10 Not-To-Be-Missed Experiential Moments At Pushkar Fair 2018

October 17, 2018 AdminLeave a comment

After a whole year of longing, here it comes again carrying along the true essence of Rajasthani culture and vibrant colours of dessert- The Pushkar Fair. Offering prismatic views and traditional items from the land of ghats, Pushkar fair is one of the biggest tourist attractions that take place every year.

The temple city of Pushkar raises the spirit of all during the annual Pushkar Fair when this beautiful town bustles with lively mesosphere. Let’s teleport you to the abode of camels and horses. Here’s what you can expect at this year’s Pushkar fair.

Sunrise

When the dust mixes with golden light falling from sun, the ship of desert shines beautifully exuding absolute delight !

Tranquil Ghats

If you really want to see and know how ‘ghat ghat ka pani’ tastes and looks, there is no better place than Pushkar.

Beautiful Camel Fair

Expect lots of fun and amazement! As the name suggests, you will see thousands of camels at the fair area. The camels are beautifully decorated. They are brought here not only for trading but also for entertainment of the tourists. A camel ride is not to be missed. Camel decoration contests and races are held at the fair. Besides camels, you can enjoy horse-riding too.

Folklore

Musical performances by folk artists from all over Rajasthan are the major draws. Live dance and singing performances by talented performers make the time special. Besides music, you will also see acrobatics and comic performances at Pushkar Fair.

Devotion

When you are at Pushkar Fair, you are not limited to enjoying just the fair but it is also a great time to see the holy Pushkar city at its best. There is only one Lord Brahma temple in the world and Pushkar has it. Besides visiting the temple, taking a dip in the holy Pushkar Sarovar nearby is also part of the ritual.

Street Food

It’s Rajasthan, so there is no way you can escape the thought of delicious food anywhere and everywhere, but here, as you walk down the streets, you find the baatis being freshly made, kachoris being fried and malpue exuding utter bliss !

Street Shopping

The boisterous bazaars of Pushkar is the spectacle that one shall never miss; the streets refreshed in the shades of red, yellow, pink, blue are, synonymous to the people of Rajasthan and their culture. It’s interesting and fun to navigate on Pushkar’s narrow alleys during the fair time when each and every corner is brimming with action.

Colourful Turbans

Red, green, pink, yellow, orange, or all in one, the Rajasthani men never shy away from flaunting their fashion mantra i.e. the colorful gorgeous turbans.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

If you have an adventurous streak, taking a hot-air balloon ride over the bustling terrain has to be in your list. Seeing all the activities from top is amazing and you can take a chopper ride too.

Sunset

Last but not the least, that time of the day when the camel needs respite, the chill in the air is felt by all, the men and women start to prepare for their meals on chulhas, the sun is seen setting in spreading the scintillating palette of colours on the sky which is an absolute treat to watch and to just sink in.

Date: 16th-23rd November, 2018

adventure · Hot in Jaipur · Jaipur · Jaipur Beat · Jaipur Happenings · Rajasthan tourism · Travelling · Uncategorized

6 Super-Amazing Safari Escapade In Jaipur

October 6, 2018 AdminLeave a comment

What did you get up to at the weekend ? Is it like just a casual another day when you sleep till late, go for a movie, catch up with a friend or a dinner plan with the family ?

Sounds little unexciting and monotonous. Right?

Jaipurites can’t be so lacklustre, so here we are with trips that will do a trick to make your weekends exhilarating. Not many are aware that Jaipur city has some ultimate adventure kind of stuff for adrenaline junkies and the best part is you don’t need to take official offs but can squeeze real adventure in just a few hours.

Let’s go for an adventure-filled weekend and for a super-amazing Safari escapade in our beautiful city, Jaipur

Elephant Safari

Take an Elephant ride on the cobbled path and explore the magnificent Amer Fort and its surroundings. Elephant rides to Amer take you into a regal era and make you feel as Maharajas.

Leopard Safari

Get up close with leopards and venture deep into the dense Jhalana Forest. Be ready to encounter elusive Leopard just in front and a range of other wildlife and birds. Strongly recommended for those who are looking to get something more besides hopping through various heritage monuments and shopping.

