Known for its very popular Mandawa Fort, Mandawa is a quaint small town in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. Popularly known as the Open Art Gallery, the city is dotted with pucca arches and magnificent Havelis and forts.The aura and vibe of the place reflect the social and cultural environment of the place in the bygone era. Due to its royal presentation, it is also a hot spot for film shooting and is filled by the media during the year.rajasthan road trip from delhi, a beautiful town aptly located in the heart of the Shekhawati region, often
Shekhawati :-
Named for its beautiful heritage and significant history, Mandawa is an important historical city in the Shekhawati province of the state of Rajasthan. Well accessible by road, this city seems to have been created by nature for those who have a passion for heritage and history. No one will be disappointed after visiting this site. Having developed into such a culturally rich city, the local people of this city have an innate sense of wonderful arts and crafts, which can be aptly seen in the local handicrafts..
History :-
History tells that it was the Mandu Jats who originally founded the village of Mandawa. He founded a village and dug a well, which was completed in 1797. It was earlier called 'Mandu ki Dhani', meaning village of Mandu, and 'Mandu-VA before eventually being known as Mandawa. In the middle of the 18th century, the Bhojrajji Kasubsub dynasty of the Shekhawat group made it a thikana, meaning the property of the Thakurs. Mandawa later became a trading post through ancient caravan routes from China and the Middle East. Then Thakur Nawal Singh built a fort in 1755 to protect this border. Gradually, the settlement developed around the fort and was inhabited by wealthy merchants. These merchants built huge, luxurious Havelis and baoris (wells), but later left the property and moved to developed land. The charm and grandeur of the establishments have not diminished to date and hence it has become one of the most visited tourist places in India..
Restaurants and Local Food :-
With mostly foreign tourists visiting Mandawa, the restaurants cater to continental tastes and tastes. It is difficult to find proper North Indian food in restaurants..
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
Reach Mandawa by noon and take some rest. In the evening, you can take a walk along the edge of the city, and do some shopping.
Day 2:
The next day should be scheduled to visit Mandawa Palace. After that, you can proceed to the grand Havelis of Mandawa, or if you prefer, go for the open-air gallery which covers almost the entire city..
Click on Mandawa
Bikaner
Bikaner is a "cultural paradise and a traveler's paradise". With its grandeur in architecture, art, and culture, Bikaner is full of colors, festivities, and cultural wonders. The city will mesmerize you with its beautiful sand dunes, its ancient palaces, and camels roaming the forts. Known as one of the three great desert kingdoms of Rajasthan, the dazzling city boasts of old-world charm, grand Havelis, and reflects a happy bygone era of the Rajputs. Known as the "Camel Country" for breeding some of the most famous riding camels, Bikaner is also one of only two models of biplanes used by the British in World War I.Sand Dunes and Desert Safari are among the major attractions. Bikaner is also famous for hosting the International Camel Festival which attracts tourists from all over the world. Other attractions here include experiencing delicacies like thandai, bhujia, shopping for exotic ivory and lacquered items or viewing the vast heritage in the area in the form of wall paintings and arts and crafts.
City Of Forts And Temples :-
Bikaner, situated in the middle of the Thar Desert and founded by Rao Bika in 1486, has many temples and forts depicting the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Some famous places you must visit- Junagadh Fort- Earlier known as Chintamani, this fort also houses artifacts from the ancient past of Bikaner. Its intricate and immaculate interior designing on the walls and ceiling has never failed to impress the visitorsKarni Mata Temple, a Hindu temple, also known as Rat Mandir, is located at Deshnok, 30 km from Bikaner. While thousands of rats are worshiped in this temple, there are some white rats here, which are considered to be the most sacred. Its beautiful designs with huge gardens are the center of tourist attraction. One of the most beautiful Jain temples, Bhandarsar Jain Temple is famous for its paintings and for the fact that 40,000 kg of ghee was used to build this temple. It has three floors and a panoramic view can be seen from the top floor. Laxmi Nath Temple, the oldest temple in Bikaner, has idols of Hindu deities Vishnu and Lakshmi. Apart from these places, there are many other ancient temples and forts in Bikaner..
