Categories
Culture Foodie

Vegetarian Food joints in Jaipur

Jaipur is the heart of Rajasthan, filled with historical places, great architecture, and buzzing markets. Amidst the various palaces and fort sightings, fun and the crowd, one is likely to get hungry (a lot). Indulge in some authentic Rajasthani food until your stomach can take no more or just casually stop by for some light snacks at these wonderful places. Jaipur’s food reflects the cuisines derived straight from the Royal kitchens. Their dishes have a unique taste and the flavor of Rajasthan but you must know the right place to go and we are here to help you choose.

We #ghoomophiirosisters took flight from Delhi to Jaipur on a lazy weekend to taste the delicacies of #Jaipur at these vegetarian food joints in Jaipur.

  1. Anokhi Cafe

Address: C 11, 2nd Floor, KK Square, Prithviraj Road, C Scheme, Jaipur

This classy cafe serves food made from organic ingredients that are locally grown. Not only is the ambiance of the place great, but their coffee cream cafe and baked bread are also delightful for the taste buds. A pit stop here is what you need after your journey to Jaipur, to get you back on track. Don’t forget to try their freshly squeezed juices.

  1. Brown Sugar

Address: Aurum Apartment, Tilak Marg, C Scheme, Jaipur

Another chic cafe in Jaipur with great coffee, soothing music, and beautiful wooden interiors. They have a wonderful range of bread, Pizzas, and cakes at your service. It is a great place to hang out with friends or make a resting stop after shopping. The Highlight of the place would have to be the Nutella Pancakes and the open sitting arrangement.

  1. Spice court

Address:  Achrol House, Jacob Road, Civil Lines, Jaipur

What would be the fun if you are in Rajasthan but don’t try any signature Rajasthani dishes? Spice court is set up in a courtyard and is popular for its tribal dishes. Beneath the charming moonlight, enjoy your dinner with Daal Bati. They even arrange a puppet show for enjoyment. The menu is wide in range and so you have many options to choose from.

  1. Dragon House

Address: Khasa Kothi Circle, M.I. Road

This is the place for you if you are craving some Thai food or Chinese food. They have the greatest Asian cuisine in Rajasthan. Their Thai Salads and Dim sums might not look as attractive but the taste is delicious. If you are tired of all the Rajasthani food, come here for a break from the monotony.

  1. Chokhi Dhani

Address: Chokhi Dhani Village Resort, 12 Mile, Tonk Road, Jaipur

They not only offer you delicious Rajasthani cuisines with live music, but there is also a buffet option. Even the theme of the restaurant is Rajasthani Village and it shows as soon as you walk in. Have the authentic Rajasthan experience is Chokhi Dhani. They have various dishes like gate ki sabzi, dal bati churma, Rajasthani thali and they welcome you with a welcome drink i.e chilled Jal jeera.

  1. Grand Chanakya

Address: 4 A-B, Kashi Bhawan, M.I. Road, Panch Batti, Jaipur

The menu might be limited to Rajasthani and North Indian cuisines but the preparation and the taste make you forget about the lack of choice. Grand Chanakya is a high-end restaurant where you can enjoy delightful meals. Do try their Paneer Khurchan and Churma.

  1. Peacock Rooftop

Address: 51, Hathroi Fort, Hari Kishan Somani Marg (Ajmer Rd), Jaipur

As the name suggests, this is a rooftop restaurant with great ambiance and live music for your entertainment. Try the various skewers (especially mushroom) and veg raita. There isn’t a finer dining spot in whole Jaipur than this one.

Some other restaurants you can probably visit are Tapri tea House and Rawat Mishtan Bhandar. Here I conclude the list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Jaipur. You better be hungry when you go in because you would want to try out everything. Enjoy fine Rajasthani dining experience and eat like the foodie you are!

Categories
Architectural North India

How beautiful Jaisalmer looks in Monsoon

Rajasthan is home to a number of amazing tourist spots whether it be Jaipur, Jodhpur, etc. The city under the spotlight is Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer is situated in the deep west, just a little away from India-Pakistan border. This remote city has won the title of the ‘Golden city’ on the back of its majestic beauty.

Best time to visit Jaisalmer

Let us get it out and clear that the worst time to visit the desert state is summer season – that is from April to August.  This is too hot especially in afternoons and temperatures rise up to 42 degrees – your experience will be spoiled by the heat. This, however, is the best time for budget travels.

