Mahindra Homestays » Historic Monuments

Sindhudurg Fort, Maharashtra

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 20:00:55 +0000

India is full of interesting historical forts. A beautiful and well preserved example is the spectacular Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra, looking out over the Arabian Sea.

HISTORY
Sindhudurg Fort was built in 1664 by King Shivaji. The strategic rocky island location was carefully chosen to counter foreign forces, and to keep the nearby villages in check.

Located 510kms south of Mumbai and 130kms north of Goa the construction was done under the supervision of Hiroji Indulkar, an able architect. It is said that Shivaji invited 100 Portuguese experts from Goa for the construction of the fort and that 3000 workers were employed round the clock for three years to build Sindhudurg.

After Shivaji, Sindhudurg passed through the hands of Rajaram-Tarabai, Angres, Peshwa and the Bhosales of Kolhapur. It was briefly captured by the British in 1765 Ad And was renamed by them as ‘Fort Augustus’. Later in 1818 AD, the British dismantled the fort’s defence structures.

STRUCTURE
The 48 acre Sindhudurg fort has a four km long zigzag line of a 9 metres high and 3 metres wide rampart with 42 bastions.

The fort is approachable from the Malavan pier by a boat through a narrow navigable channel between two smaller islands of Dhontara and Padmagad. The main gate, flanked by massive bastions, faces the city.

One of the most interesting features of this port is that the design of main door is an enigma, a hallmark of Maratha Architecture of fort building so that the entry can’t be located by attacking forces. The technique was so deceptive that the entrance was concealed due to blind curves. The zigzag pattern of outer wall was so built that the enemy would be visible from any point inside the fort and the troops inside could fire their guns and cannons effectively.

INTERESTING FACTS AND ATTRACTIONS INSIDE THE FORT

Shivaji’s palm and footprints are preserved here on dried lime slabs in a tower. Inside the Fort, temples of Bhavanimata, Shambhu Mahadev, Jirimiri, Mahapurush and Shivajeshwar are worth seeing, all of which are in good condition.
Chatrapati Shivaji’s younger son Rajaram in his remembrance built this temple. Shivaji’s idol stands in a boatman’s attire inside the temple and probably only one of its’ kind in the country – where the image of Shivaji is without a beard.
Outside the southern wall there is a small beach, called Ranichi Vela (Queen’s private beach), where Queen Tarabai, daughter-in law of Shivaji, used to enjoy her sea-bath.
Inside the fort there are three wells of drinkable water, which is a nature’s marvel as sea surrounds the fort on all four sides.
On a rocky island between Sindhudurg and the coast stood the small fort of Padmagad, now in ruins. It acted as a shield for Sindhudurg and was also used for shipbuilding
The fort also houses a coconut tree which has a branch and also gives fruit. (No other coconut tree has a branch.)
There is a hidden passage that starts in a temple that looks like a water reservoir and goes under the island for 3 km, under the sea for 12 km, and from there 12 km to a nearby village. The tunnel was used as an escape route for the women if the enemy entered the fort. However, the British partially closed this passage after the fort was abandoned.

Bagore ki Haveli, Udaipur

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:00:12 +0000

Located in the city of Udaipur, Bagore ki Haveli is a beautiful mansion built during the 18th century. It has now been converted into a Museum. Its splendid architecture, delicate carvings, and excellent glass work make it one of India’s most beautiful museums.

History
Bagore ki Haveli has been built by Amir Chand Badwa who used to be the Chief Minister at Mewar Royal Court. After his demise it came into possession of the Mewar State. In the year 1878 the Haveli was made residenc e of Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore and that is how it derives its name. Unfortunately, as the years passed, the mansion was left vacant for a period of 50 years and during this period it started to dilapidate. In 1986, the building was handed over to the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC). The WZCC in consultation with the members of the Royal Family and some experts has managed to restore the mansion in its former glory.

About the Haveli
The Haveli houses 138 rooms and has numerous corridors & balconies, courtyards and terraces. A visit to this Haveli gives a glimpse of the lives of the royalty. One can view the private quarters of the royal ladies : their bedrooms, living rooms, worship and recreation rooms. Also put up for display are jewellery boxes, dice games, rose water sprinklers, copper vessels amongst other knick knacks native to the Royalty.

Not to Miss
Every evening between 7 and 8 pm the Haveli stages a beautiful and traditional performance known an “Dharohar” It is a musical concert combining 7 traditional Rajasthani folk dances. Its a great experience to enjoy the live dances and puppetry shows. Commentary for the show is in both English as well as Hindi.

