Rajasthan Vacation • Jaipur City • Excursions of Jaipur

Excursions of Jaipur

Tonk and the persian art
It is located, 96 kms away from Jaipur. This is a quiet town which was ruled by tribes of 'Pathans' from Afghanistan. The focal point of Tonk is the Suneri Kothi, the Golden Bungalow. A fairly ordinary monument from outside, it has stunningly rich ornamental interiors. There are also some interesting building that accommodated the British office. Tonk is also famous for its leather and felt industry and one can pick up a good bargain from the markets. The Nawab of Tonk was an avid book lover and built a sizable library of Arabic and Persian manuscripts. Arabic and Persian Research Institute are also located here.
Sanganer
Sanganer is located 16 Kms from Jaipur. It is also known for exquisite Jain temples. Moreover, it is an important centre for crafts and hand-printed textiles that is internationally famous.The most beautiful temple in Sanganer is the ancient Shri Digamber Jain temple. The temple has fine carvings as those of the magnificent Dilwara temples of Mount Abu. Built in various phases with sky-high shikharas (spires), the temple represents an old style of architecture. The last phase was probably built in the 10th century. The beautiful nij-mandir (inner temple) is a stone shrine with three pinnacles. In the centre is an idol of Parshwanath with 7 serpent hoods. All around it, are carvings of lotuses, creepers and elephants pouring water from pitchers held in their trunks. But the main idol is that of Adinath, installed in the shrine behind this.

Bagru
It is located 30 kms away from Jaipur on the Ajmer Road and is well known for its Bagru prints. This technique simulates a wooden block on which the required design is first carved, then the carved block is used for transferring the motif in the desired colour on the fabric. This process is most effective on ethnic floral patterns and for printing in vegetable dyes in traditional Bagru Prints.

Samod
The fort is an old fortified residence of the Nathawat family (hailing from chomu) that served as the Prime Ministers of the Jaipur Royal Court is located some 40km from Jaipur and 264 km from Delhi in the range of Aravali. This magnificent fort is as charming and romantic in itself, and exhibits grandeur, good taste, class and elegance. The way to the fort's main entrance is through the inside of the village, which can be covered from the highway by a camel safari, with the locals welcoming the guests with smiles and thrilling expressions. The inside of the fort reflects expressions of the medieval architecture that is renovated a bit for the oriental formality. The open courtyards in the centre has separate wings on the sides that extends to 43 spacious rooms & suites having private balconies and views. The walls are in warm colours to highlight the intricate marble work, the antiques and the colourful art with traditional artefacts. The Durbar hall of Samode Palace is one of the most beautifully painted chambers with glass & minakari work and the same goes for the private restricted spaces- meant for the "zannanis", women of the family.
Abhaneri
Abhaneri is a village about 95 kms from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Agra Road. A detour is well merited for its amazing step wells or 'baoris' and Harshat Mata Temple. According to a legend, the village is so called because the Goddess Harshat Mata who is shown portrayed in a joyous mood is believed to spread brightness or "abha" all around. The village's original name was Abha Nagri, and its name today is Abhaneri. It is believed that the celebrated king Raja Chand established the village. On the other hand it is felt that the mythological Raja Chand could be King Bhoja, who ruled over the Gurjar kingdom in the ninth century AD. The ruins of the temple also speaks of the 10th century architectural and sculptural styles. There is a huge tank named "Chand Baori", opposite to the temple fortified on all four sides with bastions for defence. Even though Abhaneri is now in ruins, the place has a distinct reminiscence about itself. It is best approached by road, buses ply between Jaipur and Agra.

Kaurali
Located at 182 kms southwest of Jaipur, it was founded in 1348 and is best known for its Krishna Temples. The Fort, which was constructed over different period, is about 600 years old. The fort was the residence for the royal family until 1950 and is now occupied by monkeys and geese. The geese were used in the early days as warning system against any intruders. They still seem to be doing their duty. The Bhawar Vilas Palace, which is owned by the descendents of the royal family and resembles a large manor, is a hotel now. The rooms are comfortable and good meals are available. Karauli is best connected by bus or taxi from Jaipur.

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