5 Best places to visit in Rajasthan from Delhi

While Delhi, the capital city of India is buzzing with tourists, the following places make for a perfect weekend trip from Delhi. 

Rajasthan means "The land of Kings" and this is one of the northern states in India. The tourism industry is flourishing in Rajasthan due to several options like Majestic forts, beautiful lakes, scenic Mount Abu, Deserts, temples, and Wildlife. This state has a rich culture, best traditional food, great folk music, and dance styles.

The best time to visit Rajasthan is from October to May as it becomes very hot in Summer.

The following are the best places to visit in Rajasthan near Delhi :

1. Jaipur (Pink City) - 5 hrs from Delhi

This is the capital city of Rajasthan and it got its name due to the distinctive pink color of buildings in the city. Forts, Monuments, Market places, Gardens, museums - this city has all to satisfy any tourist. 

The City Palace which is famous for its architecture is built in 1732 AD and this architectural beauty is a must visit. You can also get a good view of Pink city from this Palace. Hawa Mahal / “A Palace of Winds” is not to be missed. This five-story building has 953 windows. Jantar Mantar Observatory is one of the largest observatories in the world and the Jal Mahal in the center of Mansagar Lake is divine.

2. Ranthambore - 3.5 hrs from Jaipur

Ranthambore National Park is spread about 390 sq. km and it was once used by Rajput family as a hunting reserve. This forest has an animal sanctuary with more Tiger population and is visited by tourists worldwide. This deciduous forest is home for around 539 different species of flowering plants. 

This park is closed between June and September when it is the breeding season. The entry to the park is free even though they charge a camera fee.

Other places around this park are Ranthambore Fort, Surwal lake and Raj Bagh ruins.

3. Udaipur (Lake City) - Around 7 hrs from Ranthambore

Udaipur is also knowns as 'The city of Lakes' / 'Venice of the East'. City Palace on the banks of Pichola Lake houses 11 palaces inside constructed my multiple rulers in different time periods. The Palace, Museum and the scenic backdrop are great to visit.

A boat ride in Pichola Lake, Dinner at Taj resort in Lake Palace, A visit to Lake Garden Palace and exploring the Vintage Car museum should not be missed in Udaipur. 

Jal Mahal

4. Jodhpur (Sun City) - Around 5 hrs from Udaipur

This is the second largest city in Rajasthan, and it is divided into the old and new city. Also, famous as 'Sun City', it has many forts and Palaces. 

Mehranghar fort is one of the largest forts in India. The architecture is amazing, and the fort is situated at 400 ft above the city giving a beautiful view of the city. Other Important attractions in this place include - Mandore Gardens, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace and Masuria Hills Garden.

5. Pushkar - 4 hrs from Jodhpur

Pushkar is a city with spiritual importance and rich cultural heritage. Many visit this place for spiritual salvation.

Pushkar lake is considered a holy lake and it is surrounded by 400 temples and 52 Palaces. Pushkar city is famous for its annual Camel fair. Brahma temple on the banks of Pushkar lake is significant as this is one of the 3 Brahma temples in the world. 

Other attractions in this place are Man Mahal, Varaha Temple, Pushkar Meditation temple and Camel Safari.

I hope, you liked this list of 5 best places to Visit in Rajasthan. Let me know your opinion in comments. 

Until next time,

PC: All Images from www.pixabay.com
This is a sponsored post but all the tourist place suggestions and opinions expressed are based on my personal view. 

Justice Gone by N Lombardi Jr - Book Spot Light

Blurb:

Justice Gone, a mystery/legal thriller which publishes February 22, 2019, touches upon many topical, controversial issues in today's society as well as being a thrilling and engaging read. The story encapsulates current social issues: police brutality, homelessness, the plight of returning war veterans, the frenzy of the press, and the mechanics of the US judicial system.

WINNER NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCY AWARD - Best Legal Thriller

The courtroom scenes are wonderfully written...the characters are well described and the author paints a picture of each in the mind of the reader...Strong plot, strong characters and a strong writing style that I really enjoyed. This one is a definite "thumbs-up." Strongly recommend! I look forward to reading additional works by N. Lombardi, Jr.
Kim M Aalaie, Author's Den


One of my favorite suspense novels of the year. It will make you question the legal system.
The Eclectic Review

The courtroom action is excellent, trimmed to the most gripping parts of the trial, with plenty of emotional impact...a fairly realistic portrayal of the way small-town US society works...a fast-moving story with plenty of dramatic moments, and a big twist in the final pages.
Crime Review  

"When a homeless war veteran is beaten to death by the police, stormy protests ensue, engulfing a small New Jersey town. Soon after, three cops are gunned down.

