Discover Top 2 Offbeat Peaceful Places in Rajasthan, India
we’re exploring Offbeat Peaceful Places in Rajasthan, a state in India known for its grand forts, bright colors, and vast deserts. Many people visit Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur—the big, famous cities. But did you know that Rajasthan has some secret places too?
Overview: Peaceful Places in Rajasthan
These are quiet spots where we can see the real culture of Rajasthan, far from the crowded tourist spots. This winter is the perfect time to go and explore these Offbeat Peaceful Places in Rajasthan. Here are two of them!
Bhandarej is a charming village in Rajasthan’s Dausa district with a fascinating history. Once called Champavati, it became Bhadrawati after a catastrophe, and today it’s known as Bhandarej. The village, situated just 60 km from the ghost town of Bhangarh, is rich in heritage and historical wonders.
History of Bhandarej
Bhandarej Fort was established about seven centuries ago along the Bhadrawati River by the Badgujar Rajputs and Chauhans. Eventually, it was conquered by Dhula Rao Sahib of the Kachchwaha clan, whose lineage served as senior officers for Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. This fortified town can be entered through four ancient gates: Bhandan Darwaja, Khedli Darwaja, Meena Darwaja, and Bawri Darwaja.
Local legends tell us Bhandarej was once called Dev-Nagari because of its many temples. In 2011, a grand ashvamedha yagna (a special Vedic ceremony) was held here, drawing sadhus and devotees from across India.
Perfect Weekend Getaway at Dera Village
Escape to Dera Village Retreat, an ideal weekend getaway for the whole family! Here, you can unwind and relax while the kids enjoy themselves in wide-open spaces. Far from the pollution and chaos of city life, this retreat is a peaceful, easily reachable haven where you can leave behind all the stress of daily routines.
Instead of typical tourist activities, Dera Village Retreat offers unique experiences that let you enjoy offbeat activities.
Engage with Local Communities: For travelers seeking a deeper connection, a visit to Dera provides the chance to meet local communities, experience true Rajasthani culture, and explore a scenic oasis in a setting that’s both comfortable and breathtakingly beautiful.
Experience Organic Farming
If you love land, plants, and fresh food, you’ll love spending time at the organic farms of Umaid Palace! Here, you can watch, learn, or even join in with the everyday life on the farm.
Try Your Hand at Harvesting: You’re invited to try harvesting or even cooking with fresh ingredients from the farm. Whether you want to learn something new to take home or just wander through the vegetable patches, it’s a wonderful way to connect with where your next meal comes from.
You can also see the traditional ways of tending to livestock, which supplies Umaid Heritage Resort with dairy and poultry products.
Farm-to-Table Cuisine:
- Our chefs prepare delicious dishes using fresh, organic produce right from the farm. Sometimes, guests even join the chef to select their vegetables for the day—how cool is that!
Nature Walk with Field Breakfast or Lunch:
- Take a walk through the mustard fields to a cozy farmer’s hut, where a charpoy (traditional bed) is set up. Guests enjoy a simple but delicious meal of bajre ki roti with fresh homemade butter and hot masala chai.
Harvesting Fresh Vegetables:
- From lemon and garlic to ripe tomatoes, purple brinjals, and green chilies, the farm offers a colorful selection of veggies.
At Umaid Palace, we believe that great food completes a great holiday. Our food is locally sourced, organic, and healthy. We use herbs and spices grown right in our herb garden, and only buy from local farmers—no centralized vendors. That’s why our menus are customized and focus on what’s locally available, ensuring every meal is fresh and authentic.
Things to See and Do in Bhandarej
Horse and Camel Safaris
- Ride through the golden sands of Rajasthan on a day-long horse safari or a half-day camel safari. The safaris take you past mysterious ret-ka-tilas (sand forts) and offer a meal along the way.
Explore the Bara Baori and Bhandarej Baoli
- Visit the five-tiered Bara Baori, which is adorned with arched windows, traditional paintings, and intricate carvings. Don’t miss the three-storied Bhandarej Baoli from the 18th century, along with the numerous archaeological remains scattered around the village.
Discover Traditional Crafts
- Take a stroll through the village to observe potters, ironmongers, and shoemakers at work. The Bhadrawati Palace, now a heritage hotel, organizes visits to nearby attractions like Abhaneri and Bhangarh.
Kalakho Village
- Located just 8 km away, Kalakho is a must-visit, especially during the rainy season. Surrounded by golden fields and rain-fed lakes, it’s perfect for birdwatching and exploring the Aravalli hills. Hike up to the old forts and enjoy spectacular views of the landscape.
Village Safari and Volunteer Programs at Kalakho Village
We saw kids going to a local school and learned that they study similar subjects, just like us! We also watched women working in the fields and in their homes, and it was so interesting to see how they do their daily chores. They were very friendly and happy to show us their way of life.
One of the best parts was visiting a local market. Here, people were buying and selling all sorts of things, and we noticed both similarities and differences with markets we’ve seen before. It was lively and full of colors!
Our trip took about two hours, and we ended it with tea at a villager’s home. The village elder who hosted us was kind and told us stories about his life in Kalakho. It was an amazing experience to feel so welcomed!
Exploring Nature Trails Around the Campus
Following the dirt trails around the campus is a great way to get some exercise! The fresh air and the peaceful countryside make the walk feel refreshing. Being in nature helps us feel connected in both body and soul.
As you walk, keep an eye out for birds. Whether you’re a serious birdwatcher or just enjoy seeing birds in action, the Umaid Heritage Resort is the perfect spot to enjoy this relaxing activity.
