The heart beat of Pink City
The majestic land of Maharajas, well known for its rich heritage, royal forts, palaces, rich Rajasthani delicacies and heritage sites. Due to the lockdown we can’t visit any of the heritage places to celebrate this glorious day, we surely can travel through these pictures.
On the 71st Rajasthan Diwas here are some pictures that depicts the colorful kaleidoscope of Rajasthan.
Happy 71st Rajasthan Diwas!
The greatly awaited Pushkar Fair is right upon us, scheduled to begin on 4th November and will culminate till 12th November on the day of Hindu festival Kartik Purnima. There’s nothing like Pushkar Camel Fair. It’s a celebration of the uniqueness of Rajasthan and experiencing the festival is the dream of every traveler. This is the time when Pushkar comes truly alive with multiple hues.
The small sleepy town comes out of its hibernation mode and becomes the playground of people from the world over. The history of Pushkar Fair is a hundred years old but the festival keeps not only that historic spirit alive but also has new age elements to it now.
Primarily, thousands of pilgrims and cattle merchants flock the town for holy rituals or the trade of cattle and livestock. But, that’s not all; Pushkar fair has a lot to offer to the travellers who are neither pilgrims nor traders. Buzzing markets, fascinating ghats and activity grounds are enough to catch the fancy of travellers and photographers.
Sunrise and Sunset: The vibes and the views of Pushkar switch within every hour right from the dawn to dusk, added to that the starry sky above ignited Pushkar Lake gives a heavenly chill in nerves. During early mornings and evenings, when the dust mixes with golden light falling from the sun it’s an absolute delight to watch the camels and the camel traders in the Mela ground. You not only get to see the heard of camels but also get a glimpse into the life of a rural Rajasthan, where the traders heat up the chullahs (a kind of stove used for cooking the food ) and prepare their food with minimum ingredients. Thousands of people from the world across come to capture only this spectacle.
Markets: The narrow streets and lanes of the town have hidden within themselves a whole world of intrigue; from the local artifacts and handicrafts to funky apparels and chunky jewellery, Pushkar’s cozy markets are the treasure trove for a shopping enthusiast.
Ghats: The Ghats in the holy land of Brahma are said to be nothing less than those of Varanasi. Roaming around the ghats with a soothing sound of hymns and bells renders tranquility to the visitors. While the night scene becomes even more fascinating when evening aarti is performed on these Ghats. Illuminated with multitude of lights the Ghats and lake take the spectators into a world of solace and peace.
Food: Pushkar is also one heaven for foodies. From street stalls to roadside cafes, wide range of cuisines waits for food lovers to visit and enjoy sumptuous cuisine of Pushkar. Special Masala chai in Kulhad, Authentic Italian pizza, unique Poha Dal Pakwaan and Ugma ji ki kachori are a few to dishes to tantalize your taste buds. However, as you walk down the streets of Pushkar amidst the aroma of freshly made baatis, puris and kachoris being fried right on the street, the whiff of gulkand and the sight of tempting malpuas dipped in sugar syrup will call out only one thing- pure bliss.
Adventure and Activities: Apart from the buying and selling of livestock, the fair has become an important tourist attraction. Competitions such as the ‘matka phod’, ‘longest moustache’ and ‘bridal competition’ are the main draws for this fair, which attracts thousands of tourists. In recent years, the fair has also included an exhibition cricket match between the local Pushkar Club and a team of foreign tourists. Pushkar Camel Fair has so many events and activities like camel cart ride, horse riding, bullock cart ride and giant wheel that your day will be full but we advise you to take out a little time to stroll in the narrow lanes of the town.
For your convenience, here’s a tentative impression of the flow of events at Pushkar Camel fair 2019.
4th to 9th November – Cattle Trading
Cattle trading is at its peak during these days along with a variety of cattle contests.
10th to 11th November – Cultural Galore
These two days will see some cultural activities like dance shows, music performances sponsored by the Rajasthan State Government.
12th November – Holy Dips
This is the Holy Day when people take dips in the Pushkar Lake, and other religious ceremonies take place.
How to reach Pushkar:
By Air
The nearest airport to Pushkar is in Kishangarh, which is 36 kilometres away. Apart from this, Jaipur Airport is the major airport, which is 140 Kms and well-connected to major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata. Once you reach at the airport, you can hire a cab to reach Pushkar. The journey from airport to the city will take approximately 3 hours. You can either pre-book a cab or hire from any of the taxi vendors outside the airport.
By Bus
Regular buses between Jaipur and Ajmer ply every hour. However, buses from Delhi to Ajmer and further to Pushkar are easily available. The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation runs deluxe and semi-deluxe buses (both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned) connecting Ajmer to nearby cities and then transport you to Pushkar for a very nominal fare.
By Train
You will need to take a train to Ajmer and then take a 30-minute drive to Pushkar. The Ajmer railway station is well-connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Allahabad, Lucknow, Kolkata, Bhopal, and Bangalore. Some of the most popular trains that run daily on this route are Ajmer Shatabdi and Ajmer Rajdhani. Apart from these, other trains are Chetak Express, Aii Sdah Express, Aravalli Express and Bsb Express. Once you reach at the station, you can hire a taxi to reach Pushkar.