Jaisalmer’s tourism peak season falls in the winter season that is months from November to March. In terms of climate, it is the best place to visit Jaisalmer – the nights are even cold while even during day time you can travel around with convenience. This, however, can also be a quite expensive time to visit the state.

The best time to visit Jaisalmer is thus the monsoon season that is September to October – especially the month of October. Despite this period being named monsoon, the desert city receives very little rainfall which might even increase humidity a little. But by October, the climate has grown pleasant and you can still get off-season benefits. The temperature remains bearable not rising above 37 degrees most of the days making it easy to travel.

How to reach Jaisalmer

Once you are in Jodhpur (230 kilometers from Jaisalmer) or Jaipur (560 kilometers from Jaisalmer), you can take a bus to Jaisalmer.

Best things to do in Jaisalmer

The city is full of temples, forts, lakes … Even a ghost town. Here we bring you a list of its top attractions. :

1 Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort seems very much abandoned by the government. There are no guards that guard it and no fixed hours during which to visit it. Besides marveling at its architectural splendor, you can shop for your souvenirs in shops in the fort, eat at local restaurants, drink coffee and at easy to find cafes.

The fort also has a brilliant Jain Temple which is really beautiful and a sight worth seeing in itself.

2. Bada Bagh

Figuratively ‘big garden’, the Bada Bagh is a cemetery with a number of cenotaphs built in here. This tranquil place can be visited for a fee of hundred rupees

3. Gadi Sagar Lake

The beautiful lakes have a same somewhat abandoned look as the fort but it is still a splendid sight. Beautiful temples sit on it appearing to be almost floating.

4. Haveli Hunting

Jaisalmer is known for its Havelis – traditional Rajasthani styled Mansions where very rich people live. We recommend exploring at least a couple of them.

5.  Camel Safari in the Sand Dunes

There is no point of being in Rajasthan unless you have had a Camel Safari. Jaisalmer offers you this option at several places and the sand dunes in and surrounding the city offer the perfect place to go on a camel ride. They last from a few hours to several days – we recommend going for shorter ones unless you are sure of yourself for reason of weather conditions.

6.  Try the traditional Rajasthani dresses

Another must-do when in Rajasthan is to wear Rajasthan dresses and get photographed wearing them. It is one of the most fun things to do in Jaisalmer.

Conclusion

This is all from us today. We hope you will consider visiting Jaisalmer this monsoon. 🙂

Categories
Culture Festival North India

The most vibrant festivals of Rajasthan you just can’t miss!

Arguably, Rajasthan is the only state in the entire country that has the most colorful culture and traditions. No wonder why most of the foreign tourists choose this north Indian dry state to start their Indian tour. The major credit goes to the festivals that get celebrated all across the year in this wonderful historic land.

Here are few such festivals that are celebrated in Rajasthan that you must visit.

Bikaner Camel Festival

Known as the ship of the desert, the camel is one of the most favorite animals of the state. In order to celebrate the grandeur of this huge animal, the annual camel festival takes place in the city of Bikaner in the month of January each year. This festival is a must visit as the camel owners from all over the state arrive here and showcase the talents their animals possess.

 

Desert Festival

The festival takes place in the beginning of the year, in January or February. It happens to be a three day event that celebrates the wide Thar Desert in the state. The event takes place in the desert and would be better to call it a desert fare. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state and a great way to experience Rajasthan in all its might.

Mewar Festival

The month of March-April is considered to be the best to visit the colorful city of Udaipur. This is the time when the Mewar festival takes place and the entire city is bathed in colors and brightness. A grand celebration follows and the locals can be seen organizing it with high octane energy. This is one of the most visited festivals by the tourists after the annual camel race.

Teej Festival

The Teej festival is also known as the celebration for the arrival of the beautiful spring season. The festival originated in Rajasthan and now it gets celebrated in almost all the major parts of the country. The women tie ropes on the trees and enjoy swinging on them. This is a very ancient festival that is around for quite a lot of time.

Marwar Festival

Jodhpur is the location and October/November is the time when this festival takes place. The Marwar festival is the celebration of the folk heroes that constitutes the glorious history of the state. The city comes alive as the day approaches and everyone celebrates it with a great joy and enthusiasm that perfectly showcases the greatness of Rajasthan as a state.

Rajasthan International Folk Festival, Jodhpur

RIFF is an annual music and art festival that promotes traditional folk music and arts. Celebrated around Sharad Purnima, the festival offers a delightful time to the visitors. The festival is held in the month of October during 23rd October to 27th October.

