S H E E R S Y M P H O N Y I N P I N K
The color pink is associated with hospitality in Rajasthan. So it is only appropriate that Jaipur , the capital , the capital of the state be washed in this shade spreading out the pink carpet for visitors. Planned by a young Bengali architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya Jaipur was built by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh II in 1727 A.D. Laid in a grid system, with straight avenues. Roads streets ianes criss cross the city sectors (Chow Kris).The planning of the city followed the principles of “Shilpaslastra” an epochal treatise on Hindu architecture.
Displaying remarking harmony the heart of the pink City still beats in its fairy tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on hills. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall. Jaipur today is a blend of tradition and modernity beautifully laid out gardens and parks intersperse the timeless appeal of this colorful bazaars where one gardens and parks intersperse the timeless appeal of this colorful marvelous heritage hotel once the residence of maharajas transports you to the days of royalty of yare.
Mingle with the people, yet ambling camels pass by make your trip to the pink City a truly memorable one.
PRIME SITES
City Palace: In the heart of the old city is the former royals residence built in a blend of the Rajasthan and Mughal style. The carved arches are supported by grey white marble columns ornate with flaral motifs in gold and coloured stones. Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance.
The palace: Houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthan costumes and armory of Mughals and Raipur including swords of different shapes and sizes with chased handle 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 painting carpets royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical work in Arabic Persian Latin and Sanskrit, astronomy in detail
Jantar Mantra: A stone observatory. Largest of jai Singh Five remarkable observatories its Complex instruments, whose settings and shapes are scientifically designed represent the high point of medieval Indian astronomy.
The most striking of these are the Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes.
Hawa Mahal: Built 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 semi- octagonal delicately honey combed sandstone windows. The moment was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to processions of the city.
Govind Decji Temple :The most popular spineless temple of Jaipur dedicated to lord Krishna it is located in the central pavillon of the jai Niwas garden to the narth of Chandra Mahal. The image of the patron deity – Govind Devi originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan here by Sawai Jai Singh II as his family deity
Swargasuli (Isar Lat): The highest tower dominating the skyline on the western side of the Tripoli a Bazaar . it was built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in 1749 A.D. to commemorate a grand victory .
Ram Niwas Bagh : A lush spacious garden with a zoo an aviary a greenhouse a herbarium a museum it was built by Sawai Ram singh II in 1868 A.D. as a famine relief project. The sarcenic style of architecture designed by Sir Swinton Jacob was opened later with an exquisite collection of Egyptian mummy and the celebrated Persian carpet. Rabindra Manch with an auditorium a modern art gallery and on open air theatre has been added to promote cultural event.
Dolls Museum (Time: 1200 hrs to 1900hrs): pretty dolls from various countries are an display in the compound of the school for deal and dumb children, near the police Memorial.
BM Birla Planetrium (Time 1200hrs to 1900hrs): The planetarium offers unique audit Vishal education and entertainment with its modern computerize projection system For school groups concessions are available it remains closed on last Wednesday of every month.
Galta ki Guni : Beautifully landscaped gardens laid out in the 18thAnd 19th century by kings and courtiers dot the narrow gorge in the south eastern corner of the wolled city along the road to Agra Sisodia Rani garden has tiered multilevel gardens with fountains water channel and painted pavilions and suite of living room Amongst other Vidyadhar – ka Bagh is the best preserved one with shady trees flowing water an open pavilion it was built by the planner of the city Vidyadhar.
Amber: Former capital of the kachchwaha rules of the old state of Dhundhar for seven centuries very little of the early structures survive now.
Amber palace and Shila Mata Temple: A beautiful complex of palaces halls pavilion gardens and temple built by raja Man Singh Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a Period of about two centuries still stand in magnificent state. The palace complex emerges dramatically from the placid waters of the Maotha lake and is approachable only through a steep path Tourist often ride on the elephant back to the Singh pal and the Jaleb Chowk. Two flight of the stair rise from one end of the chowk one leading to the shila Mata temple and other palace complex .
The image of the partan goddess worshipped by thousands of devotes was brought from thousands of devotees was brought from Jessore in East Bengal (now in Bangladesh) by Raja Man Singh to be installed here
A spectacular pillared hall Diwan – e Aam and a double storeyed painted gateway Ganesh Pol dominate the front courtyard An elegant tiny garden in Charbag style beyond the corridors has Sukh Niwas to its right and jabs Mandir to its left. The latter combines the Mughal and the Rajput and architecture seen in its beautiful interior with intricately carved jail screens delicate mirror stucco work painted and carved dodoes. The well proportioned Mohan Bari or kesor kesor kyari in the centre if the mootha lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provides a spectacular view of the palaces above.
