The city offers luxurious resorts for the tourists. The best among them are compiled by us for your convenience.

1. Ramada Resort and Spa

The elegance of classicism, mixed with a contemporary taste, Ramada offers the best of hospitality and comfort. 72 suites are spread over 6.6 acres of land, with lush gardens and a sloping appearance. The courtyard in the centre of the property has a pool and a relaxing area. You can indulge in cooking lessons, cocktail mixing classes, Jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor sports etc.

2. Justa Hotels and Resorts

A famous wedding destination, Justa hotel and resort is a palatial setup, with large lawns and artificial water bodies. Wide rooms, beautiful villas and a 1000 feet multipurpose hall, it is an ideal holiday home. The restaurant’s local Rajasthani cuisine is a must try.

3. Oriental Palace Resorts

Spread across 64000 sq. feet, this resort offers over 50 rooms of different tariffs and facilities. Oriental Palace Resort is located in the heart of the city, and makes travelling to local sightseeing places easier. All rooms are well equipped with luxurious decors. There is also a multi cuisine restaurant on the premises for all your cravings.

4. RAAS Devigarh

Located amid the lush greenery of the Aravalli Hill Ranges, this 18^th century palatial resort is a sprawling area, with heritage mixed with modernism. The entire resort is inspired by classic Rajputana culture and architecture. The old palace was put under restorative work in the year 1999, to convert it into a commercial heritage hotel. Some parts of RAAS Devigarh palace are retained to give it a pure look. 39 suites are made, all with world class facilities and luxury.

5. Ananta Hotels and Resorts

The history and charm of Udaipur is perfectly depicted in this heritage resort. Under the management of the Goyal Group of Companies, Ananta hotel and resort provide customers a unique and luxurious stay. The Ananta Institute of Hotel Management and Allied Studies groom aspiring hoteliers and students with a dream to get into the hospitality career. The 75 acres’ land offers 160 luxurious villas, a swimming pool, a spa centre, banquet halls and two famous restaurants.

6. Panna Vilas Palace

This heritage resort is managed and run by none other than the descendents of the armourers, who serviced the royal family of Udaipur. Pana Vilas Palace resort is a picturesque setting of their creativity and grandeur. Located near the beautiful Fateh Sagar Lake, the villa has exhibits of the royal times, like paintings, glass work, original photographs, costumes etc. They have been collected and preserved over time and generations of these descendants.

7. Tat Saraasa Resort and Spa

The resort’s name is inspired by the Sanskrit dialect, the word meaning ‘Calm, serene and beautiful.’ Situated on the banks of the Lake Lakhawali, and surrounded by the Aravalli Ranges, this resort is a perfect place to spend a peaceful vacation. A spa, restaurant, swimming pool, bar, Sauna, meditation and Yoga Centre, it provides all of these. Tat Saraasa Resort and Spa also organizes bicycle tours, village and city sightseeing, bird watching and indoor and outdoor gaming arenas.

8. The Leela Palace

Luxury is redefined in the Leela Palace of Udaipur. This property will pamper you to unlimited expectations and treat you nothing less than royalty. It is located near the Lake Pichola, with 72 spacious rooms and 8 suites in all. It offers spa, a bar, library and sightseeing facilities too. It is also an ideal honeymoon destination, with a candle light dinner, champagne under the stars, a boat cruise and a curated couples’ spa.

9. Radisson Blu Palace, Resort and Spa

The City of Lakes offers this exquisite getaway, in the form of Radisson Blu Resort. It provides a view of the translucent Fateh Sagar Lake. It has 245 rooms and suites, with a restaurant, lounge, two tier swimming pool, event space, spa and Sauna. It has superior as well as deluxe rooms.

10. United 21 Lake City Hotel and Resort

A Sunday or a weekend or a long vacation, you can enjoy it here, at United 21 Lake City Resort. It is spread over 3 lac sq. feet, visited by notable Bollywood and world figures. They also provide a one day picnic offer, with access to the swimming pool and meals. They have all modern amenities, with 43 rooms and suites.

Spend time with loved ones and leave your comfort requirements with these luxurious resorts. Udaipur, the City of Lakes and Palaces will be a memorable holiday for you.

• Famous For: Tourism, Photography, Experience seekers and Wildlife.
• Entrance Fee: A nominal entry fee is charged per head. You will also need to book a jeep to take you around.
• Visiting Time: 6 AM TO 5 PM.
• Visit Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

The lush greenery and the scenic beauty of the Kachida Valley in Ranthambore make it a must visit place for all visitors. It is a quick escape from the mundane lifestyle of an individual living in the city.

