Early Mornings For An Elephant Ride At Amber Fort

Located 11kms away from the hubbub city of Jaipur on the Aravalli hilltop lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of Hill Forts of Rajasthan – Amber Fort. As regal as can be, Jaipur’s magnificent Amber Fort rightly personifies the state’s rich culture.

But there is something enchanting and delighting when you are in Jaipur and to be more precise – at Amber Fort. Elephants – beautifully painted and richly ornamented are the most adored creatures in Rajasthan. These elephants are used in providing rides to the tourists to make there journey pleasant and amusing. These rides tend to transform you into a regal era of Maharajas when they used to commute with pride on these adorned elephant backs.

With the increased influx of tourists in Jaipur, the timings of elephant ride at Amer Fort will now be open a little early, between 7.00 am to 11.30 am in the mornings.

So now you can take an elephant ride up the cobbled path on the fort and truly feel like you deserve all the royal treatment that is being bestowed upon you.

Jaipur To Sri Ganganagar: Let’s Fly!

Rajasthan, the land of Maharajas known for its incredible destinations is a state with huge landmass. Thanks to the excellent connectivity among the cities of this magnificent sate that it does not trouble us much.

Rajasthan is that state which is not just connected by the roads; it is a state with one of the greatest intra-state air connectivity. Yes, the state of Rajasthan has connected its cities by the means of air transport better than most.

Boasting of its unparalleled intra-state air connectivity, a most recent development was done in the capital city- Jaipur.  A new aerial route between Jaipur and Sri Ganganagar has been established and is now functional. On 10^th of July, CM Vasundhara  Raje herself flagged off the first flight on the route from Sanganer airport of Jaipur. Two flights every day from both the cities will take off, 7am and 4pm from Sr Ganganagar and 9am and 6pm from Jaipur giving a boost to the tourism industry in the state.

But it does not end here. CM Vasundhara Raje plans on bringing in more cities in the air connectivity plan in near future. Seems like being the best is still not enough for Rajasthan!

The War Museum, Jaisalmer Becomes First Of It’s Kind To Have Light & Sound Show

To commemorate the heroic battle fought and recount the chilling moments of valour and bravery of the gallant soldiers of the Indian armed forces, the Indian Army set up India’s first historical war museum in Jaisalmer in the year 2015.

Recently, this war museum became country’s first to have light and sound show. The show brought alive the history of wars fought by the Indian Army since Independence. The legendary Battle of Longewala is the highlight of the show. It is showcased in detail with audio-visual effects of laser animations of actual bunkers, tanks, guns, aircraft and soldiers.

This unique War Museum is a tribute to all gallant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice to defend the motherland, is surely a ‘must visit destination’ for all Indian and foreign tourists coming to Jaisalmer.

Embark on a Journey With Rajasthan’s Heritage Train – Palace on Wheels

When you come to the royal state of Rajasthan, you know how royal things can come in your way. When you come to the city of royals, there has to be something unique to let you experience the luxuries of the bygone era of the Maharajas. One such royalty that a tourist cannot afford to miss is the heritage train – The Palace on Wheels. The train is well known nationally as well as internationally and has won many laurels to the country.

The tagline of this luxurious train is self-explanatory – A Week in Wonderland.  From the royal Rajput forts to the bustling streets, everything has something unique and royal touch to itself. Similarly, how about a journey boarding a train can get – it beholds its own beauty.

And we got lucky enough to capture a glimpse of this luxurious train during the Great Indian Travel Bazaar.

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 a 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 and reinvigorate 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.

We hope you enjoyed your journey onboard with us in the Palace on Wheels. You can book your room in this train for a solo journey ahead. Happy Journey!

 

Special Summer Trains For Hassle Free Holidays In Rajasthan

With the summer vacations approaching everyone wants to go home, go out for vacations to spend some time in the hilly mountains with their near and dear ones. Seeing this the North Western Railway (NWR) has made elaborate arrangements to overcome the summer rush.

Approximately 23 special trains have been started, which will be in operation till June 30. Though the trains are running fully booked, there has been an addition of extra coaches to accommodate the rush.

So if you want to head homewards or to the hills to beat the heat, book your tickets well in advance so that you can enjoy your vacations hassle free.

Immerse In the Jollification of Gangaur

Gangaur the word is derived from Gan which denotes Isarji (Lord Shiva) and Gauri (Godess Parvati) who symbolizes Saubhagya that is marital bliss. Gangaur is celebrated all over Rajasthan and is state’s one of the most important festivals, predominantly celebrated by women of all ages.  The married women of the house pray for their husbands’ long life and the unmarried young girls look up to getting a good handsome husband like Lord Shiva.

Though the actual celebrations begin from the very next day after Holi and goes on for 18 days. The eve of Gangaur is celebrated as Sinjara.  So, if you are in Rajasthan, here are a few places where you can visit and be a part of the carousal.

