Day 1: Arrival in Jaipur and Visit to Khatu Shyam Ji, Salasar Balaji, and Rani Sati Mata

Morning: Arrival in Jaipur and Drive to Khatu Shyam Ji

• 6:00 AM: Arrive at Jaipur International Airport, Jaipur Railway Station, or Sindhi Camp Bus Stand. Your private driver meets you for a warm welcome with a “Khamma Ghani” greeting, a traditional Rajasthani salutation. After a brief refreshment at a nearby café (e.g., Cafe Coffee Day at the airport), begin your journey to Khatu Shyam Ji, located in Sikar district.

• Distance and Time: Approximately 89.4 km, 1 hour 51 minutes via Jaipur Rd/Sikar Rd and NH52.

• 8:00 AM: Arrive at Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, a sacred site dedicated to Lord Krishna in his Barbarika form, known as the God of Kaliyuga. The temple, built with Makrana marble, is a prominent pilgrimage center. Visit the Shyam Kund, a holy pond believed to cure ailments, and explore Shyam Bagichi and Gourishankar Temple nearby. Participate in the morning aarti for a spiritual start. The temple’s floral designs and serene atmosphere are captivating.

Mid-Morning: Drive to Salasar Balaji

• 10:30 AM: Depart for Salasar Balaji, located in Churu district.

• Distance and Time: Approximately 101.4 km, 1 hour 48 minutes via NH52 and Salasar-Nani-Sikar Rd.

• 12:30 PM: Arrive at Salasar Balaji Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known for its unique idol with a bearded, mustachioed round face. This Shakti Sthal attracts devotees year-round, especially during Chaitra Purnima and Ashvin Purnima fairs. Offer prayers and experience the vibrant recitation of Sundar Kand (held every Tuesday). Enjoy the temple’s positive energy and explore the surrounding market for prasad and souvenirs like small Hanuman idols.

Afternoon: Lunch and Drive to Rani Sati Mata Temple

• 1:30 PM: Lunch at Jhilmil Rajasthan Village Agro Tourism (15 km from Salasar), offering authentic Rajasthani thali with dishes like dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi, served in a rustic mud-house setting.

• 2:30 PM: Proceed to Rani Sati Mata Temple in Jhunjhunu.

• Distance and Time: Approximately 60 km, 1 hour 15 minutes.

• 3:45 PM: Arrive at Rani Sati Mata Temple, a 400-year-old shrine commemorating Rani Sati, who performed sati after her husband’s death. The temple’s white marble architecture and intricate paintings are awe-inspiring. Pay homage and learn about its history of feminine bravery. The temple offers excellent facilities for devotees, including dharamshalas.

Evening: Return to Jaipur

• 5:30 PM: Drive back to Jaipur, approximately 170 km, 3 hours 13 minutes via NH52.

• 8:45 PM: Check into a deluxe heritage hotel in Jaipur, such as Rambagh Palace or Samode Haveli, known for their Rajasthani charm and comfort.

• 9:00 PM: Dinner at Chokhi Dhani, a cultural village resort offering a Rajasthani dining experience with folk dances, music, and dishes like ker sangri and laal maas. Relax and enjoy the evening’s cultural immersion.

• Overnight: Stay in Jaipur.

Notes:

• Carry water and light snacks for the road.

• Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) for temple visits.

• Expect crowds at Khatu Shyam Ji and Salasar Balaji; early visits help avoid long queues.

Day 2: Mehandipur Balaji Temple

Morning: Drive to Mehandipur Balaji

• 6:30 AM: After breakfast at the hotel (try Rajasthani specialties like pyaaz kachori), depart for Mehandipur Balaji Temple in Dausa district.

• Distance and Time: Approximately 103 km, 2 hours via Jaipur-Agra Highway.

• 8:30 AM: Arrive at Mehandipur Balaji Temple, a unique pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known for its miraculous powers to heal those affected by evil spirits. The temple features three forms of Hanuman: Bhavya Roop (divine), Raudra Roop (fierce), and Pret Raj Sarkar Roop (occult). Participate in the morning rituals and observe the temple’s intense spiritual atmosphere. Note the tradition of offering Savamani (special prasad) on Tuesdays and Saturdays for fulfilled wishes.

Midday: Explore Nearby Sites and Lunch

• 11:00 AM: Visit the nearby Chand ki Bawri, a spectacular stepwell in Abhaneri, 40 km from Mehandipur, and the Harshat Mata Temple for additional blessings.

• 12:30 PM: Lunch at Highway Tadka, a popular stop near Mehandipur offering vegetarian North Indian and Rajasthani dishes like paneer tikka and dal tadka.

Afternoon: Return to Jaipur

• 2:00 PM: Drive back to Jaipur, approximately 2 hours.

• 4:00 PM: Free time to relax at the hotel or explore Jaipur’s local markets like Johari Bazaar for handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional juttis.

• Evening: Dinner at Suvarna Mahal (Taj Rambagh Palace), offering royal Rajasthani cuisine in a palatial setting. Enjoy dishes like safed maas and ghevar for dessert.

