Exploring Jantar Mantar in Jaipur

Sawai Jai Singh II built the Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur in the 18th century. It’s a collection of astronomical instruments for measuring time, the position of stars and planets, predicting eclipses and other celestial measurements. Some of these instruments could predict the onset of monsoons, floods, and famines and how hot the summers would

Jaipur City- A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Jaipur, the pink city in Rajasthan, has been part of the Golden Triangle frequented by tourists worldwide. Sawai Jai Singh of the Kacchawah dynasty founded the city in 1727 A.D. Its imposing forts, astronomical observatory, royal palaces and vibrant bazaars have attracted Indian and foreign tourists alike. We had visited Jaipur two decades back and

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur’s iconic landmark

What the Taj Mahal is to Agra, Hawa Mahal is to Jaipur. It is the most photographed monument in Jaipur. Located on a busy road near Sireh Deodhi and Johari Bazars, the iconic monument is thronged by tourists for Instagrammable pics. But there is more to Hawa Mahal than the obligatory selfie with it. On

Handicraft and Textile Trail in Jaipur

Jaipur is a shoppers’ paradise, and more so for an array of handcrafted products available here. The city has many handcrafting techniques that go back over four centuries. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (1688-1743) from Kachwaha dynasty was instrumental in promoting the various arts and crafts and providing livelihood to the artisans. Blue Pottery, Hand

Exploring Amer Fort

Before Jaipur it was Amer that was the capital of the Jaipur state. Perched on the Hill of Eagles (Cheel ka Teel) in Aravallis, 11 km from Jaipur, is the Amer or Amber Fort. Like the Hawa Mahal, it is the most frequented site by tourists visiting Jaipur. The Amer Fort, along with the forts

Exploring Jaipur City Palace

Jaipur City Palace is a fusion of Indian, Rajput and Mughal architectural styles with some European influences. The beauty and opulence of the palace complex are praiseworthy. It is an ensemble of courtyards, gardens and buildings. Sawai Jai Singh II built the Jaipur City Palace between 1729 and 1732, with subsequent rulers adding new structures.

Agra – The Moghul Saga

Part of the Golden Triangle circuit, Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal but there is so much more to Agra that one must explore.

Ranthambhore – More Than The Tiger

Tyger Tyger, burning bright,  In the forests of the night;  What immortal hand or eye,  Could frame thy fearful symmetry? William Blake wondered about the fierceness of tigers so long ago. And we still are in awe of the greatest of the wild cats and have taken tiger tourism to an unprecedented pedestal over the

A walk with a difference – tracing the footsteps of water!!

Thousands have lived without love, not one without water said W H Auden many years ago. Water is Life. Who better than the people of Rajasthan would know the true meaning of these statements. The land that has forever lived with the scarcity of water. The important word here is “lived”! Yes, lived and survived

Bharatpur and Deeg- Hidden Gems of Rajasthan

While Jaipur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer take the most significant chunks of Indian and foreign tourist footfalls, other less frequented destinations are worth visiting in Rajasthan. Bharatpur and Deeg are two such hidden, unsung gems of Rajasthan that deserve more tourist traffic.  Bharatpur is known for its Keoladeo Ghana National Park, known as the Mecca for