Looking Further Afield – What’s going on Outside Jaipur

City Palace, Amer Fort, Janta Manta……what do you do once you have visited all that Jaipur has to offer and still have days left over to explore?  You take a trip out of town to nearby locations!  On our list of places within a few hours of Jaipur we have lots to offer you from ruined abandoned forts, small towns to explore, opportunities to buy crafts straight from the sellers and much more.  Jaipur has a lot to offer within a short distance.

Bangarh Fort

I have to admit when I first heard about this place I couldn’t wait to go!  Bangarh is an abandoned 17th century fort that was deserted, due to a curse by a wizard who had fallen in love with the princess of Bangarh. He placed a curse that no one within the city would ever live in peace!  Whatever the case, when darkness comes this place is locked up for the night and no one is allowed to enter! It’s classed as ‘One of the Most Haunted Places in India’ and is definitely worth a visit whether to check to see if the legend is true or to simply admire the beautiful ruins which include several temples as well as the main palace buildings and homes.  Bangarh fort is around 90minutes from Jaipur and a wonderful drive taking in the rural countryside and enjoying the peace and tranquillity.  The best way to reach Bangarh is by car, get four of you together and it can work out as a cheap day trip by hiring a car and driver (Keep an eye on this blog for posts about car hire companies recommended by us)

Abhaneri and Chand Baori step well 

The village of Abhaneri is worth exploring for the ruins there and in particular the Harshat Mata temple ruins from the 10th century.  India is known for its intricate and spectacular step wells and Chand Baori is definitely that.  It’s a huge step well, designed as a unique water reservoir to collect rain water.  Situated in front of the elaborate ruins of Harshat Mata temple, this spectacular and fascinating step well is 20metres deep and with 13 levels.  It has to be seen to appreciate how elaborate this is and to appreciate the intricate carvings on the step well itself.  Around 90kms from Jaipur, taking around 90minutes to reach, it can be accessed by taking a train from Jaipur to Bandikui junction and then a taxi from there to Abhaneri.  You can always hire a car and visit the Mehandipur Balaji Temple at the same time.

Bagru 

Bagru is known as the home of the block printers!  Here you can see the block printers drying out the fabric on their rooftops and can even go up and pick your own material.  The block printers use a unique system using wooden blocks carved out with patterns and use a particular system to replicate patterns on the material.  A great place to go if you love textiles and see something unique to this area.  There are even opportunities to do block printing work shops here.  Situated 35kms from Jaipur, for cheaper options, you can get here by train or frequent buses or through an organised taxi. 

Sanganer

Sanganer is another town known for its block printing and use of this ancient art but Sanganer has more to offer than that including the famous blue pottery and hand made paper.  You can see some of these products being made around the main area of Stadium Road to appreciate the skill that goes in to these crafts.  It seems Sanganer is a key shopping place to go!  Sanganer is also known for it’s Jain temples and City Palace ruins.  Sanganer is only 15kms from Jaipur and can be reached via a direct train or bus from Jaipur or taxi if you prefer.

Jamwa Ramgarh

Jamwa Ramgarh is an artificial lake 28kms from Jaipur, these days it doesn’t receive a lot of water but is still worth a visit, more so in the rainy season.  When the lake is full you can see many migratory birds.  This was the original hunting ground of the Maharajahs.   There is the option of staying over night in this area if your budget allows it for the rather grandiose hotels in the area.  Other things worth seeing in the area are the ruins of the old fort and the temple of Jambwa Mata making it an ideal day trip out from Jaipur.  Jamwa Ramgarh is accessed via taxi as there are no public transport options, but the scenery along the route adds to the whole experience.

Mehandipur Balaji temple

Another one of India’s intriguing temples more so because this temple is said to have healing and divine powers and the ability to remove evil spirits from a person!  I haven’t been yet but I certainly will be going!  People are said to be tied or chained to the chair and then live exorcisms are performed.  Be aware it can be quite crowded due to being a large temple dedicated to Hanuman and outside the temple is very basic, but it is certainly a quirky day trip from Jaipur.  Mehandipur Balaji temple is 100km from Jaipur and can be reached by regular local buses or by train with the nearest station being Bandakui.  A taxi may be the easier option and you can always get them to wait for you for the return journey.

That should give you plenty to do outside of Jaipur and see the more rural aspects of the Jaipur district.  If you wondering why we haven’t mentioned places such as Ajmer, Pushkar or Ranthambore tiger sanctuary, that’s because these are all over night stays.  Don’t worry though, we will be following up shortly with our post of short weekend breaks to fuel that travel bug some more!