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Places to See in Jaipur
Amer Fort
At
a short 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
Perched 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.
Places to See in Jaipur, Jaipur Travel Guide
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