The Camel :-
Camel country is another name for Bikaner because tourists visiting here cannot resist a camel ride. During camel safari, you can witness the mesmerizing beauty of the sand dunes. Apart from this, local artists performing Rajasthani dance in colorful clothes are also usually part of the package. There are many organizers for camel safaris which can last from 2 to 15 days. The cost starts from INR 1200 per person for a simple safari, but can go up if you are planning a longer trip. Usually, the organizers need a lot of people in a group to operate the safari, otherwise it becomes very costly for each person.the famous camel fair organized by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture in the month of January is the main attraction here. The festival involves colorfully dressed camels who take part in various performances including dances and races. There are also some folk dance performances and puppet shows. Camel milk teas, sweets and other dairy products are also available.
History :-
Bikaner was a barren land ruled by Rajputs in the 15th century and was known as "Jungaldesh". In 1488, Rao Bika founded the city of the same name and built the famous Junagadh Fort. Considered as an oasis in the middle of the Thar Desert, the city was a strategic point of trade between Gujarat and Central Asia. Major construction and development in Bikaner took place under the rule of Raja Rai Singh, who ruled from 1571 AD to 1611 AD as he won many wars and prairies and conquered the Mewar kingdom and was rewarded for the same. However, in the 18th century, the kingdom fell into the hands of the British Empire, although the royal family continued to rule the city. Eventually, the family shifted to the Lalgarh Palace where it still resides today..
Culture :-
The dynamic and vibrant culture of Bikaner gives you a glimpse of the city's tradition, practices and people. People are fond of their culture and they (especially men) wear the traditional dress of Rajasthan- Ghagra Choli for women and Dhoti Kurta for men. Most of the men are seen wearing turbans even on normal days. Hinduism is the major religion followed by the people and Rajasthani language is spoken. Although some people also speak Hindi. Bikaner also has delicious cuisine. Most of the food is prepared in butter and butter milk. Some of the dishes include – Dal Bati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Khichdi, Pakodas etc. One of the main festivals of Bikaner is "Camel Festival"; It includes a grand procession and a parade of ornate camels. The performance of high breed camels is followed by camel races, camel rides and performances of folk songs and dances. Bikaner is also a center for Meenakari work (ornamental stone work), miniature painting and carpet weaving. Utsi Kala is another famous form of art inherited from the age of Raja Rai Singh which includes gold enamel work on camel skin..
Restaurants and Local Food :
Bikaner is often recognized for its popular Bhujia, Namkeen, Papad and Baris. Make sure you try these out in Bikaner and take some home too. Along with this you can enjoy other major Rajasthani snacks like Samosas, Kachori and many more.
Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1:
Reach Bikaner by morning. After refreshing and relaxing, start exploring the city from 11 am onwards. First of all, you can head towards Junagadh Fort. It will take around 2-3 hours to walk around the entire fort. After lunch, you can head to Station Road or Kote Gate to shop for traditional items and handicrafts. These markets are filled with local items such as paintings, shoes, furnishings and clothing. Don't miss to visit the very famous sweet shop Chotu Motu Joshi..
Day 2:
Start your day by visiting Karni Mata Temple in the morning. The total time including travel time and exploring the temple will be around 3 hours as it is located at a distance of 35 km from Bikaner. After this you can go to Lalgarh Palace and Rampuria Haveli. You can also cover some Jain temples in the evening which include Bhandarsar Jain Temple and Laxmi Nath Temple.
