Jal Mahal offers a truly unique experience, with visitors often captivated by the palace's serene setting in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Many reviewers highlight the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views, especially during sunset. Consider taking the back walking trail for relaxing lake views and fresh air, and don't forget to look out for ducks and fish in the lake.
About
In the middle of Man Sagar Lake sits this grand palace made of red sandstone, most of it submerged.
Ratings & Reviews
★★★★★My visit to Jal Mahal was truly memorable. Seeing the beautiful palace standing in the middle of Man Sagar Lake filled me with wonder and peace. The calm water, scenic surroundings, and stunning architecture created a magical atmosphere
2 weeks ago
★★★★★Visited the back walking trail of Jal Mahal and it was absolutely beautiful. The peaceful atmosphere, lake view, and fresh air made the walk very relaxing. A perfect spot to enjoy nature and click some lovely pictures. Highly recommended for an evening walk!
a month ago
★★★★☆It was a good experience. It was good during sunset. Can be seen from the road. Visitors can see ducks and fishes in the lake and can also feed them. Toys, ice cream, street food, fancy items, etc are available. Good for photography.
a month ago
Good to know
Hours & Price
Open now
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Offerings
Show
One of the first 3-D projection mapping-based light & sound show in Rajasthan using 3-chip DLP projectors of 25,000 lumens, DMX controlled LED lights, 5.1 audio surround system, etc. Show depicts story of world-famous Shri Govind Dev Ji temple of Jaipur including carving of Shri Govind Dev Ji idol by Brijnabh (great grandson Shri Krishna), establishment of Shri Govind Dev Ji temple in Vrindavan, hiding of idol due to attacks of invaders on temples, re-finding of idol by disciples of Shri Chetanaiya Mahaprabhu, bringing of Shri Govind Ji idol by King of Jaipur, establishment of Shri Govind Ji Temple in Jainiwas Udhyan (Jaipur).
The fountain creates spectacular shows with over 270 types of effects and over 300 colorful lights. Sometimes, the height of the water of the musical fountain reaches up to 25 feet as well. The musical fountain show is a 30-minute treat that begins at 7 in the evening.
A spectacle of great visual delight, the Amber Fort & Palace Complex in Jaipur, hosts a breathtaking son-et-lumière. The Amber fort has been home to 28 kings of the Kachwaha dynasty until their capital was moved to Jaipur. The sound and light show at Amber Fort is a glorious attempt in reviving the pride, history and traditions of Amber. The show highlights the local legends, folklore, and celebrates the maestros of folk music, who, to this day, continue to give Rajasthan its unique identity. The show has been set in a spectacular location, with a brilliant view of Amber Fort & Palace Complex in the front, the rising Jaigarh on the left, and magnificent hills behind it.
A heritage light guides the way from the Vidhan Sabha to Ambedkar Circle, making the entire setting of the Amar Jawan Jyoti a memorable experience for every visitor. Located in Vijay Path in Jaipur, the Amar Jawan Jyoti itself commemorates the deeds of courage of the soldiers and warriors of Rajasthan. The site is also home to a walk through museum that displays warrior memorabilia for the visitors to view. The best part however is the light and sound show that is held here every evening, in both English and Hindi. The show takes viewers through the rich history of the battles fought pre and post-independence in Rajasthan, celebrating the valour and immortality of the heroes that served their country in a bout of bravery and patriotism. Right across the road from the monument is a sitting area that offers an amazing view of the show, from where viewers can engage, opine and immerse themselves in the magnificence of Rajasthan’s past.
Park/Zoo
Nahargarh Biological Park, a part of the Nahargarh sanctuary is located about 12 km from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Delhi highway. It encompasses a large area of 720 hectares and is situated under the Aravalli range. The Park is famous for its vast flora and fauna, and its main aim is to conserve it. It also doubles up as a great place to educate people and conduct research on existing flora and fauna. At Nahargarh Biological Park, ornithologists can expect to see over 285 species of birds, of which, the most popular is the white-naped tit, which can only be found here. When you visit the Park, make sure you also head to Ram Sagar, which is a famous among bird watchers and makes for a great spot to catch different varieties of birds. While here, you can stay at well-equipped and famous places such as Ganga Vilas, Gopal Vilas and Lalit Vilas, which were famous with the maharajas of the yore as hunting lodges. The Nahargarh Zoological Park is also worth a visit and houses animals such as Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, panthers, hyenas, wolves, deer, crocodiles, sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, wild boar, etc. The zoo is open from 15th March – 14th October between 8.30 am to 5.30 pm and from 15th October – 14th March between 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. It is closed on Tuesdays so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.
