Palace On Wheels Rajasthan

A tour of Jaipur by the Palace on Wheels is a journey worthy of kings. No wonder the experience is labeled as the Palace on Wheels. The Palace on Wheels sojourn covers Jaipur (the Pink city), Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ramthambhor National Park, Chittorgarh, Udaipur (the city of Lakes), the Bharatpur bird sanctuary and the epitome of love and romance, Agra, before returning to Delhi, the capital of India. There are 14 coaches in the Palace on Wheels and each one of them is named after former Rajput states. The names of coaches are romantic and mesmerizing... Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur.

The Palace on Wheels has been rated as one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world. Once on board you get to feel the Royalty all over the train. The services and facilities offered on board befit kings and emperors. On board the Palace on Wheels are a series of restaurants, library, bar, lounges, individually designed saloons with en-suite bathrooms, personal attendants and lots more. At the top of it all, the passengers are greeted with traditional Royal welcome at every station.

Rajasthan is one of the most colorful, historical and culturally rich states of India. The history of Rajasthan is all about valiant and chivalrous Rajputs. It is, therefore, not surprising that the Rajput rulers had greatest influence on history and culture of Rajasthan. The Rajput rulers and noblemen were known for their valor, chivalry and elaborate code of honor. Their passion for architecture can be seen in the numerous magnificent monuments, palaces, "Havelis", temples and forts that speak volumes about history of the region.

The Palace on Wheels tour makes you experience all the luxuries, worthy of the affluent Maharajas of the past. On board the Palace on Wheels, exuberance and extravagance are the keywords. The Royal journey, by Palace on Wheels, is a first-hand experience of the lavish lifestyles of the former Indian kings and rulers. The décor, food and hospitality inside the Palace on Wheels speak volumes about the luxury and opulence. Get ready to feel the Royalty as you embark on an unforgettable and cherished journey on board the Palace on Wheels!

Places To Visit In Jaipur

Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City. It is also the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It is one of the most visited tourist places of India. The old city of Jaipur is partially encircled with seven gates - the major gates are Chandpol, Sanganeri, and Ajmeri.The Capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificient forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the Maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, Famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure trove for the shoppers.

Amber Fort In Jaipur

Amber is located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachhwaha clan of Amber, which used to be the capital, till it was moved to Jaipur.

Birla Temple In Jaipur

Birla Temple forms one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night. Birla Mandir, in pure white marble, dominates the skyline of southern part of Jaipur

City Palace In Jaipur

The City Palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture. The City Palace complex houses several palatial structures.

Central Museum In Jaipur

Amidst the beautiful Ram Niwas Garden, surrounded by pools, fountains and rows of flowerbeds stands the exquisite Albert Hall, built on 1886 A.D.

Hawa Mahal In Jaipur

Hawa Mahal is a major landmark and a famous tourist attraction of Jaipur. The Palace offers a beautiful sight to behold. The splendid Rajputana architecture of Hawa Mahal, still speaks the glory of the royal family.

Jal Mahal In Jaipur

Jal Mahal of Jaipur is a pleasure palace built in the 18th century. Situated amidst the picturesque Mansagar Lake, the palace has the Nahargarh hills forming its backdrop.

Jaigarh Fort In Jaipur

Jaigarh Fort is located on the top of the hill, by the name of Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles). Jaigarh Fort is also known as the 'Victory Fort', located at a comfortable distance of 15kms from Jaipur

Kanak Vrindavan Garden In Jaipur

Kanak Vrindavan Valley is an exotic place in the desert lands of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Kanak Vrindavan is situated in the bottom of Nahargarh hills adjoining the Amber Fort, on Jaipur-Amber Road.

Nahargarh Fort In Jaipur

Nahargarh Fort is the first of the three forts built by Maharaja Jai Sawai Singh of Jaipur. The Fort stands at the top of rugged point of the Aravalis and offers a spectacular view of the City.

Govind Devji Temple In Jaipur

Govind Dev Ji Temple is one amongst the major tourist attractions of Jaipur. The Temple represents the royal past of Jaipur. The Temple is dedicated to Govind Dev Ji (Other name of Lord Krishna).

Jantar Mantar In Jaipur
Jantar Mantar at Jaipur is the largest stone observatory in the World and this feature makes it, a special destination for a traveler.

Laxmi Narayan Temple In Jaipur

The Laxmi Narayan Temple in Jaipur is located at the foot of the Moti Dungar Hill is known for its architectural beauty and is very popular amongst the tourists. It is a marble structure and glows in the night.

