Jaipur

The 'Pink City', had been the capital of erstwhile Jaipur state since its inception in 1727 AD, named after its founder Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 AD, who was not only a great ruler, but also a renowned mathematician and astrologer. His various talents are clearly exhibited in the city. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, designed Jaipur as per the Hindu treatise, Shilp Shastra.

The city was laid with great precision. It could also be called the first planned city of the country. The roads were quite wide and intersected at right angles, the entire city being divided into rectangular blocks and surrounded by a peripheral wall with huge gates guarding it. The market places were named after the commodity which was predominantly sold or manufactured there.

The major monuments are situated in the Chokri Sarhad or the palace sector, the area in and around the City Palace. The capital city of the state of Rajasthan, very nearly exemplifies the character of the state and its people, surrounded by rugged hills on three sides, each crowned by a formidable fort and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts.

In 1876 Jaipur dressed itself in pink to welcome Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, and earned the epitaph 'PINK CITY'. It is also a home of excellent handicrafts, especially known for the exquisite gold jewellery enamelled or inlaid with precious stones, blue pottery, carving on wood, stone & ivory, block print & tie & dye textiles, hand made paper, miniature painting etc.

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Amer

The capital of the Kachhwahas for six centuries before the foundation of Jaipur, Amer, stands atop a range of craggy hills. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The solemn dignity of its red sandstone and white marble pavilions, set alight by the setting sun on a summer eve.

when reflected in the lake at the foot of the hill, is a sight to behold. The palace complex is lavishly ornamented and displays the riches of Many, as the world's best, consider Amer. Sheesh Mahal 'Chamber of Mirrors'. The splendour ofAmer is a contribution of many successive rulers and the fort is replete with handsome structures Diwan-e-Am or the Hall of Public Audience is a beautifully proportioned hall open on three sides and stands on two rows of ornamented pillars Diwan-e-Khas, or the Hall of Private Audience, has delicate mosaic work in glass.

Dausa

It is situated on N. H. 11 The place claims some antiquity. The area was said to be in the possession of the rulers of Amer before they occupied Amer. There are five old Shaivite temples in the town depicting sculptural excellence. There is a fort atop a hillock in the vicinity of the town.

Places of Interest

Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of Winds', built in 1799, by Maharaja Pratap Singh, is the most recognisable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storeyed stunning semioctagonal monument having 152 windows with overhanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture, originally designed for the royal ladies to catch the cool breeze on a hot day, and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the street below. Jantar Mantar, (Observatory) built in 18'h century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the huge masonary instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun dials still provide accurate time.

City Palace, situated in the heart of the old city, it occupies about one seventh of the old city area. The palace complex is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It houses seven storeyed Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city.

Diwan-e-Khas, has a marble paved gallery, and Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and jewellery. There is a Clock Tower near Mubarak Mahal.

City Palace Museum, displays a targe variety of items collected by the royal house, like dresses, arms, jewellery, chariots, paintings, carpets etc.

Central Museum, situated in the Ram Niwas Garden, was inaugurated in 1886 by Prince Albert and is also known as Albert Hall. It houses a large collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces.

Dolls Museum, has a collection of beautiful dolls from all over the world. It is situated on Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, near Police Memorial.

Ishwar Lat, 'Swarg Suli' or 'heaven piercing minaret', nearTripolia Gate was built by Maharaja Ishwari Singh (1744-51). it offers one of the most breathtaking views of the city.

Gaitor, (6 kms) near Nahargarh has the memorials to the royal family of Jaipur. The place has some gracefully carved cenotaphs in white marble.

Jal Mahal, (6 kms) on the way to Amer, is a small palace set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. A paved causeway leads upto the beautiful palace.

Jaigarh, (15 kms) standing on a hill top, overlooks the palaces and city of Amer. The world's biggest cannon on wheels - the Jai Ban is positioned here, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. It has a twenty feet long barrel and wheels nine feet in diameter. For a single shot from the cannon 100 kg gun powder has to be pumped in.

Nahargarh, (15 kms) cresting a hill about 600 ft. above the city, was built in 1734. The walls of the fort run along the ridge and within are architectural beauties like Hawa Mandirand Madhavendra Bhawan.

Galta, (10 kms) is an ancient pilgrim centre and has a temple dedicated to the Sun God ( which is the only one of its kind in this part of the country) built by Diwan Kriparam. It crests the ridge over a picturesque gorge and provides an impressive view of the city. The temples, pavilions and holy kunds along with the lush landscape make it a delightful spot. The place is also popular as the Monkey Valley.

Moti Doongri, perched on a hill top on the southern horizon, is a replica of a Scottish castle.

Laxmi Narayan Temple, is situated just below the Moti Doongri, it is well known for the intricate carvings on white marble. Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, (8 kms) on the road to Agra, is a magnificent palace garden built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728 for his queen.

Vidyadhar Garden, (8 kms) on the way to Galta, built by Vidyadhar, the chief architect and town planner of Jaipur. These beautiful terraced gardens have several galleries and pavilions decorated with exquisite murals, depicting Lord Krishna.

Kanak Vrindavan, near Jai Mahal, has beautiful gardens and is a popular picnic place. Maharani ki Chhatri, the funeral place for the royal ladies, is marked by some wonderfully carved cenotaphs.

Sukh Mandir is guarded by sandalwood doors inlaid with ivory Throughout the massive palace, finely carved lattice-windows exquisitely painted doorways, halls and finely sculptured pillars draw attention. Even today the pristine beauty and grandeur is intact, and here one can steal a measure of erstwhile majesty by riding upto the palace on a brightly caparisoned elephant heralded by musicians.

At the base of the hill, in the shadow of mighty fortifications, is the temple of Jagat Shiromani or Lord Vishnu. The beautifully carved gateway of the temple is flanked by large statues of elephants. A small museum nearby displays some of the archaeological finds of the area.

The royal cenotaphs, including a memorial to Maharaja Man Singh I, which has fine carvings depicting scenes from mythology and the romantic legend of Dhola - Maru, and other major attractions are in the vicinity.

The region of Amer, was earlier held by the Mina tribesmen. It was wrested by Dhola Rai for the Kachhawahas. The antiquity of the citadel is established as far back as 954 A.D. from the inscription on one of the pillars of the Sun temple inside the fort.

The old township lies at the foothills of the palace which reflects the charm and history of the bygone era.

The old city of Amer, was the seat of power and bustling with life and prosperity, but this sleepy town still beholds the grandeur of the past.

Worth seeing sites are Jagat Shiromani temple, Narsinghji temple and Panna Mian ki Baori. On the road to Delhi are fine royal cenotaphs.

Samode (40 kms) is a quaint village amidst the hills. The Samode Palace set in fairy tale surroundings, has beautiful wall paintings & mirror work.

Ramgarh (28 kms) the huge artificial lake, which fills up in the rainy season is a popular picnic spot. The ruins of the old fort and the temple of Jamawa Mata indicate that it was the seat of power of the Kachhawahas before they moved to Amer.

Bagru (35 kms) the village on the Ajmer road, is known for its hand block printing. The characterstic prints are called as Bagru prints. The fort here is in good condition.

Sanganer (16 kms) is another centre of hand block printed textile and hand made paper It also has historical ruins and Jain temples.

Chaksu (43 kms) is known for the fair held in the honour of Goddess Shitia Mata.