Escape The Crowds: Visit These Offbeat Places In Rajasthan This Winter

Rajasthan, known for its majestic forts, vibrant culture, and golden deserts, often sees a rush of tourists flocking to its popular destinations. However, if you're seeking tranquillity away from the bustling crowds, this beautiful state offers numerous hidden gems. This winter, explore these offbeat places in Rajasthan that promise a unique experience and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the region's rich heritage.

Bhanderaj

In the days of old, Bhandarej was known as Champavati. After a disaster left it in ruins, it was renamed Bhadrawati. Over time, this little town in Rajasthan’s Dausa district came to be called Bhandarej, as we know it today. Much of the area that lay in ruins has since been excavated.

Located 60 km away from the ghost town of Bhangarh, Bhandarej Fort was founded seven centuries ago on the banks of the Bhadrawati River by the Badgujar Rajputs and Chauhans. It was later taken over by Kachchwaha chieftain Dhula Rao Sahib, whose clan rose to become senior officers under Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (1700-1744), the founder of Jaipur. The fortified town is accessed through four gates—Bhandan Darwaja, Khedli Darwaja, Meena Darwaja, and Bawri Darwaja.

Ancient lore suggests that it was known as Dev-Nagari because of its plethora of temples. In November 2011, a grand ashvamedha yagna was organized, featuring 1,008 kundiya yagnas, which were attended by prominent figures and sadhus from all over India. In its heyday, Bhandarej was famous for its terracotta vessels, lattice work, and unique sculptures, richly evidenced by finds during the excavations.

Things To See And Do

1) Go on day-long horse safaris or half-day camel safaris, complete with lunch included. During your excursions, you’ll ride past silent ret-ka-tilas (sand forts) in the open desert area that borders the highway.

2) Explore the five-tiered Bara Baori, featuring its arched windows, traditional paintings, sculpted carvings, and courtyards. Also visit the 18th-century, three-storied Bhandarej Baoli, along with the archaeological remains found throughout the town.

3) Enjoy a walk around the village to observe traditional crafts being carried out in the potters’, ironmongers’, and shoemakers’ colonies. Bhadrawati Palace, now a heritage hotel, also arranges visits to Abhaneri and Bhangarh.

4) You can also visit the picturesque village of Kalakho (8 km), which is particularly lovely during the rains. Straddling golden fields and featuring lakes brimming with the monsoon’s bounty, it presents a scene of serene beauty. This wooded area of the Aravallis serves as an ideal playground for birdwatchers. Follow your feathered friends up the hills to explore old forts and enjoy the panoramic views from the lofty pinnacles.

Where To Stay And Eat

Dhula Rao’s descendant, Rawal Raghubir Singh of Dhula, has converted the elegant sandstone Bhadrawati Palace into a heritage hotel. In Kalakho-Ambari village, deep within the Aravallis, Dera Lakeview Retreat offers accommodation in 16 AC portahuts, each with private facilities. There is much to discover around Kalakho, and a variety of activities are available, ranging from safaris to camel cart rides. The Umaid Lake Palace is situated next to a lake, albeit closer to NH11.

The Information

Located in East Rajasthan, just off the Agra-Jaipur Highway, Bhandarej is best visited from October to March.

Getting There:
Driving from Delhi or Jaipur is the best option, allowing you to fit in as many excursions as desired. The route is smooth until Sikandra.

Journey Time:
By road, it takes approximately 1.5 hours from Jaipur and 4 hours from Delhi.

Route from Jaipur:
Take NH11 to Sikandra, then exit via Dausa and drive another 5 km until you reach Bhandarej.

Kalakho

Kalakho stands across golden fields, boasting picturesque lakes. Nestled amid the Aravalli Hills, it beckons tantalisingly as you drive along a dirt road zigzagging past mustard fields—a hidden getaway in the true sense of the word. It escapes the attention that so easily comes Rajasthan’s way and is often overlooked in tourist itineraries. Perhaps that’s what makes it such a wonderful place for a holiday.

Kalakho lies just a few kilometres off the least-explored stretch of the Golden Triangle that connects the historic capitals of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. Embark on a journey of discovery, and you will not be disappointed.

This woodsy part of the Aravallis serves as the perfect playground for birdwatchers. Let your love for birds lead you up the hills to explore old forts and discover the pinnacles offering panoramic views. Those yearning for solitude should venture forth with a packed lunch.

Things To See And Do 

You’ll rarely find names like Abhaneri, Madhogarh, Bhangarh, and Bhandarej in travel guides or even on most maps, but these are all places that can be easily accessed from Kalakho, which is spread along NH11 between Bharatpur and Dausa. The Dera Lakeview Retreat, one of the accommodation options in Kalakho, is situated deep within the Aravallis in Kalakho Ambari Village, Sikrai Tehsil (Dausa District). It is located 12 km from Sikandra on NH11 and 90 km short of Jaipur.

There is much to discover around Kalakho, with a variety of activities on offer, ranging from safaris to camel cart rides. The Dera Retreat provides a different experience compared to the Umaid Lake Palace, which is situated next to a lake and is closer to NH11. You could spend a night in each place to enjoy their unique charms. You can also visit:

Chand Baoli 

Drive straight past the busy Sikandra crossroads and continue on to the village of Gular, then take a right to Abhaneri. The 8th-century baoli (stepwell) here is enormous. Built by Raja Chand, a Nikumbha Rajput of the Chamana dynasty, it is approximately 65 feet deep. To reach the water, you must descend 3,500 narrow and steep steps, punctuated by 13 landings. Today, the stepwell is under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has managed to make this age-old monument look like a thing of the future, with heavy metal frames and cordons keeping people away from the carved stone idols.

Harshata Mata Temple

Just across from the well is the Harshata Mata shrine, dedicated to the Goddess Parvati. Built in the 7th century in the Mahameru style, it bears a surprisingly strong resemblance to the intricate carvings and ornate arcades seen at the temples of Khajuraho.

The Information

When to Go: The best time to visit Kalakho is from October to March. However, it is during the monsoon season that the lake becomes full, transforming the landscape into a lush green paradise. This picturesque setting is perfect for a romantic getaway.

Location: This Meena tribal village is situated in East Rajasthan, just off the Agra-Jaipur Highway.