What to expect in this 'Pink City' of India?

Jaipur, the city of historical sites, act as a focal point of the Golden Triangle, connecting cities of Delhi and Agra. Tour to Jaipur offers a unique experience to make the visitor feel like everything they see around has come straight out of the pages of some epic novel! With Historical forts & palaces, untold tales of heroic battles and magnificent buildings - Rajasthan is one of the most colorful and dazzling states of India and its capital Jaipur maintains the same reputation as well. Jaipur is a vibrant amalgamation of the old and the new – highly urbanized infrastructure and shopping areas have casually sprung up beside gleaming forts and palaces. Jaipur has long been one of the shiniest cultural jewels in the history of the Indian subcontinent, and the royal corridors of the famously named 'Pink City' offers an abundance of adventures and activities that makes up for a memorable holiday experience.

Jaipur today is a mixture of adventure, culture and traditions. The Pink city is known for its forts and palaces, and the most famous fort in the vicinity is the ‘Amber Fort’. Also commonly known as the Amer Fort, this majestic building with its maze-like passages and serpentine staircases is a very popular tourist attraction. Overlooking the Maota Lake, the fort is big enough to take around two to three hours to explore it in detail, while getting an elephant ride up the path to the Amber Fort is the most popular tourist activity.

Other famous attractions in Jaipur which include the Hawa Mahal, the Nahargarh Fort and the Jai Mahal Palace are not to be missed. Hawa Mahal is a royal residence in Jaipur, India. Made with the red and pink sandstone, the royal residence rests on the edge of the City Palace, Jaipur, and stretches out to the Zenana, or ladies' chambers. The palace was sculptured in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Sawai Jai Singh.

The Nahargarh fort is situated high in the Aravalli hills, offering spectacular views of the entire city and its surrounding landscapes is a majestic sight in itself. Alongside Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once worked as defense ring for the city. The common belief is that 'Nahar' here represents Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose soul visited the place and hindered the construction of the fort. Nahar's soul was appeased by constructing a temple in his memory inside the fort. This gave the fort its name, Nahargarh Fort.

Set across 18th acres of Mughal gardens, Jai Mahal Palace, sculptured in 1745 is a remarkable display of Rajasthan's heritage. The theme of this palace is set on Indo-Saracenic Palace. Three Prime Ministers of the princely state of Jaipur have resided in this palace.

Jaipur is filled with bustling local bazaars where one can shop for local handicrafts, textiles, footwear, Jewellery, etc. Popular bazaars in the city which include Bapu Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar and Johri Bazaar are considered to be shopper’s paradise with its wide range of offerings. A place like chaura-rasta is famous for opticians and booksellers but it has many streets which are famous for sarees, snacks items, jewels and sweets as well as for the vegetables and fruits market. Chandpole Bazaar is the biggest market of statues and sculptures in all over Asia.

The entire state of Rajasthan is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and Jaipur is no exception! The local cuisine of Jaipur is mouth-watering but a bit spicy though. For first time visitors, it is a good idea to check the level of spices first to suit one’s palate! The famous Dal-baati, pyaaj ki kachori and lassi should not be missed. Rajasthani cuisine, in general, is vegetarian but there are some specific non-vegetarian dishes also available which are known to have the origin of their recipes straight from the royal kitchen of the Maharajas. One such famous dish is the ‘Laal-Maas’ translated as red meat basically but is a must-try!

The pink city of Jaipur has everything from architecture to entertainment, from food to markets, from elephant rides to hot air balloon safaris and much more, which ultimately makes it the most in-demand tourist place. As Jaipur is mostly covered with desert, it is better to visit Jaipur during winters i.e. from November to March. To explore most of Jaipur one should consult an experienced and reliable Tour Consultant. They provide everything in an arranged way which makes the Jaipur Tour an absolute delight.

5 Places You Must See in Rajasthan Luxury Tours

Rajasthan is one of the most magical and luxurious tourist places in India. Rajasthan has been hosting guests for several decades and has been beautifully showcasing the western perception of India with its elephants, legendary stories of royal kings & queens, royal residences, etc. This state is popular for its glorious history, beautiful landscapes, mighty forts, magnificent palaces, grand temples, colorful bazaars &golden sand dunes, etc. Here are five places that are an absolute must-visit while booking a Rajasthan luxury tour in India:

• Jaipur–This capital city of Rajasthan is one of the most popular places to see in Rajasthan. It is one of the most integral parts of the famous Golden Triangle tourist sector of India. This city houses three major forts: Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort. Amber fort is one of the largest fortresses in India. One can visit the fort on the back of an elephant, right from the entrance gate. Apart from forts, you will find 2 more architectural masterpieces - one is a five-storeyed palace called HawaMahal, which means the ‘palace of the wind’, built during the 17th century for the royal women to get the view of outer world through the windows and the other one is a stunning City palace, which is a perfect blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Another one is the astronomical observatory called – Jantar Mantar, which was also built in the 17th century to measure time, predict eclipses, to track the location of important stars. Jaipur is also home to a number of temples as well as a major bazaar which comes alive each night as the sunsets. You can shop for some beautiful blue pottery items and leather goods placed on display from these markets.

