The Perfect Weekend Getaway To Rajasthan
Our boring monotonous lives usually do not give us the time to go on holidays. And planning for one sure seems like a tedious task. Well, don’t worry. We have planned the most ideal and quick weekend getaway for you to Rajasthan? A trip dipped in all things magnificent involves a trip to Jaipur. From there you can move onto the nearby cities Ajmer and Pushkar. But, where to go and how? Don’t worry we have got you covered.
JAIPUR
The capital of the desert state Rajasthan also famously known as the Pink City has been the land of the royalties from centuries. The city hosts numerous stunning palaces surrounded by the Aravalli hills takes you through the yesteryear history of a period, the reason that led to their existence. In July 2019, Jaipur was named as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interesting right?
Not just history and architecture, Jaipur is also a favourite for its artistic handicrafts and textiles that can be seen easily selling in the renowned markets. Spend a day here visiting the famous tourist spots.
City Palace
For the past 300 years, the City Palace of Jaipur has been laying its mark in the heart of the old city of Jaipur. The City Palace was established the same year by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who in 1727 moved his court to Jaipur from Amber. Until 1949, the City Palace was the common ground for ceremonies and it also acted as the administrative seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The Palace has been created uniquely through its divisions of courtyards, buildings, pavilions, gardens, and temples. With great towering walls, the City Palace stands true to its name. A part of the palace, the Chandra Mahal is still occupied. It is considered as one of the most charming and elegantly personified structures.
Other phenomenal sites in the City Palace include the Mubarak Mahal, the Armoury, Pritam Niwas Chowk, and Diwan-i-Am.
Timings of the City Palace: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Tickets for the City Palace: INR 200
- For students – INR 100
- For Tourists – INR 700
Amer Fort
After being prominently featured in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani the beautiful Amber Fort is where you need to be when in Jaipur. The Amer Fort has been built on top of the scenic Aravali hills with a series of four courtyards, palaces, halls, and gardens. Also known as the Amber Fort, this great architectural piece has been intricately built with red sandstone and marble stones displaying a brilliant blend of Hindu-Muslim architecture. Inside the Palace, you’ll spot the Diwan-e-Aam, the Diwan-e-Khas, the Sheesh Mahal, Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas.
A light show is conducted every evening at the Amer Palace. The show revolves around the history of Jaipur and the fort. The duration of the show is fifty minutes and it is conducted in both Hindi and English.
Timings of the Amer Fort: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
Entry Tickets for the Amer Fort: INR 200
Nahargarh Fort
The Nahargarh Fort has been created as one of the majestical spots as it unveils the most stunning view of both Jaipur and Amer. The fort alongside the Amer and Jaigarh Fort acted as the defence to the then capital of Rajasthan, Amer. Created along the Aravalli hills overlooking the waters of a beautiful lake, the name Nahargarh translates to the abode of tigers. The fort has been named Nahargarh to acknowledge the spirit of Nahar Singh who was a Rathore. Hence, people commonly address the fort as the Tiger Fort too. Visit here to witness a unique architectural blend of Indian and European architectural styles.
The main attraction of the fort is the Madhavendra Bhawan that has twelve identical suites which were created for the queens. The Bhawan had been created in a way that the Maharaja could visit any of the rooms without anyone finding out.
If you get hungry or tired while touring the fort, then don’t forget to drop by the Padao Open Restaurant on the terrace of the palace.
Timings of Nahargarh Fort: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Entry Fee for Nahargarh Fort:
Indian: INR 20
Foreigner: INR 50
Wax Museum and Sheesh Mahal Entry Fee: INR 350
Raj Mandir Cinema Hall
The Raj Mandir Cinema Halls is one of the most iconic tourist spots in Jaipur. In 1974, Indian architect W.W. Namjoshi designed this stunning cinema complex in the utmost modern style. Raj Mandir is capable of holding a capacity of 1300 people. Inside you will get to witness stunningly designed ceilings with chandeliers, a lighting system and that enhances the experience of you watching a movie.
Timing of Raj Mandir: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm (Closed every Sunday)
Entry Fee of Raj Mandir: INR 100
Famous markets of Jaipur
Jaipur has a plethora of markets for you to shop some great souvenirs for yourself and your family. One of the most famous markets in Jaipur is the Johari Bazaar that is known for selling an amazing collection of gemstones, costume jewellery, bangles, traditional clothes, textiles and more.
