|
PRIME ATTRACTIONS OF
JAIPUR
- Jantar
Mantar
Jantar Mantar is the most famous and elaborate observatory of its
time. It was constructed in the year 1724 A.D. By Sawai Jail Sigh
II, even before the city of Jaipur was built, and has built to
measure the local time, the Sun's declination, altitude the
declination of stars, planets and to determine eclipses.
- City Palace
The city palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and
Mughal art and architecture. The City Palace complex houses several
palatial structures. The first building in it is Mubarak Rahal,
built by Maharajah Macho Sigh. It has a beautifully carved marble
gate with heavy brass doors on either side of this gate. Beyond this
gate lies the Divan-e-Khans, or the "Hall of Private Audience".
Across a paved square lies the Divan-e-Am, or the "Hall of
Public Audience".
- Amer Or
Amber 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.
- Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal, or the "Palace of Wind" built by
Maharajah Sawai Pratap Sigh 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.
- Jaigarh Fort
The western skyline is dominated by the extensive walls, watch
towers and gateways of the Jagdish Fort. It is one of the few
military structure of medieval India preserved almost intact,
containing palaces gardens, open and covered reservoirs, a granary,
an armoury, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall
tower and a giant mounted cannon the Jai Ban, the largest cannon in
the world.
- Ram Niwas Garden
Although known to the world as Desert, Jaipur possesses some of the
most beautiful gardens of the country. Ram Niwas Garden is across
the road from the old city and contains the zoo, a bird park and the
museum, also known as The Albert Hall Museum. It was built in 1868
A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh, and covers an area of 33 acres. It
was laid out at a cost of more than Rs. 4 lakhs, an astronomical
amount in those days. The garden was designed by surgeon Major
De-Faback. It is said to have been made as a famine relief work.
- Nahargarh Fort
Perched atop a picturesque hill, the Nahargarh Fort offers a
breathtaking view of the city below. Initially built By Sawai Jai
Singh in 1734 A.D. It was enlarged and given its present shape by
Sawai Madho Singh in 1885 A.D. Decorative motifs in some of the
rooms are delightful. From the windows of the nine identical suites,
one gets a magnificent view of the city, complete with the
geometrical layout. From Amer there is a road to Nahargarh, which
passes through the Aravalli hills.
- 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 was
brought from Vrindavan and installed here by Sawai Jai Singh II as
the guardian deity. Today, the temple attracts devotees from all
over the India.
- Vidyadhar Garden
Situated 7-kms east of Jaipur in a narrow valley, the garden, in
memory of Vidyadhar the architect of the pink city, is surrounded by
high hills. This newly renovated and enthrallingly beautiful place
is a former vineyard of the royalty. This is a terraced garden with
fountains, pools and other features of a formal royal resort.
- Sisodia Rani Palace And Gardens
8-kms east of Jaipur, the palace was built for the Sisodia Queen of
Jai Singh II in 1779 A.D. It is a terraced garden with fountains,
the top terrace being occupied by a palace. The palace has painted
murals illustrated by hunting scenes and the Radha-Krishna legend.
|
