Kanak Vrindavan Valley in Jaipur

A must-see if you are planning to travel to Jaipur, the Kanak-Vrindavan Valley on the outskirts of the Pink City offer tourists a green retreat during their vacation in Jaipur. Descending from the Amber Fort one gets a panoramic view of the fascinating Kanak Valley. An old elephant path, now a green walkway leads to the temple of the gods and to the gates of heaven.

The Kanak Valley formed by the Aravalli ranges adjoins the Amber Fort and stretches towards the historical city of Jaipur. The hills and valleys are covered with dhok (Anogeissus Pendula) and Kadamba trees. Traveling deeper into the valley one comes across numerous waterfalls, lotus ponds and flowering plants. In summer when the 'flame of the forest' bursts into bloom it is as if the entire forest is aflame. Migratory birds like the kingfisher, spotted dove and Neel Kanth are frequent visitors.

This is a perfect and engrossing surrounding for the temples that have been standing here for three centuries. The temple complex consists of the temple of Govind Deoji and Natawarji besides a garden known as Kanak Bagh. The site of the temples is such that the valley stretches out in one side and the Dharbawati River on the other. This river used to flow across the city of Jaipur but today it has diminished into the lake, Mansagar. This used to be the sacred spot where holy water from several rivers was accumulated for the performance of Ashwamedh Yagna. One must not miss the beauty of Govind Deoji temple at night, when it is lit up and the entire complex reverberates with the music and the Lord's Aarti sung by the devotees. The temples with its golden luster look heavenly.

This enchanting valley with its rich flora and fauna was named Kanak Vrindavan by the ruler and founder of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh. At that time Amber was his capital. The valley had reminded him of Vrindavan, the land of Lord Krishna and son an idol of Shri Govind Deoji, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, was installed here. During traditional and religious festivals like Teej and Gangaur, processions coming from Amber half at this valley now considered a seal of cultural prestige. Today visitors strolling towards the valley can hear strains of Bhajans throughout the day. The atmosphere is one of peace and devotion.