If you are a folk music lover, this festival is a must visit for you.

 

The distinctively exceptional festival is hailed as a “People’s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development” and supported by the Maharaja of Jodhpur and Sir Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones.

Pushkar Fair, Pushkar

The Pushkar Fair is the most well known of all desert festivals. It’s a spectacular five-day camel and livestock fair, fair held in the town of Pushkar, where thousand of devotees take plunge in the sacred lake of Pushkar.

The celebrations of this festival also coincide with the religious occasion of Kartik Ekadashi, when the Pushkar lake was supposed to be created by Lord Brahma. Primarily a livestock fair which observes the buying and selling of camels, the Pushkar fair is a center of attention for hordes of tourists and this is what makes it a true cultural bonanza of art.

There are many other festivals such as the Gangaur festival and Jaipur Literature festival which are as important as the ones we have just mentioned. Rajasthan’s essence lies in its people and the different ways in which they are known to celebrate these festivals. It makes the people to keep themselves in touch with the age old customs that they are very proud of.

Categories
Inspiration North India Staycation wildlife

Into the Wild with Bagheera’s camp!!

Address– Kameshwarjee Road, Raghunathpura 306126, India

How to get there: It is about 160 km long ride from Udaipur by road. 

The name Bagheera has mainly become known because of the popular Indian children story ‘Jungle book’ but Bagheera is actually a South Asian name for Leopards.  Bagheera’s camp is a semi-arid wildlife camp homestay. Operated by the community itself, it preserves the flora and fauna of the place that was previously decimated and overgrazed. The place is at the same distance from Udaipur as from Jodhpur and is perfect for travelers wanting to have an authentic Rajasthan cultural, rural and local experience in the wildlife. An eco holiday for lovers of nature experiencing it in the rawest and authentic form but in a safe and healthy way.

Room: Though there were a few luxurious tents (as much luxury as you can get in the total wild) as well, we chose to stay in a room. The suite we were given was lovely but got too hot because of limited A/C. it was okay to handle since we spent most of the time wandering out or in the Verandah anyway. The scenery of Aravalli hills was beautiful. Though the room was pretty basic in facilities, we spent most of our time on safari and exploring outdoors. And it’s not like anyone would visit the place to live in luxury, we went to experience the wild and that we got.

Camp Site: There are no fences or anything by the campsite, just huge granite rocks to protect from harsh winds. There is a playground right near the site and we played volleyball there and walked barefoot on mud, looking at the bamboo plantations. The money that they earn from travelers staying here is used to maintain the Leopard reserve and so you know you’re helping a good cause. It was so refreshing to meet Princess Padmaja and her team who cared so much about the environment. It is asked of the people to be responsible and recycle waste instead of throwing it.

Food and hospitality: The food prepared is all from Ayurvedic ingredients, totally organic and we sat with the cook while it was being cooked, taking in the aroma as well as learning the tricks. The food is completely vegetarian and plentiful and the whole experience of eating under the stars is inexplicably pleasing. Oh, and we had the best cup of tea, ever. The whole staff which mainly consists of local tribesmen and villagers including the cook was very warm and took such good care of us that we didn’t feel like leaving the place. They treated us more like family than paying guests.

What to do there:

There is a Jodhpur Hunting style Camping Safari that led us into the wild. They took us out in jeeps at dusk and we spotted leopards along with a leopardess with two cubs. It was such a magnificent sight.  In the short safari that we had, we saw birds, desert fox, and crocodiles as well. Since we were more interested in bird watching, Princess Padmaja, our hostess stayed with us for hours enjoying the view.  We were also invited to a local village and saw the special sunrise celebration at a local temple nearby. That had to be the highlight of the whole trip, a real memorable view.

Highlights: The tribal people with their fascinating knowledge and talks, along with their livestock would have to be the highlight of our stay at Bagheera’s. While the wildlife provided the necessary thrill, the bonfire and BBQ sessions gave us peace of mind and relaxation. Moreover, you can’t help but admire Princess Padmaja and her family’s efforts of protecting the place.

The overall experience of us staying at Bagheera’s camp was wonderful. The picturesque views, warm hospitality, fascinating shades of nature have made an unforgettable mark on our mind and it wouldn’t be possible without Bagheera’s camp. The stories we got to hear about the leopards and how the place came to be added to the experience all the more. This place has something for everyone, the thrill for an adventurer, the peace, and inspiration for a writer and the local cuisines that dance on taste buds for the foodie. We recommend it with all our heart. Write us at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com for your bookings to this unexplored gem in Jawai.

