Delhi Diaries. Part 1

Delhi, the heart of India, has been the favorite city of people from all over the world. For centuries, the sedimentation and metamorphosis kept happening, adding to the richness of the city in every possible way.

I kept coming to the city from the time I was probably a year and a few months old, thanks to my aunt who stays here, and my cousins who kept attracting me during every vacation! The chapters of the history book also aroused tremendous interest and I kept planning about which all places to visit during the next trip!! But it was actually during my recent visits, during my college years, when I started discovering the real beauty of the city.

It's true, until and unless you start exploring the nooks and corners, walk down the streets and spend hours in those huge medieval period forts and monuments and tombs, you won't really get the feel of the place.

Architectural Grandeur...

The Sultans and the Mughals had a great taste of architecture, and Delhi will never fail to give you a taste of it. No matter how many times I visit these places, they still keep surprising me, and I keep wondering how these were built at that time, when the science of construction wasn't as developed!!

Qutub Minar build during the Sultanate period, or Red Fort and Jama Masjid build by Shah Jahan are no doubt mesmerizing, and far more attractive than how the text books make them look like, but there are several other tombs and monuments which somehow failed to make their space in the text books. The Mehrauli Archaeological Park, which is a few minutes’ walk from Qutub Minar is something that left me awestruck. There are ruins of nearly 8 tombs, the Jamali Kamali mosque being one of them, and the whole walk through the forest is an experience in its own. It was a winter afternoon when i explored this hidden treasure with a friend, and the 3 hours walk was indeed bliss for a lover of history like me.

 Mehrauli archaeological park

The Hauz Khas Fort is another beautiful place to spend a lazy evening, looking at the green lake surrounding which the fort was being constructed. Humayun's tomb, Safdarjung tomb, India Gate, Bahai temple, Tughlaqabad fort, Purana Quila - each of these places has got a different charm, and holds a lot of stories, known and unknown!

Another hidden treasure is Agrasen ki Baoli, located at Hailey Road, near Cannaught Place, which is one of the busiest areas of the city. There are 150 stairs which takes you down to the bottom of the well, and if you can creep inside, somehow, you would get goosebumps feeling the eerie silence and listening to your own breath!

 Agrasen-ki-baoli

Cultural richness...

 Delhi still holds on to its cultural richness and heritage.

On a Thursday evening, the breathtaking Qawali performance by Ali Brothers at Nizamuddin dargah is something one shouldn't ever miss. Walking down that narrow gali, with the lingering fragrance of rose petals all over, and the crowd of people from all over the world makes the ambiance extremely lively. Sufi music has that blissful effect, makes you connect to something supernatural...

Nizamuddin Dargah

And the Friday namaz at Jama Masjid, which is another event worth watching. The whole area seems to get drenched in the uni-tone chants during dusk, making Allah listen to the prayers, it seems. The sacred month of Islamic Culture, Ramzan, is observed in Jama Masjid, where the Mosque hosts the Iftar, dinners after sunset and also Maghrib, which is the fourth required prayer of the day. You don't really need to be a follower of Islam to be a part of the celebration...

Jama Masjid

Food Fiesta..

Delhi has always been a food lover's paradise, be it the street food or the big restaurants, Delhi has never failed to win million hearts! The cosmopolitan outlook of Delhi culture is aptly reflected in the cuisine of Delhites. Punjabi cuisine and Mughlai delicacies like kababs and biryanis are popular in several parts of Delhi.

If you are in Old Delhi, then Paranthe-wali-gali and Kabab-gali are a must visit for you. The variety of paranthas and kababs, and lassi and firni will definitely make you fall in love with the food. Karims' is one of the most favourite restaurants here, where not only Indians, but even foreigners hop to binge on biriyani.

Majnu ka tilla, the Tibetan Refugee colony will serve you the best momos in the city at a pocket friendly rate.

If you are looking for some good restaurants then you can walk down Connaught place, or Hauz Khas village, and pick one depending on your choice of cuisine.

And if you want to try out food from different parts of the country, then Dilli Haat is the place for you, where you'll find all the states' shops, serving their authentic food.

