Founded in AD 1727 by Sawai Jaisingh
II, Jaipur the capital of
Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink
City with broad avenues and spacious gardens.
The capital
of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the
past comes alive in magnificent 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. This fascinating city with its romantic
charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.
The
imperial city, replete with amazing legends of romance and heroism.
A land where the past thrives still. This is the fortified city of Jodhpur,
standing a wary sentinel to the great Thar Desert. Beckoning you to the
wilderness of fascinating dunes, rocky terrain and thorny vegetation.
Once the capital city of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 by
Rao Jodhaji - chief of the Rathore Clan of Rajputs who claimed descent from
Lord Rama. A major trade centre of 16th century, the city, today, has grown
to become the second largest city of Rajasthan, retaining the medieval
splendour.
The city is encompassed by a high wall, 10 km. long
with eight gates. Within the city, atop a rocky hill, stands the massive
fort, 120 mtrs. above the plains. Packed with history, art and culture, this
princely state is a treasure - trove of some exquisite palaces, forts,
temples and havelis - standing a testimony to the imperial grandeur. But
what entices the most in Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle, festivity and
smiling people.
| » Major
Attractions of Jaipur |
The City Palace : In the heart of the old city is former
royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The
carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns ornate with floral
motifs in gold and colored stones. Two carved elephants in marble guard the
entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers
serve as guides. The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of
Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs. The palace also has
an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets,
royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic,Persian,Latin and
Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail.
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.
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.
Hawa Mahal : The Hawa Mahal, or the "Palace of Wind"
built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 A.D. is characterised by
elaborate and fanciful architecture. The broad pyramidical facade comprises
five storeys of semi octagonal overhanging windows with perforated screens,
domes and spires.
Ram Niwas Garden Central Museum
(or Albert Hall Museum) : Situated in the spacious and beautiful
Ram Niwas Garden, the museum has a rare collection of art facts and craft
items such as metalwork, ivory carvings, cane wood articles and exquisite
pieces of jewellery, textile, pottery and paintings. It is particularly rich
in specimen of embossed, hammered and chiselled brass wares.
The
building was designed by Colonel Sir Swinton Jacob in the modern
Indo-Saracenic style and was built in 1886 A.D. when King Edward VII visited
as the Prince of Wales.
Air : Indian Airlines connect Jaipur with
Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Bombay, Varanasi, Calcutta, Ahmedabad.
Rail : Jaipur is connected by rail with
Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Abu Road (Mount Abu), Udaipur, Bombay and
Sawai Madhopur.
Road : Good motorable roads
connect Jaipur with Delhi 258 km, Agra 236 km, Bikaner 321 km, Udaipur 405
km, Ajmer 131 km, Jodhpur 316 km, Bharatpur 176 km, Jaisalmer 638 km and
Bombay 1202 km
