Tag: Rajasthan

Jaisalmer or the Sun City of Rajasthan in India is home to massive sandcastles standing tall, rising from the centre of the Thar Desert as a reminder of a glorious bygone era. The mysteries of a desert and trade route of camel trains can be best experienced perhaps only in Jaisalmer. The 99 bastions encircling the Jaisalmer fort continue to be inhabited. Its twisting lanes present an array of shops with most of them selling bright embroideries, the likes of which you may never see elsewhere under the sun.

When translated ‘Rajasthan’ means the seat of the ruler or king. However, one of the top reasons to visit Jaisalmer is to get the authentic feel of the desert life. You can still see people living in huts made of grass in the nearby villages. You will come across people of all religions such as Hindu, Jains, Muslims, and Christians living in complete harmony in the challenging this terrain.

The Jaisalmer fort is a lively urban centre that is home to about 3,000 people living within the walls. The honeycombed winding narrow lanes are lined with temples and houses along with an array of restaurants, guesthouses, and handicraft shops. Entry to the fort is from the east which is close to the Gopa Chowk. Along the zig-zag route, you will have to pass four massive gates to reach the upper section. The final gate takes you to the square at the centre of the fort which is known as Dussehra Chowk.

Patwon-ki-Haveli is among the biggest havelis in Jaisalmer towering over a narrow lane. The intricate stonework and all that you see around in its five sections have their history dating back to the late 1800s. Bada Bagh is a huge garden with a resplendent history dating back to the 16th century. Though the place is isolated, it offers splendid photo opportunities at sunrise and sunset which is one of the astonishing experiences is the Desert Safari. Sam Sand Dunes is an ideal spot to start your Desert Safari. The camelback safari provides significant intrigue and enjoyment for most visitors.

Gadisar Lake with its origin in 1367 is about one kilometre from the main fort. This lake supplies drinking water to Jaisalmer and on the banks of this lake, you will find a series of Chattris and holy shrines. The entrance to the lake is particularly attractive for its artistic carvings on yellow sandstone. Nathmal Ki Haveli is must visit haveli for the beautiful interiors and exceptional outer carvings. This is a real amalgamation of Rajputana and Islamic architecture. It is reckoned as the most beautiful havelis in Jaisalmer.

For those who are looking for some uncanny adventure, you can head to the Kuldhara village. This is a ghost town that has been abandoned now. Centuries ago, the then occupants of the town abandoned it lock, stock, and barrel under threat from the then ruler. Folklore has it that Kuldhara continues to carry their curse and hence remains uninhabited even to this date.

The best time to visit Jaisalmer is between the months of October and March. While the summers are arid and should be avoided, the temperature during winter can also drop below 5 degree Celsius during the night. The nearest airport is at a distance of 280 Km in Jodhpur as Jaisalmer does not have a commercial airport. You can land in Jodhpur and take a connecting train or hire a private taxi to reach Jaisalmer. The railway station in Jaisalmer is well-connected to other major cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Jodhpur. A well-maintained network of road connects Jaisalmer to other parts of Rajasthan and nearby states. You can take a private or state transport bus from Bikaner, Barmer, Mount Abu, and Ahmedabad.

Happy Vacationing!

Udaipur, once the capital of Mewar Kingdom is a land known for its royal residences from the time of the Rajputs. The City of Lakes is known for its excellent blend of traditions and originality that meets the enthusiasm of tourists. Udaipur is listed as one of the most romantic cities in India and is amongst the top most visited destinations in the country. Udaipur’s picturesque beauty is witnessed in the large lakes, forts, amazing palaces, and pleasant gardens.

A large number of palaces have been converted into lavish hotels, and if you are in for a relaxing vacation, you should consider staying at these hotels. The Lake Palace is a famous hotel palace in the centre of Pichola Lake. Imagine being in a hotel with a view of lake and mountains outside your window, amazing!

There are numerous palaces and landmarks to be seen in the city of Udaipur. City Palace is the biggest architectural marvel in Udaipur that offers the impressive sight of the city and at the same time showcases the finest works of Rajput skills and traditions. Fateh Sagar is a beautiful artificial lake which houses three islands and is famous for its peaceful atmosphere. The largest island has been turned into a lovely garden called Nehru Park that has a lot to offer as far as water sports is concerned.

Jagdish Temple is must visit temple in Udaipur devoted to Lord Vishnu with several attractive figures and beautifully carved images. Jaisamand Lake is a paradise for nature lovers due to its close proximity to the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to different creatures and wandering birds which are often spotted in the vicinity. Visitors looking for a place to relax can visit Sahelio Ki Bari, a place well-known for its serene atmosphere. The garden has numerous wellsprings and shaded cool lanes to walk and relax.

In spite of Udaipur being famous for its palaces and landmarks, one thing that you cannot afford to miss is the shopping experience. Many items can be purchased from Udaipur that showcase its rich legacy, custom, and culture. Walking down the busy streets and mandis of Udaipur is an appealing experience. Shilpgram Crafts Village, Sadhna Emporium, Chetak Circle, and Bapu Bazaar are few of the many places that help tourists enhance their shopping experience.

The rich history from the bygone era has left a mark on this city. If you are curious about history, you would be amazed to see the Bhil tribe which still inhabits the city. People from Bhil tribe wear traditional Rajasthani attire and loads of silver ornaments. In terms of cuisines, Udaipur is primarily vegetarian mainly due to predominant Jainism in the region. The vegetarian cuisine in the city is still a food lover’s dream come true. The Thali at Natraj is highly recommended for its authentic local flavours.

It is advisable to visit Udaipur in winters as one can enjoy the exquisiteness of the place without the scorching heat prevalent during summers. Udaipur is very well-connected to other metro cities, and thus one can easily reach this place through air, roads, or rail. Buses and trains to and from Udaipur are available at frequent intervals. Dabok is a commercial domestic airport situated 20 km east of Udaipur. Cars are available for rent from the airport to go in the city or to commute within the city.

If you’re looking for an offbeat getaway near Udaipur, we highly recommend visiting Bundi, a gorgeous town about four hours away.

Happy Vacationing!