pur Rajasthan's beautiful Pink 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. The City Palace
One of the most magnificent marvels or Jaipur is the City Palace Complex which has a rare combination of the finest blends of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the heart of the old city, it has vast area. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh and additions made up to the 20th century. Many buildings, well-planned gardens and huge courtyards are a part of the complex. For visiting dignitaries, Sawai Madho Singh II, constructed Mubarak Mahal (welcome palace) as a reception centre. The mahal comes before the main complex, though it now forms a part of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. The museum has an array of royal costumes, shawls, embroideries, Benares silk sarees, the maharaja's pyjamas, chogas and pyjamas of other rulers, jamawars, kamarbands, musical instruments like the giant sized tanpura and sarangis and a set of the clothes of Sawai Madho Singh I who was just over seven feet tall, over four feet wide and supported a Goliathic weight of 250 kilograms.
A delight is the Maharani's Palace, now the armory with arms to the 15th century which include the deadly Rajput scissor-action daggers which have a unique working action (after the dagger entered the body, the handles were released and the blades spread. during withdrawal, killing the victim). The guns include the ones that also served as walking sticks, one of the size of a small canon fired from a camel's back, double-barrel guns, early handguns, matchlocks and percussion cap guns, swords with pistols attached to the blades, daggers with handles of crystal and invory, katars, chhuris, peak-kubz jambhiya, Persian and Rajput swords. Deccan hand, bows and arrows, battle axes, shields, maces, breast and shoulder plate gutzis and the ruby and emerald encrusted sword presented by Queen Vicoria to Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh (1835-1880). On display are a big range of shields of rhino, crocodile and turtle skin, the shield of Sawai Pratap Singh and Raja Man Singh' sword weighing about 5 kilograms.
Diwan-e-Khas (hall of private audience) is housed between the art gallery (once the diwan-e-aam-hall of public audience) and the armoury. The most attractive feature are the two sterling silver vessels (in the marble-paved gallery) in which Maharaja Madho Singh II, a devout Hindu, took holy Ganga water during a visit to Europe. The two vessels are massive standing 160 cm and have a capacity of 9000 litres each. They are listed in the Guinness book of Records as the biggest silver vessels in the world. From the ceiling of the hall hang a number of chandeliers which are covered with plastic to prevent dust and bird droppings falling on them.
The art gallery in the erstwhile Diwan-e-aam has a well preserved painted ceiling on which the original semi-precious stones still retain their lustre. Suspended from the ceiling is a massive chandelier made of crystal. The art gallery also has miniature paintings of the Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools featuring religious them mainly scenes from the Ramayana. The other exhibits include an unbraided, handwritten version of the Bhagaved Gita, miniature copies of other holy Hindu scriptures, handwritten books in Persian and Sanskrit and early manuscripts on palmleaes There are among the 20,000 manuscripts that the museum boasts of. Howdahs (elephant saddles), palanquins, the swing of Lord Krishna and paper cuttings cut with the thumbnails are among the several other exhibits in the gallery. One can also see the finest carpets from Herat in Afghanistan and Lahore.
Chandra Mahal is the only part of the complex that is inhabited and is occupied by the royal family. The ground floor of the palace, open to visitors, has some exhibits. In the courtyard outside is the elegantly designed Peacock Gate.Govindji Temple
The city place complex also houses the Govindji Temple and is a temple of Lord krishna and Large number of people visit it. The temple was built in such a fashion that the king could see the deity from the Chandra Mahal, opposite it. The temple is surrounded by gardens and palaces. The image of Govind Devji was originally installed in a temple in Vrindavan.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is the largest and best preserved of Sawai Jai Singh's five observatories. It is built in stone and marble whose setting and shapes are designed scientifically and which are one of the high points of medieval highpoints of medieval Indian astronomy. There are also two Ram Yantras for gauging altitudes. Timings : 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hawa Hahal - The palace of winds
The palace of winds a fascinating landmark of Rajasthan, was built by the orders of poet-king, Sawai Pratap Singh in the 18th century and is the most remarkably designed monument in Jaipur. What is seen from the Sireh Deorhi Bazar is the Multi-niched five storey high backside of the complex. it was conceived to provide adequate vantage position behind stone carved mesh like screens to the palace women for watching the royal processions passing through the bazaar. It now has a museum and the collections include paintings, coins, handicrafts and sculptures. 'Jaipur-past and present' is the special feature of the museum.
