An Architectural Extravaganza – The City Palace, Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, promises a heady mix of all things Indian – vivid colours, bustling markets, gastronomical delights and most importantly, a walk into history. The city embraces some of the most fantastic monuments in the country and is sprinkled with forts, monuments and structures from the Rajput era. For those who want to take a stroll into the glorious period of Kings and Royalty, this is the place. Out of many such monuments, the City Palace in Jaipur is quite striking. Here is a guide for planning your visit.

City Palace - Jaipur Rajasthan - India

History and Architecture

The City Palace was the muse of Sawai Jai Singh II who was responsible to give its initial structure from 1729 to 1732. Later, two able architects Vidyadar Bhattacharya and also the Sawai himself infused the Indian nuances with Mughal and European details to make it one of the most awe inspiring buildings in the city. It was the seat for the ruling King of Jaipur and included the two palace complexes – Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Even now, the City Palace, commands the erstwhile awe and respect from visitors all across the globe.

Entrance of City Palace 

Apart from the palace complexes, the City Palace houses a museum. The other notable parts of the structure are the Diwan – I – Khas, Pitam Niwas Chowk, Diwan-I-Aam, Maharani’s Palace, Baggi Khana and the Govind Ji Temple. Stories like that of Ishwari Singh (son of Jai Singh) who died after being bitten by a snake and his 21 wives committing ‘sati’ (sitting in the funeral pyre of the husband) still hang heavy in the corridors of the palace. Make sure that you take your time to soak in the history and the legendary stories that reverberate in this magnificent structure.

A doorway inside City Palace

How to Get There

Jaipur is well connected to Delhi by road and rail, it is not necessary to take a flight as the distance is only 277 kms and it takes not more than 4 hours to reach. The trains are also very convenient and well timed. Within the city, City Palace is quite accessible. Use a cab or local transport like auto rickshaws to get there. Please note that the entry is only from two of the three gates – Virendra Pol and the Udai Pol or the Atish Pol (Stable Gate). The third gate, Tripolia, is reserved for the Royal family.

Best Time to Visit

Weather wise, Jaipur has great weather between the months of October and December. Extreme cold and heat in the respective months are difficult to deal with for some, especially the summers.

City palace interior

Opening Times

The City Palace and the Museum are open between 10.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m on the days of the week. It is only closed on major festivals like Holi, Diwali and other select few. Please check before you plan your trip.

Entry Fees

As almost all historical places in India, the fees for foreign nationals is more than Indians. Foreign National – Rs 150 for adults, Rs 80 for children and Indians – Rs 35 for adults, Rs 20 for children.

Other Tips

• There are plenty of guides available at the Palace. Choose a government certified person only as the rates are fixed. One can tip accordingly based on your experience.
• The aarti in the Govind Ji Temple can be seen 7 times in the day. Check for the timing before you get in.
• Be suitably dressed as a mark of respect. String tops & shorts etc for women are common as Rajasthan is a travel hub, but carry a light stole around the shoulders is recommended for women.

Winter Sports in India

India is well known for its highest peak and big mountains ranges, these ranges offers all kind of mountaineering, aero sports as well as the winter sports in India. Himalayan region of India are ideal destinations for chill and thrill adventures winter sports. The Snow-capped Mountains, lush greenery and a cool breeze are the assets to the north Indian, which makes them one of the best destinations for the snow sports. The hill station of India like Shimla, Darjeeling, Nainital, Gulmarg and Srinagar are counted as best for the snow sports. The unexplored valleys, snow-capped mountains with stunning glaciers, and towering peaks are the major adventures places for snow sports such as Skiing, Ice skating, Ice Climbing and Snowboarding. Other recreational sports include Ice hockey, Figure skating, Snowmobile, Ice fishing, snow cycling, snow football and snowball fight can also be enjoyed some time.

Skiing: 

This recreational activity is most famous snow sports, used skis as equipment for traveling over snow. Skis are connect to the toe and heels with the use of a binding. Many different types of skiing are also popular such as Alpine skiing, Freestyle skiing and Military skiing. The major destination with fine, flowing, snowy slopes for skiing in India are Auli, Pahalgam, Manali, Narkanda, Uttarakhand and Sikkim. Gulmarg is one of the most popular skiing destinations in India.

