Jaipur, popularly known
as the Pink City, was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh. The pink color was used at
the time of making to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of Mughal
cities. The
city is best explored on foot and the adventurous visitor willing to go into the
inner lanes can discover a whole new world not visible to the
tourist-in-a-hurry.
General Information
Jaipur is barely 262 kilometers from
New Delhi, and is well connected by ultra modern Highway, and also by Rail and
Air.
Places Of Interest
Places of interest are mainly
located within the walled city. The City Palace complex is the most important
landmark with its numerous outbuildings, courtyards, impressive gateways,
Museums and
temples.
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The City Palace
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Jantar Mantar
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Across the road from the palace is the
Jantar Mantar, one of the five observatories built by Sawai
Jai Singh. A collection of complex astronomical instruments, chiseled out of
stone- most of which continue to provide fairly accurate information to this day
- is the highlight of this observatory
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Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
adjoins the outside of the palace wall. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap
Singh, the Hawa Mahal is a remarkable structure which overlooks one of the main
streets and also provides some excellent views of the city. In the
not-too-distant past, ladies of the court found it convenient to watch the
activities on the streets below without being observed themselves.
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The Hawa Mahal
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Located just outside the walled city is the sprawling Ram
Niwas Garden. The garden houses the majestic Albert Hall Museum. Opened in 1887
AD, this impressive building displays a rich collection of paintings, carpets,
ivory, stone and metal sculpture among other objects.
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JAIGARH
Jaigarh , or the Fort of Victory, is a rugged
fort built in 1726. The world's largest cannon on wheels is to be found here.
The fort houses a museum and provides some excellent views of the Amer Palace.
NAHARGARH
It is the first of the three forts. Built in
1734, this fort provides some stunning views of the city down below both during
daytime and at night. An open air restaurant-"PADAO" lets you enjoy the
panoramic view of the city even as you sip a hot cup of coffee on a pleasant
evening!
City Palace
Sawai Jai Singh's Chandra Mahal (Moon
Palace), better known as the City Palace, is the official residence of the royal
family. The royal family still lives in a portion of this palace, while the
outer courtyards and the ground floor halls have been converted into the
Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum that is open to public. The museum houses an extensive collection
of rare manuscripts, Mughal and rajasthani miniatures, mughal carpets, costumes
and textiles, arms and weapons and royal paraphernalia.
Gangajali at City Palace
The pair of Gangajalis displayed
in the open Sarvatobhadra building was fabricated in the court
workshops for Sawai Madho Singh II to carry the holy water of the Ganges to
England! These find mention in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest
silver objects in the world.
Nearby Excursion Points
Jal Mahal
A picturesque palace amidst the Man Sagar Lake. It was built for
royal duck shooting parties. A great place to visit during the monsoons.
Kanak Vrindavan
A newly restored temple on the foothills of
Nahargarh. The landscaped gardens have made it a popular picnic spot.
Galta
A pilgrimage center with several pavilions,
natural springs and the only sun temple in this part of India.
Sisodia Palace and Garden and Vidyadhar Garden
On the way to Galta, these gardens are laid
out in tiers. These house several galleries, pavilions and beautiful murals
depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna which are a visual delight. An
ideal location for watching peacocks.
Samode
The old palace, renovated and rebuilt in the 19th century provides one of the
most gorgeously decorated and painted examples of Rajput
haveli architecture. Located 40 km northwest of Jaipur,
amidst the quiet & protective
hills ,this palace is a visual treat. The sleepy little town
of Samode has its own cloth printers, bangle makers and other artisans. The
palace has recently been converted as a heritage hotel.