Moti Doongari and Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Among the important landmarks dotting the southern horizon is the small privately owned hilltop fort of Moti Doongari which is shaped like a Scottish castle, the Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the marble built Lakshmi Narayan Temple.Jagat Shiromani Temple
Jaigarh Frot
The western skyline is dominated by the extensive parkotas (walls), watch towers and gateways of Jaigarh. It is one of the few military structures of mediaeval India preserved almost intact containing palaces, gardens, open and covered reservoirs, a granary, an armory, a well planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon the Jai Ban one of the giggest in the World.
Nahargarh Fort
It is 15 kilometers from Jaipur beyond the hills of Jaigarh and is like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful capital. Much of the original structures are in ruins. From atop a hill, the fort offers a scenic view of the city be low. Rajasthan Tourism has started a cafeteria where Beer and snacks are available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.Jal Mahal
Amber Palace and Fort complex
Situated just over 10 kilometres away from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Delhi highway is Amber, which was the ancient capital of Jaipur State. A bus leaves from Hawa Mahal every 30 minutes and a well-laid out road takes the visitor out of the city and very soon one witnesses lush green hills.
Vidyadhar Garden
This garden is named after Vidyadhar who was the chief architect and town planner of Sawai Jai Singh II. It falls just before the Sisodia Garden and the gardens have been planned in the medieval style. Every evening. lights concealed at the base of the surrounding hills lighten up the place.
Statue Circle
The full length white marble statue of Sawai Jai Singh installed in the centre of the circle in the newly developed C-Scheme area was erected as a tribute to the founder of Jaipur.
Gaitore
Eight kilometres on the road to Amer, it has memorials of queens in the Maharani-ki-Chhatri complex near the Ramgarh road crossing, the island palace - Jai Mahal built by Sawai Madho Singh as a pleasure spot at the Man sagar lake and the Kanak Vrindavan complex temples and gardens recently renovated. To the west, in a narrow valley, is the royal cremation ground and the cenotaphs of Jaipur rulers with the exception of Sawai Ishwari Singh, who was cremated outside the Jai Niwas Garden.
Galta
In the vicinity of the city, 10 kms. from Jaipur, Galta is situated amidst the range of hills east of the city. On the top of the hill. overlooking the Galta valler is a sun temple. To the east of the temple is a reservoir or a tank which is fed by spring of pure water falling from a Gaumukh or an outlet shaped like the mouth of a cow. On way to Galta, by the Ghat-ki-Guni, is a range of hills crowned with the fort of Amargarh.
Birla Planetarium
The planetarium is on the Statue Circe and is made of white marble. One can get a view of the cosmos with the production and sound system of the planetarium
Birla Auditorium and Convention Centre
Over 9.5 acres, it houses a museum, auditorium, (with a seating capacity of 1,300), a library, a planetarium and a big exhibition area. The convention centre hosts major conferences. The entrance facade is a replica of Ganesh Pole of Amber Palace.
One of the most magnificent marvels or Jaipur is the City Palace Complex which has a rare combination of the finest blends of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the heart of the old city, it has vast area. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh and additions made up to the 20th century. Many buildings, well-planned gardens and huge courtyards are a part of the complex. For visiting dignitaries, Sawai Madho Singh II, constructed Mubarak Mahal (welcome palace) as a reception centre. The mahal comes before the main complex, though it now forms a part of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. The museum has an array of royal costumes, shawls, embroideries, Benares silk sarees, the maharaja's pyjamas, chogas and pyjamas of other rulers, jamawars, kamarbands, musical instruments like the giant sized tanpura and sarangis and a set of the clothes of Sawai Madho Singh I who was just over seven feet tall, over four feet wide and supported a Goliathic weight of 250 kilograms.