And if you are looking for some continental or European cuisines at budget price, then the cafes at Paharganj are the best options for you.

Delhi is also famous for the street foods like chaats and aloo-tikkis, and chuski and jalebi, and so on and so forth. So, options to binge are numerous, and the choice is all yours!

Connaught place

No trip is complete without shopping, and Delhi will definitely tempt you to shop till you drop! Built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan, Chandni chowk even today is a teeming wholesale market selling everything from glass bangles to bulk spices.

Sarojini nagar market, Kamla Nagar Market, Janpath, Dilli Haat, Karol Bagh market, South-Ex market are some of the favorite places for tourists, offering cheap and good stuffs to pick.

For years, I kept coming back to this city, and now that I'm finally living here, the buzz and the cacophony of the city make me feel alive. There's something here that's special, and I don't really know what that is, and I don't try to hunt for an answer as well, for I'm happy with whatever the city has to offer me...

And to everyone out there who wants to fall in love with Delhi, should turn over the pages of City Of Djinns, by William Dalrymple, just to know more about the city, and its people and the life here... Time changes, but there are certain things that remain, and there lies the beauty...

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MUMBAI- The city that never sleeps

This travel story is shared by our fellow traveler Shubhashish Chaudhri.

Mumbai- THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS and won’t let you sleep as well.

I had never been to Mumbai alone so when got the chance to intern this time around that too in the month of JUNE i was really looking forward to it. Everyone told me that it won’t be easy as it’s that time of the year in MUMBAI when it starts to rain like hell. But anyways i said what the hell and decided to use these three weeks to my fullest in enjoying the city THAT NEVER SLEEPS.

I took up a PG in south Mumbai which is one of the most posh and absolutely best place one could get to live. The marine lines local station and the CST are both like walking distance from the PG. But the best thing about MUMBAI is we all know the night life and what better place than MARINE DRIVE . The entire stretch of the queen’s necklace which is 2.3 km is in itself a treat for all. You can just go and sit there and watch as the SEA has its own story to tell with the waves and the cool breeze that s just the best feeling in the world. You can find couples sitting all day and night and people conducting yoga sessions and laughing clubs. For people interested in booze and smoking up its the best place as you can just buy your stuff and sit there and there is no tension of any authority or anyone catching you.

Next we move in to KAYANIS cafe The restaurant has survived for a 102 years and has become quite a landmark. The ambience reeks of nostalgia and vintage: red chequered table cloths, waiters with parsi skull caps, menu cards displayed through the glass top, a blue rope hanging from the ceiling acting as a support for the missing railing for the stair case. Number of newspaper clippings and accolades adorn the wall. For a hundred bucks you can have an amazing evening and morning breakfast and you will feel satisfied.

Mumbai's most famous monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

The ELEPHANTA CAVES-

The Elephanta Caves are located very close to the Gateway of India, and tourists can travel on motor boats to reach the Elephant Islands. Statues of the Maratha leader Shivaji and Swami Vivekananda are installed at the entrance of the Elephant Caves. The Taj Mahal Hotel is India's most prestigious and luxurious hotel and is situated close to the Gateway of India.


CRAWFORD MARKET-

The The major things to buy in Crawford Market are fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables.  As well as daily necessities also seasonal and luxury fruits and vegetables are to be found.  During the Alphonso Mango season (April-May) this is the place to get the largest range in the city. Also in the market, at the other end, there is a large pet animal market where dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, fish, parrots and songbirds are displayed and sold.
Elsewhere inside the market many small stalls also sell snack foods such as chocolates and biscuits.  You will find both international brands such as M&M and Toblerone as well as more local Indian ones such as Amul Chocolates and Comesum – Branded Indian Sweets & Namkeens.  Before the liberalization of trade in India Crawford Market was one of the main places to buy overseas brands.  Today it still sells many of those, often at discounts.

