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Jaipur is a beautiful city in the North Indian state of Rajasthan. The capital city of Rajasthan which is also known as the Pink City has majestic city place, Jantar Mantar and many other pleasing sites. It is a city built according to the specifications laid down in ancient architectural texts. The 'pink city ' is the major center for handicrafts and is home to places like Chandra Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple, City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar etc. There are numerous tourist attractions in Jaipur that are worth a visit. The hotels in Jaipur offer an excellent and comfortable accommodation. Main Tourist Points in Jaipur : Forts in Jaipur:
Amber Fort:
Amer is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression. Located at a distance of about 11Km from Jaipur is Amer Fort. The fort is a splendid fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture and is built in red sandstone and white marble. One of the most popular destinations during tourist season Amer fort offers stunning views of the countryside and the Maota Lake below.
Jaigarh Fort:
Jaigarh Fort is never conquered in battle, this was considered the strongest of the three forts in the area. It is best known as the site of the world's largest cannon, the Jaivana, which was test-fired only once — according to legend, despite using only the half the design amount of gunpowder, the cannonball flew 35 km! A better reason to visit the fort, though, are the scenic gardens at the other end and the spectacular views over the Amber Fort and the hills around. The remains of the foundry where the Jaivana (and many more) were cast are also in the fort grounds. Rs.50 plus Rs.40 for camera.
Nahargarh Fort:
Jai Singh got the Nahargarh Fort of Jaipur constructed in 1734. Later on, further extensions were made to it in 1868. Nahargarh literally means the abode of tigers. According to the wide spread legend, the fort is named after Nahar Singh, a prince whose spirit obstructed the construction of the fort. So, a tantrik was called and the spirit agreed to leave the place only if the fort was named after him. The Nahargarh fort sits atop a rugged ridge of the Aravalis.FS
Palaces in Jaipur:
City Palace:
City Palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is a vast palace complex occupying nearly one-seventh of the Pink City. It was originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The complex is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings. It is home to several palatial structures like the Chandra Mahal (home to present Maharajah of Jaipur), Mubarak Mahal (housing a textile museum), Diwan-e-Khas (or Hall of Private audience housing the two largest silver vessels in the world, which are duly mentioned in the Guinness book), the Diwan-e-Aam ( or Hall of Public Audience) and the gateway Ridhi Sidhi Pol (with four small doorways decorated with motifs depicting the four seasons). Another integral part of the palace complex is the Hawa Mahal, standing away from the main complex.
Jal Mahal:
Jal Mahal (or the Water Palace) is on the way to Sisodia Rani Garden. A Rajput style architectured palace sits in the center of the Maan-sarovar lake. The lake is often dry in the summer but winter monsoons frequently turn it into a beautiful lake filled with water hyacinths.
Temples in Jaipur:
Govind Devji Temple:
This Krishna Temple is highly revered by the erstwhile royal family. The image brought from Vrindavan, is housed within the sanctum of this spire less temple, the patron deity of the royal family is very religiously worshipped by most of the Hindus in the city and near by areas. The image is unveiled seven times daily for 'AARTIES' and BHOGS offered in the silver wares, consisting of sweets mostly. The idols of RADHA KRISHNA are dressed in different styles each time for the 'AARTI' procession where thousands of followers or 'Bhakt' gather around the courtyard for the Darshan (a look connecting them with the divine).
Moti Doongari:
A small palace, this is a replica of a Scottish castle, and perched on a hilltop. Once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son who was confined here, it was also for a while home to Maharani Gayatri Devi. In the middle of Jaipur rises a small hill Moti Dungri meaning pearl hill, because it looks hill a drop of pearl. An exotic palace is parched which is a replica of Scottish castle once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son. From There on remained as a private property of the ruling family. In the recent past it served as a home for Rajmata Gaytri Devi and her estranged son Jagat Singh. The mere view of this castle is exotic enough. The highlight of this place is the famous and auspicious temple of Lord Ganesh, which is frequently visited by almost whole of Jaipur and people from outside.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple:
Birla Mandir or the Lakshmi - Narayan Temple, situated just below the Moti Dungari. This is a modern temple built of white marble on top of a hill, dominating the skyline of south Jaipur. The Birlas (industrialists who have also built several temples in India) built this temple. The temple has been constructed in white marble and has three domes, each portraying the different approaches to religion. The presiding deities here are Vishnu (One of the Hindu Trilogy Gods) called Narayan and his consort Lakshmi Goddess of wealth and good fortune. The temple is built is white in marble and exterior has carved sculptures of various mythological themes and images of saints. The interior has large panel in marble of mythological proceedings. The images of the deities are placed in the sanctum sanctorum. Built on raised ground, it is surrounded by large lush green gardens.