Museum
Amidst the confines of the Nahargarh Fort at the foothills of the Aravallis lies the Jaipur wax museum, a visit of which is sure to leave you awe-struck! It has been developed by Entertainment 7 Ventures Pvt Ltd. Hosting over 30 wax statues of famed personalities, the museum is a spectacle to behold! The wax museum, as the name suggests, holds wax statues of many leading personalities such as Amitabh Bachchan, Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Rabindranath Tagore, Albert Einstein, Michael Jackson, Sawai Jai Singh II, Maharani Gayatri Devi and many Indian and International leads. The life-like replicas along with detailed backdrops and ingenious sets provide an overwhelming yet unique experience. The museum also has a display of the 10 foot long Bullet, Gati Gamini, the signature Rajasthan Tourism Motorbike. The timing for the wax museum and sheesh Mahal is from 10 am to 6.30 pm and open all days of the week.
Amrapali Museum is an initiative by the founders of Amrapali Jewels Pvt. Ltd. The museum is dedicated to Indian jewellery and jewelled objects, located in the city of Jaipur. The museum has several areas to focus over two floors. The ground floor displays items of beauty and adornment, silver and gold jewellery for every part of the body, from virtually every region of India; with a special focus on pieces that are connected with rites of passage, from birth to death. The basement houses numerous inspirations for designs that have been available to the Indian craftsman over time, seen through both the jewelry and the range of silver objects in the collection. A separate section is dedicated to heirloom textiles that are embellished with gold and silver. The entire collection is made up of over 4000 pieces, of which around 800 are on display. The rest can be seen in the Visual Storage. Visitors are welcome to explore the Visual Store cases in the museum. The Founders are keen to share their entire collection with the world, in the belief that the unknown creators of each piece would have wanted their work to be seen and admired. Because these creations are ageless, timeless and priceless. Visitors from foreign shores will be entranced by this fascinating testimony to Indias craftsmanship. Jewellery for every part of the human form, jewelled artefacts from every corner of India, heirloom textiles embellished with gold and silver, and much more. Visitors can also shop handcrafted silver jewellery and objects similar to that of in the museum and also complete range of fine and silver jewellery from our Museum Shop. The opening hours are from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm from Monday to Saturday.
Housed in a nearly 200-year old building in the historic Kishanpole Bazaar of Jaipurs Pink City area, Museum of Legacies opened on 9 December, 2017. The aim is to create an artspace that exclusively displays the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, with a diverse collection that includes everything from textiles, jewellery, stoneware and inlay work, painting, pottery and more. Apart from this, indigenous art from different parts of India are also given a platform here. This is a very inclusive space that caters to locals and tourists alike. Museum of Legacies currently has with eight active galleries. Each has been allotted to an individual who has been instrumental in the art and culture scene of India. Brij Bhasin’s collection of Everyday Embroideries shows the stunning array of textiles that are found across the state of Rajasthan. Mitch Crites displays semi-precious stone and marble works that have been created in his oeuvre and paintings that have been lovingly collected by him and his wife, Nilou, during their stay in India.
The inauguration of the Digital Museum at the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly complex took place on July 16, 2022, graced by the presence of the esteemed former Chief Justice of India, the Honorable Mr. N.V. Ramana. This Digital Museum, meticulously crafted within the Assembly premises, stands as a testament to innovation and specificity. It offers a sophisticated presentation of essential information pertaining to Rajasthan, available in both Hindi and English, employing cutting-edge technology. Within this museum, visitors are immersed in Rajasthans illustrious history and intricate political narrative, exploring its contemporary state apparatus and the pivotal role played by key figures in its genesis. From the operational dynamics of the Assembly to insights into Chief Ministers, Speakers, legislators, and the nuanced roles of various stakeholders, the museum provides a comprehensive understanding of Rajasthans democratic framework. With its educational mandate aimed at fostering public awareness and appreciation of democracy, this museum serves as an invaluable resource for visitors seeking deeper insights into the socio-political landscape of Rajasthan.
