This weekend re-kindle the love for travel |Jaipur Beat

June 5, 2020June 5, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

The past two-and-a-half months have been thought-provoking for all of us. Where the initial phase was of getting accustomed to staying home, working from home and doing all the chores. The second was more intense as we started getting used to living a home-life, introspected and revived the lost hobbies and interests and coped up with each other for 24×7. The third for sure started to make one edgy as we now know, coronavirus is here to stay and we need to plan our life’s around it.

This means, even planning our travel around it for we Jaipurities simply love to travel. So where is it that you can travel? Travelling overseas, across borders or inter-state is something we won’t recommend you to do at least for this year. But in and around Jaipur, there are ample options for you to take that much-needed rejuvenating break!

Here are the top 5 recommendations for you which are near Jaipur:

Sariska National Park: Located at a distance of about 133kms from Jaipur, visiting the ‘abode of Royal Bengal Tigers’ – the Sariska National Park is your perfect weekend corona break. And what’s best is that the reserve currently thrives with wildlife as recently Tigress ST-12 gave birth to three new cubs.
Apart from the tigers, you can also spot endangered bird species, striped hyenas, leopards, jackals, monkeys, and deer’s. Once done with the national park, you can also visit Siliserh Lake, Sariska Palace, Bhartrihari Temple and Kankwari Fort.

Image via Google
Ranthambore National Park: Heaven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, Ranthambore National Park is just 122kms from Jaipur and that offers some incredible photography options. You can opt for a safari ride that gives you the chance to experience the wild species that are freely roaming around in the jungle.Pushkar: This holy city of Rajasthan offers ample photo-opportunities and is an ideal mix of divinity and serenity. Situated at just 161kms from Jaipur, here at Pushkar you can soak yourself in the mesmerizing sunset and sunrise views, sit next to the tranquil lake for some solace and peace. Walk down the narrow streets and lanes to taste some relish the delicious Malpua’s or Ugma ji ki Kachori, dal baati, Poha Pizza, Falafel, gulukund ki lassi and so so much more. Don’t miss to seek the blessings from the worlds’ only Brahma Temple. Abhaneri: If you thought what you would do in Abhaneri, well this little hidden treasure at just about 90kms from Jaipur is home to world’s largest step-well ‘Chand Baori’. Built by King Chanda somewhere in the 9th century, it is one of the hidden secrets of India and has 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, which descend 20m to the bottom of the well and makes for an amazingly beautiful sight to behold.
Bundi: Known for its iconic forts, palaces and natural beauty, Bundi is a beautiful city located at about 218kms from the Pink City Jaipur. Art lovers must go and witness the mesmerizing and original miniature paintings of ‘Chitrashala’ at Ghar Palace. The blue houses, lakes and numerous step wells dominate this small town. The finest example being the Rani ji ki baori.

Yes, we all need a break to come back and adapt to a new normalcy.

So, buckle up and drive in safe!

Jaipur · Jaipur Beat · Jaipur Happenings · jaipurbeat

The new normal – life after lockdown l Jaipur Beat

June 3, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

Now June 1 onwards we will step out of our homes as the government has eased out on the lockdown, indeed a happy news but Jaipurites need to get accustomed to the ‘NEW NORMAL’; yes, life is not going to be the same. We no longer can roam around in the streets of Bapu Bazaar and hand-pick those juties and kurtis, nor can we enter the World Trade Park just to take a stroll, or munch on the pani-puri of nand, kachori at Rawat or simply have that pao bhaji outside Birla Mandir; as we did earlier and mind you – we can’t even have the house parties going life before. Everything has come to a full stop!

