Extra Days

Bikaner

• Junagarh Fort was built in 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

• The fort served as the residence of the rulers of Bikaner and was strategically built at a time when the city was facing threats from various quarters.

  1. The fort is a remarkable example of Rajput and Mughal architecture, showcasing a blend of different styles.

  2. It features intricately decorated palaces, temples, pavilions, and balconies, each representing the artistic and architectural excellence of the time.

• Chandra Mahal: The Moon Palace with stunning mirror work.

• Phool Mahal: The Flower Palace adorned with glasswork and frescoes.

• Anup Mahal: An impressive hall with a richly decorated throne.

 All these mahals are situated inside the Bikaner Fort.  They give a huge and gigantic look to the whole fort of bikaner.

Mandawa

Mandawa is a small town located in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, India. It is renowned for its rich cultural and architectural heritage, making it a popular tourist destination.  Mandawa is a small town located in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, India. It is famous for its magnificent havelis (traditional Indian mansions) adorned with unique frescoes and intricate designs. Mandawa is part of the Shekhawati region, which is known as the "Open-Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan" due to the numerous painted havelis found there.

To explore Mandawa's rich cultural heritage, you can take a walk through its narrow streets, adorned with vibrant murals and beautiful architecture. The havelis of Mandawa reflect the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy merchants who resided there during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Some of the notable havelis in Mandawa include the Goenka Double Haveli, the Murmuria Haveli, and the Jhunjhunwala Haveli. These havelis showcase impressive frescoes depicting mythological scenes, royal processions, and intricately detailed floral patterns.

Apart from havelis, Mandawa is also known for its stunning temples. The Mandawa Fort, known as the Castle Mandawa, is another prominent attraction. This 18th-century fortress-turned-hotel offers a taste of Rajasthan's regal past and provides a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.

Mandawa is not only an architectural delight but also a cultural hub. The town hosts various festivals and events, such as the Gangaur festival and the Holi festival, which showcase the vibrant traditions and customs of Rajasthan.

If you visit Mandawa, make sure to explore the local markets, where you can find traditional handicrafts, artwork, and colorful textiles. The town is also known for its tie and dye fabrics, lacquer work, and beautiful miniature paintings.

It is a must-visit destination for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of India.                     

Jodhpur

Jodhpur is a city located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is the second-largest city in the state and is often referred to as the "Blue City" due to the blue-painted houses in the older part of the city. Jodhpur is known for its rich history, magnificent palaces, and vibrant culture.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Jodhpur is the Mehrangarh Fort. Perched on a hilltop, this impressive fort offers panoramic views of the city. The fort's intricate architecture, expansive courtyards, and well-preserved museum showcasing royal artifacts make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

Another famous attraction in Jodhpur is the Umaid Bhawan Palace, an architectural marvel that serves as both a museum and a luxury hotel. Built during the reign of Maharaja Umaid Singh, it is one of the largest private residences in the world. The palace's fascinating blend of Indo-Saracenic and Art Deco styles attracts visitors from all over the world.

The old part of Jodhpur, known as the "Walled City," is a maze of narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Here, you can explore the vibrant markets, such as the Sardar Market, where you can find handicrafts, textiles, and traditional Rajasthani jewelry. The Clock Tower in the center of the market is a popular landmark and a great spot to get a panoramic view of the city.

Jodhpur is also famous for its traditional Rajasthani cuisine. You can savor the flavors of the region by trying delicacies like dal bati churma, mirchi vada, and gatte ki sabzi. The city's culinary scene offers a delightful mix of spicy and savory dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

During your visit to Jodhpur, you can also experience the local culture by witnessing folk dances, music performances, and colorful festivals like the Marwar Festival and the Nagaur Fair. These events showcase the rich heritage and traditions of Rajasthan.

Jodhpur's proximity to the Thar Desert makes it an excellent base for exploring the desert region. You can take camel safaris or jeep tours to experience the vast sand dunes, rustic villages, and the unique desert lifestyle.

In summary, Jodhpur is a captivating city that offers a blend of history, architecture, culture, and desert landscapes. Its majestic forts, vibrant markets, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Rajasthani experience.

Jaisalmer

 Jaisalmer is a city located in the westernmost part of the state of Rajasthan in India. It is nicknamed the "Golden City" due to the yellow sandstone used in its architecture, which gives it a golden hue. Jaisalmer is known for its magnificent forts, havelis (traditional Rajasthani mansions), and intricately carved temples.

The most famous attraction in Jaisalmer is the Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila (Golden Fort). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world. The fort stands atop Trikuta Hill and offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Thar Desert.

Another popular attraction in Jaisalmer is the Patwon Ki Haveli, a cluster of five grand havelis constructed by wealthy Jain merchants in the 19th century. These havelis showcase exquisite architecture and intricate carvings, reflecting the opulent lifestyle of the merchants during that time.

Jaisalmer is also a gateway to the Thar Desert, where tourists can experience a desert safari. Camel rides and camping in the sand dunes are popular activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the desert.

