Alright, all said and done. It’s really the time to break free from the mind-wracking boredom of staying at home and hit the road for real adventure. Though, all our trekking trips, weekend getaways to mountains and beaches seem like far plans, but why did we forget that Apni Pyari Pink City has so much to offer?
We have always perceived Jaipur as a land of culture and heritage with magnificent forts and palaces, but voilà! Jaipur is way prettier than this, especially during the Monsoon. To enjoy the rustic beauty of the hills and the age-old fort, try trekking around the aravalis of Jaipur. Today, Jaipur Beat will take you on a journey to some of the lesser known yet breathtakingly captivating trekking spots within Jaipur that’ll give your weekend a fresh breath of adventure. Now you all must be wondering, “Other than Nahargarh where else can we go for a good trekking?” Scroll down as we ensure that each of these treks are mind-blowing and adventurous enough to leave you feeling rejuvenated!
Thank us later-
1. Hathni Kund
Also known as Water Valley Trek, this place gives you a feel of adventure along with all the lush greenery and serene beauty amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Located 17km away from Jaipur, the trek starts at Charan Mandir near Nahargarh Fort and ends at the same place.
Image Credit- Ashish Bhawan
2. Bhuteshwar Nath Mahadev Trek
This trek is located near Nahargarh Biological Park which is one of the most popular starting points. It is much longer than the Hathni Kund but this place also serves the best views and some tranquil time. The best time to go for a hike is early morning so that you can beat Jaipur’s heat!
Image Credit- Thrillophilia
3. Chour Ghati Trek
This desolate place offers a beautiful trek in the remnants of Aravalis covered with beauty of greenery, chirping of birds and calmness. The trek is marked with amazing rocky trails which provide easy reach to the Monkey temple. It starts and ends at Galta Ji gate. It is a must visit for adventure lovers who are keen to be at a really quiet and mesmerizing place.
Image Credit- Thrillophilia
4. Chulgiri Trek
Being a prominent place, Chulgiri hills offer a more rustic trekking experience with various picturesque views. Since it is on the border with Jhalana Forest which is a home to many leopards, it is suggested to opt the stairs which lead to the Jain temple. The view from the top of the temple would leave you awestruck.
Image Credit- Jaipur Stuff
So, gear up with basic necessities and get going on an adventurous trail with your friends!
P.S. Don’t forget your mask, sanitizer, water bottles and most importantly- trash bags.
It’s never late to plan an amazing road trip! After all, you have worked for the first 3 days of the week and you got a midweek break on account of Independence day and Rakhshabandhan. Let’s embark on a long drive as there are a lot of places in and around Jaipur that shows how beautiful the surroundings of the city are when it rains.
1. Bhangarh
Hiking on a blissful and adventurous break at Bhangarh and discovers the secrets of the Haunted Ruins of Rajasthan along with heritage scenery is not a bad idea.
Bhangarh is situated in Alwar district of Rajasthan and is known to be India’s most haunted place. The remains of Bhangarh Fort are informative enough to take you on a mesmerizing journey, of the reminiscence from the past. It’s just not the place, but the route also gives whimsical experience especially during monsoon. Get down anywhere, take pictures but remember to come back before it gets dark as there is no place to stay there.
2. Ramgarh
If you love passing through numerous anicuts, waterfalls and lush green forest patches, filled with an abundance of natural beauty, Ramgarh is the place to go.
If you want to stay, here’s for you a rustic The Gateway Hotel Ramgarh Lodge which was originally the hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Far from the bustle of the city, it is still favoured by tourists those who want to relive the glorious kingly life that once was lived by Maharaja of Jaipur.
3. Chandlai Lake
When you want to be a part of a picture-perfect scenic view, Chandlai lake is the best spot for you to pose in front of. The unsung beauty is a small lake, 30 km from the city, to experience the most peaceful picnic you need. No wonder you’ll get a bunch of beautiful pictures.