 A multi-state manhunt is underway for a cop killer on the loose. And Dr. Tessa Thorpe, a veteran's counselor, is caught up in the chase.

Donald Darfield, an African-American Iraqi war vet, war-time buddy of the beaten man, and one of Tessa's patients, is holed up in a mountain cabin. Tessa, acting on instinct, sets off to find him, but the swarm of law enforcement officers gets there first, leading to Darfield's dramatic capture.

Now, the only people separating him from the lethal needle of state justice are Tessa and ageing blind lawyer, Nathaniel Bodine. Can they untangle the web tightening around Darfield in time, when the press and the justice system are baying for revenge?”

Purchase Links:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Goodreads

Barnes and Noble

Book Depository

Waterstones

Kobo

Amazon India

Facebook

https://bit.ly/2sY7LeN

Goodreads

About the Author:

N. Lombardi Jr, the N for Nicholas, has spent over half his life in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, working as a groundwater geologist. Nick can speak five languages: Swahili, Thai, Lao, Chinese, and Khmer (Cambodian).

In 1997, while visiting Lao People's Democratic Republic, he witnessed the remnants of a secret war that had been waged for nine years, among which were children wounded from leftover cluster bombs. Driven by what he saw, he worked on The Plain of Jars for the next eight years. 
Nick maintains a website with content that spans most aspects of the novel: The Secret War, Laotian culture, Buddhism etc. http://plainofjars.net

His second novel, Journey Towards a Falling Sun, is set in the wild frontier of northern Kenya.

His latest novel, Justice Gone was inspired by the fatal beating of a homeless man by police.
Nick now lives in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Visit his goodreads page:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6982373.N_Lombardi_Jr_ 

Until next time,

Wedding Shenanigans by Adite Banerjie - [Book Spot Light]

Book Details :

Title: Wedding Shenanigans: Or, how Rayna grapples with heartbreak, scandal and a hot hotelier
Author: Adite Banerjie
Genre: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 246 pages
Source: Kindle Edition

Blurb:

Freshly dumped Rayna Dutt does not feel like flying to her best friend’s big fat Indian wedding. But letting down her friend is not an option. So, she decides to grin and bear it. A mix up with room allocations forces her to share a luxury villa with Neel Arora, the gorgeous owner of the resort and best man at the wedding. Sparks fly and attraction sizzles.

When her ex turns up with a new girl on his arm, scandal comes calling. In desperation, she turns to Neel and proposes a fake engagement. As the attraction between them reaches fever pitch, it seems like Rayna has signed up for more trouble than ever!

*This book was previously published by Harlequin/Mills & Boon as Trouble Has a New Name.

My Review:

I am reading a wonderful romance after a long time. I loved this story which is a light read. 

Rayna Dutt is a supermodel but she is depressed with a recent breakup from her boyfriend Sid. Fortunately, her mood changes as she has to attend her best friend Milee's luxurious wedding function in Andaman islands. There she meets Mr. Neel Arora, who is a handsome hotelier. 

As fate would have it, she meets Sid in Andamans who came to the same hotel, hand in hand with his new girlfriend, Karishma. Rayna makes everyone believe that she is engaged to Neel to avoid the embarrassment of being dumped by Sid. 

But, both Neel and Rayna are getting attracted to each other day by day. Without themselves knowing about it, they get close, open their hearts to each other in very less time and fall in love. 

Things aren't easy in Neel's life and he had to leave Rayna and the drama they are playing before others. What would Rayna do? She is in too much love with Neel to hate him. Can Neel forget Rayna by just moving away from her life? 

Real love is not easy right? All relationships are complicated. Of course, this book just shows that to the reader. The Boy and girl will live happily ever after but they have to overcome their insecurities, believe in themselves and in each other before that.

