Jaipur Travel Guide
JAIPUR - THE PINK CITY
The
picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur the fantasy in Pink sand stone and
clour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture.
One of the finest planned cities of India. Not long after ascending the throne,
Maharaja Jai Singh II (1699 - 1744) felt need to shift his seat of administration
from Amber to new site and so laid out the foundation of Jaipur city in 1727.
Jai Singh was not only a great ruler but also a renowned mathematician and astrologer,
his various talents are clearly exhibited in the city. Vidhydhar Bhattacharya
designed Jaipur as per the Hindu treatise, Shilp Shastra. The city was laid
with great precision, it could also be called as the first planned city of the
country. The roads were quite wide and intersected at right angles, the entire
city being divided into rectangular blocks and surrounded by a peripheral wall
with huge gates guarding it. The market places were named after the commodity,
which was supposed to be predominantly sold or manufactured there.
Jaipur displays remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The ancient
heart of the pink city still beats inits fairt tale Palaces, rugged Fortresses
perched on barren hill and board avenues that dot the entire city. The only
planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by formidable wall. it is also
a home of excellent handicrafts especially known for the exquisite gold jewellery
enamelled or inlaid with precious and semi precious stones, blue pottery,
carving on wood, stone & ivory, block print, tie & dye textiles, hand
made paper, miniature painting etc.
PALACES TO VISIT
CITY PALACE AND S.M.S. II MUSEUM - situated in the heart of the old CitY
is the former royal residence. it occupies about one seventh of the old city
area. The palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven
storeyed Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens
and the city. DIWAN-E-AM (Hall of public audience) has intricate decorations
and collection of manuscripts, DIWAN-E-KHAS (Hall of private audience) has a
marble pawed gallery Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and textiles.
There is a Clock Tower near Mubarak Mahal. Sileh Khana has a collection of armory
and weapons.
HAWA MAHAL - Hawa Mahal or Palace of winds is major Rajput landmark,
built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument
of Jaipur. The 5 storeyed stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows
with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture.
Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy the processions
and other activities, on the street below. Now it houses a well laid out museum.
The display “Jaipur past and present” is the special feature of this
newly setup museum.
JANTAR MANTAR (Observatory) - A stone Observatory built in 18th century
by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonary instruments were used to study
the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dial still
provide accurate time, which are subject to daily corrections.
JALMAHAL - (6 kms) on the way to Amer, this small palace is set in the
middle of Man Sagar Lake. A paved causeway leads upto the beautiful water palace.
GAITOR - (6 kms) At the foot hill of Nahargarh stands the memorials to
the former rulers of Jaipur the place has some gracefully carved cenotaphs in
white marble.
JAIGARH FORT - (15 kms.) One of the few military structures of medieval
India. Standing on a hilltop, overlooking the palaces and city of Amer. The
world’s biggest cannon on wheels- the Jai Ban is positioned here, built
during reign of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh. It has a twenty feet long barrel and
pumped in the cannon for a single shot.
NAHARGARH FORT - (15 kms.) A sentinel to the pink city is Nahargah Fort,
situated beyond the hills of Jaigarh and cresting a hill about 600 ft. above
the city, the fort was built in 1734. The walls of the fort run along the ridge
and within are architectural beauties like Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra Bhawan.
GALTA - (10 kms.) This holy pilgrimage centre has a temple dedicated
to the Sun God (Which is the only one of its kind in this part of the country)
and natural spring. It crests the ridge over a picturesque gorge and provides
an impressive view of the city. As the legend goes, sage Galav performed a difficult
penance here.
ISHWAR LAT - ‘Swarg Suli’ or ‘heaven piercing minaret’,
the tower, near Tripolia gate, built by Maharaja Ishwari Singh (1744-51). It
offers one of the most breathtaking view of the city.
CENTRAL MUSEUM - Situated in the Ram Niwas Garden. This graceful building
was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert (also known as Albert Hall). It has a rare
collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces.
DOLLS MUSEUM - a collection of beautiful dolls from all over the world,
it is situated on Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg.
BIRLA PLANETARIUM - It offers unique audio-visual education about stars
and entertainment with its modern computerised projection system.
R. C. MUSEUM OF INDOLOGY - It has a large collection of historical archaeological
manuscripts, miniature paintings and other artifacts. Timing 10.00 to 16.00
hrs, Phone: 2607455
MOTIDOONGARI - perched on a hill top on the southern horizon. It is a
replica of a Scottish castle.
LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE - is situated just below the Moti 000ngri, known
for the intricate marble carvings in white marble, popularly known as Birla
Temple.
MAHARANI KICHHATRI - The funeral place for the royal ladies, marked by some
wonderfully carved cenotaphs.
SISODIA RANI GRADEN - (5 kms.) on the road to Agra, the magnificent palace
garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1710 for his queen.
VIDHYADHAR GARDEN - (5 kms.) on the way to Agra, built by Viyadhar, the
chief architect and town planner of Jaipur. This beautiful terraced garden has
several galleries and pavilions decorated with exquisite murals, depicting Lord
Krishna.