Traveler Tips

• Remember that comfortable shoes and clothing is the major key. If you are uneasy and cannot move around freely, the visit will be waste.
• Pets are not allowed inside the Kachida Valley area.
• Do not try to feed any animal. You might end up harming them.
• Littering is a big no inside the Kachida Valley. The plastic bags or plastic bottles can damage the ecological balance.
• Do not make a lot of noise because that reduces your chances of sighting an animal.
• It is always best to make the first or last safari trip if you want to spot animals. During the day time, when the sun is up the animals try to avoid going out.
• Click lots of pictures of the green surroundings.

Things to Do

• Food is available in stalls. You can obviously enjoy some lip smacking food after a ride through the area.
• The jeep ride is the best as you spot animals in the area. Sloth bears and leopards are common sights in the Kachida Valley.
• Try visiting early to watch the sunrise. It is a view worth remembering.

Availability of Guides

You can hire a guide and also look up some of the traveller experiences on the internet. There are a number of articles or blog posts that enlist the stories of visit to the Kachida Valley.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ranthambore is during the months of October and April. The summer months are usually very hot and the weather can be extreme at some points of the day. Extreme heat also hampers tourism. The winter months are cool and have moderate climate. Also, if you want to make the most of your trip by visiting all the places, November/ December is a fine time.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station to Ranthambore is about a distance of 10 kilometres. The name of the station is Sawai Madhopur. All major cities in India are well connected to this part, so one can avail regular trains. From the station, tourists can either hire a cab or travel by local bus to the main city area.

There are no direct flights because the place lacks an airport. It is thus, advisable to avoid the air route.  If you have no other choice, the nearest would be the Sanganer airport.

The most famous route that visitors take is the bus ride. Some also drive to Ranthambore as the scenic beauty is mesmerising. Most people look forward to this journey. There are options of availing the local bus or even private ones. If you want a luxurious ride, private rental cars are also made available.

One can easily conclude that the journey is Ranthambore or Kachida Valley is hassle free.

Interesting Facts and Trivia About Kachida Valley

• It is said that the central area is the abode of tigers. Most leopards avoid this region.
• A sunrise is one of the most enjoyable views while visiting the Kachida Valley. Be the early riser if you have to witness one.
• Kachida Valley is ideal for a romantic day out or even a fun day with family and friends.

Nearby Attractions

• Ranthambore School of Arts
• Shri Chamatkar Ji Ka Jain Temple
• Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary
• Rajiv Gandhi regional institute of Natural History
• Padam Lake
• Ranthambore Fort
• Trinetra Ganesh
• Jogi Mahal

Nearby Restaurants

• Chokhi Dhani
• Sher Bagh
• Nahar Haveli
• Cave Palate

While making a check list, keep the Kachida Valley on the very top of it and tick it off as soon as possible. This place will give you memories to share for a lifetime.

• Famous for: Spirituality, Seeking Experience and Religious Site
• Entrance Fee: Free of charge
• Visiting Time:  6 AM to Noon (for Jain devotees), Noon to 5 PM (for tourists)
• Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours 

Dilwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu, are located about two and a half kilometer away from the famous hill station. The complex consists of five temples built at different times in history by followers of the Jainism faith. The five temples are- Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple, Shri Adi Nath Temple, Shri Parshav Nath Temple, Shri Rishabdaoji Temple, and Shri Nemi Nath Ji Temple. These temples are dedicated to the five Jain saints or Tirthamkars and present to visitors the epitome of marble architecture in the area. Perhaps the most beautiful Jain shrines across the world, these temples are well known for their intricate carvings and ornamented pillars. A visit to the Dilwara temples will make the visitors experience and appreciate the art that dominated the area around 12^th century A.D.

Traveler Tips

• Cameras are not allowed inside the premises so tourists should take care to respect the religious sentiments by not breaking the rule.
• Do not carry any items made of leather of wear leather shoes or belts while visiting the temples.
• Though Mount Abu is in Rajasthan, this hill station is relatively cooler and you do not to worry about the weather.
• Confirm the entry timings prior to your visit with the temple staff to make sure you are not disappointed when you reach there.
• As the temples are located at a little distance from the city, you can choose to hire a taxi to take you there.
• The temples are surrounded by beautiful gardens and the architecture itself is exquisite, so expect your visit to be a little longer than an hour if you wish to see the place well.
• It is recommended that you hire a guide while on the tour to the Dilwara Jain Temples to make sure that you can fully immerse yourself in this wonderful historic and spiritual experience.