4. Kukas
Take a drive on a Delhi National Highway, towards Kukas. Away from the chaos, this place has many luxurious hotels like Fairmont, JW Marriott, Le Meridien, Jaibagh palace and lots more. The crisp enlivening Aravali air envelopes you as soon as you take off in your vehicle on this charming highway covered with verdant greens.
A perfect getaway where you can experience top-notch facilities and fine dining. You can either plan for a lunch with your family or plan a one night stay in any of these places. Sit back, relax, indulge in delicious food.
5. Bundi
Monsoon is the best time to see Bundi in Rajasthan in full glory as it comes alive with lush greenery and waterfalls. The Aravalis are prettier than ever when it rains and the journey becomes super exciting. The quaint little town is 36 km away from Kota is dotted with pretty lakes, waterfalls, nature trails during monsoon. The idyllic landscape will persuade you to stay back for a day or two.
One wouldn’t believe their eyes after witnessing the scenic view that Bundi has despite being part of dry Rajasthan!
6. Pushkar
Take a six-lane beautiful highway up to Ajmer and continue to Pushkar through the hilly serpentine road. The temple city of Pushkar raises the spirit of all during the monsoon time when its surroundings brims with lively mesosphere. Gorge on the world-famous Maalpuas of Pushkar or just feel the hippie vibes at one of the many cafes in the town.
A vibrant splash of colours, tremendous fanfare, and intriguing rituals, Teej festival in Jaipur is the time of year when the city brims with colours and fanfare. While peacocks celebrate monsoons with dancing in the rain, Womenfolk in Jaipur marks the blushing season by singing folk songs and swaying on a tree swing.
You’ll not find any better way to experience the colourful culture of fascinating Pink City than now! With the augment of August month accompanied by showers; Jaipur is already brimming with the spirit of ecstasy and Teej festivities.
This year the Sawan Teej festival will be celebrated on 3rd and 4th August 2019. Teej
Festival though is fêted all over the state but celebrated at its colorful best in Jaipur. Jaipurites welcome the advent of monsoon through Teej celebrations, which is also dedicated to Goddess Parvati and commemorates the day when she was united with Lord Shiva after a penance of a hundred years. A spellbinding procession of Goddess Parvati, followed by Palanquins, chariots, dancers and a band winds magnificently through the Old City of Jaipur for two days.
Apart from the traditional procession of Goddess Teej in the city, to showcase the galore and culture of Rajasthan ‘Taal Katora Ki Paal’ becomes the hub for cultural events, where the Teej idols will be submerged later.
Teej is marked with great pomp and fair in Jaipur. One day before Teej, a married woman receives Sinjhara from her parents, which is a hamper that includes bindi, vermilion, mehandi or henna, bangles, ghewar and Lehariya as a symbol of their covertures.
If you are a connoisseur and wish to blend in the festivities and experience it from close then waste no moment. Buy a special tie and die pattern, called LEHARIYA, which is only available at this time of the year. The wall city market area of Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar offers many shops.
The significance of lacquer (lac) bangles is also very special, and Jaipur is famous for its alluring lacquer bangles. Don’t miss to check out the multihued adornments that render more beauty the festive attire.
Get your hands decorated with the henna patterns, which you can get done at different corners of the city. The front façade of Saraogi Mansion near Bapu Bazaar, the lanes of Johri Bazaar and major shopping malls like Pink Square, GT and Crystal Court would have numerous henna artists, who decorate beautiful hands with fascinating designs.
The tempting aromas of Ghewar being cooked on sweet shops, colourful lehariyas, and
blossoming flowers and women folks decked up with henna on hands in their traditional best add more colours to the essence of the jovial season.
The government of Rajasthan state arranges a special sitting area for foreign tourists coming to witness this magnificent festival by providing comfortable viewing and to photograph the procession from the terrace of the Hind Hotel opposite Tripoliya gate.
This monsoon, travel to Jaipur to not just feel the lively spirit of Jaipurites around the festival, but also witness and partake in the jovial culture of the colourful Pink City of Rajasthan.
