Panchkunda

Royal Cenotaphs
of all the royal chhatris or cenotaphs which were constructed out of dark-red sandstone, six stand out. The oldest ones belong to Raja Maldeo and Udai Singh constructed in the 16th century to the later ones of Sur Singh, Gaj Singh and Jaswant Singh I all built in the 17th century. However it is Ajit Singh’s cenotaph which was built circa 1724 which is the largest along with Jaswant Singh’s which was built around two score years earlier in 1681. Ajit Singh’s cenotaph in particular is a magnificent monument built as it is close-grained freestone.

Ek Thamba Mahal
The Ek Thamba Mahal was built by Raja Ajit Singh during his reign from 1707-24. This pleasure palace was quite possibly his retreat away from Jodhpur when he wanted to get away from it all. The palace amongst other things also houses a zenana (women’s quarters), signifying that the royal women accompanied him during his trips here. It also has a small but picturesque garden and the entrance to the palace via the Ajit Pol.

Hall of Heroes
is a huge hall with magnificent pillars and houses enormous figures of gods and the heroes of Jodhpur. It is also called the Shrine of 300 Million Gods.

Panch Kund

These are some of the minor cenotaphs located a short distance away from the Mandore gardens. The Panch Kund also contains the cenotaphs of the ruling dynasty before the founding of the city of Jodhpur in 1459, when Mandore was the capital of Marwar. Not as impressive as the cenotaphs located at Mandore gardens, they are unmarked, yet they are worth visiting for those with a keen interest in the history of the place.

Road trip to experience in Rajasthan

Rajasthan being rich in heritage and culture, Rajasthan tourism is one of the fav destination for travel lovers.  One of the wide spread state having various cities to cover, Rajasthan you just can't complete all cities in one visit. To experience majority of cities we recommend trying road trips so that you can cover as many as places as possible.

Covering three big cities Udaipur (lake city of Rajasthan), Jodhpur (Blue city or Suncity) and Jaipur (Pink city)

Reach down to Jaipur either by flight or train. 2 days stay at Jaipur where you can go for visit to places like Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar 2, Hawa Mahal, Birla Mandir, Albert Hall, Sisodia Rani Bagh, after completing all the places if time permits you can go for shopping as well Rajasthan kasinda (embroidery work ) is world famous. 

Jaipur

By third day morning leave for Jodhpur in between you can visit Puskar and Ajmer, one whole day for both the cities would be enough Ajmer you can visit Ajmer Sharif Darga and Puskar you can explore various famous temple. By night reach down and have a good nap.

Blue city - Jodhpur

Give three days to Jodhpur where you can visit various places which includes Jaswant Thada, Mehrangarh Fort, Umed Bhawan Palace, Mandor Garder, Kayalana lake, Flying Fox adventure, Rao-Jodha Dessert Park, Balsamnad Lake, Machiya Safari Park, Padamsar-Ranisar,   staying in Jodhpur and if you are foodie don't forget to try Shandar Restaurant, Mishrilal Lassi, Mirch-Bada Kachori and authentic sweets from Jodhpur Sweets. Even you can go for shopping in city area.

After completing your Jodhpur visit leave for Udaipur, in between you can hault for places to visit like Kumbalgarh Fort, Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rohat Fort (must try Rohat Famous Kachori's), Lakshman Sagar, Om Banna Temple.

Kumbalgarh Fort

Once you reach Udaipur again leave 3 days to cover places City Palace, Lake Pichola, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Lake Fatehsagar, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Bagore Ki Haweli, Ambrai Ghat, Monsoon or Sajjangarh Palace, Shilpgram, Vintage car museum, Mansapurna Karni Ropeway, Jaisamand Lake and many more.

Lake Palace, Udaipur

So what you are planning when you leaving for next trip, Rajasthan road trip must try. 

Jaswant Thada - The Taj Mahal of Rajasthan

This milky-white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, sitting above a small lake 1km northeast of Mehrangarh, is an array of whimsical domes. It’s a welcome, peaceful spot after the hubbub of the city, and the views across to the fort and over the city are superb. Built in 1899, the cenotaph has some beautiful jalis (carved-marble lattice screens) and is hung with portraits of Rathore rulers going back to the 13th century.

With the new capital established at Mehrangarh after moving from Mandor, the cenotaph of the royal family of Marwar, wanted new cenotaph. Jaswant  Thada was named after the first royal Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, for whom it was created, built by his son Maharaja Sardar Singh, this memorial also, houses the paintings and pictures of other Marwar Rulers.The cenotaph are quite different from the ones in Mandor. While those were made of earthy red material, these were pure white building. 

