2021 brought us new hopes to travel. Post the vaccination drive in NCR, the husband planned an impromptu trip to Jaipur. Visiting the well-known forts and palaces was definitely not in the plan but the unusual ones. In case you are tired of visiting the touristy attractions, here are 5 offbeat places in Jaipur.
Galta ji Temple
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the god of monkeys, Galtaji lies hidden in the Aravalli range, 10 km away from Jaipur. For the most part, your journey through the forest and curvy roads to reach the ancient temple would be breathtaking. For those looking for scenic routes and quiet spots amid nature, Galta ji is among the best places to visit in Jaipur.
Galtaji temple is known to have a natural water spring (kund) in which pilgrims take holy baths. However, post the pandemic outbreak, the main shrine and the kund have been shut. Besides, there are two more ancient temples in the same premises, dedicated to Lord Ram and his various avatars.
Useful travel tips:
-Leave your mobile phones and hand bags in your car lest you should risk them to be snatched away by millions of monkeys in the premises.
-The management makes you register your name and contact details on galtaji.org before you enter the temple.
Entry fee- None. Parking fee is Rs 30 and Rs 100 for camera/mobile phones.
Timing– Sunrise to sunset
Time to spend– 30-40 minutes
Sisodiya Rani Ka Bagh
On the way to Galtaji temple, on your right side lies the beautiful Sisodiya Rani ka Bagh. Velvety green stretch of nature is reason good enough to visit this lovely garden.
The garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1728 for his wife. The queen who hailed from Udaipur wanted a separate palace to other queens in Amber. Sisodiya Rani ka bagh is a two-tier level structure overlooking a large garden dotted with flowering plants, manicured lawn, and fountains in several tiers. The large terrace with balconies covered with chhatris offer a marvellous view of the garden while you soak in the cool breeze. Generally, less footfall gives the garden a calming ambiance and tops among the most amazing offbeat places in Jaipur.
Useful travel tips:
– Sisodiya Rani ka Bagh management strictly prohibits the use of tripod inside. Likewise, for commercial photography or video shoots, one needs to obtain prior permission.
-The best time to visit is morning or evening when the weather is pleasant.
Entry fee- Rs 50
Timing– 8 am to 5 pm
Time to spend– 30-45 mins
The offbeat Chulgiri Jain Temple
On the outskirts of Jaipur within the Aravali range, the iconic Jain temple is a shrine for the Digambar Jain God. Though the uphill road to Chulgiri Temple is motorable, it’s difficult to hike on. The journey through the hilly path is absolutely worth it as the moment you reach, the calming vibes fill your soul with tranquility.
Believed to have originated in 1953, several statues of the Jain gods were constructed at different points in time. Subsequently, April 1966 saw the construction of 7 feet tall idol of Bhagwan Parshvnath along with smaller statues of Mahaveer Swami and Bhagwan Neminath. The all-white marble temple has an extremely peaceful ambiance.
The canteen serves hygienic and delicious food at an economical price. We had full lunch at Rs 60 each!
Useful travel tips:
-No photography is allowed in and around the temple. Visitors have to deposit their mobiles phones, bags, cameras in a locker.
-Women if not wearing a saree, must cover their heads. Since revealing clothes are considered indecent and you may not be allowed to enter the temple.
Entry fee– None
Timing– Sunrise to 8 pm
Time to spend- 1 to 2 hours
Panna Meena ka Kund
Merely a kilometer away from the revered Amer fort lies an asymmetrical step well. Panna Meena ka kund derived its name from the king of Meena dynasty. Furthermore, the criss cross steps of the wall surround the 200 feet deep well which is full of water throughout the year. In short, the architecture of the well makes it worth visiting and taking memorable pictures against its beautiful backdrop.
The narrow lanes through the village that take you to the kund are under constructed. The kund premises serves as a community center for villagers around to hold small gatherings or celebrations.
Useful travel tips:
-Visitors cannot enter the kund.
-You can take pictures only till the first few steps of the kund. Commercial photography/shoot costs Rs 5000 which required permission from the authority.
Entry fee- None. Park your vehicle for free nearby.
Timing– 7 am to 6 pm
Time to spend– 30 mins
Gatore ki Chhatriyan
The cenotaphs of Gatore tops the list of offbeat places in Jaipur. The cluster of cenotaphs is the royal crematorium grounds for the Kachhwaha community, the rulers of those times. Located at the foothills of Nahargarh Fort, the premises houses palaces without doors and ornate pillars. Covered by chhatris, each structure here has intricate carvings from the ceilings to the base.
In particular, the most royal and beautiful cenotaph is of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Made of white marble, it has intrinsic carvings of gods, musical performance, and the royal lifestyle of that era.
Read about our trip to another gorgeous cenotaph Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri in Alwar here.
Entry fee: Rs 30 for Indian adults and Rs 20 for Indian students, Rs 100 for International tourists, and Rs 50 for children.
Timing– 9 am to 5 pm
Time to spend– 45 mins to 1 hour
If you discover more such offbeat places in Jaipur, do let us know in the comments section.
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