Camel Safari

One of the best activities to engage at this time of the year is to take a camel ride and indulge in admiring the sunset view at Mansagar lake. Feel the peace and serene moments near the calm water of Jal Mahal in its purest form.

Jeep Safari

Your trip to Jaipur is incomplete without the exciting Jeep Safari – the name itself can give a thrilling rush to the nerves of any adventure seeker. Jungle Safari indeed is a great choice to experience the adventures of the treacherous inside the jungle roads.

jeep safari1.jpg — For reference: Nature Wanderers

Horse Safari

At Albert Hall take a horse ride and enjoy this quintessential tonga song with the echo of OP Nayyar’s music and Sahir’s lyrics – ‘Maang Ke Saath Tumhara’. We bet amidst the lush green Ramniwas garden, taking a horse safari will let you forget all your worries.

Lion Safari

Who would have thought that Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan will offer you a lion safari? But the latest edition in adventure activities is the Nahargarh Biological Park exclusively for Lion Safari. If you dream for Kenyan Lion Safari but unable to plan at this moment enjoy Nahargarh Safari till the time. The zone of the lion safari lies in the Aravali foothills with hillocks that offer panoramic landscape. This soon is going to be the hot spot of Lion sighting and Photography.

lion safari1 — For reference: Nature Wanderers

So, Jaipurites why not make your weekend all about safari this time! 🙂

gates of jaipur · Jaipur · Jaipur Beat · Jaipur During Monsoon · Jaipur Happenings · Rajasthan tourism · Uncategorized

Gates of Jaipur: The Reflection of Opulence and Grandeur

September 6, 2018 AdminLeave a comment

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 16^th 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.

Events in Jaipur · Jaipur · Jaipur Beat · Jaipur During Monsoon · Monsoon · Rajasthan events · Rajasthan tourism · Teej · Teej Celebration In Jaipur · Teej In Jaipur · Uncategorized

Let’s Celebrate Teej With Great Zeal In Jaipur

August 13, 2018August 13, 2018 AdminLeave a comment

The hues of love, culture and beauty mingled with the tints of heritage, handicrafts and a grand legacy brought down the generations. You are pink, I am pink; for pink is the color that this city leaves in our hearts forever. Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’ was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in November, 1727. Known worldwide for its rich culture and architectural beauty, Jaipur is the largest city of Rajasthan, and its capital too. What makes it different from all other cities is its deeply rooted heritage that houses in itself not just the beauty of traditions and different art forms but also paves way for technological and architectural advancements. Whether it is about festivals or food, travel and tourism or corporal sector, Jaipur has a niche for every possible genre.

The months of July and August are the most prismatic ones in Jaipur. The city looks dipped into and drunk on rainbows. With the petrichor mixing in with the amazing fragrance of our favourite ‘chai and pakode’ comes again the most voraciously celebrated festival of ‘Teej’. Teej is one of the most colourfully celebrated festivals in Jaipur. It’s all about women dressed in jazzy leheriya, patricoloured lehengas, ‘Mehendi ki khushbu’ and ‘Saawan ke jhule’. And when it comes to Teej, how could we forget our favourite Malai Ghewar!

Teej falls on the third day after new moon. Teej as a festival is celebrated three times during the Indian month of Shravan, namely Hariyali teej, Kajli Teej, and Hartalika Teej. Badi Teej is celebrated with great zeal and pomp in our Jaipur city. Married women fast for the day and pray to Goddess Parvati for the long lives of their husbands and children. Young girls put on vibrant lehangas and leheriya sarees and enjoy the swings under lush green trees. As magnificent as this festival is, it keeps an immensely important place in the hearts of Jaipurites. We celebrate it with all kinds of food and festive preparations. Jaipur’s Teej celebration is not only famous across the nation, but also known across the globe for its enlivening and pulsing rituals, and traditions.

The very famous Rajasthani dessert ‘Ghewar’ is the authentic food associated with Teej. Other savoury dishes associated with Teej are ‘Malpua,’ ‘Kesar Jalebi,’ and ‘Mirchi Pakode.’ The mere thought of a kesar jalebi or a delicious malpua melting in our mouths is enough to get us high on love for this festival!

