Rajasthan is culturally and traditionally one of the most beautiful states in India. Not only is it rich in history and has an elaborate royal inheritance, but it is also known for its flawless hospitality that woos travellers from every corner of the world. So in case, you’re thinking of ending 2015 on an exceptionally high note, imagine a 10 day vacation! Take the last four working days of December off and treat yourself to a quick vacation from December 25, 2015 to January 3, 2016. In case you need some convincing about traveling to Rajasthan, here are 10 pictures to prove that Rajasthan is the best state to travel in Indiaajasthan is on your list of destinations to cover, here is a 10 day itinerary to end one and commence another year to come back with a bag full of stories to share.
Day 1
We suggest, you start your trip from Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan as it is the biggest city in the state and is very well connected to most cities around the state and the country. The frequency of flights, trains and buses is great. There are several luxury tour train services that could opt for, if burning a hole in you pocket won’t pinch.
The Pink City of India has a lot to offer, magnificent monuments, shopping streets, a gastronomic journey you won’t forget and a blend of a modern city and a legacy that will leave you mind boggled. You will need about three days to explore the Jaipur.
CHECK OUT How to reach Jaipur
Visit Amber Fort
Timings: 8 am to 5.30 pm and 97 pm to 10 pm
Entry Fee: Indian- Rs 100, Foreigner- Rs 500
The Amber Fort is one of the most breathtaking forts in Rajasthan. Though the first, it will most definitely not be the last fort you’ll see around. The humongous work of architecture will only leave you wanting more. Do walk around the Sheeh Mahal (a palace of mirrors within the fort). It was the erstwhile kingdom’s capital until it was shifted to Jaipur City. You will take two to three hours to explore the whole fort, remember to wear comfortable shoes since there’s an uphill climb. After this, you can stop by the Jaigarh Fort which is approximately seven km from Amber fort, that is, if time permits.
Stop by Jal Mahal
Photograph: Shutterstock
Located in the Man Sagar Lake, the Jal Mahal is actually a five storey palace surrounded by the Aravali mountain range. You cannot take a boat ride around the palace, but it is worth taking a look at, especially since it was the Jal Mahal (built in Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture) that was built in the 16th century and followed by the Lake Palace in Udaipur which was built 200 years later as an imitation of the former.
Get a perfect vantage point from Nahargarh Fort
Timings: 10 am to 5.30 pm
Entry Fee: Indian- Rs 50, Foreigner- Rs 200
The view from this fort beats the view from any other place in Jaipur. Located on the outskirts of Jaipur and on the edge of the Aravali range, it was once a major part of the defence strategies of the kingdom along with two other forts, Amber and Jaigarh.
Day 2
On the second day of your trip, you can explore the city center along with places to visit around it. You can hire a car or try local transport if needed. However, most of your pit-stops for this day are at walking distance from one another. Indulge yourself into some kachori chaat, laal maas and some dal bati churma.
Walk around the iconic Jantar Mantar
Timings: 9 am to 4.30 pm
Entry Fee: Indians: Rs 50, Foreigners: Rs 200
A site that boasts of 19 astronomical instruments along with the world’s biggest sundial, it is one of the many World UNESCO Sites in Rajasthan. If Astronomy interests you, we won’t be surprised if you end up spending a major part of your day here. Head towards the City Palace from here.
City Palace
Photograph: Shutterstock
Timings: 9.30 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Indians: Rs 100, Foreigners: Rs 400
The City Palace is an important palace complex that houses the Chandra Palace, the Mubarak Palace along with the Diwan-I-Khas and Diwan-I-Aam, Maharani palace and the Bhaggi Khaana. It is home to a museum that is open to the public.
Hawa Mahal
Timings: 9 am to 4.30 pm
Entry Fee: Indian- Rs 50, Foreigner- Rs 200
The Hawa Mahal is built on the edge of the City Palace, near the Zenana, women’s chambers in order make it posssible fpr the women of the royal family to observe the local activieites of the city along with following the strict purdah law. The Hawa Mahal is known to be the Palace of Winds and has around 953 small windows known as jharokhas.