Remember these 5 new thumb rules:

The essentials: Your bag of essentials need to be modified – carrying a sanitizer, gloves, mask are your first set of essentials you need to have no matter where you go. You can skip the lip-gloss or your colonel, but missing a mask would be like risking your own life. Masks are new normal rather the new abnormal and need to be used as mobile phones – we won’t be able to do without it.
Visiting / Inviting home: For the sake of our own and our loved one’s life, we will have to be extra cautious of who we invite and whose home do we visit. It’s like the more people you avoid the more you gift yourself the number of days to live. For the vaccine is still 12-18 months away and even if it comes, how many will it reach out of the 7.8 billion on this planet is a task in itself to calculate. So when you go to meet someone, you will be “clad” in a mask and so will they be – a compulsory accessory and a critical part of our attire, it will be now.
Meeting and greeting: Handshakes, hugs were the old normal. However, the new normal can’t be there. All you do when you meet your friends, parents, colleagues and acquaintances is a ‘namaskar’ as you start to step out.
Visiting the malls/theatres/restaurants/offices: We all have visited the malls just for a stroll or to binge on our favorite food and movie. However, digital is the new normal. Avoid visiting public places as much as you can and switch to online for all your needs. Having said that, in case you visit, ensure you maintain social distancing from people and not hang over them. Imagine gallivanting in the World Trade Park or Gaurav Towers and hundreds of people walking around with a mask on. It’s not going to be a normal feeling; however, we need to get used to it. In case you are the shop owner or are visiting an office, ensure you sanitize everything before having to use it.
Ordering online: Yes, this seems to be the new normal, however, having stuff delivered at your doorstep is equally risky. So when you order, please do not touch the box/parcel and simply put it aside for at least 48-72 hours. Once done, pick up the packet, open it and sanitize and wash the items thoroughly and do not forget to rinse your hands too.

Though we know when living in a cosmopolitan city like Jaipur where people like to meet and greet and hang around, limiting yourself in every sense will surely be a big lifestyle change for us. Isn’t it Jaipur? We hope we could get you close to the new normal, for we don’t want to scare you but make you aware for we value each one of you and want everyone to be safe and healthy.

Airlines · Jaipur · Jaipur Beat · jaipurbeat

All you Need to Know About the New Rules for Flyers | Jaipur Beat

May 26, 2020May 26, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

India resumes domestic flights from May 25 after 2-month hiatus due to Covid-19. You might have a lot of questions about the new rules. What time should we reach the airport? How much luggage should we carry? Can we carry our own food?
All the above questions might have crossed your mind and so we have listed down all the
answers/ queries that will guide you on dos and don’ts as you embark on a flight.

Primary rules you need to follow

Wearing a mask and gloves at the airport and during air travel is mandatory. You cannot miss on that otherwise you won’t be allowed to travel. Passengers will have to undergo thermal screening and those who are showing no symptoms of coronavirus will be allowed to travel. Also, every passenger must install Arogya Setu app.

Self-monitor after travel

After you reach your destination you are advised to self-monitor your health for 14 days and in case you start to develop any symptoms of coronavirus you need to inform the district surveillance officer. If you are found with any symptoms you will be isolated and those who have moderate or severe symptoms will be admitted to dedicated COVID Health facilities. The ones with mild symptoms will be given the option of home isolation or isolate in the COVID Care Centre.

After Exiting from the Airport

Passengers should use the authorized taxi and are advised to follow social distancing. You should adhere to the guidelines prescribed by the State/UT government.

New Protocol to be followed in the aircraft

Passengers will have to minimize face to face interaction and any non-essential movement in the aisle will not be allowed. No meal service, newspaper magazine will be available inside the aircraft except for the water bottle.

Boarding rules you need to follow

Passengers will be provided with the safety kit by the airlines and are advised to pay attention to the boarding announcements. You will have to self-scan the e-boarding pass and will have to show an ID card to the airline staff at the boarding gate.

Web Check-in

Passengers should do a web check-in, should obtain a boarding pass online and download baggage tag.

Time to reach the airport

Passengers should reach the airport 2 hours before the departure and only those passengers will be allowed to enter the terminal whose flights are within 4 hours.

Number of bags/suitcases

Only one check-in bag and one cabin bag will be allowed and the use of baggage trolleys has to be minimized.

Getting to the airport

Personal vehicles are allowed inside the airport premises; however, only selected cabs will be allowed to take passengers and staff to and from the airport.

