Jaipur Excursion

Abhaneri

Famous For:	Chand Baori and Harshat Mata temple
Founded In:	9th century A.D
Founded By:	King Raja Chand
Location:	95 kms from Jaipur, On Jaipur-Agra Road

Abhaneri is a small village of the Dausa district in northern Rajasthan; it is located 95km from Jaipur, towards the Jaipur-Agra highway. The present name of the village, 'Abhaneri', is believed to be a mispronunciation of 'Abha Nagri' or the 'city of brightness'. This ancient village in Rajasthan is renowned for its post-Gupta or early medieval monuments, Chand Baori and Harshat Mata temple. Though the village is in ruins now, tourists throng the village to see Chand Baori which is a huge step well, a unique idea conceived by the natives to work as a water reservoir. Another attraction is the Harshat Mata temple, an architectural jewel on the tourism map of Rajasthan. While Harshat Mata temple symbolises the 10th century architecture, Chand Baori, which is fortified on all sides, is one of the largest step wells in India. Abhaneri is also famous for local dances namely Ghoomar, Kalbelia and Bhawai. Read further to know more about Abhaneri and its attractions.

History
As per records, this village was established in 9th century A.D by King Raja Chand of Gurjar kingdom. The initial name of Abhaneri was 'Abha Nagri' or the 'city of brightness' which led to its present name, 'Abhaneri'. Legend has it that Goddess Harshat Mata, in a joyous mood, spread brightness all over the village and hence, the name.

The Highlights Of The Place
What makes Abhaneri a place to visit is the presence of Harshat Mata temple and Chand Baori. Harshat Mata temple, which dates back to 10th century, is protected by the archeological department of the Government of India. Though the temple is in ruins, its beautiful craftsmanship is still visible. Harshat Mata is regarded as the goddess of happiness who spreads joy to the entire village. Visiting the temple is worth the while, thanks to its amazing architecture which takes us back to the glory of medieval India. The ruined images in the temple indicate that the temple was actually dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The Chand Baori is a step well which is regarded as a unique invention of the people of Abhaneri; it was created for rainwater harvesting. Located in the front of the Harshat Mata temple, this colossal step well has a depth of 20 meters, with 13 levels. Chand Baori is regarded as one of deepest and largest step wells in India. Despite being so huge, the well still has delicate and intricate carvings which are a visual treat. Various structures are also built around the step well.

How To Reach
Abhaneri is located on NH-11 or the Jaipur-Agra road. The village is well connected by air, train and road to various parts of the country through the cities of Jaipur and Dausa which are 90 and 30.9 km from Abhaneri, respectively. The nearest airport to Abhaneri is the Jaipur Sanganer Airport from where you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your destination. Abhaneri is also well connected by road as both government and private buses ply regularly between Abhaneri and Dausa, Agra, Jaipur, Ajmer, Alwar, Bharatpur and Bikaner. Abhaneri is well connected by rail through Dausa railway station which has an excellent connectivity with various major cities of the state and the country.

The Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Abhaneri is in the months of October to March.

Even with limited attractions, Abhaneri, a small rustic village in Northern Rajasthan, lures a large number of tourists. Close proximity to Jaipur indeed enhances its value on the tourism map.

                                                                                                                                                                

Bagru

Famous For:	Wooden or Block Printing
Location:	35 km south west of Jaipur on Jaipur-Ajmer road

Bagru is a small village in Rajastan on Jaipur-Ajmer road located at a distance of 35 kilometers from Jaipur. It's not for any palace or fort that Bagru is popular; it is the classic wooden block printing of Bagru which is considered unparalleled. The prints which are popularly known as 'Bagru Prints' make the village a crafts centre well known in Jaipur and in surrounding areas. These unique wooden printing techniques employ wooden blocks where the design is first engraved on the block which is further used to replicate the design on the preferred fabric. Apart from this, Bagru craft is also famous for its ecological consciousness and the use of traditional dyes. The brilliance of this age old craft, which is kept alive by the natives, makes Bagru a perfect tourist destination for those people who are crazy about textile printing. Read on to know more about Bagru and the textile printing that it is famous for.

Highlights
Bagru is popular for block or wooden printing. Commonly known as 'Bagru Prints', creating these designs involves an exclusive technique in which the preferred design is carved on a wooden block which is further used to reproduce the same design on the preferred fabric. The print patterns are known by the name, 'ajrakh'. The origin of this traditional craft can be dated back to three hundred years, thanks to the efforts of Chippa Mohalla, the craftsmen of Bagru who preserved it to avoid its untimely death. A walk along this specific area of the village would take you to almost three dozen families who work on this unique type of printing with blocks and dyes. These craftsmen, following the original tradition, wipe the cloth with fuller's earth and immerse it in turmeric water to provide the cloth with the customary cream colour. Following this, various designs are embossed on the fabric, with the help of natural dyes.