Other popular markets of Jaipur include the Bapu Bazaar (largest camel leather market in the world), Mirza Ismail Road Market (great traditional pottery pieces), Tripolia Bazaar (famous for lac jewellery and textiles), Nehru Bazaar (buy handicrafts, pots, and authentic juttis) and the 300-year-old Chandpole market.
Chokhi Dhani
For a great in and out Rajasthani, experience visit the Chokhi Dhani in Jaipur. It is a famous five-star village resort that has been created as an ode to the typical Rajasthani village. The resort is responsible for organizing Rajasthani folk performances, puppet shows, magic shows, camel rides, elephant rides, acrobatics, boating and more. You can also enjoy the vibrancy of this place by enjoying some Rajasthani cuisine at the restaurant inside the resort.
Visiting hours of Chokhi Dhani: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
How to reach Jaipur?
By Air: The Jaipur airport is located at Sanganer, that is 12 kilometres from the city. It has both international and domestic terminals.
By Train: Trains such as the Shatabdi Express connect to Jaipur from many important Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jammu, Jaisalmer, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Goa and more.
By Bus: For a cheap or budget-friendly travel option, you can take the bus. The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation runs regular, Volvo and deluxe buses between Jaipur and other cities within Rajasthan.
By Road: Take the route to Jaipur via the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway. The road leading to Jaipur is well-connected by National Highway 8, 11 and 12.
AJMER
The city of the holiest Ajmer Sharif Dargah is enough to drag people around to this spiritual and historic city. But, if not then the eye-pleasing view of the Aravalli hills, lake boat rides, astonishing palaces, forts and religious temples should suffice the day’s time you will spend here.
Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Remember Hrithik Roshan in the movie Jodha Akbar when he prayed to the Islamic scholar Moinuddin Chishti for a successful conquest of India? Little do people know that it was filmed at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Ajmer! The holy shrine was built in honour of Garib Nawaz, who was the propagator of Sufism among the masses by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It holds great importance in the hearts of the Sufi devotees who never fail to pay a visit in huge numbers. Many Persian inscriptions can be easily spotted inside the dargah especially on the three gates, the Nizam gate, the Shah Jahan gate, and the Buland Darwaza. Visit here for an enriching and soul-cleansing experience that will surely be marked for years inside your heart.
Timings for Ajmer Sharif Dargah:
4:00 AM to 10:00 PM during summer
5:00 AM to 9:00 PM during winters
Entry Fees for Ajmer Sharif Dargah: There is no entry fee for visiting the Dargah.
Ana Sagar Lake
The Ana Sagar Lake is an artificially created lake in Ajmer. The lake was built by Arnoraja (Ana), who was the grandfather of King Prithviraj Chauhan between 1135 AD to 1150 AD. Hence, it has been named after him. Spreading up to 13 km, the Ana Sagar Lake offers bewitching views that are perfect to sit by and relax. Near the lake, there is a circuit house that was earlier the residence of the Britishers. Boat hiring around the lake is quite famous through which you can easily travel up to the island nearby for a great time.
Timings of the Ana Sagar Lake: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Boating Charges for the Ana Sagar Lake: INR 160 per person
Akbar Palace And Museum
Located in the Ajmer Village of the city, the Akbar Palace and Museum is an ancient citadel. It was built around 1500 AD by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in a way that it possessed no vulnerability and threats from the outside. The Palace served as a home to the king when he used to step inside the city. It holds great importance in history as it was the common ground for the meeting between Emperor Jahangir and Sir Thomas Roe of British East India Company.
A Government museum can also be visited inside the arena. It showcases several aspects of Mughal and Rajput lifestyle and also has various artefacts, medieval arsenal, stone made figures and remarkable paintings of the Maharajas of Bharatpur on display.
Timings of the Akbar Palace And Museum: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee for the Akbar Palace And Museum:
Indians: INR 10
Foreigners: INR 50
Soniji Ki Nasiyan
Built-in the late nineteenth century by Seth Moolchand Soni, the Soniji Ki Nasiyan also commonly known as Nasiyan Temple is a popular Jain temple of Ajmer, Rajasthan. The temple has been dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev who was the first Jain Tirthankara. The temple has been made entirely out of red sandstones due to which it is also frequently addressed as the Red Temple. But when the Swarna Nagari was added to the temple, devotees started calling it the Sone ka Mandir emphasizing the golden structure and amazing carvings that depict stories from Jain mythology.