So what are you waiting for? Go and enjoy India’s Biggest and world’s famous festival Pushkar Fair.
“Which city manages to attract, sustain and grow visitors’ year after year?”
“Which city has a good number of heritage sites in the country?”
“Which city has a rich saga of folklore and tales to tell ?”
“Which city has exquisite culture and heritage that has attracted generations after generations from across the world?”
“Which city has the hospitality tradition ingrained amongst its’ domiciles so deep ?”
Answer to all this is our beloved city- Jaipur
The majestic land of Maharajas, Jaipur in Rajasthan is one of the most vibrant states in India. Well-known for its rich heritage, royal forts and palaces, Rajasthan’s rich food, culture, beautiful locales, and heritage sites, Jaipur is every travel enthusiast’s dream.
The incredible transformation of this city from a royal abode into a sprawling tourism hotspot is not a one-day effort. Jaipur and tourism go hand in hand for its rich heritage and culture that attract tourists from all over the world. As we are celebrating World Tourism Day on 27th September, let’s embrace the tourist mindset to learn and explore the places and people of Jaipur. Because tourism is not just travelling, it is a fresh sense of appreciation for the things that you encounter every day, right where you live. Uncover with us the variety of tourism sectors growing around us-
Heritage Tourism
Replete with history, the city of royals symbolizes the pinnacle of Rajasthani cultural excellence and magnificent art in architecture of the streets, lanes, forts, palaces, and monuments.
Heritage places like City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Albert Hall, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar never cease to amaze us with its bewitching architecture and not to forget the walled city painted in pink. And, that is the reason UNESCO inscribed Pink City as the World Heritage Site. It does not just stop here; Jaipur is world’s most Instagrammed destination amongst the new UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Having some of the best forts, palaces and monuments which are till date maintained in absolutely good conditions are very precious for the Jaipurites.
Wildlife & Adventure Tourism
Jaipur city has some ultimate wildlife and adventure kind of stuff for adrenaline junkies. One can get up close with leopards and venture deep into the dense Jhalana Forest to encounter elusive Leopard or Nahargarh Biological Park for Lion Safari. The zone of the lion safari lies in the Aravali foothills with hillocks that offer panoramic landscape. One of the most popular tourist attractions to enjoy in Jaipur is an elephant safari. For jeep safari, there is the famous Ranthambore National Park, which is a 3-hour drive from Jaipur. It is home to tigers and Sariska National Park, which is just a 2-hour drive. Those looking for adventure can cycle and trek to the Nahargarh hills, or play golf at the golf or Polo club.
Night Tourism
Jaipur city reveals its true colours at night when it’s drenched with bright colours making it a treat for eyes. The light and sound show at Amber Fort is truly a magical experience, which one should not miss while visiting Jaipur.
Amber Fort, the 16th-century monument turns even more enchanting during the night. The different hues of light give a new perspective to the elegance of the fort.
When the 953 jharokhas of Hawa Mahal aka Palace of Winds are lit up in varied hues at night, the drive around the walled city becomes an illuminated memory forever.
Albert Hall, one of the oldest museums of Rajasthan looks even more enthralling as you pass by it at night.
These illuminated monuments, gates and gardens just add to a visitors list and urge to behold their beauty amidst the darkest hour of the night.
Wedding Tourism
Pink City- Jaipur has been listed as one of the most Romantic cities in the World! So, this place sets a dreamy ethereal mood for weddings. Jaipur has the most awe-inspiring, romantic getaways that instigate romantic aspirations among the couples in and visiting the city.
Whimsical palaces and forts with the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royalty render a fascinating ambiance to this wedding destination.
The city is dotted with heritage hotels that host the most magnificent destination wedding amidst the regal ambience. Jaipur is the ideal place to consummate a grand memorable wedding.
Cultural Tourism – The colourful city becomes even livelier and lovely with the festivals celebrated here in a flamboyant way. The city observes different fairs and festival at a different time of the year like Gangaur festival, Teej festival, Kite festival.
Jaipur is also the home to some of the most talented folk artists of our nation. Enjoy the lovely music and dance performances and we bet that the folk music and dance performance skills will completely blow your mind!
The best way to enjoy Jaipur’s culture is through its food. Jaipur is well known for its royal hospitality, and its mouth-watering delicacies are chats and kachoris which have been every local’s favourite. Not to miss the royal thali of Rajasthan, which is hot, spicy and tempting all at the same time. The national and international tourists always make sure to try the authentic Rajasthani flavours – Dal, Bati, Churma and an authentic non-veg speciality – ‘Lal Maas’ – the best dish to savour amongst the other Rajasthani cuisines. and how can we miss Jaipur’s Special sweet delicacy Ghewar.
Jaipur’s markets Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are world-renowned for their authentic gold and silver jewellery as well as for textile, leather craft and other traditional handicrafts. People from the world over love to shop here.
Medical & Wellness Tourism
Jaipur, a city that is celebrated all across the world for its culture and heritage, has also registered its name in the world for its medical and wellness tourism. From Yoga,to Ayurveda to high-end wellness and spa centres, it is also a world leader in low-cost foot prosthesis known as Jaipur Foot definitely deserves a big mention whenever one speaks about the pink city.