This museum also houses the biggest turban in Asia having a length of 451 metres and a width of 82 inches.

Entry Fee & Opening Times
Bagore ki Haveli is open to visitors from 9 : 30am to 7pm. The entry fee is Rs 25. However, please check the rates before entering as they may be subject to change.

Best Season to visit
The best months to visit Udaipur are between September and March, as it gets rather hot during the Summer months.

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Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 23:24:39 +0000

Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur is a beautiful monument giving a sneak peek into India’s rich cultural history. Easily one of India’s most beautiful forts, it is tall and imposing in an almost invincible manner. So colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants”. Today it has the distinction of being acknowledged as the finest living example of a Hindu fortress.

Our visitor guide gives you a run down of it’s history and all the essential information you need to plan your visit.

History
The foundation of the majestic Mehrangarh fort was laid down by the Rajput Ruler, Rao Jodha in 1459. History has it that at the time of foundation of the fort on the hill named “Bahuchera” there was only one single inhabitant, a loner named Cheeria Nathji. Upset at being forced to move Cheeria Nathji cursed the Rajput Ruler “Jodha! May your citadel ever suffer a scarcity of water!”. Rao Jodha managed to appease the hermit by building a house and a temple in the fort very near to the cave that the hermit had used for meditation. However even to this date the area suffers from a draught every 3-4 years. Although the Fort was made by King Rao Jodha, it has major contributions by successive rulers of Jodhpur .More information about the history of the fort can be found in books such as “The house of Marwar” by Dhananajaya Singh.

About the Fort
The Mehrangarh Fort has several gates, which had observed the many battles fought in ancient times. One of the gates is “Jayapol”, put up by Maharaja Man Singh to mark his triumphs over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Another gate, “Fattehpol”, was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh as a festivity for conquering the Mughals.

The “Lohapol” located near the area where the wives of war martyrs observed ‘Jauhar’, by throwing themselves in the holy fire of their husband’s pyre, and the “Surajpol” which leads to the museum, are some of the attractive gates inside the Mehrangarh Fort.

Other attractions of Mehrangarh Fort include beautiful palaces and large open courtyards inside the fort. One of the palaces is the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), which holds the imperial throne, the Sringar Chowki. It is the place where the royal ladies held gatherings. The Phool Mahal was the palace where royal dances took place. The stained glasses not only preserve the glitter of the gold plated ceiling but also enhances the regal beauty of it.

The Sheesh Mahal has intricate mirror-works with dazzling mosaic of mirrors on its walls and ceilings. The palaces inside the Mehrangarh Fort with their undeniable lure, and the fort, with its mighty and imposing structure, is the finest example of the hard work and skills of the Jodhpuri sculptors.

The Mehrangarh Fort also has a museum. This museum exhibits fine galleries and exquisite rooms with a wide display of lavish royal elephant carriages, palanquins, small canons, thrones, paintings, and even a giant tent. It also has an enthralling but very lethal weapons gallery.

Best Time to visit
The best time to visit the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is between October and March when the weather is cold and dry, with temperatures going down to 12 degrees Celsius.

Mehrangarh Fort Timings
The Mehrangarh Fort is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and is open to the public all 365 days of the year.

Mehrangarh Fort Entry Fees
Ticket costs are Rs. 220 for Indians and Rs. 250 for foreigners including admission, camera and audio guide. Please check the rates before entering as they may be subject to change. Taking the audio tour or hiring a guide is highly recommended to make the most of this experience. For further details visit www.mehrangarh.org

While you are visiting …
When in Jodhpur you should also visit the Balsammand Palace which was the summer pavilion of Maharaja Sur Singh of Jodhpur. Another interesting stop would be Mandore a town 9kms from Jodhpur. It used to be the ancient capital of the Mewar and makes for a good excursion.

Temples of Osian, Jodhpur

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:06:37 +0000

The Jain centric temple town of Osian (Osiyan) is located in the Jodhpur District of Rajasthan, situated about 60 kms from Jodhpur. An oasis in the Thar Desert, the town is celebrated for its Brahamanical and Jain temples from the 8th to 11th century.

Despite getting a steady supply of tourists through the year the temple town is not on the usual travel circuitbut is an easy detour from Jodhpur.