Bapu Bazaar
The City Palace and Hawa Mahal are surrounded by various markets and eateries where you can spend some time. The famous Bapu Bazaar is located a few hundred meters from the palace complex and it is worth a stop by for those interested to get some good deals on fabric.
Albert Museum
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Indian- Rs 40, Foreigner- Rs 300
Also known as the Rajasthan State Museum, it is one of the oldest museums in the state. It was named after King Albert Edward VII who laid the foundation stones for the museum.
We know that most shopaholics are going to spend the evening buying lucrative things, but others interested to hit the museum, do visit it before you regret not checking the collection out.
DO LOOK AT: Best places to visit in Jaipur
Day 3
After all the shopping and a good night’s rest, get ready to get a mix of religious legends and a luxurious dining experience.
Offer prayers at the Birla Mandir
Timings: 6 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 9m
Entry Fee: Free
Birla Mandir is popularly known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Located near the Moti Dungari Hill, it is one of the revered temples in the city. It offers yet another splendid view of the city from a different perspective.
Dine at the luxurious Rambagh Palace
Photograph: Shutterstock
The Rambagh Palace has been converted into a luxury hotel run by the Taj group of Hotels. You can book a table for yourself here and enjoy a meal at one of the most exquisite hotels in the country, if not stay for a night.
Explore the Chokhi Dhaani Resort
Timings: 5 pm to 11 pm
Entry Fee: Prices range from Rs 650 to Rs 1400 for adults and Rs 350 to 900 for children
Chokhi Dhaani is a beautiful resort in Jaipur that you can visit to end your stay in the capital. Authentic Rajasthani food served with oodles of ghee by hospitable servers is indeed a delight.
Day 4
From Jaipur, head towards Ajmer, early in the morning. Approximately three hours of travelling will take you directly to the fes pit-stops in the town before you can head towards Pushkar which is at a distance of less than 16 km.
ALSO SEE What else you can do in Ajmer
Visit the Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Timings: Winters- 5 am to 9 pm, Summers- 4 am to 10 pm
Entry Fee: Free
The holy shrine of the Sufi Saint, Moinuddin Chisti is for several travellers, the only place to visit in the town of Ajmer. The Dargah houses the grave of the saint and is highly revered by Muslims and people belonging to various religious beliefs from around the world. Do remember to cover you head and dress conservatively.
Sit by the Ana Sagar Lake
This artificial lake was built by Anaji Tomar, grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan in order to help the people of Ajmer with a permanent source of water. It is 13 km in length and offers a beautiful view.
Head towards Pushkar from here. This is probably going to take about an hour. Your day at Ajmer and Pushkar will be one of the least tedious and hectic ones. So make sure you get as much sleep as need. Everything you need to see in Pushkar is walking distance from the other.
CHECK OUT How to reach Pushkar
Pushkar Lake
Photograph: Shutterstock
The Pushkar Lake or Pushkar Sarovar is a very important pilgrim site for people in the town. It is a sacred town for Hindus and is related to the myth that revolves around the creation of Brahma. The lake is surrounded by 52 ghats and is visited by pilgrims during most festivals
Bramha Temple
Timings: Winters- 6 am to 1.30 pm and 3 pm to 8 pm, Summers- 5 am to 1.30 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm
Entry Fee: Free
It is one of the very few temples dedicated to Brahma. One of the legends has it that, Brahma was one of the most lenient gods, who’d grant boons and wishes easily, without testing his devotees. Since this led to various catastrophes, other gods usually got involved and solved problems that gave rise to demons. It was around the time, when people stopped (rather reduced) worshipping Brahma, as he was considered to be God to demons.
There are markets around the temple where you can shop for wooden handicrafts, leather goods and fabrics.