A delight is the Maharani's Palace, now the armory with arms to the 15th century which include the deadly Rajput scissor-action daggers which have a unique working action (after the dagger entered the body, the handles were released and the blades spread. during withdrawal, killing the victim). The guns include the ones that also served as walking sticks, one of the size of a small canon fired from a camel's back, double-barrel guns, early handguns, matchlocks and percussion cap guns, swords with pistols attached to the blades, daggers with handles of crystal and invory, katars, chhuris, peak-kubz jambhiya, Persian and Rajput swords. Deccan hand, bows and arrows, battle axes, shields, maces, breast and shoulder plate gutzis and the ruby and emerald encrusted sword presented by Queen Vicoria to Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh (1835-1880). On display are a big range of shields of rhino, crocodile and turtle skin, the shield of Sawai Pratap Singh and Raja Man Singh' sword weighing about 5 kilograms.
Diwan-e-Khas (hall of private audience) is housed between the art gallery (once the diwan-e-aam-hall of public audience) and the armoury. The most attractive feature are the two sterling silver vessels (in the marble-paved gallery) in which Maharaja Madho Singh II, a devout Hindu, took holy Ganga water during a visit to Europe. The two vessels are massive standing 160 cm and have a capacity of 9000 litres each. They are listed in the Guinness book of Records as the biggest silver vessels in the world. From the ceiling of the hall hang a number of chandeliers which are covered with plastic to prevent dust and bird droppings falling on them.
The art gallery in the erstwhile Diwan-e-aam has a well preserved painted ceiling on which the original semi-precious stones still retain their lustre. Suspended from the ceiling is a massive chandelier made of crystal. The art gallery also has miniature paintings of the Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools featuring religious them mainly scenes from the Ramayana. The other exhibits include an unbraided, handwritten version of the Bhagaved Gita, miniature copies of other holy Hindu scriptures, handwritten books in Persian and Sanskrit and early manuscripts on palmleaes There are among the 20,000 manuscripts that the museum boasts of. Howdahs (elephant saddles), palanquins, the swing of Lord Krishna and paper cuttings cut with the thumbnails are among the several other exhibits in the gallery. One can also see the finest carpets from Herat in Afghanistan and Lahore.
Chandra Mahal is the only part of the complex that is inhabited and is occupied by the royal family. The ground floor of the palace, open to visitors, has some exhibits. In the courtyard outside is the elegantly designed Peacock Gate.Govindji Temple
The city place complex also houses the Govindji Temple and is a temple of Lord krishna and Large number of people visit it. The temple was built in such a fashion that the king could see the deity from the Chandra Mahal, opposite it. The temple is surrounded by gardens and palaces. The image of Govind Devji was originally installed in a temple in Vrindavan.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is the largest and best preserved of Sawai Jai Singh's five observatories. It is built in stone and marble whose setting and shapes are designed scientifically and which are one of the high points of medieval highpoints of medieval Indian astronomy. There are also two Ram Yantras for gauging altitudes. Timings : 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hawa Hahal - The palace of windsThe palace of winds a fascinating landmark of Rajasthan, was built by the orders of poet-king, Sawai Pratap Singh in the 18th century and is the most remarkably designed monument in Jaipur. What is seen from the Sireh Deorhi Bazar is the Multi-niched five storey high backside of the complex. it was conceived to provide adequate vantage position behind stone carved mesh like screens to the palace women for watching the royal processions passing through the bazaar. It now has a museum and the collections include paintings, coins, handicrafts and sculptures. 'Jaipur-past and present' is the special feature of the museum.