“The belly rules the mind” goes a famous Spanish proverb, a tantalizing phrase that Jaipur, the land of the kings and rich cuisines, is no stranger to. Rajasthani platter is a scrumptious combination of sweet, spicy and colorful dishes. We Jaipurites with our salivating mouth proudly say that it is incomplete without the mention of Dal-Bati-Churma, a traditional wholesome meal of Rajasthan. Mind you, sweet dishes are never addressed as ‘dessert’ in our land, because unlike desserts which are had after the meal, we relish desserts before, during and after the meal.
Now is the perfect time to talk about the much-celebrated dessert in this season of special festivities. “Ghevar”, an incredible Rajasthani Delicacy which is widely popular and traditionally associated with Teej Festival (locally called Sawan ki Teej or Hariyali Teej) and Raksha Bandhan festival falling in the month of August.
Ghevar is a round mesh-like disc-shaped fried delicacy drenched in cardamom and saffron flavoured sugar syrup and topped with sliced nuts and flavored rabri. We bet you are already dreaming to gobble Ghevar because this festival Dessert is always a chart-topper!
The luscious sweet is enjoyed indifferently as per an individual’s taste preferences; some enjoy it crispy while others love it tender with the toppings of Mawa or Malai. Ghevar also tastes great when it is eaten with hot Milk or Kheer.
Having such a variety in taste, Ghevar can definitely satiate your sweet tooth pangs for the time being but cannot satisfy your need to have it again and again. “Padharo mahare des” is an apt phrase, which means: “Welcome to my land”, where you can experience the flavours of uniqueness that it has to offer and enhance it with the wonderful hospitality, food AND Sweet Dishes like Ghevar that Jaipur is famed the world over.
Festivities are around the corner and, you are all anchored with your plans. Jaipur is also one step ahead in making your August plan more exciting and power-packed with new endeavours. The festival of Teej, Rakhi, Independence day, World Photography day and what not is already in store.
Jaipur and Jaipurites are already excited as one could plan for festivals, comedy gig, and a variety of exhibitions and workshops that are happening this August. With a list of events below, prepare and plan wisely to have a blast this month-
Festivals-
Teej and Rakhi are the most important festivals of this season and, which is something you cannot miss. The colourful Teej processions, splendid exhibitions, delicious savouries will give you a perfect festival vibe.
Jaipur’s Royal Teej Celebration
Teej Festival though is fêted all over the state but celebrated at its colourful best in Jaipur. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati a royal procession is held every year during Shrawan month. On the occasion women, girls dress up in their colourful best leheriyas, adorn lac bangles, sing devotional songs, put up mehndi, eat delicious savouries. The mesmerizing procession of Goddess Parvati winds magnificently through the Old City of Jaipur via Tripoliya Gate (City Palace) Tripoliya Bazar and Gangauri Bazar with chariots, decorated camels, dancing folk artists, brass bands and royal palanquins for two days. Get your cameras ready to capture the real flavour of Jaipur!
Date: 3rd-4th August 2019
JAIPUR TEEJ TOUR by Red Earth India
The tour is particularly curated for the tourists who can observe the glorious festival of Teej in the Walled City in addition to the culture and traditions of Jaipur by visiting the old Bazaars and temples. If you want to experience the grand procession of Teej in the Pink City and revel in the city’s bazaars and shop for Jaipur specials; let’s take a walk through the 18th c. the walled city of Jaipur. Explore some lesser-known Vaishnava temples of Jaipur, relish special festival food and Rajasthani delicacies and uncover the crafts & design heritage of the city with RedEarth India.
Exhibitions and Workshops-
Check out the most exciting exhibitions and workshops
Rakhi Malhaar by Anantaya Decor
Raksha Bandhan is a festival of irreplaceable bonds and promising vows. To celebrate this sibling spirit, Anantaya Decor brings to you the gift launch exhibition where you could choose from a range of products starting from eco-friendly rakhis, upcycled makhmal bags, handmade pottery, Kathhaa wearable jewellery and many more. Visit to buy the ideal gift for your sibling.