READ MORE ON Why Pushkar has a Brahma Temple
Savitri Temple
Timings: 5 am to 12 om and 4 pm to 9 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Another legend about the Brahma Temple is about the fact that Brahma was performing a Yagna at the Pushkar Lake, when his wife, Saraswati, also known as Savitri was not able to reach the Yagna on time. Since she couldn’t reach the venue when needed, Brahma married another girl called Gayatri. However, when Savitri did reach, she was angry about another women seated in her place. Infuriated, she cursed Brahma by saying that nobody would worship him. It was only when he set up a place for her to be worshipped in Pushkar, did she reduce the curse.
The view from the temple is of Puskar and its lake.
DON’T MISS OUT ON: Top places to visit in Pushkar
Day 5
After your stay at Pushkar, you can head southwards to reach Udaipur. On your way to Udaipur, you could stop over at Chiitorgarh and visit India’s biggest fort, the Chittorgarh fort.Since this may consume a lot of your time and a drive from Pushkar to Udaipur spans over 320 km, you can opt out of visiting the fort which is 220 km from Pushkar. Your stay in Udaipur should ideally be for two days and you could visit the following places.
Visit the City Palace and Jagdish Mandir
Located on the east bank of Lake Pichola, the City Palace of Udaipur is a magnificent palace complexes in the state. Udaipur was the capital of the Mewar region and the City Palace, the residence of the royal family. You can also visit the Jagdish Mandir which located near the palace. The City Palace was built after Maharaja Udai Singh II was removed from Chittor.
Boat ride in Lake Pichola and visit the Jag Mandir Palace and the Lake Palace
Photograph: Shutterstock
Take a boat ride in the Lake Pichola and visit the Jag Mandir Palace located on an island in the lake. Do visit the Lake Palace which is also known as Jag Niwas. It is now a luxury hotel run by the Taj group, watch the sun go down when you enjoy a meal at this beautiful hotel.
Take a trip to the Monsoon Palace
Timings: 9.30 am to 6.30 pm
Entry Fee: Free
The Monsoon Palace was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh and was named Sajjan Garh Palace. It was the residence of the king and was built atop a hillock as he liked to watch the monsoon clods up and close, hence giving the palace its more Anglicized name.
Day 6
Start your day early today, and visit Shilpgram, a government aided village that promotes talented local artisans. Shopping at Udaipur is not too expensive, but you can pick out handicrafts from Shilpgram instead. From here, head towards Mount Abu (170 km)
Mount Abu is Rajasthan’s only hill station, though there isn’t much to do here, it’s perfect for relaxing and getting rejuvenated for the rest of the trip.
Visit the Dilwara Temples
Photograph: Shutterstock
Timings: 12 pm to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Built in the 11th and 13th century, these Dilwara Temples belong to the Jain community. There are five temples you must visit, the Vimal Vasahi Temple, Luna Vasahi Temple, Pithalhar Temple, Parshvanath Temple, Parshvanatha Temple and Mahavir Swami Temple.
Nakki Lake
The Nakki Lake is not only a sacred lake in Mount Abu, but it is also a perfect destination for a relaxed boating experience. It is surrounded by hills and the weather is indeed very relaxing.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary
Timings: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 300
The Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Aravali hills, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the country. Rich in flora and fauna, it is one of the several sanctuaries in Rajasthan, but the only one in Mount Abu. Leopards are the main attraction and predators here.
Day 7
After spending a chilled out night at one of Mount Abu’s cosy hotels, you can head towards Jaisalmer early in the morning. The drive will take about eight hours, considering it is around 450 km away. You will need a little more than one day to travel around Jaisalmer before heading to your last stop, Jodhpur.
In Jaisalmer, you have the following options to explore.
