Rajasthan

Welcome to the Land of rich cultural traditions and Kingdoms. Rajasthan is a true state of contrasts -  Forts to Palaces, Lakes to Desert, Forest range to National Parks. 

Rajasthan offers a sheer amount of attractions to the visitors who are first-time or even repeat. I've spent about a 10 days, hip-hop between cities of Rajasthan. Having your own transport helps flexibility with the travel timings. It was my first ever longest travel by road in India approx. 4000 kms in total. At the end, it was very satisfying adventurous trip.

With very much excitement, started off the trip to Shirdi - first destination of the trip. Initially wanted to have a stop-by before reaching Shirdi. However, just kept on driving as the road lead us and after 19 hrs of travel with a couple pit-stops in between reached Shirdi in the middle of the night.

Next day morning luckily without much waiting blessed to have Shirdi Sai Baba Darshan. As I've to head to next destination Chittorgarh, chose not to visit other temples in the complex. Right after came out of the temple, had a good brunch and started off to Chittorgarh which is about 700 km (takes about 12-13 hrs of travel without any breaks). 

I would definitely suggest to do it a bit leisurely when you cannot drive long distances almost on every day of the trip.

Route plan

Chittorgarh

Chittor Fort is the largest fort in India and Asia. It is invaded by many Muslim invaders. In Bollywood the movie "Padmaavat" is based on the historial facts of Chittor King Ratan Singh and Queen Padmini

Chittor Fort Reservoir

Chittor Fort is spread across 700 acres. One can hire the local guide who can explain the history and the bravery of Rajput ancestors and all three jauhars (act of mass self-immolation by women in parts of the Indian subcontinent, to avoid capture, enslavement and rape by foreign invaders, when facing certain defeat during a war) which happened at Chittorgarh Fort.

View of Aravali Range from Chittor Fort

Local guide can take to different places of interest in a Jeep inside the Fort area. It was also said that Meera Bai lived in this place.

Temple inside chittorgarh Fort

Vijaya Stambha (Tower of Victory) was constructed by the Mewar king, Rana Kumbha, in 1448 to commemorate his victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujarat led by Mahmud Khilji.

Vijaya Stamba 122ft stands on a 10ft. base

Kirti Stambha (Fame tower) is a 12th-century tower situated at Chittorgarh fort in Rajasthan, India. The 22 metre high tower.It is dedicated to the first Tirthankara of Jainism.

Kriti Stambha 72ft.

According to the historians, it was said that from this place which Alauddin Khilji was allowed to watch the reflection of Rani Padmavati (Padmini) in a mirror (when you see 'Padmaavat' film , you know what i'm talking about)

Rani Padmini's Palace

Chittorgrah is also place to shop Quilts - which can be used in both summer and winter weather, a variety of plant based colors used for hand printed sarees and dresses. At around 3 pm, left Chittorgarh to Udaipur which is about 200 kms (takes about 3hrs to reach)

Udaipur

Udaipur - City of Lakes, Magnificent Palace, Romantic city of Rajasthan ❤

On the same day of arrival, visited Fatehsagar Lake - artificial Lake , a perfect evening destination with lot many people, many small eat-outs.

Next day leisurely visited Udaipur City Palace at around 11am and spent almost all day around.

Interiors of City Palace:

Jag Mandir is a palace built on an island in the Lake Pichola. Also known as the "Lake Garden Palace".The royal family used the palace as a summer resort and pleasure palace.

Lake Pichola

In the evening attended the cultural event, visited Jagdish temple - very beautiful Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur made of marble. The Sanctum (God Krishna) is carved out of one single black stone.

Jadgish Temple

Cultural Event at Bagore ki Haweli, Udaipur

City Palace lit up in the night

Every home stay or hotel stay chosen is memorable as the interiors are so well designed to show case the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan. Most of the houses built around are also like a small palace with corner towers and beautiful cravings on the wall.

It was a wonderful experience in the city of Lakes and unwind-ed the day enjoying a romantic view of lit-up City Palace from the home stay. That night spent at Udaipur.

The plan for the morning is to reach Jodhpur with 2 stops at Kumbalgarh fort and Rankapur Jain Temple.

At around 8.30 am, started to Kumbalgarh fort which is 86 kms from Udaipur (takes about 2hrs to reach)

Kumbalgarh fort

It is built on a hill top above the sea-level on the Aravalli Range, fort has a perimeter walls extend to a length of 33 km. There are about 360 temples within the fort, 300 of them are Jain and rest are Hindu. It is also known as birth place of Maha Rana Pratap.

Picturesque of Aravalli Range from the palace top

 view of Kumbalgarh fort

At around 3pm, started to Ranakpur Jain temple which is about 35km from here. 

Ranakpur Jain Temple

It is dedicated to first Tirthankara - Rishabhantha. The temple is famous for its intricate carvings and unique architecture and is spread over 4800m2 with distinctive domes, numerous marble pillars.

Chaturmukha Temple in Ranakpur village

The temple is famous for its beautiful carved idol of  Parshvanatha made out of a single marble slab.He was the 23rd tirthankaras of Jainism. The idol has 1008 snake heads and numerous tails.One cannot find the end of the tail in this below marvelled marble statue.