Safari Park
Jhalana Safari Park is an expansive and beautiful safari park in Jaipur that’s popular for its leopard sightings. The forest block has an area of 1978 hectare and is situated on south eastern border of Jaipur city. The park is immensely rich in flora and fauna, and the vegetation here is categorized as northern tropical dry deciduous forest type. The safari tour here is raw, wild, and forthcoming, as the park lets the visitors witness wildlife in its natural habitat. Besides leopards, the safari also has around 15-20 panthers reigning the forest area. Other wildlife viewing opportunities at Jhalana Safari Park entail insightful excursions for discovering and exploring diverse wildlife, including striped hyenas, desert fox, golden jackal, chital, Indian palm civets, blue bulls, jungle cat, and many more. Besides this, the Jhalana Safari Park is a bird watcher’s paradise too, as it is home to various species of birds, including the Indian Pitta, Dusky Eagle, Owl, Spotted Owlet, Indian roller, sikra, and hawks, among others. With its expansive landscapes and diverse animal life, there are a few popular places of interest in the park as well; namely, a majestic shikar oudhi built in 1835 by Sawai Ram Singh, a big temple of Kali Mata, and a Jain Chulgiri Temple.
Food Market
Masala Chowk is a popular hangout spot among visitors to the city, offering the best street foods of Jaipur. It is home to a total of 21 street food stalls. The best time to visit is in the evening; that is when you also get the chance to mingle with the locals of the place.
Festival
The Kite Festival is a bright celebration unique to Rajasthan. This festival is a wonderful spectacle as kites take to the sky all across the state. While one can enjoy colourful kites in a variety of shapes and sizes, the celebration looks truly spectacular in the evening, when fireworks alongside kites with lights in them, brighten the city’s skyline. Celebrated across the state of Rajasthan, the festivities peak in Jaipur. If you enjoy kite flying, you should visit the city on or around 14th January of any year. On this occassion, the Department of Tourism organizes a festival where tourists can enjoy kite flying along with various cultural performances.
Gangaur is one of the most important festivals in Rajasthan. In some form or the other, it is celebrated all over Rajasthan. “Gan” is a synonym for Lord Shiva & “Gauri” or “Gaur” stands for Goddess Parvati, the heavenly consort of Lord Shiva. Gangaur celebrates the union of the two and is a symbol of conjugal & marital happiness. Gangaur is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April), the first month of the Hindu calendar. This month marks the end of winter & the onset of spring. This festival is celebrated especially by women, who worship clay idols of “Gan” & “Gauri” in their houses. These idols are worshipped by unmarried girls who seek the blessings of Gan & Gauri for a good husband, while the married women pray for the good health and long life of their husbands. This worship which starts from the first day of the chaitra month culminates on the 18th day into Gangaur festival with a great religious fervor. On the eve of Gangaur festival, women decorate their palms and fingers with henna. The idols of Gan and Gauri are immersed in a pond or in a nearby lake on the last day of the festival. A traditional procession of Gangaur commences form the Zanani-Deodhi of the City Palace, passing through Tripolia Bazaar, Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaugan stadium and finally converges near the Talkatora. The procession is headed by a colorful pageantry of old palanquins, chariots, bullock carts and performing folk artists.
Teej refers to all the monsoon festivals observed particularly in the western and northern states of India. The festivals celebrate the bounty of nature, arrival of the monsoon, greenery and birds with social activities, rituals & customs. The festival is mainly for women, and includes dancing, singing, getting together with friends and narrating stories, applying henna on hands and feet, wearing brightly coloured lehariya saris, sharing festive foods and playing under trees on swings on Haryali Teej. The festivals are dedicated, in many parts of India, to Goddess Parvati, also known as Teej Mata. Women pray to the goddess seeking the wellness of their husband. On this occassion, a royal procession of Goddess Teej comprising of camels, dancing folk artists, royal palanquins, chariots and bullock carts, starts from the City Palace, winding its way through Tripolia Bazaar and Chhoti Chaupar on both days. The traditional sweet Ghewar is closely associated with the festival and enjoyed heartily over its duration.
