CHAND BAOLI, ABHANERI

The ancient stepwell at Abhaneri as Chand Baoli, is approximately 65 feet deep, with 3500 steep steps making up 13 levels-much like an inverted pyramid.  The isolated and historic location of Abhaneri village, about 100 km from Jaipur, was probably once a great center of arts, as suggested by its sculpture and architecture.  Most of the areas monuments have fallen victim to ravages of time, but just across the stepwell lies the 7^th century Harshat Mata temple.  Its elaborate carvings evocative of the temples of Kajuraho.  However, Abhaneri is worth visiting the Chand Baoli alone.  The many baolis of Rajasthan once functioned as community centers, and are all impressive architectural structures.  Abhaneri’s stepwall is no exception; it is a huge, awesome construction inset with fine decorative panels and carved pillars.  Several balconies at various levels are set around the stepwall and you can almost hear the long-gone echoes of villagers gathered around the pool of water at the base.  Adjoining the Chand Baori, there is a temple, dedicated to Harshat Mata. This temple serves as the other tourist attraction of Abhaneri. Raised during the 10th century, the wrecks of the temple still boast of the architectural and sculptural styles of ancient India. Harshat Mata is considered to be the goddess of joy and happiness. The temple is worth visiting for its amazing architecture, which belongs to the medieval India. Abhaneri has a glorious past and, attracts tourists to its threshold, from all over the world.

AHICHHATRAGARH FORT, NAGAUR

A walk through Ahhichatragarh Fort in Nagaur is like a walk thorugh history with its various power struggles and intrigues.  Ahhichatragarh Fort lies in the town of Nagaur, which is at one end of the Thar Desert midway between the cities of Jodhpur and Bikaner.  Built between 1119 and 1121, the fort was a much coveted prize for rulers as Nagaur was a stragetic trade center. Successive maharajas and sultans battled for control and each king made additions to the fort.  The fort’s strategic location made it a very important possession and several battles were fought as a series of rulers attempted to retain supremacy.  The Ahhichatragarh Fort has two temples; one is devoted to Krishna and the other to Ganesha.  Emporer Shah Jahan built a mosque inside the fort complex, when it was under the control of Mughals.  The visitor can see the Rajput and Mughal influenced palaces and buildings, temples, and mosques along with carved baoris, gardens, and a much admired water system, which used to recycle every drop of water and it is in the shadow of this impressive fort that the annual Nagaur Cattle Fair is held.  Reputed to be second largest cattle fair in India, the Nagaur Fair sees camel races, tug-of-war, and folk music and dance, apart from main business of cattle trade.  The nearest airport is at Jodhpur 137 km from Nagaur.  Nagaur is well connected by railways from major Rajasthan cities.  

SHAHPURA BAGH

This is a home stay with former nobility-high points are the outdoor activities, great food, and relaxed fun.  It is an ideal rest-stop for tourists on a whistle-stop tour of Rajasthan.  It should also be a great weekend destination for people wondering where to take/send their tired relatives.  The things to see and do are row on Khirsagar lake and look at birds and flowering lotuses.  Cycle along the Nahar Sagar reservoir embankment and picnic at the farm.  Visit the Joshi family in Shahpura, acclaimed painters of phad (epic scrolls).  Ramble through the kitchen garden identifying vegetables and herbs (for a pair of neurotic pair of geesel).  Wander through the Shahpura bazaar and buy a pair of mojaris (Rajasthani shoes).  Sit in the sun with chai or a beer and a good book and find youself snoozing.  Soak in the bathtub with the bath salts provided and a glass of wine on hand.

GETTING THERE by road Shahpura is 220 km from Jaipur or Udaipur about four hours on excellent uncongested roads.  If you are driving from Delhi, turn off NH79 just short of Ajmer, at Nasirabad.  Drive on and again turn of the highway at Gulabpura for the last 40 Km.  You could drive the full eight hours straight from Delhi.  By train Ajmer (120km) is the nearest station.  CONTACT:  Sat Singh 9828122012, Maya Singh 9828122013, www.shahpurabagh.com