Jaipur

Rajasthan's beautiful city Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of rulers whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the city are important attractions. Known as the Pink City because of the colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur's bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and other exotic wares. Western Rajasthan itself forms a convenient circuit, in the heart of the Thar desert which has shaped its history, lifestyles and architecture.

Founded in AD 1727 by Sawai Jaisingh II, Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City with broad avenues and spacious gardens. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides, crowned by formidable forts and majestic palaces, mansions and gardens. Its the only city in the world, which is sub-divided in to nine rectangular sectors symbolizing nine divisions of universe. Jaipur is the first planned city designed in accordance with ‘Shilpa Shastra’- epochal treatise of Hindu architecture

The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.

Places to visit:

City Palace

Built by Sawai Jai Singh, it became the official seat of the Jaipur royal family after 1922. A large part of the magnificent palace is now museum, displaying an excellent collection of artifacts used by the Rajput royalty.

Jantar Mantar

Built in 1728, it is one of Sawai Jai Singh's unique observatories. It has instruments that have been scientifically designed to predict the movement of the major stars accurately .It represents the high point of medieval Indian astronomy.

Hawa Mahal

Also called the "Palace of Winds" it was built in 1799. It is an unusual five storeyed structure with a facade of extensive lattice- work in stone. Aristocratic Rajput women to look out at the bustling bazaar below, while remaining unseen, probably used it.

Poet king Sawai Pratap Singh built this palace of winds. This is the most easily recalled landmarks of Jaipur and is also its icon. Located in the city Palace it is best viewed from the outside for the palace is really a facade. This five-storey building overlooking the busy bazaar street is a stunning example of Rajput architecture and artistry with its pink delicately honeycombed 953 sandstone windows known as 'jharokhas'.

Amer Fort

It is one of the finest and the best preserved forts, having served as the royal capital for seven long years before the city of Jaipur was built. A complex of several palaces, meeting halls, pavillions, gardens and temples.the Fort was built in the later half of the 10 th century by Raja Man Singh.

Amber is also known as Amer is situated about 11 kilometres from Jaipur and was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted in the plains to present day Jaipur. The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1952 and completed by Sawai Jai Singh I the fort is made in red sand stone and white marble.

Jantar Mantar or Observatory

Its the most famous and elaborate observatory of its time. Its one of the five observatories built by Maharaj Jai Singh, in 1724 A.D., even before the city of Jaipur was built, and has been described as the most surrealistic and logical landscape in stone. He was an avid Astronomer and loved to study the movements of stars. It is the one of largest and the best preserved observatories today. A collection of complex astronomical instruments chiselled out of stone - most of which continue to provide fairly accurate information to this day - is the highlight of the observatory. Constructed with stone and marble, its complex instruments whose setting and shapes are precisely and scientifically designed represent the high -points of Medieval Indian astronomy.

Jaigarh Fort

This fort was cleverly built to gives its archers an advantage over their targets. It is said that Raja Man Singh buried huge treasures here. The fort also houses the Jai Ban - the largest cannon in Asia, rumored to have been test fired only once.

Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh meaning abode of the tigers was built by Jai Singh to bolster the defense of Amer. Originally called Sudarshan Garh, Nahargarh offers a breathtaking view of Jaipur. Its situated beyind the hills of Jaigarh fort. Most part of the fort is in ruins.

Galtaji

An ancient pilgrimage cenhtre, lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills. Temples, Ponds, Holy ponds of natural reservoir along with lush land scape makes it a beautiful spot. At top of the hill can be seen a Sun temple.

Sisodia Garden

Beautifully landscaped gardens, laid out in the 18 th-19 th century by kings and courtiers dot the narrow gorge in the south eastern corner of the walled city. It has tiered, ,ulti-level gardens with fountains, water channel and painted pavilions and suites of living rooms. Among others, vidhyadhar bagh is well preserved.

Govind devji ka Mandir

It is the most popular spireless temple of Jaipur dedicated to lord Krishna. Its located in the central pavilion of Jainiwas garden to the north of Chandra mahal. The image of the patron deity-Govind devji originally installed in a temple of vrindavan was re-installed here by Sawai Jaisingh II as his family deity.

Albert Hall

Erected in the middle of Ram Niwas Garden, Albert Hall was built in 1876 to mark the visit of Prince of Wales. It was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob and opened in 1887 as a public museum. It contains a fine collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative art objects, natural history specimens, an Egyptian mummy and a celebrated Persian Garden Carpet.

Excursions:

Sanganer

Sanganer is located 16 Kms from Jaipur. It is also known for exquisite Jain temples. Moreover, it is an important centre for crafts and hand-printed textiles that is internationally famous.

The most beautiful temple in Sanganer is the ancient Shri Digamber Jain temple. The temple has fine carvings as those of the magnificent Dilwara temples of Mount Abu. Built in various phases with sky-high shikharas (spires), the temple represents an old style of architecture. Beautiful nij-mandir (inner temple) is a stone shrine with three pinnacles. All around it, are carvings of lotuses, creepers and elephants pouring water from pitchers held in their trunks. But the main idol is that of Adinath, installed in the shrine behind this.

Kaurali

Located at 182 kms southwest of Jaipur, it was founded in 1348 and is best known for its Krishna Temples. The Fort, which was constructed over different period, is about 600 years old. The fort was the residence for the royal family until 1950 and is now occupied by monkeys and geese. The Bhawar Vilas Palace, which is owned by the descendents of the royal family and resembles a large manor, is a hotel now. The rooms are comfortable and good meals are available. Karauli is best connected by bus or taxi from Jaipur.

Bagru

35 kms from Jaipur on Ajmer road, the ground level fort is still in good shape. The place is noted for its hand printed handloom industry using simple techniques

Abhaneri

80 kms north east off the Agra road, near Bandikui, famout 7 th-8 th century AD temple of Harshad Mata and the step-well known as chand baodi are of interest.Two jain temples are also found there built in later centuries.

Ramgarh Lake   - 30 kms

A huge artificial lake created by constructing a high dam amidst tree covered hills. Some of the antiquities are its temple of Jamwa mata and the ruins of the old fort. The landscape is beautiful and makes for a good picnic spot.

Excursions:

Shekhawati       - 168 kms.

Places of Interest