Popularly referred to as the “Taj Mahal of Marwar”, Jaswant Thada is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. Considered an epitome of Rajputana architectural style, essentially an amalgam of Mughal and Hindu structural design, it displays lattice work in marble of the finest finesse, reflecting the creative genius and sculptural prowess of the artisans of the time.

The extremely thin sheets of marbles used in the construction of the tomb have been polished in such a manner that they emit a warm glow with a subtle hue as the rays of a dawn Sun gently strikes its surface. The structure, which has a central pyramidical dome surrounded by several smaller domes running along the perimeter of what looks like a terrace, resembles a temple rather than a tomb. The magnificence of the edifice is enhanced by a small lake with crystal clear water, a multi-tiered garden and carved gazebos surrounding it.

Life-size marble statue of Maharaj Jaswant Singh and in Background Mehrangarh Fort

A life-size marble statue of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II seated on a horse welcomes us at the entrance to the cenotaph complex. A flight of impeccable white marble steps brings us to the main memorial which is adorned with artistic sculptures, frescos, domes, pillars and exquisite latticework in marble. On its walls, portraits of several rulers of Jodhpur, dating back from the 13 century, are displayed. The elaborate ornamentation and dancing figures sculpted on the pillars that adorn the monument dedicated to the queens who sacrificed their lives on the pyre of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, are simply breathtaking. Apart from the main tomb, the cenotaph complex also houses three other memorials to successive rulers. An interesting and unique aspect associated with the complex is a memorial to a peacock which is believed to have flown into a funeral pyre.

Getting to Jaswant Thada:

• Jodhpur has its own airport with connectivity to major cities of India. You can also reach Jodhpur by road or rail. 
• Jaswant Thada is situated 1Km away from Mehrangarh Fort, you can hire cab, taxi. 

Travel Tips:

• The entrance fees for this attraction is INR 15 for Indian Citizen and INR 30  for foreign citizens. For still camera INR 25 and for video INR 50.
• Jaswant Thada is open from 9 AM - 5 PM all day. 
• Remember to open footwear before entering the cenotaph building.

Ravana Temple in North-India

Mandor located just 8KM from Jodhpur city, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Mandol having various temple and charming gardens what it attracts the most is the temple of Ravana.

The story goes something like this. The wife of Ravana, Mandodari is believed to be from this very town. What this means is that Ravana is son in law of the Mandore town.

The people of the town actually acknowledge this fact. There is a mysterious cave in Mandore which is believed to be gateway to hell. A lot of people have gone into this cave but failed to find its end.

According to the local legend, this cave is path to hell. They believe that Ravana came to the town from this very cave to marry Mandodari. A lot of people have tried to find the end point of the cave. Some came back after the oxygen level dropped while others could not find the way out and died.

This is why government of India has banned people from entering the cave. A special permission is required to enter the caves. However despite the ban, people who know about this place came to see the cave, even if they can't enter it.

Coming back to the legend, after the marriage of Ravana, some of his relatives are said to have stayed back. You will still find people in Mandore who consider themselves to be descendents of Ravana which includes Maudgil Brahmins.

Ravan ki Chanvari

 
A very interesting stone, which has carved panels with an idol of Ganpati (Lord Ganesh). Legend has it that Ravan, the demon-god who carried off Sita, the consort of Lord Rama in the Hindu epic Ramayana got married to a local girl from Mandore called Mandodri. The stone panel is a commemoration of the wedding. It also has an image of the sun god Surya. A stepwell nearby has an inscription 742 A.D. It was built by Madh, the son of a Brahmin. The Ravana temple is built in Mahadev Amarnath and Navgrah temple premises in city's Chandpole area where idols of Ravana's main deities Shiva and Devi Kharanna stand. 

 

Coming back to the legend, after the marriage of Ravana, some of his relatives are said to have stayed back. You will still find people in Mandore who consider themselve to be descendents of Ravana.

These people do not burn the effigy of Ravana at Dussehra. Instead these people worship him. Earlier they used to worship Ravana at their house but in 2008, a temple was constructed and the statue of Ravana invoking Lord Shiva was installed.

The statue is six and a half feet tall and made out of Jodhpur sandstone. Since then, the descendents of Ravana worship him every day at this temple. They remember and celebrate Ravana as the great King of Lanka who was blessed by Lord Shiva and considered as one of the greatest scholars of his time.

So when entire India celebrates Dussehra by burning the effigy of Ravana, the people of Mandore stay at home and mourn his death. In fact for last hundreds of years, these people have been performing Ravana’s shradh.

This legend associated with Mandore makes it a must visit place. Apart from the legend of Ravana, there are many other temples to visit at Mandore. 