Moti Doongri Temple In Jaipur

Moti Dungri is a small hill, centrally located in the city of Jaipur. The term Moti Dungri means Hill of Pearls or Pearl Hill.

Galta Ji Temple In Jaipur

Galtaji is a holy pilgrimage of India, located 10 kms away from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The vast complex of Galta Ji has several temples in it.

Ram Niwas Garden In Jaipur

Ram Niwas Garden was constructed by Maharaja Swai Ram Singh in 1868 and designed by Surgeon Major De-Faback, located in the center of modern Jaipur which covers an area of 33 acres.

Jaipur Ramgarh Lake
Ramgarh is located at a distance of 25kms from the city of Jaipur. In the present day, this primeval spot is eminent for its huge art

Royal Cenotaphs Of Jaipur

Just opposite the Man Sagar Lake, Gaitor lies in a narrow valleywith its marble and sandstone chhattris (cenotaphs) of the rulers of Jaipur.This was the site where the Kachhwaha royalty ended their stay on earth.

Statue Circle In Jaipur

Statue Circle forms a major landmark of Jaipur. It is situated on a busy crossing of the city. Statue Circle has got its name from the statue, which it portrays. Statue Circle comprises the statue of King Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur.

Vidyadhar Garden In Jaipur

Vidyadhar Garden is a beautiful garden that was derived by the Rajputs of Jaipur from the Mughals' definition of Garden. Vidhyadhar Ka Bagh was made in order to bring a sense of relief in the scorched scenery of the desert land.

Zoological Park & Garden In Jaipur

Zoological Park is situated in the ram Niws garden. It is a century old and is among the oldest in the country. Set in a landscaped garden, it has a good number of birds and animals and also houses a famous crocodile breeding ground.

Savitri Temple In Pushkar

Savitri Temple in one of the most renowned one out of 400 temples in Pushkar. According to the Hindu mythology Savitri is the first wife of Lord Brahma. When He was all set to start a Yagna on earth in the place of Pushkar (determined by drooping a lotus flower), Savitri's presence was the prerequisite. But She had kept Him waiting. Lord Brahma, irritated at this, married Gayatri the milkmaid to start the yagna on the most auspicious moment.

Infuriated Savitri cursed that Lord Brahma would not be worshipped anywhere else but Pushkar. Hence you find the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma only inn Pushkar.

Perched on a hillock, Savitri Temple stands just behind the temple of Lord Brahma. A long series of steps lead to the shrine. From the temple you can get a panoramic view of the Pushkar lake, the surrounding temples and the sand dunes.

Varah Temple In Pushkar

Varah temple was built in the 12th century and, and the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is said to have destroyed it. Aurangzeb was understandably rather upset with the huge statue of Varah, the god with the body of a man and the head of a boar. However, Raja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur thought differently, and in 1727 reconstructed the temple which now has a highly decorated inner sanctum where an idol of Varah is placed.

The 19th century Mahadeva temple with its five-faced statue of Mahadeva is made entirely of white marble. The temple is remarkable for its elegance of structure, and is perhaps the finest of all temples in and around Ajmer and Pushkar.

The Ramavaikunth temple is an intricately carved temple dating to the 1920 and has images of 361 deities. Its high stone spires atop pagodas and the rest of the temple were built by masons especially brought for this purpose from south India. The Savitri temple is located on top of a hill overlooking the lake. The hike up the hill is long and arduous via a stairway built in the 4th century, and if panoramic views are a necessity for you, the trek will be worth it. This temple is dedicated to Brahma’s wife Savitri and its origin dates back to over 2,000 years.

The Gayatri temple on the other side of Pushkar is in honour of the wife who sat by Brahma’s side in Savitri’s absence during Brahma’s ceremonial sacrifice. Legend says that Gayatri was an untouchable and to purify her she was put into the mouth of a cow and taken out from the other end. To reach the Gayatri temple the best route to take is from behind the bus stand and walk up a hill. Both the Savitri and Gayatri temples are closed – so to say – during lunch hours and the best time to go is either before noon or in the evening.

Two Raghunath temples exist in Pushkar; one is the old one and the other is relatively new. The Old Raghunath temple was built in 1823 and houses images of Venugopal, Narasimha (Vishnu’s fourth incarnation) and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. But there’s a bit of a problem for foreign tourists visiting these two temples because of one little sign which says "Foreigners not allowed." These are probably the only binary temples in India where such segregation exists.

Towards the northen section of Pushkar is the Pap Mochini temple, not really popular for its architecture or deity but for the simple belief that anyone who kills a Brahmin will be purified of this deed by visiting the temple. Of course, all that was applicable in olden times, for today a murder is a murder and the law would hear nothing else.

