I am at a bit of a loss

Please help me to identify one or two more nice easy to get to destinations in the region where I will be?
Last year I went to Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Ajmer, Udaipur then down to Goa. I did this in 2 weeks which was great, I used trains and buses (flew to Goa). I am trying to plan a similar 2 week journey this year, starting in Delhi then Jaipur onto Ajmer before heading to Amdabad to reach Goa. I had planned to visit a National Park seemingly they are currently closed. So now I need to find one or two more places to visit which will not involve too much time travelling or take me too far off route. I love all the places listed above and would like to go to similar places. I have considered going to Jaisalmer but it’s just going to be too long a journey there and back. Please make some recommendations – I will be very grateful, thankyou!!

Did you consider Jodhpur or Bundi?

Hello and thankyou for your reply. I did and I am still considering bundi - can you tell me anything about Bundi please? I have never been there and would like to know more. I have seen some pix on the net etc, would appreciate any info available. Thank you

It was back in 2005 that we visited Bundi, the thing I remember most is the relaxed atmosphere there in comparison with the other cities in Rajasthan.

If you type Bundi in the "search" box you will find many information.

Penny, As you will be in Jaipur, I suggest a side trip to the Shekhawati district north of that city. A long day trip by car can be arranged by your hotel say. This is an excursion I was going to make several years ago but the arrangement fell through. I hope to go to Shekhawati on my coming visit to India.

Shekhawati is relatively unspoiled old Rajasthan with charming havelis, crumbling places etc etc. It is favoured by serious photographers and others who like to soak in the atmosphere of past magnificence. I haven't noticed if you are travelling solo or not but would suggest a companion(s) on a car trip. Search IM for Shekhawati information and photos. See also flickr.com for over 3000 photos of Shekhawati - wonderful wall paintings.

In case you missed Pushkar on your last visit to Ajmer, I suggest that place for a day's outing. It is under an hour from Ajmer and all may be seen on foot.

Penny - Unclelach has recommended Shekhawati. I'd modify that by suggesting you stay overnight in that region. It's indeed a short drive (2 hours) to the gateway of the region - Sikar, but exploring the wonderful havelis in mandawa, nawalgarh (including the poddar museum) takes time. Castle mandawa is a heritage hotel in that area. There are many sati (british indian spelling: suttee) temples in that area as well with a gruesome past. The most magnificient of those is the Rani Sati temple in Jhunjhunu.

Second, you must consider Chittorgarh - I'm very passionate about that place and for some reason its overlooked. The fort is the largest in India, and (personally i think) it is the most magnificient as well. It's in a remarkably good state of preservation for something that was mostly constructed in the fourteenth century. Chittor may be approached by rail from Jaipur / Udaipur or by road as well. (it is spelt Chittaurgarh by the railways) A little bit of reading of rajput history will help you appreciate Chittor much better. Even the wiki article isnt too bad: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittorgarh_Fort

Hello Unclelach, thank you for this insightful information. From what you say Shekhawati sounds very interesting indeed. I will check out IM and flicker.com as you say and do the necessary research to develop a plan. This is so exciting, thanks so much!!
Oh, and by the way - I adore Pushkar, which is the reason I keep returning. There is so much to like about it, its a hppy place for me. The only thing I dont like about it is my time always runs out (ha ha!) Thank you..

Hello Viabhav_arora,
Its information like this that makes India Mike so wonderful, what a fab suggestion – thank you!! I am going to read up on Shekhawati, and Chittorgarh and view some pix. I have checked the map and it looks like you may have just helped me to have yet another fantastic trip to India. I will spend rhe afternoon looking into this now, thanks a million!!

Hey Vonkla, Thanks for showing your travel journals and travel video - what fun!! Watching the video and reading your journals makes me miss India very much, its a very special place in this world and it never stops teaching its visitors. We are so very lucky that we can visit this special place. I am going to read up on Bundi and I may be there soon. Enjoy................and thanks!!