Indian Railways to begin Ramayana Circuit trains from November 2019

Owing to successful runs of four packages of special tourist trains last year in 2018, on Ramayana Circuit, covering places associated with Lord Rama as mentioned in the famous Indian epic Ramayana, Indian Railways is again re-launching two tour packages on this circuit this year in November, 2019. The two tourist trains will be run by Indian Railways PSU – Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Ltd(IRCTC). These packages are part of Bharat Darshan scheme of IRCTC.

Image courtesy: Financial Express

The first such train by the name “Shri Ramayana Yatra” is scheduled to depart from Jaipur (Rajasthan) via Delhi on 3rd November 2019. The package also includes the option of visiting Ramayana related places in Sri Lanka for a limited number of seats.

Shri Ramayana Yatra will start from Jaipur Railway Station with boarding / deboarding Stations at Alwar, Rewari, Delhi Safdarjung, Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Bareilly, and Lucknow.

The tour, which is starting on 03rd November, 2019 which will be a 16 Nights -17 Days tour, tourists will be visiting the tourist places associated with Lord Ram also known as “Ramayana Circuit of India”. Major places covered in this journey are Ram Janmbhoomi and Hanuman Garhi at Ayodhya, Bharat Mandir at Nandigram, Sita Mata Mandir at Sitamarhi (Bihar), and Janakpur (Nepal), Tulsi Manas Mandir and Sankat Mochan Mandir at Varanasi, Sita Samahit Sthal at Sitamarhi (UP), Triveni Sangam , Hanuman Mandir and Bharadwaj Ashram at Prayag, Shringi Rishi Mandir at Shringverpur, Ramghat and Sati Anusuiya Mandir at Chitrakoot, Panchvati at Nasik, Anjanadri Hill and Hanuman Janm Sthal at Hampi & Jyotirlinga Shiva Mandir at Rameshwaram.

 

Fare, facilities: Tourists will be offered vegetarian meals, accommodation and wash and change facilities in dharmashalas. All transfers & sight-seeing arrangements at tourist places will be by Non AC buses. A dedicated tour manager of IRCTC will be traveling with the tourists during the entire tour.

The total capacity of the train will be 800 Seats. Per person fare for the trip from Jaipur in Shri Ramayana Yatra, Tourist Train is Rs. Rs.16065 for the Indian Part of this tour covered by train.

21 places of Rajasthan to undergo air quality monitoring

With the rise in the population and development of the country, there have various environmental concerns pacing up. And to control these, various initiatives are being taken up like monitoring air quality on regular intervals.

Rajasthan is one such state that has already begun with it rather than waiting for the festival of lights Diwali. There are 21 places in the city that have been selected for the same.

Initially, air quality at six places each in Jaipur and Jodhpur and three places each in Alwar, Kota and Udaipur will be monitored. Each station will be monitored on 24-hour basis twice in a week. Various equipments have been procured for the same. Moreover, state department recently prohibited the burning of leaves and left-over straw after harvesting of crops in the entire state.

 

Jungle Safari Soon To Start In Buffer Zone In Sariska.

It’s not only the Ranthambore National Park that is undergoing changes in the safari schedule but the famous Sariska Tiger Reserve is all set to promote eco – tourism with the new changes from July 1, 2016.

The Sariska Tiger Reserve management has registered 20 new petrol vehicles and are training nearly 30 nature guides among the locals from Alwar.
The initiative of promoting eco – tourism will help developing other places in Alwar like Moosi Maharani ki Chatri, Fateh Jang ki Gummad, Alwar Museum, etc. to attract tourists, thus leading to development of the city. Even other tourist points are being developed at Pratapbandh, Siliserh Lake, Bala Quila which lies in the buffer zone of the reserve. These points are rich in wildlife like panther, hyena, jackal, sambhar, wild boar and variety of bird species.

Top 10 Weekend Getaways From Jaipur

1. ALSISAR

The entire Shekhawati region has mesmerized millions of tourists and has been aptly dubbed as the ‘Open Art Gallery’ of Rajasthan. The region, which is approximately 200 kms from Jaipur is replete with palaces, minor castles, wells and also a deer sanctuary. As the region is said to be a mini desert, we advice to you travel on a horse or a camel to enjoy the semi desert feel and watch for the well preserved wall painted havelis.

2. BHANGARH

How about hiking on a blissful and adventurous break at Bhangarh and discovers the secrets of the Haunted Ruins of Rajasthan along with heritage sceneries?
Flanked among three Aravali Mountains, 52 km. away from Jaipur, 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. Entry to the place is closed after sunset due to paranormal activities reported inside. It’s just not the place, but the route also gives whimsical experience.