Moti Doongari and Lakshmi Narayan TempleAmong the important landmarks dotting the southern horizon is the small privately owned hilltop fort of Moti Doongari which is shaped like a Scottish castle, the Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the marble built Lakshmi Narayan Temple.Jagat Shiromani Temple
The beautifully carved Jagat Shiromani Temple houses the idol of Lord Krishna and is popularly associated with the celebrated saint poetess Mira Bai. The old temple of Narsinghji and a step well Panna Mianki-Baodi, which still bears witness to its past glory are also located in the vicinity.
Jaigarh FrotThe western skyline is dominated by the extensive parkotas (walls), watch towers and gateways of Jaigarh. It is one of the few military structures of mediaeval India preserved almost intact containing palaces, gardens, open and covered reservoirs, a granary, an armory, a well planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon the Jai Ban one of the giggest in the World.
Nahargarh FortIt is 15 kilometers from Jaipur beyond the hills of Jaigarh and is like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful capital. Much of the original structures are in ruins. From atop a hill, the fort offers a scenic view of the city be low. Rajasthan Tourism has started a cafeteria where Beer and snacks are available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal was built by Sawai Pratap Shing in 1799 A.D. in the midst of the Man Sagar Lake as a pleasure spot. The Lake was formed by constructing a dam between the two hills by Sawai Man Singh I. During winter months one can see a large number of migratory birds at the lake.
Amber Palace and Fort complexSituated just over 10 kilometres away from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Delhi highway is Amber, which was the ancient capital of Jaipur State. A bus leaves from Hawa Mahal every 30 minutes and a well-laid out road takes the visitor out of the city and very soon one witnesses lush green hills.
One then notices a lake and standing next to it is the majestic Amber Fort which several rulers of the erstwhile State of Jaipur recognized as a vantage military building. The excursion start of Jaipur recognized as a vantage military building. The excursion starts with the Dil-E-Aaram Garden which is laid out in the traditional Mughal style. The complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples was built by Raja Man Singh, The Rajput commander of Akbar's Army, Mirza Raja Jai Singh an Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries. One can climb up to the fort from the road in about 10 minutes, go up by a jeep or even on elephant back. The diwan-E-aam (hall of public audience) has latticed galleries and double row of columns each having a capital in the shape of elephants on the top. To the right are steps that lead to the Kali Temple where everyday a goat was sacrificed right up to 1980 when the practice was banned by the state government. The temple offers a wonderful sight and has huge doors made of silver. It is said that Maharaja Man Singh prayed to the goddess for victory during a particular battle. The goddess was said to have come in his dream and said that if he won the battle, then he should retriever her image which was lying at the bottom of the sea. he won the battle, retrieved the image and installed it at the temple of Shitla Devi.
The maharaja's residence is at a higher elevation and can be entered through a decorated gateway. The Jai Mandir (hall of victory) has a glittering ceiling of mirrors and elegant inlaid panels. In front of the Jai Mandir is the Sukh Niwas (Hall of pleasure) with a door made of sandalwood, inlaid with ivory with a channel running through which once carried cool water. The zenana or women's apartments were designed in a manner which could easily facilitate the entry of the maharaja to various chambers without any of the concubines aware of any visitor. Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Maotha lake gives a scintillation view from the palaces above it.
Swarghashuli/Isar Lat
The tower on the western side of Tripolia Bazaar is the highest structure in Jaipur and was builr by Sawai Ishwari singh in 1749 to commemorate an important victory.
Ram Niwas Bagh
To provide open space and greenery to the citizens, there is a big garden, with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarium, a museum and several sports grounds. It was built during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh II' in 1868 as a famine relief project.