Categories
Corporate Outings Culture Deserts Itinerary North India

48 Hrs in Jaipur via #ghoomophirosisters’ lens

The pink city ‘Jaipur’ is a traveler’s delight and no one call their trip to Rajasthan complete without staying in Jaipur for at least two days. Jaipur doesn’t only represent the beauty and grandiosity but is actually Rajasthan’s symbolic state.

The royal Rajasthan exists in its truest form in this city, still preserved after all the years. We the #ghoomophirosisters got a chance to first-handedly see this grandeur during one of our backpacking trips and had a close look at the city’s beauty. We took flight from Delhi to Jaipur. We chose to stay at Radisson Blu, Jaipur.  So while you visit the city, here are a few recommendations from our experience to help you explore :

Must See:

Hawa Mahal: This widely recognized facade of red and pink sandstone Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is Jaipur’s most iconic landmark. Within the hidden chambers of this palace, the royal women would often observe the street secretly, and it was all possible through the latticework openings of the palace. This five-storeyed palace is designed in a pyramidal style, as an example of Mughal architecture and its finesse.

Nahargarh Fort: Nahargarh Fort is a striking piece of architecture built on the edge of Aravalli hills. The was a summer palace for the royal families and the fort has a main palace inside it called Madhavendra Bhawan. Apart from it, there are nine other living spaces with the fort that are double-storeyed. Not only are the views from Nahargarh Fort of Jaipur city breathtaking, but it is also connected to Jaigarh Fort. The marble engravings and royal frescos on this fine example of Indo-European architecture are also visible on the interior walls.

Amber Fort: The undeniably charming Amber Fort is set on a hilltop. Both the size and structure of this 15th-century fort are impressive. The path to the fort lies passes through imposing ramparts and cobbled pathways, leading to its gates through which it can be accessed. The Mughal style architecture is visible through its golden frontage combined with elaborate interiors. The ornate archways lead to chambers that have mirrorwork ceilings and hand painted walls and are expansive in size. You can visit the ‘Diwan-e-Aam, or ‘Hall of Public Audience’, the Diwan-e-Khas, or ‘Hall of Private Audience’, and also the Sheesh Mahal, the ‘Mirror Palace’ that are housed inside the palace. Do not miss the light and sound show that glorifies the splendid fort some more.

Jantar Mantar: Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observation site that witnessed the scholarly brilliance of the 18th century. This one of a kind UNESCO world heritage site has the world’s largest sundial along with 20 other instruments.

City Palace: City Palace is one of the Rajput style architectural marvel built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh.  Its design is complete with layers of chambers and halls. The royal family of Jaipur still resides in the palace even today and a portion of the palace remains inaccessible to visitors. But visitors may wander Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and Maharani Palace. A fine collection of artifacts are also preserved in the museum inside City Palace and the palace houses a temple as well.

Perfect Do’s

Visit an Elephant Camp: A privately owned forest and wilderness camp spread over 160 acres are situated behind Amber Fort. Mamy domestic animals, camels, and elephants have made it their natural habitat and visitors may ride on the elephant back to explore Aravali Forest. They can also ask about the caring routines of these gentle giants along with trying their hand at bathing them.

Shop for Local Handicrafts: Jaipur is brimming with local bazaars filled with things to buy. There isn’t anything you can’t find here, from clothes, shoes, handicrafts, jewelry to pottery, spices and home furnishings. And you’ll love them all. Get ready to loosen your pockets if you plan to visit one of the popular marketplaces like Baapu Bazaar and Johari Bazar.

Watch a Polo Match:  The upper echelons of society in Jaipur continue to patronize yet widely play the ‘game of kings’ polo. While it may be hard to get your hands on the invites to an exclusive polo match, the city’s polo clubs like Ramgarh Resort & Polo Complex or Jaipur Polo Club would let you watch a match, free of cost.

Block Printing at Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing: The age-old tradition of hand block printing is still preserved in Anokhi Museum of Hand printing which was established solely for the preservation of this art. This art is still practiced by most of Jaipur’s artisans. At the Anokhi Museum, you can witness the intricate workings of this art and get educated while block printing artisans are at work to keep this endangered art alive. The visitor can also buy these handcrafted merchandises that are locally made.

