Sanchal Fort Palace, Barmer – An Undiscovered Gem of Rajasthan

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A dusty, chaotic, wind-swept little town in a relatively undiscovered part of Rajasthan hardly sounds appealing. But Barmer will prove you wrong. It’s present name was given by its founder Bahada Rao, popularly known as Bar Rao, Parmar Ruler (Juna Barmer). He build a small town which is presently known as “Juna” which is 25 km from present city of Barmer.

Sanchal Fort is luxury boutique palace hotel located on sand dunes of Mahabar in Barmer Rajasthan which is located in the western part of the state forming a part of the Thar Desert and it also borders Pakistan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mnmN0TYYH8

The hotel captures the essence of Rajasthan’s vibrant culture and heritage. The very essence of the culturally rich state of Rajasthan is brought to life at Sanchal Fort. Away from the hustle and bustle of urban madness, their splendid heritage styled hotel is to be found in the middle of sand dunes providing a perfect setting for an ideal break. The true luxury and hospitality while they pamper us all that are needed to make a holiday perfect.

The hotel started opened its doors to guests in the year 2014 when In 2009 the Barmer district came into the news due to its large Oil basin and now Barmer is on global map It has total 27 rooms including 5 suits, a multi-cuisine restaurant named “Zaffran” & a bar lounge “Saaqi”. The hotel also offers a beautiful spa named “Jiva” with a range of authentic massage to soothe one’s body, mind & soul along with a fully quipped gym and a breathtaking infinity pool to dip into. Sanchal Fort’s conference hall is named as “Baradari” meaning a gathering or baithak in the local Rajasthani dialect is perfect for any business conferences or events and the hotel has beautiful lawns for outdoor events & weddings.

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HOW TO REACH BARMER:

By Air: The nearest Airport is at Jodhpur around 220 km from Barmer

By Road: State-run buses connect the town with most of the cities in the state including Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur

By Train: The Barmer railway station is well connected from Jodhpur, which in turn is well connected to major cities of India.

Click Here to watch full Video

WHAT TO SEE:

Kiradu Temple, A group of ruined temples located in the Barmer district of Rajasthan, India. The Kiradu town is located in the Thar desert, about 35 km from Barmer
Salt Flat Redana – The Salt Flat stretched away to the horizon, the white crust of layer shone brilliantly in the afternoon sun. It was a grim landscape.
Mahabar Sand Dunes – Who Serves snacks in the middle of the Desert! Well, Sanchal Fort palace did that for us and that too with folk musicians which makes the evening perfect

A Short day trip to Zarwani Waterfall – Rajpipla, Gujarat (Hangout places near Ahmedabad, within 200kms)

This is a short day trip that we did with our group recently. I thought of sharing my experience as there is no mention of the Zarwani falls in detail. I feel this is still a less explored place and a must visit for people who like adventure and wildlife.

The Drive ….

Ahmedabad to Vadodara – on the expressway approx 98 kms.
Vadodara-Dabhoi-Rajpipla-Gora Village- Shoolpaneshwar Sanctuary – 130 Kms

After the expressway you drive onto the SH towards Dabhoi from Vadodara, which is a good country road with rural traffic in patches. As you approach Rajpipla you start experiencing the green all round with dense vegetation and farms on both sides of the roads. On reaching Narmada Dist you then take a left from the SH towards Gora village this is a narrow road leading through the forest area, once at the forest department check post you pay the entry fees of Rs. 400/ vehicle and enter.

This is where the excitement starts, as you drive on a 15 Km stretch of winding forest track, with virtually no roads, this can get quite slushy during the monsoons.

The narrow pathway leads you up and down and across various hillocks, the forest keeps getting denser as you move deeper. And then you drive through a small stream of water which leads you to the Zarwani water falls. This entire stretch will excite any off road enthusiast.

Zarwani Falls

Think of a place where you can remain ‘incommunicado’ at least for a day from the daily gripes and grunts. This waterfall is deep in a jungle where the mobiles are dead and there are no electricity lines overhead
You need to park your vehicle on the rocky terrain near the river banks and trek to reach the falls. You will need to walk through the river, crossing three rapids, with almost 3.5 Ft of water at places to reach the Zarwani water falls. You will find local tribal people who also act as guides and will tell you where exactly to step inside the water, as the bottom has rocks which are slippery at places, and will help you reach the falls. On the way you can take a break and relax on the rocks across the stream of gushing pure water. The water is actually so clean that you can see through and spot small fishes at the bottom.

TRAVEL ADVISORY

1.To visit the falls, permission has to be availed from the Forest Office.
2.The waterfall is to be trekked from the parking place. It is better to wear sports shoes, shorts and carry light luggage.
3.Avoid slippery rocks while climbing near the waterfalls.
4.Do not litter and avoid plastics.
5.The electricity generated is with solar energy. It should be used responsibly.
6.No smoking within the forest and waterfall area.
7.Carry sufficient food and drinking water as there are virtually no eating joints within the forest area.