The city also hosts the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, an annual event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. This three-day festival is a vibrant extravaganza featuring folk music and dance performances, camel races, turban tying competitions, and other traditional activities.

Jaisalmer has a unique charm that captivates tourists from around the world. Its architectural marvels, cultural richness, and breathtaking desert landscapes make it an enchanting destination to explore.

Udaipur

Udaipur is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes. Often referred to as the "City of Lakes" or the "Venice of the East," Udaipur is famous for its beautiful lakes, palaces, and vibrant culture. City Palace: A magnificent palace complex that offers panoramic views of the city and its lakes. It is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.

• Lake Pichola: One of the most picturesque lakes in Udaipur, it is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, and bathing ghats. Boat rides on Lake Pichola are a popular activity.

• Jag Mandir: Situated on an island in Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir is an elegant palace with beautiful gardens, courtyards, and marble structures.

• Jagdish Temple: A large and artistically significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in the City Palace complex.

• Saheliyon Ki Bari: Translated as the "Garden of the Maidens," this historic garden is adorned with fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and a delightful lotus pool.

• Fateh Sagar Lake: Another scenic lake in Udaipur, surrounded by hills and featuring three islands, including Nehru Park.

• Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace): Perched on a hill, this palace offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and is particularly famous for its stunning sunset views.

• Shilpgram: A rural arts and crafts complex that showcases the traditional arts and crafts of Rajasthan.

Ajmer

• Ajmer Sharif Dargah: The most famous landmark in Ajmer, it is the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a revered Sufi saint. The Dargah attracts pilgrims from various faiths.

• Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra: A historical mosque that was originally built as a Sanskrit college in the 12th century and later converted into a mosque.

• Ana Sagar Lake: A scenic artificial lake, built by Anaji Chauhan, the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan. It offers a peaceful environment and boat rides.

• Taragarh Fort (Ajmer Fort): Situated on a hill, this fort provides panoramic views of Ajmer and its surroundings.

• Mayo College: One of the oldest and most prestigious schools in India, known for its architecture and educational legacy.

• Nareli Jain Temple: A stunning Jain temple complex with a series of marble temples dedicated to different Jain Tirthankaras.

• Akbari Fort and Museum: Built by Emperor Akbar, the fort houses a museum that displays artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Ajmer.

Pushkar

Pushkar is a sacred town located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is known for its religious significance, vibrant culture, and the famous Pushkar Camel Fair. Pushkar Lake: The town is centered around Pushkar Lake, considered one of the holiest lakes in India. Pilgrims believe that a dip in the sacred lake during the Kartik Purnima festival cleanses them of their sins. The lake has ghats (steps) where devotees perform rituals.

• Brahma Temple: Pushkar is one of the very few places in the world where you can find a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator in Hinduism. The Brahma Temple is an important pilgrimage site and is visited by devotees from various parts of the country.

• Pushkar Camel Fair: This is one of the most famous and vibrant events in Pushkar, usually held in November. The fair attracts traders, pilgrims, and tourists from around the world. It is known for its colorful cultural events, camel races, and a large livestock market.

• Savitri Temple: Located on a hill, the Savitri Temple offers panoramic views of Pushkar and its surroundings. It is dedicated to Goddess Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma.

• Pushkar Bazaar: The bustling bazaar around the Pushkar Lake is a great place to explore. It offers a variety of items such as jewelry, clothes, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The markets are especially lively during the Camel Fair.

• Rangji Temple: A unique temple with a South Indian style of architecture dedicated to Lord Rangji, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

• Varaha Temple: Another significant temple in Pushkar, dedicated to Lord Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

• Gurudwara Singh Sabha: A Sikh Gurudwara located near Pushkar Lake, reflecting the diversity of religious sites in the town.

Mount Abu

Mount Abu is a hill station and the only hill station in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. It is located in the Aravalli Range, near the border with Gujarat. Known for its pleasant climate, scenic landscapes, and cultural attractions.

Dilwara Temples: Renowned for their intricate marble carvings, the Dilwara Temples are a group of five Jain temples dedicated to various Tirthankaras. These temples are considered among the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites.

• Nakki Lake: A serene and picturesque lake in the heart of Mount Abu, surrounded by hills and rock formations. Boating is a popular activity on Nakki Lake.

• Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary: Spread over a significant area, this sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can spot wildlife such as the Indian leopard, sloth bear, and a variety of bird species.

• Guru Shikhar: The highest peak in the Aravalli Range, Guru Shikhar provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The summit is home to the Guru Dattatreya Temple.

• Achalgarh: A historical fort and temple complex, Achalgarh offers a blend of architectural beauty and scenic views. The Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple and the Mandakini Lake are notable attractions within the fort.

• Sunset Point and Honeymoon Point: Popular spots to witness the breathtaking sunset views over the Aravalli Range.

• Toad Rock: A rock formation that resembles a toad, located near Nakki Lake. It's a popular spot for trekking and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

• Mount Abu Bazaar: The local market is a great place to shop for handicrafts, textiles, and traditional Rajasthani items.