Things to Do

• Take a walk in the gardens situated in the temple premises to experience peace and calm.
• Experience the rich past of Jainism by visiting these temples and understanding the stories behind them.
• Visit the town and have a rich royal experience that you can rarely find anywhere except in Rajasthan.
• Go for trekking and hiking in the lush hills near the temples. There are a number of trekking day trips available in the area. You can also hike the nearby Shanti Shikhar hill on a detour from the temple to experience mesmerizing views.

Availability of Guides

Though you can hire guides provided by the temple authorities if you are traveling in groups, it is recommended that you explore the place by yourself as touring with a guide will be time bound and you may not be able to fully appreciate the beauty of the Dilwara Temples.

Best Time to Visit

 As Mount Abu is a hill station, the climate remains idyllic for most the part of the year. In winters the temperature reaches around 10 degrees, in monsoons, the temperatures fall between 17 to 24 degrees, and in summers it stays below 30 degrees Celsius.

How to Reach

The temples are located around 3 kilometers away from the city center so it is very easy and feasable to hire a taxi or to take a bus. You can also travel to Dilwara Temples in one of the many bus services that run all across the state.

Interesting Facts and Trivia About Dilwara Temples

• The Dilwara site has five different temples dedicated to five different Jain saints or tirthankars.
• All the five temples were built during different times in history by differnt people, including a Solanki king of Gujarat, Mandlik, and Bhima Singh.
• The ceiling of the Mahaveer Swami Temple has a number of beautiful pictures that represent the age-old art and Jain mythology.
• Vimal Vasahi Temple has an Elephant Cell that consists of a large number of elephant sculptures. On these elephants are the riders, the members of the Vimal Shah family carved out of stone.
• The temples had been destroyed by the wrath of rulers like Allauddin Khiji and the repairs were undertaken almost ten years later, in 1321. Another constant yet lasting destruction came through the passage of time. The next restoration was done in 1906, and later from 1950 to 1965.
• The effect of restoration and repair can be clearly noticed as the older marble from the 11^th century has now been yellowed while the newly restored areas have a whiter glint.
• The temple authorities have a dining hall set up near the temple for the devotees.
• Two stamps were issued by the Indian Postal Department in 2009 depicting the famous Dilwara temples and their stunning architecture.

Nearby Attractions

• Nakki Lake
• Adhar Devi Temple
• Sunset Point
• Shanti Shikhar
• Guru Shikhar
• Bhrama Kumari World Spiritual University
• Honeymoon Point
• Bharat Maa Naman Sthal
• Government Museum
• Doodh Baori
• Toad Rock
• Bailey’s Walk
• Shri Raghunath Ji Temple

Nearby Restaurants

• Hiraji Tea Stall
• Ashok Restaurant
• Mayur Fast Food
• Jain Bhojanalaya

The five Dilwara Jain Temples hold prominence as one of the most revered temples for Jain devotees and as a fine example of architecture and art prevalent in from the 11^th to 13^th century A.D. These temples, situated near Mount Abu, make up for a perfect day trip with your family and friends. Whether you are a devotee, a history buff, or just a tourist wanting to experience India at its fullest and finest, the Dilwara Jain temples are a must-visit.

• Famous for: Sacred lake, natural beauty and boating experience.
• Entrance Fees: None
• Boating Ride Fees: 50-100 per person for a 30-minute ride on a pedal boat. Rs.100 per person for a 30-minute ride on a shikara.
• Visiting Time: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
• Duration of Visit: 1-2 hours.

This sacred lake is known for its blue shimmering waters and the panoramic backdrop of Aravalli Hills range. In length, Nakki Lake extends up to half a mile and in breadth it extends up to a quarter mile. Average depth is between 20-30 feet and maximum depth is 80 feet (24 meters). The renowned tourist attraction also boasts many other must visit places such as Toad Rock, Champaa Cave, Dilwara Jain Temple and temple of Rasiya Balam and Kunwari Kanya.

Traveler Tips

• Take your camera with you as the lake offers some captivating natural scenery.
• Check out other places of interest like the Toad Rock, Champa Cave and temple of Rasiya Balam& Kunwari Kanya.
• If you want to take a trek to the toad rock which is situated on a ledge in one of the hills, wear trekking shoes.
• Keep a pair of good quality Binoculars, if you want to have a better view of the Aravali Hills.
• Keep sufficient water with you as the scorching heat can lead to dehydration and other problems.
• Keep an umbrella or a pair of shades with you as these can come in handy during the summer season.

Things to Do

• Visit the temple during evening hours for the best experience.
• To have a close-up experience of the lake, go on a boat ride. It will be better if you hire a shikara.
• Activities such as Horse Riding is also available in the vicinity.