day 3:
If you are here for one more day, you can visit Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary which is about 27 km from the city and you can see a lot of migratory birds. After lunch you should visit the National Camel Research Center. Situated about 8-10 km away from the main city, this institute houses a lot of camels and you can learn a lot about different breeds of camels.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan and the former capital of the Marwar region. It is popularly called the "Blue City" because it looks completely blue from an aerial view due to its blue walls and houses. Jodhpur is mainly famous for its temples, lakes and snacks, with the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort being the main attraction.The magic of Jodhpur lies in the lanes of the old city, which surround the mighty Mehrangarh. Hundreds of shops, guesthouses, food joints and vendors make it a bustling city, especially near the historic Ghantaghar and Sardar Market. The new and modern Jodhpur is beyond Mehrangarh. The nearby Jaswant Tada and Umaid Bhawan Palace are also among the major attractions of Jodhpur.Jodhpur is famous for its delectable food items, especially Onion Kachori, Mirchi Bada and Mawa Kachori. In September, the city hosts the colorful Marwar Festival and the Rajasthan International Folk Festival. Some traditional villages are located around Jodhpur, and visiting these villages (called Bishnoi Village Safari) is one of the popular things to do here. One of the strangest temples in India, where Royal Enfield motorbikes are worshipped, is located nearby and worth a visit. The ancient Thar desert city of Osian is also located here 65 km north of Jodhpur.Seen in the background of the movies, the most popular being The Dark Knight Rises, Jodhpur attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors across the globe. Also, it is conveniently located in the heart of Rajasthan, which makes it a base for visiting places nearby.
Blue City :-
The Blue City of Rajasthan, Jodhpur has a blue landscape and is famous for the Mehrangarh Fort. The color of Jodhpur tells history and makes it a legend - that of a population that shaped a paradise amidst the heat and sand storms of Rajasthan. The Mehrangarh Fort, built of burning red sandstone, stands in contrast to the blue city and 'stands out' at a height of 400 feet above the Jodhpur skyline.
History :-
The city of Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathor dynasty. It was believed that the Rajput clan he belonged to was the successor of Lord Rama.
Restaurants and Local Food :-
The major change in people's attitude towards street food has been evolutionary. Jodhpur is known for its delicious street food and classic dining restaurants, which have taken its traditional cuisine to another level. Jodhpur cuisine is synonymous with a rich culture of spices, chillies, street food and sweets. There are few things on the menu of the city that are full of colour, festivity and spices. One cannot come to Jodhpur and try almost the main and yet exciting Mirchi Bada, Mawa Kachori and Onion Kachori in every bite. Makhaniya Lassi is almost as popular and a must-try item.
Jodhpur is an equal paradise for those who love the desert- except that dessert will not only be the end of your course but is just as important as the whole meal and there is a vibrant food culture about them. Besan ki chakki, mawa ki kachori, motichoor laddus and makhan vadas are the popular dishes here.If you want a taste of wild roadside slurries and slurpees, head to Sojati Gate, where a crowded market for country snacks and drinks at very affordable rates surrounds various local food joints. Another popular area is Sardarpura market which offers gypsy-like food items and a customized range of food restaurants. If you are looking to dine for brunch or dinner with your family or friends, restaurants like Indic, Omelette Shop, Jharokha and Nirvana have classy decor and mouth-watering food to make for a perfect experience. They are moderately expensive and provide you with a wide range of service. If you crave something more on the barbecue side, head to On the Rocks, 2 kilometers south of Jodhpur, for a hearty meal with extra mayonnaise. Savor your dessert with cherries to top your meal at Janta Sweet House.
Culture :-
The dynamic and vibrant culture of Bikaner gives you a glimpse of the city's tradition, practices and people. People are fond of their culture and they (especially men) wear the traditional dress of Rajasthan- Ghagra Choli for women and Dhoti Kurta for men. Most of the men are seen wearing turbans even on normal days. Hinduism is the major religion followed by the people and Rajasthani language is spoken. Although some people also speak Hindi. Bikaner also has delicious cuisine. Most of the food is prepared in butter and butter milk. Some of the dishes include – Dal Bati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Khichdi, Pakodas etc. One of the main festivals of Bikaner is "Camel Festival"; It includes a grand procession and a parade of ornate camels. The performance of high breed camels is followed by camel races, camel rides and performances of folk songs and dances. Bikaner is also a center for Meenakari work (ornamental stone work), miniature painting and carpet weaving. Utsi Kala is another famous form of art inherited from the age of Raja Rai Singh which includes gold enamel work on camel skin..
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
After arriving at the destination, the first step towards starting your day would be to reach the New Town area which is situated around a magnificent clock tower. The streets around have a lot of traditional wares and end towards Sardar Bazaar which is a popular destination for shopping. After this, you can take a cab from the central taxi station to Mehrangarh Fort which is about an hour away from the stand. A major attraction for the city, it offers an amazing city view and walking around the fort walls is an adventure sport. End your day with dinner at the Indic restaurant of Pal Haveli with a panoramic view of Mehrangarh Fort.