Astronomy Resort every Stargazer's dream.

Astroport Sariska

Ever you want to go lay down and stare at stars while cuddling with your loved ones. For most of the people living in today's cities and towns, night is nothing but only full or dust and polluted air. You can hardly see bright stars clearly, all credits goes to amount of air pollution we are having.

But for the people who loves to stargaze, this location is meant for you. Astroport Sariska near the Sariska National Park, is the perfect destination for stargaze. It is just 5 hour drive from National Capital and is second darkest place in India. This makes the location perfect to see the entire Milky Way streaking through the night sky and the view is nothing less than fabulous.

Apart from just stargazing, the resort has brilliant camping facilities and many other activities like rock climbing, nature walk, jungle safari, village tours, track n sign, camel safari, horse riding, pottery, organic farm tour, yoga and aerobics.

“Astroport in its larger view aims at providing employment or creating entrepreneurs in the field of astronomy. Astroports are fully equipped to execute these trainings and provide certifications that can be used later to earn a livelihood,” reads the information on their website.

Accommodation

The resort currently offers two types of accommodations,  Galaxia which houses two king-size beds takes up to six people at a time.  The total cost with meals amounts to approximately INR 13,000.

The second accommodation is the Nebula which has 8 queen-size beds and can accommodate anywhere up to ten people at a time. It is priced at INR 22,000, including meals.

So if you planning for next vacation and want to just lay down and watch the milky way away from pollution, then you should head here!

A Hidden gem for every traveler

Lakshman Sagar

Touted as one of the hidden gems of Rajasthan, the picture perfect surrounding of Lakshman Sagar not only make it a perfect romantic destination but also a place to disconnect from the hustle bustle of the city life. Lakshman Sagar was built in the late 19th century as a hunting lodge by the then Thakur of Raipur, Lakshman Singh Ji to host other noble families and British emissaries.  Built in traditional style, Lakshman Sagar offers elegantly designed individual cottages with lake view. It is spread over 32 acres and is a representation of a quaint 19th century hunting lodge. It features an outdoor swimming pool.

Outdoor opening of cottage having swimming pool.

How to reach:

It is 2 km from Marwar Bus Station. Lakshman Sagar is located 6 km from the ancient Raipur Fort. The Todgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is 35 km away while the beautiful Bagri Fort is 45 km away from the property. The Ajmer Railway Station is 100 km and Jodhpur Airport is 134 km.

View of Lake

Attraction: 

Single rock cut swimming pool in middle giving a breathtaking view is a perfect gateway for relaxing. 12 mud houses, the cottages are inspired by the local mud-houses of Rajasthan and each cottage opens out to a private plunge pool overlooking the lake & panoramic view.

Rock cut into swimming pool

Activities:

You can go for swimming, fishing, or just relax by emerald-colored lake or spent night gazing stars.

Mud House

So when are you planning for Lakshman Sagar? Do write us telling your experience.

If you are music lover than Music Festival in Rajasthan have something for you.

Are you music lover....who just try to find new music and concerts every day. We have something to cheer you up! In next few months Rajasthan is all set to cheer you up with the incredible music festivals, that will blow your mind and also saving your quite good amount of money as well. Groove to western and traditional music amid international crowds, with royal settings of Rajasthan in the background, to satiate your thirst for awesome music scenes.

 1. RIFF at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
    When: 5-9 Oct, 2017
     

    The Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) is one of Rajasthan's most popular folk festivals that began in 2007 under the international patronage of the Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and the invaluable aegis of H.H. Maharaja Gaj Singh II . Needless to say, Jodhpur RIFF is carefully curated to give you a unique experience of Rajasthani culture that does not find space in mainstream media. The magical touch of the festival is its timing, which coincides with the brightest full-moon in north India. RIFF gives the audience a rare opportunity to meet fascinating artists from various root traditions. Unearth the original Rajasthani culture where folk music communities sing in praise of their local deities and for healing. 

2. Magnetic Fields at Alsisar Mahal, Shekawati
    When: 15-17 Dec,2017

    Termed as the craziest music carnival of India, Magnetic Fields amalgamates the rich culture of Rajasthan with contemporary music and modern festive culture. With the luxurious backdrop of the 17th century Alsisar Fort, the festival is a gem of an experience, full of treasure hunts, secret parties, kite-flying, and basking in the glory of the Shekhawati desert. Magnetic Fields is all about high energies, zest and expressing your freedom. 

 The best about the event is it provide accommodation at palace as well as bedouin tents, classic tents and you can pitch your own tents too! So get ready for an unlimited party session with the royal feel and international music sensations. 



