With the tricolour unfurling and the spirit of patriotism rising, the Republic Day long weekend beckons, providing the ideal setting for a rejuvenating getaway. With its regal charm and rich heritage, Jaipur serves as the ideal starting point for a short trip. Join us on an adventure to discover enchanting destinations just a few hours' drive from Pink City, where you can bask in the peace of nature, experience cultural adventures, and make everlasting memories.
If you want to obtain the blessings of a divine being for your loved ones' well-being or the fulfilment of a long-desired dream, you must travel to Khwaja Garib Nawaz (R.A.) Dargah, located approximately 130 kilometres southwest of Jaipur. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, visited by devotees of both Hindu and Muslim faiths. Urs, Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti's death anniversary, and Ramadan are the best times to see how popular this place is.
Distance from Jaipur: 135 kilometres
Best time to visit: October to March
Getting There: You can travel from Jaipur to Ajmer by train, with a journey of approximately 2 to 3 hours, or by bus, available at the Jaipur bus station, for a road journey of around 3 to 4 hours.
Just 152 kilometres away, Alwar is one of the best weekend destinations close to Jaipur. The city, which is well-known among tourists as the gateway to Rajasthan, is known for its magnificent royal structures, gardens, forts, lakes, and temples. Unlike other Rajasthani cities where Hindu temples predominate, Alwar has several temples dedicated to the Jaina Tirthankaras. The Alwar City Palace, located at the base of a mountain, is a captivating work of art. This palace exemplifies the ideal blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles.
Distance from Jaipur: 82 kilometres
Best time to visit: September to February
Getting there: The quickest and most convenient way to get to Alwar from Jaipur is to take a train, which takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach.
Considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, Pushkar is the home of the revered Pushkar Lake and the sacred Brahma Temple. The city offers an unparalleled spiritual experience with more than 50 ghats and several places of worship. The town's other must-visit temples are Rangji Temple and Savitri Mata Temple. Moreover, the vibrant Rajasthani clothing, jewellery, and home décor can be found in abundance at the market's several cafes and bustling markets. Bring back a few souvenirs to support this small town's local artists and craftsmanship.
Distance from Jaipur: 145 kilometres
Best time to visit: November to March
Getting there: The quickest and most convenient way to get to Pushkar from Jaipur is by taxi, which takes around 2 hours and 6 minutes to reach.
Nestled in the Aravali Hills, the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, presently called the Sariska Tiger Reserve, covers an area of around 800 square kilometres and includes grasslands, dry deciduous forests, cliffs, and rocky terrain. The reserve is well-known for its magnificent Bengal Royal Tigers. It's the first tiger reserve to relocate the tigers successfully from Ranthambore. Surrounded by the Aravali Hills, Sariska contains a wealth of mineral resources, including copper. Friends and families often take their children on family vacations to the getaway.
Distance from Jaipur: 92 kilometres
Best time to visit: October to March
Getting there: The best way to get to Sariska from Jaipur is by taxi, which takes around 1 hour and 55 minutes to reach.
Kishangarh, one of Rajasthan's hidden gems, is located 90 kilometres from Jaipur, the state capital, and 18 kilometres from Ajmer. This, and a few lesser-known sites in the state, provide a genuinely remarkable and authentic experience that sets them apart from the state's more well-known tourist destinations. Kishangarh enjoys the same level of fame as other popular tourist hotspots in the state because of its status in the marble industry. Some nearby sights include Mokham Vilas and the historic fort of Kishangarh. The city's old painting style, Bani Thani, is so well-known that a representation of it was carved onto a stamp by the Indian government.
Distance from Jaipur: 89 kilometres
Best time to visit: November to March
Getting there: The fastest and cheapest way to get to Kishangarh from Jaipur is to train, which takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes to reach.