Prime
Attractions of Jaipur
-- Forts & Palaces --
§ Amer Palace
The magnificent fort with its huge ramparts &
watchtowers, overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur Highway.
It is believed to have been the capital of the "Minas",
the original inhabitants of Rajasthan.
§ Hawa Mahal
A Pandora's box of wonders, the enchanting Hawa Mahal
is a multi-layered palace, with a profusion of windows
and stone screens.
§ City Palace
Nakkarkhana-ka-Darwaza, the imposing gateway of the
City Palace guarded by stone elephants, is monumental.
§ Nahargarh Fort
Originally called Sudarshan Garh, it affords a splendid
view of Jaipur.
§ Jai Garh
Built on a peak, Jai Garh overlooks the palace &
city of Amber below. Jal Mahal is Jaipur's lake palace.
It is surrounded with water.
-- Museums --
§ Government Central
Museum
This is the oldest museum in the state. The buiding,
designed by Colonel Sir Swinton Jacob is located in
the centre of the sprawling Ram Niwas Bagh, built
in 1876 AD. When King Edward VII visited India as
the Prince of Wales, it was opened to public in 1886.
-- Gardens --
§ Sisodia Rani
Ka Bagh
Has beautiful gardens, fountains, pools & some
magnificent pieces of sculpture
-- Monuments --
§ Jantar Mantar
The amazing astronomical three-storey-high observatory,
of an 18th century Rajasthani king, named Jai Singh.
Excursions of Jaipur
-- Temples --
§ Galta (2.5-km)
Beyond the gardens amidst the low hill guarding the
city lies the old pilgrim centre of Galtaji. Temples,
pavilions and holy 'kunds' (natural springs and reservoirs)
dot the serene green landscape. The small temple of
the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on top of the
highest peak, is visible form all parts of the city.
§
Bairath (86-km on the Shahpura-Alwar Road)
An important historical place with the excavated remains
of a circular Buddhist temple - unique in Rajasthan
and the earliest known temple in India. Bairath also
has relics of the Mauryan, Mughal and Rajput periods.
A mint constructed by Akbar, a beautiful Mughal garden
and a remarkable monument with painted 'chhatris'
and wall built by Jahangir, are other attractions.
--
Palace --
§ Samode (40-km
North West)
The beautiful Samode Palace, has been rebuilt and
renovated and provides a fine example of the Rajput
haveli architecture. It is an ideal spot for outings.
--
Lakes --
§ Ramgarh Lake
(32-km North East)
huge artificial lake created by constructing a high
dam amidst tree covered hills. While the temple of
Jamwa Mata and the ruins of the old fort are some
of its antiquities, its beautiful landscape makes
it an idyllic picnic spot.
--
Gardens --
§ Vidyadhar's Garden
Nestled in a narrow valley, this beautiful garden
was built in honour of Jai Singh's chief architect
and town planner.
-- Cities --
§ Sanganer (16-km)
Located on the Tonk Road. This small town is entered
through the ruins of two 'Tripolias' or triple-gateways.
The town has a ruined palace and a group of Jain temples
with fine carvings. Entry to the temples is restricted.
The town is an important centre for craft, industry
and produces some of the finest hand printed textiles
from units of block and screen printers. This textile
is popular all over the country and abroad. On the
Ajmer Road, the ground level fort is still in good
shape. It is noted for its hand printed handloom industry
using simple techniques.
