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 flavoured strongly with an age-old
charm that never fails to surprise a traveller. 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.
Jaipur is named after
its founder the warrior and astronomer sovereign Sawai Jai Singh II (ruled 1688
to 1744). The decision to move out of his hilltop capital Amer was also compelled
by reasons of growing population and paucity of water. Moreover in the early seventh
century the power of the great Mughals was dwindling with its aging Monarch Aurangzeb
and after several centuries of invasions the north was now quite and the wealth
of the kingdom had become greater than before. Seizing upon this opportune time
Jai Singh planned his new capital in the planes. Jaipur is a corroborative effort
of Sawai Jai Singh's strong grounding in sciences and astrology and a Bengali
architect Vidyadhar with a strong instinct for planning.
Sight
Seeing of Jaipur
City
palace:
 | Located
in the heart of the walled city, The City Palace Complex gives you an idea about
the farsightedness of the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a
legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture, art and craft
structure in the city. Sawai Jai Singh built its many buildings but some of some
of the structures were also built by later rulers and some of them are even dated
in the in the twentieth century too. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani
architecture and the royal family still lives in a part of the palace. |
On entering the complex and before the palace proper lies
the Mubarak Mahal, the palace of welcome or reception. Sawai Madho Singh built
the palace in the nineteenth century. It was used as a reception centre for the
visiting personage. The building now forms the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum
and on display here are a wide array of royal costumes, some very exquisite and
precious Pashmina (Kashmiri) Shawls, Benaras silk saris, Sanganeri prints and
folk embroidery. An unusual display is that of voluminous clothes worn by Maharaja
Sawai Madho Singh I (ruled 1750-68).
Jantar
Mantar:
Across the road from the palaces is the famous JANTAR MANTAR
one of the five observatories in India . Built by Sawai Jai Singh, this is one
of the largest and the best preserved. A passionate hobby of the king in the field
of Astronomy, numerology, insighted him to execute this observatory and with the
help of skilled labourers, they managed to create a collection of complex astronomical
instruments chiselled out of stone and most of which continues to provide accurate
information to this day.
 | The
most striking instrument is the Brihat Samrat yantra Sundial, an imposing yellow
edifice to the far right of the observatory complex which has a 27m high gnomon
arm set at an angle of 27degree.The shadow this casts moves up to 4m in an hour,
and aids in the calculation of local and meridian pass time and various attributes
of the heavenly bodies, including declination the angular distance of a heavenly
body from the celestial equator and altitude. This highlight of the observatory
has made it a centre of attraction for the tourist visiting Jaipur. |
Moti Dungri (Ganesh
Temple):
In the middle of
Jaipur rises a small hill Moti Dungri meaning pearl hill, because it looks hill
a drop of pearl. An exotic palace is parched which is a replica of Scottish castle
once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son. From There on remained as a private
property of the ruling family. In the recent past it served as a home for Rajmata
Gaytri Devi and her estranged son Jagat Singh. The mere view of this castle is
exotic enough. The highlight of this place is the famous and auspicious temple
of Lord Ganesh, which is frequently visited by almost whole of Jaipur and people
from outside
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
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.
Of the Jaipur's three forts, Jaigarh is perhaps the most motivating. It does not
have those delicate structures or palaces like that of Amber but if you want a
quick look at a hard-core fortress, this is it.
 |
Jaigarh means `Victory Fort' and was built between the 15th and the 18th century,
and stands 15 km from Jaipur, amidst rock-strewn, thorn-scrub covered hills, its
forbidding stone ramparts are visible from the Jaipur town. A steep road goes
up to the main gate, the Dungar Darwaza, from where the view is stupendous. |
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:
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 1952 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. All the means
of survival & luxuries for the royal families and the people who were concerned
with the functioning of this small kingdom of the Kachhawas were well provided.
 | The
Rajputs who had apparently won a small structure passed on by Meena tribes, later
on renovated it into the grand Amber Fort. Holding a history so old as 7 centuries,
this place vibrates with its legendry past, in the archaeological history. Although
many of the early structures have been literally ruined but at the same time,
those dating from the 16th century on are remarkably preserved by sincere efforts. |
Excursion:
Samod Village:
The fort is an old fortified residence of the Nathawat family (hailing from chomu)
that served as the Prime Ministers of the Jaipur Royal Court is located some 40km
from Jaipur and 264 km from Delhi in the range of Aravali. This magnificent fort
is as charming and romantic in itself, and exhibits grandeur, good taste, class
and elegance. The way to the fort's main entrance is through the inside of the
village, which can be covered from the highway by a camel safari, with the locals
welcoming the guests with smiles and thrilling expressions. The inside of the
fort reflects expressions of the medieval architecture that is renovated a bit
for the oriental formality. The open courtyards in the center has separate wings
on the sides that extends to 43 spacious rooms & suites having private balconies
and views. The walls are in warm colours to highlight the intricate marble work,
the antiques and the colorful art with traditional artifacts. The Durbar hall
of Samode Palace is one of the most beautifully painted chambers with glass &
minakari work and the same goes for the private restricted spaces- meant for the
"zannanis", women of the family.
Sariska
Wildlife Sanctuary:
This park is situated only 200 km from Delhi
and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although larger than Ranthambor, it is less commercialized
and has less tigers but a similar topography. It covers an area of 800 sq km in
total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km. The Northern Aravali Hills
dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys.
The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.
The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali
hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous
forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of wildlife here is a wonderful example
of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate here is variable as well
as erratic.
Kaurali Village:
It is 182 kms southwest of Jaipur, it was founded in 1348 and is best
known for its Krishna Temples. The Fort, which was constructed over different
period, is about 600 years old. The fort was the residence for the royal family
until 1950 and is now occupied by monkeys and geese. The geese were used in the
early days as warning system against any intruders. They still seem to be doing
their duty. The Bhawar Vilas Palace, which is owned by the descendents of the
royal family and resembles a large manor, is a hotel now.
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