• Overnight: Stay in Jaipur.

Notes:

• Mehandipur Balaji has strict protocols; follow temple guidelines and avoid photography inside.

• Comfortable footwear is recommended for walking around the temple and stepwell.

Day 3: Pushkar Ji

Morning: Drive to Pushkar

• 7:00 AM: After breakfast, depart for Pushkar, a sacred town known for its Brahma Temple and holy lake.

• Distance and Time: Approximately 140 km, 3 hours via NH48.

• 10:00 AM: Arrive in Pushkar and visit the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world. The temple’s red spire and serene ambiance are highlights. Offer prayers and learn about its mythological significance.

Midday: Explore Pushkar Lake and Lunch

• 11:30 AM: Visit Pushkar Lake, one of India’s holiest lakes with 52 bathing ghats. Take a dip (if permitted) or perform a small puja by the ghats for blessings. Explore nearby temples like Savitri Temple (accessible by a short trek or cable car) for panoramic views.

• 1:00 PM: Lunch at Cafe Lake View, offering vegetarian dishes like falafel and thali with views of the lake.

Afternoon: Visit Ajmer and Return to Jaipur

• 2:00 PM: Drive to Ajmer (30 km, 45 minutes) to visit the Khwaja Dargah Sharif, the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a symbol of spiritual harmony. Participate in the afternoon prayers if time allows.

• 4:00 PM: Return to Jaipur, approximately 140 km, 3 hours.

• 7:00 PM: Evening free to relax or visit Bapu Bazaar for textiles and souvenirs.

• 8:30 PM: Dinner at The Rajput Room (Taj Jai Mahal Palace), serving Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine in an elegant setting.

• Overnight: Stay in Jaipur.

Notes:

• Pushkar is a vegetarian-only town; non-vegetarian food and alcohol are prohibited.

• Wear light clothing suitable for warm weather and carry sunscreen.

Day 4: Local Temples in Jaipur

Morning: Explore Jaipur’s Temples

• 8:00 AM: After breakfast, begin a tour of Jaipur’s iconic temples. Start with Govind Dev Ji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, known for its lively aartis and Rajasthani architecture. The temple, located near City Palace, is a spiritual hub for locals.

• 10:00 AM: Visit Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), a modern marble temple with intricate carvings dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The peaceful gardens and stained-glass windows add to its charm.

Midday: Lunch and More Temples

• 12:00 PM: Lunch at LMB (Laxmi Misthan Bhandar) in Johari Bazaar, famous for Rajasthani sweets like ghevar and savory dishes like paneer masala.

• 1:30 PM: Proceed to Galtaji Temple (Monkey Temple), a historic pilgrimage site nestled in the Aravali hills. The temple complex, with its natural springs and seven holy kunds, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Lord Rama. Watch playful monkeys and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Afternoon: Cultural Experience

• 3:30 PM: Visit Moti Dungri Temple, a hilltop shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, offering panoramic views of Jaipur.

• 4:30 PM: Explore the City Palace and its museum to understand Jaipur’s royal and spiritual heritage.

• 6:00 PM: Attend the evening aarti at Birla Temple for a serene closure to the day.

• 7:30 PM: Dinner at Baradari (City Palace), offering a fine-dining experience with Rajasthani and continental dishes in a regal ambiance.

• Overnight: Stay in Jaipur.

Notes:

• Galtaji involves some walking; wear comfortable shoes.

• Photography may be restricted in certain temple areas.

Day 5: Departure from Jaipur

Morning: Leisure and Departure

• 8:00 AM: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, savoring Rajasthani delicacies like besan gatta curry.

• 9:00 AM: Optional visit to Amber Fort if time permits, for a glimpse of Jaipur’s historical grandeur, or relax at the hotel spa.

• 11:00 AM: Check out from the hotel and transfer to Jaipur Airport, Railway Station, or Bus Stand for your onward journey. Your driver ensures a smooth drop-off, concluding the tour with cherished memories.

Notes:

• Confirm departure times to plan the morning effectively.

• Purchase souvenirs like Jaipur’s blue pottery or block-printed textiles before leaving.

Practical Tips

• Transportation: A private air-conditioned sedan (e.g., Toyota Innova) is recommended for comfort. Costs start at Rs. 11 per km for a sedan.

• Accommodation: Deluxe heritage hotels like Rambagh Palace or Jai Mahal Palace offer a blend of luxury and Rajasthani culture. Book in advance for availability.

• Clothing: Wear modest, breathable clothing (cotton or linen) and carry a scarf or shawl for temple visits.

• Weather: June in Rajasthan is warm (25-35°C); stay hydrated and use sunscreen.

• Budget: Expect costs for car rental (Rs. 2500-4500/day), meals (Rs. 300-1000/meal), and hotel stays (Rs. 5000-15000/night for heritage properties).

• Cultural Etiquette: Remove shoes before entering temples, avoid non-vegetarian food in Pushkar, and respect local customs.