Bright, multihued and the Land of Kings - Rajasthan, celebrates its foundation day in a radiant and invigorating 3 day event. Celebrated as Rajasthan Festival – 3 day long festival will be celebrated in Jaipur and all over the State, reliving its heritage and stories. Organised by Tourism Department of Rajasthan, this long festivity has day packed programmes ranging from morning chants to musical evenings. With something that connects with every age group, Rajasthan Festival will be a testimony of vivacious musical concerts, harmonious religious chants, captivating film festivals, musical night, army pageant, police tattoo show, heritage fashion show, grand closing ceremony and much more. Delightful weather, vibrating liveliness and revitalizing culture of Rajasthan to cheer up, this March, come and experience this fun filled journey.
Dhulandi Festival (Festival of Colours) is celebrated all over India a day after Holika Dahan and marks the beginning of spring. On this day, young and old alike play with colours and water, and the celebrations can last for the better part of the day. The festival is celebrated in a very special way in Jaipur, where the Department of Tourism organizes an event meant especially for foreign tourists. The event is held on the lawns of the Khasa Kothi hotel and visitors to the event can have a grand time playing with dry colours while dancing to Rajasthani folk music performed by local artists. Come envelop yourself in the colours of spring! Witness stunning cultural performances by folk artists.
The Jaipur International Jazz and Blues Festival is a dynamic festival that aims to open the world of Jazz and Blues to a wider audience. Jaipur will have its first true Jazz and Blues Festival at the iconic Central Park. Jazz & Blues are often referred to as cousins, with varying theories that one has its roots in the other. Having spread around the world, they have drawn on local, national, and regional musical cultures, their aesthetics adapted to varied environments, giving rise to many distinctive sub genres. This festival will showcase Jazz & Blues Bands from different countries including India.
Teej refers to all the monsoon festivals observed particularly in the western and northern states of India. The festivals celebrate the bounty of nature, arrival of the monsoon, greenery and birds with social activities, rituals & customs. The festival is mainly for women, and includes dancing, singing, getting together with friends and narrating stories, applying henna on hands and feet, wearing brightly coloured lehariya saris, sharing festive foods and playing under trees on swings on Haryali Teej. The festivals are dedicated, in many parts of India, to Goddess Parvati, also known as Teej Mata. Women pray to the goddess seeking the wellness of their husband. On this occassion, a royal procession of Goddess Teej comprising of camels, dancing folk artists, royal palanquins, chariots and bullock carts, starts from the City Palace, winding its way through Tripolia Bazaar and Chhoti Chaupar on both days. The traditional sweet Ghewar is closely associated with the festival and enjoyed heartily over its duration.
Experience the divine spirit of Bhakti at the Meera Mahotsav 2025, taking place from July 30th to August 6th in Merta, Nagaur. Celebrate Meera Bai’s timeless devotion through soulful music, cultural performances, and spiritual energy that fills the air of her sacred homeland.
The festival of Kajli Teej is unique to the city of Bundi. A dazzlingly theatrical and lively event, it is held every year in the month of Bhadra (July-August). This week-long celebration filled with gaiety and fanfare pays homage to Goddess Uma by the seekers of marital bliss and love. Women wear colourful traditional costumes, new sets of bangles and decorate their hands with beautiful henna designs. A local fair is held nearby which is extremely popular with the rural folk around Bundi. Handicrafts such as traditional kataar, paintings, bangles, rural handicrafts and fancy eatables attract many people from Rajasthan, other parts of India and foreign shores.
‘Abhaneri festival’ is named after the village Abhaneri in the Dausa district which is around 90 km from Jaipur on the Agra road. This two-day festival has gained immense popularity amongst the tourists around the globe. This year, it will commence from 17th September to 19th September with various Rajasthani & local folk performances like Kachhi Ghori, Kalbeliya, Ghoomar, and Bhawai. Festival was initiated by Rajasthan Tourism in 2008, it is of great significance for Rajasthan. The village of Abhaneri was originally named Abha Nagri, meaning city of brightness”. The place is popular for the Chand Baori-step well, one of the largest step wells built over a thousand years ago. Be a part of the celebrations at Abhaneri and dip into the rustic charm of traditional Rajasthani music.