Old City (Ambar): Once a settlement of nobles craftsmen and common falks the city of Amber is now in ruins. The remnants of its rich past are the beautifully carved and palnned Jag at Shiromani temple a Krishna temple associated with Meerabai an ancient temple of Narsinghji and a magnificent step- well – Panna Moan- kund.
Jaigarh: Once of the few military strutures of medieval India retaining its ancient splendor in palaces, gardens reservoirs an armory a well planned cannon foundry several temples a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon foundry several temples a tall tower and giant mounted cannon the jai ban one of the largest In the country are preserved here The extensive parkotas (walls), watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh dominate the western skyline
Nahargarh: A sentinel to the pink City is Nahargarh fort situated beyond the hills is Nahargarh Fort situtated beyond this hills of jaigarh Although munch of it is in ruins the lovely building added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II provides interest to the fort.
Others: Beautiful memorials to the queens Moharani ki Chhatri are near the Ramgarth Rood crossing on the amber Road The island palace jal Mahal built by Sawai jai singh I is a fascinating spot at the center of the Man sager lake.
The kanak Vrindavan compelx of fine temple and gardens has been recently renovated TO heir pristine perfection to the west of this road Is the royal crematorium at Gaitore which is a narrow volley with some spectacular cenotaphs of all the Jaipur rules except Sawai ishwari singh who cremated outside the jai Niwas Garden Most imposing is the chhatri of Sawai jai singh II with intricate carvings and a graceful shape.
EXCURSIONS
Sanganer: (12Kms): Lacated on the Tank road in addition to its ruined palace Sanganer has exquisitely carved Join temples The town is entered through the ruins of two tripolias (triple gateways)
The tawn Is an important centre for crofts industry and produces some of the finest industry and produces some of the finest hand printed textiles is popular all over the country and aboard.
Bagru (35Kms ): On the Ajmer Road the ground level fort is still in good shape it is noted for its hand printed handloom industry using simple techniques.
The designs of these handlooms are less complicated and are in earth hues.
Ramgarh lake (32kms north east): A huge Artificial lake created by constructing a high dam amidst tree covered hills. While this temple of Jamwa Mata and the ruins of the old fort me some of its antiquities its beautiful landscape especially during monsoons, makes it an idyllic picnic spot.
Samode (40kms north west): The beautiful samode palace has been rebuilt and renovated and provides a fine example of the Rajput haveli architecture and is on deal spot for outings
Bairath (86 kms on the Shahpura Alwar Road): An important historical place with the excavated remains of a circular Buddhist temple unique in Rajasthan and the earliest known temple in India Bairath also has relics of the Moryan Mughal and Rajput periods A mint constructed by Akbar a beautiful Mughal garden and a remarkable monument with painted chhatris and walls built by Jahangir are other attractions.
Abhaneri 80kms north east off the Agra Road near Bandikui ): A famous 7th – 8th century A.D. temple of Harshad Mata and the step well known as Chand Baadi are of interest Two Jain temples are also present which were built at a later period.
Sambhar (94 kms west) : The largest inland salt lake of India known for the holy Devyani Tank the palace and the Naliasar nearby.
Jaisinghpura khor (12kms off the Amber Road): Once of the settlements of the Meena tribe it has a formidabale fort a Jain temple and a step well amid lush surroundings.
Tunga was witness to a histanic battle faught between the Jaipure forces and the Marathas Madhogarh -Tunga (40 kms on the Bassi lasot – Agra Road): The fort is nestled amidst beautiful mango archards.
Shopping: Jaipur offers one of a kind shopping experience with its rich treasure of bewitching Jewellery beautiful gems semi precious stones Kundan and Minakari work (enamel work on gold) beautiful catton fabrics incuding Sanganeri prints fabrics including Sanganeri prints fie and dye and fine Kata doria saris are the best buys for women.
The exotic blue pottery enamelware and brassware make excellent souvenirs and gift items The city is also famous for woolen carpets and cotton rugs Equally popular are the leather footwear especially the embroidered ‘Jutis’
The famous shopping spots are Rajasthali (GOVT. Handicarafts shop on MI Road Jahari Bazaar Chhoti & Badi Chaupar stalls. The markets generally remain closed on Sunday.
Festive Fun
Some of the festivals uniqnue to the city include:
Gangar March – April): The festival of women decicated to Goddess Gauri. Elephant Festival (March): playing holi on these majestic mammals is unque sight during the festivals