North India Tourist Destinations
Jaipur Travel - The Pink City |
  
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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