Jantar
Mantar
A stone observatory, part of the City Palace complex, Jantar Mantar is one
of the several other astronomical observatories created by Maharaja Sawai
Jai Singh II. Other observatories are situated in Delhi, Banaras an Ujjain.
These concrete masonary instruments were used to measure everything from
altitude to time, an map the movement of the planets and the stars. Jai
Singh II had a passion for astronomy and used astronomical inventions from
different cultures in the creation of these observatories, the largest of
which is situated in Jaipur.
City
Palace
As may be expected, the City Palace complex lies at the heart of the Jaipur
city. Getting in this palace is simpler noe then it once was. Though the
erstwhile Maharaja and his family friends use the the triple-arched Tripola
Gate to enter their section of the palace, most visitors are ushered 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 or
Rhinocerous Gate.
Hawa Mahal
Located at one side, but very much a part of the City Palace Complex, Hawa
Mahal is best viewed from the street outside. If it were not for the
bustling bazaar all round, it would have been easy to mistake it for a film
set, so exquisitely is it propotioned, and co incongruous is its delicacy.
