Experience the grandeur of Jaipur- it’s World Tourism Day

“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?

Jal Mahal: a fascinating reverie in Jaipur

January, that time of the year when everybody be it Jaipurites or tourists always ask for this one place, Jal Mahal. Yes! Jal Mahal is in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan and no, it is not built on an island like other water palaces. This 5 storied building continues to stand still in Man Sagar Lake with 4 floors immersed in water and dare anyone come near it. You can watch, behold the sight and, capture its beauty only from a distance as it is too introverted to let anybody close to it. We’re sure you must have visited this eyeful multiple of times, but let’s enlighten you today on these unknown facts about your favourite “Water Palace”.

• Initially, Jal Mahal welcomed the royal family with open arms and let them have a gala time here. Back then it served as a host to duck hunting parties for the royals. Years passed by and it started getting shy. And now, you can only have a look at it wondering what makes this architectural marvel stand tall in the water body.

• Come February, and you can spot a large number of migratory birds dancing here and there, enjoying the serenity of water at Jal Mahal. This once again revives the liveliness in it.

• Chameli Bagh of Jal Mahal was a grand spectacle to watch back when beautiful dance and musical performances painted this splendor in its own colours.
• Built in red sandstone, Jal Mahal is one of the most photographed monuments in Pink City. With tranquil waters by the side and birds sitting on top of the chattris giving it a picturesque view, tourists and locals love to spend their evenings here, clicking selfies with it in the soothing backdrop.

• Catch the sight of this exquisiteness this weekend with your loved ones, but only from the outside as no one can actually go inside it to see it.

Most people view the architectural brilliance of Jal Mahal from across the Jaipur-Delhi Road but if you take a walk for a kilometer or two into the valley behind the lake, its true beauty will reveal.

Did we just make you love Jal Mahal even more? If yes, then we think we have sorted your weekend evening plans! 😉

Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar to open post noon on Dhulandi

 

On the occasion of ‘Dhulandi’ – the Holi Festival of colour,  Amer Fort of Jaipur as well as  Jantar Mantar will  open in the afternoon from 03.00 pm to 05.00 pm post Dhulandi celebrations.

It is a great news for the tourists who are planning their visit to Jaipur to witness the festival of colours along with its historical monuments and forts.  Amer and Jantar Mantar are the monuments of great historical significance and are on the ‘UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ list.

Looking at the travel plans of numerous tourists , who are planning to mark their Holi in  Jaipur,  the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Rajasthan has decided upon opening the Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar post noon.

So, plan ahead joyfully, and happy holi 🙂

For more information please contact:
Pankaj Dharendra, Superintendent, Amer Fort (M: 09414251730)
Shashi Sawami, Superintendent, Jantar Mantar (M: 09785247246)

21st Indian Birding Fair begins at Jaipur’s Mansagar Jalmahal

Here’s a quick call for all the Bird lovers and photography enthusiasts!

The 21st Birding Fair is being organised in Jaipur on the 8th and 9th Feb from 09.00 am to 02.00 pm .

More than 2,500 migratory birds are expected to be seen against  around 10,000 birds reported a few years back. Diving shovellers, pintails, coots, resident ducks like spot-bill duck and common moorhen, and four species of egrets too can be seen , don’t forget to carry your camera gears and binoculars.   Apart from that, the Lake comprises part of the Pink City’s northern frontal facade, which is marked by hills, forests, forts, heritage buildings, Ashwamegh Yajna site and cluster of Temples casts a spell binding charm over visitors during this birding fair.

Venue- Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal Jaipur

They will also be exhibiting sculptures, paintings, stone art, merchandise etc. Not to be missed, the chaupati at Jalmahal will be brimming with people and tempting street food to enjoy!

Images: Rajasthan Tourism Official

Tourism in Jaipur affected owing to curfew

Normal life and tourism in Jaipur is affected as indefinite curfew in more than four areas of Jaipur’s walled city continued for third day on Sunday after Friday night’s violence, arson and firing that also claimed one life.

The curfew-bound areas of Jaipur- Subhash Chowk, Galta Gate, Ramganj and Manak Chowk, the areas that are dominated by the minority community are also the major roads leading to the maximum tourist destinations of Jaipur.