Best Eating Joints

Ghewar: LMB Bazaar in Johari is a popular eatery to try out this delicacy. It is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Known to be a traditional Rajasthani sweet, it is circular in shape and deep friend, laden with almonds as well as pistachios.

Kachori: This sweet or savory fried snack has tea as its best companion. Pick up a box of pyaaz Kachori from Rawat ki factory while in Jaipur. This Kachori is one if their specialties and too delicious to pass up.

Daal Baati: Daal Baati is one of the most popular dishes of Rajasthan and most local eateries in Jaipur serve it. It is a dish of daal served with baati (wheat rolls). The best way to eat it is when it is served hot, seasoned with pure ghee.

 When to Go

During its three distinct seasons- Summer, Winter, and Monsoon, Jaipur experiences extreme weather.

October to March: Since the summer heat has disappeared by this time, it is the best time to visit Jaipur. While December and January may be extremely cold and dry because winter is at its peak at the time, the temperature is better in February and March. This pleasant weather would be the ideal time to enjoy your holiday.

July to September: High humidity along with the hot weather, this is the Monsoon season.

April to June: Summers in Jaipur can be brutally hot with the temperature rising up to 40C. May and June are the hottest months.

Getting There

By Air: Located approximately 12 kms from the city centre, in Sanganer is Jaipur international Airport. It is well connected to flights from all across India as well as a few international destinations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Muscat.

 By Road: Many Air-conditioned, as well as non-air conditioned buses, are run by The Rajasthan Road Transport Corporation from nearby towns and cities. The National Highways connecting Delhi and Gujarat make for a smooth ride if you are driving to Jaipur.

By Train:  The city’s largest railways station, Jaipur Junction has direct trains FROM major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai as well as Kolkata. For a truly grand experience, enjoy the scheduled stop in Jaipur by Palace on Wheels.

Getting Around

There’s no problem for transportation in Jaipur since both public and private transport is readily available. Take your pick among air-conditioned radio cabs, cycle rickshaws or local buses. Jaipur metro is still in its first phase of rapid transit system. It covers the track from Mansarovar to Chandpole Bazar which is 9.6 Kilometres

What to Pack:

  • The temperature may rise up to 40C so carry lightweight cotton clothing in summer.
  • Mosquito repellent, sunhat sunscreen, and sunglasses are the basic essentials along with a good pair of walking shoes.
  • Winter can be brutal and temperature can drop to 4C. Pack a Jacket for harsh winter nights.

The royal life experience awaits you in Jaipur. Like the city’s warm and blushing hues, embrace the architecture, fine cuisine, and hospitality of people.

So when are you packing your bags to Jaipur!!

Categories
Architectural Corporate Outings Culture Historical North India

Tryst with Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort popularly known as Chittor Fort is the Pride of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest forts in India and counts as a World Heritage site. It is spread over an area of 691.9 acres over a hill that is 180m in height. The fort is of great historical importance as it was ruled by the Mewar Kingdom since the 7th century. During the rule, there have been three prominent attacks on the fort by Muslim rulers such as Allauddin Khilji, Bahadur Shah and Akbar. The entry of the Chittorgarh Fort is by crossing four gates called ‘Pol’. The main gate is known as ‘Ram Pol’.

What makes Chittorgarh Fort so different from the rest of the forts in Rajasthan is that the build of the fort is pure Rajputana and there is no Mughal Art mixed with it. The architecture and even the stones tell the story of the great Mewar. Unlike Jaigarh Fort or Ajmer Fort, the palace is not in pristine conditions. In fact, most of it seems like nothing but a glorified ruin but those ruins tell the stories of great war and bloodshed. During those times of attacks, firstly by Allauddin Khilji when he defeated Rana Ratan Singh, the fort suffered great destruction and the soldiers lay down their lives trying to protect their kingdom. It is believed that Khilji led the attack in order to make Rani Padmini (wife of Rana Ratan Singh who is believed to be the most beautiful queen of Rajasthan) and make her join his Harem. When it was clear that there was no way to victory, the queen along with other royal women and some commoners decided to accept death as their fate instead of bowing down to some other ruler and facing the dishonour of defeat. They preferred to die in the Rajputana way of Jauhar (dying on a pyre by jumping into the fire). Again with the other two attacks, the walls of the fort heard war cries of soldiers and the echoes of women folk were heard as they took their own lives. Well, ultimately no matter how many times they were defeated, the fort was won again by Mewar rulers.