Day 2:
Have a hearty breakfast of traditional Rajasthani Dal Bati Churma and take a bus to Umaid Bhawan Palace from your nearest bus stand. A 347-room palace which is a historical landmark and also a great place to take some pictures. Take a short walk or take a cab to reach your next destination i.e. Mandore Garden. It is a green area which houses the Government Museum "Hero's Hall". The best place to visit during the evening is Kailana Lake where you can end your day with some Kesari ice cream from the carts.
Day 3:
Spend your last day at Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park for a little bit of thrill. Spend your day trekking the rocky mountain valleys. There are a few restaurants here that offer traditional as well as contemporary menus for delicious eats round the clock. Exit the park before sunset and visit Jaswant Thada which is known for its marble carvings and serene atmosphere. Have your dinner the classic way at Rocky Mountain Dhaba.
rajasthan road trip from delhi
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is a major tourist destination located in the north-western state of Rajasthan in India. It is known as the 'Golden City' due to its golden dunes and palaces in golden honey sandstone.Climb on a camel saddle and make your way through this desert under the starry night sky for an unforgettable experience.
The Jaisalmer Fort stands as a citadel with narrow streets that have been inhabited by generations and houses shops selling colorful handicrafts.Jaisalmer is a town, and to reach the sand dunes travelers have to take a camel ride followed by a jeep safari. Thus, Jaisalmer is an amalgamation of exotic Indian desert culture, heritage and adventure.
Desert :-
It is celebrated in the Thar Desert and the local people wear traditional and colorful attire. There is a lot of singing and dancing, gymnastic acts, camel races, tug of war, turban tying, and a march from the fort to the desert.
History :-
the year 1156 AD Raja Rawal Jaiswal, was looking for a new place to build a new capital, as he could not find a safe place at Lodhruva. Thus, while inspecting the hill known as Trikuta hill, he became acquainted with a lone sage, Isul. When Isul came to know that the Jaiswals were the descendants of the Yaduvanshi dynasty, he told the latter a myth, according to which, Lord Krishna had made a prophecy that one day a descendant of his dynasty would establish a kingdom here. Encouraged by this, Rawal Jaiswal established a kingdom here, which eventually came to be known as Jaisalmer (meaning "hill fort of Jaisal"). Jaisalmer became a prominent place because of its .
Restaurants and Local Food :-
Add a tiny hint of non-vegetarian food rich in typical Rajasthani cuisine and subtle influences from North India, and the rich and mouth-watering menu you will find will be the cuisine of Jaisalmer. Murg-e-Sabz is one chicken dish that you must not miss when in Jaisalmer. Along with this, there are also other non-vegetarian dishes like tikka and kebabs. Other than these, Ker Sangri, Banan Aloo, and Kadi Pakora are popular and almost define the cuisine here.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
Visit "The Palace" (a nickname for the Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre) during the winter season. The palace opens at around 9:00. And the entry fee is around Rs.250. Constructed of golden stone, the fort has intricate designs carved on its walls. It usually takes one and a half hours to two hours to cover the entire fort and museum properly. Afterwards, you can explore the famous local markets of Jaisalmer to get to know the culture.
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Day 2:
Book a full day safari on the second day. Some safari packages include a pickup, an amazing camel ride, a beautiful view of sunrise/sunset, a resting place by the oasis and a lovely meal by the dunes. Some packages are for full day and some for half day. The price of the package can range between INR 00 to INR 000. The best part of these tours is that you get a chance to visit the nearby villages Khuri.
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Day 3:
If you are in the mood for something different, visit the local specialty bazaars like Sadar Bazar, Sonar ka Bass, Seema Gram and Bhatia Bazar. You will find the most popular products of Jaisalmer such as jewelry, mirror products (mirror embroidered dupatta and bangles, for example), stonework products and puppets to buy. Explore the local culture and cuisine of Rajasthan, and have a nice relaxing day.
