Jaipur Travel
Jaipur, the vibrant capital city of Rajasthan, is situated at an altitude of 431 meters above sea level. It covers an area of 64.75 square km. Jaipur is popularly known as the "Pink city" as some of the buildings in the old city are in pink color. This city sits on dry lake bed in an arid landscape, surrounded by the Aravallis and protected by the Nahargarh Fort. The city is a visitor's delight. Hindi, Rajasthani, Marwari and English are the common languages which are spoken in Jaipur.
Places to visit : The main tourist attractions in Jaipur are Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, City Palace, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall and Raj Mandir (Movie Theatre). The City Palace is the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the city palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. Jantar Mantar is an observatory of outsized astronomical instruments, the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories.
CITY PALACE AND S.M.S. II MUSEUM - 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.
JANTAR MANTAR (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.
HAWA MAHAL - built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture.
JALMAHAL - his small palace is set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. A paved causeway leads upto the beautiful water palace.
JAIGARH FORT - (15 kms.) 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.
AMER - 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. You can also enjoy the elephant ride at the Amer fort.
NAHARGARH FORT - (15 kms.) 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. Timing 10.00 to 16.00 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00