There is also another Mythological importance of this fort related to a popular figure ‘Meera’ who was a saint in love with Lord Krishna and who spent her life devoted to the same. She believed Lord Krishna to be her husband and there is a temple called ‘Meera Temple’ within the grounds of the fort where she used to chant hymns, dance and worship Lord Krishna. It is said that this is the same temple where she totally submerged herself into holy matrimony with God.

Another part of the fort is the Vijay Stambha (Victory Tower) which has nine-storeys and is 122 ft tall. It was used to keep an eye on the enemy’s army. It ensured their victory in many attacks and therefore was named Victory tower. Among the premises of the fort, there is also a Jain temple and a Peepal tree has been planted. The tree itself is of great importance as it is said to give relief to the many wandering souls in the fort. With such atrocious deaths that occurred between those walls, it brings a sense of calm to the place.

Located nearby is Fateh Prakash palace that was built by Rana Fateh Singh. From there, The Gaumukh Reservoir is visible which offers a picturesque view.

In the end, I would like to add that Chittorgarh Fort is an important part of the History of Rajasthan and anyone visiting there should absolutely walk among those walls.

Categories
Adventure Central India

The Haunted ruins of Kuldhara

Rajasthan has a dual nature, you fall in love with it and it can also scare you to death. There are countless places of pure manmade and natural beauty over here and there are plenty of haunted places to stay away from. Bhangarh and Kuldhara are two places famous in all over the world and acts as magnets for the seekers of supernatural experiences. Kuldhara, specifically is known for some scary stories that have been told and retold again and again to the point that it all feels so real.

And even if the stories aren’t enough to scare the hell out of you, there is this thing that the entire village is haunted. Not like other places in the country such as Bhaangarh fort. The ruin in the village reeks of horror and it feels like a ghost is just there staring at you right in the eyes. Literally anytime in a year is good to visit the place but the summers are considered the best. As the sun shines at its very best, the walk into the ruins of the place is made way more expressive. However, if you are one of thoghostbusterter types, the foggy nights in winter will give you the best horror experience of your life.

A 20-kilometre drive to the west of Jaisalmer city with brings you here. Located in the desert, this little village got abandoned by its inhabitants decades ago. But it wasn’t always this way. It used to be a quite happy and prosperous village that was flourishing under the Jaisalmer state. All that was some 300 years ago. The dreaded prime minister of the state Salim Singh had bad intentions for the daughter of the village head and he wanted her to be his wife. Under pressure, the villagers refused to give their daughter and decided to desert the village. Although, before leaving the village, they gave the village a curse that nobody will ever be able to inhabit the place. The legends say that since then whoever tried to stay here intentionally or unintentionally gets haunted by the evil spirits. Overtime, people have made their pact with the fact that this place can never become habitable.

The first monument you witness upon entering the town is a barren place. The remains of the building reek of years of suffering from the changing seasons, rains and desert storms. The place however is a protected area and is maintained this way by the Archaeological survey of India. After collecting the ticket to enter, we fall upon the village which sure looks like it must be full of life once. But now it all looks straight out of a post apocalyptic movie. The roofless walls, the rotten streets and rows of mud all tell a sad story. The story of the people who must have this place as their home and the dreaded reason they left this place for, it all seems so depressing.

There is a place right in the middle of the village which looks like a house. Although most of it has been ruined, still there is pretty much of it that is left intact. There are few rooms with broken furniture, scary walls and everything else that makes you feel the presence of something supernatural. The roof is still intact and gives a great glimpse of the entire village. Although it did seem all scary to us, somehow, the village was accepting us. Maybe the nights would be scarier, but we didn’t wait for it and left.


All these experiences do make us realise that there are some outward forces in the midst of us. These haunted places are a great way to experience the complicated phenomenon that human existence is.

Categories
Corporate Outings Culture Itinerary North India

The Venice of the East “Udaipur City”

Rajasthan speaks of royal hood like no other place in the country. A home to Nawabs and Rajputs, who are known to be quite colorful rulers, have given the state so much to preserve that it still remains unmatchable. Talk about the forts, palaces, and temples, everything is mesmerizing. One of the most historic cities in the state is Udaipur. Udaipur is the reason why the tourists make their trip to Rajasthan longer than they plan. There has been much said and written about the place but there is still a lot that remains unexplored. Here we present to you some charming things about Udaipur that you must not forget to visit on your next trip to this rugged beauty of a state.

