JAIPUR

Jaipur, also popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan state. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the ruler of Amber, the city today has a population of more than 5 million residents.

Built of pink stucco in imitation of sandstone, the city is remarkable among pre-modern Indian cities for the width and regularity of its streets which are laid out into six sectors separated by broad streets 111 ft (34 m) wide. The urban quarters are further divided by networks of gridded streets. Five quarters wrap around the east, south, and west sides of a central palace quarter, with a sixth quarter immediately to the east. The Palace quarter encloses a sprawling palace complex (the Hawa Mahal, or palace of winds), formal gardens, and a small lake. Nahargarh Fort crowns the hill in the northwest corner of the old city. Another noteworthy building is Sawai Jai Singh's observatory, Jantar Mantar.

Jaipur is considered by many urbanists to be one of the best planned cities. It has been claimed to be the first planned city in India. The directions of each street and Bazzar are east to West and North to South. Although the present city has expanded from outside of its walls, the original planning was within the walls. The gates used to be closed at sunset and opened at sunrise.

Modern infrastructural facilities are currently fast developing, and in many cases surpass those of larger cities like Delhi and Calcutta. The city is expanding very quickly and has become a hot spot for development in Rajasthan. Jaipur has an airport, but is currently not equipped to handle heavy traffic, including traffic from international locations (although flights to some international destinations are available). Today Jaipur boasts of one of the best IT infrastructure, which is required for setting up BPO operations.

All theses features make Jaipur, one of the most sought after tourist destinations of Rajasthan, India. The glorious city boasts of its cultural heritage from every nook and corner. Jaipur is the reservoir of Indian customs, traditions, civilization and legacy. Every year people across the globe come to experience this royal capital city of Rajasthan.

ATTRACTIONS

Amber Fort & enjoy one-way ride on Elephant Back -

Amber Fort is located in Amber (Jaipur), which used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. The Amber Fort looks stunning, all-built in white marble and red sandstone. To add to its charm, Maotha Lake makes its foreground. The crystal mirror image of the Fort, on the still waters of the lake, seems to be a beautiful illusion. Amber Fort is usually pronounced as Amer Fort. In 1592, construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I. However, the Amber Fort took its present form during the reign of Raja Jai Singh I.

The Amber Palace complex is one of the most popular tourist sites in the city, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture, and offering elephant rides from the town up to the palace courtyard. Since this ride is only one-way, i.e. to climb upto the Fort, there are options to come down – either by climbing down the stairs or hiring local jeeps available at the Fort.

The outer appearance of the Fort, being rough and craggy is totally different from its core. The interior of the Fort provides a soothing and warm ambience, which is least expected from its outer appearance. Exquisite paintings of hunting scenes on the walls depict the temperament of the Rajputs, who were adventurous, revolutionary and self-indulgent. The intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings simply astonish the visitors. The minute mirror work adds to the grand appearance and royalty of the halls. The Amer Fort undoubtedly captivates the tourists with its artistic quality of delicate work. The mighty walls guarantee the protection of the Fort against the invasion of the enemies. The Fort is divided into four subparts.

Kali Temple, which is also known as Shila Devi Temple, forms the part of the Fort. It is renowned for its glorious past, huge silver lions and silver doors. The Fort has numerous other halls and pavilions with their own specific attraction.

A trip to Jaipur would be definitely incomplete, without the visit to this imperial Fort of Amber.

City Palace

Occupying the centre of Jaipur, The City Palace covers one seventh of the city area and the plan of the palace is exactly similar to the plan of the city. The palace has a high wall or the sarahad that surrounds it on all sides. The architecture of the City Palace is a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The Complex comprises of many structures, courtyards, gardens and buildings. It houses various small palaces inside the main building and galleries consisting of beautiful & massive collection of art, textiles & arms.

City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. A part of the exquisite Palace still makes home for the former Maharaja/ King.

To sum up, the City Palace is a structure of historical importance and a souvenir of the regal past. The palace, with its royal grace stands as a symbol of magnificence. All these features of City Palace leave the tourists with no other option, but to visit it.

Hawa Mahal :
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Hawa Mahal, commonly referred to as Palace of Winds, is a major landmark and a famous tourist attraction of Jaipur. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The splendid Rajputana architecture of Hawa Mahal, still speaks the glory of the royal family. It forms part of the City Palace and extends the Zenana or women's chambers, the chambers of the harem. Hawa Mahal is believed to build for the women of the Royal Families, since they had to observe strict "purdah" (cover). The small windows and screened balconies served the women to watch processions and different activities taking place on the streets. In that manner, the women would enjoy a sense of freedom without showing themselves.

Hawa Mahal is a pyramid-shaped facade with five stories constructed of red and pink sandstone, highlighted with white quick lime. The side facing the street outside the palace complex has 953 small windows, commonly known as "Jharokhas" are constructed in such a style, that it looks like a giant honeycomb. The breeze (hawa) which circulates through these windows gives the palace its name, and keeps it cool even in hot months. The entrance opens onto a courtyard with a double-storied building on three sides, and one on the eastern wing with three more stories, which is just one room wide. There are no stairs to reach the upper floors, only ramps.

Early morning is considered as the best time to visit the Palace, when it is drenched in the golden light of the Sun. At this time, Hawa Mahal appears incredible. One cannot possibly describe the beauty of the Palace in words. The golden light of the early morning sun floats beautifully through the windows of this palace creating a wonderful sight for one and all. The palace has to be visited to experience the true beauty.

