There is so much to see, so much to know, so much to take from India. Rajasthan is a classic example.
Month: September
Year: 2014
Weather: Warm to hot
Itenerary: Bangalore-Delhi-Pilani-Jaipur-Jodhpur-Udaipur-Bangalore
# days : 9
My earlier impression of Rajasthan was (having studied there for 4 years) dry, arid, sandy , dusty and really bad roads. But I have to say, I was taken by surprise - great roads, really green and quite developed now.
After stopping in Pilani and spending a very nostalgic evening, we left for Jaipur. It is a good 3 hour ride from Pilani to Jaipur. We took the Chirawa-Jhunjunu-Sikkar road. Good roads maintained by the state. There are not a lot of well bred hotels, so if you are ok with dhabhas, then you should be good. Otherwise, finish breakfast and leave and you should reach for lunch.
JAIPUR
Stay: Pearl palace Boutique
website: http://www.pearlpalaceheritage.com/
phone: 0141-2375242
Jaipur is a city like any other city. Main roads, flyovers and what not. But the history of the city is quite fascinating.
(1) City palace
This is where Jai singh lived and conducted his court after moving from Amer fort. The royal family still lives here. The four gates signifying - spring, summer, autumn and winter really stands out.
This is moderately good. Nothing wow about it except for Raja Madhao singh's huge silver container which was used to take ganga water to london [Makes you want to yell - WHAT!]
(2) Jal Mahal
A nice beautiful monument in the middle of a serene lake. Looks beautiful and wish we could have rowed over to it. But the banks of the lake are filthy. Despite a board saying "No feeding the fishes and ducks", our very generous folks continue to litter. A bread crumb for the fish, a popcorn for self and 2 for the filth.
(3) Amber fort
This is truly a wonder and the best of the lot. The sight of the palace and the fort looming on the skyline when you drive is beautiful. You can take the old fashioned elephant ride to the top, walk or go through the roads - each is good in its own way. The fort has been very well preserved and the spots are great - the sanganeri paintings, the turkish bath, the diwan-e-khas and diwan-e-aam, and most importantly the sheesh mahal.
The view from the fort is lovely. the river beneath with the curated gardens - takes you to another world altogether.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amer_Fort
(4) Jaigarh and Nahargarh
If you have time, do not forget to explore Jaigarh and nahargarh forts. Off the beaten track - Jaigarh has the biggest cannon in the world - weighs 150 tons
Nahargarh looked like a stealthy hangout for local love birds who have unashamedly tarnished the walls of the 300 year old beautiful fort. The government has restored it to a certain extent. So, you will still get a glimpse of Raj singh, madhao singh and man singh amidst "Nikhil hearts sonam"
(4) Hawa Mahal
Beautiful red and pinksandstone facade, wonderful sight. People say - its nothing, just a structure with nothing behind.. but then why should it have something behind? It was built for a purpose - for the women to see the royal festivities.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawa_Mahal
(5) Chokhi Dhani
When somebody suggested this, I thought it will be a cliched, childish recreation half heartedly done. But I was mistaken - a nice retreat where the village atmosphere has been rightly captured. The puppeteers, mehandi ladies, the dancers, wrestlers, chat stalls, camel rides, bullock cart rides, elephant rides, boating - well conceived and executed
The artisans village is a nice place - not very expensive and good quality. Do not forget to buy the colorful puppets, beautiful.
And of the course the FOOD- awesome!
(6) Lassiwala (since 19--) opposite niro's in MI Road
Please please please do not forget to have lassi here.. lives up to all the hype. The shop has only 3 items
- lassi small
- lassi big
- curd
Selection is NOT always necessary :)
http://www.tripadvisor.in/Travel-g304555-c174347/Jaipur:India:Lassiwala.Jaipur.html
Explore johari bazaar and hawa mahal bazaar.
