Around Ajmer

Kishangarh: (27 km from Ajmer)
One of the popular excursions from Ajmer is Kishangarh which is a small village founded in the 17th century by Rathore prince, Kishan Singh. Kishangarh is mainly famous for its miniature paintings, especially the popular Bani Thani style of painting which immortalized the love story of Raja Samant Singh and court singer Bani Thani, depicting them as Krishna and Radha. These paintings portray the romantic couple with extraordinary large almond shaped eyes and long nose. Even today, this style of painting is famous all over India. Painted wooden Furniture is another specialty of Kishangarh.

Sleeping:
Roopangarh Fort: Roopangarh, located 25 km from Kishangarh remained its capital for about a century. One of the attractions of the place is Roop Singh Rathore's Fort known as Roopangarh Fort. It is the stunning miniature paintings portraying religious epics with utmost perfection that makes the fort a must visit site. Built by Maharaja Roop Singh of Kishangarh in 1653, a major part of the fort has now been converted into a hotel.

There is also a village near the fort, where life seems to be untouched by the contemporary lifestyles. While a stay at the palace hotel, you can get to see the Maharaja's private chambers with exquisite paintings. You can also ask the hotel to arrange for a camel or jeep safari or village treks, which will guarantee you an amazing stay at Roopangarh.

Getting There & Away:
Frequent buses are available between Ajmer and Kishangarh.

Tilonia: (25 km east of Kishangarh)
In Tilonia Village, the main attraction is the art of the villagers that is helping them earn a living and get appreciation. An NGO named Barefoot College is run by the villagers themselves to solve water shortage, electricity supply shortages, housing, illiteracy and other such problems by using their skills and innovative minds. Tourists can also buy handicraft items that are exhibited in a showroom, which are pretty yet affordable and special since all the proceeds go for the village development.

Getting There & Away:
From Ajmer or Kishangarh, you can take a bus to be dropped at Tilonia. The Barefoot College is located just 1 km from the bus stop. A more comfortable option will be to hire a taxi from Ajmer or Pushkar which will cost you around Rs. 400/500.

Pachewar: (90 km east of Ajmer)
The small village of Pachewar is famous for its fort, metal toys and cenotaphs. It was once under the control of Khangarot Rajputs. Thakur Anoop Singh Khangarot is said to have taken the reigns of the fort from Marathas and gifted it to his family allies of Jaipur. Because of this, Sawai Madho Singh bestowed upon him the territory of Pachewar in 1758.

Pachewar Garh:
The main attraction of Pachewar is the 300 year old Pachewar Fort. It features frescoed walls, gigantic gates, spacious rooms and balconies. The fort gives you ample opportunities for bird watching, fishing, enjoying camp-fires along with folk music and dances. You can also ask the hotel authorities to book you a safari tours for Digg, Ajmer and Pushkar. Your itinerary may also include a village trek where you can observe the pottery, terra cotta and tie and dye work by local craftsmen.