Jaipur

JAIPUR (Pink City)

Jaipur is named after its founder, the warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh (ruled 1688 to 1744).. Jaipur is a corroborative evidence of Sawai Jai Singh's strong grounding in science and astrology and of a Bengali architect Vidyadhar with a strong instinct for planning. 

Jaipur is also known as the Pink City. Being the most colorful city of Rajasthan, it is mainly famous for its exotic Forts, Lavish Palaces, evergreen gardens, friendly people and for shopping.
 

How to reach Jaipur

Jaipur, being the capital of Rajasthan it is easily accessible by all means. Daily Flights are available to all major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, flights to Kolkata is also available

Best time to visit - The three seasons of Jaipur are; a warm dry winter, an unbearably hot spring/summer and a brief but intense monsoon season. Unsurprisingly the best season to visit Jaipur is during the winter months, from early November through to February 

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS OF JAIPUR

1. Amer Fort and Palace

Amber Fort is set on a hill top overlooking Maota Lake. It was the original home of Rajput royalty until Jaipur city was constructed, and contains a number of breathtaking palaces, halls, gardens, and temples. Inside, the elaborate mirror work adds to the grandeur. The fort entrance is reached by walking up the hill, going in a jeep, or taking a elephant ride. The evening sound and light show, which brings alive the Fort's history, is impressive. In March 2015, "Night Tourism" was introduced at Amber Fort. "Amber by Night" allow visitors to see Jaleb Chowk, Diwan-e-Aam, Mansingh Mahal and Sheesh Mahal all elegantly illuminated.

2.  City Palace

City Palace boost of huge complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings blending both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The Peacock Gate is exquisite, and contains an alluring display of detailed workmanship featuring bright peacocks. Today, the royal family lives in the graceful Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) bordering the courtyard. Also inside the City Palace complex is a museum, art gallery, and interesting displays of royal costumes and old Indian weapons.

3.  "Hawa Mahal" Palace of the Winds

The intricate and fascinating facade of the Palace of the Winds is probably Jaipur's most recognized building. Constructed in 1799.It has five floors that contain rows of small windows and screens. Wind used to flow through the openings, giving the palace its name. Legend has it that the palace, which overlooks the main street of Jaipur's lively Old City, was built so that the women of the royal household could watch the streets below without being observed.

4. Jantar Mantar Observatory

Jantar Mantar, built by Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734, literally means "calculation instrument". There are 14 structures in total, which measure time, predict eclipses, and track stars. The most impressive one is the huge Samrat Yantra sundial. At a height of 90 feet (27 meters), it has a shadow that moves roughly the width of a person's hand every minute.

5. BIRLA TEMPLE, JAIPUR

Birla Mandir, is located at the base of Moti Dungari. Built on an elevated platform, this comparatively modern temple is built entirely of white marble. The temple was commissioned and built by renowned Indian industrialists, the Birlas, in 1988. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also called Narayan, and his companion, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune.

6. Albert Hall Museum

The Albert Hall Museum is Rajasthan's oldest museum, located in Ram Niwas Garden in Jaipur. Famous for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, it houses a vast collection of 15 galleries, including a 2,300-year-old Egyptian mummy, miniature paintings, and antique weapons.

7. JAL MAHAL

Jal Mahal or Water Palace is of light, sand coloured stone walls and the deep blue of the water make for a wonderful contrast. The palace appears to float in the centre of Man Sagar Lake, where its magnificent exteriors can be enjoyed by tourists.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF JAIPUR

1.  Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort, also known as Tiger Fort, is perched high on the rugged Aravali Hills overlooking Jaipur city. The fort was built 1734 to help defend the city. Perched on the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort provides panoramic views of the Pink City. The fort has a series of palaces and structures, including Madhavendra Bhawan.

2.  Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort was built in 1726. Flanked by towering gateways and watchtowers, it contains the world's largest cannon on wheels. The cannon has never been fired though, and neither has the fort been captured. As a result the fort has remained intact over its long life, and is very well preserved. Infact, it's one of the best-preserved military structures of medieval India.

3.  Monkey Temple/Galta Ji

The Galtaji temple, a Hindu pilgrimage is often called as the Monkey Temple as you will find many apes roaming about here within the complex. This famous temple of Jaipur is dedicated to Lord Hanuman who is also called the Sun God. This wonderful holy temple of the Hindus is made of pink sandstone and the temple appears more like a palace than a place of worship.

4. GOVIND DEVJI TEMPLE

The Krishna temple houses the idol of Govind Devji that Sawai Jai Singh brought from Vrindavan. The deity, worshipped by the erstwhile royal family, is also revered by the Hindus in Jaipur .

5. MOTI DOONGRI

Rising from the middle of Jaipur is a small pearl-shaped hill called Moti Doongri.. The highlight of Moti Doongri is a famous and auspicious temple of Lord Ganesh located at the foothill.