3. BUNDI

With a majority of blue houses, Bundi, loacted 219.7 km away from Jaipur via NH 12, is surrounded by the Aravali Hills. Lazy and narrow lanes, Lakes, around 60 step wells (Baories), temples and mosque dominate the town. Not many knew this fact that Jodhpur- the blue city and Bundi have a strong affinity to the color blue. Get to the top of Bundi Fort to get a glimpse of the beautiful Blue City. A picturesque Nawal Sagar man made lake in the heart of the town, add more beauty to the place, especially during sunset when it soaks the reflection of the two-storied fortified complex ‘Garh Palace’. Garh Palace is host to ‘Chitrashala’ where the walls and ceilings are embellished with miniature paintings. Bundi miniature paintings depicted on the walls are still in its original form.

4. DEEG PALACE, BHARATPUR

Relatively less explored in Eastern Rajasthan, Deeg Water Palace is an awe-inspiring visual masterpiece, 192 km from Jaipur in Rajasthan.
Built in 1772, Deeg palace was a luxurious summer resort for the rulers of Bharatpur State. It is open 9 am to 5 pm except on Fridays.
Stay the night at Bharatpur, just 32 km away from here !

5. JODHPUR

Rambling between the mighty Mehrangarh fort and Umaid Bhawan, the sun kissed city of Jodhpur is situated 337 km away from Jaipur. Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, Jodhpur is dotted with soaring forts and palaces shimmering in sandstone while the narrow lanes lead to an alluring world of antiques and handicrafts. The blue of houses renders an alluring “Blue City” especially to be seen at sunrise and sunset. The other places to visit include Sheesh Mahal, and Osiyan Temple that are some of the most imposing architectural works of ancient times and the Osiyan sand dunes will take you away from all the hustle bustle. Jodhpur Sweets, Gatta, Chakke ki sabzi and Mirchibada are not be missed !

6. MOUNT ABU

Mount Abu is the only hill station in the dry arid lands of Rajasthan, which can be reached through a 7 hour drive from the capital city of Jaipur. This hill station provides a great tourist destination owing to its picturesque land. Some of the main attractions of the city are Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temple, Mt. Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. Capture a perfect sunset from the Sunset Point in Mt. Abu J

7. NAWALGARH

Situated 115 km from Jaipur, Nawalgarh is better known as the ‘Open Air Art Gallery’. It is a small town where the vibrant streets depict the true blend of architecture smoothly fusing the Hindu, Mughal, Persian and British facets together. As you walk down this “Open Air Art Gallery” you will be amazed to see how the painted havelis and frescoes have captured the culture,customs and royal lifestyle of the Shekhawatis. The Roop Niwas Kothi , Murarka Haveli, Bhagton Ki Choti Haveli are some architectural gems which illustrate an impeccable mélange of Rajput and European architecture.

8. PUSHKAR

Situated 14 km (8.7 mi) northwest of Ajmer, Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India and is also one of the five pilgrimage sites for the Hindu. The town has hundreds of temples, including 14th-century Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma- creator of the world. People from all over the world visit Pushkar especially for Pushkar Fair, the largest cattle fair of the country. Set on Pushkar Lake, Pushkar is a sacred Hindu site with 52 ghats (stone staircases) where pilgrims bathe. You can also drive to the Dargah in Ajmer !

9. RANTHAMBORE

Once a hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur and now a Project Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore National Park or Ranthambhore is one of the largest national parks in northern India, covering an area of 392 km². It is situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, about 160 km southeast of Jaipur. Ranthambore gives a unique flavor of nature, history and wildlife and houses a large number of Bengal tigers that can be easily observed hunting and taking care of their young ones during the jungle safari.

The destination pulls the attention of myriad wildlife lovers and photographers every year. The legendary Machli or T-16, is probably the oldest and world’s most photographed Tigress alive who also has a postal stamp on her.

10. SHAHPURA

65 kms. Away from Jaipur city, Shahpura, offers a life that is unhurried, a beautiful town of friendly people un-spoilt by the creepy fingers by modernity. The real charm lies in visiting its quaint village and experiencing a feel of authentic rural Rajasthan with all its charming eccentricity. Exquisite and discreet, the 300 years old impressive Shahpura Haveli is a tribute to the glorious past.

 

 

Special Train Between Jaipur And Delhi For Summer Vacations

Before the summer vacations officially begin, the Indian Railways have introduced extra special trains between Delhi and Jaipur from April 10 to June 29, 2016.
Keeping in mind the rush each year, the summer special train works on the same day departure and return journey. The train will leave Jaipur at 7:55 am to reach Sarai Rohilla in Delhi at 1:20 pm the same day. The return train will depart from Sarai Rohilla, Delhi at 2:30 pm to reach Jaipur at 7:55 pm.