Rakhi Exhibition by Sumayaa
Sumayaa Exhibitions is the biggest shopping platform for today’s lifestyle needs and this season they are organizing rakhi exhibition in the city with the best of exhibitors and their products.
Rakhi Workshop at Art Forte
Join a Creative workshop at Art Forte on this Rakhi tie a handmade rakhi on your brother’s hand.
House of Masaba – Jaipur Pop Up
House of Masaba bringing their array of silhouettes and prints to Jaipur. The show is presenting the latest collection by houseofmasaba at Grand Uniara Hotel.
BrushPen Calligraphy Workshop by Royal Letters
Looking for some artful lessons on calligraphy to create beautiful designs? Brushpen Calligraphy by Royal Letters is in town this August to give you a complete workshop on this for 2 days. Join this workshop and bring the creator in you.
StoryTelling Documentary Workshop-TOSS
This documentary workshop by TOSS can be a golden opportunity for the amateur or the budding filmmakers as acknowledged personalities like Nilotpal Majumdar and, Surpriyo Sen will be the part of the mentor panel. It will focus on in-depth discussions on multiple genres and new ways of expressions. Register yourself to experience learning with professionals.
Entertainment, Entertainment & Entertainment
This August your stomach will hurt so much with all the laughter coming to your way. There are many stand up comedians coming to Jaipur to give you all a good laugh. Choose your favourite artist and have a great time this season, laughing.
Jeeveshu Ahluwalia – Stand-Up Comedian
You’ll be in splits of laughter and bouts of dance all through the same evening at the Grand Launch of Hi Lo (The Underground).
Venue: Hotel De Nada
Date and Time: 2nd August 2019, 8:00 P.M.
Vijay Yadav – Bantering You
Venue: Club Colaba, Jaipur
Date and Time: 4th August 2019; 7:30 P.M.
Sundowner Poll Party – DJ Jhonnie Ernest
Celebrate the bond of friendship from sunny day to starry night at Jaipur’s first real Sundowner & Pool Party.
Venue: Hotel De Nada
Date and Time: 4th August 2019; 3:00 P.M.
Atul Khatri Live
Venue: Fort-Kitchen and Banquet
Date and Time: 18th August 2019; 7:30 P.M.
Not Just Baniya! A stand up comedy solo by Gaurav Gupta
Date & Venue- The Native Bar on Friday, 9 August 2019
The fun has a different connotation for everyone. Some find pleasure in playing with words; some take enthusiasm in writing words or, some, like to dance on the words penned by others. Every concern is taken care of with different programs and workshops.
The auspicious month of Sawan has begun and is ready to shed its vibrant and vivid colours to nature. It is that time of the month where you explore the magnificent impact and captures the serenity as monsoon never comes alone with the rain but with the irresistible cravings for delicacies and also sways us to go for thrilling rides and indulge in the aesthetic pleasures. The pink city will make you fall in love with its beauty when adorned with the raindrops and incensed with the mesmerizing petrichor.
Here’s a sneak-peak of Monsoon oriented activities which will make you fall in love with the walled city.
Styling up the wardrobe with colourful Lehriya
Jaipurite celebrates every occasion with a new lease of life. To mark the beginning of Monsoon season and Sawan) month, everyone drapes themselves with the vibrant colourful and traditional Lehriya. Jaipur Bazaars are flooded with a distinctive and vivid pattern of lehriya to give your wardrobe a unique cultural touch.
So what keeps you at bay? Go and get yourself draped in the colours of Rajasthan.
Guilt-Free Eating
Monsoon season paves the way to binge over the local delicacies like pakodas, samosa, kachori and Mirchi vada. These roadside snacks will make your cravings irresistible and will tempt you to have more and more of it. To enjoy the drizzling you could also visit the most exciting place-Masala chowk and celebrate the tastes of Jaipur. This place will entice you to leave your diet plans aside and drool over the scrumptious food.