3. Udaipur World Music Festival, Udaipur
    When: 9-11 Feb, 2018

    A world music festival that seeks to bring together different regions and cultures on one platform through the language that unites us all – music. Every year, Udaipur World Music Festival seeks to introduce the audience to about 150 artists from 16 different countries! The artist line-up ranges from established names to beginners in the music industry, with one mission – to get the best music out to the audience! 

Being in lake city, what else you can treasure when through out the globe around 150 artist come under one platform to perform, it is real treat for music lovers and promote cultural exchange. 




  


4. World Sacred Spirit Festival, Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur 
     When: 16-18 Feb, 2018

     World Sacred Spirit Festival is a scintillating music festival that has emerged as a "spiritual journey in the splendour of historical forts of Jodhpur". With Sufism at its center, the festival invites those who want to tread the path to self-discovery through music. Being at the festival will make you realise the realities beyond yourself, and renounce your obsession with the material world. At WSSF, you will be surrounded by the music of truth, beauty, and spiritualism, bringing you closer to peace and divine power. This positive verve of the festival unknowingly beckons hundreds every year.

If you love sufi music, gazals, poetry towards love, life and god, then this event is surely for you. Sway to their beautiful Ghazals and Kafi that are a legacy of Sufi maestros like Rumi, Hafiz and Bulleh Shah. An attempt to get closer to divinity, the heart-stirring music serves to allure the soul towards enlightenment.  






So, what are you waiting for lets enjoy the musical festival.....!!! 

A walk through, world's sixth largest private residence

Umaid Bhawan Palace, located at Jodhpur (Rajasthan), is the one of world's largest private residence. It was named after Maharaja Umaid Singh grandfather of the present Maharaja Gaj Singh and with 347 rooms including Maharaja suit and Maharani suit, Umaid Bhawan serves as the principal residence of Jodhpur royal family.

Umaid Bhawan was also recognized as Chittar Palace during its construction due to use of stones drawn from the Chittar hill where it is located. It was built between 1928-1943.  

Umaid Bhawan Palace inspires with exotic views of the historical Blue City, vast sand dunes, and intimidating Mehrangarh Fort. The palace is conveniently located 20 minutes from the airport, close to the main shopping areas, and the Balsamand and Kalyana lakes.

Recently, Umaid Bhawan Palace was awarded as the World's best hotel at the Traveller's Choice Award, which was organised by TripAdvisor.

The Umaid Bhawan is divided into three parts, residence of royal family, hotel managed by Taj group and  Museum focusing on the history of royal family. Staying



Weddings:

Wedding is the most auspicious moment in one’s life. To make their wedding a great celebration, people from all around the world come to Jodhpur. In fact, it is one of the hot spot, when it comes to the Royal Weddings. Royal Weddings are a popular concept among the Indians as well as the foreigners. The royal weddings are organized in the way of traditional customs and rituals. One can choose any Indian style of wedding. Umaid Bhawan was also the host for wedding ceremony of Kishor Lulla's daughter, who is CEO of Eros International. Umaid Bhawan also witnessed many other such royal weddings. When we talk about royal wedding then nothing can beat Umaid Bhawan Palace, a perfect destination for royal weddings. Where the bride and groom can enjoy the feel of being king and queen on the perfect occasion of marriage with such royal arrangement at Umaid Bhawan.

Interior:

The palace, magnificent in its lavish proportions, consists of a throne chamber, an exclusive private meeting hall, a Durbar Hall to meet the public, a vaulted banquet hall, private dining halls, a ball room, a library, an indoor swimming pool and spa, a billiards room, four tennis courts, two unique marble squash courts, and long passages.

The interior central dome sits above the sky blue inner dome. The inner vaulted dome is a major attraction in the palace which rises to a height of 103 feet (31 m) in the interior part which is capped by an outer dome of 43 feet (13 m) height. The entry to the palace has decorations of the Coat of arms of the Rathore Royal family. The entry leads to the lobby which has polished black granite flooring. The lounge area has pink sandstone and marble floors. Maharaja Gaj Singh, known as "bapji", stays in a part of the palace. The architecture of the palace is described as an amalgam of lndo-Saracenic, Classical Revival and Western Art Deco styles. 

Rooms:

Umaid Bhawan has 6 categories of room, Palace Rooms, Historical Suites, Royal Suites, Grand Royal Suites, Maharaja Suites, Maharani Suites which range from Rs. 28,000 - Rs. 1,50,000 / per night.

Maharaja Suites:

With panoramic view to courtyard the room is built on 4200 sq ft, making it perfect king size room. The room has living room, dinning room, bedroom, spa room, steam, jacuzzi and a mini-bar making in one of the luxurious room to stay. 