The Tourism has also been affected as Jaipur’s main attraction Hawa Mahal, major temples like Galta, Khole Ke Hanuman Ji and way to Jal Mahal, Nahargarh, Jaigarh and  Amber Fort are either closed or the tourists are diverted through long routes. These are the main draws for tourists, especially foreigners. Though, armed force is camping and monitoring the situation minute to minute, but it is advised to postpone your travel plans for Jaipur in the current time looking at the sensitivity of the atmosphere.

We suggest you all to stay away from these areas and stay safe.

 

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

Night Tourism began at Vidhyadhar ka Bagh, Jaipur

The introduction of  night tourism in Rajasthan is whole heartedly welcomed by the locals and tourists. The state capital Jaipur becomes the first city in Rajasthan to take this initiative.

After the City Palace, Amer Fort and Albert Hall, one more name is added in the list of night tourism destinations in jaipur! They attract a large number of tourists, hence the 350 year old Vidyadhar Ka Bagh located at Ghat Ki Guni Tunnel is also starting with Night Tourism.

The Vidyadhar garden is a pristine garden located in the heart of Jaipur. One of Jaipur’s best-preserved gardens, this picturesque garden is aesthetically designed and was built in the memory of Jaipur’s chief Architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. Apart from the crystal waters, the tranquil lakes, flower beds and well-maintained gardens, the Vidyadhar Garden has a lot to offer. Nestled in the lap of a popular valley in Jaipur, the garden offers a panoramic view of the city and is the pride of Jaipur’s heavy heritage and culture. The expansive garden embraces artistic fountains, tiers of gardens, multiple  galleries, char bagh style pavilions and shimmering lake. Designed on the lines of  ‘Shilpa Shastra’, the Vidyadhar garden displays ornate frescoes with murals of Lord Krishna, and mesmeric flower beds. The blend of Mughal and Rajput style of architecture evidently echoes from the landscape of this garden. The garden is a heaven for nature lovers. At night, the shimmering and dazzling beauty of these lit up fountains, murals and pavilions would be mind blowing to watch.

Began from Monday i.e. 5th June, 2017, with this now you will be able to see shimmering lights in the night sky and stroll in the vast and beautiful gardens of Vidhyadhar Ka Bagh at just Rs.100 as an entry fee 🙂

Different Shades of Jawahar Kala Kendra

Most people are familiar with the proud center of art & crafts and in fact a lot more than that with Jawahar Kala Kendra aka JKK in Jaipur. Like the rest of Jaipur’ wisely chalked out architecture and planning,  JKK boasts of an architecture that spellbinds a beholder at just one glance. No doubt, when the place is so unique and the location is worth shooting it is common to capture the same by one and all using own artistic spin.

History of Jawahar Kala Kendra

Dedicated to India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, Jawahra Kala Kendra is truly metaphoric to the city of Jaipur i.e. an astonishing synthesis of past and future. A contemporary building based on an archaic notion of the Cosmos; the very same Navgaraha mandala, with one of the squares moved aside and beautiful murals inside, based on cosmology.

JKK was built by Rajasthan Government with the plan prepared by the renowned architect Charles Correa in 1986. The building was ready in 1991 and of course, the plan was inspired by the original city plan of Jaipur, consisting of nine squares with central square left open.

This multi-arts center has been created  with the purpose of preserving Rajasthani arts and crafts and it was in 1993 that JKK was open to the cultural connoisseurs. 

Built by Rajasthan government with the purpose of preserving Rajasthani arts and crafts, JKK adapts and applies concepts from ancient architectural principles called the Vastu Vidya.

The main building contains six exhibition galleries, open air theatre, auditoriums, dormitories, and coffee house.

Each section of the building resembles the characteristics of the respective planet; for instance, the library is located in the Jupiter section, which attributes to knowledge and wisdom.

The murals from the Jain mythology, the charts and paintings on the ceiling of the central dome formulate the exceptional nature of JKK.

 

However, while preserving the cultural heritage and art of the state, JKK saw age catching up as far as maintenance of its building was concerned. Hence, it was revived and refurbished in 2016.

With the new lighting and the red sandstone could once again be seen shining clean and attractive enough to draw towards it a swarm of tourists, history lovers, local residents and art aficionados.

Right from the entrance till the exit, every corner, center and even the smallest parts of Jawahar Kala Kendra either tell or make a story.

The building is designed with walls bearing paintings, murals, all of them based on astronomy and cosmology, but there are some which also give an honest tribute to art and theatre.

