Jaipur
city is a foremost tourist fascination in India because of its unrivalled
forts, imposing palaces, spirited temples, kaleidoscopic bazaars, rhythmical
streets and its conspicuous pink color to which the city owes its name, the
Pink City'. Whole City of Jaipur is embellished with the traditional, spectacular,
pink-colored buildings with trellis windows lending glamour to an arena,
which is almost stupendous at sunset. Sawai Jai Singh II (1700 - 1747 AD) of
Kachhawah density established this impressive city in AD1727. The king had
tremendous proclivity towards astronomy that is the reason the city has deep
astronomical subtlety. Jaipur City is rectangular in shape and divides into
nine blocks on the basis of beliefs laid down in the Shilpa Shastra, the
ancient Indian treatise on architecture. It also signifies the nine
divisions of the universe.
Attractions of the Jaipur City
Government/ Albert Hall Museum
Government Central museum or Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum in the
state of Rajasthan. It was founded by Sir Swinton Jacob in 1876. Amidst of
the Ramnivas Gardens the museum has Indo-Persian style of architecture. It
treasures miniature paintings from the Bundi, Kishangarh, Kota, Udaipur and
Jaipur schools of painting, royal dresses worn by imperial families.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh
the Sisodia Rani-ka-Bagh has fabulous array gardens, enchanting fountains,
blue water ponds and it also embodies some splendid sculpture. Sawai Jai
Singh built the bagh.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar a stone observatory was built by Sawai Jai Singh between 1728
and 1734. It was built to measure the local time, altitude, the declination
of stars, planets and to determine eclipses. Jantar Mantar is a grand
celebration of astronomical science and each instrument here serves a
particular function and gives an accurate reading.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal a multi layered structures with its arbor windows and a stone
screen gives a marvelous grace to the palace. Raja Sawai Pratap Singh built
it in 1799. The Hawa Mahal was designed for the ladies of the royal house to
watch the enchanting life on the street without being observed. Timings:
9hrs-17hrs.
City Palace
The royal family stills lives in some portions of the City Palace popularly
known as Chadra Mahal. Rest of the palace is transformed into museum, known
by the name of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh. The museum offers rare manuscript,
Mughal and Rajasthani miniature paintings, Mughal carpets, royal costumes
and textiles and armory.
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal is noted for its intricate designs and dazzling geotectonic
designs was a 18th century leisure palace for the Maharajas of Jaipur. The
palace situated across the cenotaphs on the Mansagar Lake gives a
mesmerizing view.
Excursion
Amber fort lies at a distance of 11km from Jaipur is a fascinating blend of
Hindu and Mughal architecture. The fort crowns on top of the hillside, the
walls and ceiling of the fort are engrave with exquisite glass mirrors that
helps in splashing the sun rays all over the premises. Jaigarh: The world's
largest cannon on wheels is preserved here. The spacious parkotas (wallls)
watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh are main source of attraction. There is
an excellent view of the Amer Palace from the fort. It is 11km. from Jaipur
and visiting timings are 0900-1630hrs. Bairath: The remnant of Buddhist
temple 86km from Jaipur lies at Bairath. A mint constructed by Akbar, a
bewitching Mughal garden and a unique monument with carved and painted walls
built by Jahangir. Ranthambore, a cosseted habitat of the Indian Tiger.
Khajuraho, the abode of the erotic sculptures is also not far away and
Bharatpur is one of the finest bird sanctuaries of India. Sanganer :Sanganer
40km. from Jaipur, is known for its textile block printing, papermaking and
Jaipur blue pottery, besides several temples and an old palace. This small
town attracts lot of tourist from all over the world.
Shopping
Jaipur is a paradise for shop lovers. It offers precious and semi precious
jewelry. Hand Block Printed Textiles, glazed Blue Pottery with its origin in
Persia, Tie & dye Fabrics (Bandhani/Bandhej) are some of the products
famous world wild.
Accessibility
Air : Jaipur is well joined with Delhi, Udaipur, Jodhpur,
Jaisalmer, Aurangabad and Kolkatta. The main airport is just at the distance
of 20 km from the center of the city.
Rail : From Delhi, you can catch Shatabdi Express, Intercity
Express and The Pink City Express while the Super Fast Express links Jaipur
with Mumbai. There are also trains having a royal ambience like 'Palace On
Wheels' and 'The Royal Orient'.
Road : Frequent deluxe and air-conditioned buses run from Delhi,
Agra, and all cities of Rajasthan to Jaipur. The central bus stand, Sindhi
Camp, is situated in the heart of the city. Agra- 235 kms from Jaipur and
from Delhi- 258 kms. Tourist taxis and RTDC buses also run from Delhi.
