Sunday 21 May 2017

Pushkar - The Holy City

Day 2 -

After a hearty breakfast, we booked a cab for Pushkar from our resort. We opted for Ola Rentals (Package - 4 hours and 80 Kms) and it was quite comfortable and convenient. 

Savitri Temple - 
It was approx 10:30 AM in the morning when we started our journey. In interest of time, we visited the Savitri temple first (First Wife of Brahma). It is situated on top of Ratnagiri hill and there are approx 1200 stairs to reach the temple. In addition to the stairs there is a ropeway too and we of-course opted for it. ;) 

Temple Timings - 5AM-12PM and 4PM-9PM

Tips - Do remember to cover the prasad as there are langurs near the temple and they would try all means to snatch the prasad.

RopeWay Tickets and Rates - 



Clicks@Savitri Temple-
Savitri Temple - Ratnagiri Hill

Pushkar Lake View from the Savitri Temple

View from the Savitri Temple


Brahma Temple Pushkar and The Sacred Pushkar Lake -
Later we proceeded to the Brahma temple. Jagatpita Brahma mandir is the only temple in India dedicated to lord Brahma situated at the pushkar lake. There is a legend to it. Temple holds the central images of Brahma and his second wife Gayatri. On Kartik poornima, a festival dedicated to Brahma is held and thousands of worshipers visit the temple, bathing in the sacred lake. Right behind the deity, there is a small window from where one can view Savitri temple. Later you can visit the Pushkar lake, also commonly known as sarovar for the holy dip and offer prayers.

Temple Timings - 6:30AM - 8:30PM and is closed from 1:30PM-3PM

Tips -
1. In case you plan for a holy dip, do remember to carry extra pair of clothes.
2. Beware of pickpockets until you are back to your base location. You will be followed by lots of beggars, ignore them and keep moving forward.
3. At the Sarovar (Pushkar lake), you will be approached by pandits for puja. Do ensure to make a deal of a fixed amount before hand for puja as they would end up asking for donation for pitrs (forefathers), food for cow, food for brahmins etc in the middle of it.
4. Malpua is the famous dessert of the city, do relish it.
5. In case you plan to go shopping, try bargaining hard. Also do buy the famous Gulkand (which is used in sweet pans) and also buy rose water.

Photo Gallery -




Clicks of Pushkar Bazaar -






#HappyTravelling #HappyReading #VacationMode ...

Saturday 20 May 2017

Ajmer - City of Shrines

Padharo Mhare Desh ... Welcome to Rajasthan !

This time Rajasthan was on our itinerary and we planned to visit Ajmer and Pushkar. Ajmer is well known as city of shrines. Thousands of tourists flock every year to visit Ajmer-e-sharief dargah. Adjoining is the famous holy city of Pushkar, well known for the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma. 

Day 1 -

We chose the rail journey, booked New Delhi Ajmer shatabdi and hopped for an exciting trip. The journey was quite eventful. As always we were late and finally had to ask our driver to overspeed so that we could catch the train. It was nothing less than a roller coaster ride, zig zag trails, barging the red lights finally we reached the station on time - "We sat and the train started!"
Reached Ajmer at around 2PM. Blistering sun right over our heads, we headed towards the IRCTC restaurant - Cafe Delight, for grabbing a quick lunch. We had booked our resort - The gateway resort by Taj, which is in middle of both Pushkar and Ajmer. In interest of time, we planned to visit the dargah prior checking into our hotels. We submitted our luggage at the cloak room (Rs 16 per package)and left for the dargah. Do ensure to lock your luggage else it wont be accepted by the cloak room authorities. There are ample of auto rickshaws that can take you to the shrine. You definitely need to bargain well, as they can easily sweep some handsome amount. The autos will leave you at a distance of some 500mtrs close to the main gate of the shrine, post which one needs to walk. One can take flowers, chadar and some sweets to offer at the shrine. You can leave your shoes at the same shop and proceed. It would take approx 1 hour for you to visit this place. Later on our way to the resort we captured some glimpses of the Ana sagar lake. 

Tips - 

1. Since Amjer sharief dargah is always crowded, do not wear any expensive ornaments as there are high chances of theft.
2. Beware of pickpockets at all the times until you are back at your base location. You will be followed by lots of beggars, ignore them and keep moving forward.
3. Remember to cover you head always. This is a must for both men and women. One can wear western clothes as well, however head needs to be covered all the time while you are at dargah.
4. Parking is a major issue, hence do not take your own vehicles there, rather commute in an auto.
5. Do not come under the influence of any local guys wearing white kurtas who would offer a short route to reach the main place. They would rather take you to their head and one ends up donating thousands of rupees even if you wish to or not.
6. Luggage, camera, DSLR etc are not allowed inside, hence prefer visiting empty handed.
7. In case of any emergency feel free to contact the cops immediately.
8. Dargah is closed in the noon from 3-4PM for cleaning purpose.

Photo Gallery -














Happy Reading ... Happy Travelling...

Thursday 18 May 2017

The Gateway Resort Pushkar Bypass Ajmer - An Experience !!!

Hey Everyone,

Its scorching hot in Delhi and we planned a trip to Rajasthan to enhance our hotness ;) Well well, after lot of back and forth we zeroed down on Ajmer and Pushkar as our weekend gateway. We booked The Gateway Resort Pushkar Bypass Ajmer, situated right in the center of two cities. Amidst the Aravalli ranges, touch of royalty, and an intricate architecture,  this site is a treat to the eyes. Booked a summer special deal and it was all worth. Sharing some insights and clicks of this majestic palace.

Distance - Approx 18Kms from Ajmer railway station, approx 12Kms from Pushkar railway station and approx 140Kms from Jaipur international airport. Pick up and drop to the railway station is provided with charges - Rs 600 /- one side.


Contact Number - 0145 - 662 0000

Experience
We had an amazing experience at our 2 day stay here. It totally lives up to the Taj Standards. Rooms are spacious, with 24 hour room service. Category of rooms are divided as per the courtyard view and the Aravalli range view. Set up has a traditional touch with royalty. Every evening cultural program (Langa Dance) is organized by the hotel staff. The site has an outdoor pool which is the real smasher. Cleanliness is well maintained. There are other facilities too - spa, steam and sauna bath. One can enjoy evening at the activity center wherein there are tennis table, carom, air hockey and pool. Food is quite great and we enjoyed both the buffet breakfast and the a la carte dinner. Have a wide variety of drinks as well. Liquor is not served due to the recent notice by the supreme court. Hotel staff is educated and highly courteous. We even got some snacks packed while we were leaving for sightseeing. Overall an impeccable and incredible experience.

Clicks -






















Happy Vacations !

Neemrana - Delhi Weekend Gateway

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