The August of Monsoon is right upon us, and mind you, we have this month full of long weekends! Ignore the one which is not 😉 Since, the Sun’s playing hide and seek , flowers are in full bloom and the weather’s just perfect when rain paints the Aravallis in emerald green, and offer relief to the parched landscapes, there’s no way you are sitting at home and doing nothing exciting.
We already know that Jaipur is centrally located to discover many of Rajasthan’s amazing destinations that can be covered in three days, so let’s make the most of it! When the Independence Day falls on a Monday, you may plan to take a trip that could start from Friday and ends on Monday evening. Or maybe the Friday following Janmashtami can be called off!
What? No tomb to sweep yet on the upcoming long weekends? Well then Jaipur Beat urges you to get off your mundane routine, soak in the sheer splendor of rains, and experience the grandeur of the Thar and Aravallis of Rajasthan during monsoons.
See if any of these amazing destinations we’ve picked just for you in Aapno own Rajasthan tickles your fancy-
Ajmer- Pushkar
130 kms from Jaipur, Ajmer at first glance will strike you for being bustling with human and animal population all alike. The trip to Ajmer is a smooth drive on the well-paved highways bordered by lush hills on both sides. Pay visit to Ajmer Dargah Sharif, Adhai Din Ka Jhopra Nasiyan Temple and Ana Sagar Lake in Ajmer then head up to Pushkar. Termed as the Teerth Raj of Rajasthan, Pushkar has it all for all kinds of travelers the pilgrims will find a splendid Lake, which has 400 blue painted temples on its 52 ghats to take holy dip. Visit the Pushkar mela ground and gorge on the world famous Maalpuas of Pushkar or just feel the hippie vibes at one of the many cafes in the town!
Kota-Bundi
One day is sufficient to see the major attractions of Kota. The Kota Barrage, Chambal Garden, Garh Palace which also houses the Maharana Madho Singh Museum of the collection of miniature paintings, the Government Museum and Jag Mandir are the places to visit in Kota. The beautiful Kota Doria sari and dress accessories are a must buy stuff from the city. And, just 36 kms from Kota is this uncrowded and steeped in the beautiful culture of Rajasthan city called Bundi. The slumber city and its houses will take you five to six decades back. Don’t miss to admire the towering Taragarh that looms over the city. If you are an art connoisseur then Bundi is the dream destination for you. With mesmeric miniature paintings in Taragarh fort and Chitrashala, Bundi speaks of the marvelous art and cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Other attractions like sculpted step wells at Raniji Ki Baori, the 84-pillar cenotaph, Sukh Mahal are the paradise for photography lovers in this splendid season.
Bharatpur-Agra
Dotted with one of the 7 wonders of the world – Taj Mahal, Agra is a bustling city with magnificent palaces and intricately adorned cenotaphs and tombs. The history buffs will find a paradise of medieval architecture in Agra. The monuments and places that are famous for their beauty and significance will catch your fancy. Another attraction is Fatehpur Sikri, which is famous for its red standstone architecture and surrounding nature.
With the tour of Agra you may also love to visit Bharatpur- a paradise for the avian world, and the pilgrimage for the bird lovers. This city is best known for the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary where some of the rarest species of birds adorn the skies and find habitat. The World Heritage Site of UNESCO, Ghana national park in Bharatpur is a home to over 230 different species of birds, and over 350 floral species. You’ll feel the real bliss of monsoon in this fascinating town.
Udaipur-Kumbhalgarh
Straight from the pages of Arabian Nights, the Lake city of Udaipur is one of the most beautiful cities in Rajasthan. Savor the true flavors of Udaipur with the visit to its City Palace, Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar. Udaipur and its nearby attractions are a perfect melange of hill stations, trekking spots, and wildlife sanctuaries. Another little marvel by the foot of Aravalli is the hidden fort of Kumbhalgarh. Known for its famous citadel and a wildlife reserve nearby, Kumbhalgarh is marked for its great wall, which is the second longest continuous wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China. Apart from sustaining a rich flora and fauna, the area is a visual treat for history buffs.
Alsisar- Mandawa
Once a trading outpost for ancient caravan routes in Shekhawati , the township of Mahdawa, over the time has grown into an open art gallery for art lovers. The mesmerizing frescoes, exquisite carvings and mirror work add to its beauty. Mandawa is also famous for its beautiful havelis of which many are open for tourists to visit.
A few kilometers from Mandawa, is this another beautiful town called Alsisar in Jhunjhunu. Recently, the town got global popularity for the international Music Festival; Magnetic Fields at the 17th century palace Alsisar Mahal. A splendid semi arid desert town, Alsisar also offers amazing desert and village safari to the tourists. The tour offers a fine example of Rajput architecture with its fresco carvings and depiction of historical events on the walls and ceilings of havelis. If you wish to experience the taste of Royalty, then you must stay at one of the heritage havelis turned into hotels, as Alsisar is also famous for its royal hospitality.
So pack your bags and set free for the Long weekends August has to offer you. And with the charm of these amazing destinations feel the magic of cool breeze, the raindrops on your face, and the calming smell of earth; they are all subtle signals of how travelling is fun and liberating!
Happy Long Weekends !!
Jaipur Beat 