The most popular festival in Jodhpur is the Marwar Festival. The two-day festival is held every year in the month of Ashwin (between September and October) in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. It was originally known as the Maand Festival. The main attraction of this festival is the folk music centering around the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthans rulers. The music and dance of the Marwar region is the main theme of this festival. The folk dancers and singers assemble at the festival and provide lively entertainment. These folk artists give you a peek into the days of yore, of battles and of heroes who live on through their songs. Among other attractions at the festival is the Camel Tattoo Show and various competitions like Moustache, Turban Tying, Tug of War, Matka Race, Traditional Dress Competition and many more. The venues of this festival include the famous Clock Tower & Osian’s sand dunes.
Momasar, a beautiful village near Bikaner, comes alive during run up to Deepawali, with a festival like no other. A festival of Rajasthans living roots. Over 200 artistes and artisans from all over Rajasthan participate in the two-day Momasar Utsav, a unique celebration of local traditions and art. Celebration flows through the streets and little alleyways of Momasar. The festival is set up in a way that attendees freely interact with artistes and locals, enhancing experience for everyone. Through intimate interactions artists, visitors can delve deeply into these traditional art forms. The Jajam Foundation and the local Momasar residents work together to put on this not-for-profit event. The festival’s tenth edition is slated to take place on October 14–15, 2022 and everyone’s invited for this completely free-to-attend event.
The Matsya festival of Alwar held in November over two days is the foremost of all fairs and festivals of Rajasthan. It is celebrated to glorify the prosperity, traditional values and colourful customs of the region. This festival is renowned for its colourful processions, cultural performances, an array of sporting events and impressive artistic exhibitions. The magnificence of Alwar’s numerous palaces and forts, lakes, hunting lodges, archaeological sites and thick forests, make it a delightful setting for a flamboyant celebration.
The Bundi Festival is celebrated in the month of Kartik (October-November) and includes several spiritual and traditional activities. It is a remarkable cluster of traditional art, culture and craftsmanship and visitors are left charmed by its magnificence. The program includes a colourful Shobha Yatra, arts & crafts fair, ethnic sports, cultural exhibition, classical music & dance program, turban competitions, bridal clothing, musical band competitions, and a sparkling fireworks display. Early in the morning, after the full moon night of Kartik Purnima, women and men clad in attractive colourful costumes light diyas or lamps on the banks of River Chambal and seek blessings.
The Kumbhalgarh fort, cradled in the Aravali Ranges, north of Udaipur, hosts the vibrant and colourful Kumbhalgarh Festival. This three-day festival is an incredible effort by the Department Of Tourism of the state to promote the culture and heritage of Rajasthan. The event is divided into two parts- day and night. In the daytime there is the folk performances by traditional artistes and competitions like turban tying and henna applying. On the other hand, the night is filled with impressive explosions of lights, sound, colours and dance. The Kumbhalgarh Festival is a must visit for ardent patrons of art, music and dance.
Located in district Pali is the city of Ranakpur that becomes the delightful setting for one of the most popular festivals of Rajasthan. Organized by the Department of Tourism, this festival offers a unique insight into the local culture and heritage. With fun activities like yoga, nature walks at the foothills in forests of aravallis, visits to the Ranakpur Jain temple, hot air ballooning, interesting activities like : tug of war, beautiful decorations, cultural programmes, the open air amphitheater at Sun Temple showcases attractive folk and classical performances every evening and much more, the Ranakpur Festival is something you simply cannot miss. This festival is usually held on the 21st and 22nd of December every year, playing host to tourists from all corners of the globe, to immerse them in a colorful affair of cultural festivity.
The annual Winter Festival held at Mount Abu in December pays homage to the rich culture and tradition of Rajasthan. The much-talked about event is a rare combination of cultural vibrancy, stunning handicrafts and delicious food, set against a scenic backdrop. This two day extravaganza brings together craftsmen and performers from every corner of the state. It is also known for its sporting and entertainment events, such as kite flying, rowing competitions and poetry reading sessions. Also, it is the only festival in Rajasthan where cricket has been introduced as a part of the celebration. A Grand procession marks the beginning of the festival. It culminates at the Nakki Lake with the ‘Deepdaan’ ceremony in the evening, where hundreds of diyas (earthen lamps) are set afloat in the water as a form of respect. A stunning display of fireworks ends the festival on a spectacular note. The dates for 2021 are 29th December and 30th December.