 

• Jaisalmer–This city is situated in the heart of the Thar desert. Jaisalmer, the ‘Golden City’ for its beautiful sun-soaked sand dunes, exuberant forts, rich culture and traditions. The major reason people visit this city is the remarkable fort and the sand dunes. Located in the heart of the city, Jaisalmer Fort is counted among the largest forts of the world. Besides the fort, this city has many important places to visit, including a couple of museums and heritage temples. Jaisalmer also hosts the annual Desert Festival and travelers from across the globe come here to witness the magic of Rajasthan’s art forms. One cannot afford to miss to hop on a camel for a safari, during the visit to this Golden city.

• Jodhpur–Jodhpur is one of the royal and historic destinations in Rajasthan. This city is located on the edge of the Thar desert. The city is filled with forts and temples. The largest fort of Rajasthan called ‘Mehrangarh Fort’ is situated in Jodhpur. This fort was built in the 15th century. Apart from the fort, this city also houses one of the largest private residences in the world – ‘Umaid Bhawan Palace’. A major part of this palace has been converted into a luxury hotel by Taj Group. There is a museum inside the palace which showcases some of the exquisite collections of the royal times. While visiting this royal city, one may also try their hand at zip-lining over the Mehrangarh Fort.

• Udaipur–Udaipur is known as the ‘City of Lakes because of its two biggest artificial and beautiful lakes, ‘FatehSagar’ and ‘Pichola’. The city of Udaipur used to be the capital of the kingdom of Mewar. One can explore the City Palace complex which houses several palaces, museums, and gardens of various architectural styles. There are stunning temples which boast of beautiful intricate carvings making its iconic landmarks in the city. The evening boat rides on Lake Pichola, followed by the cultural show at Bagore-Ki-Haveli, performed by artists from all over Rajasthan are not to be missed. Also, do check-out the crystal gallery in City Palace &Vintage Cars collection of the present Maharaja of Udaipur.

• Sawai Madhopur– This district is widely known because it is home to Ranthambore National Park, which is considered one of the best national park in India. This park was once a hunting ground of the royal kings and is now home to tigers, leopards and crocodiles. You will find a 10th-century fort, an ancient temple and a lake inside the park.  The park is majorly known for Royal Bengal Tigers. There are other animals, mammals & reptiles that are scattered across the park in significant numbers like Leopards, Nilgai, Striped Hyenas, Jackals, Hanuman Langur, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Indian Flying Fox, Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, Monitor Lizard, Indian Chameleon, Ganges Soft-Shell Turtle, Cobra, Common Krait, and Indian Python and many more. Ranthambore National Park is also home to a large population of Snub-Nosed March Crocodiles. One needs to book a wildlife safari to explore the park and see the animals at a closer distance. There are 2 options, one a smaller, open-top vehicle called a gypsy and the other one is a larger open-top vehicle.

All the above destinations are best visited during the winters i.e. from November to February. So, while looking out for Rajasthan Luxury Tours, make sure you visit the right places at the best time. There are lots of Luxury Tour consultant who can customize a perfect tour for a memorable experience.

Top Palaces and hotels in Udaipur

Top Palaces and hotels in Udaipur

Udaipur, a city of lakes houses several palaces, most of which have been converted into luxury palace hotels. These are known for providing the highest degree of comfort, convenience, and luxury to their guests in the most traditional manner. Udaipur can be visited along with the Golden Triangle cities of Delhi, Agra & Jaipur. One can either drive from Jaipur to Udaipur or even opt for a flight. The different palaces in Udaipur also include some that are converted into hotels. While the hotels can be seen only when one chooses to stay there, the City Palace is open for sightseeing for all visitors. Here is a list of the top palaces in Udaipur, including the luxury hotels:

Taj Lake Palace

1. Taj Lake Palace – Set amidst the Lake Pichola in Udaipur, this majestic palace hotel is undoubtedly the most romantic hotel in the world. This luxury lake palace hotel was once the pleasure palace of an ancient ruler Maharana Jagat Singh II and was then called as ‘Jag Niwas’. The hotel has beautifully designed rooms, overlooking a lily pond or the terrace. The exquisite restaurants of this hotel offer all type of cuisines to their guests. The unique selling point of this property is that it offers spa on a boat where one can indulge in some signature beauty therapies, treatments & services in the most luxurious manner. This palace can be visited by tourists who have booked their stay in the palace. Since the hotel is located in the middle of the lake, their only source of transport is by boat.  