Goth at Khole ke Hanuman ji
The monsoon season invites you to hold goth(picnic) at Khole Ke Hanumanji and spend leisure time with your family and friends by savouring your taste buds with the delicious daal baati churma, Mirchi ke tapore and variety of churma’s which is served here as prasadi. This spiritual temple offers a mesmerizing view from the top of the hill which is a feast for the eyes especially in the rainy season.
Long Drives – Nahargarh Jaipur for a view to die for
The month of Sawan is at its peak, waking up the weekend plans which were snoozing during scorching summer. Explore the city and do not miss the mesmerizing weekend getaway spot, situated at the rim of Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh.
This place has to offer you a splendid picnic spot with your loved ones, eye-capturing Instagram posts, and stories and a view of the Walled City you can die for, savouring the season of Sawan with a bhutta in your hand.
Season’s best Ghewar
Monsoons are one of the typecasted seasons of the year. It is the season when you cling towards a hot cup of coffee, a plate of tempting pakoras but Jaipurites crave for Ghewars, a delicacy which will allow you to sideline the diet plans guilt free. When eating ghewars at Jaipur, you could not think of calories any more rather you will be swayed by the undeniably delicious dessert drenched in sugar and garnished with rabri.
Season’s Best Ghewar
Monsoon is not the only month of ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’ but also a start to the preparation for upcoming festivities as well. The two most celebrated festivals during this season are Teej and Raksha Bandhan. Teej is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, celebrating the day she united with Lord Shiva after a span of 100 years. This celebration in Jaipur is an extravagant sight with lively processions, innumerable rituals, and delicious savouries inclusive of city’s one of the best Ghewar. One cannot afford to miss this if in the Pink city.
To relish this season leisurely, pack up your bags and plan a trip to Jaipur.
The monsoon month, July is here and it’s all about that chapaak and shopping. And we are, so not planning to waste it by sitting at home. Pink City is a happening town and filled with people looking for something or the other to go to and have fun, so if you belong to the crazy lot and looking for a month full of fun activities then you sure can’t afford to miss these events in the upcoming month.
Alfaaz Open Mic (5th July) Pint House Sky Bar & Kitchenette
2. Dubfounded Album Launch Party Amarass nights at RRAP (5th July)
3. Virsa at JKK (10th July -21th July)
4. Kitab Lovers Mega Book Fair (11th July) Rajput Sabha Bhawan
As we all know Jaipur is an exciting city with that cultural tadka added to it and ensures nothing is left out of it. So. If you too don’t want to be missed out of that tadka then mark the dates, to go to these super awesome lifestyle events in Pink City.
1. The Summer Shop (16th – 17th July) Hotel Radisson Jaipur City
Monsoon is here and we cannot get over the serenity of Jaipur City. As the little pitter-patter drops fall from the sky they don’t just bring with them the petrichor but a wave of aesthetic pleasure which enhances the beauty of Pink City even more. The fresh green landscape of Jaipur with new life from the top. You don’t believe us, have a look.
Picturesque view of Amer Fort covered in clouds
2. Lake ‘Sagar’, Jaigarh Fort and the lush green landscape
3. Like mystical clouds looming over Jal Mahal at Man Sagar Lake
4. Bird’s Eye view of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly or Vidhaan Sabha
5. Rain washed Wall City, Jantar Mantar, City Palace in one frame
6. Green cover on otherwise Barren hills of Jhalana and the Pink Houses
7. The City doesn’t rest even when it rains. View of Tripolia Bazaar and Choti Chaupar
8. Monsoon spellbound Jaigarh Fort
9. WTP through the droplets on the windshield
10. Paanch Batti after a shower of rain
11. Sanganeri Gate in the drenched walled city
12. Trimurti Circle and its glorious reflection
13. Last but not least – The bheeghi bheeghi walls of Jalmahal Palace
14. Believe us!! We are still in Jaipur 🙂
So, what are you waiting for? Go have fun and enjoy the saavan and the thandi-thandi hawa.