Galtaji:
An ancient pilgrimage spot where the great saint Galav is believed to have spent his life and did his meditation; Galta Ji is situated 10 km from Jaipur on Jaipur-Agra highway near Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh. It is known mainly for its temples, pavilions, natural springs and holy 'kunds'. The famous temples of the place include the triple-storied temple of Balaji, which appeals to the aesthetic sense of the visitors and is built in pink stone. Its magnificent structure looks more like a palatial mansion or Haveli. Situated amidst the low hills, is the Temple of Galtaji, which is also in pink stone and has a huge complex. Frequented by a large number of devotees, this beautiful temple boasts of a number of pavilions with rounded roofs, exquisitely carved pillars and painted walls. The temple is surrounded by natural springs and reservoirs that are considered holy and people believe that taking a holy dip in this tanks cleanse one of his sins.
Monuments in Jaipur:
Jantar Mantar:
Jantar Mantar (Observatory): Jantar Mantar it is literally known as 'Instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens. It was built between 1728 to 1734 by Jai Singh. Each instrument of this observatory is used for a particular function and gives an accurate reading. The differnt Yantras placed in clockwise at the observatory is narrated below. The Samrat Yantra is a large sundial (the triangular structure) marked with hours and minutes. The arc at the left side will show the time from sunrise to midday and the right side will show the time from midday to sunset. The time is read, where the shadow is sharpest. The sundials are constructed on latitude 270 North. To adjust the reading to Indian standard Time (IST), between 1 minute 15 seconds to 32 minutes must be added according to the time of year and solar position.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh the 'Hawa Mahal', Palace of the Wind, is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. It is an integral part of the City Palace, an extension of the Zenana (women's chambers) standing away from the main complex. This five storey building of unusual architecture designed by Lal Chand Usta, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry made of red and pink sand stone, beautifully outlined with white borders and motif's painted with quick lime. The monument with a spectacular view of Jaipur city with road avenues, intersections and colourful crowds in the market, was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions in the city without being seen by others.
Museums in Jaipur:
Albert Hall Museum:
Albert Hall Museum is constructed by Maharaja Pratap Singh II in the year 1876, world famous Albert Hall was built to provide employment to the drought affected youth of the state. The Prince of Wales, Prince Albert, kept the foundation stone of the hall on February 6, 1876. The name Albert was given to the hall in the name of the Prince who kept the foundation stone of the place. Nestled in the heart of the city, Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur is easily reachable from all parts of the city. The museum is open on all seven days of the week and can be visited anytime between ten in the morning to five in the evening time. A place of attraction, Albert Hall museum in Jaipur sees a large number of visitors every year.
City Palace Museum:
Jaipur city is known to have a large number of historical monuments and museums that attract a large number of tourists from all over the world every year. Thousands of tourists arrive at Jaipur every year to revisit the departed epochs through these monuments. The City Palace Museum in Jaipur has a prominent place among the museums of the city.
Dolls Museum:
Dolls Museum in Jaipur is perhaps the most famous among all other museums of 'Pink City' and is largely visited by tourists from all over the globe. The museum is home to a large number of lovely dolls representing different cultures across the world. One is sure to be mesmerized with the striking beauty of these dolls clad in the traditional attires of various countries at the Dolls Museum in Jaipur.
Hawa Mahal Museum:
Hawa Mahal Museum, Jaipur is situated behind the Wind Palace, which is not only amazing, but also one of the most interesting structures of India. Founded in 1983, the Hawa Mahal Museum, Jaipur just adjoins the Pratap Mandir. The museum displays articles that are soaked in the tradition of Ganeshwar, Virat Nagar, Raid, Sambhar and Nagar.
Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, Kheri Gate, A beautiful clean museum dedicated to the traditional art of hand block printing textiles, this museum is housed in a recently restored heritage haveli tucked into the back streets of old Amber. Small cafe, clean toilets, small shop, friendly staff & a printer & block carver demonstrating their crafts every day. Raj Mandir Theatre ia an experience in itself. The best movie theater in Rajasthan, it offers an overwhelming experience. From the pushing, shoving, and general chaos in the ticket line, to an audience that laughs, cries, cheers, claps, and consistently talks through the entire film, the Raj Mandir provides an insight into Rajasthani culture. The movies themselves are always interesting; Masala movies are action, drama, mystery, suspense, and epics all wrapped into one single movie, teeming with dances and obligatory wet sari scenes, and unabashedly lifting generous amounts of plot devices from Western movies.
Bazaar ia a brilliant colorful explosion of flowers, elephants, ox carts, and wares! The traveller will smell the deep aroma of spices in canvas bags, the fetid smell of animals and open sewers, the sweet waft of tea, and the crusty acrid burn of dust and exhaust. The noise is chaotic, the people constantly will stare if you are a Westerner and anybody who has something to sell will try to sell it to you, repeatedly. Watch cobras dance out of their wicker baskets, and don't be too surprised if the snake charmer slaps his cobra for having a wayward eye. Be prepared to be asked for money if you plan to take photographs of snake-charmers, beggars etc.