One can arrange for day picnics or treks with the help of the forest department, with the forest, waterfalls and other natural beauty within easy reach

Trekking to Shetrunji hills,Hastagiri, Palitana & Blackbuck National Park – Velavadar, Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Shatrunjaya Hill, Palitana : The Shatrunjaya Hill is located at a height of 591 metres. The Shatrunjaya Temple is the most sacred temple of the Jains and one of the largest of its kind in India. One has to climb up the hill for about 4 kms (600 meters) on a stepped path to Shatrunjaya (place of victory over worldliness). You can reach this place either in Doli or lift chairs or by walking. The rich persons visit this place on richly caparisoned elephants. There are about 863 white marble Jain temples, built over 900 years on the hilltop, each with its own enclosure.. There is a stunning view from the top of the hill and the air is filled with the scent of the jasmine trees. On a clear day, you can also see the Gulf of Cambay.
Shri Hastagiri Tirth : This sacred place is on a hill on the bank of the river Shetrunji
Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar is situated in the Bhavnagar District of Gujarat state, India. Established in 1976 in the Bhal region of Saurashtra, the park is located around 42 km from the district headquarters city of Bhavnagar
Check out the whole video right here.

Incredible India Part – I

India is a vast South Asian country with diverse terrain – from Himalayan peaks to Indian Ocean coastline – and history reaching back 5 millennia. In the north, Mughal Empire landmarks include Delhi’s Red Fort complex and massive Jama Masjid mosque, plus Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal mausoleum. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges in Varanasi, and Rishikesh is a yoga centre and base for Himalayan trekking.

While snow claims India’s northern bits, the sun lulls its beaches, its southern outlines acquire an effortless charm and the plains get used to a much awaited extra layer of clothes, the Indian Peninsula enters one of the best seasons to travel here. Here are places to visit in India by a string of holidays, itching your feet to get out and travel.

Manali – Leh

Check out the whole video here!

2. Shimla

3. Mount Everest

4. Coorg – Scotland of India

5. Vivekananda Rock Memorial

6. Morning in Manali

7. Gulmarg

7. Lavasa , Pune

8. Shimla Snowfall

Gir National Park : Majestic Home of the Royal King

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Watch original video of Asiatic Lion roaming in the forest captured by me on November, 2015.

https://youtu.be/d9223dYAjk4

Besides Africa, Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only place in the world where you can spot lions roaming free in the wild. The real discovery channel of India is situated approximately 65 Kms South East of Junagarh District. The Government notified the large geographical extent of Sasan Gir as wildlife sanctuary on 18th September, 1965 in order to conserve the Asiatic Lion. It covers total area of 1412 square kilometers of which 258 Km forms the core area of the National Park. Indiscriminate hunting by the people of Junagarh led to their decrease in population drastically, while they were completely wiped out from the other parts of Asia. It was the kind effort of Nawabs of Junagarh who protected the queen royalty in his own private hunting grounds. Later in due course of time Department of Forest Officials came forward to protect the world’s most threatened species. From a population of approximately 20 lions in 1913, they have risen to a comfortable 523 according to 2015 census. There are 106 male, 201 female and 213 sub-adult lions in the wilderness of these four districts.

Subtle Glimpses of Major Attractions at Sasan Gir:

Animals: The entire forest area of the Gir National Park is dry and deciduous which provides best habitat for Asiatic Lions. As per the new statics of 2015, the entire Saurashtra Region is inhabited by 523 Lions and more than 300 Leopards. Apart from these two animals the park is a home to two different species of Deer. The Sambar is counted largest Indian Deer. The Gir forest is also known for the Chowsingha – the world’s only four horned antelope. The Jackal, striped Hyena and India Fox are some of the smaller carnivores found in Gir Forest.

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Birds: The exotic flora of Gir National Park gives shelter to more than 200 species of birds and moreover the sanctuary has been declared an important bird area by the Indian Bird Conservation Network. Gir is also habitat of raptors like critically endangered white-backed and long-billed vultures.

Reptiles: Gir is blessed with more than 40 species of reptiles and amphibians. Kamleshwar – a large reservoir in the sanctuary is the best spot where Marsh Crocodile can be seen in large numbers. Park has even many species of snake including King Kobra, the Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper and the Krait.

Gir Interpretation Zone, Devaliya: Devaliya Safari Park is enclosed area of the Sanctuary that offers a good opportunity for visitors to experience a rustic beauty and wilderness of the area. The safari tour is conducted in a mini bus that takes visitors to another cross section of the Gir. Travelers can watch here a good variety of wildlife in just 20 to 30 minutes tour including Asiatic Lion.