FASHION STREET-
Fashion Street is one of the most widespread shopping destinations in Mumbai. With over a varied array of 150 shops, Fashion Street promises the ardent shopper a lot more junk and knick-knacks than any large mall or fashionable stores can offer. Located opposite the VSNL office building on M.G. Road, the street is famous for the latest and the trendiest clothing lines in Mumbai. Even designer brands are available here at off-the-cuff prices. A variety of denims, shirts, accessories, hats, footwear and mini-restaurants can be found on this street. If you want to enjoy street side shopping in Mumbai, then there is nothing better than heading out to Fashion Street that promises a plethora of clothing and accessories and off-the-cuff prices. If you are a smart buyer and you know how to bargain, then Fashion Street might just be your 'Shangri-La'.


FOR HISTORY LOVERS-

The Prince of Wales Museum, now commonly known as 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya', was established during the early 20th century. This museum is considered as a heritage structure in Mumbai because of its admirable architecture. The Prince of Wales Museum is one of the most significant museums in India.

Chowpatty Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai. Located in the heart of the city, this beach is most popular for its local delicacies which most people enjoy whenever they visit Chowpatty Beach. Watching the glorious sunsets from this beach is a sight worth seeing! This beach is a retreat from a tedious routine for many. Most people visit this beach to relax after a long, tiring day. People of all age-groups come here to enjoy the scenic beauty offered by the beach. To experience a divine feeling, one can visit Chowpatty Beach anytime of the day. Crowd is considerably less during the wee hours of the mornings while evenings are just jam-packed. It is not a good idea to visit the beach during the monsoon season because high tides and water logging makes the place quite dangerous.

The Haji Ali Dargah is a historical landmark in Mumbai, and is also one of the most prestigious Islamic symbols situated in South Mumbai. Apart from visiting the Dargah, offering prayers and seeking the blessings of the saint, there are various other things to do in and around the Dargah. Local stalls outside the complex of the Haji Ali Dargah will give you the opportunity to indulge in some delicious local cuisine and local specialties such as Kebabs, Chaat, Ice-cream, Mughlai Biryani, Hyderabadi fast food and even American fast-food. The Haji Ali Dargah is a popular pilgrimage destination in Mumbai. Every week over thousands of devotees, Muslims and non-Muslims, flock the Dargah to seek the blessings of saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Apart from its religious significance, the Haji Ali Dargah is famous for being pleasing to the eye and is the best place to head towards, if you are seeking solace and serenity.

Thank You so much Shubhashish Chaudhri for sharing such a lovely travelogue with us! :)

About Shubhashish Chaudhri

An avid food lover, loves reading like anything and a big MOVIE and English tv shows FREAK and going to new places even though i haven’t been to a lot of places but I intend on travelling through the entire country during my life. 

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A trip to Lahaul and Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh

A very few places on earth can mark so dramatic a change in landscape. To one side, the lush green head of the Kullu Valley; to the other, an awesome vista of bare, chocolate-colored mountains, hanging glaciers and snowfields that shine in the dazzlingly crisp light, with just flecks of flora deep in the valley to soften the stark image.

Lahaul Spiti has snow fed glaciers and barren mountains. Keylong is the headquarter of Lahaul-Spiti and oasis of green fields.The capital, Keylong, is an easy stop and you can detour to mountain villages and medieval monasteries that remain blissfully untouched by mass tourism.
The two valleys at Lahaul and Spiti have a tenous link over the Kunzam Pass ( 4,520 metres ).

Here is an exclusive travel itinerary along with some exceptionally beautiful photographs shared by our fellow traveler Supratim Pan who visited Lahaul and Spiti Valley recently.

In August I along with my six friends travelled to Lahaul and Spiti Valley to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of mountains. Me along with this group visited to Ladakh in 2012 and this was our second adventurous trip to the Himalayas.
Here is a brief description of the trip

Day 1 (Friday) – Journey started from Kolkata
We have started our journey from Howrah by Kalka Mail (departure time 7:40 p.m)

Day 2 (Saturday) – in train
In train

Day 3 (Sunday) - Sarahan
- Reached Chandigarh at the early morning (around 4:00 a.m)
- Started our journey by Travera (already booked from Kolkata). This was the only car with us for the whole trip
- Checked in a hotel at Kalka for 2 hours to freshen up and started journey for Sarahan
- Reached Sarahan in the evening via Shimla. Stayed at the guest house inside the very famous Bhima Kali Temple

