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Jaipur, the city of history and culture, forts and palaces, golden sand and
warm people, the origin of which dates back to the Eighteenth century, during
the reign of Jai Singh II, who ascended the throne of Amber in 1699. He
abandoned the rugged hills of Amber and set about laying a perfect palace-city
in the adjoining plains Jaipur. Jaipur today epitomizes the spirit of
Rajputana. Inspite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its
character and history a beautiful fusion of yesteryears and modernity.
(Distance from the Airport 15 Kms, Approx. time 25 Mins.)
Places of Interest
Amber Fort - Amber is the classic, romantic Rajasthan fort-palace. Its
construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by his
descendant Jai Singh I. The rugged, forbidding exterior belies an inner
paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles find its ultimate
refinement. Painted scenes of hunting and war adorn the walls with precious
stones and mirrors set into the plaster. In the foreground is the Maota Lake
with breathtaking reflections of the magnificent Amber Fort-Palace. For an
experience that's truly royal, visitors can reach the fort through snaking
pathways on elephant back. e built by the famous David Sasson in 1867.
Gangaur Festival - Held in honour of goddess Parvati, this festival is held a
few days after Holi and is celebrated in Jaipur on a grand scale. Primarily, a
festival for women, married women pray for their husbands and unmarried girls
pray for a good husband. Festive processions are taken out, women draw water
from wells, pick flowers and chant hymns to the goddess Parvati.
Nahagarh Fort -'Tiger Fort', the fort is perched on a cliff overlooking and
protecting Jaipur.
Hawa Mahal - The ornamental façade of this " Palace of Winds" is a landmark in
Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of pink sandstone encrusted with fine
trelliswork and balconies has 953 niches and windows. It was built in 1799 by
Pratap Singh and was a royal grandstand for palace women.
Jantar Mantar - This is the largest and best preserved of the five
observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.
Jal Mahal - A lake palace, it was the summer resort of the royal Rajput
family.
Golta - 20 kms from Jaipur and a fine spot for a day's outing. The natural
springs here are said to have curative properties. There are also several
temples in the area. Noteworthy among them is the temple of the Sun God. Galta
is particularly lovely after the rains when the surrounding landscape is
clothed in a carpet of green. Enroute to Galta from Jaipur, is Sisodia Rani Ka
Bagh, a charming place with a fine garden; a temple dedicated to Vishnu and
one dedicated to Hanuman.
Jaigarh Fort - Named after Jai Singh II, the fort is perched on a cliff and
surrounded by huge battlements with inside walkways offering stunning views on
all sides.
City Palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one - seventh of the area in the
walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City
Palace Museum.
Sanganer - A 40 kms drive from Jaipur, Sanganer is famed for textile block -
printing, paper - making and Jaipur blue pottery.
Gaitor - Located 15kms from Jaipur, it is here that the Chhatris of Jaipur's
rulers stand amidst reverential silence. The cenotaph of Maharaja Sawai Jai
Singh - II, the founder of Jaipur, is the finest. Twenty carved pillars
support a dazzling structure in white marble, its elegant dome. Other
cenotaphs that are of note are those of Pratap Singh and Madho Singh II.
Samode - Located 40 kms from Jaipur, it is known for its palace, which is now
a heritage hotel.
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