Full-day Dholpur city from Agra

The idyllic city of Dholpur in the state of Rajasthan is perfect for a quick serene holiday. The most prominent landmark here is the Dholpur Palace, also known as the Raj Niwas Palace. Once, home to generations of royals, this magnificently restored red sandstone palace is now a luxury heritage hotel, where guests are still treated like royalty and can relive the opulence of those grand old days. Set amidst 13 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, the palace grounds attract scores of peacocks and other birds. Enjoy a tour of the regal Dholpur Palace and after that proceed for a walk through the small town. Visit the ancient sacred site of Machkund Temple. The temple commands panoramic views and is a deeply revered pilgrim site. The legend goes that a demon ended up disturbing the king’s rest here and was burnt to ashes as the king had divine blessings. Later, proceed to visit the Gharial Breeding Farm, a farm where alligators are bred in captivity for around two to three years before being released. They grow to a length of roughly one meter here. Strategies for the protection of alligators and their habitats are also chalked out here by conducting research on alligator ecology. End your day with a Boat Safari on the River Chambal. This river is one of the most pristine rivers in India and supports a wide array of life, including the rare Gangetic River Dolphins, alligators, turtles, and resident as well as migratory birds.