KANAK VRINDAVAN - (6.5 Kms on the way to Amer) This newly restored temple
and garden, near Jal Mahal, has beautiful gardens and is popular picnic place.
This is also beautiful location for film shooting.
AMBER - The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range of craggy
hills. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings
as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. It is a fine blend of Hindu
and Muslim architecture. The solemn dignity of it red sandstone and white marble
pavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold.
The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh, the additional extensions were
built by Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh lIthe last Maharaja
of Amer, who built a new city called Jaipur, where he shfted his capital in
1727.
The palace complex is lavishly ornamented and displays the riches of Amer. Sheesh
Mahal chamber of Mirrors. Diwan-e-Am or the Hall of Public Audience is a beautifully
proportioned hall open on three sides and stands on two rows of ornamented pillars.
Diwan e-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience has delicate mosaic work in glass.
Sukh mandir is guarded by sandalwood doors inlaid with ivory. Throughout the
massive fort finely carved lattice windows, exquisitely painted doorways, halls
and finely sculptured pillars crave for attention.
The old city of Amer was the seat of power and bustling with life and prosperity.
Other worth seeing sites are Jagat Shiromani Temple, Narsinghji temple, the
stepwell of Panna Meena and fine carved royal cenotaphs on the road to Delhi.
EXCURSIONS
SAMODE - 40 Km to the northwest is the popular small village Samode the
royal residence of the prime minister of Jaipur. Nestling beneath a hill fort
Samode with its fairytale Palace that has some of the most exquisite mirrior
work and fresoes. The Durbar hall at Samode Palace is one of the most beautifully
painted chambers in Rajasthan. Close by is the Samode Bagh, the garden pavelion
with charming water channels and ancient trees.
SAMBHAR - Famous for the country’s largest inland salt lake, is
an ancient city. It was the first capital of the Chauhan dynasty. Sakambhari,
as it was founded near the temple of Goddess Sakambhari, famous for its holy
Devyani tank, the palace and the nearby Naliasar: where the 3rd century onwards
sculptures and terracottas were found in excavation. This place is situated
on the Sambhar-Naraina Road.
VIRATNAGAR - 86 K.m. on the Shahpura-Alwar road, The site of ancient
Viratnagar is of great antiquity. It contains the relics and structures of Mauryan,
Mugal and Rajput periods.
RAMGARH LAKE - (28 Kms) the huge artificial lake, a popular picnic spot.
The ruins of the old fort and the temple of Jamwa Mata indicate that it was
the seat of power of the Kachhawahas before they moved to Amer.
SAMODE - (40 kms) a quaint village amidst the hills, the Samode palace
set in fairy tale surrounding, has beautiful wall paintings & mirror works,
now this is a heritage hotel.
BAGRU - (35 Kms.) the village on the Ajmer road, is known for its hand
block printing, the characteristic prints are called as Bagru prints. The fort
here is still in a good condition.
SANGANER - (16 Kms.) another centre of hand block printed textile and
hand made paper. It also has historical ruins and Jam temples.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The Pink City rejoices and celebrates the fairs and festivals with pomp and
gaiety since time immemorial. These fairs and festivals reflect the rich culture
and heritage of the region. Jaipur has a flair for celebrating every occasion.
ELEPHANT FESTIVAL - 14 March, 2006, the elephant enthrall the spectators
on the day of the Colourful festival of Holi at Chaugan stadium. Beautifully
decorated elephants assemble for royal procession, Elephant polo match, races
etc. & Rajasthan Folk music & dance performances are part of the festival.
GANGAUR - 1-2 April, 2006, this festival is celebrated by the maidens
and married women, and is dedicated to Gauri, the incarnation of Goddess Parvati,
the consort of Lord Shiva. A Colourful procession is taken out from Zanana Deodhi
of the City Palace, passing through Tripolia Bazar, Gangauri Bazar, Chaugan
and converging near Talkatora for two consecutive days.
TEEJ - 28-29 July, 2006, festival marking the advent of monsoon, swings
are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls sing songs of love
and about the rain. The festival is dedicated to parvati, commemorating the
day when she was united with Lord Shiva, A magnificent procession is taken out
from City Palace, similar to the Gangaur procession, for two consecutive days.
MAKAR SANKRANTI - 14th of January, every year with traditional fervour,
the devotees take a holy dip in the holy tank at Galtaji, it has now also become
a kite flying festival, millions of colourful kites come on the sky of Jaipur
on this day.
SHITLA ASHTAMI - (March-April) this festival is locally called as Basoda,
is celebrated to ward off the dreaded disease of small pox. The most famous
fair is held at the Shitla Mata temple in Chaksu (on the Jaipur Kota Road),
people gather here to pray and celebrate.
DONKEY FAIR - (Khalkani Mata Mela) (October) the donkeys day at Looniyawas
near Sanganer, Thousands of donkeys from all over north India are brought here
for buying and selling. The donkey races and sports are organised for the merriment
of people. A rare sight indeed.
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