Bikaner camel festival is an annual event, celebrated second Saturday & Sunday of January month. The festival is dedicated to the ship of the desert camel.
The Kite Festival is a bright celebration unique to Rajasthan. This festival is a wonderful spectacle as kites take to the sky all across the state. While one can enjoy colourful kites in a variety of shapes and sizes, the celebration looks truly spectacular in the evening, when fireworks alongside kites with lights in them, brighten the city’s skyline. Celebrated across the state of Rajasthan, the festivities peak in Jaipur. If you enjoy kite flying, you should visit the city on or around 14th January of any year. On this occassion, the Department of Tourism organizes a festival where tourists can enjoy kite flying along with various cultural performances.
Expanding the horizons of literature, the Jaipur Literature Festival invites some of the finest writers rather, the crème de la crème of the literary landscape under one roof. Described as the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’, this festival celebrates writers from all across the world. The Jaipur Literature Festival marks that period in the month of January when readers flock to satiate their voracious appetite for deep thoughts and being an inch closer to their favourite writers.
The City of Lakes sings a different tune come February. Udaipur plays host to the fourth edition of the Udaipur World Music Festival. Organized by SEHER, this festival brings together global artists and ensembles from over 20 countries including Iran, Spain, Brazil, Senegal, France, Portugal, Italy and India, amongst other nations. The event is designed to cater to the music sensibilities of people across different ages and from all walks of life. An absolute once-in-a-lifetime experience, this one is a sheer treat for lovers of good music.
Once a year, the empty sands around Jaisalmer come alive with a mesmerising performance on the sand dunes in the form of the Desert Festival. The festival, organised by the Department of Tourism around January-February, goes on for three whole days and lets you enjoy the rich and colourful Rajasthani folk culture. Rajasthani men and tall, beautiful women dressed in their best and brightest costumes dance and sing ballads of valour, romance and tragedy, while traditional musicians attempt to outdo each other to showcase their musical superiority. The high points of the festival are puppeteers, acrobats, camel tattoo shows, camel races, camel polo, traditional processions, camel mounted bands, folk dances, etc.
The Braj festival in Rajasthan is held every year for two days in the Shukla Paksha of the Phalgun month, a few days prior to Holi. This festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna who is believed to have spent a considerable amount of time in a region called Braj in Rajasthan. This festival not only replicates the spirit of Holi but also impersonates the timeless love of Radha and Krishna. The highlight of this festival is the Raslila dance performed with great zest and unity. The entire town is painted and no one is spared from being splashed with colours. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and ceremony in Deeg, Kaman and Bharatpur in the Bharatpur District.
Bright, multihued and the Land of Kings - Rajasthan, celebrates its foundation day in a radiant and invigorating event. Celebrated as Rajasthan Festival – will be celebrated in Jaipur and all over the State, reliving its heritage and stories. Organised by Tourism Department of Rajasthan, this long festivity has day packed programmes ranging from morning chants to musical evenings. With something that connects with every age group, Rajasthan Festival will be a testimony of vivacious musical concerts, harmonious religious chants, captivating film festivals, musical night, army pageant, police tattoo show, heritage fashion show, grand closing ceremony and much more. Delightful weather, vibrating liveliness and revitalizing culture of Rajasthan to cheer up, this March, come and experience this fun filled journey.
Dhulandi Festival (Festival of Colours) is celebrated all over India a day after Holika Dahan and marks the beginning of spring. On this day, young and old alike play with colours and water, and the celebrations can last for the better part of the day. The festival is celebrated in a very special way in Jaipur, where the Department of Tourism organizes an event meant especially for foreign tourists. The event is held on the lawns of the Khasa Kothi hotel and visitors to the event can have a grand time playing with dry colours while dancing to Rajasthani folk music performed by local artists. Come envelop yourself in the colours of spring! Witness stunning cultural performances by folk artists.
