Timings changed for Elephant Safari in Amer

The Rajasthan forest department has asked the archaeology department to change the timing of elephant safari at elephant village and Amer Fort, amid complaints that the elephants were being used for taking tourists on a tour throughout the day. The new timing will be from 8 am to 12 pm. There will be no elephant safari thereafter.

The officials said that currently the elephants are being used for safaris throughout the day at Amber Fort as well as the Elephant Village.

“The animals have no time for rest, so they become aggressive. We have seen some instances of tourists getting hurt during elephant safaris. These incidents are few and far between, but they are definitely avoidable,” said a forest department officer.

He added that the elephant safari will not be allowed between 12 pm and 3 pm at Amber Fort and Elephant Village.

When tourists and tour agencies can’t get an elephant safari at Amer Palace, they go to the Elephant Village and pay mahouts for a safari on the village premises.

“This practice should be discouraged. We have written to the archaeology department to check in on this practice on Amer Fort premises as it exhausts the elephants. We will make sure that the new timing is enforced strictly at Elephant Village,” said the officer.

Amer Night Tourism and Elephant Safari to remain closed from 9th -19th October 2018

Navratri Sthapna marks the beginning of festivities in almost all the states of India. While some travel buffs see this season as the season to travel to different parts of the world. If you are traveling to Rajasthan’s capital city Jaipur in the upcoming week and have elephant ride and night visit to Amer, then you need to skip that from the list as on the occasion of Navratri, the elephant rides and night tourism will remain closed from 9 to 19 October at Amer Fort. These facilities will remain closed owing to the security of tourists and arrangements of Shardiya Navratra Mela at the Shilamata Mandir located at Jaleb Chowk in Amer Fort.

Moreover, from 10 to 18 October, the booking facility for the entry to the Amber Fort has been facilitated at Singh pole and Tripolia Gate. The exit for the tourists is from Tripoliya Gate now.

Amer Fort ranks 9th in Asia’s top landmarks 2018 by TripAdvisor

We are proud to share that tourists’ favourite and Rajasthan’s’ pride – Amer Fort ranks 9th among Asia’s top landmarks in Traveller’s Choice Awards 2018 by the popular travel portal TripAdvisor 😀

It is undoubtedly the most beautiful fort and the pride of Jaipur!!  Amer Fort, also known as Amer Palace boasts of an artistic grandeur and structural expertise. It is reminiscent of the bravery and courage of the mighty Rajputs, who had played a remarkable role in the history of medieval India.

Crowning the crest of a hill, Amer Fort offers a panoramic view of Maota Lake and the historic old town at the base of the hill, which was the early seat of the Amer kings before they made the fort their capital.

This rambling Palace depicts the true lifestyle of the gutsy Rajputs who are better known for their radical, audacious, volatile and decadent behaviour. One among the best hilltop palaces, Amer Palace presents a curious blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural design. An aide memoir of the yester years, this palace is a redolent of creativeness of the artisans of ancient time.

 

Though the magical epitome of grandeur Amer Fort under the sunlight of the day is a mesmeric place for tourists in Jaipur, but now it also caters to the night tourists. The fort turns even more fascinating and enticing with the launch of night tourism. Besides, elephant rides to fort, sound & light shows and cultural evenings have always been a favourite among the visitors.

Certainly, Amer  Fort, is one of the few places in India where the entry fee is worth it with never ending, consisting of a maze of rooms, tiny and grand!!  Spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills and dotted with majestic architecture, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amer Fort is one of the best places to visit on your trip to Jaipur. Now TripAdvisor also agrees 😉

 

Let’s Celebrate the Heritage of Rajasthan On World Heritage Day

World Heritage Day is not just a day to cherish the beautiful monuments around us. The day which is celebrated every year on April 18 is meant to raise awareness to protect our history and culture. International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is the one behind the idea of celebrating a day called International Day for Monuments and Sites. The day came to be known as World Heritage Day and is celebrated by countries that are members of UNESCO.

The theme for World Heritage Day 2018 is ‘Heritage for Generations’. It has been decided keeping in mind the fact that communication across the generations of heritage practitioners generates enriching exchanges by combining the knowledge with the energy and dynamism thus bringing a more holistic approach. Rajasthan is globally popular for its rich heritage of architecture and culture. Having some of the best forts, palaces and monuments in cities like Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur which are till date maintained in really good conditions are very precious to the lives of Rajasthani’s.

Today we want to remind everyone that our heritage needs to be protected. This is an important step towards maintaining the beauty of our state and keeping the spirit of Rajasthan alive forever.

1) Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Recognized as the World Heritage Site, this observatory fascinates the visitors with the collection of various astronomical instruments which were used earlier to know the correct timings through the movement of celestial bodies.

2) Chittorgarh Fort, Chittor

One of the largest forts of India, it is the true epitome of Rajputana pride and vigour. This massive fort though being attacked thrice by the enemies, couldn’t take over the powerful people of this place. The fort of Chittorgarh is known for its own beauty and uniqueness.