Have a safe flight!

eid · Festival · Jaipur

Reminiscing the Zeal of Eid-Ul-Fitr | Jaipur Beat

May 25, 2020May 25, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

Every year in Jaipur the festival of Eid brings excitement among the people. The hearts are filled with excitement and souls with devotion. Saddly this year due to lockdown the markets are empty and everyone is celebrating in their home only. But to be honest it doesn’t matter where you celebrate until and unless you are offering your prayers from the heart. So, let’s pray to almighty for the well being of everyone and that this tough times comes to an end soon but at the moment go back to the memory lane to experience the zeal of Jaipurites during this time of the year-

Every year the markets are crowded and every alley is filled with shoppers. Ramganj market during the month of Ramadan becomes a flea market like none other. The shops welcome their customer right after the Iftar, when people pour in for the entire night till sehari, the meal that is eaten before the dawn.

The festival is one of the most joyous occasions celebrated by Muslims. On the supposed last day of Ramadan, people eagerly wait for the Chaand raat and wait to spot the little crescent moon in the vast sky. With the sighting of the crescent moon on the last day of Ramadan, it is confirmed that the holy month of fasting has ended.

On Eid, the Jama Masjid of Jaipur along with all the other mosques of the city hosts a special namaz for Eid where every male member of each family come and offer their prayers and gratitude to the almighty Allah. The women of the house offer their namaz from home itself. But this year everyone will offer namaz from their home only.

Gladly even during during lockdown some rituals remain the same like the delightful aroma of various delicacies prepared during this time can still be experienced coming from every Muslim household. Women in every house put all their heart in and prepare different dishes out of which the most savoring is sewaiyan , a sweet dish made with milk and with a lot a significant amount of dry fruits, specially Chuaras (dried dates) to give the sweet dish a colour and ghee giving it a rich texture. The sweet dish is especially associated with Eid-ul-fitr and is loved by almost everyone.

Eid is a symbol of oneness for people keeping aside their grudges and differences, meet and greet each other whole heartedly.

Let’s all pray for peace and happiness during these trying times for all and rejoice the festivities at home!

Stay home , stay safe!

JAIPUR BEATWISHES Eid Mubarak!

amer fort · Birla Mandir · City palace · Hawa Mahal · heritage · Jaipur · Jaipur Beat · Jal Mahal · Jawahar Kala kendra · Nahargarh fort · World Trade Park

Travel Local: World Class Places in Jaipur to visit!

May 16, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

While Jaipur is always filled with number of places that are world-class, it is time to travel local and appreciate the value of our home now.

The closed country borders, lockdown, and the safety reasons are now making us appreciate the treasure of our city Jaipur.

Here are our top picks-

Amer Fort

The famous Amer Fort is one of the most visited forts in Rajasthan and is a marvellous blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The fascinating beauty of Amer Fort at night is definitely an attraction.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is considered to be one of the largest astronomical observatories out of all the 5 in the entire nation. Recognized as the world heritage site by UNESCO, Jantar Mantar is a treat for people who have a lot of interest in astronomy and architecture.

Hawa Mahal

Carved out of red and pink sandstone, this marvelous piece of architecture is recognized as the tallest building in the world built without a foundation. It is our own Taj Mahal that is in the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown.

Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal is a five storied structure built with stones and walls thick enough that no water seeps in. You can watch, behold the sight and, capture its beauty only from a distance.

Albert Hall

Opened as a concert hall in 1876, Albert Hall was then turned into a Museum to promote the local artisans’ work. Soon after that, the museum gained its popularity not only for its exquisite collection but also for its splendid architecture.

Walled City

No matter what transport you choose to reach the walled city, but once you step out of it, a gush of local air filters through you and gives you the major feels of the city. Stroll through with a heart full of patience and excitement because the markets of Jaipur are truly engaging.

City Palace

Based on a fusion of the Vastu Shastra of the Indian architecture, combining Mughal, Rajput and European styles, City Palace was built by the founder of Jaipur- Sawai Jai Singh II. The most attractive part of the Palace is its four gates that represents the four seasons of the year.

