Within India - Best Places of Interest

January 31, 2017 Travel, Within India

Tourist places you should visit in Jaipur

A marvellous spot to explore the illustrious history of India, Jaipur is a traveller destination that tops guest’s rundown who comes to India. In addition to the fact that it is a renowned destination, Jaipur has different historical centres and eateries that have left an impression on the global tourism in India. It has probably the most superb and complicated outlined structures that are justified regardless of your time. If you want to cherish the marvellous architecture of Jaipur and its interesting history, then book your tickets to have an amazing time.

Here are a some of the best places you should visit in Jaipur.

Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur — Image credit-Shutterstock

Albert Hall Museum: The historical centre to an extraordinary degree a predominant exhibition that is a duplicate of a gallery in London. Boasting about being the most extensive display lobby of the city, it was constructed in honour of the visit of the Prince of Wales to Jaipur in 1876. The exhibition has an exclusive collection of some amazing stuff including earthenware production, coins, musical instruments, wooden workmanship, mats and amazing metal artwork, depicting excellent craftsmanship. The main highlight of this exhibition set amidst Ram Niwas Bagh is the Egyptian mummy that has a spot with the Ptolemaic Epoch.

Jal mahal, Jaipur — Image credit- Shutterstock

Jal Mahal: A dazzling spot in Jaipur, the royal residence lies amidst Man Sagar Lake. A blend of the Rajput and Mughal basic styles, it is constructed with red sandstone. Despite the way that at first the structure looks a five-storied building, the four-story level gets submerged amid tempest and simply the top story on the highest point of the lake. The regal living arrangement was a characteristic in 1799 by the lord Sawai Pratap Singh, however, the place remained overlooked for a long time. However, it was Maharaja Jai Singh who renovated and restructured the building in the eighteenth century.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur — Image credit-Shutterstock

Hawa Mahal: A masterpiece among the points of interest in Jaipur, Hawa Mahal or the ‘Royal Residence of Winds’ is recognised for its stunning five-story honeycombed hive-shaped building. This building was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. Constructed with pink and red sandstone, Hawa Mahal has 953 “Jharokhas” or windows. It is said that the ruler made this structure with such an assortment of windows so that the royal ladies could witness the city humdrum without ever stepping out and the windows would provide cool wind breezes during the summer months.

Not just these, there are different things you can explore and experience in Jaipur like tasting camel milk, viewing a film at Raj Mandir and considerably more. However, do train tickets booking to get best of offers and spare cash for some sightseeing and shopping!

A WEEKEND LUXURY TRIP TO JAIPUR

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January 30, 2017 Travel, Within India

Where Should You Visit In India This Holiday?

India is aptly called incredible as it has all the elements to satisfy the heart of a wanderlust. From magnificent monuments to breathtaking scenic beauty; from lip smacking cuisines to colourful souvenirs, you can never get enough from this country.

Let us check out some of the top 5 tourist destinations in India.

1. The Beautiful Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal Agra, destinations in India — Taj Mahal Agra

This is one of the several wonders of the world. Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal is a memorial made of pure white marble. The most amazing feature of the monument is it changes colour with every phase of the day. Taj Mahal is encircled by lush green gardens and is studded with semi-precious stones and decorated with motifs.

Nearby Tourist Spot: The Red Fort is another impressive structure lying very near to Taj Mahal. This is completely made from red sandstone and has numerous palaces, halls and mosques within it.

Location: Agra, near New Delhi

2. The Lively Gateway of India

Gateway of India is situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea.This place is a chatting ground for the locals and an ideal spot to relish the world-famous pav bhaji. If you can surf the local markets, you can buy silk shirts or luxury leather goods at an affordable price.

Nearby Tourist Spot: Visit Bollywood to watch the filmmaking process or spend some time relaxing at the Juhu Beach, listening to the wild waves.

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

3. The Golden Temple

Golden temple in Amritsar, India — People at Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India.

If you want to be away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the spirituality of India visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar. With domes made from pure gold and treasuring the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikh religion, this place is one of the tourist hotspots of India. Do not miss the meal arranged at the temple, as it is not only delicious but also exhibits the simplicity of life. If the Golden Temple inspires you, take out some time and plan a trip to the other exquisite shrines of India, which range from the rock cut temples of South India to the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples of Khajuraho.