How to Reach Gir National Park Gir: National Park attracts large number of tourists to witness the Asiatic lion, as this is the sole place all across the world where these creatures are presently found. Once extinct, numbers have been recovered owing to the conservation efforts. The Sanctuary is open for tourism from 16th October to 15th June every year.

Junagadh is perhaps the best approach to the park. The railway station in Junagadh receives trains from different cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot and other major cities. Then, from here it takes approximately one and half hour to reach Gir National Park.

From Rajkot-On reaching Rajkot Railway Station or Airport you can take a cab or bus and to reach a Limda chowk. There are a number of privately operated that go to Junagadh at frequent intervals. Junagadh is nearly 105 Kms from the city Rajkot and it takes nearly 2 and a half to 3 hours to cover the distance.From this point you have two options. First one is either you take a bus from gate number 11or 12 to Sasan Gir or travel by taxi that is accessible bang opposite the taxi stand. The taxi will take nearly one and half an hour and will charge reasonably and will drop you to Sasan Gir.

From Somnath to Gir National Park: Road Distance or the driving distance from the Gir National Park to Somnath is approximately 50 Kms and it takes nearly 1 hour to cover this distance. GSRTC buses and quite a few private buses ply between both the cities and take you directly to Sasan Gir Forest.

Best Places to Visit/for Photography near ahmedabad within 50-100-200 kms.

1. Zarwani waterfall , rajpipla

zarwani eco campsite is in narmada district. By road it is 99 kms from vadodara.
The route is Ahmedabad-baroda-dabhoi-tilakvad-garudeshawar-towards rajpipla kevadiya road

2.Girmal falls , Dang (ahwa)

Girmal waterfall is located 8 kms from nishana from ahwa-nawapur road near girmal village of dang in Gujarat.
this waterfall extends to a height up to 100 feet, making the highest waterfall of Gujarat.
The picturesque beauty of this site makes it popular among visitors and people of the region alike.
Water swiftly falls from a great height, creating a fog like condition that’s eye catching.

3.Ninai waterfall , dediapada

Ninai waterfall is situated at about 110 km from Kevadia Colony near Dediapada in Narmada district.
It is a nice place to enjoy picnic with family and friends.
There are also accommodation and food facilities in Sagai village at the distance of about 15 km from the Ninai falls.

4.Ratanmahal sloth bear sanctuary.

About 55.65 sq. km area of the Sanctuary is a triangular landmass, which covers reserve forests of 11 villages.
Sloth bear indeed is more dangerous than the leopard at times. But, it is a thrilling experience to have a glimpse of the bear in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary.
This is the place, where you may come across a leopard, a palm civet, an Indian civet, four-horned antelope, langurs, Loten’s sunbird, large green barbet, yellow checked tit, crested serpent eagle, grey junglefowl and a pit viper…!
A visit to Ratanmahal is indeed rewarding.

5. Zanzari waterfall

Zanzari waterfalls is about 60 kms from Ahmedabad.
Best time to go in monsoon or till after 2 months it. You have to walk for about 3 to 4 kms to reach fall after parking your vechile.
There is an old Shiv temple near parking .
Camel ride is also available for reaching fall.
You can hear the sound of fall from a long distance.
Good place for half day family picnic near ahmedabad.

6. Jambughoda

An easy destination to combine with a visit to Champaner is the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, a mere 20 km away (70 km from Vadodara).
Full of forests of teak and mahuda trees, bamboo, and other lush vegetation, Jambughoda is home to large populations of many kinds of wildlife.
The leopard at the top of the food chain is the primary predator, and its numbers have been increasing recently.
Other large wildlife include the wild boar,nilgai(blue bull, the largest antelope in Asia), jackal, hyena, barking deer, sloth bear, andchausingha(four-horned antelope).

7. Blackbuck national park , velavadar

Black Buck National Park: One of the must visit place, located 30Km off Bhavnagar Gujrat.
The USP of the place is the omnipresent marvels of nature- Sunrise, Sunset, Stars, Meteors off course not to forget Dynamic black bucks, raptors, wolves & wild bores.

8. Polo monument forest, Sabarkantha

Polo Forest is a haven for Eco-friendly nature lovers and the adventurous.
Polo-one of the most ancient historical sites in Gujarat, is also unique for its picturesque surroundings, Forest & Mills serving as refuge for fascinating flora & fauna.
This spot lure tourists during Diwali vacation & monsoon to enjoy the charm of this place.

