Anuroopa's Jaipur Travel Blog: BEST DAY TRIPS from JAIPUR in 2016

Wanting to take a day trip from Jaipur? You have a galore of options to pick from.

1. ABHANERI: Abhaneri lies 95 kms from Jaipur, On Jaipur-Agra Road and is a 1.5 hr drive. The place is popular for the gorgeous 'Baoris' (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. The village was established by the King Raja Chand. Originally Abhaneri was named as Abha Nagri, which means the city of brightness, but due to mispronunciation of the term, it is changed to the present name.


Abhaneri

2. BHANGARH: The excavated city of Bhangarh was built in the 17th century by Madho Singh. Today, only ruins remain! It is rumored to be a haunted place. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has put up a signboard by the main gate stating (among others): "Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited." The town has many temples. The main temples belong to Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, etc. Apart from the temples there is a famous shrine of the Muslim saint, Sayyed Ji. For more on the legends of Bhangarh, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhangarh


Bhangarh

3. DEEG: Take the NH11& SH22, and Deeg is just 190Km and a 3hrs drive from jaipur. Deeg has some beautiful water palaces. The architecture and engineering genius of the bygone era reflects from each ornamented portion of the palaces. The palaces form a quadrangle, in the center of which is a garden, an oblong space of 145 meters by 107 meters, laid out with flower beds and fountains. To the east & west are large masonry tanks, with another garden on the other side of the western tank beyond the buildings, forming the quadrangle. The building to the north is called the Nand Bhawan. The main building on the west is called Gopal Bhaan and is the largest of all Palaces. On either side of the Gopal Bhawan are two smaller buildings, called the Sawan and Bhadon Bhawans. These buildings including the Gopal Bhawan command a view of the western tank and gardens beyond it. These three palaces, although single storey in the front, have in addition two more floors at the bank. One of the storeys of these palaces is either partially or wholly submerged in water throughout the year. On the southern side of the quadrangle are two palaces facing north.

Deeg is also famous for the three-day fair held in the month of September. Amongst the Palaces of deeg, the most famous is "Sawan-Bhadon". Deeg Palace remains closed on Friday and The 900 fountains,the major attraction of Deeg Palace does not work except on special occasions.

Route Map- jaipur to Deeg

The Palaces


The Deeg Palace

4. KHATUSHYAM: Interested in temples/ pilgrimage, then Khatushyamji is a must visit. The people of Rajasthan, have immense faith in Khatushyamji (one of the deities of rajasthan). A Marwari/ Rajasthani - living whereever in the world visits khatu atleast once in eligioulife. Khatu is a one and a half hour drive from jaipur and gives an opportunity to see the religious side of Rajasthan. For more on Khatushyam, visit: http://www.khatushyam.in/index.php


Jaipur- Khatu-Route Map

5. SALASAR BALAJI: 103 kilometers ahead of Khatu lies Salasar. Salasar Balaji is a religious place for the devotees of Lord Hanuman. It is situated in Churu district of Rajasthan. Salasar Dham attracts innumerable Indian worshipers throughout the year. On Chaitra Purnima and Ashvin Purnima large fairs are organized every year where more than 6 to 7 lakhs of people assemble here to pay their homage to the deity. If your are keen on seeing some temples and seeing the Religious side of Rajasthan, this is a must do. For more on Salasar Balaji, visit: http://www.salasarbalaji.org/


Jaipur-Salasar Route Map

6. MAHANSAR: 180 KM from Jaipur, is the quaint little town- Mahansar- in the Shekahwati region, founded by the shekhawat Thakurs in 1768. Mahansar is known for its hand-painted exquisite murals, heritage havelis, The Raghunath Temple and the Heritage Liquor known as ‘Mahansar wine’.

THINGS TO SEE IN MAHANSAR: Sightseeing in Mahansar takes you down the historical lane, back to the ancient times - Poddar's Gold Shop- Sone channdi ki Dukaan, Raghu Nath Temple, Tola Ram Maskara Ka Mahaphil Khana, Poddar Haveli, Sahaj Ram Poddar Chhatri, Shiv Temple, Poddar Talab, etc are a few things to see. You can also take Camel and Horse rides that help you almost relive the past – straight out of the pages of History books in this age old rural town of Rajasthan.