3) City Palace, Udaipur

The grandness of this palace can be seen, as it took almost 400 years to construct this complex. The attractiveness of this palace is shown more effectively as it is surrounded by Lake Pichola. This magnificent palace stands as a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

Picture courtesy: myudaipurcity.com

4) Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

One of the largest private residences in the world, it is the house of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family. Not only being a private residence, it also provides the chance to experience the royal and luxurious life at the Taj Palace Hotel in Umaid Bhawan, Jodhpur.

 

 

5) Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace Of Winds is situated in the capital city of the state of Rajasthan. Its walls of pink colour give a hint of the Pink City – Jaipur. It was constructed especially for the royal women to be a part of the festivities, as they were secluded from the society by ‘parda’ system. Having its own history, today it gets a worldwide recognition.

6) Chand Baori, Abhaneri

A 13 storey step well is one of the oldest and most attractive landmarks of Rajasthan. Constructed mainly to conserve water in the dry arid desert of Rajasthan is an architectural wonder in itself.

7) Amer Fort

Amer or Amber Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is among the most visited places in Jaipur. The fort situated high on a hill overlooking the Maota Lake is spread over a vast area with four levels. Every evening, the fort hosts a spellbinding Light and Sound Show as a part to boost night tourism. With a blend of folk music, the show brings to life the legends, history, traditions and cultures of the Rajputs.

8) City Palace Jaipur

Located in the heart of the old city of Jaipur, City Palace was built in the 18th Century. The Palace is a blend of Rajput, Mughal and European styles of architecture. Within the premises, one will find many gardens, ravishing courtyards and a museum displaying many artefacts from the bygone era. Buildings like Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Maharani Palace add to the allure of the Palace. Their richly crafted walls and ceiling, marble flooring and the mirror work are just an addition to the beauty of the palace. Govind Dev Ji temple, which is in the palace premises, is also a major tourist attraction and sees a heavy footfall daily.

These are only a few to mention, but when you come to the land of royals, there will be many to add on to the list.

Immerse in the Celebrations of Rajasthan Day

Rajasthan has a lot to cheer up your March. The month of March brings with it bright and vibrant colors. With the onset of spring the festivities in the mighty land of the kings also start with fervor.

69 years ago on 30^th March 1949 this Land of Kings united and became a republic state of India. Rajasthan is not confined to one thing but is a traditionally and culturally rich state of India.The state is covered with ancient palaces, temples, havelis (mansions), forts and palaces. The different places of tourist interests along with its picturesque beauty have made Rajasthan an international tourist destination.Rajasthan celebrates its foundation day reliving its heritage and stories. Rajasthan Festival is a 3 day event from 28^th March – 30^th March organized by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Rajasthan. Ranging from morning chants to musical evenings, there are cultural events to celebrate historical establishment of the majestic state of Rajasthan. Some of the key events which should not be missed during the festival are Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s mega concert, Police Tattoo Show, Motor Bike Show by ‘Seema Bhawani’ Women Cammando team of BSF, musical nights, grand closing ceremony and much more.

With the delighted weather and vibrating liveliness, the streets of Rajasthan are brimming with life and celebrations as the state celebrates its 69^th Foundation Day. If you are in Jaipur, one must immerse in the celebrations.

 

 

 

 

 

Amer and Hawa Mahal to host glorious heritage evenings during Jaipur Literature Festival

With the most amazing lineup of artists, authors and performers for mesmerizing music and theatre performances, the Jaipur Literature Festival, in its 11th edition, will celebrate the Pink City’s exuberant heritage, against the exquisite backdrop of its popular monuments.

The five-day literary festival starting from January 25, 2018 at the magnificent venue of Diggi Palace, Jaipur will host two glorious heritage evenings, organized in association with Rajasthan Tourism, at Jaipur’s iconic Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal. On the second day of the festival i.e 26th January, ‘Under the Stars’ at Hawa Mahal will feature ‘The Troth-Usne Kaha Tha’, a multimedia dance and theatre production presented by Akademi, a UK-based producer of Indian dance, marking the centenary of World War I. The poignant narrative through an interplay between image, music and dance is something not to be missed.

On January 28, ‘A Majestic Evening’ at Amber Fort will begin with Sarangi recital by Ustad Kamal Sabri, son of sarangi legend Ustad Sabri Khan. The recital will be followed by ‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi…’, a tribute to the late ghazal maestro, Jagjit Singh, by singer-composer Shekhar Ravjiani.

The ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival’s Heritage Evenings will celebrate the built heritage of Rajasthan where it will highlight Rajasthan’s rich cultural and architectural legacy through the performing arts showcases.

In association with Rajasthan Tourism, the cultural evenings  will present some of the best music and theatre performances against the backdrop of over 1000 years of Indian architecture and heritage i.e. Hawa Mahal and Amer. Entry to these events is through invitation only.

 

Tourists will have to pay entry fee for visiting Elephant Village in Jaipur

Elephant Safari has been one of the most preferred activities among the tourists visiting Jaipur. For that reason, Hathi Gaon, the Elephant Village gained popularity in the recent past.