Albert Hall
It is situated in the beautiful Ram Niwas Garden. This beautifully designed Saracenic structure was designed by sir Swinton Jacob. It was opened in 1887 as a public museum. It contains a rare collection of decorative art objects, paintings, sculptures, natural history specimens, an Egyptian Mummy and the well known Persian Golden Carpet.Dolls Museum
The maharaja's residence is at a higher elevation and can be entered through a decorated gateway. The Jai Mandir (hall of victory) has a glittering ceiling of mirrors and elegant inlaid panels. In front of the Jai Mandir is the Sukh Niwas (Hall of pleasure) with a door made of sandalwood, inlaid with ivory with a channel running through which once carried cool water. The zenana or women's apartments were designed in a manner which could easily facilitate the entry of the maharaja to various chambers without any of the concubines aware of any visitor. Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Maotha lake gives a scintillation view from the palaces above it.
Swarghashuli/Isar Lat
The tower on the western side of Tripolia Bazaar is the highest structure in Jaipur and was builr by Sawai Ishwari singh in 1749 to commemorate an important victory.
Ram Niwas Bagh
To provide open space and greenery to the citizens, there is a big garden, with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarium, a museum and several sports grounds. It was built during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh II' in 1868 as a famine relief project.
Albert HallIt is situated in the beautiful Ram Niwas Garden. This beautifully designed Saracenic structure was designed by sir Swinton Jacob. It was opened in 1887 as a public museum. It contains a rare collection of decorative art objects, paintings, sculptures, natural history specimens, an Egyptian Mummy and the well known Persian Golden Carpet.Dolls Museum
Located near the Police memorial towards the back side of SMS Hospital is the Dolls Museum. There are attractive dolls from various countries and is housed in the compound of the school for the deaf and the dumb.
Sisodia Rani Garden
It is eight kilometres away from Jaipur on the road to Agra. Several landscaped gardens were constructed by the kings and the courtiers in the 18th and 19th centuries with the biggest and the most famouse being one built by Sawai Jai Singh for his Sisodia queen, the Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh. It consists of tiered multilevel gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavilions.
Sisodia Rani GardenIt is eight kilometres away from Jaipur on the road to Agra. Several landscaped gardens were constructed by the kings and the courtiers in the 18th and 19th centuries with the biggest and the most famouse being one built by Sawai Jai Singh for his Sisodia queen, the Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh. It consists of tiered multilevel gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavilions.
Vidyadhar GardenThis garden is named after Vidyadhar who was the chief architect and town planner of Sawai Jai Singh II. It falls just before the Sisodia Garden and the gardens have been planned in the medieval style. Every evening. lights concealed at the base of the surrounding hills lighten up the place.
Statue CircleThe full length white marble statue of Sawai Jai Singh installed in the centre of the circle in the newly developed C-Scheme area was erected as a tribute to the founder of Jaipur.
GaitoreEight kilometres on the road to Amer, it has memorials of queens in the Maharani-ki-Chhatri complex near the Ramgarh road crossing, the island palace - Jai Mahal built by Sawai Madho Singh as a pleasure spot at the Man sagar lake and the Kanak Vrindavan complex temples and gardens recently renovated. To the west, in a narrow valley, is the royal cremation ground and the cenotaphs of Jaipur rulers with the exception of Sawai Ishwari Singh, who was cremated outside the Jai Niwas Garden.
GaltaIn the vicinity of the city, 10 kms. from Jaipur, Galta is situated amidst the range of hills east of the city. On the top of the hill. overlooking the Galta valler is a sun temple. To the east of the temple is a reservoir or a tank which is fed by spring of pure water falling from a Gaumukh or an outlet shaped like the mouth of a cow. On way to Galta, by the Ghat-ki-Guni, is a range of hills crowned with the fort of Amargarh.
Birla PlanetariumThe planetarium is on the Statue Circe and is made of white marble. One can get a view of the cosmos with the production and sound system of the planetarium
Birla Auditorium and Convention Centre
Over 9.5 acres, it houses a museum, auditorium, (with a seating capacity of 1,300), a library, a planetarium and a big exhibition area. The convention centre hosts major conferences. The entrance facade is a replica of Ganesh Pole of Amber Palace.
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