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.

Trek Along Kumbhalgarh

Much of Rajasthan is pretty, almost ephemeral in its dependence on light and hue for its attraction. The massive 600-year-old ramparts of Kumbalgarh Fort offer altogether more immense substance. The sheer size of it makes one want to believe the local legend that the fortress was impregnable, though it was actually taken once, by a powerful army of Emperor Akbar's Mughal-Rajput alliance. Its walls snake over the rolling Aravalli hills for 36km, like some gargatuan shone python. Its one of teh longest walls anywhere on earth outside China's Great Wall, and if you are feeling adventurous, try hiking along the periphery. It's a two-day trek, and the only places you can stay the night are in some of the many temples along your route. you won't need a guide, but the men selling entry tickets at the fort entrance will find you someone who can cook and lug your load for you, at about Rs 300-400 a day. You will need to haggle, of course. But what price the awesome beauty of that rugged landscape?

Kumbhalgarh is 84km north of Udaipur.

Devi Bhawan

At this serene retreat, don't expect the ancient trappings of your classic heritage hotel. Jodhpur's Devi Bhawan melds the amenities of a modern hotel with an intimate sense of being a Rajput family's guest. The cottages are threaded amidst lush gardens: divided into garden rooms, bunglaws and suites, each emphasises the peaceful surrounds. No fussiness and ornate fittings here: each room is cleanly designed, its simple period furniture creating a minimal, spacious atmosphere, TVs, Internet, room service, and massages-what more do you need? Lay out by the pool, lounge in the gazebo and take your meals out in the gardens: the beautiful lawns are the true hightlight of this peaceful sanctuary. Best of all, a stay at this oasis comes at super rates.