Skiing in Gulmarg - India

Skating:

Ice skating is one of the major attractions of snow sports in India. The destination for Ice-skating in India is shimla, himachal pradesh. Ice-skating carnival of Shimla is famous for major winter sports like ice hockey, dance performances and figure skating. Ice Skating Association of India is take care of the all ice skating sports.

Ice Skating in Shimla

Snowboarding: 

Snowboard is board attached to a rider’s feet using a special boot set onto mounted binding. The free-ride style of snowboarding is the most common and easily accessible style of snowboarding,consists of riding down any terrain. Another style of snowboarding is Freestyles, In freestyle, the rider uses man-made terrain features to perform tricks. The chill and thrill Snowboarding needs skills and exercises like maintain body balance, turning of the board,Edging,control and timing.

Snowboarding in Shimla and Gulmarg

Sledding: 

Sledding or sledge is similar to sliding in seated position on a device called as sledge. In sledding riders, ride down from a snow covered hill and determines the path by twists and turns. Lying on the stomach can also be a good technique to improve the fun of sledge ride.

Sledding in Shimla

Ice climbing: 

India is a paradise for mountaineering lovers, its large belt of mountain ranges are well known for climbing. As a sport, ice climbing is still evolving in India, it is one of the fastest growing sports of India. The thrilling and adventures winter sport ice climbing is one of the major attractions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh tourism.

Ice Climbing - Himachal Pradesh

Rajasthan Expedition

Travel to the sand dunes of Rajasthan, stay at the Royal Palaces and feel like a King.

Rajasthan, The land of Kings is the largest state of India located in north western India. The Land of Royalty was ruled by Rajputs for a long time even today they are regarded in very high esteem. The Royal Rajputs of Rajasthan were the descendants of the Kshatriyas or warriors of vedic India. One of the world’s first and oldest civilizations, The Indus Valley Civilization was located in Rajasthan. Prime attractions of Rajasthan are its unique culture,Thar desert, great forts, palaces, temples and big fair & festivals. Rajasthan host one of the major desert area of world known as the Great Thar Desert of India. Apart from big mountains, blue sea, green forest and white land of Kashmir, Thar desert “Ocean of Sand” is one of the major tourist attraction in India. The royal state also host one of biggest desert fair, camel safari and wide range of desert wild animals. The best way to explore the royal Rajasthan is only by the luxurious trains like Place on Wheel and Royal Rajasthan on Wheel.

Best Attractions of Rajasthan:

Thar Desert: 

The Rajasthan desert also known as Great Indian Desert is located at western Rajasthan. Thar Desert of Rajasthan or the “ocean of sands” is the world’s seventh largest desert. The Great desert of India is surrounded by the Aravalli Ranges on the east,on south by Rann of Kutch and on the west by the Indus River. Due to the diversified habitat the Indian desert is very rich in flora and fauna, About 23 species of lizard and 25 species of snakes are found here and several of them are endemic to the region. The fauna of wild desert includes wild cat, blackbuck and Indian wild ass. A camel safari into the Thar desert is an experience not to be missed.

The Great Thar Desert - Rajasthan - INDIA

Forts: 

Rajasthan is well famous for its majestic forts, magnificent palaces and historic havelis built by the Great Maharajas of Rajasthan. There are around 14 forts in Rajasthan, out of them Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort in India and the grandest in the state of Rajasthan. The Jaisalmer Fort also known as “Golden fort” is one of the largest forts in the world, Situated in the Jaisalmer city. Other big forts of Rajasthan are Mehrangarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Amber Fort, desert forts of Jodhpur and the beautiful Jaigarh Fort called as Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) situated at the Aravalli hill ranges.

Jaiselmer Fort - Rajasthan

Palaces: 

The land of maharajas is famous for well laid gardens, gorgeous temples and beautiful palaces. Some of these are Alsisar Haveli, City Palaces, Hawa Mahal,Lake palace,Umaid Bhavan and Jai Mahal. Umaid Bhawan Palace situated at Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur is one of the world’s largest private residences. The Water Palace is located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in pink city Jaipur. These palaces are stunning example of Rajput artistry made of red and pink sand stones.

Umaid Bhawan Palace - Jodhpur Rajasthan

Culture: 

Rajasthan is the most colorful states in India, It is famous for its vibrant and diverse culture, dances, customs and music. Highly cultivated classical music and dance with its own distinct style is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer are world famous. Rajasthani clothes have a lot of mirror work and embroidery, the traditional dress for females is chaniya choli. Due to the desert region Rajasthan economy is primarily agricultural and pastoral.