Hotel Narayan Niwas Castle Mahansar: Built in Phases after it was founded in 1768, the castle is now converted into a hotel with 12 rooms. If your going for a day trip, you can call in advance and book a lunch. The castle has large and airy rooms, arched pillars and intricate paintings on the walls and have been furnished to provide guests with all the necessary comforts. In case you decide to stay, ask to see several rooms before checking in, as some are better than others. Meals are cooked by the Royal family’s chefs. A double room can be available at INR 1500/-

The Narayan Niws Castle


The Mahansar castle

The Fort

Sone Chaandi ki Dukaan, MAHANSAR: As the name suggests, this was a jewellery shop, built in 1846. This It incorporates gold leaf in its intricate paintings. This haveli has three vaulted ceilings; scenes from the Ramayana are painted on the left one, incarnations of Vishnu on the centre one, and scenes from the life of Krishna are to be found on the right one.

Tolaram ki haveli, MAHANSAR: A haveli known for its grandeur till date. Must visit to see the glory of the past.

Tolaram Haveli

Shri Raghunath Temple, MAHANSAR: The Raghunath Temple, dates from the mid-19th Century. It has fine floral arabesques beneath the arches on either side of the courtyard and a very fine facade. Its paintings resembling the Bikaner School of Art.

The raghunath temple

7. JHUNJHUNU: Jhunjhunu lies in the erstwhile core of the Shekhawati Region, Jhunjhunu is an old historical town of Rajasthan. Its about 200 kms from Jaipur and can be done as a day trip. The rural town has given India some of its biggest business dynasties and is known for its grand havelis (buildings), murals, frescos and architectural grandeur of the bygone days.

Things to See in Jhunjhunu: Rani Sati Temple, Bihari Ji Temple, The Modi and Tiberwala Haveli, Badalgarh Fort, Shekhawat Rajput's Chhatris, Mertaniji Ki Baori Chhatris, Khetri Mahal, Forsterganj- A British Establishment, Kamruddin Shah's Dargah, Mukundgarh For.

Rani Sati Temple: Millions of worshippers and followers, not only in India but all over the world come to Jhunjhunu's Rani Sati Temple. Devotees from all over offer their prayers everyday at this 400+ years old temple. The temple boasts colorful wall paintings and has many beautiful murals.

Just Outside the Rani Sati Temple

Badalgarh Fort: Like many other Forts of Rajasthan this too has its own magnificence and character. Perched on top of a rocky hill it is one of the semi ruined forts of the erstwhile Shekhawati era. It was built by Nawab Fazl Khan at the close of the 17th century, but not as a fort but as a stable!

Mertaniji Ki Baori: It is the oldest and the finest step wells of Jhunjhunu and dates back to 1783. This Baori (stepwell) is a beautiful structure with flights of steps descending through arches.

Mukundgarh Fort: This i8th Century property has been now converted into 45 rooms and 4 suites Hotel. Its a gorgeous property and for your day trip, I recommend lunching here.

8. NEEMRANA: 119 kms from Jaipur and just a 2 hour drive is the stunning Neemrana fort. The Fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel. You can go there for a day trip and pre-book the lunch. Explore the property followed by the Flying Fox Zip Tour. The Zip Tour, organised and managed by The Flying Fox is great day trip activity. Anyone aged 10 years or above, over 1.4m height and under 115kgs can take the Zip Tour. Children between 10-15 years need to be supervised but there is no upper age limit! At the onset of the tour the team runs a drill and practice session. You drive to Neemrana and then proceed to the Neemrana Fort. You can head to The Flying Fox’s office and the rest will be taken care of. I recommend pre booking cause there is limit to the number of people they can take. Also the online price is cheaper so its a win win.

There are 5 Zips and it takes 4 hrs because generally there are many others like you. There are 5 Tours everyday. The activity takes an hour. You have to first trek a bit (for the non gym types-its tough) just before the start of your first zip. And so on so forth. Neemrana Fort itself is also a gorgeous property. This 11-tiered Fort-Palace, was built over six acres in the 15th Century. By pre-booking the buffet lunch (Sundays) you can enter and explore the property and enjoy various activities through the day and drive back to jaipur in the evening. For more on things to do at the Neemrana Fort, visit: http://fort-palace.neemranahotels.com/activities