Handicraft, Jootis, Spices and tea, Textiles, Sarees
Do:-
Next:- Take Corbett Park Express/ Ranikhet and reach to Jaisalmer
Place:- Jaisalmer
Hotel Booked:- Jaisalmer (near Jaisalmer Fort)
(Tuesday 12.00 to Wednesday 11.00)
Sam Sand Dunes- Camel Safari - Night in A Desert Camp
(Wednesday 12.00 to Thursday 11.00)
How to Reach: Jaisalmer is having its own airport. Jaipur is the nearest international airport. Jaisalmer Station is the nearest railway station having train from all over India. daily bus runs to and from Jaipur. Ordinary and Deluxe buses of private companies and Rajasthan Roadways run from Mount Abu, Barmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ahmadabad to Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is famous for camel trips. The most grueling is the 14-day trip from Bikaner.
Place to Visit: Jaisalmer, the "Golden City", is on the westernmost frontier of India in the state of Rajasthan. Close to the border with Pakistan, the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert. A desert safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience. The city is dominated by the Jaisalmer Fort. Unlike most forts in India, the Jaisalmer Fort is a living fort. There are shops, hotels, age old havelis (homes) inside the fort area. The fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Early morning Start
Jaisalmer Fort. “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila" as pronounced differently in parts of India. Colourful shades of the setting sun and golden hues of the desert ambience give a fairy tale look to this mega structured fort. The interior of this fort is amazing. It is a 'working fort' meaning that unlike every other fort in India, there are people living and working within its walls. Tourists can also visit many 'havelis' or Grand Houses of rich merchants, which are also having a touch of great classical interior and design. There are numerous lookouts (at least five) within the fort that give a great view out across the city and desert.
A tour of the royal section of the fort is available from a starting point just to the right up the stairs as you enter the main square of the fort).
Jain Temple: (about 1 km from Jaisalmer Fort) There are 7 beautifully carved temples built inside the fort walls. All the temples are connected by walkways and corridors. It is compulsory to remove your shoes, and all other leather articles (belts, wallets, purses, etc.) before entering any Jain temple. Menstruating women are also not allowed into the temple. The very first temple which a tourist can visit is dedicated to Chandraprabhu, who is the eight tirthankar (Jain God). The symbol of the God Chandraprabhu is the moon. This temple was built in 1509. It is built with fine stones. They are only open from 8AM to noon - and leave a good hour to see them.
Patwon-ki-Haveli, a 10-minute walk from the main gates of the fort, is quite magnificent. It's a collection of five houses, each one for the son of a wealthy trader who made money lending to the government. You can only visit one of these havelis (closest to the street), which has been restored and turned into an excellent government museum. Besides the elaborate architecture and decor, you learn a bit about the local music, cuisine, religion, and culture. Expect to spend two hours there. Great view back towards the fort.
GadiSar Lake. This is a rainwater lake which supplies water to the city. It is surrounded by temples and tombs of saints. Boat rides are offered. Nearby is the desert cultural centre and a local museum built out of the collections of a local schoolteacher Mr N.K. Sharma. This centre conducts puppet show in the morning and evening. There are people who will try and sell you bread to feed the huge number of catfish in the lake
Before 3 hour of sunset, start for
Sam Sand Dunes. These sand dunes are around 50 km from Jaisalmer city but one has to go there to have this altogether different experience. This is an amazing sight and the sunset view from there is stunning. Also don't miss the camel ride or a camel cart ride over the semi desert
This Jaisalmer travel wouldn’t be complete without camel trekking, after all, the city is located in the Thar Desert! There are two popular offerings that you can find across the town. The first is a sunset tour that involves driving out to the desert, doing a camel safari, having a fire-cooked dinner, and doing a bit of stargazing. The second option includes all of the above but also involves spending the night in the desert, typically sleeping outdoors around a campfire using mats and a sleeping bag. Another alternative to the camel safari is spending the night in a desert camp. These range from simple tented camps geared at backpackers to luxury tented camps that will make you feel like you’re glamping with the royals.
If time permits visit
Nathmalji ki Haveli: This haveli was built as the residence of the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, Diwan Mohata Nathmal. The construction was carried out by two brothers who had a bit of a competitive edge. They both started building simultaneously at opposite ends and struggled with uniformity, which meant the building ended up having a bit of an irregular shape.
Salim Singh ki Haveli: This next one is nicknamed the Peacock Haveli. This 300-year-old structure was built on top of an even older haveli, and it is still occupied today by a descendant of its original owner.
Famous:-
Place to Stay:-
Best Time to Visit:-
Note:- Use Audio Guide to explore the palace
Eat:- Rajasthani Thali, Mirchi Vada, Samosa and Pyaaj (Onion) Kii Kachori, Makhaniya Lassi, Mawa Kachori.
Purchase:- Rajasthani souvenirs
Do:- Do Camel Safari – Serai Camp, or google for Jaisalmer Desert Safari or Jaisalmer Desert Camp
Next:- Go back to your destination by catching train either from Jaisalmer/Jodhpur/Jaipur