Jantar Mantar (The Observatory) -

The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1733. It is modeled after the one that he had built for him at the then Mughal capital of Delhi. He had constructed a total of five such labs at different locations, including the ones at Delhi and Jaipur. The Jaipur observatory is the largest of these. Built of local stone and marble, each instrument carries an astronomical scale. Thoroughly restored in 1901, the Jantar Mantar was declared a national monument in 1948.

The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemeredes. The instruments are in most cases huge structures so that accuracy of readings can be obtained. The Samrat Yantra, for instance, which is a sundial, can be used to tell the time to an accuracy of about two seconds in Jaipur local time. It is considered the largest sundial in the world.

Today the main purpose of the observatory is to function as a tourist attraction.

Jaigarh Fort (home to the world’s largest cannon on wheels) –

Jaigarh Fort, located around 15 km from Jaipur, is one of the most spectacular forts in India, with almost all its original facilities intact. While Jaigarh Fort is on top of the hill, Amber Fort is at the bottom. The forts are connected through well-guarded passages. Many consider the two together as one complex.

Jaigarh Fort was a center of artillery production for the Rajputs and it is home to the world's largest cannon on wheels, the Jaivana. Due to this fact, one may not find this fort as artistic as other forts and palaces, but it certainly has its own charm. The foundries provide fascinating information for the visitors. The manner in which they drew in blasts of air from the desert is most intriguing. A 5km long canal can be seen entering the fort complex to bring in water from the high hills and store in the fort for the army men. The Fort also has 3 underground tanks, the largest one of which can store 60, 00,000 gallons of water. It is assumed that the Kings of Amber/Jaipur used the compartments below the water tank to store the gold and jewellery of the royal family. It is said that this tank was opened during the Emergency declared by the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during 1975-1977. Views of the barren Aravalli Hills gradually disappearing into the desert haze can keep one engrossed for hours. The museum has a remarkable collection of coins, puppets, photographs of the royal kings, buildings, processions and even a circular pack of cards besides many other remnants of the past. The armory has numerous swords, shields, guns, muskets and even a 50 kg cannon ball. Jaigarh Fort is a perfect destination for a traveler, interested in the majestic past of India.

Nahargarh Fort (The Tiger Fort) -

The Fort stands at the top of rugged point of the Aravalis, overlooking the pink city of Jaipur. The view of the city from the fort is breath taking. Along with Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort it formed a strong defence ring for the city. During the Sepoy revolt of 1857, Nahagarh served as a refuge for Europeans fleeing from the havoc created by mutineers in neighboring states. The term "Nahargarh" refers to "the Abode of Tigers", so it is also known as the Tiger Fort.

Built mainly in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it is partially in ruins. It was extended in 1868. The rooms are linked by corridors and still have some delicate frescos. There are nine apartments for the nine queens the Maharaja had and all are well planned and decorated. Nahargarh is also called as the Hunting residence of Maharajas.

Gaitore :
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Gaitore is situated on the Jaipur-Amber road, about 15 kms from Jaipur. Gaitore is a royal cremation site of the majestic rulers of Jaipur. There is a cenotaph for each Maharaja, built in his honor. These royal cenotaphs of the Maharajas are commonly known as 'Chhatris'. The royal chhatris are engraved with typical Rajasthani carvings. The cenotaphs are erected with a perfect blend of architectural essentials of Islamic tomb architecture and Hindu temple architecture. Amongst all the cenotaphs, the one dedicated to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II appeals the most.

Govind Dev Ji Temple -

Govind Dev Ji Temple is one amongst the major tourist attractions of Jaipur. The Temple, representing the royal past of Jaipur, is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Situated in the City Palace complex, Govind Dev Ji is the principal deity of Amber's Kachawaha Dynasty.

The beautiful image of Radha-Krishna doesn't let people to take off their eyes from the lovely view. Different 'Aartis' and 'Bhog' are offered to the deity at seven different times of the day. Every time, when the idols are revealed to the devotees, they are clothed in a different manner. The Devotees, who come here to get the glance or 'Darshan' of the deities, reverberates the temple with the pious phrase "Jai Govind".

A large number of tourists and devotees visit this temple of special importance. Janmashtmi, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is a special event and is celebrated with full enthusiasm. Govind Dev Ji Temple is a sacred place of the Hindus. The Temple has also become a tourist attraction in the contemporary times.

Birla Temple -

Birla Temple forms one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Built in pure white marble, it dominates the skyline of southern part of Jaipur. The enormous temple was built during the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries, one of the business tycoons of India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, the idols being made out from one piece of marble. Due to this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night. It is a masterpiece of art and tourists should not miss this architectural spiritual heritage on their trip to Jaipur.

Galtaji Temple -

Galtaji is a holy pilgrimage of India, located 10 kms away from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The vast complex of Galta Ji has several temples in it. The Temple of Galtaji is famous for its natural water springs. Set amidst the beautiful landscape, Galtaji Temple offers a picturesque view of the city. The temple, dedicated to the Sun God, is the most famous temple built on the top of a hill. Out of all other temples, Hanuman temple stands out, being surrounded by hundreds of monkeys. Besides all other attractions, Natural water springs draw special attention of the visitors. It is considered auspicious to take bath in the holy waters of Galtaji.

Sanganer -

Sanganer is located at a distance of 16 kms from Jaipur city on the Tonk road. Jaipur Airport is located near the town. Sanganer is renowned for its crafts and hand-printed textiles. It boasts of ruined palaces and Jain Temples, which are carved with refinement. The town is also well known as the largest center of the handmade paper industry. It manufactures the supreme quality of handmade papers and hand printed textiles by using units of block and screen printers.