Teamoods An exotic Tea Boutique located right as one enters the Pink City. The Boutique offers a myriad range of Indian Teas (Darjeeling, Assam & Niligiri) and Flavoured teas. Serving tea connoisseurs through our Tea Boutique enables Tea drinkers at all corners of the globe to take pleasure in the myriad range of Premier's Teas, a brand that delivers non-adulterated CHAI packed with the "Passion of Purity". Teas can be tasted before any purchase. Teamoods is a brand from the house of Premier's Tea Limited For more information please visit www.premiertea.net Teamoods - Jaipur, - TEA MOODS, NEW BUILDING, RAMGARH CROSSING, (NEAR RAINBOW JEWELLERS) AMER ROAD, JAIPUR - 302 003
Rajais Jaipur is famous for its `Rajais' (A type of light quilt stuffed with cotton). You can get colourful & soft `Shaneel ki Rajai' in velvet finish. These are quiet warm, soft and long lasting. You can shop in the main market area. But remember to bargain.
'Daal Baati' - Daal-Baati of Jaipur is not to be missed item. It is available in most of the joints. Do not miss it.
Chokhi Dhani & Apno Gaon - Two excellent places to enjoy Rajasthani food served in the traditional mode. Chokhi Dhani a.k.a lalten restaurant is a more popular place because of being on the main road near the airport and excellent to do things like horse riding, camel riding, maze, boating, kathputli (puppet) show etc. Apno gaon however serves mouth watering delicious food as all vegetables and fruits are plucked minutes before from the field before being served to you. Slightly away from the main city one has to go in for a bumpy ride to reach here.
Natraj - On MI Road is an excellent Vegetarian place serving local fare. Their specialty is the Rajasthani Thali.
Four Seasons - If you are looking for vegetarian food this is the place. Location -C-Scheme
Pyaz ki Kachori- Do not miss the famous Pyaz ki Kachori (a spicy onion dish) of Rawat Mishthan Bhandar. Situated at Polo Victory cinema and very close to both railway station and the bus stand this is a famous age old kachori hangout
Rasmalai - Another very popular sweet dish all round the country is Rasmalai of Laxmi mishtan Bhandar (LMB). The hotel LMB is situated in the walled city
Shakes and Icecreams - Yankee Doodle, Jal Mahal at MI Road and Milky Way near St. Xavier School are popular ice cream parlours.
Anokhi cafe: excellent organic home-baked cakes (the carrot cake is a winner!) & freshly prepared sandwiches, pastries, savoury snacks plus organic cafetieres of coffee, a selection of good teas etc. Quiet, relaxing, good value for money & situated outside the Anokhi shop, 2 Tilak Marg, C-Scheme, jaipur. The shop is great for truly ethical hand printed contemporary & wearable clothes & textiles. Reach to Jaipur: TRAIN: Indian Raiways connects Jaipur from all over the country, and is one of the cheapest. Overnight trains arrive from many major cities including Delhi, Agra,Chennai and Mumbai. There are three major railway stations Jaipur Junction (main station),Durgapura and Gandhinagar (Jaipur), which is not to be confused with Gandhinagar in Gujarat state. All trains stop at Jaipur Junction and a few trains stop at Durgapura and Gandhinagar stations also.
ROAD: There is an excellent bus service between Jaipur to Delhi by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation with buses approximately every half an hour both sides. There are several types of buses including Deluxe, AC and the superior AC Volvo buses. From Delhi you can board the bus from Bikaner House on Pandara Road next to India Gate. From Jaipur you can board the bus from Narayan Singh Circle or the main Sindhi Camp bus stand. You can also book tickets up to 6 days in advance from both these places.These buses typically take 6 hours (by Volvo) or 6-7 hours by other deluxe buses. There are also some private bus operators active in the city but you should avoid them as most of them do not have permits and drive rashly. Also note that if you plan to leave from Delhi airport, you can get off the bus at Dhaula Kuan and get an autorickshaw or perhaps a taxi from there. You do not need to enter congested Delhi.
CAR: Expect to spend at least four hours travelling by car from Delhi to Jaipur. National Highway no. 8 connects Delhi to Jaipur via the industrial township of Gurgaon. The road has major renovation work going on around Delhi-Gurgaon border which is expected to last till late 2007. The construction works can sometimes cause severe traffic jams. In addition, many industries and IT offices are located in Gurgaon, which effect traffic during office hours. One plus point for those flying out of Delhi is that the Delhi airport is close to the highway, so you could reach the airport without entering the city.
Local Transportation in Jaipur: Cycle-rickshaws are cheaper, but the amount of time it takes quickly makes the extra few rupees worth it. Walking in the bazaar is a treat, although side streets are a bit less welcoming and offer a sharper glimpse of poverty.
The taxis in Jaipur are very convenient and comfortable. Most of the vehicles are Maruti Omni Vans or Tata Indica cars, which are much safer than Auto rickshaws, and the drivers are polite. If you are alone or going to an unknown destination, you are strongly advised to choose this option, even though the rates will be double that of an auto. you must call for a taxi, as it is nearly impossible to hail one unless you are at a major point like the airport. When you call, you should negotiate a fare (or agree on using the meter) and get the taxi's 'number'. The taxi will come pick you up, and call you when they are close. Taxis generally have yellow license plates with black letters. Some taxis are painted with yellow & black color scheme on their body which helps to uniquely identify from the private cars. |