1. Jaipur

The magnificence of the procession starts from the Zanani Deodi in the City Palace, which passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Choti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaugan Stadium, finally closing at Talkatora. The procession consists of bejeweled idols of Lord Shiva and Parvati, decorated elephants, camels, palanquins, chariots, and folk performances. It becomes a sight to behold.

2. Shahpura Haveli

The grand Gangaur procession starts from Shahpura Haveli passing through the streets of Shahpura village with royal pomp and pageantry. The procession includes horses, brass band, lancers along with the deities. Witness the charm of various activities and ceremonies of the festival and celebrate with the royal family of Shahpura. If you are interested in the event, go to the link .

3. Udaipur

The Gangaur celebration in Udaipur coincides with the Mewar Festival (20-22^nd March 2018), which is celebrated to welcome spring. The whole of Udaipur gets soaked in the colors of these festivities. Women carry along with them their Isar- Gangaur in the procession. The procession reaches the Gangaur Ghat and the idols are taken into the royal decorated boats and further immersed in the waters of Pichola Lake.

Image via Google

4. Alsisar Mahal, Jhunjhunu

Alsisar witnesses the pomp of Gangaur celebration at an extravagant scale. The whole village comes down to Alsisar Mahal to worship the communion of Shiva and Parvati (Gauri) and enjoy every moment. The procession is followed by folk music and dance which simply multiplies the joy of the festival.

This year Gangaur is being celebrated on 20^th of March 2018. So if you are pinning up options for globetrotting then this is the festival that should not be missed!

A Weekend To The Cinematic World

With the Oscar winners wooing the world on one end, Rajasthan’s education hub Kota is all set to host a cinematic affair the upcoming weekend. The city will host the two –day Chambal International Film Festival on 10^th and 11^th March’18 which is being organized by Anugoonj Media Pvt. Ltd.

Picture Credit: http://www.ciff.co.in/

The festival has entries of 316 films from 28 countries over the world including Switzerland, US, Canada, Greece, Germany, China and many others, out of which 160 will be screened during the event. The awards have been given 15 categories including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress and several others which will be judged and presented during the event by acclaimed artists.

The event will also screen ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’ which was selected as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. It is a Marathi film directed by Paresh Mokashi which depicted the struggle of Dadasaheb Phalke  – father of the Indian cinema in making Raja Harishchandra – India’s first full length feature film.

Kota being a hub for students fighting various competitive exams, hope this event adds a small cherry on their cake in their respective genres. Also to add, Kota being honored to have the miniatures Seven Wonders of The World, the event will also boost tourism in the city.

 

 

Visit Desert National Park in Jaisalmer this Safari Season

Jaisalmer has always been a much loved tourist spot in Rajasthan. Desert National Park in the city is a popular destination along with Sonar Quila and Tanot Mata Temple.

Desert National Park offers an experience that is different from the well-known desert safaris in Jaisalmer. Desert National Park is one of the largest national parks in India. The place is especially popular for a huge variety of migratory birds seen at this time of the year; Great Indian Bustard being the most popular of them. Other birds that you can spot here are eagles, harriers, falcons, buzzards, kestrel and vultures. Short-toed eagles, tawny eagles, spotted eagles, laggar falcons, sandgrouse and kestrel.

Now that the park offers a safari too, you can sight some wild animals here like Black Buck,  chinkara, desert fox and cat, blue bull, desert gerbil and gecko.

The place also has a collection of plants and animal fossils which can be of interest to many people.

When a place has so much to offer, you shouldn’t miss visiting it.

A New Tourist Spot is Coming Up in Udaipur

Udaipur, the city of lakes is set to get another beautiful picnic spot with a water-body. Urban Improvement Trust, Udaipur is giving a makeover to Jogi Talab, a pond in the south of Udaipur. A plan has been prepared to beautify the 25 acres of land around the pond.

The new tourist spot will be developed on the lines of the famous Fateh Sagar Lake in the city and is expected to be complete some time next year. The pond is also expected to attract more migratory birds this time which makes Jogi Talab a must visit once the work is complete.

Image source

Ranthambore National Park Opens for Tourists

One of the prime tourist attractions of Rajasthan, Ranthambore Tiger Safari opened for tourists from 1st October. Ranthambore Forest has maximum tiger density in the country. There are 10 zones in the national park and each zone has marked territories for several tigers. Zones 1 to 5 are considered prime spots for sightings of India’s national animal.

The thrill of spotting a tiger lures a huge number of people to the park throughout the time it stays open. T-16 better known as Machali was the most iconic tigress of the sanctuary. She passed away on 18th August 2016. Still, there are many more mighty wild cats for you to admire. People make numerous trips to this park to satiate their hunger for adventures.Whether you have been here before or are a first-timer, a visit to Ranthambore National Park will enthrall you. Here’s the schedule-