The cluster of 16 temples is an impressive one, some are particularly exquisite in architecture and grandeur; Sun Temple, Kali Temple, Sachiya Mata Temple and the main Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavir.

Largely a pilgrim centre for Jains, you can also see other visitors interested in the history. The main Mahavir temple dates back to 783 A.D. This temple is dedicated to the last Jain prophets. The exterior carvings on the temple wall are a little uncharacteristic from the otherwise austere Jain architecture. The rest of the sand-stone structure comprises of ornate pillars, mandapa and balconied windows.

The Sachiya Mata temple is reached by traversing large arches which are intensely carved. It is said that the shrine was constructed in 1178 A.D. There are two more temples in the complex: Chandi Ka Mandir and the Amba Mata Mandir.

The third most important temple is the Surya temple, dedicated to the Sun God. The inner complex houses statues of Ganesh and Durga as well.

The 9th century Pippala Devi temple and the Vishnu temple also present great workmanship and devotion. Look out for the meaningful stories displayed in the carvings as you see all the temples. It’s recommended to get a guide for better understanding and contextualisation of visual presentations.

The fact that this little hamlet is such a hot-spot for history makes it a great addition to the itinerary. You can see the evolution of the temples over the centuries. The golden sand dunes provide a particularly dramatic backdrop to the temples of Osian.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Entry: Free
Opening times: Dawn to Dusk
How to get there: Osian is just off the highway from Jodhpur to Bikaner. It also has easy access from Jaisalmer and Khimsar.
Where to stay: There is very little accommodation in Osian itself and most visitors choose to stay in Jodhpur and visit as part of a day trip. See accommodation in Jodhpur.
When to go: Due to the heat of the summer November to March is the most comfortable time to visit Osian
While you are there: Take a camel safari into the desert

Taragarh Fort, Rajasthan

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 23:43:39 +0000

Rajasthan is known for its royal grandeur which still exists in every part of the state in its forts and palaces. They are not only the cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur; illustrious forts are sprinkled all over Rajasthan. The city of Bundi is also known for some impressive structures, especially the Taragarh fort, also known as ‘star fort’. The fort is about 40 kms from Kota and though it’s not well maintained, its weathered walls still tell fascinating stories of yore.

The fort was built in 1354 AD and was in a vantage position being in the centre of Rajasthan. Even though the fort is not really well kept, there are a few remains of the three large reservoirs where water was stored in case of a siege. There were three gateways to the fort, well known as Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ka Phatak. These still exist at the fort. The fort’s main entrance is a considerable distance away from Kota and has intricate carvings of elephants on it.

Taragarh Fort was renowned for its tunnels crisscrossing the entire hillside for easy escape – an architectural marvel. However, these tunnels have probably filled up and are not accessible anymore. Also, people are wary of venturing in due to lack of maps. The fort is well worth a visit for the wonderful view of Kota city or just to get lost amongst the ruins and structures. The city looks marvellous in the early hours of the morning or the nights when the lights come on.

Another thing to look out on your way to Taragarh is the Prithvi Raj Smarak, a memorial dedicated to the last Hindu emperor of India.

How to get there – The nearest airports to Kota are in Jaipur and Udaipur, which are further connected well from other key cities of India. Overnight buses and trains also ply in between Rajasthan towns, so if you are already in the state, these might be better options.

Best season to go – As most of Rajasthan, the most pleasant time to visit this region is from October to March.

Entry Fee and Timings – There are no entry fees or timings of the fort. You can visit anytime of the day. The details of the Prithvi Raj Smarak are 7 A.M. to 9 P.M and entry fee Rs.2/-.

Planning a trip to Rajasthan – Check out our Rajasthan homestay collection and get in touch (or leave us a comment) if you would like help in planning an itinerary to take in the main sights of this royal state.

Khajurao Temples

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:00:43 +0000

The heart of the country is home to one of the many architectural wonders that make India extremely rich in heritage and culture. The famous Khajurao set of temples lie in the state of Madhya Pradesh, enchanting thousands of tourists each year, who venture here to see the famed erotic sculptures. A UNESCO World Heritage site, these temples are one of the top attractions of the country.

History
In the 10th to 12th centuries, the city of Khajurao was home to a certain clan of the royal Rajputs – the Chandelas! The Chandelas are said to have been the creators of these fantastic temples that depict daily life in the sculptors. It took 200 years to build the structure and the Chandelas made Khajurao their cultural capital. Though they ruled from another region, this always remained the seat of culture.