Spiritual Tourism
The landscape of Jaipur is dotted with various temples and pilgrims. The temples here have a royal touch and splendour and are highly praised for their architectural beauty and faith by the tourists. Whether it is the visit to the Govind Devji or Moti Doongri Ganesh Ji, or Galta Ji or Khole Ke Hanuman Ji, Jaipur is the land of spiritual incarnation. Each year, several thousand of pilgrims descend to the royal land to offer their prayers and seek blessings. It is said that a prayer offered at these holy temples does not go unanswered!
MICE Tourism
Culturally rich city, Jaipur, has a stylish high-class environment that caters to the business needs too. Thus, it is the most preferred destination for the MICE market that offers everything a business traveller wants.
The connectivity and the developed infrastructure make this the most preferred place to host big events and exhibitions. Jaipur Literature Festival, Vastra, Stone Mart, GITB- Great India Travel Bazaar, JJS, and JAS Jewellery Shows are to name a few.
One of the most important ways to celebrate World Tourism Day is to pick a destination that you want to visit and visit it.
So are you packing your bags to embrace tourism?
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.
Come back with a lot of memories!
The royal city of India Jaipur has recently made the entry in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For its arcade and royal architecture, Jaipur has always been on the heritage list. The announcement was made after the 43rd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee at Baku (Azerbaijan). As Jantar Mantar has been already marked as World Heritage Site and now as the wall city has bagged the title is a proud moment for all of us.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his happiness through Twitter and posted “Jaipur is a city associated with culture and valour. Elegant and energetic, Jaipur’s hospitality draws people from all over. Glad that this city has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site by @UNESCO.
“The city was proposed to be nominated for its value of being an exemplary development in town planning and architecture that demonstrates an amalgamation and important exchange of ideas in the late medieval period. In town planning, it shows an interchange of ancient Hindu, Mughal and contemporary Western ideas that resulted in the form of the city,” UNESCO
Jaipur you made us proud!
Apart from its magical architecture, the royal residence, and a museum, the city palace has lesser known but not less beautiful gates in its third courtyard. In the inner courtyard of City Palace, Pritam Niwas Chowk has four small gates known as Ridhi Sidhi Pol, which are elaborately decorated in brilliant colours. This courtyard is dominated by Chandra Mahal which is said to be the most charming courtyard in City Palace.
Each door has a different role to play and a story to tell. These gates are adorned with themes symbolising four seasons and are dedicated to a specific Hindu God & Goddess.
The above-stated gates give us the spiritual connection and the essence of the life of the medieval period in India. The City Palace surely makes you fall in love with its art.
Known for its rich heritage and royal forts & palaces, Rajasthan with its rich flavors, beautiful people, and heritage sites is every travel enthusiasts’ dream.
Rajasthan a state that truly lives up to the saying “Atithi Devo Bhava”, where the walls of the magnanimous palaces tell the tales of our glorious past that is filled with valor and heroism.
This is our Rajasthan. Let’s experience the colorful Rajasthan today on the 70th Rajasthan Diwas through the eyes of Jaipur Beat!
Rajasthan is the land of forts and palaces. Whether it is the Amer or Jaiagarh Fort of Jaipur, Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur or the royal Chittorgarh Fort or the magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort, these forts and palaces are world famous for their ornate architecture.
These forts and palaces are worth a visit if you want to experience and know more about the royal history of the majestic Rajasthan.
Relive the charm of royal times as you stay at the royal homes converted into heritage hotels now.
These havelis still breathe the times of yore and give travelers a taste of royalty with warmth. The beautifully restored havelis reflect the style and elegance of royals.
Rajasthan is a fun and frolic state and so is its clothing. The traditional outfit usually comprises a colourful Bandhej or Lehariya dupatta for the women and a vibrant Bandhani turban for the men. Jaipur, being the capital of Rajasthan, is also the fashion capital of the state.
Every tourist in Rajasthan knows that Johri Bazaar and Bapu Bazar are globally popular for their authentic gold and silver jewellery as well as for the traditional handicrafts. Take a tour of the market and get your hands on exquisite pieces of art and jewellery here. The market is a tourist attraction in its own right.
There is nothing that can match the royal Rajasthani cuisine. Taste the authentic Rajasthani flavors with a touch of warm hospitality. Traditional Dal Baati Churma, Ker Sangri, Gatta Curry, or the none vegetarian Lal Maans along with mouth-watering kachoris or Mirchi Bada have always been every local’s favorite.
The colorful kaleidoscope of Rajasthan is filled with multitude of fairs and festivals. Throughout the year numerous festivals are being held in different parts of the state. Be it Teej fair of Jaipur, Marwar festival of Jodhpur, Pushkar Camel fair, our Rangeela Rajasthan allows you to soak into the tunes of vibrant melody and foot tapping dance moves.
Aren’t we so fortunate to be able to be residing in Rajasthan, the marvelous destination that has so much to offer to everyone?
Happy 70th Rajasthan Diwas to all!
