Explore Jaipur & Ranthambore | From Fortresses to Wildlife

This place is the reason Bharatpur is so well-known all over India. Keoladeo Ghana National Park, more commonly known as Bharatpur Bird sanctuary, is one of the must-vist tourist attractions in Bharatpur, and for good reason. The intensity of wildlife that one can experience in Bharatpur is startling.  Though most well-known for the hordes of birds that its hosts ear-round, the sanctuary also has a rich variety of flora and fauna, all of which makes the sanctuary a wildly active place throughout the year. The best season to visit this sanctuary is around October- November. Most migratory birds have arrived by then and the chirp and bustle of the place is magnificent. The summer months, when the cranes have begun their beautiful courtship dances, are also interesting months to visit the sanctuary in. There are accommodations inside the sanctuary if you wish to explore the place at all hours. This is definitely one of the necessary places to visit in Bharatpur. Timings: 8 am to 5 pmPrice: Rs. 50 per person for Indians; Rs. 400 per person for foreign tourists; Rs. 100 for rickshaw rideLocation: Agra-Jaipur Highway, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 302001

Chittorgarh Fort is one of the most important places to visit in Chittorgarh. This historical fort is the pride of the Rajasthani town as it stands imposingly upon the top of a hill, looking down protectively over the city. Nearly all of Chittorgarh’s attractions are housed inside the fort. The Chittorgarh Fort is a massive structure which was first built in the 7th century and covers an area of approximately 700 acres. There are several grand sights to be seen inside the fort itself apart from the commanding views that can be seen of the environs of Chittorgarh. The fort, which is also known as Water Fort, contained 84 water bodies inside its grounds, of which 22 exist today. The Vijay Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Rana Kumbha Palace, Meera mandir and other consequential structures are also housed inside the formidable fort. Timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 pmPrice: Rs. 10 for Indians; Rs. 100 for foreigners Location: Chittorgarh, Rajasthan 312001

If you are looking for some thrills in Alwar, visiting its “most haunted place” is the best way to fulfil the desire. Bhangarh Fort, on the border of the Sariska Tiger Reserve is one of the best places to visit in Alwar and has long held its spooky reputation. Though it is a well-preserved fort, the ‘supernatural’ occurrences that seem to occur within its premises tend to ward off many people. If you are eager to explore Alwar in all its facets, haunted and otherwise, a visit to this fort is a must. Do it while the light lasts, since ghosts are said to hang out here at night. Though spooky, Bhangarh Fort is one of the best places to visit in Alwar for some unique memories.  Timings: 6 am to 6 pmLocation: Gola ka baas, Rajgarh Tehsil, Alwar, Bhangarh, Rajasthan 301410

Rana Kumbha Palace is one of the most interesting places to visit in Chittorgarh fort. The massive proportions of the ruined edifice of the palace reveal what an imposing structure it was in the height of its glory. Rana Kumbha Palace is the largest monument in the Chittorgarh Fort and has a grand history attached to it. It has been the residence to people like Bappa Rawal, Maharana Kumbha, rani Padmani, Princess Meera Bai among others. Legend of Panna Dhai, who saved infant Udai Singh with the heart-breaking sacrifice of her infant son, is also associated with this palace. The dungeons of this palace are also supposed to be the place where Rani Padmani and the other women of the palace committed Johar. Timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 pmPrice: You only need to pay the entry price for the fort Location: Chittorgarh Fort Village, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan 312001

The Kirti Stambha is a one of the lovely tourist attractions of Chittorgarh. Housed inside the massive Chittorgarh Fort, this 12th century tower stands as a monument to Adinathji, the 1st Jain Teerthankar. It is decorated with the naked figures of the Digambars, and reflects the cultural beliefs of the Digambars comprehensively. There are seven storeys in the tower, and a narrow and steep staircase leads to the top from where views of the Chittorgarh environs can be taken in. Timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 pmPrice: You only need to pay the entry price for the fort Location: Chittorgarh Fort Village, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan 312001

Also known as the Alwar Fort, the BalaQuila Fort is one of the most historic destinations in Alwar, and is one of the tourist attractions in Alwar that should not be missed when you are in the Rajasthani city. Extending over an area of 5 kilometres, the fort stands stern and forbidding at a height of 1000 feet with 15 large and 51 small towers and 446 openings for musketry. It was first built by Hasan Khan Mewati in 1550, but has since seen various dynasties rule over it as Alwar passed into the hands of Khanzadas, Mughals, Pathans and Jats. The fort still stands as imposing as ever, and is a great place to visit during an evening in the city. Timings: 10 am to 5 pm Location: Bala Quila   Rd, Near Nikumbha Mahal Palace, Alwar, Rajasthan 301001

Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Alwar. Spread over an area of more than 800 square kilometres, this sanctuary offers a safe haven to the majestic Royal Bengal tigers of Alwar. The sanctuary is made up of grasslands, dry deciduous forests, cliffs and rocky terrains. A host of birds and animals inhabit the sanctuary including Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Sambar, Chinkara, Four-Horned Antelope, Hanuman Langur, and Rhesus Monkeys. The sanctuary also houses the rare Indian Eagle-Owl. But the sanctuary is not just famous for its flora and fauna. A number of historical temples can be found inside the sanctuary, that add further mystery and majesty to the place. Trekking through the wildlife sanctuary is a great experience. Timings:6:00 am - 3:00 pmPrice: Indians: INR 60, Foreign Nationals: INR 450,Vehicles: INR 250Location: Subhash Chowk Station road malakhera, Alwar, Rajasthan 301406

Siliserh Lake Palace is an erstwhile royal palace and hunting lodge located on the banks of the Siliserh Lake that has now been converted into a heritage hotel which is run by RTDC and it is one of the best places to visit in Alwar. The hotel makes for a perfect drop back to a romantic holiday because of the beauty of its exteriors and the simple elegance of its interiors. The lake is perfect for fishing, sailing and boating. It is also a wonderful budget option for those who wish to enjoy luxury but do not wish to burn a hole in their pocket for the experience. The in-house restaurant offers a great range of Indian and Continental cuisines that are soul-satisfying and filling. Price: 2000- 3000 INR/ 50- 80 USD per night approx.Location:Siliserh Circle, Alwar 301001, India