About the Temples
The sandstone structures are grouped in three geographical divisions – western, eastern and southern. Though made out of sandstone, not a single mortar was said to be used while building these. Stones were placed together with the help of mortise and tenon joints and held together with the help of gravity. There were originally 80 temples, of which only about 25 are still standing. These are scattered over an area of 20 kms.

The deities inside the sanctum were never flanked by any erotic sculptures. These were part of the depiction on the outer walls about daily life or probably inclining people to leave sexual desires outside the temple. Many theories have developed as to the display of these in a comparatively conservative society like India.

Not to Miss
The light and sound show is organised every day at the Khajurao Temples which is a good way to understand the history and orient yourself to the place. The show is held on both English and Hindi.

The Khajurao Dance Festival is a rapidly growing attraction for many. The festival is organised in February.

Entry Fee
Indians need to pay Rs 10/- to enter the temple complex and the fee is US$5.00 for foreign nationals. However, please check the rates before entering as they may be subject to change.

Timing
The temples open at sunrise and close after the sun sets.

Best Season to Go
Located in the heart of the nation, Khajurao gets very hot during the summers. The best time to visit ifs between October and March.

How to get there
The best way to get to Khajurao, other than a direct flight to Khajurao Airport, is by train. Agra is will connected to Khajurao by two regular trains. The other connection to Khajurao is via Jhansi, where you will have to travel by the road. It takes approximately 4 hours on this route.

Other Things to Do
This region can well be called the wildlife hub of India, as three major national parks are situated here. Spend some time by extending your itinerary to cover Panna, Kanha and Bandhavgarh. Another interesting place off Khajurao is Orchha, a city of forts and grandeur.

Where to Stay
See our Khajurao homestay collection for some excellent accommodation choices in the area.

The Mighty Old Fort in Delhi

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:57:25 +0000

Delhi can well be called the city of ‘monumental landmarks’ – quite literally! Out of the plenty that are sprinkled in the city, there are few that have stood the test of time and have witnessed the country’s growth over several decades, including the mighty Old Fort. Sitting in the heart of city, the Old Fort has an impressive backdrop. Directly translated from its Indian name, ‘Purana Qila’, it was founded by the Mughal King, Humayun in the middle of the 14th century.

The Structure and it’s History:
The mighty walls of the fort are about 18 meters high and run for 1.5 kilometres peripherally. It has three entrances – Bara Darwaza, Humayun’s Gate and the Talaqi Gate. The structure is primarily made of sandstone representative of the material used in other structures built under the regime of Humayun. White and coloured marble inlays have been used in places to give it deign interest. Parts of the fort reek of Mughal grandeur where architecture is concerned. This is seen in the elaborate balconies and pavilions.

It is said that Humayun built the qila as a refuge for the learned men for all Islamic sects. It was also known as the city of Dinpanah or ‘Refuge of the Faithful’! It is said that eminent thinkers used the venue for discussions on theology under the patronage of the emperor.

Purana Qila and the Modern Topography of Delhi:
During the Commonwealth Games, the Old Fort was one of the few monuments that were illuminated in the evenings to make the cityscape look impressive. If one went down Mathura Road during the games, the qila was brightly lit, making a resplendent setting.

Given that the fort is open to public all days, do not be surprised to see this monument double up as a venue for young couples and families to spend time.

Opening Times:
The summer timings of the Qila are 12.00 p.m to 7.00 p.m. In the winters, the timings change to 11.00 p.m to 6.00 p.m. Do check the timings before entry. The Purana Qila is open on all days

Entry Fee:
The fees for Indian citizens is Rs 5/- and for foreign nationals it is Rs 100/-. (These might be subject to change so please check at the counter).

What to See:
The light and sound show at the Purana Qila is choreographed to tell the story of the empire of seven cities within Delhi and the highlights the important features of the fort. This is a great way to add context to your trip instead of just seeing the structure. The show is held daily after sunset.

Find out more about Delhi and check out our list of attractions and sights to see in Delhi

The romantic Lake Palace, Udaipur

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:00:14 +0000

Visitors might remember the romantic Lake Place set amidst the calm waters of Lake Pichola in Udaipur from the classic Bond movie, Octopussy. Now a luxury hotel it is a must see on every visitors itinerary.

Lake Palace, Udaipur
The famous Lake Palace of Udaipur, now a luxury hotel, resonates with the royal grandeur and magnificence that Rajasthan stands for. If visiting Udaipur, the Lake Palace is a must on the itinerary.