City Palace-This royal place is located right in the heart of the city. Entrance to the place is done as you pass through the Hathi Pol, elephant gate. This is a massive palace and it may take you about 2 to 3 hours to take a complete round of the place. Keep your mouth closed as you witness the man-made the masterpiece with your naked eyes. There are many cafes available in the palace serving great cuisine. Some of the best-known cafes are Grasswood Cafe, Cafe Satori, CafeRA, Yummy Yoga, Udai Art Cafe, Espresso Love Cafe, Brewmen and Cafe Edelweiss.

Bagore ki Haveli- This marvelous structure got itself built sometime in the 18th century and it has stood here since then in all its grace, tempting the tourists to visit it again and again. The Haveli happens to be set on the edge around the Gangaur Ghat. The place was built by a Mewari prime minister about 200 years back and after that, it got restored by the government since. The place has been preserved quite neatly.

Boating in Lake Pichola- The boating in the sweet lake is one of the many things that are unforgettable about the city. On the mirror-like crystal clear surface, the lake reflects the cool blue and grey mountains that stand nearby. The boating experience becomes far more exotic when you have someone special to accompany you.

The Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is an artificial lake in Udaipur, the first being Jaisamand lake. It is built by Maharana Jai Singh, with Moti Magri hill at its one side and Udaipur city on another side. The beautiful picturesque lake was named after Maharana Fateh Singh, who later made the modification to this alluring lake. The charming widespread water sheet is bejeweled with three small islands. The travelers can reach there by taking a boat ride in the lake. The Fateh Sagar Lake has 3 islands. The largest among the three islands artificially made on the lake is a beautiful park named Nehru Park. The garden has a boat-shaped restaurant and a small zoo for children. It is a favorite picnic spot of Udaipur dwellers.

The second island is a public park with excellent and ravishing water-jet fountains and the third island is named as Udaipur Solar Observatory. The calm and soothing surroundings of Fateh Sagar Lake make it the best and an ideal place where people can recharge their minds and enjoy the scenic view of the lake.

Jag Mandir- Does the name of the place ring any bells? International pop star Katy Perry got hitched to the comedian Russell Brand here in a grand ceremony. This place is located on an island in the lake Pichola and stays crowded almost all the time due to the heavy crowds coming here to visit the temple.

Dine in beautiful Taj Lake Palace

Prince of Udaipur, Maharana Jagat Singh 2 was known for his lavish lifestyle and romantic nature. In order to fulfill his luxury and fancy desires, in 1746 he built a palace on the Lake
Pichola for his pleasure, which he named “Jag Niwas”. The beautiful picturesque palace is now one of the most famed romantic hotels across the world, which is famous with the name “The Taj Lake Palace”. If you are paying a visit to the city of lakes with your better half, then this alluring amorous destination can act as a cupid in your life’s chapter.

Travel Tip

The best time to visit  Udaipur is in the months of September, October, November, December, February, and March. At this time of the year, the temperature remains pleasant and enjoyable.

Udaipur is one of the most eccentric cities in the beautiful state of Rajasthan. The alluring city is also called as the Venice of the East, because of its culture, heritage, eye delighting architectures, palaces, serene lakes like, beautiful temples and resplendent gardens, has a lot to offer. If we talk about lakes the tranquil of Fateh Sagar lake and Pichola adds charms to this scenic place.There are many attractions at the place but what can we say, the less is more and the more is less when it comes to the true beauty.

Categories
Architectural Corporate Outings Culture North India

The Amazing Golden Triangle

For the national and the international tourists who like to explore more of the northern India, the Golden triangle serves as a holy grail. It gives them a great glimpse into the ancient and the medieval Indian histories. The popularity of the great Indian Golden Triangle is so much that it almost gets as many tourists every year as the Himachal Pradesh, which happens to be the top tourist destination in the whole country.

The Golden Triangle basically covers three very important tourist destinations across north India, the National capital New Delhi, Agra and the Pink City Jaipur. Here we will give you a glimpse into how the 5-day tour to the golden triangle is usually divided.

Day 1- The tour takes off from the National capital New Delhi. The passengers get to see many historical places such as the Red Fort, the Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar and many others. Delhi is the most historically significant cities in the country with many different rulers across the centuries making it their capital for their Pan India operations. The tour will also make the tourists have a glimpse of the Connaught place, the old Delhi, and some other important places.

