|
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 - and repainted in 1876, during the visit of
the Prince of Wales. 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.
The city of Jaipur is the logical starting point for anyone
traveling in Rajasthan because of its central location and
good air, road, and rail connections.
 To
the west lies the desert region of Marwar (Bikaner,
Jaisalmer and Jodhpur), to the north and south run the
craggy Aravali hills. From Jaipur it is an easy drive to
Alwar and the Sariska Tiger Reserve in the northeast, or to
Ajmer, Pushkar and Kishnagarh in the South east.
Also within reach is the Shekawati region in the northwest
and Ranthambor National Park in the east.
Amer Fort One of the most magnificent destinations in
Jaipur, on the rugged hills outside of town sits Amer Fort.
(Amber Fort). It is an example of fascinating blend of Hindu
and Muslim architecture built in red sandstone and white
marble. The highlight of the fort is the Seesh Mahal (mirror
Palace), a palace known for its craftsmanship in mirrors.
Bairath Lying between Jaipur & Alwar this is a location,
which has significance from the Mahabaratha times and it is
said that the Pandavas spent one year of their exile here.
Excavations reveal that Bairath formed a part of the Mauryan
Empire and flourished as a Buddhist establishment.
City Palace In the heart of the city is situated the
City Palace, which is now a museum except for one section
where the erstwhile royal family still lives. Grey-white
marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold and
coloured stones support the carved arches. The museum houses
a fascinating armory of Mughal and Rajput weapons and swords
of all shapes and sizes. There is also an art gallery.
Gaitor is about 15 kms. from Jaipur and is famous for
the cenotaphs or chhatris of Jaipur rulers, with the
exception of Sawai Ishwari Singh’s. The cenotaph of Sawai
jai Singh ii stands out for its delicate carvings and
beautiful shape.
Galta is about 20 kms. from Jaipur is Galta, famous
for the old pilgrim centre of Galtaji and 'kunds' (natural
springs and reservoirs) said to have curative powers. The
small temple of the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on top
of the highest peak, is visible form all parts of the city.
Hawa Mahal The most famous landmark of Jaipur, the
palace of winds built in 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh was
actually planned for the royal household to have a look at
every day life of the city. The palace has tier upon tier of
curved arch surmounting fairy casements with "jali" -
latticework screens.
Jaigarh Fort Named after Jai Singh II, the Jaigarh
fort is perched on a cliff surrounded by huge battlements
with inside walkways. It is one of the few military
structures of medieval India preserved almost intact,
containing palaces, a granary, a well-planned cannon
foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted
cannon-the Jain Ban (Jaivan) the largest cannon in the
world.
Jal Mahal The Jal Mahal on a picturesque palace
amidst the Man Sagar Lake is Jaipur's lake palace surrounded
with water. It was built for royal duck shooting parties.
Jantar Mantar Largest of the five remarkable
observatories made by Jai Singh in five different cities,
this is the best-preserved one. It shows the Maharaja’s
passion for astronomy.
Nahar Garh Perched atop a picturesque hill, the
Nahargarh Fort offers a breathtaking view of the city below.
Initially it was built by Sawai Jain Singh in 1734 A.D. and
was enlarged and given its present shape by Sawai Madho
Singh in 1885 A.D. There is a road to Nahargarh from Amer,
which passes through the hills .
Ramgarh Lake This is a huge artificial lake created
by constructing a high bund amidst tree-covered hills. Much
of the original structures are now in ruins but its
beautiful landscape makes it an idyllic picnic spot.
|