Availability of Guides

To be honest there is no need to look for a guide. The place is pretty much self-explanatory.

Best Time to Visit

The weather is pleasant throughout the year, the summers are of temperate nature and winters are not that harsh. If you are looking for the goldilocks’ zone then the time between November to February is the one when Mount Abu is most frequented by tourists and travellers.

How to Reach

Situated at a distance of about 3 kilometres from the Main Bus Stand of Mount Abu with the nearest railway station at Abu Road being 28 kms away. For a flight to Mount Abu, the nearest airport is at Udaipur, 178 km away. You can avail railway services or book private or prepaid buses, taxis from Udaipur to reach Mount Abu.

Interesting Facts

• Ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in this holy lake on 12^th February, 1948 and also Gandhi Ghat was constructed.
• The Nakki Lake has carved its place in many folklores and spiritual stories.
• During evening hours, beautiful fountains sprout up from the Nakki Lake.
• The lake is a natural one.

Nearby Attractions

• Bailey’s Walk
• Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Diversity
• Universal Peace Hall
• Toad Rock
• Champaa Cave
• Dilwara Jain Temple
• Adhar Devi Temple
• Doodh Baori
• Shanti Shikhar
• Raghunath Temple

Nearby Restaurants

• Café Shikibo
• Mayur Restaurant
• Shree Nageshwar
• Shree Gangotri
• King’s Food
• Arbuda
• Naru’s Pav Bhaji
• Punjabi Tadka
• Swagat Cakes & Restaurant
• Mulberry Tree

Nakki lake is situated at the heart of Mount Abu and offers a beautiful background for some memorable pictures. Set on a backdrop of Aravalli Hills, you can say Nakki Lake is the jewel or crown of Mount Abu and is one of the highlights of the hill station. A perfect place for tourists to explore the hill station, embark on a beautiful boat ride in the evening when the orange sunset is at focus on the sky lit canvas of Mount Abu horizon.

• Famous for: Nature, Geography, Photography, Wildlife.
• Entry Fee: 100 INR per person.
• Visiting Time: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
• Visiting Duration: About 2 hours.

Bikaner is known all over the world as a renowned place of heritage and culture. However, only a few are aware of the fact that this historical city also houses one of the best flora and fauna the world has ever seen. Oblivious to most of the tourists, Bikaner boasts of a rare collection of species that have been kept under protection in none other than the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary. Thus, situated in the desert, this wildlife sanctuary has a lot to offer to the tourists who have a keen interest in the flora and fauna of a particular region. Hence, the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is slowly gaining popularity among the travellers who are indeed getting an experience of a lifetime.

Traveller Tips

• Wear sturdy shoes as this place requires excessive walking.
• There are no stalls available to buy any kind of refreshments. Carry refreshments and water bottles before visiting this place.
• A camera ticket is required to take your cameras inside.
• Definitely carry a first aid kit as there would not be a medical unit deep inside the forest if you might accidentally hurt yourself during the safari.

Things to Do

• Go out on a wildlife safari with your friends and family along with an experience guide.
• Gaze at the creatures in the desert land living in their natural habitat.
• Click multiple photographs of the desert animals and the beautiful surroundings.

Availability of Guides

Guides can be hired from the Sanctuary itself for a nominal fee which differs for both Indians and foreigners.

Best Time to Visit

Winters that is between the months of November to March are the best time to visit this place and have an exotic experience. Summers can be extremely hot here and it is not recommended to visit this place during this time.

How to Reach the Place?

The Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 32 km from the city. Hire a cab or an auto from any part of the city to reach here. This wildlife sanctuary can also be reached by an adventurous camel ride booked in advance by consulting a travel agency.

Interesting Facts and Trivia about Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

• It’s a rare wildlife sanctuary as it is located in the heart of the desert area.
• Species such as wild fowls, deer, antelopes, nilgais, chinkaras, black bucks, desert foxes and wild boars are some of the common species that can be spotted in the desert forest.
• There is a natural lake that acts like an oasis in the centre of that forest. Thus, this is the place that the animals gather to quench their thirst and get relief from the scorching heat of the desert.

Nearby Attractions

• Lallgarh Palace
• Junagarh Fort
• Prachina Museum
• Sardul Singh Statue
• Soor Sagar
• Ganga Singh Statue

Nearby Restaurants

• Laxmi Niwas Palace
• Garden Café and Restaurant
• Chhappan Bhog
• Rendezvous
• Heeralal Sweet Shop
• Chhotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop
• Parshvanath Ice-Cream Parlour
• King’s Pavilion Restaurant
• Evergreen
• Grill Inn

A visit to the lush, green forest is quite a common practice in most parts of the world. The people are so blinded b the majestic beauty of the lush, green forests that the thought the animals exist even in the desert area totally skip off from their respective minds. A trip to this desert forest help the tourists to realize how hard it is for the animals to live whose natural habitat is the desert and how these same animals combat this difficult climate and lack of vegetation to adapt to the nearly barren surroundings. Thus, a trip to the exotic Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary in Bikaner is truly an educational and an enriching experience.