It is said that these people use simple and eco-friendly tools along with turmeric and natural and vegetable dyes to print the cloth. The craftsmen make blue colour from indigo, red colour from madder root, green from indigo mixed with pomegranate juice and yellow from turmeric. Excellent bed covers and other materials are manufactured by these villagers.

How To Reach
Bagru is a small village located 35 kilometers south west of Jaipur on the Jaipur-Ajmer road, NH8. There are frequent buses plying between Bagru and Jaipur that can be availed or you can hire a taxi from Jaipur to Bagru. The closest airport to Bagru is the Sanganeer Airport, Jaipur. Bagru is well connected by rail as Jaipur railway station is approximately 30-34 kilometers away. Another alternative is a small railway station namely Durgapura which is approximately the same distance from Bagru.

The Best Time To Visit
The cool months of October to March are the best time to visit Bagru in Rajasthan.

Bagru prints have already marked their name in the fashion industry. For those who are crazy about textile printing or wooden or block printing, this craft centre is one which is worth exploring.

                                                                                                                                                                   

Bairath

Famous For:	Excavated Buddhist temple, structures belonging to Mughal, Maurya and Rajput periods.
Location:	85 km from Jaipur

Bairath, also known as Viratnagar, is a place of historical and mythological significance. Located about 85 km from Jaipur, it is easily accessible by road. Bairath is home to many historically important structures, which belong to Maurya, Mughal and Rajput periods. Of all the excavations done so far, the remains of circular Buddhist temple are the most important ones. This temple is believed to be the earliest structural temple of India. Bairath has connections with Hindu epics as well and is believed to have served as a capital for Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna. The Bairath town was once a center of Buddhism and the excavations has many stories to tell about ancient Bairath. This place is famous for the Banganga Fair, which is held on the full moon day of Vaishakh (April-May) every year. It takes place near a rivulet 11 km away from this historical township. Bairath has a significant place in India's culture and history which makes this place worth visiting. Read though the following section and find more information about this place.

Legends
According to the legends, Viratanagari was the capital city for king Virata of Matsya Kingdom. It is believed that the Pandavas spent one year in Viratanagari during their thirteen-year exile. King Virata was related to Pandavas and was the father-in-law of Abhimanyu, Arjuna's son.

History
The excavations done in this region reveal that this township was a part of Maurya Empire and was an important Buddhist center at the time. A circular Buddhist temple, believed to be the first structural temple, was excavated from this region. Other major dynasty, the Mughals also contributed to the culture of Bairath. Emperor Akbar built a mint, or a coin factory, in this town. The beautiful Mughal garden is also an important contribution from the Mughal Empire. Akbar's son Jahangir built a huge monument with painted domes.

Highlights
Bairath has many excavated remaining of structures which belong to Mauraya, Mughal and Rajput periods. It has many excavated Buddhist structures as well, which shows that this place was a religious and cultural center of ancient India. The Banganga Fair is another attraction of Bairath. This fair is conducted every year on the full moon day of Vaishakh (April-May).

How To Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is the Jaipur Sanganer Airport. Bairath is about 86 km away from Jaipur and you can take the Shahpura-Alwar road from Jaipur to reach Bairath.

Rail: The nearest railway stations are Saiyedpur Bhtri Railway station (11 km away), Taraon Railway station (11km away) and Aunrihar Jn Railway station (13 km away) from where various cabs and bus facilities can be availed to reach Bairath.

Road: Bairath is located near the Shahpura-Alwar road. You may hire a taxi/cab from Jaipur to reach Bairath.

Best Time To Visit
Summer is generally very hot with maximum temperature touching 45^oC in this town. So, the best time to visit this place is from October to March.

Rajasthan is known for its royal mansions and forts but, that is not all. Bairath, a historical township located near Jaipur, shows the depth of Rajasthani culture and its association with history.

                                                                                                                                                                   

Karauli

Famous For:	Kaila Devi, Madan Mohanji and other historic structures
Founded In:	1348 AD
Founded By:	Maharaja Arjun Dev Yadav
Location:	160km from Jaipur

Karauli, former capital of the erstwhile Karauli state (princely state), is a small town in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The city has around 300 temples and is hence, regarded as one of the holiest cities of the state. The city, which is located about 150 km from Jaipur, was founded by Maharaja Arjun Dev Yadav in 1348 AD. Legend has it that the Jadaun Rajputs who ruled Karauli were descendants of Lord Krishna. Karauli was formerly known as Kalyanpuri, named after the deity Kalyanji. The city is protected by a red sandstone wall constructed all around it. The wall has gateways at strategic positions, which aided protection from the approaching enemies in olden days. The wall, though depleted at some spots, still remains intact. Karauli is famous for its pale red stones and monuments like the Kaila Devi temple, Madan Mohanji temple and many other historic structures. Read the following section to know more about Karauli.