Day 4 (Monday) - Sangla
- Visit Bhima Kali Temple, Shrikhand View (Palace)
- Bird Sanctuary and Zoo were not visited by us
- Started journey to Sangla
- On the way visited Baspa Dam and had lunch at Narkanda
- Reached Sangla in the evening and stayed at Monal Residency
- Visited Sangla Monastery

Day 5 (Tuesday) - Kalpa
- Started journey for Chitkul. Had breakfast over there
- Went to Kalpa via Reckong Peoh. Had lunch at Reckong Peoh
- Reached Kalpa in the evening and stayed at Hotel Kinnar Villa. We could not see the Kinnaur-Kailash peaks due to cloud :(

Day 6 (Wednesday) - Tabo
- Started journey for Tabo. Had breakfast at Reckong Peoh.
- Visited Nako Lake on the way. Had lunch at Nako
- Reached Tabo in the evening and stayed at Keysang Guest House

Day 7 (Thursday) - Kaza
- Started journey for Kaza
- Visited Dhankar Monastery on the way
- Went to Pin Valley, one of the most beautiful places of our trip.
- Reached Kaza in the afternoon and stayed at Mandalla Guest House

Day 8 (Friday) - Lossar
- Visited Keh Monastery and Kibber Village (last village at China border)
- Came back to Kaza and had lunch over there
- Started journey to Lossar. Reached Lossar in the late evening and stayed at IPS Guest house, booked from DC Office of Kaza
- It was an awesome experience, stayed in the lap of mountains

Day 9 (Saturday) - Chandratal
- Started journey for Chandratal
- Reached Chandratal via Kunzum Pass.
- Had to trek for half an hour to reach Chandratal. The altitude was 14,500ft. Road was little up and down. This was the most fascinating place of our trip
- Went to Manali, reached in the late evening and stayed over there

Day 10 (Sunday) - Chandigarh
- Started journey for Chandigarh
- Reached Chandigarh via Kullu in late night and stayed over there
- Release the car (Travera) at Chandigarh


Day 11 (Monday) – Back to Kolkata
- Booked a car for Delhi
- Started in the morning and took evening flight for Kolkata


Road Condition
- Road condition was not so good
- Up to Tabo road was O.K but after that it was almost horrible. Actually there was almost no road.
- Had to cross some dangerous “Nala” (e.g. – Maling Nala) on the way
- But we could not feel the pain due to the overwhelming scenic beauty


Weather
- Weather was not so good
- Most of the time it was cloudy but we have not experienced heavy rain
- Due to the cloudy weather our photos were not so good and most importantly we could not see the Kailash peak at Kalpa :(


Accommodation
- All the guest houses were standard and up to the mark
- Monal Residency was the best among the lot


Food
- All kind of food (Rice, Roti, Chicken, Egg, Vegetables) with good taste were available everywhere
- We have not tried the local foods to keep our stomach O.K :p


Expenses
- As we could arrange all economic guest houses at each place (except Chandigarh) our per head cost for this trip was approx. 20K including air fare and train fare :)


Thank You Supratim Pan for sharing this excellent travel story with us ! :) 

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A Walk Through History : Forts Revealing The Grandeur Of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is famous all over the world for its stunning forts that have been gloriously standing since decades in this princely state. They are the perfect example of the architectural heritage of Rajasthan. The reminders of the rich history of this eternal land are one of the major attractions of the state as well our country. These forts narrate the stories of yesteryears’ glamour, success and failures through their long muteness.

Here is a list of the forts that add to the royalty of Rajasthan-

 Chittorgarh Fort, Chittor

Chittorgarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India and probably the grandest in the state of Rajasthan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is stated that the fort was constructed by the Mauryans during the 7th century AD and hence derives its name after the Mauryan ruler, Chitrangada Mori, as inscribed on coins of the period. Historical records show Chittorgarh fort as the capital of Mewar for 834 years.

The fort precinct with an evocative history is studded with a series of historical palaces, gates, temples and two prominent commemoration towers. These monumental ruins have inspired the imagination of tourists and writers for centuries.