Timings of the Soniji Ki Nasiyan: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Entry Fee for the Soniji Ki Nasiyan:
Indians: INR 10
Foreigners: INR 25
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra
The Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is a large and ancient mosque in Ajmer, Rajasthan. It was initially built as a Sanskrit college which had a Saraswati temple inside it. But, was later converted into a mosque by Qutb-ud-Din-Aibak who was ordered by Muhammad Ghori, the Sultan of the Ghurid Empire. One can still witness many Hindu and Jain elements like the carvings, paintings inside the mosque and on columns. A tiny Sanskrit inscription on top of the main gate reminds people of the actual origin of the mosque. The mosque is supported by 124 pillars and an elaborate 10 dome structures. Seven arched walls have been inscribed with verses from the Quran that enhance the entire holy experience.
Timings of the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (All days of the week)
How to reach Ajmer?
The best way to reach Ajmer from Jaipur is by a cab or taxi. The time travel is around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
PUSHKAR
The pilgrimage city of Pushkar sees devotees pay their respects and purify their soul while letting go of the malice set inside the mind and heart. A day surrounded by artis by the ghat and temple hopping should suffice your time in Pushkar and also provide you peace within.
Pushkar Lake
The famous Pushkar Lake is a holy Hindu lake in Pushkar that holds great importance in the eyes of the devotees. As per mythological stories, the lake is the spot where Lord Brahma’s lotus fell when he was destroying Vajra Nabha. It is believed that a dip in this holy river will grant you freedom from birth also referred to as “Moksha”. The lake has fifty-two bathing ghats around it where millions of devotees take a bath and five hundred temples for you to offer your prayers.
According to popular beliefs, there is an amalgamation of five sacred lakes, Mansarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar and Pushkar Sarovar that are collectively addressed as Panch-Sarovar. Amongst all these lakes, the Pushkar Sarovar is considered as the most significant Pushkar Sarovar.
On the day of Kartik Poornima, if a devotee takes a dip into the lake it is considered equal to the benefits that one gains by performing yajnas for centuries.
Pushkar Fair
The Pushkar Fair also commonly known as the Pushkar Camel Fair is held every year at the banks of the Pushkar Lake that brings together many farmers, traders, villagers and animals together in abundance. The fair is considered as one of the greatest traditional fairs of the country where you will get to witness various kinds of animal races, camel processions and vibrant cultural performances. The fair is a great opportunity to enjoy the different aspects of the rural life that one might not have ever experienced. You will also be able to take great Rajasthani handicrafts home for remembrance as a plethora of sellers sells their products here.
When to visit the Pushkar fair: October to November.
Brahma Temple
Brahma Temple or the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir is considered as one of the most significant and famous Hindu temples of Puskar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma who is regarded as the creator of the universe. Built-in the 14th century, the Brahma Temple temple was constructed by the sage Vishwamitra. The temple has been built from marble and pure stones. Adding to its serenity, the holy Pushkar Lake flows right in front of it.
The temple has been regarded as a part of the top ten religious places of the world. It has also been named as one of the top five sacred pilgrimages for Hindus in India.
Merta
The old city of Merta is famous for being the birth spot of Meerabai. Meerabai was a huge devotee of Lord Krishna who is remembered today for her poetries that she dedicated to the lord. The place is known for housing a few of the famous temples, the Charbuja Temple and the Dadhimati Temple. Not just for its significant spirituality, Merta has witnessed numerous battles too. It is known that the great ruler Aurangzeb after winning a battle decided to construct a mosque over the ruins of the Shiva Temple which is today regarded as one of the famous tourist spots.
Varaha Temple
The Varaha Temple in Pushkar is the largest and the most ancient temple of Pushkar. The temple was constructed in the 12th that even today is regarded for its architectural art. It is dedicated to the Varaha (the boar) who is considered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Varah Temple was destructed by the former Mughal ruler, Aurangzeb. He was offended by the portrayal of a sculpture of a man whose head was of a boar. In 1727, the temple was restored back by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II.
How to reach Pushkar?
The best way to reach Pushkar from Ajmer is to take a taxi or cab. The travel time is only thirty-five minutes.
Tip: Don’t forget to go on a bumpy camel ride to explore the sand dunes to mark the perfect ending to a great trip!
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