Established by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century, this capital of Rajasthan, the “Pink city” of Jaipur is well known to everyone around the world. This much-celebrated pink city was painted as such to honour the visit of prince of Wales. With its charming palaces, lovely temples and clean surroundings, Jaipur is one of the most visited tourist cities in India. The lovely weather adds to the charm of the city. The tourists can’t get enough of this city but for those for whom this city is home and for those who are looking to get away from Jaipur for a while, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best weekend destinations which are close to Jaipur and make for amazing short holiday destinations.
Here is a list of 5 Best Weekend Getaways near Jaipur
1. Ranthambore National Park
Sprawling over 392 square kilometres, the Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest national parks in the country that is brimming with wildlife. Famous for being the abode of the Royal Bengal Tiger, the park, established in 1980, also houses rare and endemic animals such as hyena, leopards etc. Beautiful, raw and abundant, the national parks are one of the best places to visit to experience nature in its true form. The site is also one of the best places to catch a glimpse of migratory birds that pass through the country.
Also Read: Less Explored Places To Visit In Jaipur
2. Sariska National Park
One of the most frequently visited national parks in the state in located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. Sariska National Park stretches over 800 square kilometres and houses a wide array of wildlife including crocodiles, deer, tiger, hyena etc. Set in a stunning background, the park used to be visited by members of the royal family of Rajasthan for hunting purposes. The park also comprises of ruins of various temples and multiple lakes like Siliserh and Samand Lake that provide an ultimate holiday experience. The national park also has a number of wonderful waterfalls best experienced during the monsoon.
Also Read: 5 Hottest Tourist Spots in Jaipur – The Land of Kings
3. Abhaneri
The tiny village of Abhaneri, situated in the Dausa district of Rajasthan, is a must-see site. Established in the 9th century by King Raja Chand, the name Abhaneri derives from “AbhaNagri” meaning City of Brightness. One of the main attractions of this village is the Chand Baori or a step well that is 20 metres in depth and has 13 levels. Beautiful and the biggest step-well in the country, the architecture of the site is astounding. Harshat Mata Temple, built in 10th century, is another site in Abhaneri that shows the architectural marvel that has existed in India since a long time.
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4. Bairath
One of the closest places to Jaipur and a historical site you can visit during the weekend is the town of Bairath. Just 85 kilometres from the capital of Rajasthan, the erstwhile Viratnagar used to serve as the capital of the Matsya Kingdom. The ruins of Buddhist temples, Mauryan and Mughal architecture have been found here. The cultural and religious significance of the site draws a large number of tourists to it every year. It’s a valuable lesson in history served in a beautiful setting.
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5. Karauli
Located 160 kilometres from Jaipur, the city of Kalyanpuri or Karauli was set up in 14th century. Guarded fiercely by red sandstone wall that encompasses the city, Karauli is a famous religious destination of Rajasthan. Consisting of more than 200 temples, the city attracts devotees from all over the country. Some of the famous temples here are Mahavir Jain Temple, Madan Mohanji Temple, Kaila Devi Temple etc. Intricately carved and inscribed, the architecture here of these temples is nothing but astounding.
A state that caters to all kinds of tourists, Rajasthan has sites that will mesmerize you, enthral you and also help you relax and enjoy that vacation you were craving for. These 5 places will help you get to know this charming Indian state better, understand its people and learn a little more about the cultures that are prevalent here.
Author’s Bio:
An architect, a traveller and a writer, Rohit Agarwal intermingles his hobbies, passions and talents into one by sharing his illuminating traveling experiences throughout the world through his travel blog TransIndiaTravels.com