Parshvanatha with 1008 serpent

Dedicated to 7th Trithankara-Suparshvanatha

Mesmerized with the magnificent Kumbalgrah Fort and eagerness to reach Ranakpur before the sunset did not realize the need to fuel up the body. At Ranakpur temple, they offer pure Jain food at very very economical price. Instead of searching out an option else where, enjoyed a tasty Jain food. By around 6pm,fueled up enough :) and ready to roll to Jodhpur.

Another ~3 hrs of travel (170 km) to reach Jodhpur. By 9.30 PM reached Jodhpur and it was challenging to drive through small streets to reach hostel ( Yes , it's a beautiful place occupied by many other foreign students )

Jodhpur

City painted in Blue under the Blue Sky. It's a wonderful view of Blue city from Mehrangarh Fort.

The Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest Forts built in India. Inside the Mehrangarh Fort many artifracts, old royal palanquins, armoury, coins and paintings are well preserved in the museum.

Inside its thick walls of Mehrangarh Fort, there are many palaces with intricate carvings and courtyards.

Jaswant Thada

It is served as a cremation ground for the Royals and is built in the memory of the King Jaswant Singh II by his son King Sardar Singh.

Centoph

Umaid Bhawan palace

It is once Rajasthan Royals private residence and now part of the palace is converted as a hotel manged by Taj Hotels.

Later 5PM visitors are not allowed. So, missed to visit the museum inside the palace as it is already late. However, it is beautiful palace to watch it during sunset.

Clock tower

It is situated in the sardar bazaar (busy shopping street), the name is taken from the King Sardar Singh.

It is one of the best shopping areas and to buy souvenirs. Those are the memories made Blue City (Jodhpur) and started off to Jaisalmer which is 5 hrs of drive (~ 250kms)  and reached  by night.

Jaisalmer (Golden City)

It is also known as "Golden City" as the Fort and many other palaces are built by yellow stone. In the sunlight these architectural buildings (Fort and other palaces) permeate with a Golden-Yellow light. It was cold despite a sunny day.

It is believed to be one of the largest "living forts". Many old city population still live inside the Fort. Few of the palaces are still family owned where the present generation people live in the Ground and underground floor. The above floors are open to the visitors. Each Haveli (Palace) has its own story from the history.

Jain temples inside the Jaisalmer Fort

There are seven jain temples inside the Jaisalmer fort. Of all Parshvanth temple is the biggest one and most beautiful because of its intricate carvings, different designs and statues on the pillars and colorful dome carved out of the golden stone. The Jain temples are intact and survived many invasions and destruction's over many years.. 

One can as well witness the Parshvanth Jain temple in Kajuraho, Madhyapradesh.

Colourful dome with nearly a human  height staute

I was wondering of carving the golden (yellow stone) is easier than other stones (?!). To my knowledge Marble is hard to work on but fine details can be carved. what do you think ??

Just above if you've observed Ranakpar temple stone carving's are of Marble. Now, I developed interest in Stone Sculpting ❤. I wish I studied Archaeology (weird wishes☺)

Rooms inside the fort which are used by Royals decorated with  colorful floral paintings highlighted the borders with golden color. In different rooms, the arti-crafts are placed (to name a few like kitchen vessels, Tailoring equipment, variety of turban styles, recreation games , music instruments and many more....)

Chess board can be seen on right

Nathmal ki Haveli 

It is built by two Muslim Jewelers not stone carvers.The two brothers started working on the structure from left and right side which lead to unidentical  on right and left side but similiar design pattern. 

Observe it closely and write me in the comments if you find the difference☺

Salim Sign ki Haveli (Moti Mahal)

The present haveli belonged to 17th century and built over the ruins of the older haveli. It is famous for its unique architectural design. The roof is constructed in the form of a peacock and complimented with palanquin design (here, one need to sharpen their imagination skills)

The two wooden floors are added additionally to make it more spacious. The interior walls are painted in Mughal style. With in the palace on top floor, the walls of the room are glued /covered with small glass pieces. When the oil lamp is lit during the evenings,due to the reflection in the mirrors, the room is well lighted.Hence the name also known as "Moti Mahal". The prime minister could as well see the downtown(market area or main area) and the happenings from one corner of the room. The image is reflected due to special arrangement of the glass inside the Moti Mahal.

The flower decorations or hanging  on the edges can be easily replaced by key-lock mechanism. No special tools are required and is not fixed. Here comes my Mechanical engineering brain ☺☝. I can't help it. he he he....

Side Facet of Moti Mahal

Gadisar Lake

A man-made reservoir, now home for migrating birds  and one can spend peaceful time in the serene surroundings of the lake. 

I guess , boating is also possible but not at 7am in the morning foggy weather as you see it in the picture. It was shivering cold !!

Drive was quite interesting with the changing landscapes of Jaisalmer city to open lands, greenary to deserts, cows on the street to camels in the open lands/deserted areas. 