• Famous for: History, Photography, Architecture.
• Entry Fee: No entry fee needed.
• Visiting Time: 8 am to 7 pm (Daily).
• Visiting Duration: 1-2 hours.

Jaisalmer is known as the land of the Sonar Kella or the Golden Fort. As the name suggests, the buildings and carvings adorned inside the Fort of Jaisalmer are mostly built out of yellow sandstone. Thus, when the shimmering sunlight falls on these structures, a golden light is radiated all around that gives an impression that every structure is made of pure gold, and, thus, the name, Sonar Kella. In the heart of this very fort is situated the house of the renowned Prime Minister of the kingdom of Jaisalmer, Diwan Mohata Nathmal. Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli of his is a resemblance of intricate architecture and is, thus, famous as a tourist destination.

Traveller Tips

• It is advised to carry a water bottle and a sunscreen to protect yourself from the heat.
• Dress according to the temperature and the season you are visiting.
• Beware of misinformed guides around the place asking for money.

Things to Do

• Learn about the history of the place through guide books or through locals.
• Visit the interior of the haveli to take a look at the ornate architecture.
• Take a look at the beautiful paintings hanging on the walls.

Availability of Guides

A few professional guides are at Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli and can be hired for a nominal fee. It is better to consult the State Tourism Board in Jaisalmer to get a guide or you can even avail private guides for the whole duration if you are travelling through a tour agency or package.

Best Time to Visit

The tourists should visit the place during winters, that is, between the months of November to February as the summers are extremely hot in Jaisalmer because of the presence of Thar desert.

How to Reach the Place

Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli is in the heart of Jaisalmer. It can be reached easily by walking or by taking an auto rickshaw.

Interesting Facts and Trivia about Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli

• The construction of this building is associated with an interesting legend of how the two brothers, Hathi and Lulu, had begun constructing the haveli from two different sides to finally make it meet at all ends.
• The haveli is a confluence of the Rajput and the Islamic styles of architecture.
• The paintings on the interior of the haveli are grand. Surprisingly, there are depictions of modern amenities like cars and fans which the two brothers had painting despite having never seen them.
• At the entrance to the haveli, there are two majestic lions kept on two sides of the staircase. These lions have been intricately carved out of yellow sandstone and, thus, shine like gold when the sunlight falls upon them.
• The family now sells paintings and other memoirs to the tourists visiting the haveli.
• This has been the location of many Bollywood movies.

Nearby Attractions

• Fort of Jaisalmer
• Bada Bagh
• Kuldhara – the abandoned village
• Khaba Fort
• Patwon Ki Haveliyan
• Tanot Rai Mata Mandir
• Desert Cultural Centre
• Folklore Museum
• Khudi Desert
• Sam Desert
• Tilon Ki Pol Gadisar Lake

Nearby Restaurants

• Pleasant Haveli – Roof Top Restaurant
• Gaji’s Restaurant
• Hotel Tokyo Palace Roof Top Restaurant
• The Jaisal Treat
• Abu Safari Restaurant
• The Traveller’s Cup Premium Coffee Shop
• Jaisalmer Oasis Restaurant
• Shahi Palace Roof Top Restaurant

A visit here will fill you with new vigour and will give you lasting memories in your trip to Jaisalmer. Feel like royalty and experience grandeur in this architectural marvel as every stone that has been used to build these ornate structures narrate a story of their own. Thus, a visit to Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli is recommended for all tourists who want to enjoy the splendour of Rajputana.

• Famous for: Rich Flora and Architectural Heritage.
• Entrance Fees: 100 per person.
• Visiting Time: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Duration of Visit: 90 to 120 minutes.

The town of Mandore is located 9 kilometres north of Blue City of Jodhpur. In ancient times, it was the capital of Pratiharas who ruled the region in 6^th century AD. The old capital was shifted to Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur due to security concerns in 1459 AD. The remnants of the ancient capital can be still found if you visit the famous Mandore Gardens of Rajasthan. The town also exhibits other historical monuments such as Mandore Fort, old Mandore Palace and Ravan Temple.