Legend
The heritage town of Karauli is associated with many legends. It is a popular belief that the princely state of Karauli was founded by Yaduvanshi Rajput Bijai Pal around 995 AD. It is believed that he was 88th generation of the Hindu deity, Lord Krishna. Little is however known about the early history of the family.

History
Officially, the town of Karauli was founded in 1348 by another Yaduvanshi Rajput, Maharaja Arjun Dev Yadav. The town was strategically located to ensure natural defense. To the north and east of the town are ravines while a huge wall was built on all other sides, to protect it from charging armies. Karauli is associated with many historical happenings. The main village in Karauli is called Mandrail. This village is famous for the battle of Mandrail which was fought by Raja Puranmal, the king of Amer, in 1534 AD. At the time when India became independent in 1947, Karauli was under the rule of Maharaja Ganesh Pal Deo. Later, this town merged with the union of India and became part of Indian state of Rajasthan.

Highlights
Karauli is known for its pale red-stones. This heritage town is home to some very memorable monuments like Kaila Devi temple, Madan Mohanji temple, palaces, forts and other historic structures. The Mahavir Jain temple in Karauli is revered by the Jains all over the world. The Kaila Devi Sancturary, which is an extension of the Ranthambore National Park, is located very close to Karauli. This heritage town is also famous its colorful festivals and fairs.

How To Reach
By Road: Karauli is located about 160 km away from Jaipur and you may avail public/private buses or local taxis to reach here. By Rail: The nearest railway stations near Karauli are Piloda Railway Station (38.3 km) and Khandip Railway Station (40.0 km). Regular bus and cab services are available here as well.

By Air: Nearest airports to this town are the Kheria Airport, Agra (127 km) and Jaipur Sanganer Airport (160 km).

Best Time To Visit
Summer is not a good time to visit Karauli. The best time to visit this heritage town is fromOctober to March.

Visiting a heritage town is always a pleasurable and educating experience. Heritage towns like Karauli have many a thing to tell you, especially, about ancient Indian culture.

                                                                                                                                                                   

Ramgarh Lake

Famous For:	Artificial Lake
Location:	35km from Jaipur

Known for its artificial lake, Ramgarh is situated at a distance of approximately 35 km from Jaipur city. The lake covers an area of 15.5 sq. km and had once been a major source of water for Jaipur city. Ramgarh Lake is a manmade water body created by forming an embankment on the forested hills. The place attracts hundreds and thousands of tourists every year. During monsoons, the lake is flooded with water and presents the most alluring scenic beauty for visitors. It is also an interesting place for bird watchers as they get to see flocks of birds including migratory birds around this artificial lake. Ever since Ramgarh was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Government of India in 1982, the place also offers wildlife safaris for the tourists. There are also polo grounds, Jamwa Mata temple, Old Fort, museum and hunting lodge to see at Ramgarh. Amidst the ruins of ancient forts, Ramgarh Lake makes an ideal picnic spot for the visitors.

History
Ramgarh was once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur. Over the years, the place has been turned into a heritage place. The heritage hotel at Ramgarh now stands majestically overlooking the Ramgarh Lake which is spread across an area of 15.5 sq. kms. Until year 2000, the lake had been a major source of water for the Pink City. Ramgarh Lake has a historical record of hosting a rowing event during 1982 Asian Games. The thick forest near Ramgarh Lake is home to many wildlife species such as Neelgai, Chital and lions. Hence, it has been pronounced a Wildlife Sanctuary since 1982, by the Government of India.

The Highlights Of The Place
The artificial Ramgarh Lake, spread across 4km, is the most popular tourist attraction in Ramgarh. The lake offers recreation like boating between the months of October and June.

The Polo ground at Ramgarh is regarded as one of the best Polo grounds in India. It is located between Ramgarh Lake and the Aravalli Hills. Jamwa Mata temple is another major attraction for the tourists in Ramgarh. The temple is situated at a downward course of Ramgarh Lake. It was built by Rao Dulherao of the Kachhwaha clan of Jaipur.

How To Reach
Ramgarh is well connected through road. There are frequent Rajasthan Road Transport Corporation buses plying from Jaipur to Ramgarh. You can even hire taxi or cab service from Jaipur city to Ramgarh. The nearest airport is the Jaipur Sanganer Airport and the nearest railway station is the Jaipur Junction.

The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ramgarh is between the cool months of October and March.

Ramgarh Lake, with its scenic beauty, is surrounded by exotic wildlife species, particularly birds, and is also a famous Polo ground. The Jamwa Mata temple and the hunting lodge, all combine to make it an attractive tourist destination in Jaipur. For locals, this lake is a favorite picnic spot. So, Ramgarh sure is a must visit place in Jaipur.