Enjoyed an awesome ride (First time in my life) through the desert. All this while, I've watched sunset on beaches, hill stations.. Its now time to witness sunset over desert. Sunsets are incredibly romantic and lovely ❤

Sunset at Sam Sand Dunes

That night was Desert Camping.Are you interested to know my experience in one word  : Do not dare to do camping without sleeping bag if the room provided is just with walls but with cloth tented roof or just a tent.

It was terribly cold and i was almost freezing to death. It was just not funny.I was holding on for the sun to rise and desperate need to have hot chai and just escape from there ☺

However, thoroughly enjoyed the evening spent with campfire, cultural events and ok kind of food.

Bikaner

After breakfast in the morning at Jaisalmer, slowly at around 9.30am started off to Bikaner. We headed directly Junagarh Fort in the City of Bikaner. Unlike many other forts in Rajsathan, Junagarh Fort is not built on a hill top rather on a plain land. Interiors of Palace were equipped with western luxuries. In late 18th century, when Britishers are ruling India, many Kings has good alliances with them. Thus, shows the Life style, Sports and advantages of being a favorite British.

From Junagarh Fort, drove to check-in at home stay. Very friendly and comfortable home stay with delicious home food. I was totally flat with inappropriate sleep at that cold desert and slep for long hours until next day afternoon.

Next day afternoon, went out for shopping in the city and to buy some Rajasthani snacks. Less crowded with tourists and comfortable to roam around on foot.

Its a relaxing day , much needed before heading to Jaipur.

Jaipur

In the morning after a goodnight's sleep, started off to Jaipur. Its again almost a 7hr travel by road. With no big plans but just reaching Jaipur is the only GOAL for this day ☺

At around 5 pm arrived in Jaipur - Pink city, the name is given for its trademark buildings colour. Randomly, decided to visit Hawamahal that evening itself before heading to the hotel stay.

Hawamahal

A detail info to know more on Hawamahal - for the people like me who are more inclined to know our country's rich Royal culture and Kings.

This pic of Hawamahal was taken on early hours before sunrise when left Jaipur to Ranthambore. Generally, this road is quite occupied with street vendors, vehicles during the day.

it was a grand welcome at the hotel and a home-like comfortable stay.

   

Amerfort

lazed off during the morning and headed out for lunch to enjoy a nice Rajasthani Thali on the way to Amerfort. To take a break, took a bus to reach Amerfort, which is just few kms away from Jaipur. Amerfort is known for its rich and decorated, well painted court yards and a finest examples of Rajput architecture and greatly influenced by Mugahl architecture.

I'm amazed  to see one of the beautiful hill fortress built with sandstone and luxuries the Royals are equipped with during 14th century and it took incredible 25 years to built the palace. Later the additions were made by following rulers.

Possibilities to walk up the hill fortress:

People who are fit can walk all the way. But who are physically challenged or elderly people there are other means possible (hiring horse ride, or motor scooters).

TIP: Advise to hire a guide that you don't miss the details of the beautiful fortress and incredible architecture styles.

Amber Fort

The 27-pillared Diwan-i-Aam (cultural events conducted during kings era)

Ganesh Pol entrance : entry into the private palaces of the Maharajas(Kings)

Sheesh Mahal Interior

Jalmahal(Water palace): 

In the return journey, took the bus back to Jaipur but got down near the Jalmahal. Visitors are not allowed to visit inside but can enjoy a nice boat ride in the lake. 

From there took an Auto-rickshaw (three wheeler) back to hotel and enjoyed the beautiful sunset and lot many kites flying in the sky.

if you have read my other blogs, you know how much I enjoy sunset ❤☺

Ranthambore National Park

Next day very early hours started to Ranthambore National Park to do afternoon Safari. At around 10.30 AM reached the booking counter to book the afternoon safari tickets.After having the tickets booked for zone 3, had to find a place to eat something. There aren't any great places or restaurants to get the food. However, there are some small road side shops / people who offer home food.

! Really enjoyed a good meal at a family house !

Zone 3: Booked this afternoon Safari for zone 3 in a canter which will accommodate more than 10 person's. 

TIP: It's always a good idea to book the Gypsy - from my experience the possibilities of sighting is more as it is much quicker and faster to drive to the sighting in case known from others co-travelers.

Though luck din't favor to have a Tiger sighting that afternoon, but it's nice to see the flora and fauna, different species of birds and a lot of water bodies(small lakes) where the possibility of sighting is more.

Beautifully Camouflaged bird in the stones

Evening Sun at the Ranthambore National Park

This is my first ever experience in a Jungle Safari. I wouldn't wanted to go back without Tiger sighting. Therefore, though not in the plan decided to stay to do Safari next dat morning in the Zone 6.

TIP : It's possible to book the safari tickets without agents. Only, when you can stand in the Queue little ahead of opening times.

At Zone 6, lucky to see the Tiger with two cubs. This moment is worth and one can't buy these incredible Joy.

Moments that make life worth living.

I wish and want to collect even more in each passing day of my life.

I pay huge Gratitude for the life I have.

With that I close this blog.

“It seems everything in nature that has beauty, also has a price.

Let the value of our planets wildlife be to nature and nature alone.”

                                                             ― Paul Oxton