World Trade Park

World Trade Park gives us a moment of pride for being one of the largest malls in the country with 11 floors. This place looks no less than an English house, or a cathedral from inside.

Nahargarh

A blend of Indian and European style of architecture, Nahargarh Fort was built as a retreat on the hilltop at that time. Providing a stupendous view of the city, Nahargarh Fort was built strategically to provide protection to the royal family of Jaipur.

Jaigarh Fort

Providing a great view of the entire Aravalli range, Jaigarh Fort is known for holding the largest canon on wheels in the world. It is situated at a distance of 15 km from the main Jaipur city and is popularly known for not being conquered by anyone in the battles that it has witnessed.

Galta Kund

Within the unfolding lanes of Jaipur you’ll find the most fascinating and intriguing among them all is Galta Ji- the magnificent campus of temples. It’s not just one temple but a marvelous cluster of numerous beautiful temples spread amid the boundaries of Aravali Hills.

Birla Mandir

Situated on the foothills of Moti Doongri Fort, Birla Mandir also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple is a proud architectural landmark of Jaipur. Unlike other traditional Hindu temples, Birla Mandir is built with a modern approach in pure white marble.

ISKCON Temple

ISKCON Sri Giridhari Dauji Temple is situated in Dholai village, south of Jaipur City. It is one of the famous & most visited temples in Jaipur. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram which are very beautifully decorated.

Raj Mandir

Lesser of a movie theatre and more of a tourist destination, this is the most beautiful theatre of Asia and we have all taken our relatives from far off cities to this place during vacations.

Jawahar Kala Kendra

Like the rest of Jaipur’ wisely chalked out architecture and planning, Jawahar Kala Kendra boasts of an architecture that spellbinds a beholder at just one glance.

Jawahar Circle

A tall pink structure surrounded by a gamut of trees and lush gardens, that structure is Jawahar Circle – the biggest circular park in Asia. The entrance of Jawahar Circle is through the Patrika gate, which has been designed beautifully.

Nahargarh Biological Park

lion-safari1 — *For reference: Nature Wanderers*

Who would have thought that Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan will offer you a lion safari? But this edition in adventure activities is the Nahargarh Biological Park exclusively for Lion Safari. The zone of the lion safari lies in the Aravali foothills with hillocks that offer panoramic landscape.

Birla Planetarium

Birla Planetarium in Jaipur is one of the main attractions in the itinerary of travellers and was inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Birla Planetarium takes you to the lesser known world of galaxy and stars.

Amrapali Museum

Amrapali is a globally renowned, coveted luxury jewellery brand. The heritage jewellery house launched its very own museum in Jaipur. It displays traditional silver jewelled arts of India reflecting the ‘everyday’ life of the people of India.

We are sure some of you must have not visited to any one of the above listed places. But as everyone says better late than ever so do visit these treasures of our very own Pink City once the lockdown ends.

Jaipur · Jaipur Beat · jaipurbeat · Mother's Day

The Best Gift for your Mother during Quarantine

May 9, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

Looking at the present scenario, many of us are at home with family. Let’s face it its quarantine time. It’s better to forget the mother’s day celebration ideas like movie date, dinner date, spa dates or shopping dates with your Mom. This year has come out with unique circumstances but that does not mean the idea of celebrating the moments can be left, in fact, it is more meaningful than ever.

And if you are still hunting to look for the ideas to celebrate the Mother’s Day in a perfect way, look no further. All the ideas mentioned are approved by Moms 🙂

A virtual party

Sign in to Zoom, Google Meet, Duo or any virtual app. Ask all your mother’s friends to be part of the virtual party. She is definitely going to love when the celebration happens with friends. You can plan some fun games like Antakshari, a recipe that you recently learned, or can recite a heartfelt poem to her.

A Mother’s Day Slideshow

We know it’s going to be a no travel year so, why not just live with the memories you have collected while travelling with your Mom. Take out an album or a hard disk to check out all those fun travel moments. You can prepare a slideshow of pictures and you’ll get to refresh your childhood memories. The ones who are not with their mother can send it online and then have a video call.