DO READ: Top things to do in Jailsalmer
Visit the Jaisalmer Fort
Timings: 12 am to 12 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Yet another gigantic forts in India, the Jaisalmer fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 12th century. It is built with sandstone that helps it get camouflaged against the sun and the sandy desert. The cannon point on the jaisalmer is one of the places where you’ll get a panoramic view of the city.
Traveling from Mount Abu to Jaisalmer will absorb a considerable amount of your energy. So, the only thing you’ll end up having energy for, is visitng the fort.
Day 8
On the eighth day, you can wake up at a comfortable hour and start your day post brunch if you may please. This day involves a lot of traveling.
Visit the Gadisar Lake
Thought the Gadisar Lake was considered to be an Oasis for the longest time, it is actually a man made water tank built Maharaja Gadsi Singh and the lake is hence named after him. A scenic lake, you can take a boating trip on the lake or just sit by the banks to enjoy the breeze and the serenity of the vicinity.
Stop by the Bada Bagh
Photograph: Shutterstock
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Indian- Rs 50, Foreigners- 100 (Extra charges for carrying cameras and video recoerders)
Bada Bagh translates to big garden which is home to some of the most intricately designed cenotaphs in India. It is believed that the king of Jaisalmer, Maharaja Jaisal Singh built a dam in the kingdom, providing people with adequate supply of water. After his death, his son built one of the cenotaphs in his honor. In the following year, more such cenotaphs were built for the succeeding kings of the region.
HERE ARE: 7 Gorgeous cenotaphs in Rajasthan
Visit the Tannot Mata temple
The Tannot Mata Temple in Jaisalmer gained popularity after being featured in the Bollywood movie, Border. It is located near the India -Pakistan border and is one of the few yet highly revered religious sites in the Thar desert.
Day 9
The next day, you visit the Thar Desert, watch the sun go down over the Sam Sandunes and then enjoy the true essence of a desert in Rajasthan.
Visit the the Desert National Park
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 100 per head (hiring a jeep and guide will be charged extra)
The Desert National Park is yet another national park in the country that has been working on preserving species of plants and animals. Once you’re done with a trip to the national park, head towards Khuri.
Take a Desert Drive
The desert drive is a one of the activities that is slowly becoming as popular as it is in the UAE. The desert drive will take approximately two hours and will leave you wanting more.
Take a trip to Khuri and camp under the stars there
Photograph: Shutterstock
In Khuri, you can first take a camel ride followed by a a laid back time at the sand dunes, watching the sunset and then finally end your day with a luxurious camp in the middle of the desert.
READ MORE ABOUT: Khuri
Day 10
Head towards Jodhpur early in the morning. You will need about five hours reach Jodhpur (approximately 300 km) from Jaisalmer. There are few yet, absolutely stunning places to visit in Jodhpur.
ALSO READ: Best Places to visit in Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Indian- Rs 60, Foreigner- Rs 400
Mehrangarh Fort is said to have the ability to make you feel so small, that its mere size leaves you intimidated in a very not-so-subtle way. Located a hundred feet above the city’s skyline, you can either climb the fort and watch the city around it or do it the other way round, whatever pleases you. You can also try Flying Fox near the form for an even closer look of Jodhpur (Adults: Rs 1,650, Children/Students: 1,450)
Watch this video of what you could experience while ziplining.
Umaid Bhavan Palace
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 50
Next, you must head towards the Umaid Bhavan Palace, one of the largest private residences in the country. Though a section of it is now a luxury hotel, the namesake royal family yet lives there. Built by and for Maharaja Umaid, the palace was built in the mid 20th century and it spans across 26 acres of lush gardens
Jaswant Thada Mausoleum
Photograph: Shutterstock
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Indian- Rs 15, Foreigner- Rs 30
This is a mausoleum built in Jodhpur by Maharaja Sardar Singh in honor of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh. The marble mausoleum is a state of the art example of architecture along with precision and intricacy.
Once you’re done with the dam you will have enough time to wind up your day in order to travel back to your hometown for a fresh new start of 2016.
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