Where there is a mass of holy water there will be bathing ghats, and in Pushkar it is the same as all over India. Pushkar lake is surrounded by hundreds of ghats where pilgrims assemble to bathe, pray or just loiter around. Removing ones shoes would be a good idea unless you want to be glared or shouted at! Photography is a strict no-no, especially of bathing women. Pushkar is quite used to tourists, but unlike Varanasi, is home for orthodox Hindus, and a little care to observe Hindu traditions can help.

Apteshwar Temple in Pushkar

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Apteshwar Temple in Pushkar is visited by numerous people all round the year. Constructed in the 12th Century, this temple has splendid architecture. Lord Shiva is considered to be the destroyer among the Hindu Trinity, whereas Lord Vishnu is the preserver and Lord Brahma is the creator.

With its rich architecture, this Temple in Pushkar is among the 400 temples that bedeck the city. Reminding us of ancient India, the Apteshwar Temple has boldly stood the test of time, proving the transcendental essence of Indian spirituality. Believed to be the oldest and the most revered Indian God, Lord Shiva is said to preside this Sanctum Sanctorum and bless his devotees with an open heart.

Alternatively called Ashutosh, or one who can be pleased easily, Lord Shiva can be satisfied by placing 'Bel' leaves atop the Shiva Lingam. By doing so, one can get one's desires granted very easily, or so goes the saying. Therefore if you visit Apteshwar Temple in Rajasthan during Shiva Ratri, when Lord Shiva is ritually revered, you shall get to see thousands of devotees placing bel leaves over the Shiva Lingam, after drenching it with milk, dahi, ghee and honey. It is said that Lord Shiva grants a handsome groom to the one who worships him with respect and devotion.

There are numerous other temples near Apteshwar Temple, like the Savitri Temple, Rangji Temple, Warah Temple and Brahma Temple. These temples are the soul of India and also indicate the rich heritage of India.

Ramavaikunth Temple in Pushkar

One of the largest temples in Pushkar is the Ramavaikunth Temple. An intricately designed Hindu Temple, constructed in the year 1920, it is one of the sacred temples in Pushkar in Rajasthan. Every year a number of devotees visit the Ramavaikunth Temple in Pushkar in order to offer their prayers.

One can find traces of South Indian architecture in the Ramavaikunth Temple in Pushkar. Built in the 20th century it is believed that artisans from South India were brought to give this shape to the temple in Pushkar. Located atop a hill one can get a panoramic view of the city and the Pushkar Lake on their tour to the Ramavaikunth Temple. The towering spires of Ramavaikunth Temple make it a beautiful sight for the tourists.

The architectural marvel of the Ramavaikunth Temple in Pushkar draws a number of tourists to this unique temple in Pushkar. From towering spires to the pagodas, the Ramavaikunth Temple has a different look quite unlike the other Hindu Temples in Pushkar. The Ramavaikunth Temple has intricately carved images of 361 different deities and is considered to be a sacred place for the Hindu pilgrims.

How to Reach Ramavaikunth Temple:

In order to reach the Ramavaikunth Temple, you can take the following routes:

Airport :- Jaipur Airport (131km) is the nearest airport.

Railhead :- Ajmer Railway Station (11km) is the nearest railhead.

Pap Mochini Temple In Pushkar

In the Northern section of Pushkar, the Pap Mochini Temple is located; pap in Sanskrit means 'sin' and mochini means 'absolving'. Pap Mochini Temple in Pushkar is presided by the deity Ekadashi Mata, believed to respite her followers from all cardinal sins. It was believed in ancient India that killing a Brahmin would mount to eternal punishment and the soul of the killer would be doomed forever.

There is no way to acquit oneself from this sin (of murdering a Brahmin, who is supposed to be in the highest in the pyramidal plane of the Hindu social structure), even if he does so unknowingly. Since it was the worst of all sins in ancient India, the people who committed the blunder of murdering Brahmins used to come to Pap Mochini Temple because it is believed that Goddess Ekadashi Mata is the only goddess on earth who can free her devotees from this catastrophe.

There is also a mythological association to this temple. Lord Krishna once cursed Ashwathama, a character in the Indian Epic, Mahabharata, to roam about in the earth for Three Thousand Years. In order to seek salvation, his soul comes to the Pap Mochini Temple in Rajasthan once in a year, and this time is suitable for prayer.

A panoramic view of this Temple in Pushkar can be observed from a little distance; on the left side is the Lake where the devotees take a sacred dip, whereas on the right side there is Sandy Mela Ground; it leads to the arid region Marwar, known as Marwar plateau.