Eat outs:
(1) Peacock roof top restaurant - paratha dal makhni combo was amazing
(2) Laxmi mishtaan bandaar - kachoris to die for and of course the thali
(3) ITC Rajputana - Thali
Month: September
Year: 2014
Weather: Warm to hot
Itenerary: Bangalore-Delhi-Pilani-Jaipur-Jodhpur-Udaipur-Bangalore
# days : 9
My earlier impression of Rajasthan was (having studied there for 4 years) dry, arid, sandy , dusty and really bad roads. But I have to say, I was taken by surprise - great roads, really green and quite developed now.
After stopping in Pilani and spending a very nostalgic evening, we left for Jaipur. It is a good 3 hour ride from Pilani to Jaipur. We took the Chirawa-Jhunjunu-Sikkar road. Good roads maintained by the state. There are not a lot of well bred hotels, so if you are ok with dhabhas, then you should be good. Otherwise, finish breakfast and leave and you should reach for lunch.
JAIPUR
Stay: Pearl palace Boutique
website: http://www.pearlpalaceheritage.com/
phone: 0141-2375242
Jaipur is a city like any other city. Main roads, flyovers and what not. But the history of the city is quite fascinating.
(1) City palace
This is where Jai singh lived and conducted his court after moving from Amer fort. The royal family still lives here. The four gates signifying - spring, summer, autumn and winter really stands out.
This is moderately good. Nothing wow about it except for Raja Madhao singh's huge silver container which was used to take ganga water to london [Makes you want to yell - WHAT!]
(2) Jal Mahal
A nice beautiful monument in the middle of a serene lake. Looks beautiful and wish we could have rowed over to it. But the banks of the lake are filthy. Despite a board saying "No feeding the fishes and ducks", our very generous folks continue to litter. A bread crumb for the fish, a popcorn for self and 2 for the filth.
(3) Amber fort
This is truly a wonder and the best of the lot. The sight of the palace and the fort looming on the skyline when you drive is beautiful. You can take the old fashioned elephant ride to the top, walk or go through the roads - each is good in its own way. The fort has been very well preserved and the spots are great - the sanganeri paintings, the turkish bath, the diwan-e-khas and diwan-e-aam, and most importantly the sheesh mahal.
The view from the fort is lovely. the river beneath with the curated gardens - takes you to another world altogether.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amer_Fort
(4) Jaigarh and Nahargarh
If you have time, do not forget to explore Jaigarh and nahargarh forts. Off the beaten track - Jaigarh has the biggest cannon in the world - weighs 150 tons
Nahargarh looked like a stealthy hangout for local love birds who have unashamedly tarnished the walls of the 300 year old beautiful fort. The government has restored it to a certain extent. So, you will still get a glimpse of Raj singh, madhao singh and man singh amidst "Nikhil hearts sonam"
(4) Hawa Mahal
Beautiful red and pinksandstone facade, wonderful sight. People say - its nothing, just a structure with nothing behind.. but then why should it have something behind? It was built for a purpose - for the women to see the royal festivities.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawa_Mahal
(5) Chokhi Dhani
When somebody suggested this, I thought it will be a cliched, childish recreation half heartedly done. But I was mistaken - a nice retreat where the village atmosphere has been rightly captured. The puppeteers, mehandi ladies, the dancers, wrestlers, chat stalls, camel rides, bullock cart rides, elephant rides, boating - well conceived and executed
The artisans village is a nice place - not very expensive and good quality. Do not forget to buy the colorful puppets, beautiful.
And of the course the FOOD- awesome!
(6) Lassiwala (since 19--) opposite niro's in MI Road
Please please please do not forget to have lassi here.. lives up to all the hype. The shop has only 3 items
- lassi small
- lassi big
- curd
Selection is NOT always necessary :)
http://www.tripadvisor.in/Travel-g304555-c174347/Jaipur:India:Lassiwala.Jaipur.html
Explore johari bazaar and hawa mahal bazaar.
Eat outs:
(1) Peacock roof top restaurant - paratha dal makhni combo was amazing
(2) Laxmi mishtaan bandaar - kachoris to die for and of course the thali
(3) ITC Rajputana - Thali