Famous Ghoomer Dance - Rajasthan

Cuisines: 

The cuisine of Rajasthan is very rich and has a very unique flavor. Rajasthani cuisine offers an amazing variety of dishes included dal bati churma, traditional Rajasthani thali and rajasthani sweets. The best known Rajasthani food is the combination of dal, bati and churma.  Other famous food items are Mawa Kachori from jodhpur, Alwar ka mawa, Malpauas from Pushkar Ghevar from Jaipur and Rassgollas from Bikaner. The Chokhi Dhani is the best place to enjoy the Rajasthani culture, tradition and delicious foods.

Daal Bati , Choorma - Rajasthani traditional Cuisine 

Fair and Festivals: 

Rajasthan is known for its colorful Fairs and Festivals, There are many exotic Fairs and Festivals such as Teej and the Desert Festival. The famous Pushkar Fair a annual five-day camel and livestock fair is the largest Camel Fair in the world. Pushkar, the oldest city if also famous for its magnificent lake,ghats and The brahma temple. Bharatpur Brij Festival also known as Brij Mahotsava is one of the important fairs and festivals of Rajasthan, Celebrate before Holi, It is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The great Thar Desert host one of the most popular festival of India, Desert Festival Of Jaisalmer also known as Rajasthan Desert Festival. Desert Festival was initiated to celebrated to display the glory of the desert land, its rich culture and tradition.

Camel Fair - Pushkar - Rajasthan

Shopping: 

The desert land is haven for shoppers and traditionally rich in making handicrafts and hand looms. The Pink city of India Jaipur is the best city in Rajasthan for shopping jewelry to clothes to footwear, almost everything is available. The well known markets are Jauhari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, MI Road and Tripolia Bazaar. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is well famous for its jewellery,gems and stone available in various designs, styles and colors. Famous items are Puppets of Jaisalmer, Pottery from Jaipur and handicrafts from Bikaner.

Shopping in "Pink City of India" Jaipur 

Wild Life: 

The Royal state host a wide ranges of desert wild animals and wild life. It has 6 national parks named as Ranthambore, Sariska, Desert National Park, and 21 Wildlife Sanctuaries along with Keoladeo or Bharatpur bird sanctuary. The famous Ranthambore National Park is situated on the border of Thar Desert and surrounded by the Vindhya Hills and the Aravali Hills. Some wildlife species, which are fast vanishing in other parts of India, are found in the desert in large numbers such as the Great Indian Bustard, Blackbuck, Indian Wild Ass, and the caracal a wild cat and other native desert wild animals like insects, lizards and snakes.

Ranthambore National Park

Major Cities:

Jaipur: The Pink City, is the capital and largest city of the state of Rajasthan, famous for Gold, Diamond and Stone Jewellery. Jaipur is one of the finest planned and green cities of India.

Pushkar: The pilgrimage sites is one of the oldest cities of India and is one of the five sacred dhams associates to Lord Brahma. The city is lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake and well famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair.

Udaipur: The City of Lakes has most beautiful lakes in the state named as Pichola Lake, Fatah Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar.

Alwar: The most gorgeous city of Rajasthan,famous for its scenic landscapes, beautiful lake and Sariska Tiger Reserve in the Aravalli hills.

Jaisalmer: The golden city is famous for its alluring magnificent forts, haveli, Palaces and the best Camel Safari.

Jodhpur: The Sun City is the second largest city in Rajasthan,famous for Handicrafts.

Bikaner: The Desert city is situated in the middle of the Great Thar desert, famous for sweets and snacks.

Mount Abu: The only Hill station in the Rajasthan,famous for Dilwara Temples.

KERALA - Major tourist attraction as well as the best honeymoon destination in India

The god’s own country is one of the major tourist attraction as well as the best honeymoon destination in India. The land of God, Kerala is believed to be a gift of the Arabian Sea. The pride of Kerala are Gorgeous and Exotic Beaches, Breathtaking hill Stations, Enchanting waterfalls, Beautiful lagoons, Meandering rivers and Amazing natural scenarios. These colors are made Kerala as a land of beauty and paradise on earth. Kerala is also famous for its Ayurvedic treatments, high mountains, gorges and deep-cut valley, lush and evergreen rain forest and coconuts water and oil and foods items. Kerala houseboats are first and best preference of the tourist to enjoy their moments in beautiful lakes of Kerala. The Idukki dam is the first Indian arch dam in Periyar river Kerala and the largest arch dam in Asia. Shopping, museums and markets are also best way to explore Kerala. Follow to visit some of the Best Place in Kerala.