The Jag Niwas, as the palace was named, was once the architectural muse for the Maharani of Udaipur, served as the summer palace to the Mewar dynasty. The Maharana of Jaipur, along with his devoted affection for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan also let the friendship reap an inspiration for this palace, from the incomparable architectural prowess buildings in Agra.

About the Palace
The Lake Palace has a series of courtyards that are aligned with numerous columns, terraces, beautiful fountains and well laid gardens.

The east facing palace was made in such a manner that the inhabitants could pray to the Sun God early in the morning. With its vantage position in the middle of the lake, it also served as a cool haven in the summers. Till date, the palace exhibits a grand impression with its exquisite patterns, sculptures, large columns and ornamental roof.

The inaccessibility with the vast Lake Pichola spread about it, adds to the charm of the structure.

Even though Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes, with five prominent lakes in the city, the Lake Palace has made the Pichola Lake the most famous destination. The other lakes to see are Fateh Sagar Lake, Rangsagar Lake, Swaroopsagar Lake and Dudh Talai Lake.

In the beginning of the 19th century, the weathered condition of the Lake Palace and the ardous upkeep began to show. This was true not only for this structure but the other lake based buildings too. This is when the palace went under a restoration process to bring back its former glory.

Lake Palace is now a luxury hotel, part of the Taj Hotels chain, consisting of 83 rooms and suites.

Sightseeing
Non-guests are able to sometimes experience the magic of the palace during the quieter season when the hotel sometimes accepts outside reservations for lunch and dinner. The best way to get close to appreciate it’s glory is with a boat ride on Lake Pichola, a fantastic experience in itself. Boat rides depart hourly from Rameshwar Chat in the City Palace Gardens (adult/child Rs.200/100 or 30 minutues or Rs.300/150 for 1 hour). Please note prices are given as a guide only and are liable to change.

How to get there
Udaipur is well connected from the capital city of Delhi by train and flights. The airport is situated about 20 kms outside the city. The city lies on the Golden Quadrilateral National Highway and is well connected by road too. Once you are at the edge of the Lake Pichola, to take a boat to reach Lake Palace in Udaipur.

Best Time to Go
Though any season is made comfortable for a visitor, if you are planning to head out to other tourist destinations of Udaipur, the period of October to February is the best. It is worth coinciding your visit with the Shilpgram Festival which takes place in December, organised to promote art and craft of Rajasthan.

Don’t Miss
Other enticing sites to visit are Jag Mandir, Kumbalgarh Sanctuary, Bagore Ki Haveli, Shilpgram Museum, Ahar Museum, City Palace and Saheliyon Ki Bari.

Where to Stay
The premium price of actually staying at the Lake Palace may be beyond the reach of most travellers but the beauty of the lake and it’s surrounds can be enjoyed by all. Balunda House in Udaipur has four spacious suites, a lush lawn and two common areas for guests to enjoy and can help arrange sightseeing around the city.

The spectacular Mysore Palace

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 03:00:08 +0000

With the spectacular Mysore Palace and many smaller glorious structures it is only appropriate that Mysore in the Southern state of Karnataka is known as the City of Palaces. Our visitors guide gives you all the details you need to plan your sightseeing.

A trip to the city of Mysore gives travellers the chance to visit the glorious past of Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali, who put up a great fight against the British rule and were responsible for laying the foundation of places like Bangalore and Mysore over four decades. As the seat of power for the father-son duo and then later the Wodeyar King, Mysore is a historian’s delight.

Apart from the Jaganmohana Palace, the Jayalakshmi Vilas, Lalitha Mahal, Chamundeshwari Temple and St. Philomena’s Church, the biggest attraction of the Mysore is the Ambavilas Palace or better known as the Mysore Palace.

How to get there
The city of Mysore is about 4 hours from Bangalore and can be accessed by road and rail conveniently. Mysore also has its own airport now but has limited flights at the moment.

About the Palace
Standing just after Taj Mahal in statistics, the palace has seen over 2.7 million visitors. It serves as the residential quarters of the erstwhile royal family, Wodeyars. The first palace of the royal family was built in the 14th century but was demolished and subsequently rebuilt & expanded many times over till 1940. The Mysore palace saw a lot of restructuring due to inevitable circumstances like being struck by lightning, a fire in the later years and of course by Tipu Sultan. The current style of the palace is shaped by British architect, Henry Irwin, who was commissioned by Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhna.