Besides the amazing excitement among common people for Teej, every year the Rajasthan Tourism carries out a pageant procession that passes from various areas of the old city of Jaipur including Tripolia Bazar, Chaugan Stadium and Talkatora. Rajasthani folk dances, palanquins, tableaux, vividly ornamented elephants and drama are different parts of this vibrant pageant that takes place on the day of Haryali Teej. Scores of Jaipurites along with national as well as international tourists turn up to enjoy the festivities of this grand pageant. Apart from the common spectators, it also attracts hundreds of photographers and videographers for the extravaganza. Teej Procession is one of the biggest pageant held in Jaipur, over the year.

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Teej, for Jaipurites is not a mere monsoon festival, it is also a feeling of being tied to our colourful roots of Rajasthani tradition, that keep the beauty and avidity for culture alive year after year.

Events in Jaipur · Exhibitions · Jaipur · Jaipur Beat · Jaipur Happenings · Jawahar Kala kendra · Rajasthan tourism · Uncategorized

JKK: A Walk Down The Memory Lane of Indian Textile

June 25, 2018 AdminLeave a comment

JKK has always been providing us with a glimpse of art via different exhibitions it hosts. Paintings, music photography and what not, we have had it all at the Jawahar Kala Kendra and it is back again with the amazing textile exhibition.

The exhibition beautifully traces the origin and evolution of aesthetics in Indian textiles dating back to the freedom struggle of 1947, including the use of same as an aid in the freedom movement, to the present day India.

The wondrously delicate yet the robust textiles of India has survived through decades because of diversity of skills and technologies to portray them, the perpetual vocabulary of motifs and patterns depicting the innovation in traditions which have been passed on through generations.

The exhibition designed by Reha Sodhi reflects the fields of art and craft, fashion and design through paintings done on cloth, carpets, rugs and saris showcasing works of numerous designers and artists.

In the lights predominant impulses of various periods in India’s post-independence trajectories, the textiles are presented through broad themes.

· The National Movement, Khadi and the effects of the European-colonial encounter in the early to mid-20th Century

· The engagement with International Modernism from the 1950s till today;

· An intense revival period in village-based crafts and textiles beginning with the 1970s which has informed the present ecology of urban design;

· The negotiation of roles between artisans-craftspeople, designers and artists;

· A return to historical vocabularies from the 1980s onwards which moulds contemporary fashion and mass consumerism; textiles as a means and metaphor for sculpture;

· And Indian minimalism.

With praiseworthy paintings, and notably fine varieties of textile, the Art exhibition at JKK is definitely going to turn a lot many heads.

The exhibition narrates the story of changes in textile industry due to the social, political and economic impacts on India. It takes you for a journey to the times of traditional Indian outfits of Lehanga Choli, to the garments with heavy Ari and Zari work, to the Silk And Brocade Saris, from the Kurtas Of Khadi to Khadi Denims and finally makes you stand face to face the Contemporary Dresses Of Modern India.

To sum it up, the exhibition is a must visit if you find yourself in Jaipur before the 31^st of July and is open for public on all working days including Monday.

Content credit: Shanza Sarwana

Picture credit: Aparna Natha

Hot in Jaipur · Jaipur · Jaipur Beat · Jaipur Happenings · Palace On Wheels · Rajasthan tourism · Vacations

An Inside Glimpse Of Jaipur’s Heritage Train- Palace On Wheels

May 1, 2018 AdminLeave a comment

Have you ever wondered what life on wheels would be like? How the Maharajas and Viceroys of the bygone era were on the go? Let us introduce you to one such royal experience in itself, India’s First Luxury Train Palace On Wheels. It added yet another charm to the beautiful lush green Durgapura Railway Station. Before we take you on its tour, let us first make you familiar with its rich history that it beholds.

Introduced in 26^th January, 1982, did you know that the Palace on Wheels derives its name from the royal background of its guest coaches which are the replica of the personal carriages used by the Maharajas, Nizams & the Viceroys of that time? To give a prestigious experience of the luxuries enjoyed by then Maharajas when they were on the go to the tourists and localites, Palace on Wheels was started by the Tourism Department of Rajasthan and since then it has never stopped. It has everything that you can imagine.

