Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City. It is also the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It is one of the most visited tourist places of India. The old city of Jaipur is partially encircled with seven gates - the major gates are Chandpol, Sanganeri, and Ajmeri.The Capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificient forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the Maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, Famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure trove for the shoppers.
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Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) : Hawa Mahal is the most strikingly designed monument in Jaipur. Built by the Poet-King Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is centrally located and is multiniched five storey high back view of the compled. It was conceived to provide an adequate vantage position behind delicate stone-carved jali, screens for the palace women to watch the royal processions passing through the Bazar below without being seen by outsiders. The Top of the palace affords a beautiful view of the city. A small archaeological museum is yet another attaraction in the palace.
The City Palace : The City Palace is in the heart of the Pink City of Jaipur. It occupies a huge area comprising many pavillions, courtyards, chambers, gardens and palace. Construction was started by Maharaja Jai Singh II, while modifications and additions were made by the later Maharajas. The palace is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. A portion of the palace is still retained by the present Maharaja and his family while the rest of it is open for the general public to look at.
As one enters the palace, the first building is the Mubarak Mahal or guest pavilion, built by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh in the late 19th century as a reception centre for visiting dignitaries. It is now part of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum where a collection of royal costumes are on display.

Jantar Mantar : Jantar Mantar is one of Sawai Jai singh`s Five remarkable observatories. Constructed withstone and marble its compled instruments whose setting and shapes are precisely and scientifically designed , represent the high-points of medieval Indian Astronomy. The two Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes are unique in their isolation. This is the largest of five observatories founded by Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of the country.
Amer Place & Fort :The Amer fort situated on a hillside, 11 km from Jaipur on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, is a classic Rajasthan fort-palace. The fort overlooks the Maota Lake which provides breathtaking reflections of the Fort-Palace. Construction of the fort began in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh and was completed by Maharaja Jai Singh I. It was once the headquarters of the Kachawas Rajput dynasty. Amer is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Fusion of the Rajput and Mughal styles is clearly evident, the rooms are small and intimate, typical of the Mughal style, while the successive courtyards and narrow passages are particularly Rajput. The palace walls are painted with scenes of hunting and battle.
Jal Mahal : The Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur is noted for its intricate architecture. The Palace was developed as a pleasure spot. It was used for the royal duck shooting parties. On the road to Amber at a distance of 6.5 kms from Jaipur are the cenotaphs of the royal family. A causeway leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar lake, opposite the cenotaphs.The first four floors of this building is under water, only the top floor remains outside.One can have a wonderful view of the lake and the palace from Nahargarh Fort Built in 1799, the palace is now abandoned, but reasonably well preserved. In the monsoons, it looks particularly startling with its red sandstone set against the water hyacinth filled lake.
Jaigarh Fort : The Western skyline is dominated by the extensive parkotas (Walls), watch-towers and gateways of Jaigarh.It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved almost intactcontaining palaces, gardens, open and covered reservoirs, a grannary, an armoury, a well planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon the Jai Ban the largest in the Country. 
Nahargarh Fort : Beyond the hills of Jaigarh, stands the fort of Nahargarh like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful capital. Much of the original structures are now in ruins, but the lovely buildings added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II in the 19th century are preserved in a good condition. Some of the rooms provide the most spectacular view of the city below.
Sisodia Rani-ka-Bagh : Along the road to Agr a through a narrow gorge in the south-eastern corner of the walled city, several landscaped gardens were constructed by the kings and important courtiers in the 18th and 19th centuries. The largest and the most famous amongst these is a garden built by Sawai Jai Singh II for his Sisodia Queen - The Sisodia Rani-ka-Bagh. It consists of tiered multi-level gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavilions. Amongst others, the best-preserved one is Vidyadhar-ka-Bagh, constructed by the builder of the city, Vidyadhar, with shady trees, flowing water, an open pavilion and suites of living rooms. |