I loved reading about this luxurious wedding, arrangements, parties, rituals and all that fun that comes with marriage. The hot romance is a plus. While the story is not new, the backdrop, the characters etc., made this a good read.

If you love romance, you will like this. 

My Rating: 4/5

About the Author:

Adite Banerjie discovered the wonderful world of books at an early age which sparked her interest in writing. After a fulfilling and exciting career as a business journalist, she turned her attention to fiction.

Three of her romance novels have been published by Harlequin/Harper Collins India. In 2018 she embarked on her indie journey as an author-publisher.

She also writes screenplays and in 2017 one of her scripts made it to the semi-finals of the prestigious Academy Nicholl Fellowships.

When she is not grappling with her current work-in-progress, she enjoys spending time with her husband and watching back-to-back movies.

She loves to connect with her readers through her 

website www.aditebanerjie.com, 

Facebook page (https://facebook.com/AditeBanerjieWriter) and Twitter account (https://twitter.com/adite).

Until next time,

On a rock, I grow! #ThursdayTreeLove

Do you see the tree on that rock? Isn't it different?

Until next time,

Linking this post to #ThursdayTreeLove hosted by Parul.

The Adventures of Tavish the Tractor by Anne K. Stewart - [Book Review]

 Summary: 

Meet Tavish the Tractor, he's a bit different from the other tractors, but that doesn't mean he can't be a busy tractor! Let him show you how!

Information about the Book 

Title: The Adventures of Tavish the Tractor

Author: Anne K. Stewart 

Release Date: 27^th June 2019 

Genre: Picture Book

Page Count: 26 

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing 

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28535427-the-arrival-of-tavish-the-tractor

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arrival-Tavish-Tractor-Anne-Stewart/dp/1913136507/

My Review

This book is perfect for my 4-year-old who loves tractors. 

Tavish, the tractor is painted purple by mistake, unlike other tractors who are blue and red. So, everyone chose blue and red tractors leaving the purple one. The purple tractor also wants to be busy and helpful. 

At last Jimmy's family chooses the purple truck naming him 'Tavish'. 

The first useful lesson my 4-year-old learned is that mixing blue and red, we get a purple color. He also understood about seasons and how a tractor can be used on the farm.

The illustrations are very cute. I loved the colors and the trucks. The title of the book is apt and the book cover suits the story. The rhyming poem in the story is easy to sing for kids.

I would suggest this book to 3 to 5-year-olds who love vehicles. 

My Rating: 4.5/5

PS: I have received this review copy through authoright in exchange for a review and this is my honest opinion of the book.

 Author Information 

Anne K Stewart is a retired teacher, who specialised in the Pre-school sector.  She is delighted to have been able to write something for her two young grandsons. “The Arrival of Tavish the Tractor” is her first book. Stewart currently lives in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Tour Schedule 

 Monday 24^th June

Jazzy Book Reviews

Tuesday 25^th June

Wrong Side of Forty

Wednesday 26^th June

Fantastic Feathers

Thursday 27^th June

Donna’s Book Blog

Friday 28^th June

Dash Fan Book Reviews

Saturday 29^th June

A Daydreamer’s Thoughts

Sunday 30^th June

Book Read 2day

Monday 1^st July

Rosie Writes…

Tuesday 2^nd July

Amazeball Book Addicts

Wednesday 3^rd July

Jera’s Jamboree

Thursday 4^th July

Short Book and Scribes

Friday 5^th July

Big Book Little Book

Saturday 6^th July

Splashes into Books

Sunday 7^th July

Sam’s Book Corner

 Until next time,

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins - [Book Review]

This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.

Book Details:
Title : The Girl on the train
Author: Paula Hawkins
Genre: Psychological thriller, fiction, mystery
Print Length : 326 pages
Source: A copy from the local Library

Blurb:

Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She's even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. 'Jess and Jason', she calls them. Their life - as she sees it - is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It's only a minute until the train moves on, but it's enough. Now everything's changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she's only watched from afar. Now they'll see; she's much more than just the girl on the train...

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review :

The Girl on the train is a great psychological thriller. The story is narrated in the perspective of  2 ladies. Rachel who is divorced and still couldn't cope up with her single life even after 2 years is a regular commuter by train to the office. Since she is frustrated with her life, she fancies watching 'Megan' from train daily and thinking of how lucky she is to have a loving husband and a happy life. 

