PLACES OF INTEREST ARE:
Amber:
The Kachhawahas ruled form Amber, 11 km from Jaipur, for
seven centuries. With a history so old, it is not
unexpected that there is a lot of the past that can be
traced in its archaeological history. While many of the
very early structures have either disappeared or been
ruined, those dating from the 16th century on are in a
remarkable state of preservation. Amber as it exists now
is the handiwork of three of the kingdom's rulers that
include Man Singh and Jai Singh I and II. Approached
from a steep ramp, visitors ride up on elephant back,
entering through the grand Singh Pol gateway and
continuing to Jaleb Chowk, the courtyard where they
disembark from the pachyderm. From here, they are faced
with two flight of steps, one leading to the Shila Mata
complex with its enshrined image of the goddess, and the
other to the main palace complex. Within the complex,
Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with images of
the elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha, takes pride of
place. Also a part of the complex is the Diwan-I-Am or
hall of public audience with its spectacular display of
pillars. The typical merging of Rajput and Mughal
architectural styles is captured in the Sukh Niwas and
Jas Mandir Apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its
perfectly proportioned landscaping. A highlight is the
pierced screen windows which offer views from points of
vantage, as well as the shimmering mirrors encrusting
the wall of the Sheesh Mahal. Several other gardens and
pavilions within the sprawling spread of the ramparts
offer enough scope for investigating medieval lifestyles
at leisure. Beyond the ramparts, the old city, once the
abode of the aristocracy, has a wonderfully medieval
flavour, though it has few buildings of majestic
proportion that are still extinct. However, a walk
though the rambling lanes will reap rich reward for the
curious. Besides a large number of temples, there are
also stepwells, memorials and townhouses.
Gaitore:
Located off the Jaipur-Amber road, Gaitors is the final
resting place for the maharajas of Jaipur. Set in a
narrow valley, the cenotaphs of the former rulers
consist of the somewhat typical chhatri or
umbrella-shaped memorials. Of special mention is Jai
Singh 2nd chhatri because of the carvings that have been
used to embellish it.
Jaigarh:
One of the few military structures of medieval India,
retaining its ancient splendour in palaces, garden,
reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a well planned cannon
foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant
mounted cannon the Jai Ban, one of the largest in the
country are preserved here. The extensive parkotas
(walls), watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh dominate
the western skyline.
Nahargarh:
The third of the hilltop forts that guard Jaipur, and in
a state of majestic ruin, it has some lovely gardens and
pavilions added after the capital had shifted to Jaipur.
The members of the royal family often used it for summer
excursions and picnics.
Jal Mahal:
Jal Mahal was built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 AD in
the midst of the Man Sagar Lake as a pleasure spot. The
was formed by constructing dam between the two hills by
Sawai Man Singh I. During winter months once can see a
large number of migratory as well as residents birds at
the lake.
Hawa Mahal:
Located to one side, but a part of the City Palace
complex, Hawa Mahal is best viewed from the street
outside. If is were not for the bustling bazaar all
around, it would have been easy to mistake it for a film
set, so exquisitely is it proportioned, and so
incongruous is its delicacy.
Hawa Mahal consists of five tiers of corridors on the
inside, with pierced screen windows that overlook the
street below. It is believed the women of the royal
zenana would sit concealed behind these screens to see
life in the city beyond the walls of the palace.
City Palace:
As may be expected, the City Palace complex lies at the
heart of the city. Getting in is simpler than it once
was. Though the erstwhile maharaja and his family and
close friends use the triple-arched Tripolia Gate to
enter their section of the palace, most visitors are
ushered in through Atish Pol which is located close to
the royal stables, cross from here to Chandni Chowk or
Moonlit Square and then on to Gainda ki Deorhi. At the
heart of the complex is seven-tiered Chandra Mahal where
the erstwhile royal family is still in residence, though
only a small part of the apartments are occupied.