One of the oldest and most iconic coffee houses of Jaipur – Indian Coffee House, houses in its newly revamped look an admirable mural of Ebrahim Alkazi – a living legend who is one of the most influential Indian theatre directors and drama teachers belonging to 20th-century Indian theatre. 

The Coffee House in the lunar section portrays the less revealed aspects of Indian astronomy through the paintings and creativity shown here; even on the coffee – tables. Every table depicts a different phase of Moon as seen in a painting at the coffee house.

Adjoining the main building of JKK, a rural complex housed in it 9.5 acre complex known as Shilpgram is the venue for fairs, haat bazaars and festivals.

Let’s take a walk through this ultimate hub of arts and crafts through this video-

Rajasthan has its own Madame Tussauds moment; Wax Museum inaugurated in Nahargarh Fort-Jaipur

A beautiful feather has been added to Rajasthan tourism with the inauguration of wax museum and unveiling of the statue of Bollywood’s legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan.

The Jaipur Wax Museum, which has wax sculptures of around 25 personalities, was opened on Saturday at the Nahargarh Fort, which overlooks the Pink City.

Bollywood actor Govinda, who was accompanied by his wife Sunita Ahuja inaugurated the museum and unveiled the statue of mega star Amitabh Bachchan.

 

Kudos to the makers and operating team at the museum that they could make it happen, because it is tough task to maintain the wax temperature as it might melt due to scorching heat in Rajasthan.

Since the museum is open for all, people of the Pink City and tourists would get to see the sculpture of the famous celebrities, leaders, personalities from history and great warriors like Maharana Pratap and Sawai Jai Singh here.

 

Where to Stay, Eat, Visit and Shop in Jaipur This Long Weekend

Pink City, Jaipur is among the most loved cities of India. The city has always been a favorite of domestic and international tourists due to its cultural heritage. You get the regal experience in every corner of the city. Now that a long weekend is just around the corner, many people are planning to soak in the aura of this city. If you are also planning a trip to Jaipur this weekend or some other time, here is a quick guide to help you plan-

 

Stay Here

A beautiful place with courteous staff is everyone’s choice of stay. Jaipur has many good hotels where you can stay alone, with family or with friends. You can stay in the heart of city at Devraj Niwas and Zone By The Park for good service at reasonable prices.

For the taste of Rajasthani heritage, Rawla Narlai Resort and Alsisar Haveli are totally suitable. Jaipur also has many international hotels like Radisson Blue, Marriott and Hilton which provide global experience in traditional Pink City.

 

Eat Here

All the hotels mentioned above have their in-house restaurants where you get a wide variety of national and international cuisines. The Forresta Kitchen and Bar at Devraj Niwas and Bazaar restaurant at Zone By The Park are loved by locals too.

Bazaar Restaurant

If you want to taste food that reminds of the legacy of Rajasthan, head to Handi Restaurant and Niros Restaurant. Handi is especially known for its Laal Maas, Handi Meat and Mughlai delicacies.

Jaipur also has many cafes where you can enjoy yummy food in a quirky setup. We like Skylights Café, Nibs Café and Mamu’s Infusion. The best Pyaaz Kachori of the city is available at the popular Rawat Mishthan Bhandar.

The city also has a thriving night life. Bar Palladio, Blackout Lounge and F Bar and Lounge are the favorites among the hip crowd of the city.

 

Visit Here

The historical sites are the main attractions of the Pink City. The 3 forts- Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort should not be missed. A palace in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal offers a beautiful view and is the favorite spot of even locals.

The grandeur of City Palace and pink façade of Hawa Mahal mesmerize visitors. If astronomy fascinates you, you have to visit Jantar Mantar which is a world Heritage site. Albert Hall is the state museum of Rajasthan which has many treasures that you will surely admire.

Albert Hall

 

One more place that you cannot miss visiting is Raj Mandir Cinema Hall. The movie theatre is built in royal style and you have to see it even if you don’t have time to watch a complete movie. The theatre has huge chandeliers and soft carpets that add to the royal experience.

 

Shopping

Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are a shopper’s paradise. Everything Rajasthani is available here. Leheriya and bandhej prints, jewellery, Jutis and artifacts, you can buy everything in these markets.

World Trade Park

If you want to shop, eat and hangout in a modern setup the World Trade Park is a must visit.

Jaipur is a magnificent city that will charm you with its amazing beauty!