The fort represents the quintessence of tribute to the nationalism, courage, medieval chivalry and sacrifice exhibited by the Mewar rulers for centuries.

How To Reach:

By Road - NH8 connects Jaipur and Delhi to NH79 at Ajmer, along which Chittor is a 3.5 hr drive away via Nasirabad and Bhilwara.

By Train - Chittorgarh Station is linked to Delhi by the Nizamuddin-Udaipur Express and to Jaipur by the Mewar Express.

 Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort was built around 1460 by Rao Jodha, and the fort is situated 120 metres (400 ft) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries, there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum, there is a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730.

How To Reach:

By Road - Travelers from Delhi should turn off NH8 onto NH11 at Beawar.

By Train - Jodhpur Junction is connected by Mandore and Intercity expresses from Old Delhi; and by Rajasthan Sampark Kranti from Sarai Rohilla, which runs on alternate days. Suryanagari Express from Bandra, Mumbai, is the best option via Ahmedabad and it runs on alternate days; also Ranakpur Express from Bandra via Ahmedabad and Surat and the Howrah-Jaipur Express.

http://indiatrotters.blogspot.in/2015/07/jodhpur-and-amazing-blues.html

Kumbhalgarh Fort, Udaipur

Kumbhalgarh Fort is on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills, in the Rajsamand District of Rajasthan. It is another UNESCO World Heritage Site included in Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Built during the course of the 15th century by Rana Kumbha and enlarged through the 19th century, Kumbhalgarh is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar.

The fort is the second largest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China and the second largest fort in Rajasthan after Chittorgarh Fort.

How To Reach:

By Road – Kumbhalgarh is situated 82 km northwest of Udaipur.  Rajasthan State Transport buses from Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ajmer, Jaipur and Delhi are available.

Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from whom it derives its name. The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill, and has been the scene of many battles. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion colour during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort.

In medieval times, Jaisalmer’s entire population lived within the fort and even now, thousands of people reside here, making it India’s only living fort.

How To Reach:

By Road - Jaisalmer is at the far western end of India, tucked into the hip of Rajasthan. Though it is just a few degrees off the same latitude as Jaipur, you have to arch up to Bikaner or way down to Jodhpur to get here from the state capital.

By Train - Jaisalmer Station is well-connected to Delhi by the Delhi-Jaisalmer Express, which starts from Old Delhi Railway Station. Mumbai offers connections up to Jodhpur via Ahmedabad. From Jodhpur, there’s the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Express.

http://indiatrotters.blogspot.in/2015/07/the-desert-dairies-jaisalmer-real.html

      Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar

Built from 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort-Palace is located on a high hillock and commands magnificent views of the surrounding beauty. It is among India's oldest heritage resort hotels, as it was created in 1986. Its name derives from a valiant local chieftain named Nimola Meo. The Chauhan capital was shifted from Mandhan (near Alwar) to Neemrana when the fort was established by Raja Dup Raj in 1467.

This has become a favourite weekend gateway for Delhi folks.

How To Reach:

By Road – Neemrana Fort Palace is 120 kms from New Delhi, via NH8. It is on the Delhi- Jaipur Highway.

 Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur

Jaigarh Fort, also known as Victory Fort, is situated on the promontory called the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the Aravalli range. The fort was built by Jai Singh II in 1726 to protect the Amber Fort and its palace complex and was named after him. The highlights here are the two silver water containers, the largest in the world, mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records. Sawai Madho Singh II took along these containers, after filling them with Ganga water, on a trip abroad to avoid using ‘foreign water’. The fort features a cannon named "Jaivana", which was manufactured in the fort precincts and was then the world's largest cannon on wheels.

How To Reach:

By Road - NH8 links Jaipur to Delhi via Shahpura and Dharuhera, and to Mumbai via Ajmer, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Baroda, Bharuch, Pardi, Talasari and Manor. RSRTC operates deluxe coaches from Bikaner House in Delhi near Pandara Road. Excellent bus connections are also available from Jaipur’s Sindhi Camp Central Bus Terminal to other destinations in Rajasthan and beyond.