Traveller Tips

• Don’t forget to take your camera with you as the verdant garden offers some captivating natural scenery endowed with rich flora.
• Don’t miss the other attractions of the garden. The Garden offers some interesting cenotaphs built by various rulers of the region.
• Don’t forget to visit the Government Museum and the Hindu Temple with all 33 crore Hindu gods and deities.
• Wear comfortable footwear as you need to walk in the garden.
• To save yourself from the scorching heat, always carry an umbrella and it is advisable to wear shades.

Things to Do

• Visit the famous cenotaph or chhatri (dewal) of Maharaja Ajit Singh built in 1793.
• Visit the ‘Hall of Heroes’ in Mandore Gardens which commemorates the folk heroes and popular Rajputs of the region.
• The garden also houses a Government Museum which is adorned with artefacts and old relics.

Availability of Guides

To be honest there is no need to look for a guide. The place is pretty much self-explanatory.

Best Time to Visit

As the town of Mandore is pretty much near to the Thar Desert, it is best to visit the Mandore Gardens during winter especially between the months of October and March.

How to Reach Mandore Gardens

The Mandore Gardens is about 10 kilometres from the Main Jodhpur Bus Stand. It is also not really far from the railway station i.e. a mere 10 kilometres away. If you have flied in, then we would suggest you to take the route which goes via National Highway 62 as the Mandore Garden is then about 12 kilometres away from the airport. Other modes of transport such as private taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available.

Interesting Facts about Mandore Gardens

• The popular folk heroes are a group of 16 figures which are carved from a single rock in the ‘Hall of Heroes’.
• The 300 million Hindu Gods and deities in the temple are beautifully illustrated by the artists in the form of lucent colourful images.
• If you climb up the craggy hill, you can catch glimpses of the old capital and remnants of the bygone Mandore Palace.

Nearby Attractions

• Balsamand Lake
• Balsamand Garden
• Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
• Machia Biological Park
• Mehrangarh Fort
• Jaswant Thada
• Manak Haveli
• Toorji ka Jhalara
• Umaid Heritage Art School
• Sardar Government Museum
• Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum
• Hall of Heroes
• Rajput Palace
• Rai Ka Bag Palace
• Kotsa
• Maharishi Dadhichi Garden
• Ramdevra Temple
• Umed Garden

Nearby Restaurants

• Rasala
• Ravla
• Kesar Heritage Restaurant
• Café Royale
• The Spice Route
• Chokelao
• Nirvana House Rooftop
• Ota
• Pillars
• Skyzz
• Bal Samand Lake Palace
• Risala, Umaid Bhawan Palace
• Gypsy Restaurant
• Kalinga Restaurant
• Jodhpur Café the Ajit Bhawan
• Hanwant Mahal

Mandore Gardens is an apt place if you want to experience the true heritage of Rajasthan including a hint of nature to it. The cenotaphs (chhatris), hall of heroes and the old Mandore Palace in the background are all part of the rich architectural heritage of the region. The now ruined Mandore Fort is also one of the highlights of this place and was once also architecture marvel. The garden itself boasts elegant murals, medieval temples and jagged rock cut terraces. Fairs and Festivals are common in the town of Mandore and you can even participate in them.

• Famous for: Landmark, architectural and historical heritage.
• Entrance Fees: Rs.30 per person for Indian, Rs.100 for foreigners and Rs.10 for minors (5-11 years old).
• Visiting Time: 10 AM to 16:30 PM
• Duration of Visit: 1-2 hours.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace is housed neatly beside the royal blue city of Jodhpur. It is a n architectural marvel, truly an edifice and is almost 75 years old. The foundation was laid in 1928 and construction of the palace was completed in 1943 under the guidance of chief architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir S.S. Jacob. The erection of the palace was done under the aegis H.V. Lanchester. The foundation’s ground was crushed by Maharaja Umaid Singh himself upon whom the palace is named after all.

Traveller Tips

• Don’t forget to take your camera as you are allowed to take pictures inside.
• Don’t miss the vintage car collection which is one the highlights of the museum.
• Guides are available in abundance and are ready to do voluntary service.
• To save yourself from that scorching heat of Rajasthan, we advise you to take an umbrella with you or wear a pair of shades.
• Always keep a water bottle with you in case of dehydration.
• We will suggest you to wear some comfortable footwear as you’ll need to do some walking in the Palace and the Museum.

Things to Do

• The museum is adorned with vintage clocks and pics of Art-Deco interior of the palace.
• The classic cars are displayed in the front garden of the Bhawan where you can click some beautiful photographs.
• The museum houses artistic murals, opulent miniature paintings and unusual household paraphernalia which is not seen in today’s market.