Day 2- Leave for Agra in the morning. The journey is taken through one of the best Indian national highways. It’s a 4-5 hours drive and then you check into a hotel for some rest and relaxation. The day begins around 3 in the evening and you get to see the Agra Fort. Built by Akbar, one of the most important Moghul rulers, this is a marvel of architecture and elegance and gives away a majestic vibe. The great Taj Mahal is the next destination followed by Mehtab Bagh.

Day 3- The day will start with the sight of the Taj Mahal in its early morning glory. It looks more beautiful in the morning when the golden sun rays fall on the pure white marble. It is the perfect amalgamation of the man-made and the natural marvels. Move to Jaipur afterward and make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, one other historic place with lots of stories to tell. Reach Jaipur by evening.

Day 4- The 4th day is dedicated to the Pink city of India, Jaipur. Amber fort is the first step to take in the morning which happens to be a former capital of the state, popular for its painted elephants. Hawa Mahal is the place you move to in the late afternoon. The city observatory is where you make a trip to in the evening.

Day 5- After the breakfast, it’s time to complete the triangle as you start your drive back to the national capital through the Delhi-Jaipur highway. Taste some delicious food cooked by the amazing dhabas on the way and by noon of the late afternoon, step back in Delhi.

However, there are many more places that fall the victim of the time constraints and gets missed. But still, in these 5 beautiful days, you amazingly cover best all three of the historical Indian cities.

Categories
Corporate Outings Deserts North India

“Jaisalmer”, the Golden City!!

Known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer represents the early essence of Rajasthan. The history dates back to the 11th century. The beautiful City of Jaisalmer was founded by Rajput king Maharawal Jaisal Singh in 1156, since then it’s an incredible destination to explore.
The City Jaisalmer, located at the distance of 575 Km west from Jaipur, is the gateway to the famous Thar Desert, which is one of the most loved travel destinations in Rajasthan. Explore the prosperous heritage and the culture of the Rajputana with us.

State: Rajasthan, India

District: Jaisalmer

Distance From New Delhi: 735 Km via NH 11

Distance From Jaipur: 575 Km via NH 11

Route: The Beautiful city of Jaisalmer can be reached via bus, train or flight. The travelers can choose the option according to their convenience.

Things to do in Jaisalmer:

If you have ever desired to explore the thriving history of Rajputs “The true Warriors”, then you should plan a holiday to Rajasthan and it’s different historical cities. The heart of the Great Thar Desert, Jaisalmer, and its rich culture will make you feel like a King. Here are things you can do and explore during your visit to the Golden City.
The Sonar Quila of Jaisalmer!!
The Golden fort, known as the “Sonar Quila” is the largest subsistence fort is the home to about 3000 people at present.The beautiful mountainous, a five-storied monument was built and designed in a traditional Rajasthani Style. The Prosperous and lavish inheritance of the Jaisalmer fort was portrayed by Satyajit Ray in his novel”Shonar Kella”, later the movie” Sonar Kella” was also made on it. The architectural structure of the fort separates into three layers of walls. The outside layer is made up of solid yellow stone blocks.
The Adventurous Camel Safari!!
Tour to the Golden City is incomplete if you miss the fun of experiencing Desert safari and Camel ride.It is most adventurous and thrilling experience you will encounter during your tour. Visiting Sam dunes during sunset and exploring each detail of mysterious desert by camel is mesmerizing and eye delight for travelers.


Magnificent Jain Temple!!
These beautiful and superb artistic sculptures in the temple will surely blow your mind and leave you lost in the scenic view. Each part of the temple was the fine example of the sheer twisted and tangled artwork; it’s beautiful jharokhas and its alluring Torana (entrance gate) are admirable. This beautiful Jain temple is devoted to the 24th Tirthankara is a perfect fusion of Jain beliefs and folklore.


The tranquil of the Gadi Sagar lake!!
Originally made for water conservation tank, its construction dates back to 14th century, the Gadi Sagar Lake is the man-made lake is one of the significant tourist attraction of Jaisalmer. The beautiful lake and its picturesque views are the perfect places for sightseeing in Jaisalmer.
The tranquil water sheet is surrounded by many temples and the ancient Krishna Temple that is located on top of the Tilon Gate is significant among all. During the winter season, the migratory birds settle around the region, which offers bird watching to the travelers. Adding to it, boating in the Gadi Sagar Lake is also an adventurous thing to experience in Jaisalmer.

Exit mobile version