By Train - Jaipur Station well connected to Delhi by Ajmer Shatabdi and Delhi-Jaipur Express, to Mumbai by the Bombay Central-Jaipur and Aravalli expresses, and to Kolkata by the Howrah-Jaipur Express.

Amer Fort, Jaipur

Amer Fort is known for its artistic Hindu style elements. With its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks Maota Lake. The town of Amer was originally built by Meenas, and later it was ruled by Raja Man Singh, who built the fort.

The aesthetic ambiance of the palace is seen within its walls. Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. It consists of the Diwan-e-Aam, or "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas, or "Hall of Private Audience", the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. Hence, the Amer Fort is also popularly known as the Amer Palace.

How To Reach: Same As Jaigarh Fort. The two forts are located on the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the same Aravalli range of hills. The palace and Jaigarh Fort are considered one complex, as the two are connected by a subterranean passage.

Sajjangarh Fort, Udaipur

 Sajjangarh Fort, also known as the Monsoon Palace, is a hilltop palatial residence in the city of Udaipur, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake. It is named ‘Sajjangarh’ after Maharana Sajjan Singh of the Mewar Dynasty, who built it in 1884. The palace offers a panoramic view of the city's lakes, palaces and surrounding countryside. It was built chiefly to watch the monsoon clouds; hence, appropriately, it is popularly known as Monsoon Palace.

High on the Aravalli Hills, the Palace is illuminated in the evenings, giving a golden orange glow.

How To Reach:

By Road - Udaipur is on NH8 which links Delhi to Mumbai via Jaipur and Ahmedabad. It is a 9hr drive from Jaipur, a 14hr drive from Delhi and a 17 hr drive from Mumbai. Halt for the night at Ajmer if driving down from Delhi, and at Ahmedabad if coming from Mumbai.

By Train - Udaipur Station has speedier connections with Delhi by Chetak Express from Sarai Rohilla, and Mewar Express from Nizamuddin Station. The Lake City Express and Mewar Express are excellent options from Jaipur. Good connections from Ahmedabad as well as Mumbai are also available.

Taragarh Fort, Bundi

Taragarh Fort or 'Star Fort' is the most impressive structure of city of Bundi. A rather ramshackle fort, with its overgrown vegetation, it is located 39 km from Kota. It was constructed in 1354 upon a steep hillside. There are three gateways to the fort, well known as Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ki Phatak. Most parts of these impressive gateways are now in ruins. During its heyday, Taragarh Fort was renowned for its tunnels crisscrossing the entire hillside. However, these tunnels are now inaccessible for want of proper maps.

The largest of its battlements is the 16th century bastion known as the Bhim Burj, on which was once mounted a particularly large cannon called Garbh Gunjam, or 'Thunder from the Womb'.

The fort also has Miran Saheb ki Dargah. He was the governor of the fort and laid down his life in an encounter.

The fort offers a panoramic view of the city of Bundi situated in Nagpahari of Aravalli ranges.

How To Reach:

By Road – Bundi is around 490 km from Delhi. Bundi is located on NH12 between Jaipur and Kota. The road conditions vary with rains and disrepair. There are frequent buses from Kota to Bundi and the journey by bus takes about an hour. A few buses run daily from Jaipur too and the trip takes 7-8 hrs.

By Train - Nearest railhead is Kota Junction, on the Delhi-Mumbai rail route.

Ranthambore Fort, Ranthambore

Ranthambore Fort is situated within the Ranthambore National Park, near the town of Sawai Madhopur, the park being the former hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur until the time of India's Independence. The fort is known for the glory and valor of Hammir dev of the Chauhan dynasty.

How To Reach:

By Road - You can cover the 375 km distance between Delhi and Ranthambhore in about 8-10 hours. The roads are good and the road trip in itself is a pleasure. You can plan your route through Sariska Tiger Reserve as well.

http://indiatrotters.blogspot.in/2013/12/weekend-trip-ranthambhore-fromdelhi-how.html

             

PS- For a detailed description on Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Ranthambore, follow the exclusive posts on those places. 

Fact-Sources: Wikipedia.

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