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Jaipur Sightseeing
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Amber Fort :
The Kachhawahas ruled form Amber, 11 km from Jaipur, for seven
centuries. With a history so old, it is not unexpected that there
is a lot of the past that can be traced in its archaeological
history. While many of the very early structures have either
disappeared or been ruined, those dating from the 16th century on
are in a remarkable state of preservation. Amber as it exists now
is the handiwork of three of the kingdom's rulers that include
Man Singh and Jai Singh I and II. Approached from a steep ramp,
visitors ride up on elephant back, entering through the grand
Singh Pol gateway and continuing to Jaleb Chowk, the courtyard
where they disembark from the pachyderm. From here, they are
faced with two
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flight of steps,
one leading to the Shila Mata complex with its enshrined image of
the goddess, and the other to the main palace complex. Within the
complex, Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with images of
the elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha, takes pride of place. Also
a part of the complex is the Diwan-I-Am or hall of public
audience with its spectacular display of pillars.
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Gaitore
:
Located off the Jaipur-Amber road, Gaitors is the final resting
place for the maharajas of Jaipur. Set in a narrow valley, the
cenotaphs of the former rulers consist of the somewhat typical
chhatri or umbrella-shaped memorials. Of special mention is Jai
Singh 2nd chhatri because of the carvings that have been used to
embellish it.
Nahargarh
:
The third of the hilltop forts that guard Jaipur, and in a state
of majestic ruin, it has some lovely gardens and pavilions added
after the capital had shifted to Jaipur. The members of the royal
family often used it for summer excursions and picnics.
Jaigarh
:
One of the few military structures of medieval India, retaining
its ancient splendour in palaces, garden, reservoirs, a granary,
an armoury, a well planned cannon foundry, several temples, a
tall tower and a giant mounted cannon the Jai Ban, one of the
largest in the country are preserved here. The extensive parkotas
(walls), watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh dominate the western
skyline.
Jal Mahal
:
Jal Mahal was built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 AD in the midst
of the Man Sagar Lake as a pleasure spot. The was formed by
constructing dam between the two hills by Sawai Man Singh I.
During winter months once can see a large number of migratory as
well as residents birds at the lake.
Hawa Mahal
:
Located to one side, but a part of the City Palace complex, Hawa
Mahal is best viewed from the street outside. If is were not for
the bustling bazaar all around, it would have been easy to
mistake it for a film set, so exquisitely is it proportioned, and
so incongruous is its delicacy.
Hawa Mahal consists of five tiers of corridors on the inside,
with pierced screen windows that overlook the street below. It is
believed the women of the royal zenana would sit concealed behind
these screens to see life in the city beyond the walls of the
palace.
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City Palace :
As may be expected, the City Palace complex lies at the heart of
the city. Getting in is simpler than it once was. Though the
erstwhile maharaja and his family and close friends use the
triple-arched Tripolia Gate to enter their section of the palace,
most visitors are ushered in through Atish Pol which is located
close to the royal stables, cross from here to Chandni Chowk or
Moonlit Square and then on to Gainda ki Deorhi. At the heart of
the complex is seven-tiered Chandra Mahal where the erstwhile
royal family is still in residence, though only a small part of
the apartments are occupied.
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However, it is
only the buildings around Chandra Mahal that are open to the
public, and these also form part of a museum which includes
everything from Grand outfits (including one with 18 kilos of
golden thread woven into it) to swords and two silver urns that
are believed to be the largest silver objects in the world. These
are housed in the Mubarak Mahal, and the Diwan-i-am respectively.
Through Singh Pol, visitors can approach the Diwan-i-am, where
the maharaja's private and public courts would be held. The
architecture seems to consist of a number of arched, pillared
halls, while courtyards with painted doorways are prominent
feature.
Jantar Mantar
:
A stone observatory, part of the city palace complex, Jantar
Mantar is one of several other astronomical observatories created
by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh 2nd (other are in Delhi, Banaras,
Ujjain). These concrete masonry instruments were used to measure
everything from altitude to time, and map the movement of the
planets and the stars. Jai Singh 2nd had a passion for astronomy
and used astronomical inventions from different of these
observatories, the largest of which in is Jaipur.
Govind Dev Ji
Temple :
The most popular spireless temple of Jaipur dedicated to Lord
Krishna. It is located in the central pavilion of the Jai Niwas
Garden to the north of Chandra Mahal. The image of the patron
deity Govind Devji, originally installed in a temple of
Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh 2nd as his
family deity.
Sargasuli
:
Also known as Isar Lat, this tower was erected in the mid-18th
century by Maharaja Ishwari Singh to commemorate a battle
victory. Ironically, Ishwari Singh was ostracized for his lover
of a common girl, and he is the only Kachhawaha Maharaja who has
not been commemorated at Gaitor.
Galtaji
:
An ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond the gardens amidst low
hills. Temples, pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and
reservoirs) along with lush landscape make it a delightful spot.
The small temple of the sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on the
top of the highest peak is visible from all parts of the
city.
Sisodia Rani Ka
Bagh :
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the royals and the nobles laid
out summer gardens at Ghati ki guni, a valley at beginning of the
Jaipur-Agra road which traps the breezes and wafts it through
pleasantly. Sisodia Rani ka Bagh was laid for one of the queens
from the lake city of Udaipur, to cure her of her homesickness.
It consists of pavilions with water channels that run down in
tiered gardens.
Vidyadharji ka
Bagh :
The exquisite, tiered garden laid for the private pleasure of the
architect of the city, it has delicate pavilions bordered by
water channels, and a larger pavilion overlooking the whole
complex. Located at Ghat ki Guni, it is now let out for private
picnics.
Jain Temple
:
one of few example of Jain architecture in Jaipur, located on the
Agra Road, it has 19th century frescos that are exquisite.
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Ram Niwas Bagh :
A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a
herbarium, a museum and popular sports ground. It was built by
Sawai Ram Singh 2nd in 1868 A.D. as a famine relief project. The
Albert hall, fine example of Indo Sarcenic style of architecture
designed by Sir Swinton Jecob, was opened later with an exquisite
collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative wares, natural
history specimen, an Egyptian mummy & celebrated Persian carpet.
Recently, the Rabindra Manch with an auditorium, a modern art
gallery and an open air theatre, has been added to promote
cultural events.
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Laxmi Narayan Temple
:
A new temple, built entirely of marble, this is a showcase of the
continuing skill of the mason and the sculptor.
Moti Doongari
:
A small palace, this is a replica of a Scottish castle, and
perched on a hilltop. Once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son
who was confined here, it was also for a while home to Maharani
Gayatri Devi.
Statue Circle
:
A busy crossing, this has a life-size statue in marble of
Maharaja Jai Singh 2nd. It is a recent addition to the city's
attractions.
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