If you love to get a sneak peek in the lifestyle of the royals who belonged to the bygone era, Jaipur is the city for you. Continuing our journey through the magnificent state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is one such city that is hard to miss. It is an amalgam of stunning palaces, forts, and other architectural monuments that define the power of ancient beauty.
The city of Jaipur was founded by the ruler Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727. The city was painted pink in 1876 to welcome Prince Albert and Queen Elizabeth II. Since then, this royal city has been blushing with beauty and is called the ‘Pink City’.
In order to reach Jaipur you can take flights to Sanganer airport which is 10 km away from Jaipur city centre. The railway junction at Jaipur connects it with major metros. For a royal experience one can take the Palace on Wheels. This train leaves from Delhi and connects various cities in Rajasthan.
In order to take a closer look at this elegant beauty, we take you through some of the best places at Jaipur.
It is also known as Amer Fort since it is located at Amer, and was constructed by Raja Man Singh in the year 1592. It was later expanded by Raja Jai Singh I. This red sandstone and marble construction reflects a blend of Hindu-Muslim style of architecture. There are four courtyards in the palace, of which one is a public audience hall called Diwan-i-Aam. Sheesh Mahal or the ‘Palace of Mirror’ is also one of the captivating halls to visit within Amber Palace. Decorated with numerous pieces of mirror tiles, this hall was designed in such a way, even a single ray entering into it can illuminate the entire hall. The entrance of the fort can be accessed by going up the hill in a jeep or taking an elephant ride. Scenic backdrop of the Maota Lake and panoramic views of sunrise and sunset along the Aravalli Hills, contribute to the eternal beauty of this place.
Amber Fort
Picture credits: www.satgurutaxiservice.com |
A primary structure constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II is one of the top places to visit in Jaipur. The palace complex comprises of Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Out of which, Chandra Mahal has been converted into museum that houses exclusive handcrafted products and other products that depict the cultural heritage of the kingdom. Apart from gazing at the astounding architecture, you can indulge in a soothing view of the Pink City from here.
City Palace
Picture credits: PD Photography / www.thousandwonders.net |
It is a stunning presentation of the rich architectural expertise of the past. The Hawa Mahal is a not-to-miss tourist places in Jaipur. The palace was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. It consists of 953 windows to provide ventilation. The five-storey building does not have steps but slopes to reach upper floors. The purpose of Hawa Mahal was to enable the Royal women of Rajput family to view the happenings in the city.
Hawa Mahal
Picture credits: greenlandtourism.in |
The Jal Mahal is another addition to the glorious history of Jaipur. This water palace is one of the classic names under the Rajput and Mughal style architecture. It is located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. The palace is a five-storey building of which four storeys remain underwater when the lake is filled. The Jal Mahal serves as an indigenous home to some of the colourful migratory birds like Flamingo, Great Crested Grebe, Pintail, Kestrel, Coot and Grey Wagtail.
Jal Mahal
Picture credits: Firoze Edassery / Wikipedia |
It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II between the years 1727 and 1734. It literally means ‘calculation instrument’. Though it may look like a curious collection of sculptures, every structure at the observatory has a specialized astronomical function. Jantar Mantar has 14 structures in total, which measure time, predict eclipses, and track stars. The main highlight of this place is the Samrat Yantra sundial which is 90 ft high.
Jantar Mantar Observatory
Picture credits: www.babitatours.com |
It is also known as Tiger Fort and is perched high on the Aravalli Hills. The fort was built in 1734 by Maharaja Jai Singh II to serve as a strong defence. The view from atop is simply mesmerizing. Many scenes from Aamir Khan’s Rang De Basanti have been filmed here. The fort looks particularly attractive at night when it’s lit up.
Nahargarh Fort
Picture credits: www.skyscrapercity.com |
This massive fort was built in 1726 by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It stands uptight with towering gateways and watchtowers and holds great appeal for military lovers. Surprisingly the fort has never been captured, therefore the cannon here has never been fired. A climb to the Diwa Burj watchtower will give you an excellent panoramic view of the plains. Situated on the rugged promontory of the Aravalli Hills, it is also called ‘Cheel ka Teela’ or the Hill of Eagles. The granaries, water reserves and storage systems in this fort are the finest examples of ancient science and technology.
Jaigarh Fort
Picture credits: rajasthan-packages.blogspot.com |
This old and famous museum was modelled on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The Albert Hall museum houses a unique collection of portraits of local kings, costumes, woodcarvings, and paintings. Unfortunately photography is prohibited here. Its foundation was laid in 1876 to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales. Later in 1880, Dr Thomas Holbein Hendley suggested, the then ruler of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II to open a museum here. The Maharaja liked the suggestion and Albert Hall Museum took shape. This museum is home to one of the six ‘Egyptian Mummies’ in India. This Mummy was gifted as a souvenir by the Brughsch Bey of the Museum of Cairo.
Albert Hall Museum
Picture credits: foundationdezin.blogspot.com |
A palace which served as a residence to the Maharajas is now one of the best hotels in the world. The palace was initially a garden house for the wet nurse of Prince Ram Singh. Later, Maharja Sawai Man Singh II constructed additional rooms and royal suites and renovated this palace as his principle residence during the 20th century.
Rambagh Palace
Picture credits: heritage-hotels.blogspot.com |
It is a ruinous but holy temple, nestled amidst granite cliffs. It was built by Diwan Rao Kriparam in the 18th century. Getting here itself is quite an adventure. The temple consists of sacred ponds known as kunds, which have been taken over by thousands of monkeys that swim and bathe here. The Galta Kund is the most sacred of all that never get dry. The temple has the sacred shrine of Galtaji which is always surrounded by the monkeys that are friendly and love to be fed.
Galta Monkey Temple
Picture credits: shivamtoursandtravels.in |
Resplendent in the hues of its noble and magnificent past, the historic city of Jaipur stands out as one of the most spectacular and culturally vibrant destinations in the world. Free Press Journal requests its readers to take a step in sustaining a beauty so divine.
