Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, India, is not only famous for its historical monuments like the City Palace, Jal Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Amber Palace, and Albert Hall Museum but also for its unique and offbeat destinations near the city and for unique places near Jaipur.
Here are some unique places to visit near Jaipur:
Bandh Baretha
Bandh Baretha is a new & unique place to visit near Jaipur. Bharatpur is home to various tourist spots, including Bandh Baretha, which is located about 187 kilometers from Jaipur. Bandh Baretha was once a major city in the state of Bharatpur and was known as Shreepast and Shri Prasastha during the Mughal Empire. The village is situated on approximately 549 hectares of land and is built on the Kukand River. The dam was constructed by Maharaja Ram Singh in 1887, with its foundation laid by Maharaja Jaswant Singh in 1866. Water harvesting began from the bridge in 2011, and the dam has a fill capacity of 29 feet. It supplies drinking water to many parts of the Bharatpur district and several villages.
Sambhar Lake
Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan has a rich history, initially under the Chauhan Rajputs, later ruled by the Mughals, and eventually coming under British control until India’s independence. The lake, the largest saline lake in India, is divided by a 5-kilometer-long sandstone dam and is fed by five rivers. It is renowned for salt production and as a habitat for migrating birds, attracting nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Sambhar also features salt factories, museums, and laboratories for visitors to explore. The lake’s elliptical shape and the backdrop of the Aravalli mountain hill add to its scenic beauty, Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan, the largest saline lake in India, is located about 80 kilometers from Jaipur and 65 kilometers from Ajmer. Covering an area of 5700 square meters, the lake is divided by a 5-kilometer-long sandstone dam and is fed by five rivers. It is renowned for salt production, birdwatching, and its scenic beauty with the backdrop of the Aravalli mountain hill. The lake town offers attractions like salt factories, museums, and laboratories for visitors to explore.
Kanota Dam
Kanota Dam, located about 17-18 km from Jaipur on National Highway 11, is a serene destination surrounded by the lush greenery of the Aravalli hills. Initially constructed for irrigation purposes, it has evolved into a popular spot for tourists seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Visitors can engage in activities like boating, cycling, and fishing while enjoying the picturesque view of the water and surrounding shrubs. The dam offers a peaceful setting for picnics and outings with friends or family, making it an ideal place to unwind and create lasting memories. Additionally, the presence of a temple adds to the cultural significance of this must-visit location in Jaipur.
Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort, located in Rajasthan, India, is located about 80 kilometers from Jaipur and is known for its eerie reputation and is considered one of the most haunted places in the world. The fort was built by Bhagwant Das for his younger son, Madho Singh, and is surrounded by legends and stories that contribute to its haunted aura. Two popular legends are:
Lost in the Shadows: This legend revolves around an agreement between Madho Singh and a sage named Bala Nath. The sage allowed the fort’s construction on the condition that its shadow would never fall on his home. However, an ambitious successor of the king extended the fortifications, causing the shadow to cover the sage’s home, leading to the fort’s curse and abandonment.
Bhangarh Fort’s Story of Obsession: According to this legend, a tantric named Singhia fell in love with Princess Ratnavati, the daughter of Chatr Singh. When his attempts to enchant the princess failed, he cursed the palace, leading to the fort’s haunting.
Kishangarh
Kishangarh, a small town in Rajasthan, is located about 100 kilometers from Jaipur and is known for its unique moon-like landscape, which is actually a man-made wasteland created by the marble industry. The town is the largest producer and supplier of marble in India and has the largest marble market in Asia. The slurry generated from marble processing is dumped in a single location, which over time has formed an expansive white plateau resembling the surface of the moon. The area is prone to wind storms and marble dust, making it less than ideal for people with breathing difficulties. Despite its unnaturalness, the Moonland of Kishangarh offers a stunning sunset view, with the crimson hues of dusk extinguished in the ice-blue amidst ivory dunes. The location has gained popularity on social media, but it raises questions about the sustainability of tourism practices and the impact on the environment.