Maharani Suites:

Originally designed for Maharani Badan Kanwan, the Maharani Suite is set in pinks, blacks, chrome and mirrors, and dominated by a mural of the Goddess Kali. It has a private terrace with a spectacular view of the palace gardens and of Mehrangarh Fort. It is built on 4850 sq ft. The room has Living room, dining room with kitchenette, private terrace with garden, yoga room, spa room, bedroom with dressing room & Five-fixture bathroom with Italian pink marble bathtub, Jacuzzi & steam room which makes it a perfect treat to stay.

The hotel also provides for signature experience which include historic walk, dine in where you'll be treated as personal guest of Maharaja.  A stay at Umaid Bhawan is a perfect location to pamper yourself as like a king, a perfect royal treat making it perfect wedding and honeymoon place for couples.

Reason to travel alone

Whiles it's always fun to travel with your family and friends, but there is some magic in traveling alone. Solo traveling can work for anyone and any day. If you are happy, sad however moody you are traveling alone can provide you inner peace. It's good to get lost sometime away from your day to day work, alone in a world where no one is with you, it's just you alone with yourself and the nature, the inner satisfaction you get, when you feel down, to relax your mind away from the chaos of life and get new ideas to redirect your life again. Here are some reason to travel alone:

1.  No plans required:It's always difficult to choose a common place where everyone wants to travel, select date when you can travel as it becomes difficult to travel along with another busy person in your life. These challenges can be overcome with planning in advances. But, sometime you really need a break from everything in your life, in short time you can't find the travel partner on short notice, thus it becomes perfect time where you can pack your bag and go anywhere and get lost for someday.
2. You can work on your bucket list:Everyone have some or the other wish or say fantasy, but at times people might not willing to try with you or they don't have similar interest that of you. You might want to go for cliff hanging adventure or say skydiving, people in your life might have height phobia and never want to try those adventure. At times your partner or friends might not be interested in your interest, it's completely OK they have their own interest but it's not okay to sacrifice your dream when all you want to do is to get there.
3. In your own company:Spending time alone can be the best therapy you can give to yourself, lost in the world, listening to your fav. songs on loop and hot coffee with your thoughts, how enjoyable it would be to be in your own thought listening to yourself, your dreams and don't giving a damn to the world and daily drama. Depending on destination a solo trip can be life changing experience. Imagine sitting on breach and enjoying sunset or early morning hike without having conversation with anyone. So much peaceful it is.
   
4. Meet new people:
   The best part of traveling alone is you'll people of similar interest. If you are born extrovert, traveling alone meeting new people can be wonderful experience. When people are alone, they are easily approachable to others. Before you can collect your stuff, you might be chit chatting with some interesting people at side walk snack shop or joining small kids at play ground or might be joining like minded people in there path. Isn't it so much find people with similar interest? It can only happen when you pursue your interest.
5. Do everything you want:Have you ever felt like sitting on the beach doing nothing or going on spa for half a day leaving behind your partner doing nothing....did you ever felt bad for it? The best part of traveling alone is when you travel you are not obliged to entertain anyone but yourself, you live on your own terms. Whatever you do neither you need permission nor you need to answer anyone.
6. Making you more empower:Ever afraid of doing things alone, always looking for partner in crime. A solo trip can change your perspective, it will make you even more smarter and a better person and will help you to exposure yourself getting rid of your own fears. Once you take plunge and get rid of your fears, you'll feel the sense of empowerment. A successful solo trip will eventually inspire you to tackle even more things in life which you were afraid to try, and help you in overcome different phases of life with ease when you become fearless.
7. Great Service: For a reason, when you take services at hotel and restaurants, it seems better when you're traveling alone. For a fact people admire those who travel alone, and they are always providing some extra benefits to you when you travel alone.
8. Absence make the heart grow fonder:It's good to travel with partners but in middle a small break, a solo trip can bring the couple even more close and it can be refreshing for them. When you set the precedent in your relationship that it’s OK to pursue individual interests, trust is enhanced. Coming home to your partner after a solo trip can remind each of you why you dig each other in the first place. As a bonus, if you find a favorite place when you’re alone, you can always bring your sweetie along another time. At the end it is said it's takes absence to value presence. In the absence of the loved once we value there presence.
9. No Drama:
   Sometimes, when you’re single, you wait until you’re dating someone before you take a vacation away, and these trips can either make or break a fledgling relationship. If things don’t go well, the entire trip can be a miserable, drama-filled time you’d love to forget. When you get good at traveling alone, you can stop waiting for “someone” to take on vacation. Instead, you can continue to go alone until someone really worthy comes along to help you make some brilliant new memories.