- Ajaz Shaikh
Perfect Travel Blueprint for ARJ: Ajmer, Ranthambore and Jaipur
Combine the best of the royal state of Rajasthan on this wonderfully handcrafted perfect travel blueprint! Explore the remarkable attractions and rich grandeur of the pink city-Jaipur, holiest shrines of the country Ajmer Sharif and discover the diverse wildlife and sanctuary of the royal Bengal tiger, Ranthambore on this spectacular journey of Rajasthan.
From Mumbai to Ajmer
The cheapest and convenient way to reach Ajmer is via railway. Ajmer has rail connectivity with major cities. The nearest airport is in Jaipur which is just 3 hours away. Due to excellent train connectivity, it makes sense to explore Ajmer as a day trip or combine it along with Pushkar over the weekend.
From Mumbai, 12995- Bandra Terminus Udaipur Express on Friday which leaves from Bandra at 4:15 PM which will reach Ajmer around 09:50 AM next day
Day One: Ajmer
Considered to be one of the holiest shrines of the country, be ready to face a good crowd here, any time of the day you visit. Located around the very funnily named ‘Nag Pahad’ or Snake Mountain in the Aravali Hills, Ajmer is an otherwise unattractive town and most travellers prefer to make a pit-stop on the way to Pushkar. Ajmer is said to have been founded in the 7th Century and is home to the most sacred Islamic shrine in India, and for Muslims, a pilgrimage here is considered second in importance only to a visit to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Ajmer is also famous for its food (Veg and Non-Veg) and a particular dish called Kachori (special samosa smothered in sweet chutney sauce). So try that first and you will find it in every corner of the city. I highly recommend trying at Dhanna Kachori which is nearby Ajmer Railway Station.
Dargah Sharif
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah built-in 13th Century is among the holiest Muslim shrine in India and is thronged by thousands of pilgrims every day. The slender path to the Dargah is lined with flower stall, food stalls and shops selling paraphernalia.
Click here to view more images on Instagram
There is no best time to visit dargah sharif, early morning its claim and you can feel the holiness and in the evening you can enjoy Qawwalis.
Soniji Ki Nasiyan - Ajmer Jain Temple
Built in the late nineteenth century, Soniji Ki Nasiyan is an architecturally rich Jain Temple. Popularly known as the Ajmer Temple, or the Lal Mandir, it is situated in Prithvi Raj Marg in Ajmer, Rajasthan and is very close to Akbar Fort. This temple is worshipped for Lord Rishabhdev (Agnidev) who was the first of the Tirthankaras, and its disciples and followers mainly owe its origin to the Digambhar Sect.
Click here to view more images on Instagram
Entry Ticket: INR 10.00 per person for Indian and INR 25.00 per person for Non-Indian
Timing: 09:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Kebabs & Curries Company (K&CC)
For lunch head to amazing restaurant just opposite Ana Sagar Lake Chowpatty - Kebabs & Curries Company (K&CC) they serve amazing Non-Veg Food. Some must-try dishes - Chicken Tandoori, Chicken Kolhapuri with Rulami Food and Chicken Biryani.
Akbar's Fort & Museum
Akbar Fort & Museum is situated on the Museum Road in Naya Bazar, Ajmer. Boasting of striking architecture - a blend of Mughal and Rajputana styles, the fort was built by the emperor Akbar, it was once the residence of Prince Salim.
Click here to view more images on Instagram
This is a fort turned museum. The Akbar fort itself is a very significant fort in history as a lot of important decisions were taken here by the Mughal emperors, the most important one being Shahjahan's first meeting with Thomas Roe from East India Company, granting him rights to set up a factory in Surat. The EIC later expanded throughout the country and paved way for British Raj.
Entry Ticket: INR 20.00 per person for Indian and INR 100.00 per person for Non-Indian
Timing: 09:45 AM to 5:15 PM (Weekly Holiday on Monday)
Dhai Din Ka Jhopra
Dhai Din ka Jhopra is the exquisite seven arched screen in front of the hall. Each arch is different and there are delicate and elaborate carvings.