Day 4:
Visit Jain Temples located inside Jaisalmer Fort. The temples are open in the morning till 12 noon. The architectural style of these temples is known as the "Dilwara" style of architecture of the 12th and 15th centuries. Afterwards visit the Amar Sagar Lake which is located next to the Amar Singh Palace. It is open from 9 am. till 5 pm
rajasthan road trip from delhi
Ranakpur is a small quaint town situated amidst the secluded valley of the Aravalli ranges in Rajasthan. it is an important destination for Jain pilgrims. The place offers a unique spectacle of lush greenery and flowing streams, which is an unusual sight in Rajasthan. Immersed in the vibrant culture, with alluring beauty in store, Ranakpur has made its way into the list of places to visit in Rajasthan.
It is named after Rana Kumbha, who donated some land for this place.Jainism has many temples dedicated to different Tirthankaras like Adinath, Parasnath and Chaumukha Temple with amazing architecture. Known as 'a spiritual oasis in the Aravallis', Ranakpur is a place with mesmerizing beauty that will leave you awe-struck with a rejuvenated soul.
Festival :-
The holy city of Ranakpur witnesses an annual festival in the month of October. South Indian Bharatanatyam and Rajasthani folk performances are the main attractions along with performances by renowned dance artists and vocal artists.Cultural programs are organized in the 'Muktkash', an outdoor auditorium of the Sun Temple aka Surya Mandir. Jungle jeep safaris and craft fairs can also be enjoyed during the festival.
Another Masterpiece of Jain Architecture :-
Dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara of Jains, Ranakpur is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jains. The majestic temple was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. A famous businessman of the time, Dharna Shah went to the king with his darshan and was eventually offered land to build the temple. Interestingly, the place is named after the king himself. Adinath Temple: Spread over an area of about 48,000 square feet, 1444 light-coloured marble pillars support the structure of the temple which consists of four subsidiary shrines, 29 pillared halls and 80 domes. Notably, no two pillars have the same design engraved on them. It is also said that it is impossible to count all the columns at once. Chaumukha Temple: A distinctive feature of this temple is the exquisite carvings of a marble sculpture containing 108 snakes. It is oriented in all the four directions and is known as 'Chowmukh' in Jainism. All the idols in the temple are facing each other. The temple, with its distinctively carved domes, 'shikhars', bastions and domes, rises royally from the hill..
Tips :-
Leather products are not allowed inside the temple. Non-Jains are allowed inside the temple only between 12 noon and 17:00. Morning time is devoted only to prayer.
History :-
Between the grand cities of Jodhpur and Udaipur in Rajasthan, with their illustrious history and extraordinary heritage, lies a small village town by the name of Ranakpur in the Pali district of the land of forts, palaces, colorful fairs of delicious cuisine. Likeable attire and warm and endearing hospitality. Ranakpur has long been known as one of the most important and attractive Jain temple complexes ever built. The vast number of marble pillars, which are very intricately carved to be similar but not identical, are said to be 1,444 in total and stand firmly throughout the temple complex, which is said to have been 48,000. Covers an area of more than a square foot. , The history of the construction of the architectural marvel, i.e. Ranakpur, is said to have begun with a vivid dream by the name of a local and wealthy Jain merchant, Dharam Shah—in which he envisioned paying homage to the first Tirthankara. Jainism - Lord Adinath, also known as Lord Rishabhanatha, built a magnificent temple in his honour. After this divine reverence, Dharam Shah went to the then Rajput emperor Rana Kumbha to seek his protection in the construction of this temple. In the 15th century, the construction of the temple complex began with the support of King Rana Kumbha, who not only generously provided funds for the construction of this temple but also provided a large plot of land to Dharam Shah. The temple and its surrounding settlement were named Ranakpur after 'Rana Kumbha' - to honor the invaluable support of the emperor.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
Reach Ranakpur, preferably by noon and take some rest. In the evening you can go for a walk in the main market, where you can find valuables and souvenirs, especially silver jewelery and gems.
Day 2:
The second day should be the ideal time to start your journey through Ranakpur Jain Temples, after which you can proceed to the ancient Surya Narayan Temple, which is another architectural wonder in Ranakpur.