Jaipur enjoys a convenient location in the state of Rajasthan. While it itself offers a host of local attractions there are several places of interest that are located around Jaipur. These places are quite easily accessible by road. Excursion tours are also available for tourists from Jaipur.
Sanganer: The town is well known for hand printed textiles. These products are exported to all over the world. Besides being artistically famed Sanganer has a 15th century Digambar Jain Temple. As is the case with the Jain temples this shrine too is intricately carved. It is 16 kilometers away from Jaipur.
Bagru: Located at a distance of 30 kilometers from Jaipur It is famous for block prints. The only dyes used are the predominantly traditional vegetable dyes. Such items are quite popular with the tourists.
Ramgarh Lake: 30 kilometers northeast of Jaipur, Ramgarh is a picnic spot. It is mostly known for its man made lake. In the rainy season when this 15 sq Km manmade lake gets filled it attracts large flocks of waterfowl. Jamwa Sanctuary, an old fort and the temple of Jamwa Mata are the local attractions here.
Pachewargarh: It is 90 kilometers away from Jaipur. Khangarot Rajput, a sub-clan of Kachhawa rulers, once ruled it. There is an impressive 300 years old fort, which has been converted into a heritage hotel.
Tonk: Famous as "Lucknow of Rajasthan", it has a number of mosques, havelis and mansions. It is located at a distance of 100 kilometers from Jaipur. While touring this town tourists can check out the Sunheri Kothi or the Golden Mansion. It is an intricately carved palace with semi precious stones and mother-of-pearl. Other local attractions are Arabic and Persian Research Institute and Toda Rai Singh. It is also famous for its woolen rugs.
Sambhar: Sambhar is a small town that is located at a distance of 60kilometers from Jaipur. Sambhar is renowned for the largest saline water lake in India. Hence it is also referred to as the Salt Lake City. The picturesque beauty of the place attracts tourists in large numbers. Sambhar is also known for Shakambari Mata Temple, the holy Devayani Tank and the Naliasar.
Bairat: It houses the pillars and inscription on the rocks that proof that it is primarily a Buddhist establishment. It dates back to the 3rd century BC to 1st century AD. It lies 86 Km north of Jaipur along the Jaipur-Shahpura-Alwar road. A large cave on the Pandu Hill is a major local attraction. Bhim Ki Doongri is considered to be Bhim`s abode, during the Pandava`s exile. Besides these the annual Banganga Fair at Bairat is popular with travelers too.
Madhogarh: It is located at a distance of 40 kilometers from Jaipur. For handicrafts it is one of the best places. Pottery and carpets are available in abundance here. Besides the handwork there is a fort here bequeathed to Thakur Pratap Singhji by the Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II of Jaipur.
Bhandarej: Bhandarej is a historical town that is located on the banks of
Bhadrawati River. This town came to prominence when the Kachhwaha chieftain
Dhula Rao conquered it from Badgujar in the 11th century. Dhula Rao`s descendant has converted the magnificent sandstone Bhadrawati Palace into a heritage hotel.
Kalakho: This pictorial town is set amidst golden mustard fields against the back drop of Aravallis. The adjacent woodlands and lakes has become an abode for bird lovers and those in search of serenity.
Abhaneri: 95 kilometers away from Jaipur this village houses Harshat Mata Temple. The history of the village is steeped in legends. In fact it is believed that its name has been derived from the goddess. While she was in a bright mood she had spread `abha` or luster. Hence the name Abhaneri was derived.
Samode: It is situated within the protective hills enroute to the famous Shekhawati region. It is located at a distance of 40 kilometers from the city of Jaipur. The town is famous for its own cloth printers, bangle makers and other artisans nestled within its old walls. The palace here has a hall that is embellished with exquisite mirror work and paintings. Due to renovations by Rawal Sheo Singh, in the mid 19th century the palace showcases a blend of Rajput-Mughal architectural styles. The Samode Fort, in ruins, towers above the palace and it is the apt place to get a bird`s eye view of the neighboring area.
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: It is one of the popular attractions in Rajasthan. Sariska is easily accessible from Jaipur. Apart from the wildlife the park also has historical monuments and holy shrines.
Ranthambore National Park: The biggest draw for tourists is Ranthambore. With an interesting history and an amazing wildlife it stands out from all other tourist destinations. It is for this place that Rajasthan is termed as the land of tigers. It is located at a distance of 130 kilometers from Jaipur. From mountain ranges to artificial lakes to ruins of ancient buildings----the entire set up inside the park is striking. In ancient India it was the hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur.
(Last Updated on : 12/08/2010)