Gangaur is one of the most important festivals in Rajasthan. In some form or the other, it is celebrated all over Rajasthan. “Gan” is a synonym for Lord Shiva & “Gauri” or “Gaur” stands for Goddess Parvati, the heavenly consort of Lord Shiva. Gangaur celebrates the union of the two and is a symbol of conjugal & marital happiness. Gangaur is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April), the first month of the Hindu calendar. This month marks the end of winter & the onset of spring. This festival is celebrated especially by women, who worship clay idols of “Gan” & “Gauri” in their houses. These idols are worshipped by unmarried girls who seek the blessings of Gan & Gauri for a good husband, while the married women pray for the good health and long life of their husbands. This worship which starts from the first day of the chaitra month culminates on the 18th day into Gangaur festival with a great religious fervor. On the eve of Gangaur festival, women decorate their palms and fingers with henna. The idols of Gan and Gauri are immersed in a pond or in a nearby lake on the last day of the festival. A traditional procession of Gangaur commences form the Zanani-Deodhi of the City Palace, passing through Tripolia Bazaar, Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaugan stadium and finally converges near the Talkatora. The procession is headed by a colorful pageantry of old palanquins, chariots, bullock carts and performing folk artists.
To experience the colour and joy that fills the people of Rajasthan, visiting Udaipur during the Mewar festival is a highly recommended experience. The festival is observed to welcome the arrival of spring. The spirit of the festival can be seen throughout the state, but since Udaipur has always been the governing place of Mewar rulers, one can observe the distinct flavours of the festival here. The whole of Udaipur gets drenched in vibrant colours. Local markets and shops decorate their facades with bright lights and decorations. Coinciding with the Gangaur festival, the Mewar festival is equally significant for the womenfolk of Rajasthan. The festival is especially meant for women and presents them with an opportunity to dress in their finest and join the celebrations. Women assemble to dress the images of Isar (Lord Shiva) and Gangaur (Goddess Parvati) and carry them in a procession through the city, finally immersing them in the middle of Pichola Lake. Dances, songs, cultural events and a firework display are highlights of the festival.
When the harsh summer beats down on the arid land of Rajasthan, its only hill station – Mount Abu provides more than respite as it comes alive with its unique two-day summer festival. Soulful ballad singing kicks off the summer festival in style and is followed by mesmerizing folk dance styles of Gair, Ghoomar and Daph. The highlight is undoubtedly the Sham-e-Qawwali, which features some of the best folk singers from various parts of India. Along with a colourful showcase of folk culture, the festival also hosts horse racing events, tug of war, skating races, CRPF band show and boat races on the Nakki Lake. The festival concludes with a dazzling display of fireworks and the gorgeous landscape of Mount Abu, with its verdant hills and lakes, make it a one-of-its-kind experience. The Udaipur Airport is the closest and is located 175 kilometres away.
Adventure
When it comes to exploring the beautiful landscape of Rajasthan, a hot air balloon ride is one of the best options. Soar above the vibrant Pushkar festival and treat yourself to breath-taking views. You can also enjoy the beauty of India’s ‘Pink City’, and absorb its colours, flavours and sounds as you take in magnificent forts, palaces and bewitching architecture that Jaipur is known for. Hot air balloon rides are also available at Kumbhalgarh, Rajsamand on prior booking basis.
Discover new perspectives as you glide over the diverse landscape of the Pink City, Jaipur, suspended on nothing but a secure line. Fly high over the outer battlements of Jodhpur’s most regal fortress and desert lakes. Enjoy the one-of-its -kind view in the Cheerwa valley of Flowers, Udaipur and Kumbhalgarh, Rajsamand and Kagdi Pick-up, Banswara.
Tour
Experience the Pink City like never before with our specialised set of comprehensive and detailed tours that take you on an intimate journey through the soul of Jaipur. Discover the hidden gems that this beautiful desert city has to offer as you take in the fascinating stories that make Jaipur what it is today.