However, it is only the buildings around Chandra Mahal
that are open to the public, and these also form part of
a museum which includes everything from Grand outfits
(including one with 18 kilos of golden thread woven into
it) to swords and two silver urns that are believed to
be the largest silver objects in the world. These are
housed in the Mubarak Mahal, and the Diwan-i-am
respectively. Through Singh Pol, visitors can approach
the Diwan-i-am, where the maharaja's private and public
courts would be held. The architecture seems to consist
of a number of arched, pillared halls, while courtyards
with painted doorways are prominent feature.
Jantar Mantar:
A stone observatory, part of the city palace complex,
Jantar Mantar is one of several other astronomical
observatories created by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh 2nd
(other are in Delhi, Banaras, Ujjain). These concrete
masonry instruments were used to measure everything from
altitude to time, and map the movement of the planets
and the stars. Jai Singh 2nd had a passion for astronomy
and used astronomical inventions from different of these
observatories, the largest of which in is Jaipur.
Govind Dev Ji Temple:
The most popular spireless temple of Jaipur dedicated to
Lord Krishna. It is located in the central pavilion of
the Jai Niwas Garden to the north of Chandra Mahal. The
image of the patron deity Govind Devji, originally
installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here
by Sawai Jai Singh 2nd as his family deity.
Sargasuli:
Also known as Isar Lat, this tower was erected in the
mid-18th century by Maharaja Ishwari Singh to
commemorate a battle victory. Ironically, Ishwari Singh
was ostracized for his lover of a common girl, and he is
the only Kachhawaha Maharaja who has not been
commemorated at Gaitor.
Galtaji:
An ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond the gardens
amidst low hills. Temples, pavilions and holy kunds
(natural spring and reservoirs) along with lush
landscape make it a delightful spot. The small temple of
the sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the
highest peak is visible from all parts of the city.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh:
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the royals and the
nobles laid out summer gardens at Ghati ki guni, a
valley at beginning of the Jaipur-Agra road which traps
the breezes and wafts it through pleasantly. Sisodia
Rani ka Bagh was laid for one of the queens from the
lake city of Udaipur, to cure her of her homesickness.
It consists of pavilions with water channels that run
down in tiered gardens.
Vidyadharji ka Bagh:
The exquisite, tiered garden laid for the private
pleasure of the architect of the city, it has delicate
pavilions bordered by water channels, and a larger
pavilion overlooking the whole complex. Located at Ghat
ki Guni, it is now let out for private picnics.
Jain Temple:
one of few example of Jain architecture in Jaipur,
located on the Agra Road, it has 19th century frescos
that are exquisite.
Ram Niwas Bagh:
A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a
greenhouse, a herbarium, a museum and popular sports
ground. It was built by Sawai Ram Singh 2nd in 1868 A.D.
as a famine relief project. The Albert hall, fine
example of Indo Sarcenic style of architecture designed
by Sir Swinton Jecob, was opened later with an exquisite
collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative wares,
natural history specimen, an Egyptian mummy & celebrated
Persian carpet. Recently, the Rabindra Manch with an
auditorium, a modern art gallery and an open air
theatre, has been added to promote cultural events.
Laxmi Narayan Temple:
A new temple, built entirely of marble, this is a
showcase of the continuing skill of the mason and the
sculptor.
Moti Doongari:
A small palace, this is a replica of a Scottish castle,
and perched on a hilltop. Once occupied by Maharaja
Madho Singh's son who was confined here, it was also for
a while home to Maharani Gayatri Devi.
Statue Circle:
A busy crossing, this has a life-size statue in marble
of Maharaja Jai Singh 2nd. It is a recent addition to
the city's attractions.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Altitude: 236.53 mtrs.
Best Season: July to March
Rainfall: 31.87 cm
Climate:
Summer Mean Max. 42.2 C Mean Min. 36.6 'C
Winter Mean Max. 27.5 'C Mean Min. 15.5 'C
Clothing:
Summer light tropical or cotton
Winter Woollen.
Season : October to March
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Air : Indian Airlines connect Jaipur with Delhi,
Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Bombay, Varanasi,
Calcutta, Ahmedabad.