JAIPUR
PLACES TO VISIT
Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink
City. It is also the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It is one
of the most visited tourist places of India. The old city of Jaipur
is partially encircled with seven gates - the major gates are Chandpol,
Sanganeri, and Ajmeri.The Capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped
in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificient
forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the Maharajas.
The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, Famous for Rajasthani jewellery,
fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure
trove for the shoppers.
Amer Palace & Fort
Amer Fort and Palace was originally built by Raja
Man Singh and subsequently developed by Sawai Jai Singh. The major
attractions are Sheela Devi Temple, Sheesh Mahal ( Hall of mirrors),
Jai Garh Fort a few kilometres from the city centre was built for
the defence of the towna and has one of the world`s biggest cannons
on wheels and a rich collection of arms and weapons.
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
Hawa Mahal is the most strikingly designed monument
in Jaipur. Built by the Poet-King Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the
Hawa Mahal is centrally located and is multiniched five storey high
back view of the compled. It was conceived to provide an adequate
vantage position behind delicate stone-carved jali, screens for
the palace women to watch the royal processions passing through
the Bazar below without being seen by outsiders. The Top of the
palace affords a beautiful view of the city. A small archaeological
museum is yet another attaraction in the palace.
Jal Mahal
The Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur is noted for its
intricate architecture. The Palace was developed as a pleasure spot.
It was used for the royal duck shooting parties. On the road to
Amber at a distance of 6.5 kms from Jaipur are the cenotaphs of
the royal family. A causeway leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated
in the middle of Man Sagar lake, opposite the cenotaphs.The first
four floors of this building is under water, only the top floor
remains outside.One can have a wonderful view of the lake and the
palace from Nahargarh Fort Built in 1799, the palace is now abandoned,
but reasonably well preserved. In the monsoons, it looks particularly
startling with its red sandstone set against the water hyacinth
filled lake.
The City Palace
The
city Palace is a historic landmark. The Carved arches are supported
by grey-white marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold
and coloured stones. Two elephants carved in marble, guard the entrance,
where retaineers whose families have served generations of the rulers
are at hand, to serve as guides.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is one of Sawai Jai singh`s Five
remarkable observatories. Constructed withstone and marble its compled
instruments whose setting and shapes are precisely and scientifically
designed , represent the high-points of medieval Indian Astronomy.
The two Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes are unique in their
isolation. This is the largest of five observatories founded by
Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of the country.
Jaigarh Fort
The Western skyline is dominated by the extensive
parkotas (Walls), watch-towers and gateways of Jaigarh.It is one
of the few military structures of medieval India preserved almost
intactcontaining palaces, gardens, open and covered reservoirs,
a grannary, an armoury, a well planned cannon foundry, several temples,
a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon the Jai Ban the largest
in the Country.
Nahargarh Fort
Beyond the hills of Jaigarh, stands the fort of
Nahargarh like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful
capital. Much of the original structures are now in ruins, but the
lovely buildings added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh
II in the 19th century are preserved in a good condition. Some of
the rooms provide the most spectacular view of the city below.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh
Along the road to Agra through a narrow gorge
in the south-eastern corner of the walled city, several landscaped
gardens were constructed by the kings and important courtiers in
the 18th and 19th centuries. The largest and the most famous amongst
these is a garden built by Sawai Jai Singh II for his Sisodia Queen
- The Sisodia Rani-ka-Bagh. It consists of tiered multi-level gardens
with fountains, watercourses and painted pavilions. Amongst others,
the best-preserved one is Vidyadhar-ka-Bagh, constructed by the
builder of the city, Vidyadhar, with shady trees, flowing water,
an open pavilion and suites of living rooms. |