Click here to view more images on Instagram
Ana Sagar Lake
The breathtaking and gorgeous Ana Sagar Lake is a magnificent artificial lake that is located in the city of Ajmer. This lake, which dries up every year in the summer season, is best visited during the sunsets when the views are extraordinarily marvellous to look at. Do not forget to take a camera to capture the fantastic and heavenly views that you behold here.
All in all, a visit to the Ana Sagar Lake is a must when you are in Ajmer, for the beauty of this lake can be enjoyed and cherished with friends and family alike. Today, the Ana Sagar Lake is one of Ajmer's most popular lakes and is also one of the largest lakes that India is home to.
The Ana Sagar Lake is surrounded by Daulat Bagh Gardens, which is a splendid garden full of vast open spaces and lush greenery, and the Khobra Behroon temple- two popular attractions of Ajmer that tourists prefer to visit along with a day trip to the beautiful lake. The lake is only 13 kilometres away from the main city of Ajmer. An island can be spotted in the centre of the lake. Tourists love to indulge in boating or water scooter rides here. The lake is about 4.4 metres deep and spreads over an area of 12 kilometres.
You can enjoy the cool breeze and beautiful view of Ana Sagar Lake while enjoying coffee at Budan Uncle - coffee shop just opposite to Ana Sagar Lake next to Kebabs & Curries Company (K&CC).
From Ajmer to Jaipur
In the evening you can enjoy Qawwalis at Dargah Sharif before leaving the city.
For Ajmer, I took 19031-Haridwar Mail on Saturday which leaves from Ajmer at 08:50 PM which will reach Jaipur around 11:05 PM same day.
Where to Stay In Jaipur?
Zostel Jaipur centrally located within the walled city at Hawa Mahal and it is close to all the major attractions of Jaipur. The colourful interiors of the hostel mirror the spirit of the city perfectly. The charges for the stay at Zostel are INR 499 per night for a bed in a dormitory. But I prefer to have my own space, so took a private suite which cost me INR 2199 per night.
Some other places to places are
You won’t miss out on anything, click here to download Perfect Blueprint for ARJ: Ajmer, Ranthambore and Jaipur Budget Trip from Mumbai
Day Two: Pink City - Jaipur
Majestic buildings, tales of heroic battles, resplendent forts and palaces, and multi-faceted characters, Jaipur has long been one of the shiniest cultural jewels in the history of the Indian subcontinent. With friendly people known for their hospitality, Jaipur offers a plethora of options for travellers and can be easily explored over the weekend from Mumbai.
Breakfast @ The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge
Click here to view more images on Instagram
Hawa Mahal is on view from this chill rooftop cafe with an outdoor seating arrangement and the restaurant serves only veg food. I will mark it 5/5 for location and view. For food and service 4 out 5
Hawa Mahal
Jaipur’s most iconic landmark, the red and pink sandstone facade of Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is widely recognized. Within its chambers, hidden from public view, the women of the royal house would secretly observe the activities on the street, through the palace’s latticework openings. A fine example of Mughal architecture, the pyramidal design of Hawa Mahal rises five-storeys from the ground
Click here to view more images on Instagram
Timing: 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM
Entry Ticket: Indian INR 50.00 per person and INR 200.00 per person for Foreigner.
City Palace
Located just behind the Hawa Mahal is Jaipur’s famous City Palace, the centrepiece of the city and the heart of founder Jai Singh II’s reign. The City Palace includes Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal as well as a number of other structures. Built with highly trained architectural care. While a part of the palace remains the residence of the royal family of Jaipur even today, visitors have access to other parts of the palace complex. The City Palace also houses a temple and a museum with a fine collection of artefacts.