Following the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, the building brings together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. The palace is a three storied structure built of gray granite with deep pink marble. An impressive sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck, and abundance with her elephants stands on the central arch of the palace.

Dussehra
Dusherra is the most important festival of the city of Mysore, and the palace becomes a focal point of all cultural activities that are showcased on this day. The ten day festival is presided over by the King. On the tenth day of Vijaya Dashami, an extensive parade with elephants and local floats passes through a well guarded city. The festival commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon, Mahishasur.

Entry Fee
International visitors are charged Rs 200 while national tourists have to pay an entry fee of Rs 20/-. Cameras are not allowed inside, but you can capture the grand structure from the gates. (This information is subject to change).

Opening Times and Days
The palace is open on all days from 10.00 a.m to 5.30 p.m. On Sundays, national holidays and Dusherra the palace is beautifully lit with strings of light bulbs. The timing of the lit palace is between 7.00 p.m and 8.00 p.m (This information is subject to change).

Best time to Visit
October through February is a good time to visit Karnataka. If planning in October, don’t miss to catch the Dusherra festival.

If you would like your next trip to include some of India’s most famous historic monuments then get in touch and we can help you plan a fantastic itinerary.

An Architectural Extravaganza – The City Palace, Jaipur

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 23:06:41 +0000

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, promises a heady mix of all things Indian – vivid colours, bustling markets, gastronomical delights and most importantly, a walk into history. The city embraces some of the most fantastic monuments in the country and is sprinkled with forts, monuments and structures from the Rajput era. For those who want to take a stroll into the glorious period of Kings and Royalty, this is the place. Out of many such monuments, the City Palace in Jaipur is quite striking. Here is a guide for planning your visit.

History and Architecture
The City Palace was the muse of Sawai Jai Singh II who was responsible to give its initial structure from 1729 to 1732. Later, two able architects Vidyadar Bhattacharya and also the Sawai himself infused the Indian nuances with Mughal and European details to make it one of the most awe inspiring buildings in the city. It was the seat for the ruling King of Jaipur and included the two palace complexes – Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Even now, the City Palace, commands the erstwhile awe and respect from visitors all across the globe.

Apart from the palace complexes, the City Palace houses a museum. The other notable parts of the structure are the Diwan – I – Khas, Pitam Niwas Chowk, Diwan-I-Aam, Maharani’s Palace, Baggi Khana and the Govind Ji Temple. Stories like that of Ishwari Singh (son of Jai Singh) who died after being bitten by a snake and his 21 wives committing ‘sati’ (sitting in the funeral pyre of the husband) still hang heavy in the corridors of the palace. Make sure that you take your time to soak in the history and the legendary stories that reverberate in this magnificent structure.

How to Get There
Jaipur is well connected to Delhi by road and rail, it is not necessary to take a flight as the distance is only 277 kms and it takes not more than 4 hours to reach. The trains are also very convenient and well timed. Within the city, City Palace is quite accessible. Use a cab or local transport like auto rickshaws to get there. Please note that the entry is only from two of the three gates – Virendra Pol and the Udai Pol or the Atish Pol (Stable Gate). The third gate, Tripolia, is reserved for the Royal family.

Best Time to Visit
Weather wise, Jaipur has great weather between the months of October and December. Extreme cold and heat in the respective months are difficult to deal with for some, especially the summers.

Opening Times
The City Palace and the Museum are open between 10.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m on the days of the week. It is only closed on major festivals like Holi, Diwali and other select few. Please check before you plan your trip.

Entry Fees
As almost all historical places in India, the fees for foreign nationals is more than Indians. Foreign National – Rs 150 for adults, Rs 80 for children and Indians – Rs 35 for adults, Rs 20 for children.

Other Tips

There are plenty of guides available at the Palace. Choose a government certified person only as the rates are fixed. One can tip accordingly based on your experience.
The aarti in the Govind Ji Temple can be seen 7 times in the day. Check for the timing before you get in.
Be suitably dressed as a mark of respect. String tops & shorts etc for women are common as Rajasthan is a travel hub, but carry a light stole around the shoulders is recommended for women.

If you would like your next trip to include some of India’s most famous historic monuments then get in touch and we can help you plan a fantastic itinerary. Jaipur is ideally incorporated into a Golden Triangle itinerary taking in some of India’s top sites.