Envisioned
and built by the great and mighty king, Sawai Raja Jai Singh, the name
of the city 'Jaipur' has twofold emphasis. 'Jai' means conquest and is
also the first name of its maker. Today, the city is a foremost tourist
attraction in India because of its superlative forts, grandiose palaces,
vivacious temples, multicolored bazaars, pulsating streets and its
distinguished pink color to which the city owes its oft-used name 'The
Pink City'. This illustrious pink color symbolizes 'welcome' and was
embraced during the times of the ruler Ram Singh II when he expected the
Prince of Wales in 1876. The color was selected after several
experiments to cut down the severe glare from the reflection of the
glowing rays of the sun. Today, every home in the old city is obliged by
law to maintain this distinctiveness of the city. Throughout the old
city you can see the traditional, fabulous, pink-colored houses with
latticed windows lending charisma to a scene, which is almost miraculous
at sunset.
Shopping Attractions
Jaipur
is well known all over the world for its gemstones master cutters,
polishers and gemstone dealers and also for its cut and polished
emeralds. A world leader in semi-precious stones and Kundan - Meena
jewellery, one can can also find good bargains for Lacquered Bangles,
Hand Block Printed Textiles, glazed Blue Pottery with its origin in
Persia, Tie & dye Fabrics (Bandhani/Bandhej), Stone Craft Marble and
sandstone articles and traditional miniature paintings in Jaipur.
Prime Attractions
Amer Palace
Raja Man Singh erected Amer Palace in 16th century. It is an
attention-grabbing mélange of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Jai
Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas and Ganesh Pole are the focal areas of
interest in the palace.
Hawa Mahal
Latticed windows and stone screens lend a supplementary fascination to
the multi-layered palace of Hawa Mahal. Raja Sawai Pratap Singh (who was
the grandson of Sawai Jai Singh and the son of Sawai Madho Singh) built
it in 1799.
City Palace
Chandra Mahal, prevalently known as City Palace, is still the dwelling
place of the royal family, at least, in part, while Maharaja Sawai Man
Singh II Museum engages the ground floors and outer courtyards. The
museum offers rare manuscripts, Mughal and Rajasthani miniature
paintings, Mughal carpets, royal costumes and textiles and armory.
Nahargarh Fort
Formerly known as Sudarshan Garh, Nahargarh or the Tiger fort was put
up in 1734 by Raja Jai Singh II. It was one of the first of the three
forts built by the rulers of Jaipur and from here one can see the
picturesque beauty of the Man Sagar Lake.
Jai Garh Fort
FJaigarh fort was built in 1726 by Raja Sawai Jai Singh and is
analogous in its architectural style to the Amber Fort. It features the
impressive Jaivana, the largest wheeled canon in the world along with a
museum, three water tanks and eye-catching views of the city of Amber
below.
Samode Palace (40-km North West)
The attractive Samode Palace has been restructured and refurbished and
is now serving as one of the family run hotels that offer custom-made
service and attention to detail. It is a wonderful example of the Rajput
haveli structural design and offers a panoramic vision to its guests.
Jal Mahal
An 18th century pleasure palace, hovering over Mansagar Lake, Jal Mahal
is noted for its convoluted design and magnificent structural design.
Situated across the cenotaphs, there is a land bridge that leads one to
the Jal Mahal Palace.
Government Central Museum
Conceived by Colonel Sir Swinton Jacob in 1876, Government Central
museum or Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum of the state. Located
in the Ramnivas Gardens, it has Indo-Persian style of architecture. The
museum has a wide range of domestic metal objects, miniature paintings
from the Bundi, Kishangarh, Kota, Udaipur and Jaipur schools of
painting, traditional ceremonial dress worn by royal families and
samples of wood block printing.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh
Built by Sawai Jai Singh II for his Sisodia queen - the Sisodia
Rani-ka-Bagh has fabulous tiered multilevel gardens, fountains, pools,
some gorgeous pieces of sculpture and painted pavilions.
Vidyadhar's Garden
Built in the memory of Vidyadhar, the designer of the Pink City, it is
situated 7 km east of Jaipur in a narrow valley enclosed by high hills.
It has been remodeled recently and used to be the ex-vineyard of the
royalty. This is a terraced garden with fountains, pool and other
features of a decorous royal resort.
Jantar Mantar
The astonishing astronomical three-storey-high observatory was built
between 1728 and 1734 based on the drafts of Maharaja Jai Singh II.
Jantar-Mantar in Sanskrit means 'Magical Device'.
Elephant Festival
It is held in March or April every year on the propitious occasion of
Holi, the celebration of colors. As the name suggests, dozens of
elephants parade at the Chaugan stadium. The best-attired elephant is
given a prize. Elephant Polo and cultural songs & dances are
featured events in this festival.
Jaipur Festival is a fairly contemporary event that takes place
in the month of November where innumerable of programs, competitions and
felicitations are prearranged and are meant to revive old customs and
traditions of the princely Jaipur. It closes on, November the 18th,
which is supposed to be 'the birthday' of Jaipur.
