Hawa
Mahal
Poet king Sawai Pratap Singh built this
palace of winds. This is the most easily
recalled landmarks of Jaipur and is also its
icon. Located in the city Palace it is best
viewed from the outside for the palace is
really a facade. This five-storey building
overlooking the busy bazaar street is a
stunning example of Rajput architecture and
artistry with its pink delicately
honeycombed 953 sandstone windows known as 'jharokhas'.
It was originally built for the ladies of
the royal household to watch everyday life
and processions in the city from their
veiled comfort. Most people come here to get
a view of the facade but they can also climb
to the top for a wonderful view from the
latticed windows. There is also a small
archaeological museum there. Entry to
foreigners/citizen is Rs 30/10.Gaitore
It is the final resting place of the
Maharajas of Jaipur and is located just off
the Jaipur - Amber Road. Situated in a
narrow valley the cenotaphs of the former
Maharajas are chhatris made in typical
Rajput architecture. The chhatri of Sawai
Jai Singh II is of special mention for its
carvings that exaggerate it.
Kanak Vrindavan
Not so old but definitely an exquisitely
land scaped gardens with beautifully carved
temple in beige stone, which is a vast
complex with terrace sites all around and
intricately carved marble columns and
lattices. Located in the foothills of
Nahargarh hills on the way towards Amer,
this complex is a popular spot for picnic
and film shoots. It should be definitely
visited on the way to the three garland
forts of Jaipur- Nahargarh, Jaigarh and
Amber. The greenery after the monsoons give
this whole place a feel of heavenly
sensation, with JAL MAHAL in the back
ground.
Jaigarh Fort
The Jaigarh fort is the most spectacular of
the three-hilltop forts that overlook
Jaipur. In Mughal times, the Jaipur region
was a major weapon-producing centre for the
Mughal and Rajput rulers, several of which
are on display in the fort's museum. 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 Jai Ban (Jaivan) which is the
largest cannon in the world. Jaigarh Fort is
also known as the fort of victory. The
display includes a collection of canons,
many of which are exquisitely decorated and
were used in the Mughal campaigns led by the
Rajput King, Raja Man Singh.
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort is located on the sheer
rugged ridge of Aravali Hills and it forms
an impressive northern backdrop of Jaipur.
It looks most classy when floodlit at night.
The fort overlooks the city and presents a
glittering view of the city lights. It was
built in 1734 and extended in 1868.
Nahargarh meaning abode of the tigers was
built by Jai Singh to bolster the defence of
Amber. The legend also have it that it was
named Nahargarh after Nahar Singh a prince
whose spirit would destroy the construction
and not allow its progress further. So after
a tantrik prayer to the spirit it agreed to
leave on condition that the fort is named
after him. The Madhavendra Bhawan, built by
Sawai Ram Singh II has uniquely a cluster of
12 identical suits for queens and at the
head is a suit for the king himself. The
rooms are linked by corridors and retain
some delicate frescos as well as toilets and
kitchen hearths. It was used by members of
the royal family for excursion in summers
and is now even a favoured picnic spot. Durg
Cafeteria just above the entrance sells
meals and refreshments, while Padao
Restaurant on the west sells drinks around
sunset.
Amber Fort
Amber (pronounced Amer) is situated about 11
kilometres from Jaipur and was the ancient
citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of
Amber, before the capital was shifted in the
plains to present day Jaipur.
The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged
hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and
Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man
Singh I in 1592 and completed by Sawai Jai
Singh I the fort is made in red sand stone
and white marble. The rugged forbidding
exterior belies an inner paradise with a
beautiful fusion of art and architecture.
Amber is the classic and romantic fort-
palace with a magnificent aura. The interior
wall of the palace depicts expressive
painting scenes with carvings, precious
stones and mirror settings. In the
foreground is the Maota Lake providing a
breathtaking look. Built mainly for the
warring enemies as a safe place, the heavily
structured walls could defend the residents
within the ramparts of the fort.
Galtaji
It is an ancient pilgrimage centre lying
beyond the gardens amidst low hills.
Temples, pavilions and holy kunds (natural
spring and water tanks) 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 a
visible city landmark.
Govind Dev Ji Temple
A vital part of the city Palace complex,
this Krishna temple has been highly
preserved by the erstwhile royal family.
Sawai Jai Singh installed the image of
GOVIND DEV JI(an incarnation of lord
Krishna) after it was brought from Vrindavan.
Housed within the sanctum of this spire less
temple, the patron deity of the royal family
is very religiously worshipped by most of
the Hindus in the city and near by areas.
The image is unveiled seven times daily for
'AARTIES' and BHOGS offered in the silver
wares, consisting of sweets mostly. The
idols of RADHA KRISHNA are dressed in
different styles each time for the 'AARTI'
procession where thousands of followers or 'Bhakt'
gather around the courtyard for the Darshan
(a look connecting them with the divine).
Birla Lakshmi-Narayan Temple
Birla Mandir or the Lakshmi - Narayan
Temple, situated just below the Moti Dungari.
This is a modern temple built of white
marble on top of a hill, dominating the
skyline of south Jaipur. The Birlas
(industrialists who have also built several
temples in India) built this temple. The
temple has been constructed in white marble
and has three domes, each portraying the
different approaches to religion. The
presiding deities here are Vishnu (One of
the Hindu Trilogy Gods) called Narayan and
his consort Lakshmi Goddess of wealth and
good fortune. The temple is built is white
in marble and exterior has carved sculptures
of various mythological themes and images of
saints. The interior has large panel in
marble of mythological proceedings. The
images of the deities are placed in the
sanctum sanctorum. Built on raised ground,
it is surrounded by large lush green
gardens. |
tive aspirations of Sawai Jai Singh in
the form of the dream city of Jaipur.
Jaipur is 260 km from Delhi and 240 km from
Agra and forms the most chosen tourism
golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
It a bustling capital city and a business
centre with all the trapping of modern
metropolis but yet flavored strongly with an
age-old charm that never fails to surprise a
traveler. The old Jaipur painted in Pink can
grip any visitor with admiration. Stunning
backdrop of ancient forts Nahargarh, Amer,
Jagarh and Moti Dungri are dramatic
testimonials of the bygone era and a
reminder of their lingering romance.