Tourist attractions in Jaipur
Hawa MahalBuilt in 1799 A.D., the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is a major Rajput landmark. This five storey building along the main street of the old city is in pink splendour with semioctagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows. The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.
Jantar MantarA stone observatory. Largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments, whose settings and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy. The most striking of these are the Ram Yantras used for guaging altitudes.
The City PalaceIn the heart of the old city is the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones. Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers serve as guides. The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chased handles, some of them inlaid with enamel and embellished with jewels and encased in magnificent scabbards. The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail.
Govind Dcvji TempleThe 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 II as his family deity.
Jain TempleThe exquisite Jain temple on the Agra road has some of the most beautiful 19th century paintings in Jaipur style on its wails. Moti Doongri and Lakshmi Narayan Temple : Moti Doongri is a privately owned hilltop fort built like a Scottish castle. The Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the marvellous Lakshmi Narayan Temple built in marble a few years back, are also noteworthy. Statue Circle : The full-length exquisitely carved statue of Sawai Jai Singh in white marble in the centre of the circle was erected under the newly planned scheme area to pay homage to the founder of Jaipur
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.
GaitorGaitor 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.
GaltaAbout 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 MahalThe 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 FortNamed 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 MahalThe 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 MantarLargest 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 GarhPerched 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 LakeThis 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.
SamodeThe beautiful Samode Palace has been rebuilt and renovated providing a fine example of the Rajput haveli architecture. The highlight of the building is the exquisite Diwan-i-Khas, covered with original paintings and mirror work.
SanganerSituated about 40 kms. from Jaipur, this small town is entered through the ruins of two 'Tripolias' or triple-gateways housing, a ruined palace and a group of Jain temples with fine carvings. On the Ajmer Road, the ground level fort is still in good shape, which is noted for its hand printed handloom industry using simple techniques.
Sisodia Rani Ka BaghThe terraced Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh (the Garden of Sisodia Queen) is situated at a distance of 10 kms. from Jaipur, which was created by the queen of Jai Singh II, Sisodia Rani, as an escape from the court intrigues. It is a beautiful escape with landscaped gardens and murals of the life of Lord Krishna, decorating its interiors.
Vidyadhar's GardenNestled in a narrow valley, this beautiful garden was built in honour of Jai Singh's chief Vidyadhar Bhattacharjee-the architect and town planner.
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