Places
to Visit in Jaipur |
Amer Fort
Amber Fort, Jaipur Travel Guidet a squat distance of 11 kms . from
Jaipur, the Amer Fort complex stands amidst wooded hills overlooking the
Delhi-Jaipur highway, with its forbidding ramparts reflected in the
still waters of the Maota Lake below.
One of the finest examples of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient
capital of the Kachhawah rulers. The original palace was built by Raja
Man Singh and additions were made later by Sawai Jai Singh.
Within the palace are the Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience",
the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience" and the Sukh Niws
where a cool breeze blows across channels of water for the purpose of
air-conditioning.
Here are the private chambers of the queens with windows having latticed
screens so that the ladies could watch the proceedings of the royal
court inprivacy. There is also the Jai Mandir or the "Temple of Vicotry",
with its famed Sheesh Mahal, the scintillating "Hall of Mirrors"
Jaigarh Fort
The western skyline is dominated by the extensive walls, watch towers
and gatewasys of the Jaigarh Fort.
It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved
almost intact, containing palaces, agrdens open and covered reservoirs,
a granary, an armoury, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a
tall tower and a giant mounted acnnon-the Jain Ban, the largest cannon
in the world.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar mantar is one of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories.
Constructed with stone and marble its complex instruments whose settings
and shapes are precisely and scientifically designed represent the high
points of Medieval Indian astronomy. The Ram Yantras used for gauging
altitudes are unique in their isolation. this is the largest of the five
observatories founded by Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of the
country.
Major Yantras or instruments that you can watch moving clockwise are:
Small 'Samrat', 'Dhruva', 'Narivalya', The Observer's Seat, Small 'Kranti',
'Raj', 'Unnathamsa', 'Disha', 'Dakshina', Large 'Samrat', 'Rashivalayas',
'Jai Prakash', Small 'Ram', Large 'Ram Yantra', 'Diganta', Large 'Kranti'.
Hawa Mahal
Built by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal is the most
strikingly designed monument in Jaipur. What is seen from the Sireh
Deorhi Bazaar is the multiniched five storey high backside of the
complex ( see it in photo gallery ). It was conceived to provide
adequate vantage position behind delicate stone carved jali screens to
the palace women for watching the royal processions passing through the
bazaar below.
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur Travel GuidePerched atop a pricturesque hill, the
Nahargarh Fort offers a breathtaking view of the city below. Initially
built by Sawai Jain Singh in 1734 A.D. It was enlarged and given its
present shape by Sawai Madho Singh in1885 A.D. Decorative motifs in some
of the rooms are delightful.
From the windows of the nine identical suites, one gets a magnificent
view of the city, complete witht he geometrical layout. From Amer there
is a road to Nahargarh, which passes through the hills
City Palace
The City Palce is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal
art and architecture. The City Palace complex houses several palatial
structures.The first building in it is Mubarak Mahal, built by Kaharaja
Madho Singh. It has a beautifully carved marble gate with heavy brass
doors on either side of this gate. Beyond this gate lies the Diwan -e-Khas,
or the "Hall of Private Audience". The City Palace is a historic
landmark. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns
studded with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones.
Two elephants carved in marble guard the entrance, where retainers whose
families have served generations of rulers are at hand to serve as
guides. The palace interior houses a Museum containing select collection
of various types of Rajasthani dresses, a fascinating armoury of Mughal
and Rajput weapons; swords of all shapes and sizes, with chased handles,
some of them inlaid, enamelled, encrusted with jewels and encased in
bold and magnificent scabbards. It also has an art gallery with a fine
collection of paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare
astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by
Sawai Jai Singh-II for his study of planets and their movements.
Govind Devji Temple
To the north of Chandra Mahal in the midst of the sprawling Jai Niwas
Garden is the spireless temple of Lord Krishna. The idol wsa brought
from Vrindavan and installed here by Sawai Jai Singh II as the tutelary
deity. Today, the temple attracts devotees, from all over the country.
A delightful system of fountains is placed in the middle of the paved
path between the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal. The palace has
extensive and sprawling gardens.
Moti Doongrari & Lakshmi Narayan Temple
The important landmarks dotting the southern horizon of the city inlcude
the small privately- owned hilltop fort of Moti Doongari, shaped like a
Scottish Castle; the Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the
Lakshmi Narayan Temple built from white marble, a few years back by the
B.M. Birla foundation.
Jagat Shiromani Temple
The beautifully carved Jagat Shiromani Temple houses the idol of Lord
Krishna and is popularly associated with the celebrated saint-poetess
Mira Bai. The old temple of Narsinghji and a step well Panna Main-ki-Baodi,
which still bears witness to its past glory are also located in the
vicinity.
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