Nearby, you’ll find Bharatpur National Park, famous for migratory birds. Because Kalakho Lake is close, we often get to see some of these beautiful birds right here on our trails!
Traditional Holi Celebration at Kalakho (Dausa, Rajasthan)
Come celebrate the Festival of Colours – Holi at Umaid Palace, Kalakho! This lively festival marks the start of Spring, a time of good harvest and a warm farewell to winter.
When you arrive, our hosts, dressed in traditional Rajput attire with dhoti-kurta and safa (Rajasthani turbans), will greet you with a warm Nagada drum welcome and beautiful Rangoli designs.
The celebration takes place on our majestic Rajputana lawns and by the poolside lawns, where you’ll join other guests in Rajasthani turbans and Kurta Pajamas. You’ll enjoy herbal colors, pichkaris (water guns), and an exciting folk dance performance.
For added fun, there’s a rain dance arena set up by the pool!
The festivities end with a delicious buffet lunch, featuring special regional sweets and desserts that make this Holi celebration unforgettable.
Why Visit Bhandarej?
This winter, escape the bustling tourist crowds and experience the tranquility of Bhandarej. With its ancient structures, peaceful surroundings, and local crafts, Bhandarej offers a rare glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich cultural past. Whether you’re fascinated by history, nature, or traditional Rajasthani culture, Bhandarej is a hidden gem that promises an unforgettable journey.
Where to Stay and Eat in Bhandarej
Bhadrawati Palace
- Accommodation: Originally built by Dhula Rao’s lineage, Bhadrawati Palace has been transformed into a heritage hotel by Rawal Raghubir Singh of Dhula. This elegant sandstone palace offers a unique experience, combining traditional architecture with modern comforts.
Dera Lakeview Retreat
- Location: Nestled in the Kalakho-Ambari village, deep within the Aravalli hills.
- Features: It offers 16 air-conditioned portahuts, each equipped with private amenities, for a comfortable stay in nature. Guests can enjoy safaris, camel cart rides, and scenic views of the surrounding hills.
Umaid Lake Palace
- Location: Close to NH11 and situated by a serene lake.
- Features: This spot offers picturesque lakeside views and is ideal for guests wanting easy access to the highway.
Useful Information
- Best Time to Visit: The best months to explore Bhandarej are from October to March, when the weather is cooler and ideal for sightseeing.
Getting There:
- By Car: The best way to reach Bhandarej is by driving, as it allows for flexible stops and excursions. The drive is smooth up to Sikandra.
- Journey Time: From Jaipur, it takes about 1.5 hours by road, while it’s around 4 hours from Delhi.
- Route from Jaipur: Follow NH11 to Sikandra, then take the exit through Dausa. Drive an additional 5 km to arrive in Bhandarej.
These accommodation options make Bhandarej a perfect retreat, offering a mix of history, luxury, and scenic beauty in the heart of Rajasthan.
Discover Top 6 Most Underrated places in Jaipur Rajasthan, India
Kalakho: A Hidden Gem in Rajasthan
Kalakho is a charming, lesser-known village set amid golden mustard fields and picturesque lakes in the Aravalli Hills. With its winding dirt roads and rustic landscapes, Kalakho is a true escape from the usual tourist trails of Rajasthan. Here, you’ll find an authentic and tranquil experience, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Why Visit Kalakho?
Located just a few kilometers off the least-visited section of the Golden Triangle route between Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, Kalakho offers travelers a chance to discover Rajasthan’s quiet beauty. Its woodsy hills and scenic views make it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, and the old forts and panoramic vistas atop the hills invite exploration and quiet moments.
Things to See and Do in Kalakho
Birdwatching and Hiking
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- Explore the Aravallis: Bring along binoculars and a packed lunch, and head out to the Aravalli hills. These hills are home to diverse bird species, making Kalakho a favorite spot for birdwatchers.
Day Trips to Hidden Historic Sites
Nearby Villages:
From Kalakho, you can easily reach places like Abhaneri, Madhogarh, Bhangarh, and Bhandarej. These lesser-known spots offer glimpses into Rajasthan’s rich history and heritage without the bustling crowds.
Chand Baoli Stepwell:
Head to Abhaneri, where you’ll find the 8th-century Chand Baoli. This immense stepwell, about 65 feet deep with 3,500 steps, was built by Raja Chand and is now preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Visitors are awed by its intricate design and scale.
Harshata Mata Temple:
Across from Chand Baoli lies the Harshata Mata Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Built in the 7th century, it showcases the detailed carvings and intricate architecture that echo the temples of Khajuraho.
Dera Lakeview Retreat
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- Stay Deep in the Aravallis: For a unique lodging experience, Dera Lakeview Retreat in Kalakho Ambari Village offers 16 air-conditioned portahuts with private facilities, ideal for relaxing in nature.
Umaid Lake Palace
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- Located next to a scenic lake, the Umaid Lake Palace is closer to NH11 and provides a peaceful spot for travelers seeking lakeside charm.
Best Time to Visit Kalakho
The ideal months to visit Kalakho are from October to March. During the monsoon season, the lake fills up, and the landscape transforms into a lush, green paradise. It’s a beautiful time to enjoy Kalakho’s romantic scenery and serene environment.
Getting to Kalakho
- Location: Kalakho is located in East Rajasthan, near the Agra-Jaipur Highway.
- From Jaipur: Drive along NH11 to Sikandra, then follow signs to the village of Gular and take a turn towards Abhaneri. This route will take you through some of Rajasthan’s beautiful countryside.
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