Image via Google

The main station on which the train halts are Gandhinagar Station Jaipur, Dausa, Bandikui, Alwar, Rewari, Gurgaon and Delhi Cantt. The superfast train run on 6 days a week except Thursdays.

 

6 Relaxing Sojourns of Rajasthan This Summer

Originally a house to the royalties, are now one of the best heritage hotels of Rajasthan. Everyone has a fantasy to spend a day in the splendor and grandeur of these hotels and experience that royal treatment of a chauffeur opening the door of your car and keeping it safe, a person well dressed in a turban serve you, a royal and extravagant 3 course meal always at a click and so on. Staying in one of these magnificent palace hotels indeed gives you the highlight to a wonderful trip and experience the real ethnic culture and traditional heritage of that place.

1. Ajit Bhawan, Jodhpur

Ajit Bhawan is situated in the heart of Jodhpur, which allows easy accessibility to this ‘blue city’. The ancestral property of the Jodhpur royal family,  now turned into a royal heritage hotel which shares its perfect legacy by providing personalized hospitality and ensuring all the facilities that make you a royal guest. Along with the royal treatment, it also provides with various recreational facilities like open swimming pool, gym and a spa which gives Ayurvedic treatments and therapies to relax in this royal stay. The perfect ambiance gives the old world its modern comforts and reminds the guests of the old world charm. What make this place great are some details and some little surprises supplemented with that rustic look.

2. Devigarh, Delwara

An 18^th century 7 storey palace in Delwara is a luxurious and sophisticated retreat which has come up with all the local and traditional works and materials. Reopened after years of restoration, Lebua- a hotel chain, has given Devigarh a splendid look with the confluence between the old and the new not forgetting the specialties of the bygone era. Devigarh has received various awards and is considered one of the best designed hotels in the world and on the subcontinent.

Image credit : preferredhotels.com

www.tripadvisor.in

3. Ananta Spa and Resort, Pushkar

It is situated in one of the oldest existing cities of India – Pushkar. Laying in the periphery of the temple of Lord Brahma- the creator of the world, one definitely experiences tranquility and serenity around them at The Ananta Spa and Resort. The calm ambience of this 62 luxuriant guestroom is sure to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul and replenish all your senses.

Image credit : www.thrillophilia.com

4. Fairmont, Jaipur

Surrounded with the oldest mountain range-Aravallis, is located in the quiet suburbs, away from the hustle bustle of the city life. This luxury hotel is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectures, reflected through the traditional décor with modern facilities of swimming pool, spa, convention hall, etc.

5. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Situated in the city of lakes with the backdrop of the Aravallis lies, today’s one of the largest and finest hotels in India. Lake Pichola adorns this majestic hotel which gives a spectacular and magnificent look to this ‘city of lakes’. Having some specific characteristics of grand courtyards, flourishing green gardens, mirrored and decorative domes and large pavilions makes it a perfect romantic place.

Image credit : daily.bhaskar.com

6. Neemrana Fort

A place where people usually decide to go just hip-hopping from one place to another is this Neemrana Fort; a 15^th century heritage resort which is inbuilt with beauty and treasures of history. It is a unique resort located near the capital- Delhi. The moment you enter, I’m sure you’ll remain awestruck by the huge foyer, thick wooden doors, antique walls (which have that old paintings and are not in any effort to rebuild or get renovated) and the royal jhulas’. This grand resort along with well equipped accommodation offers a calm ambience and some great adventure sports like zip lining. It has some well equipped facilities of an open air theatre, spa, open swimming pool and the journey still remains as unfinished after visiting here.

Image credit : www.openthemagazine.com

Rajasthan to have 4 New Airports

Already a tourist hotspot, Rajasthan has got more reasons to cheer after the Central government gave nod to four low-budget airports, which will come up at Ajmer, Kota, Alwar and Bhilwara.

The Union government on Friday decided to set up 51 new low-cost airports with an aim to give a boost to the civil aviation sector and increase air connectivity to various destinations.

Ajmer, a global tourist spot due to the dargah and proximity to Pushkar, needed an airport to give travelers the option to directly reach the city. It will be of great help to pilgrims coming to Ajmer and Pushkar.

Sariska

Ajmer Dargah

Bundi Paintings

Siliserh

 

Kota which has emerged as a coaching hub in the country will benefit hugely from the decision. A majority of students in Kota are from different states who often travel in and out of the city. Alwar, Kota and Bundi are also popular among foreign tourists for their art. Alwar is popular for Sariska wildlife, Silliserh and beautiful palaces. “Kota and Bundi are already big tourist destinations for their miniature paintings and artworks and many foreign tourists are forced to take the road route to reach these places. Airports in all the four cities (or towns) will help tourists cut down their travel time and have a delightful journey.