Availability of Guides

Plenty of English speaking and Hindi speaking guides are available who are willing to do voluntary service.

Best Time to Visit

As Jodhpur is pretty much near to the Thar Desert, it is best to visit the attraction during winter especially between the months of October and March.

How to Reach

The nearest airport of Jodhpur is 3 kilometres away and nearest railway station is 5 kilometres away. The city is well connected with other parts of India through a network of Railways. If you are not into these kinds of transport, then State Transport Road Buses, Private Buses or Luxury Volvos are also a viable choice. The main bus stand is just 3 kilometres away from the site. Other modes of transport such as private taxis, auto-rickshaws and tongas are also available.

Interesting Facts about Umaid Bhavan Palace Museum

• The other name of the Umaid Bhawan Palace is the Chittar Palace, due to the fact that stones from the nearby Chittar Hill were used for its construction and were responsible for the golden yellow colour of the edifice.
• Jodhpur Palace was voted as the World’s Best Hotel of 2016 at the Traveller’s Choice Award function which was organized by the travel website, TripAdvisor.
• The palace was completed in 1943, tragic as may it seem but Maharaja U. Singh only stayed for four years in the palace as he died in 1947.

Nearby Attractions

• Umed Garden
• Shri Ganesh Temple
• Ramdevra Temple
• Santoshi Mata Temple
• Phool Mahal
• Mehrangarh Fort
• Umaid Heritage Art School
• Jaipur Magic Day Tour
• Kotsa
• Blue Bohemian
• Ali Baba House
• Jodhpur Camel Safari

Nearby Restaurants

• Hanwant Mahal
• Pillars
• Sparrow’s Pizzeria
• Baradari Restaurant
• Royal Treat Café
• Kiki’s Café
• The Spice Route Restaurant
• On the Rocks
• Risala, Umaid Bhawan Palace
• The Laughing B
• Rhythm Restro
• Skyzz
• Pachranga
• Ajit Bhawan

To sum it all up, Umaid Bhawan Palace is an epitome of the benevolent attitude of the Maharaja Umaid Singh. He spent millions of rupees so as to give employment to distressed farmers as well as to build an architectural marvel at the same time. A trip to the palace gives us a taste, a floating reverie about the olden days and the grandeur of brave Maharajas. It’s for sure that the Golden Yellow Sandstone edifice will keep standing for centuries to come.

• Famous For: Adventure seekers, Wildlife enthusiasts, History Buffs and Architectural Photographers
• Entry Fee: Rs 15 for Indian and SAARC country tourists, Rs 200 for others.
• Visiting Time: 9:00 am to 6 pm daily
• Visit Duration: 3 hours

Kumbalgarh, a rare architectural masterpiece from 15^th century India is a sight to behold. Often compared to the Great Wall of China, these massive forts of 36km walls is an UNESCO world heritage site. Located at the Rajasmand town about 64 kilometres from Udaipur, this exuberant fort was built by the then Maharaja of Mewar Maharana Kumba. Such is the opulence of the wall that it is believed to hold place for 8 horses running side by side. This masterpiece has 25 feet width wall surrounding the fortress running for kilometres. It is the Indian version of the great wall of china and is well known as the Great Wall of India. This fortress rightfully depicts the Rajput architectural skills and is surrounded by the Kumbalgarh sanctuary and Rajasmand lake. Situated at a height of 1900 metres the fortress provides a breath-taking view of the Aravalli. The fort is adorned by several Hindu and Jain Temples of which the giant Shivalinga is of primary importance.

Traveller Tips

• The fort is quite a step climb, so wear comfortable clothes and sport shoes.
• Carry water bottles to keep yourself hydrated.
• Don’t forget to stuff yourself with food packets and water bottles from the food stalls available near the gate.
• It requires quite a lot of time to explore the fort so plan accordingly.

Things to Do

• The Badal Palace or the abode of clouds is one of the foremost place to visit here. It is the main palace of this fort
• Watch the light and sound show which occurs at 6:45 pm every day for just Rs 100.
• Witness the ethereal beauty of the sun setting across the mountains.
• Don’t miss the birth place of Maharana Pratap.
• The giant Shivalinga temple is a must visit.
• Explore the great wall of India.
• For the religious minded people, the more than 300 Hindu and Jain temples are places of importance.
• Take some time out for the Rajasmund lake and Kumbalgarh Sanctuary.

Availability of Guides

This is one of those forts which doesn’t come with a guide. The place is meant for solitary walking and trekking through the wilderness without any restrictions or instructions. So, yes guides are not here.