Activity
One of the highlights of visiting the magnificent Amer Palace is the chance to travel like royalty on the back of an elephant, all the way to the palace’s courtyard. There are around 80-100 elephants that carry only a limited number of visitors per day. Therefore, if you wish to go for this unique experience of a royal ride on an elephant to Amer Palace, it would be best if you show up early in the day. During the tourist season, most elephants are done with their quota of riders as early as 11.00 am. Amer Palace timings - 8.00 am - 05.30 pm
Fair/Festival
Dussehra is a Hindu festival celebrated all over the country. As the name suggests, it is the ‘Tenth Day’ of the fierce battle fought; when Lord Rama killed King Ravana. This holy day marks the victory of good over evil. The Dussehra Festival of Kota is quite a unique experience for both, the residents and tourists. Villagers dress themselves in colourful traditional wear and join long processions to offer their prayers to Lord Rama. Cultural programmes are organised and include scintillating performances by well-known artists. However, the highlight of the festivities is the theatrical representation of the encounter popularly known as ‘Ramleela’. The drama is so highly anticipated among the locals that spectators start chanting the name of Lord Rama during the show. The climax of the show holds most appeal as it ends with setting alight gigantic effigies of the 10-headed Ravana along with his brother Kumbhkarana and his son Meghnath. These 75-feet tall statues are stuffed with crackers and once set on fire, they burst to create an extravagant show.
Baneshwar Fair is a popular tribal festival held in the Baneshwar Temple of Dungarpur. This festival, held on the full moon day of February or Magh Shukla Purnima, attracts a large number of tourists. On this pious occasion, Bhils travel all the way from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to take a dip at the confluence of the rivers, Mahi and Som. In addition to this fair, the Vagad Festival is also one of the popular celebrations of Dungarpur. This festival showcases dance forms and music from the region. Holi, the popular Hindu festival, is celebrated here with tribal dances.
Fair
The Pushkar Fair (Pushkar Camel Fair) or Pushkar Mela, as it is locally known as, is an annual weeklong camel and livestock fair held in the town of Pushkar between the months of October and November. It is one of the worlds largest camel fairs. Apart from the buying and selling of livestock, it has become an important tourist attraction. Competitions such as the ‘matka phod’, ‘longest moustache’ and ‘bridal competition’ are the main draws for this fair which attracts thousands of tourists. In recent years, the fair has also included an exhibition cricket match between the local Pushkar Club and a team of foreign tourists.
Every year, the Chandrabhaga Fair in Rajasthan welcomes thousands of visitors and participants from all over the nation. It is held at Jhalrapatan, situated at a distance of about six kilometres from Jhalawar, in the month of Kartik (October and November). This fair attracts travellers, pilgrims and explorers alike with rituals and traditions practiced in this region. A lot of pilgrims assemble on the banks of river Chandrabhaga during the fair and participate in this gala event. The festival, named after the river Chrandrabhaga, is considered very sacred by the people of Rajasthan. People travel from far just for a dip in the river as they believe this will purify their souls. A huge cattle fair is also organised here, where livestock such as cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks are purchased from various parts for resale. The fair includes several spiritual and traditional activities. During the fair, the Department of Tourism organises activities over a course of 3 days like traditional Deepdan, Shobha Yatra and various competitions as well as cultural evenings.
The Kolayat Fair of Bikaner holds great importance for the locals who eagerly await it. Tourists also experience a great time as the fair is celebrated on an expansive scale. Also known as ‘Kapil Muni Fair’, it is held in the month of November. The pomp and show of the fair is not its only attraction as it also possesses great religious significance. A large number of devotees visit the fair to take a holy dip in the Kolayat Lake. It is believed that a holy dip can absolve them of all their sins.
The Nagaur Fair is the second biggest fair in India. Held every year between the months of January and February, it is popularly known as the Cattle Fair of Nagaur as this is where owners gather to trade animals. Approximately 70,000 bullocks, camels and horses are traded every year at this fair. The animals are lavishly decorated and even their owners dress up with colourful turbans and long moustaches. Besides cattle, sheep, horses and even spices are traded. Other attractions include the Mirchi Bazaar (largest red chilli market of India), sale of wooden items, iron-crafts and camel leather accessories. Several sports are also held during the fair. These include tug-of-war, camel races and bullock races. Nagaur fair is also famous for its jugglers, puppeteers, storytellers, etc.
Location
Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002, India
Hours
| Sunday | 06:00 – 18:00 |
| Monday | 06:00 – 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 06:00 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 06:00 – 18:00 |
| Thursday | 06:00 – 18:00 |
| Friday | 06:00 – 18:00 |
| Saturday | 06:00 – 18:00 |
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