Friday, August 28, 2015

In and around the pink city

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, embodies the vibrant spirit and culture of the state. The hotels in Jaipur are always packed with tourists as people from across the globe are fascinated by the rich legacy of the ‘pink city’. Its main city attractions apart, Jaipur also makes for a great getaway destination with exciting places located a stone’s throw away. Following is a list of little known places in and around this lively city that you cannot afford to miss out on:

Jamwa Ramgarh: At a distance of about 40 km from Jaipur lies the artificial lake of Jamwa Ramgarh Tal. If you are craving tranquillity, you shall certainly find it here. The mesmerising lake is placed between hills carpeted with trees. Enjoy a boat ride in the lake and admire the picturesque beauty of the surroundings.

Sanganer: Situated approximately 16 km away from Jaipur, Sanganer is known for its handmade paper and textile printing industry. The local block printers and artisans specialise in floral and block prints. Other tourist attractions of the place are its exquisite Jain temples, for example the 'Shri Digambar Jain Temple'. Jaipur Airport is also located in the town of Sanganer.



Ranthambore National Park: Located 130 kms from Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is a famous tiger reserve of India. The rugged beauty of the place makes it a favourite among wildlife enthusiasts and regular tourists alike. Spread over 392 square kms, the forested area consisting of rivers, grasslands, and cliffs is a sanctuary of wild beasts including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, and sambar.



Bagru: Bagru is a small town, located at a distance of 30 km from Jaipur, on the Jaipur-Ajmer Road. It does not boast any regal palaces or forts, but owes its fame to the distinct wooden prints and hand block printing with vegetable dyes created by local artisans here. These prints of Bagru are renowned all over the country by the name of Bagru prints.


Neemrana: Midway on the Jaipur-Delhi highway, nestled in the Aravali Hills, lie the ruins of the vanquished kingdom of Nimola Meo. The major attraction of the place, barring the fort, is the ancient step well. Adventure buffs can indulge in activities like zipping-flying here. People from Jaipur as well as Delhi flock to this weekend getaway.



Karauli: Situated 182 km from Jaipur, this town is a must-visit for its annual cattle fair held in February. It is also famous because of the Kaila Devi Temple, Madan Mohan Ji Temple and the Bhanwar Vilas Palace, which now exists as a heritage hotel.  Kaila Devi game sanctuary, a part of the Ranthambore Game Preserve, is also worth a visit.