Though, the development of the village is still underway. Only 25 percent of the work related to the Elephant Village project has been completed. So as to fund the remaining development, Rajasthan Forest Department has announced entry fee for tourists visiting Elephant Village in Jaipur. The fee will be charged in the name of maintenance and development of the village. A domestic tourists will have to pay Rs 50 for an entry ticket, while an international tourist will be charged Rs 300.

The new rates have come into effect from Tuesday, August 08, 2017. The administration of Elephant Village was handed over to forest department from the Rajasthan tourism department. On the first day, after the entry fee was announced, around 55 foreign tourists and 53 domestic tourists visited Elephant village and paid for the entry.

Hathi gaon ( Elephant village ) is a small village that was set up by the government in 2010 to give proper shelter and water facilities to all the families and their elephants that served tourists in and around Amer Fort during the day. Along with all the homes and shelters for the elephants there are big man-made ponds in the village designed specifically for elephants to relax and bathe in it after a long hard day’s work. People can visit the place and enjoy the sight of many elephants playing and bathing in open which is a rare sight in this part of India. It’s a photographers paradise indeed.

A perfect get away from Jaipur, Hathi Gaon is a splendid abode of Elephants for the families with children who can spend good time in the cool breeze and greenery all around with elephants entertaining themselves and their visitors.

 

 

Image Credits: 2 and 3 via google.in

Segway Scooters for Tourists at Nahargarh and Amer Fort

Segway scooters are coming along, riding all the way  to Rajasthan 😀 Yes you heard it right! Now you have a chance to be Akshay Kumar or a carefree child! Starting from today, the tourists visiting Amer and Nahargarh forts in Rajasthan will have an add-on adventure experience of riding a Segway scooter other than elephant rides.

Picture – Hridesh Kumar Sharma, Director Dept. of Archaeology & Museums

Rajasthan’s archaeological department has inked an agreement with a private firm, which will provide the paid scooters  which will run on batteries. These eco-friendly and battery-operated self-balancing scooters are a hit among people abroad, and now they will run in Rajasthan too.

The scooter service will initially be started at Jaleb Chowk in Amer and Nahargarh fort, and the company will charge ₹200 for a ride, a tourism official informed.

The ride will be available between 11am and 3.30pm when the elephant ride is not there, and after 5pm.

 

 

Amer Fort ranks 12th among Asia’s top landmarks by TripAdvisor

We are proud to share that tourists’ favorite and Jaipurites’ pride – Amer Fort ranks 12th among Asia’s top landmarks in Traveller’s Choice Awards by the popular travel portal TripAdvisor:D  Also, on the India list, Amer makes it to the second spot after Taj Mahal 🙂
We’re Proud indeed!

It is undoubtedly the most beautiful fort and the pride of Jaipur!!  Amer Fort, also known as Amer  Palace boasts of an artistic grandeur and structural expertise. It is a reminiscent of the bravery and courage of the mighty Rajputs, who had played a remarkable role in the history of medieval India.

Amer Fort, Jaipur

Crowning the crest of a hill, Amer Fort offers a panoramic view of Maota Lake and the historic old town at the base of the hill, which was the early seat of the Amer kings before they made the fort their capital.

This rambling Palace depicts the true lifestyle of the gutsy Rajputs who are better known for their radical, audacious, volatile and decadent behavior. One among the best hill top palaces, Amer  palace presents a curious blend of Muslim and Hindu architectural design. An aide memoir of the yester years, this palace is a redolent of creativeness of the artisans of ancient time.

Light & Sound show at Amer Fort

 

In last couple of years, two major developments have taken place at Amer fort. A very old tunnel to connect Amer  Fort and adjoining Jaigarh Fort is now opened for public along with the electric cab facility for the tourists. Though, the magical epitome of grandeur Amer  Fort under the sun light during day is a mesmeric place for tourists in Jaipur, but now it also caters to the night tourists. The fort turns even more fascinating and enticing with the launch of night tourism. Besides, Elephant rides to fort, sound & light shows and cultural evenings have always been a favorite among the visitors.

Certainly, Amer  Fort, is one of the few places in India where the entry fee is worth it with never ending, consisting of a maze of rooms, tiny and grand!!  Spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills and dotted with majestic architecture, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Amer Fort is one of the best places to visit on your trip to Jaipur. Now TripAdvisor also agrees 😉

Entry restricted in Amer Fort and Hawa Mahal on January 20-21, 2017

Owing to this year’s Jaipur Literature Festival, the entry to the Amber Fort will be closed for visitors after 03.00 pm (1500hrs) on January 20th , 2017. Besides, the night tourism at the fort will also be curbed the same day.  Since this year, as per the new collaboration between Rajasthan tourism department and Fest organizers,  Amber Fort will be playing host for an event of the Zee Jaipur Literature Festival the same evening.

Similarly, Hawa Mahal will play host to the evening cultural events for the Zee Jaipur Literature Festival the very next day, i.e January 21st, 2017 and shall remain closed for tourists and visitors post 03.00 pm.

Plan your trip to the Jaipur’s most famous historical monuments, if you are visiting these places during these dates.