Watch a Mother Daughter Movie

Play her favourite movie or shows based on mother-daughter bonds like Gilmore Girls, Jane the Virgin or anything that interests her. Call the entire family and just spend dedicated three hours watching a movie with a bucket of popcorn or Nachos (get it from the market) and a cold drink.

Treat her with a fancy meal

Why not prepare something via virtual cooking class to prepare an exotic meal for her. Take your family together in this. Make a video what all happened in her absence from the kitchen during this trial period. She would definitely enjoy watching it and of course, tasting the final outcome.

Serve Her Breakfast in Bed

She is the one who served most of the family members breakfast in the bed but do you remember when the last time she got such pampering. Mother’s Day is the perfect day when you can not treat her for a fancy meal at a hotel or restaurant but still make her happy more than ever. It’s simple than you think- a cup of tea/coffee, some nuts and fruits and pancakes or anything that you feel she prefers in breakfast and if you can make it. If you aren’t there you can order from her favourite local spot and have it delivered.

The bottom line is whatever you choose to do spend some time with her and give her a day off if possible. After all, time is the best and most comforting gift of all.

Jaipur Beat wishes all the super moms a Happy Mother’s Day!

Healthy Living · Jaipur

5 Breakfast ideas to kick start your day in a healthy way | Jaipur Beat

April 30, 2020May 1, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

Staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic is boring and challenging for everyone, and the increased anxiety can cause people to abandon their healthy eating intentions resulting in junk snacking on whatever is around.

So this is also the time when instead of gorging on comfort food, eating a balanced and varied diet will help you develop more immune power to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. With a little thought and planning, you can continue to make good food choices and maybe even boost your mood and immunity.

The most important meal of the day is eating ‘breakfast like a king’. Breakfast helps to jumpstart your metabolism. Try to eat healthy carbs which digest slowly and make you feel full for a longer time – include whole grain, beans, vegetables.

Must include fruit and vegetable intake along with traditional food like – dhokla, moong ka chilla, millets, idli or dosa, can be consumed wherein the ingredients will also be available at home.

We belive that this is the most important time to eat healthy and stay healthy, Jaipur Beat brings you some healthy options to kick start your morning a healthy way-

Nuts- Nuts are high in fat, low in carbs, and a great source of several nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium and are loaded with antioxidents. The best part is Nuts have been shown to promote weight loss rather than contribute to weight gain.

As long as you eat them in moderation, nuts make for a tasty addition to a healthy and balanced diet.

Wheat Pasta- To have a healthy breakfast doesn’t mean to have a boring one. The die hard pasta fans can have wheat pasta instead of white pasta as the white one is made of refined carbs, meaning it has been stripped of many nutrients during its processing. Just add some bell peppers and broccoli to make it more tasty.

After eating this, we bet you will ditch the rich cheesy pasta available in cafes’.

Poha

One of the healthiest Indian breakfast, Poha is a wholesome meal and also a good source of carbohydrates and iron, rich in fibre, and full of essential vitamins. We are missing all those Poha thelas in different parts of our city but this dish is certainly something which can be prepared easily by every one at home.

Make it more appealing by adding chopped onion, tomotoa, pomegranate and coriander leaves.

Bread Breakfast- Start your day with ultimate bread breakfast. There are many ways to create healthier breakfast sandwiches that still include the carbs you crave, but are piled high with veggies, and healthy fats. This delicious, easily breakfast recipe is perfect for a busy family, where you just can’t go wrong! Though White bread is good too but it simply misses out the goodness of brown or whole wheat bread.

Sprouts Salad– Add these tiny balls of nutrition to your breakfast. The best part is they are easy and cheap to grow and, and thus offer additional environmental benefits by avoiding pesticides and type of food additives.

Last but not the least is to add some portion of fruits or fruit juices with your breakfast.

Tip- Eat everything in moderate amounts.

Summary– A healthy breakfast is important, especially because it is supposed to keep you energised till lunch time. It also boosts your metabolism and keeps your blood sugar levels stable.

Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy!