Want a glimpse of Scottish castles without travelling almost half-way around the world? Travel to Moti Doongri Fort, located hardly 5 km from the city of Jaipur. This fort is situated on a small hill called Moti Doongri which is named so because the hill resembles the shape of a pearl drop. An amalgamation of fables and history, this place is enveloped in a regal and religious aura that allures tourists from around the country. So plan a short road trip to 'Pearl Hill with your family and make the best use of your day-off as you roam around the picturesque surroundings!

A temple with a history to tell

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According to a local legend, the King of Mewar was heading back to his palace after a long journey and was carting an idol of Lord Ganesh on a bullock cart. He had decided that he would build the temple wherever the cart stopped and that place, accidentally, was the foothill of Moti Doongri, where the early 18th-century Ganesh Temple is situated today. Visitors with a religious bent of mind flock to this shrine for it is one of the most auspicious and important religious temples in the Pink City.

The Ganesh Temple is situated within the premises of the Moti Doongri Fort, perched right on top of Moti Doongri Hill. It is believed that the small fortress that stood here earlier was called Shankargarh and was architecturally transformed into an exotic palace, resembling Scottish castles, by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh. It was the royal residence of Rajmata Maharani Gayatri Devi and still belongs to the royal family, hence, it is not open for the public.

Knock Knock

Revel in history and let your trip be marked by serenity as you traverse the terrains of Pearl Hill to visit its religious structures. Also, don't forget to keep your camera handy to capture the bright blue skies as the background of your Instagram uploads!