Best Time to Visit

Winter and Monsoon are the ideal period for visiting the place as the climate is pleasant for exploring the vast area. October – March is the best suitable time for visiting Kumbalgarh Fort.

How to Reach

It is well connected from Udaipur city and takes about 2 hours’ drive from there. One can visit it from Ranakhpur as well which takes a few hours. The magical landscape on the way will enthral you.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• It houses the largest Shivlinga in the world.
• It is the birth place of Maharana Pratap.
• The fortress has never been conquered.
• It was occupied till the 19^th century, then it was handed over to government of India and hence open to the public.
• It is maintained by Archaeological Society of India and is a recognised UNESCO world heritage site.
• The fortress is guarded by seven large gates.
• Legend has it that Rana Kumbha conducted a huge puja and human sacrifice at the Hanuman Pol to fortify this place, as instructed by his spiritual guide.
• It is an eco-friendly fortress.

Nearby Attractions

• Haldighati, the battle ground of the mughal emperor akbar and the Rajput king Maharana Pratap lies in the vicinity. It takes 3hours to drive this 168km distance.
• 6 feet shivalinga at Neelkanth Mahadeo Temple is located near the fort.
• Mammadev Temple lies hidden below the Kumbalgarh fortress.
• The Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds the fort.
• The Rajasmund Lake is another place to visit.
• Ranakhpur Jain temple lies at a distance of 11km from Kumbalgarh and takes a few hours’ drive.

Nearby Restaurants

• Gujarat restaurant 3kms from Kumbalgarh is a good location.
• King’s Abode and La Pizzeria at Ranakhpur road, 11km from the fortress are interesting destinations.
• Maharani Bagh at Sadri, 13 km from Kumbalgarh and the Ranakhpur Hill Resort at Ranakhpur road, 11km from the fortress are ideal places to stay and enjoy a hearty meal.

Overall, Kumbalgarh fort with its enchanting hills, rustic dessert terrain and natural flora and fauna, is an ideal gateway for all people. The great wall of India enthrals people and should be in everyone’s itinerary.

1. Khimsar Fort

Khimsar fort is a formidable construction meant to keep all invaders out and keep all the inhabitants of the fort safe. The fort housed the royal family. There is a zanana that was only meant for the use of the women in the royal household. This saw the strict adherence to the Parda Pratha, that is still prevalent in Rajasthan. The charm of the fort lies in the rugged walls and the rigid construction. The fort provides a beautiful view of the desert terrain that surrounds it.

2. Khimsar Dunes Village

The site is fifteen kilometres away from the main city area. Though there are no navigable roads to reach the area. The short journey can only be undertaken on camel back or jeeps, that cut right through the desert. The journey to the area is as much fun as the village itself. Khimsar Dunes Village is a small area that is nestled around a lake. The area has many huts that are eco-friendly. The village is an example of Rajasthani rural life. The secluded area exudes a rural charm.

3. Osian

The fake lake was made by wealthy merchants and was an important stop over for many caravans. In the old days when journey could last up to days, the Osian was an important construction.The much-needed stop over soon became a centre for many shrines. The area has many Hindu and Jain temples. Thus, the Osian moved from being a primarily economic site to a spiritual one as well. The building left behind are a testament of the same.

4. Nagaur

Nagaur is forty-three kilometres away from Khimsar. Nagaur is famous for the huge cattle fair that happens in the region. The region was always an important exchange place for herdsmen. They would often come here and sell their animals and animal related products. Since the old days, the area has drawn significant wealth in exchange for cattle and other movable assets. Today, the area organises many cattle fairs. Here many people come and sell their cattle. Apart from that, there are many camel races that are organised for the entertainment of the visitors. The visitors come here in huge numbers to see a still prevailing rural way of existence.

5. Jodhpur

Another area that is in close proximity to Khimsar is the city-state of Jodhpur. Today, it is a flourishing urban centre. In the olden days, the city as the rule of the powerful Marwar rulers who took the city to the peak of its success. Under the monarchs, the city emerged as one of the most powerful centres In Rajputana. Today all that stands of that old glory is the monuments that are left behind. Jodhpur has many palaces and forts that narrate the stories of valiant kings and beautiful princesses.

The architecture here portrays the story of the gallant Rajputs who were ready to die for their nation. The town should be a part of any and every road trip that one takes around the barren terrain of Rajasthan. The desert trail is dotted with many such small towns, each with its own charm. Khimsar is a weekend getaway for families where everyone will have a chance to learn something new.

Some More Tourist Places In Rajasthan:

• Best Places To Visit In Taragarh
• Best Places To Visit In Rajsamand
• Best Places To Visit In Bhilwara