9. Auto world vintage car museum , SP ring road, kathwada.

Auto world vintage car museum is an excellent collection of 104 cars owned by Mr. Pranlal bhogilala patel of gujarat state
All these cars are in working order.
cars from 1906 to 1964 are looked after by 50+ staff
two cars are given for ride of 3 kms at 500 per 4 persons.
This museum is established since 20 hears.
One must not miss to see this museum.
Its open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

10. Bakor

Bakor is small village from mahisagar district in esteem gujarat.
Campsite developed by gujarat adventure lovers.
Surrounded by a rolling countryside with small aravalli hills dotting the horizon.
With a good forest, bird life and a distinct tribal culture.

11. Taranga hills & Dharoi dam

Taranga hills are located around 20 kms from vadnagar, on the aravali range and harbours have the profound connections with buddhism.

12. Sardar sarovar dam & kevadia colony

Sardar sarovar dam- site with a side view of the flow of the water from the dam ; a lake where boating takes place; the first lock gate of the main canal; a trekking site with a nature education camp for students.
Long concrete dam across narmada river near village navagaon.

13.Karai dam, gandhinagar

Karai dam is Situated at nana chiloda in gandhinagar.
Around 25 kms from ahmedabad.

14. Shetrunjay hills , palitana

Shetrunjay hills are located in holy city of palitana in Bhavnagar district of gujarat.

15. Akshardham temple, gandhinagar

One of the largest temples in Gujarat.
Akshardham Temple – Gandhinagar is a perfect amalgamation of ancient technique of stone architecture and modern era’s technology.
The grandeur of the temple explains the skills and hard work of thousands of volunteers who devoted their precious time and efforts in construction of this temple which has beautifully turned out into even more than a marvelous piece of architecture.

16. Sabarmati riverfront, Ahmedabad

Sabarmati riverfront is very beautiful place. There is a park made with swings for children.
Must go for a vintage var ride rs 30 per person. And self balancing scooter ride rs. 70 per person.
Boarhing facility is also available.
Good place to visit with family.
best place for photoshoots.

17. Balaram , palanpur

Balaram Palace Resort, Located at Chitrasani Village on the Abu-Palanpur Highway No.14 in the Ambaji Reserve forest facing the mighty Aravalis offers splendid views & breeze.
It is also a wonderful dream wedding destination.

18. Kabirwad

Kabirwad is a famous place situated on an island in the middle of the river Narmada.
It can be reached by boats which operate to and from the Shuklatirth Shiva temple.
It is an incredible grove of a Banyan tree which has grown over the years and now occupies an area of almost 3 kms.
The place is named after the famous Saint Kabir who lived here for many years.
It also has an imposing Kabir Temple where visitors & worshippers come to pray.Thus people visit Kabirwad not just for historical reason but also to enjoy the solitude and sanctity offered by this huge Banyan Tree.

19. Laxmivilas palace

Around 115 kms from Ahmedabad by road
The palace grounds include a golf course and sayajirao’s personal museum, containing, among other displays original paintings by Raja ravi varma.

20. Nal sarovar

Largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat & The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands site, it is home to migratory birds in winters

21. Thol bird sanctuary

Thol lake bird sanctuary is around 20 kms from ahmedabad.
One gets overwhelmed wirh flock of bird flying together and creating graphical patterns on the sky. While long-legged elongated necked cranes keep stalking for fishes and small insects.
This place is home to more than 10p species of birds.
Cranes, geese, flamingoes, pelicans, egrets, herons, spoonbills, ducks, whistling teals and many othe migratory birds nest and breed in the lap of this natures exuberance.

22. Kankaria

Kankariya lake is situated in the heart of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Its located at maninagar area.
It is the largest lake in the city. And great place to hang out.
The lake front is well developed with zoo, kids fun city, aquarium, butterfly park, food stalls, bal vatika, joy rides, mini toy train ride and many other entertainment facilities
its a big circular lake fron one point there’s a walkway which goes to the garden in the middle of the lake called as ‘Naginawadi’
if you are visiting Ahmedabad it is a must visit, you will enjoy whole day with lot of interesting things to do

23. Tirupati rushivan adventure park , himmatnagar

Largest amusement park of Gujarat

24. Shulpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary

Birds having affinities with himalayan and western ghats a variety of raptors, the hills of satpuda range, the thrill of coming across a python or flying squirrel, pangolin or big/lesser cats and the scenic beauty of moist deciduous forest.
All this can be enjoyed by an eco tourist shoolpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary.

25. Vadhwana wetland & eco campsite

Located 10 kms from dabhoi and 20 kms from the jambughoda villag.
a popular bird watching sire for species including stork, tern, ibis, and spoonbill.
To get here you will have to rent a vehicle from dabhoi.
Apart from being a wetland, its also has an eco tourism campsite.
Best time to visit wetland is from October to march that is the main migratory seasons for birds which migrate here from all over the world.