While Megan seems to be a happy wife to her loving husband Scott, she has her own problems to deal with. While her past still haunts, she is not able to reciprocate her love to Scott. 

While the story is narrated through both of these characters, an unexpected incident involves Rachel in Megan's life. Megan is dead and Rachel thinks that she could be of some help to give important information to Police on her disappearance. Unfortunately, her involvement makes her entangled in deep trouble but, the investigation also helps her to make peace with the past. 

A good page turner, indeed. I loved the characterization. It is interesting to understand the deep layers of each character through the narration. Characterization and mystery element made me read the book continuously. I didn't read it in one go but would have done it if I wasn't busy with office and home.

One more plus is the narration. I liked the way the suspense is maintained till the end and how things are revealed gradually in the story. 

I know, it is a best seller and so, I had high expectation on the book. This book has met all my expectations. If you love psychological thrillers, you might like this book.

My Rating : 4.5/5

Read my Review of Paula's other book - Into the Water.

About the Author:

Paula Hawkins worked as a journalist for fifteen years before turning her hand to fiction.

Born and brought up in Zimbabwe, Paula moved to London in 1989 and has lived there ever since. Her first thriller, The Girl on the Train, has been published in over forty languages, has been a No.1 bestseller around the world and is now a major motion picture starring Emily Blunt. Into the Water is her second thriller.

Until next time,

This post is written as part of a blog train #letsblogwithpri hosted by Prisha. Thanks to Kanika for introducing me to this blog train. I would love to introduce Noor to the blog train. Noor writes about her life experiences about travel, parenting and lifestyle topics. Read her posts.

Hosted By :Prisha Lalwani Mummasaurus.com IG: @mummasaurus1FB: /mummasaurus1

The Setpoint Diet by Jonathan Bailor - Book Spot Light

Book Details:

Book Title: The Setpoint Diet by Jonathan Bailor

Category: Self-help/ Weight Management, 311 pages

Genre: Adult Non-Fiction

Publisher: Hachette Books

Release date: December 2018

Tour dates: June 17 to July 12, 2019

Content Rating: PG+M


Book Description:

Join the 27,000 people who have achieved dramatic and long-term weight loss with The Setpoint Diet, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Calorie Myth.

Your body fights to keep you within a range of about 15 pounds--also known as your "setpoint weight." New research reveals that you can lower your setpoint and end that battle for good by focusing on the quality of calories you eat, not the quantity. With The Setpoint Diet, you will reprogram your body with a 21-day plan to rev up your metabolism, eliminate inflammation, heal your hormones, repair your gut, and get your body working like that of a naturally thin person--permanently.

The Setpoint Diet is a lower-carb menu that focuses on specific anti-inflammatory whole foods, including tons of produce, nutritious proteins, and therapeutic fats. Its creator, Jonathan Bailor, founded SANESolution, a weight loss company that has reached millions of people. Proven to help you lose weight naturally and maintain it, The Setpoint Diet is your new blueprint for healthy living.

About the Author:

JONATHAN BAILOR pioneered the field of wellness engineering and is the founder and CEO of one of the world’s fastest-growing permanent weight loss and diabesity treatment companies, SANESolution. He authored the New York Times best-seller The Calorie Myth, has registered over 26 patents, has spoken at Fortune 100 companies and TED conferences for over a decade and served as a Senior Program Manager at Microsoft, where he helped to create Nike Kinect Training and Xbox Fitness. His work has been endorsed and implemented by top doctors from Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins, the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, and UCLA. A summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of DePauw University, Bailor lives outside Seattle with his wife, Angela, and daughter Aavia.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends July 19, 2019

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Until next time,

My Gratitude List for May 2019 #GratitudeCircle

Six months into 2019 and I feel so happy in this year so far. Actually, I could reach my goals already. 

I joined work in Jan 2019 after one and half years break and my dance school is growing slowly. I am excited about our dance school's annual recital in September!

That is the reason, I am grateful and thankful to God than ever. 

Here is my Gratitude List for the last month - May 2019:

1. Work life
There are many things to be thankful for in my work life. A good manager, supportive lead and colleagues, interesting work where I can learn new skills and improve my current skills etc., 

2. Dance School
The dance school is doing good. I am happy to see students showing interest in art and practicing regularly to improve themselves. I feel grateful to my students who encourage and challenge my art.