Nearby Tourist Spot: The Jalianwala Bagh is famous for its importance in the history of Indian independence and the Wagah Border is the Line of Control (LOC) between Indian and Pakistan. Last but not the least; relish the ghee-drenched parathas and tall glasses of lassi here.

Location: Amritsar, Punjab

4. The Mind-blowing Jaipur

City Palace Jaipur, India — City Palace Jaipur

Now you cannot avoid the Pink City of Jaipur when on an India trip. Visit the Amber Fort on a decked-up elephant like a king or explore the royal belongings, old coins, arms and accessories at the City Palace museum. The Hawa Mahal can surprise you with its 983 windows while the Jantar Mantar has the largest sundial of the earth. Jaipur is also an ideal destination to shop your heart out; from boutique apparel to leather shoes, from costume jewellery to handicrafts, you have a lot to fill your bag. Evenings are entertaining with puppet shows and folk song and dance programs.

Nearby Tourist Spot: You may also visit the other cities of Rajasthan, like Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur; each famous for its monuments.

Location: Rajasthan

5. The Exotic Beaches of Goa

Beaches of Goa, destinations to visit in India

Last but not the least; the fun capital of the country invites you with its wilderness. Goa is a resort for the stressed hearts who want the warm sun rays to fill in their ached body; it is a paradise for people wanting to rejuvenate with Ayurveda SPA massages and for the young hearts who want to dance through the night. The SunBurn Festival, which takes place from Christmas to New Year, is a celebration of life and the best start to a new year.

Nearby Tourist Spot: Besides the above activities, you can visit the old churches of Goa and spend some solitary time at the moonlight cruises with your beloved.

Location: Goa, lying at a short distance from Mumbai.

If you want to have more from this country, plan safari rides to the national parks of the country or if you want to boost your adrenaline, the trekking and water sports of India are just for you.

Author Bio

Ademar Arau, A Mexican guy staying in Gurgaon India from last 3 years, translator by profession. Love to do capture the moments, writing and blogging, currently associated with olaviajes.com as Spanish – English travel blogger.

November 18, 2016 Travel, Within India

Discover the Historical Era of the Rajputs

Rajasthan had a rich historical era of the Rajputs which can be seen in the majestic forts and palaces that are well conserved. Rajasthan comprises of the alpine and jagged south-eastern region and the unproductive north-western Thar Desert that extends across the border of Pakistan.

Here, you can find historic cities, incredible fortresses with legends and rare beauty like Udaipur. Puskar with its holy lake and the desert city of Jaisalmer allures many tourists every year. No wonder then, Rajasthan is a prime tourist destination where you can cherish priceless memories. Let us check out these destinations in detail.

Jaisalmer Fort, Rajputs, Rajasthan (Image courtesy-commons.wikimedia.org) — Jaisalmer Fort
(Image courtesy-commons.wikimedia.org)

Jaisalmer– The city is renowned for the golden fort that is made of yellow sandstone in the Thar Desert. Rawal Jaisal, a Rajput King established this city. Jaisalmer Fort is situated on the hill with its wall blending into the contours of the hills.

Gadsisar Lake – Picnic spot ideal for a getaway and is famous for boating. There are small temples surrounding the lake.

Pushkar is among the oldest cities in India. Legend associates it with Brahma’s creation. The word ‘Pushkar’ in Sanskrit means blue lotus flower. It is a holy place for the Hindus who come here for salvation.

Puskar fair – This fair is one of the largest cattle fairs in the country which is held in the month of October or November. It lasts for 5 days. Camels in this fair are cleaned, washed and decorated with jewelry of silver and beads. The fair is held for trading and the best camels get awarded in different categories. Camel safaris in Puskar, take tourists to rural areas where they can see crop harvesting.

Pushkar Fair, Rajputs Rajasthan — Pushkar Fair

Udaipur– Situated in the hills of the Aravallis, it is a ‘city of Dawn’ as it is a land around the water lake.

Lake Pichola- This scenic lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and two island palaces, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas, give an awesome view.
City Palace is a majestic architecture over the lake on a hill which is fenced by walls of courtyards, pavilions, terraces and hanging gardens.

Other places to check out in Udaipur are Chittaurgarh, the fortress of Kumbhalgarh, lovely Jain temple of Ranakpur, Eklingji, and Nathdwara. Mount Abu is a cool retreat not to be missed.