Click here to view more images on Instagram
Timing: 09:30 AM to 05:00 PM & 06:30 PM to 08:30 PM
Entry Fees: For Indian INR 100 per person and INR 400 per person for Foreigner.
Jantar Mantar
Dating back to the 18th century, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observation site and a testimony to the scholarly brilliance of a bygone era. Among the 20 instruments found at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest sundial in the world.
Timing: 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM
Entry Fees: For Indian INR 50 per person and INR 200 per person for Foreigner.
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal, a palace half-submerged prettily right in the centre of the Man Sagar Lake on the outskirts of Jaipur. A masterful creation, it is bordered by the Nahargarh Hills. This low rise symmetrical Palace was once a shooting lodge for the Maharajas and now fascinates many visitors from all over the world.
Timing: Always Open
Entry Fees: No Entry Fees
Amer Fort & Palace
The charm of Amber Fort is undeniable. Perched on a hilltop, this 15th century fort is impressive –- both in terms of size and architecture. Built using Mughal-style architecture, the golden frontage is complemented by elaborate interiors. The ornate archways lead to expansive chambers, featuring hand-painted and mirror worked ceilings and walls. The fort houses the Diwan-e-Aam, or ‘Hall of Public Audience’, the Diwan-e-Khas, or ‘Hall of Private Audience’, and also the Sheesh Mahal, the ‘Mirror Palace’. The splendour of Amber Fort is heightened during the Light and Sound Show in the evening.
Click here to view more images on Instagram
Timing: 08:00 AM to 05:30 PM & 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fees: For Indian INR 100 per person and INR 500 per person for Foreigner.
Sound & Light Show: In English 07:30 PM and In Hindi 08:30 PM
Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort is another very popular destination on the outskirts of Jaipur city. Jaigarh was built in 1726 to protect the city of Jaipur. A true fortress, this fort lacks the intricacies of the fort-palace architecture found elsewhere in Jaipur. Fortunately, this fort never served in any serious conflicts and thus has remained essentially intact in its original structure. It offers visitors a breath-taking view of the surrounding mountainous landscape.
Click here to view more images on Instagram
Jaigarh Fort was also the set of famous Bollywood movie song Yu Karke from Dabangg 3 featuring Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha
Timing: 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM
Entry Fees: For Indian INR 35 per person and INR 85 per person for Foreigner.
Nahargarh Fort
Set on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort is striking in stature. Built as the summer palace for the royal family, the main palace within the fort is known as Madhavendra Bhawan. In addition, there are nine other double-storied living spaces within the fort.
Click here to view more images on Instagram
An example of Indo-European architectural style, the royal frescos, and marble engravings can still be seen on the interior walls here. The views of Jaipur city are stunning from Nahargarh Fort since it is perched over a hill overlooking the city. It is also the most popular place in Jaipur to watch a sunrise and sunset. It’s not surprising why it is so.
Click here to view more images on Instagram
The sunrise point in Nahargarh Fort is on the east face near the Baori. It is close to the Baori where famous song Masti ki Pathshala from Bollywood movie Rang De Basanti was filmed. It’s known as Rang De Basanti shooting point or location.
Click here to view more images on Instagram
Timing: 05:00 AM to 08:30 PM
Entry Fees: For Indian INR 50 per person and INR 200 per person for Foreigner.
Dinner @ Chokhi Dhani
Chokhi Dhani is a must-visit place when you are in Jaipur. This place gives you feel of a Rajasthan village, here the proper traditional Rajasthani meal is served which includes gatte ki sabji, daal baati, sarso da saag aur makki ki roti, curry, dum aloo, lasaan ki chutney, pudhina ki chutney,sangriya achaar, white butter, khichdi, bajra roti, malpua and churma. The ambience is beautiful and worth praising. Also, there are various activities taking place like folk dance, camel ride, live music, magic show, elephant ride, games, etc. Visit here with an ample amount of time. Must try Traditional Buffet for INR 750.00.
Timing: 06:00 PM to 10:30 PM