Attractions Nearby Jaipur, Day Trips and Excursions

(Jaipur, Rajasthan, India)

Apart from the attractions within the city of Jaipur itself, India's Rajasthan state is full of interest. Close to Jaipur, the main attractions within Rajasthan include a series of lakes, historic forts and romantic desert cities, such as both Bikaner and Jaisalmer.

Also nearby Jaipur are many world-class attractions aimed at tourists, such as the Keoladeo Ghana National Park and the Sariska Tiger Reserve. No trip to India could really be considered complete without a visit to the simply awesome World Heritage Site of the Taj Mahal mausoleum, within easy reach of Jaipur and located inside the city of Agra. Some of the most visited attractions nearby Jaipur are described here.

Agra

Famous the world over, Agra is home to the simply breathtaking Taj Mahal, which dates back to the 17th century and is located some 235 km / 146 miles east of Jaipur. In total, Agra is home to three World Heritage Sites, with the other two being the Fatehpur Sikri and the Agra Fort, often known as the 'Red Fort'.

Bharatpur / Keoladeo Ghana National Park

Tel: +91 5644 222 777
Email: dirkeoladeo@gamil.com
Website: www.knpwhs.org
Most people visit Bharatpur for its magnificent bird sanctuary, which boasts more than 350 different species and covers around 30 square kilometres / 12 square miles. Whilst the Keoladeo Ghana National Park is open all through the year, many people choose to visit between October and February, when the flocks of migrating birds are amongst the main attractions. Ranked as a World Heritage Site, the Keoladeo Ghana National Park is regularly frequented by keen bird watchers, who come to enjoy sightings of the Saras cranes, herons, owls, egrets, kingfishers and many different varieties of geese and duck. The admission charge allows one entrance per day, so if you are planning to stay for some time, be sure to bring a picnic.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

New Delhi

New Delhi is the epitome of all things Indian and can be found to the far north-east of Jaipur. A truly animated city where there is also something of interest to enjoy, New Delhi's main attractions include its National Zoological Park, its Asola Wildlife Sanctuary and also its Appu Ghar theme park, where children will love riding on the roller coasters. Many significant Indian landmarks also reside within the city of New Delhi, such as the Sansad Bhavan (Parliament House) and also the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence on none other than the president of India.

Sariska Tiger Reserve and National Park

Those looking for animal attractions should consider a visit to the Sariska Tiger Reserve and National Park, which is within reach of Jaipur. Located next to the Aravalli Mountains, the reserve covers around 800 square kilometres / 309 square miles and is home to spotted deer, wild boar, jackal, jungle cats, leopards, sambars, an abundance of colourful indigenous birds and some rather illusive tigers, which may or may not actually exist. The best time to spot the wildlife attractions is between November and March.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Alwar

The spreading and lively city of Alwar boasts a particularly fine palace and a number of enticing bazaars. Although not full of tourist attractions, Alwar is the closest town to the neighbouring Sariska Tiger Reserve and does offer basic accommodation for those who choose to pass through. If you have time, look out for the City Palace complex, the Government Museum, and also the Bala Quila Fort, which stands high above the city.

Shekhawati

The Shekhawati area of eastern Rajasthan is an especially tranquil spot, contrasting with the busy city of Jaipur. Shekhawati is very much a rural landscape, where camels are regularly used by the locals as a form of transport. The main attractions lie within the towns of Fatehpur, Jhunjhunu, Mahansar, Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Ramgarh and Parsurampura, where you will find historic temples, art galleries, local handicrafts, hiking trails and areas filled with ancient Banyan trees.

Ajmer

Ajmer is a busy town, located next to the tranquil waters of the Ana Sagar lake, which was created some 700 years ago, by damming the River Luni. The main attraction within Ajmer is without doubt the impressive Dargah shrine of Khwaja Muin-ud-din-Chishti, which is visited each year by thousands of pilgrims. Around 130 km / 81 miles to the south-west of Jaipur, Ajmer also boasts a couple of spacious riverside parks, the Subash Bagh and the Dault Bagh, which features a series of elaborate 17th-century marble pavilions.