Bikaner– This city is renowned for its camel rides. The city is dotted with many sand dunes and camels are prime helpers here who pull carts loaded with grains. The forts and palaces look magnificent with their reddish-pink sandstone and reflect their historical and architectural legacy.

Junagarh Fort (wikipedia.org) Rajputs, Rajasthan — Junagarh Fort
(wikipedia.org)

Junagarh Fort– It is built from red sandstone and marble carvings and paintings. This fort was constructed by Raja Rai Singh. Within this fort, one can find palaces. Sun Gate is the main entry point to the fort. Other palaces, Chandra Mahal, Karan Mahal and Phool Mahal are worth a visit. This fort has a museum with miniature paintings and rare antiques that are precious.

Lalgarh Palace (commons.wikimedia.org), Rajputs, Rajasthan — Lalgarh Palace
(commons.wikimedia.org)

Lalgarh Palace– A juxtaposition of Oriental and European style luxury is fascinating, in this splendid fort built of red sandstone. It was created by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh in the pre-Independence era. This palace comprises of a billiard room, a library, cards room and a smoking room. To further add charm to this place are Belgian chandeliers, cut glass ornaments, oil paintings, and lamps.

So, go ahead and discover the historical era of Rajputs at these places!

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November 14, 2016 Travel, Within India

Awesome Rajasthan

‘Rajasthan’, when one hears this word, one visualizes the land of deserts, palaces, and camels. Rajasthan with its ancient culture and civilization has made a name for itself throughout the world and not only in India. Tourists from across the globe throng this state of Rajasthan. So what is it that captures the mind of people across the globe and India? This article shall take you through the places of interest in Rajasthan.

Arts and crafts in Rajasthan — Arts and crafts

Countryside or rural Rajasthan– A few unusual places to explore in Rajasthan that otherwise might have gone unnoticed by you. Bishnoi and Pali are becoming hot spots for people who want offbeat destinations in Rajasthan. People who are adventurous should not miss Bishnoi. Bishnoi is a community of nature worshippers. It just takes around 45 minutes to reach this destination from Jodhpur. The place of Bishnoi offers diversity in terms of weather conditions, religious convictions, language, civilizations, and attires. It has the world’s second-largest desert THAR. You can take the Bishnoi Village Safari which is organized by Rajas and Maharaja of Jodhpur. This will allow a foretaste of the rich cultural life of their state of Marwar. The safari is usually one day or half day where one can enjoy the sight of snow, rainforests, giant Himalayas, and long and beautiful seacoasts.

Jaipur– Jaipur city should not be missed by the adventurous traveler because you can take the ‘Hot Air Balloon Adventure’. In the ‘Hot Air Balloon Adventure’, one can explore the Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, and aerial view of Jaipur and Hawa Mahal. The duration of the hot air balloon ride is 60 minutes. The hot air balloon ride can be taken over Amber (near Jaipur). Jaipur which is often called the ‘Pink City’ comprises palaces and forts which have magnificent views and ornate architecture. The tourists here can enjoy the remnants of a bygone era of the monarchy in its glory. Some heritage hotels in the city are transformed from old palaces to give tourists a regal experience.

Ballooning over Jaipur, Rajasthan — Hot air balloon ride

Udaipur– Another attraction for tourists is the city of Udaipur. Udaipur is known for its Lake Pichola and City Palace. It is constructed skillfully with a military architecture of Rajput and Mughal style ornamental methods combined together. The museum of this displays many royal heirlooms, family photos, and other mementos which give you the feel of the culture and royalty of Maharanas of Mewar. The Museum consists of Mardana Mahal and Zenana Mahal which are King and Queen’s palaces respectively. It was constructed in 1559 and is the ancient and prime part of City Palace. Jag Mandir is another palace not to be missed which is one of the foremost palaces to be constructed in Lake Pichola. Lake Pichola is simply breathtakingly beautiful.

Udaipur palace, Rajasthan — Udaipur Palace at night

Pushkar– This place attracts adventurous backpackers and hippie types. Puskar comes alive in the month of October/November with Camel Fair. The camels are dressed up and paraded. The icing on the cake is definitely the camel races, although the comical beauty contests which feature elegantly decorated and shaved camels are amusing. In addition to this, there is temple dancing, folk and classical music, and an arts and crafts bazaar as well. And, last but not least; the fair would be incomplete without a mustache competition!