5 Must visit places near Jaipur

An adventurous spirit is never satisfied with meagre travel experiences. When one has a desire to travel for experience and learn about the diverse cultures and rich history the world has to offer, one will not be able to stop at one destination and forbid themselves from exploring the surroundings. And India has uncountable cultural experiences to offer. We have some of the oldest civilizations in the entire world and archives full of vibrant, brutal and invigorating historical happenings. One such city that offers these precious peeks into the past is Jaipur. When in Jaipur – why not experience the glamorous royal heritage and picturesque beauty of all the places to visit near the city? 

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Here Are 5 Must-Visit Places Near Jaipur For A Road Trip To Elate The Innate Explorer In You -

1. Pushkar

Famous for the Pushkar camel fair, this holy city is a pilgrimage site for millions across the country. The sacred shores of the Pushkar lake and the numerous artistically built temples provide religious relief to many, making it one of the places to visit near Jaipur with the heaviest footfall. The Brahma temple is the most well-known Brahma temple in all of India and is said to be at least 2000 years old.

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Being one of the oldest known cities in India, Pushkar has an air of mystic calmness and devotion surrounding it. Out of respect – alcohol, meat and eggs are prohibited in the entire city. If you are looking for a road trip from Jaipur that will stir up something within your own faith, then Pushkar is the place to be. And if you are around town during the late October/early November period, then you must visit the grand Pushkar camel fair. It is India’s biggest cattle festival and a true melting pot of Rajasthani food, culture and people.

Distance from Jaipur – 147 km.

Special Feature – Pushkar Camel Fair

Must See

• Pushkar Lake
• Brahma Temple
• Varaha Temple

2. Bhangarh Fort

Ghosthunting may be popular because of Ghostbusters but the adrenaline rush of being on the hunt for a supernatural being is an ancient attraction. And for many seeking the magnetic forces of the paranormal, Bhangarh Fort is a lucrative road trip from Jaipur. Built in the 17th century this fort complex is shrouded in ghost stories of babies crying, women screaming, noises of drums, ladies dressed in white and several ghostly orbs and shadows. 

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Infrastructurally the complex contains the Chhatri of Singhia; several temples including a Gopinath temple, Hanuman temple, Mangla Devi temple, Purohit Ji Ki Haveli, Nachan Ki Haveli and a royal palace that contains the ruins of Princess Ratnavati’s bedroom. If you are up for some spine-chilling adventure amongst hauntingly beautiful ruins of a 17th-century palace then Bhangarh Fort should definitely be on your checklist of places to visit near Jaipur.

Distance from Jaipur – 83 km.

Special Feature – Most haunted place in India

Must See 

• Ruins of Princess Ratnavati’s room
• Gopinath Temple
• Purohit Ji Ki Haveli

3. Sariska National Park

Covering an extensive area of 800 sq. kilometres, the Sariska National Park is one of the most diverse and vibrant in terms of flora and fauna. Adding to its versatility the park has open green grasslands, dry deciduous forests, a crumbly rocky landscape, some stiff cliffs and even the ruins of ancient forts and temples.

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The fauna of the national park holds many surprises in it and some of the animals most commonly spotted are jaguars, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, wild boars, porcupines, Chausingha, leopards, langurs etc. The park also boasts of housing more than 225 different varieties of birds including Bush Quail, Grey Partridge, Sand Grouse, Crested Serpent Eagle and Horned Owl. An early morning jeep safari suits the nature of this destination and is recommended by the forest administration. Out of all the places to visit near Jaipur, this is the one that can productively utilize an idle morning.

Distance from Jaipur – 107 km.

Special Feature – More than 225 species of birds

Must See

• Garh-Rajor temple ruins
• Kankwari hilltop
• Chausingha (4-horned antelope)

4. Sambhar Lake

Located extremely close to the city of Jaipur is India’s largest inland salt lake producing 9% of India’s salt every single year. The lake is situated ten kilometres away from Sambhar Town and is a mesmerizing destination. Surrounded by the Aravalli hills on every side the Sambhar lake spreads over mind-blowing 24000 hectares. It was named a Ramsar site in 1990 because of the migration of thousands of flamingos and other birds to these wetlands every year.

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The neighbouring Sambhar Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to several animals like Nilgai, foxes and various species of deer. Within the area itself, the Hindustan Salt Limited factory exists. Here one can take a tour of the entire factory and understand the salt refining process – that too on a trolly! This experience costs about INR 500 but is certainly worth it. Another invigorating experience in the lake is camping and paragliding.

Distance from Jaipur – 90 km.

Special Feature – India’s largest inland salt lake

Must See

• Sambhar Lake
• Narrow-gauge train tracks
• Hindustan Salt Limited factory

5. Udaipur

It might be a little bit further than the rest of the places, but Udaipur is one destination you should not miss if you are planning to come to Jaipur and explore around. Not only is it world famous as the 'City of Lakes', but it is also popular as India's most romantic destination. You might already know that some pretty high-profile weddings have taken place here; including Katy Perry and Russel Brand's engagement party. What can we say? Love awakens in this city it seems.

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The city is also privé to some of the most beautiful and painstakingly created palaces, gardens, museums and temples. The artistic creativity of these places mixed with the calm vibe of the city and the wondrous stories of the royals of the past add to its romantic aura. The places that cannot be missed on your getaway here are City Palace, Jag Mandir, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Kesariyaji Temple, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar Lake, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Lake Pichola and the Insta famous Pratap Park.

Distance from Jaipur – 394 km.

Special Feature – India’s famous 'City of Lakes'

Must See

• City Palace
• Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
• Lake Pichola boat ride