North India Tourist Destinations
Jaipur Travel - The Pink City
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The capital city of the state of Rajasthan is popularly known
as the pink city because of the pink paint applied to the buildings
in its old wlled city. (in Rajput culture, pink was traditionally
a colour associated with hospitality.) In cantrast to the cities
on the Ganges plain, Jaipur has broad avenues and a remarkable
harmony.
The city sits on a dry lake bed in a wild and somewhatarid landscape,
surrounded by barren hills surmounted by fortresses and crenellated
walls, Jaipur long ago outstripped the confines of its city
wall yet retains a less crowded and more relaxed atmosphere
than its large size and population might suggest.
Jaipur also known as the rose pink city was established by Maharaja
Jai Singh II in the year 1727 AD. The city enjoys the status
of a capital city of Rajasthan and it is emerging as the major
destination in the itinerary of a tourist. Jaipur City is divided
into 9 rectangular zones symbolizing the nine divisions of the
universe the only one of its kind in the entire world. Enclosed
by rocky terrain and encircled by unconquered walls, the city
is a showcase in itself offering a charming view of majestic
forts, royal palaces and enchanting gardens. Jaipur is also
embellished with its popping busy bazaars, more known for Rajasthani
ornaments, fabrics and artifacts, are surely a treasure-trove
for the shoppers. This exotic city with its quixotic zest drives
you to an era of kingship and heritage.
MAJOR ATTRACTION OF JAIPUR CITY
Jantar Mantar (Observatory)
It is a collection of complex astronomical instruments, carved
out of stone that still provides with fairly accurate information
to this day. Jantar Mantar an observatory was built by Maharaja
Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century. It facilitated the further
study the movement of heavenly bodies in the sky. The other
attraction of the observatory is the enormous sundial that still
gives an accurate time, tourist from all over visit Jantar Mantar
to see this unique charisma.
Timing: 9.00 to 16.30 hr.
City palace/ Museum
City Palace most significant historic structure has impressive
gateways and temples. The Palace treasures some of the brilliant
buildings and palace like- Diwan-E-Am called as the Hall of
public audience, Diwan-E-Khas as the Hall of private audience,
Mubarak Mahal with its erotic decoration and sumptuous melange
of dresses of the royal family.
Timing: 9.30 to 16.45 hr.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal also called as a wind palace is constructed by Maharaja
Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. The main attraction of
the mahal lies in its structural, as it is a magnificent 5-storied
semi-octagonal obelisk with 152 windows forming a proper symmetric.
The balconies in the mahal has given special emphasize as they
were specially designed with latticed work for the royal ladies
of the court to cherish the day to day activities of the street
and the royal processions passing by. Hawa Mahal is an unprecedented
structure that overlooks one of the leading avenues and also
offers some panoramic views of Jaipur City.
Timing: 10.00 to 16.30 hr.
Amber Fort
Amber Fort is located at a distance of 11km from Jaipur, nestles
on the hilltop from where the magnificent panorama of the Jaipur
City can be enjoyed. Built in red sandstone and white marble,
the palace complex has some splendid structures the likes of
which are not to be found anywhere else in the country. Jai
Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas and Ganesh Pole are the conspicuous
sites of interest. The fort is an unblemished blend of Rajasthani
and Mughal architecture grandeur with some amazing work of precious
glass mirrors on the walls and ceiling that reflect the golden
rays of the sun all over the premises. Another attraction in
the fort is its un matching elephant ride up to the fort, its
quite magnetic and a real attraction for the tourist.
Timing: 0900-1630hrs.
Jalmahal
Jalmahal is an exquisite palace located in the center of Man
Sagar Lake quite famous for its architectural grandeur. The
Palace was once the royal duck shooting reserve of the erstwhile
family of Jaipur, the unique attraction of the palace lies in
its first 4 floors submerging in the lake and only the top floor
is raised above. The palace also enjoys the massive gathering
of its bird population, number of migratory and resident birds
have made lake their desired destination.
Nahargarh Fort
The fort is the first of the three forts built in the Jaipur
City. The fort stocks some remarkable vista of the Jaipur City
below, during daytime as well as at night. Padao an open-air
restaurant makes its visitors luxuriate in the spectacular view
of the city over a cup of tea with snacks. Sawai Raja Jai Singh,
the maharaja of Jaipur built the fort located on the Nahargarh
Hills at a height of 600ft in the year 1734. There are some
beautiful structures inside the walls of fort like Hawa Mandir
and Madhvendra Bhawan.
Timing: 10.00 to 16.00 hr.
Sisodia Rani ka Bagh
Sisodia Palace and Garden is a well maintained garden originally
constructed for the royal ladies, it also have some remarkable
structures- fountains, lakes and stone sculptures.
Jai Garh
The fort is all surrounded by water on all sides and is constructed
on a hill top gives some splendid views of Amber Fort below.
The fort is also known for its cannon on wheels that is world's
biggest cannon.
Festivities of Jaipur
Elephant Festival: (March-April) the festivity is marked by
the royal processions of charming elephants decorated with most
colorful dresses and ornaments. Makar Sankranti: (14th of January)
a kite flying competition is organized on Makar Sankranti, enthusiast
from all over India arrive to show their talent on this day.
Teej Festival: (July-August) the festival marks the arrival
of monsoon season. The women and young girls sing songs of rain.
Excursions
Jaipur tourism also facilitates excursions to Agra- 570 km Khajuraho,
famous for its erotic sculptures, Bharatpur-174km is one of
the finest bird sanctuaries of Asia and Delhi- 636 km the capital
city of India Ranthambore-180km famous for its Tiger population,
the Sariska wildlife sanctuary includes the tiger, panther,
deer and antelope and Ajmer and Pushkar famous as a holy city
of Muslims and for fair.
Jaipur A Shopping Hub For Tourist
The renowned shopping area lies along the Jauhari Bazaar, Badi
Chaupar and M.I. Road. Shops here are specializing in precious
and semi-precious stones and are located along the Jauhari Bazaar,
Ramganj Bazaar, in traditional chappals and shoes (jutis). Clock
Tower and Sardar Market are famous for hand block printed textiles,
enameled blue pottery, tie and dye works.
Mode of Transport
Air: Indian Airlines connects Jaipur with all-important
cities of India- Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Varanasi and
Ahmedaba.
Rail: Delhi facilitates many trains like Shatabdi Express
and The Pink City Express while the Super Fast Express links
Jaipur with Mumbai. The trains like 'Palace on Wheels' and 'The
Royal Orient' are good luxurious trains.
Road: Deluxe and semi deluxe air-conditioned fleet runs
from Delhi, to all cities of Rajasthan. The main bus terminal,
Sindhi Camp, is located in the center of the city. Some of the
important distances are- Agra- 235 kms from Jaipur and from
Delhi- 258 kms. Tourist taxis and RTDC buses also run from Delhi.
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