3. Travel
Nowadays, it has become an obsession to plan my trips, research places and enjoy outdoors. Thanks to my husband for his love of traveling and thanks to my wonderful kids who are adaptive.

You might have read my recent travelogues, else, here are some links:



Utah Vacation Plan with Kids

Day 1 - Arches National Park and Canyonlands National park

Day 2 - Monument Valley Park and Four Corners National monument

Day 2 - Mesa Verde National Park

Day 3 - Pagosa Springs and Crestone


4. Books


I couldn't read many books due to work and managing home. I could read only one book 'The Girl on the train' by Paula Hawkins. I loved the book and my review is coming soon. The characterization in such books amazes me.

5. Writing regularly


It's been a wonder that I am managing to write twice or at least once a week these days. I am joining one blog hop for sure every month and so, I am reading blogs of my blogger friends too.

I am also learning to add good images, adding a watermark and creating social media friendly graphics with Canva.

That was about my May. I wish you all a happy June. Yes, six months have gone so quickly, but there is a lot more to achieve in another six months :-)
Until next time,



I received this tag from my blogger friend Amrita and I am passing it on to Anagha Yatin, another amazing blogger friend.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


Linking this to #GratitudeCircle blog hop hosted by Vidya Sury.

A day trip to Idaho Springs, where Gold Rush began

This post may contain affiliate links, clicking on those links may earn some commission to us without any additional cost to you.

Idaho springs is a historic town located in Clear Creek county of Colorado. This city is founded in 1859 when the first Colorado Gold rush has begun. Mining has been responsible for the growth of Idaho springs and now, it carries rich heritage.

From Scenic byways to hot springs to waterfalls and Gold mine tours, this quaint mountain town has to a lot to offer. 

How to reach?

Denver is the nearest airport. Check these flight options with fare less than $200:

Lake Dillon is just 38 mins drive from Idaho springs and Dillon Marina offers rental boats. This lake is gorgeous nestled in a scenic place with mountains in the background. Advance reservation is preferred for boating but it will make an unforgettable experience to anyone.

After boating, we went to an easy hike of about 0.6 miles loop at Saphire point overlook. This hike has good overlook points for photo opportunities and this is a good place for wedding photography. A bonus to this hike is watching chipmunks. Kids would surely love to see them and chipmunks are absolutely friendly posing to the photos and jumping around people.

Mt. Evans scenic byway in Idaho springs is a must visit. This is the highest paved highway in North America. Mt Evans Summit is opened only from memorial day to Labour day, weather permitting. This road reaches an elevation of 14,130 ft above sea level in just 14 miles from the visitor station.

We drove through clouds and fog as we reached to the summit. The rock house on the summit is great too. The drive has breathtaking views.

This picnic stop near Chicago Forks before Mt Evan's Visitor center is easy to be missed.

Our next stop was to St. Mary's Glacier which is around 1.5 hrs from Mt.Evans. The hike is tough and it is a very rocky road of around 1.5 miles to watch the lake on the way to the glacier. It is not easy to hike with kids.

We have planned to drive through Guenella pass which is 30 mins from St.Mary's glacier but didn't have enough time to cover this.

On the highway, while returning from St.Mary's Glacier, spotted this waterfall. Isn't it amazing?

PC: Google image labeled for reuse

A few more places that you can cover in a trip to Idaho springs are the gold mine tour at Phoenix gold mine / Argo Mill tour, Hot springs, Oh my Gawd road and the casinos at Black Hawk/ central city.

Argo Mill
PC: Google image labeled for reuse

Do you like my travelogue?

Read my other Colorado Travelogues here:
https://www.fantasticfeathers.in/search/label/Colorado

Until next time,

This post is written as part of a blog train #letsblogwithpri hosted by Prisha. Thanks to Kapila for introducing me to this blog train. I would love to introduce Mythri to the blog train. Mytri is a freelance social media professional based in jaipur and a mom blogger. Read her posts.




Hosted By :Prisha LalwaniMummasaurus.comIG: @mummasaurus1FB: /mummasaurus1


Stay in Idaho Springs!