Excursions in Jaipur:-
There are many places to visit around the city of Jaipur.
One can see the amazing step wells and Harshad Mata Temple at
Abhaneri and the Krishna Temples of Karauli. Rajasthani handicrafts
are very famous and you can have the first-hand experience of
the traditional block-printing process at Bagru and see the
small-scale industry of handmade paper flourishing in Sanganer.
Besides, one can also see the Jain Temples at Sanganer. The
adventure-seekers and wildlife enthusiasts would love to visit
the best-known Tiger reserve in India, Ranthambore National
Park and the Sariska National Park. Samode Palace is exquisitely
beautiful and has been preserved in a good condition while the
Persian art of Tonk, which was once ruled by 'Pathans' of Afghanistan,
is sure to grab the attention of the tourists. The charms never
cease to amaze tourists in and around Jaipur.
Abhaneri
95 km from Jaipur, the village of Abhaneri is situated on
the Jaipur-Agra road and is especially notable for 'baoris',
the step wells that are an indigenous invention of the local
people at rainwater harvesting. Besides these 'baoris', the
Harshat Mata Temple is worth visiting, who is the Goddess
of Mirth and Happiness. According to the local beliefs, Goddess
Harshat Mata is always depicted in a jolly mood and is said
to impart her mirth and happiness as brightness to the whole
village. 'Abha' means brightness in Hindi. Thus, the village
was originally named 'Abha Nagri', which in time was corrupted
to Abhaneri.
Bagru
30 km from Jaipur, Bagru is situated on the Jaipur-Ajmer Road.
The town is especially famous for the typical wooden block
prints that are famous as Bagru prints all over India. The
technique used for printing is also unique and simulates a
wooden block print. Mostly ethnic floral patterns are used
and typically vegetable dyes are used for traditional Bagru
Prints.
Karauli
182 km from Jaipur, Karauli is known mainly for its famous
Krishna temple known as Madan Mohanji Temple and other historic
monuments. The village was founded in 1348 and it is the 600-year
old Fort, which forms the imposing highlight of this village.
Used as a residence by the royal family until 1950, the fort
has now been abandoned by them. There are a good number of
monkeys and geese in the fort. It is said that geese are here
since the days when they were used as a warning system against
any intruders. The large manor known as Bhawar Vilas Palace
still belongs to the descendents of the royal family and has
now been converted into a hotel. It offers comfy and luxurious
rooms and good meals. One can reach Karauli by road from Jaipur.
more
Ranthambhor National Park
Ranthambhore National Park has once been the princely game
conserve, lying at the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas in
eastern Rajasthan. Known for the Indian Tigers, it also boasts
of a tenth century fort, Dhok sands, plateau grasslands, meadows
in valleys and lush green foliage around the canals. It has
three big lakes Padam Talab, Malik Talab and Raj Bagh that
abound with aquatic vegetation such as duckweeds, lilies and
lotus. The 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhaya plateau
meets the Aravali range, is a unique geological feature, whereas
two rivers known as Chambal and Banas flow across the park.
Besides the tiger, which is the chief attraction here, other
fauna of the park includes Owlets, Langurs, Leopards, Caracals,
Hyenas, Jackals, Jungle Cats, marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boars,
Bears and various species of Deer.
more
Samode
40 km from Jaipur, the fortified residence of the Nathawat
family is a charming and romantic citadel that exhibits grandeur,
good taste, class and elegance worthy of the erstwhile Prime
Ministers of the Jaipur Royal Court. The main entrance of
the fort is through the village and one can opt for camel
safari to ride across the village with hardy desert people
flashing warm smiles and extending cordial hospitality. The
medieval architecture of the fort reflects oriental formality.
Sanganer
16 km from Jaipur, Sanganer is known not only for its exquisite
Jain temples but also as one of the world-famous centre for
crafts and hand-printed textiles. The ancient Shri Digamber
Jain temple of Sanganer has fine carvings that are comparable
to the Dilwara temples of Mount Abu that are built in various
phases. Built in old architectural style, the latest additions
were made to the temple in the 10th century. It has sky-high
'shikharas' (spires) and the inner sanctum is a stone shrine
with three pinnacles housing the idol of Parshwanath with
7 serpent hoods surrounded by carvings of religious symbols
such as lotuses, creepers and elephants pouring water from
pitchers held in their trunks. However, the presiding deity
of the temple is Adinath.
more
Sariska National Park
107 km from Jaipur, Sariska National Park is larger than Ranthambor
and has a similar topography. However, it does not have so
many tigers and has not been so commercialized. Sprawling
across an area of 800 sq km in the Northern Aravalis, it was
declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in
1979. The steep hills and narrow valleys, scrub-thorn arid
forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses make a natural
habitat for wide range of wildlife that exhibits ecological
adoption and tolerance. Legacy of the Maharajas of Alwar,
it boasts of historic pavilions and temples and the Kankwadi
Fort nearby, which has a long and turbulent history.
|
