With the increasing demands of the daily lives and the commitment to work, we often forget to live a little bit for ourselves. The in-between moments of time, away from the hustle-bustle of the city lives is what make up the stories, which we find ourselves telling around for years. Here are some astonishing weekend getaways around Jaipur that will instil a little more life to the moments that matter the most.
1. Ajmer
Popularly known for its pilgrimage of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s Dargah Sharif, Ajmer is 135 km away from Jaipur. The place is visited daily by a lot of tourists and people from all religions. Ajmer is also an important part of the Medieval Indian History. The guarding fort of Taragarh is considered to be one of the oldest forts built on hill in India. Apart from this, some Jain temples and Hindu temples are also of prime importance. The place also has Anasagar Lake and Lake Foy Sagar that adds to its overall beauty.
2. Bhangarh
About 85 km from Jaipur is this small village of Bhangarh that is famous for its historical ruins. The village has a beautiful fort that is ruined and is considered to be haunted. The legends have all sorts of stories about the place and it has become a curious tourist spot. The fort doors close post sunset as it is said to be unsafe in the fort after dusk. There are two temples in the fort, one of Lord Shiva other of Lord Hanuman. The place usually is beaming with visitors throughout the day.
3. Pushkar
145 km away from Jaipur is this religious town of Pushkar. The city is a basically a narrow and a small-sized town that has grown really popular among the people. Pushkar is famous for having a temple that is devoted to Lord Brahma, not many temples in the world. Also with a lake that is said to be religious importance, it was more than 50 ghats where religious ceremonies take place. The hums of the prayers and the colourful bazaars of Pushkar will add some more hues to your life.
4. Samode Palace
If you are looking for a royal luxurious yet a quiet getaway amongst the nature then your retreat is just about 40 km from Jaipur. It is the time to pamper you with a relaxed session of a spa or watching quiet sunsets behind the Aravalis or enchantingly staring at the uneven walls of the in the laziness of the weekend.
5. Alwar
Alwar city lies in the hilly regions of the Aravali range and is separated by Jaipur by 153 km. The city is infected with its rich culture and heritage. With lakes, forts, havelis, museums and beautiful temples the place is adored by the tourists. The Alwar fort has six gates and has been named differently, while the City palace and the Vijaya Mandir speak volumes about the architecture of the medieval era. The place is also known for its olive plantations.
6. Neemrana
About 150 km away from Jaipur, on the borders of Rajasthan is this stunning hamlet-cum-industrial hub of Neemrana. If you want to spend your day away from the busyness of the city life, drive in here. The place has a beautiful fort, now a heritage hotel that gives you a quiet weekend in the laps of luxury. You can also indulge in activities like zip-lining to give your adrenaline a rush and watch this beautiful 15th century fort with an eagle’s view or admire the quiet yet captivating sunsets from the fort terraces.
7. Ranthambore
If you want to experience some wild then this sanctuary is just 153 km away from Jaipur. The Ranthambore sanctuary gives a beautiful experience of watching the animals in their natural habitat. A jeep safari in the jungle is the best option to spot animals like leopard, hyena, blue bull and chital apart from the tigers.
8. Shekhawati
Getting its name from its Rajput rulers called the Shekhawats, Shekhawati is 110 km away from Jaipur. Also known as the ‘Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan’ the place has a lot of havelis, forts and historical places. Also mentioned in the Mahabharata a several times the place is also considered to be of religious importance as it is believed that some Hindu and Vedic texts were written here. Nadine Prince Haveli, Poddar Haveli Museum, Morarka Haveli Museum and the Khetri Mahal are the places of interest in the region. If you want to spend your weekend amongst the painted hues you can zero in here.
9. Bharatpur
The “Eastern gateway to Rajasthan’ or Bharatpur lies 181 km away from Jaipur. The place is famous for its bird sanctuary. Getting its name from the fourth son of Raja Dashrath the city was built by Maharaja Suraj Mal. There is a large forest area in the region where a lot of migratory birds find their home in the winter season and are an enchanting sight to watch. The city also has forts and palaces that heavily reflect the medieval era.
10. Sariska
Sariska, 150 km from Jaipur, is well known for its wildlife sanctuary. The place is declared under the Tiger Reserve project and the sanctuary is home to animals like golden jackal, hyena, leopard, tiger and birds like golden back, kingfisher and woodpecker. The city also has temples, forts and palaces that attract the tourists and are a reflection of a grounded lifestyle.
Life is not about the how long you have lived but more about how many times have you actually felt alive. So pack your bags and explore what nature has to offer.