Jaipur, the capital city of the land of Maharajas: Rajasthan. A city with so much to narrate about the culture and traditions, a city that reflects the royalty of Rajputs; a city with a splendid history. The foundation of the city was laid in the 16th Century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The Maharaja did everything to make it a spectacle for the entire world and to keep it safe from intruders. He built a city so grand and so beautiful that we can’t help but admire even today. Everything in Jaipur was built according to Vastu Shastra. With its magnificent forts and palaces, the unrivalled historic architecture of Jaipur narrates a story of grandeur and opulence.
When it comes to the architecture we often talk about palaces and forts and other monuments. But what we often forget is one of the most important parts of our city’s history, the Gates of Jaipur. The popular 7-8 gates of the city are said to be the original entrance into the walled city.
Suraj Pol
Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate is situated at the east of the walled city, in the direction of the rising sun. The gate can easily be identified by the two sun painted on it.
Chand Pol
Chand Pol or the Moon Gate is situated at the western side of the city near Chand Pol Bazaar and Gangauri Bazar. It lies on the same axis as the Suraj Pole Gate.
Ram Pol
Popular as Ghat Gate, it leads its passersby to Ramganj.
Shiv Pol
Now known as the Sanganeri Gate, it leads to the Sanganer. Shiv Pol stands to guard the entry of Johari Bazaar.
Ajmeri Gate
Situated near Choti Chaupad, the gate was built to guard the southern entrance of the walled city and leads on the roads to Ajmer.
Ganga Pol
Situated at the north-east section of the walled city, it is not known to many.
Dhruv Pol
Commonly known as the Zorawar Singh Gate, Dhruv Pol is the northernmost gate of the walled city. It is named after the Pole Star or the Dhruv Tara, a star that marks the North direction. It is also the widest of all the gates.
Naya pol
Now known as the New Gate, it opens at the Chaura Rasta while you travel through the ever-bustling MI Road. The gate showcases a blend of European architecture with local style.
After these 8 gates were built, every evening at dusk a cannon was fired to alarm the citizens of the closing time and the gates remained closed until dawn to keep the city clean of intruders crawling inside the city in dark. This practice continued till the 1940s, thereafter development outside these gates started and the gates remained open.
We went a little further and did some digging only to find that the list of gates is much greater than just 7 or 8.
Sireh Deori Gate
The gate that leads you to the Jaleb Chowk and further to Govind Dev Ji temple and City Palace.
Tripolia Gate
The beautiful white gate near Govind Dev Ji Temple is one of its kinds. The gate is not open to the general public. It is still used only by the erstwhile Royal family, a tradition accepted by the locals without any opposition.
Naqqarkahne ka Darwaza
It might not be of much importance anymore, but the gate during the reign of Maharajas was used to announce their arrival by eulogizing their works.
The magnificent City Palace is known to the world as the residence of the royal family also has a number of awe-striking gates.
Rajendra Pol
Right outside the Mubarak Mahal is a gate that portrays the flamboyant Hindu gatehouse architecture. The Rajendra Pol is flanked by two elephants both of which are carved out of a single marble.
Ganesh Pol
The gate at the exit of the City Palace that leads you out to the Jaleb Chowk.
Ridhisidhi pol
The gate that on exiting the Rajendra Pol, leads you to the Pritam Niwas Chowk.
The Pritam Niwas Chowk is known to have four gates each representing a different season:
Peacock Gate
It is the most alluring gate with paintings of peacocks signifying autumn.
Lotus Gate
With continual flower and petal patterns, it stands as a symbol of summer.
Green Gate
Also called the Leheriya gate, signifies spring.
Rose Gate
With repeated flower patterns, the gate is seen as a symbol of winter.
Today, these gates are merely symbolic; part of city’s history, nostalgia and built heritage. However, they are an important element of Jaipur’s rich architectural legacy for which the city is famous across the world.