Culture: 

Kerala’s culture is an integral part of Indian culture. The cultural heritage of Kerala are its arts, festivals and dresses. Hindu, Christian and Islam religion found in Kerala and Malayalam is the local language of Kerala. Indian elephants are given a prestigious place in the state culture of Kerala. kathakali and mohiniyaattam are the traditional art of dance in Kerala.

Kathakali Dance Kerala

Lifestyle: 

The people of Kerala are very simple and down to earth people, they love to live in their own world. The Keralites also are very progressive in terms of cleanliness, healthcare and physical quality of life. The elephants are an integral part of the daily life in Kerala. Kerala people are very protective about their religion and ancient practices, rituals and traditions.

Kerala Lifestyle

Villages: 

The villages in Kerala offer a feast to the eyes of the travellers by way of its panoramic view of the fields, farms, hillsides, rivers and lakes. The locals engage in fishing, farming, pottery, jute making and handicrafts. These villages with paddy fields all around and coconut trees are perfect to spend a relaxed holiday. Some of the popular villages are Vavannoor, Udayagiri, Aranmula, Cheppad, Teekoy,etc.

Kerala Paddy fields

Cuisines: 

After the enjoyments, foods are the next thing in mind. Kerala has a rich and unique flavor of foods like Sea foods, malayali cuisines and banana dishes. Kerala is famous for its spices and its spicy recipes of vegetarian and non vegetation food. Best cuisine of Kerala is Meen Curry – Kerala style fish curry made in fried coconut.

Food from Kerala

Festivals: 

Kerala has many colorful festivals and every festival has its own importance. Onam, the annual harvest festival and it is the largest festival celebrated in Kerala. Vallamkali or Snake Boat Races is the traditional boat race in Kerala. This famous water sport marks the end of Onam festival. Pooram Festival, the The main features of the pooram are the decorated elephants. Peoples of Kerala worship elephants and snakes on different festival occasions.

Pooram-Festival-Thrissur

Beaches: 

Sea, Sand and Sun are the gifts given by the god, which makes Kerala the land of most delightful beaches in the world. Kerala Backwaters offers a series of beaches that are perfect for a relaxing time with your love one. Some of the best beaches in Kerala are Kovalam, Cherai, Varkala, Kappad, Muzhappilangad and Bekal. Watch the sunset along with the blue water beaches of Kerala is the best way to end your day and start a romantic night.

Beaches in Kerala

Sports: 

The Exotic Beaches of Kerala are best for surfing, rafting and many more adventures ocean water sports. Kerala is the one of the best place for scuba diving and snorkeling in India. Kerala is also known for its kind of Martial Arts called Kalarippayattu – A new insight into the traditional martial art of Kerala. Mountains climbing, Trekking, camping and kayaking in rippling rivers of kerala are some different types of sport that any one can enjoy. Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala are best way to relax and feel fresh after these sports.

Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala

Wildlife: 

The Land of God, Kerala has a rich culture in Flora and Fauna. Kerala is the only state in India where highest number of Indian Elephants are found. The best place for wild animals are Silent Valley, Periyar national park and Tiger Reserve,which is situated high in the ranges of the Western Ghat. The land of elephants share their habitat with Panthera, King Cobra and other wild animals.

Periyar-Natioanl-park-Thekkady

Natural beauty: 

Kerala the land of beauty is describes as the favorite child of nature, and famous for its breath-taking natural beauty. Major attraction are includes long coconuts tree, the blue mountain and rivers makes Kerala one of the greenest places ever seen. The beautiful milky falls of water splashing through the rocks should not be miss. Other attraction are Vembanad Lake India’s longest lake, Sasthamkotta lake and Cheruthoni Dam.

Athirappilli waterfalls Kerala

Hill Stations: 

There are many hill stations in Kerala which offers the best spectacular views of the nature. Munnar one of best hill destination in kerala and one of the famous hill station in India. The other beautiful hill stations are Ponmudi,Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and Wayanad Hill Station. These hill stations of Western ghats are one of the best place for trekking in India.

Munnar Hill Station - Kerala