Oberoi Udaivilas

2. The Oberoi Udaivilas –This luxury resort is considered amongst the top luxury hotels in the entire continent of Asia. It is located on Lake Pichola and is surrounded by verdant gardens, fountains and has Aravalli hills as a backdrop. This region once belonged to the Kings of Mewar and hence the palace was built in a traditional Rajasthani style as a tribute to the royal heritage of Mewar kingdom. Some of the rooms offer spectacular views across the legendary Lake Pichola. Within the premises of the resort, there is a 200 years old royal hunting lodge and a 20-acre wildlife conservatory where once can spot wild boar, peacocks and Indian spotted deer. The resort is accessible both, by car and boat and is just 20 minutes drive from the city’s major attractions like the City Palace, Crystal Gallery, Jagdish Temple & Sahelion ki Bari.

Leela Palace

3. The Leela Palace –This luxury property in Udaipur is one of the most popular hotels because it highlights the grandeur and opulence of the royal era. This resort to welcomes one either in a delightfully decorated boat or by premium luxury cars. All the rooms offer a panoramic view of the lake and Aravalli Mountains. Rooms are stylishly adorned with traditional local art, crafts &exquisite fabrics. Even the wooden décor is embossed with a popular art form involving intricate carvings. The restaurants’ interiors are elegantly designed in a unique style, to match the tranquility of the lake view outside. All their restaurants offer an eclectic mix of cuisines & beverages from different corners of the world. One of the major highlight of this luxury palace hotel is its open-air fine-dining Indian restaurant called Sheesh Mahal which is located by the lakeside and offer an alluring view of the City palace.

Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace

4. The Lalit Laxmi VilasPalace –This luxury heritage palace hotel of Udaipur sits on a hilltop and is surrounded by the majestic Aravalli Mountains, overlooking the lake of Fateh Sagar. It is the only heritage property in Udaipur facing Fateh Sagar Lake. The interiors of this grand palace hotel radiate the rich history and culture by the grandeur of royalty. The property is well connected to the national highways, airports and is also few minute drives away from the major tourist sites of City palace, Crystal Gallery, Jagdish Temple and Sahelionki Bari.

Fateh Prakash Palace

5.Fateh Prakash Palace – The Fateh Prakash Palace is situated along the shores of Pichola Lake in Udaipur. The palace gets its name from perhaps the greatest ruler of the Mewar dynasty, Maharana Fateh Singh. The royal residence was revamped and changed over into a heritage hotel, known for its beyond compare excellence & royal architecture. The palace highlights unique turrets and majestic domes. The palace additionally exhibits a fortune trove of precious paintings, exquisite chandeliers, and collection of exclusive crystal and crockery. Set in a resplendent 19th-century palace, this hotel by the City Palace is a 3-minute stroll from the Lake Pichola shoreline and 1 km from the Jagdish Temple.

Shiv Niwas Palace

 6. Shiv Niwas Palace – The arc-shaped structure of Shiv Niwas Palace was built in the first half of the twentieth century, during the rule of Maharana Fateh Singh. It was built for visitors and dignitaries of the Mewar imperial family. This royal guest house has been changed into a heritage property and is celebrated as one of the most extravagant legacy hotels of India, offering each & every world-class facility along with a rich old-world setting. Sitting above Lake Pichola, this stupendous, arc-shaped hotel, in a mid-20th-century palace is 1 km from the Hindu Jagdish Temple and a 7-minute stroll from the City Palace museum complex.

City Palace

7. City Palace – Unlike all the other palaces in Udaipur which are hotels, the City Palace is the only one that is a sightseeing location and can be explored with a knowledgeable guide. A palace constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II has a blend of both Mughal & Rajput architecture. Covering one-seventh area of old Jaipur this palace has gardens, courtyards, temples & Museum in it. These add to the magnificent royal glory of the 17^th century architectural marvel.

Above listed are only glimpses of some of the hotels and palaces in Udaipur. To explore more book a luxurious private tour with Alluring India Tours. We at Alluring India Tour have designed tailor-made luxurious private tours to India.