PLACES AROUND JAIPUR

Mehandipur Balaji Temple :
The temple is situated in Dausa district of Rajasthan. It is located at a distance of 103 kms from Jaipur. Mehandipur Balaji Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Adherents believe that the deity in the Mehandipur temple has divine powers to cure any person possessed by evil spirits. The temple priests carry out exorcisms on Tuesdays and Saturdays and lots of people bring their friends and relatives to relieve them of evil spirits. However while the exorcism is being performed only the priests and the possessed are allowed inside and the scenes can be disturbing for many people. On one’s travel to Balaji, the travelers meet with exciting experiences. It is a place meant to enjoy some unique sights that one can not even imagine unless they visit it in person. It is definitely the place to come across some such extra ordinary phenomena of the nature that we frequently hear about but very often dismiss them to be baseless or fictional.

Karauli :
Karauli is a holy city situated 160 kms from Jaipur. Founded in 1348, Karauli is well-known for its Madan Mohanji Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Karauli is famous for its pale red stone. Karauli also possesses a 600 years old Fort. This Fort makes the highlight of Karauli. Until 1950, this Fort was used as a residence by the Royal family. In the old days, the geese were used a warning system against any intruders. It seems that still geese are doing their duty. Kaila Devi Temple is also the place that is worth visiting. The ritual of Kanak-Dandoti is observed by staunch devotees and successors of Gholi Bhagat (a devotee of Kaila Devi) where they cover the distance of 15-20 kms to reach the temple by lying level to the ground and moving upwards.

Ajmer Dargah :
Ajmer was founded in the 11th century by Ajaydev, a local Rajput ruler. The city is primarily known for the tomb of the 13th century Sufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti. Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishty (R.A) occupies a prominent place among the spiritual Healers of the world. Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishty (R.A.) popularly know as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz (R.A.) was born in 1142 A.D. in Sanjar (Iran). He is believed to be the direct descendant of Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (S.A.W.). The entry to the Dargah is through the Dargah Bazar that leads to the inner courtyard. The high gateway has beautifully carved silver doors. In the courtyard are kept two huge cauldrons with capacity of 2240 kg and 4480 kg. On special occasions, 'Kheer' cooked in these cauldrons is distributed among the pilgrims. The grave of the Sufi Saint is surrounded by a silver railing and is partially covered with a marble screen. The Urs or annual pilgrimage of the devout is celebrated each May at the Dargah with millions of pilgrims arriving in Ajmer to pay homage.

Sariska National Park :
Sariska National Park is a wildlife sanctuary, located at a distance of 107 km from Jaipur. This small town in Rajasthan is a fascinating place, where one can visit the rich heritage sites and enjoy the beauty of nature. It covers 800 sq km area divided into the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape. It was declared a sanctuary in 1955. It came under the Project Tiger in 1979 and became a national park in 1982. The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. Sariska National Park is located 36 Km from Alwar town. The nearest railway station is at Alwar. The nearest airport is at Jaipur, located 110 Km away. Sariska National Park is around 200-240 Km from Delhi and is a comfortable drive.

Tonk :
It is located in Tonk district of Rajasthan, 96kms from Jaipur. Also known as the "Lucknow of Rajasthan", Tonk is a very elegant little town in Rajasthan. It is famous for its colorful mosques, mansions and Havelis. Apart from these attractions, Tonk is famous for its leather industry. So, you can shop nice leather items and accessories for a bargain. In totality, Tonk is a small decent town of a rich cultural heritage, where one you can spend a quality holiday.

Bairath :
Bairath is a place of historical significance, located at a distance of 86 kms from Jaipur, on Shahpura-Alwar Road. Bairath is said to have existed from the times of Mahabharata. Bairath still has the periodical remnants of Mauryan, Mughal and Rajput structural designs. Bairath was known as Virata Nagar. The Virata nagar Museum in Bairath has a wide collection of artifacts which lay claim to Bairath's rich past. The major attractions in Bairath include a mint constructed by Akbar, beautiful Mughal garden and remarkable monument with painted 'chhatris' and wall built by Jehangir. The Banganga Fair is held annually on the full moon day of Vaishakh (April-May) near a rivulet 11 kms from the historical township of Bairath in Jaipur district. The stream is believed to have been created by Arjun, one of the Pandavas. Due to its historical significance, it is visited by large number of people every year.