Yesterday, Jaipur Beat had an experience of the royal Palace on Wheels from inside. Tighten your seat belts, guys and girls, you are about to have a deluxe feel like never before!

The Royal Rooms

The rooms are crafted after a great thought. There are 14 coaches and each coach has its own speciality. Right from the artworks, paintings, bed linen, and even the wall art is based on the theme of the city on which the name of the coach is based.

Bar

Unwind and relax after full day of sightseeing with your fellow friends at the luxurious bar. Choose from a large array of choices available and de-stress your day’s worries.

Dining And Cuisines

Two restaurants are on board with you, when you travel on the Palace on Wheels. Maharaja Restaurant and Maharani Restaurant offers you an exclusive affair on wheels like never before. Soups, salad, continental, Indian and desserts, have whatever you want and make this culinary affair an amazing one.

Royal Spa

We told you it has everything. To rejuvenate your soul on the wheels, Palace on Wheels brings to you a royal treatment where you can get a therapeutic treatment far from the hubbub of the city in a relaxing environment and the only noise you hear is of the track wheels. It will be one of a kind leisure trip for you.

Are you ready to experience Palace On Wheels with your family?

amer fort · Forts & Monuments · Hot in Jaipur · Jaipur · Jaipur Beat · Jaipur Happenings · night tourism · Rajasthan tourism · Uncategorized

5 Interesting Facts About Royal Amer Fort

April 28, 2018April 28, 2018 AdminLeave a comment

As regal as can be, Jaipur’s magnificent Amer Fort rightly personifies the city’s Rajputana culture. The famous Amer Fort is one of the most visited forts in Rajasthan and also registered as UNESCO World Heritage site. Located 11 km away from the city, the fort is located on a high Aravalli hilltop. The Maota lake outside the fort adds a certain charm to the entire fort.

Also, for all the history buffs out there – do you know that Amer was the capital of the state before Jaipur? Intrigued enough! Come, explore our stunning Amer Fort with some super cool facts presented to you by Jaipur Beat.

Heritage as old as 1592 A.D.

The impeccable Amer Fort was built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century. This magnificent marvel made of red sandstone and marble was later renovated by its successive rulers. While many old parts of the fort have been either destroyed or replaced by other pieces, the humongous Amer Fort truly speaks volume about its royal history.

Magnificent Architecture

The Amer Fort is a marvellous blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The fort mainly comprises of four different parts. The main entrance to the fort is through ‘Suraj Pol’ or Sun Gate which opens directly in the main courtyard. The ‘Jaleb Chowk ‘ is one of the main courtyards with ‘Shitla Mata’ temple situated in the main palace ground. The second courtyard is famous for its spectacular – ‘Diwan-i-Aam’, ‘Sheesh Mahal’ and ‘Sukh Mahal’.

Spectacular Sheesh Mahal

One of the most striking parts of the fort is its Mirror Palace or Sheesh Mahal. Meant for the queen’s stay, this place is carved with glass paintings and beautiful flowers. Also, with the thousands of attached mosaic mirrors, the interior of Sheesh Mahal appears to be glittering like shiny stars.

Picturesque Kesar Kyari

The epitome of beauty, Kesar Kyari is a Mughal garden which is part of Maota Lake. Built in a star-shaped form, this garden with its splendid flora is sure to win the hearts of the visitors. Full-bloomed seasonal flowers are planted in the garden to give a breath-taking ornate feel to the magnificent Amer Fort.

Incredible Elephant Rides and Light & Sound Show

To make the most of your visit to Amer Fort, it’s a must to enjoy the spectacular elephant safari. Giving you a skyline view of the city, a colorfully decorated elephant safari is must if you want to imbibe in the cultural heritage of the city.

The popular Light and Sound show at the Amer Fort depicts the royal history of Jaipur screened at the facade of the grand Amer Fort. During the 50-minute show, the colorful lights illuminate the structure and reflect beautifully on Maota Lake, depicting the legendary past of the Amer Fort which is dating back to more than 600 years!!

Show Timings: English- 7:00 p.m. onwards and Hindi- 8:00 p.m. onwards