jaipur tour and travels - guide and information for tourists

8/14/2019 Jaipur Tour and Travels - Guide and Information for tourists

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KNOW ABOUT THE TOURIST DESTINATIONS & CULTURE OF INDIA:JAIPUR TOUR AT A GLANCE:

Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan is royal in all the ways, why they even have royalty that still lives in palaces! If you wish to spend the monies you too can hire out a royal palace and wed in its courtyard! Elephant rides are still quite common here as is camel trading. This is Jaipur The Pink City, a spot on the Indi

an map where old customs, traditions and festivals are held in their true flavor.

The city, when built was extremely well-planned, and some of its features are advanced for todays day and age too. It still has a walled city and drainage linesthat leave one stumped! This is a place thats best explored on foot.

Jaipur is situated in the eastern part of Rajasthan. It is bound in the north bySikar and Alwar, in South by Tonk, Ajmer and Sawai Madhopur. Nagaur, Sikar andAjmer in the west and in east by Bharatpur and Dausa districts. It is about 261kms away from New Delhi.

Jaipur is perhaps one of those few cities which still boasts of a Tonga

a horsedrawn carriage and cycle rickshaws. You have to bargain with the driver to get acheap ride though. For those who prefer motorized wheels the auto rickshaws arethe best bet. Make sure that the meters work before you begin the trip. For those who would like to ride in comfort and willing to splurge, day cabs, rental taxis are also easily available. Should you wish too you can squeeze your sight seeing trip into two days, which would work well if you are on a budget, the maincity itself, is best explored on foot, right from the walled villages to those where the craftsmen create mind boggling silver jewellery and pottery. You reallycant get lost in this city, theres one main road and all other lanes lead here, the advantage of a planned city!

PALACES:

Sawai Jai Singh's Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) or the City Palace The city palace, with its imposing and magnificent architecture blending Mughal and Rajasthanischools of architecture, is actually walking distance from the main markets. There are two ways to enter it; through the Virendra Pol and the other through theUdai Pol near Jaleb Chowk. A must see is the pair of Gangajalis on display in the open Sarvatobhadra building, these were fabricated in the court workshops forSawai Madho Singh II to carry the holy water of the Ganges to England! These even find a mention in the Guiness Book of World Records as the largest silver objects in the world.

The Mubarak Mahal, (reception area) is a blend of awesome Rajasthani, Islamic and Mughal architecture. Part of the building now forms the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and the other half is still remains as the residence of the kings of Jaipur. Yes, you could actually meet Royalty here! On display in the three-floored museum are a wide array of royal costumes, some very exquisite and preciousshawls, Benaras silk saris, Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery and a favoriteamongst the lot the unusual display of voluminous clothes worn by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I.

The Maharani's Palace Strangely enough the palace of the Queen, now houses the huge display of the Rajput weaponry. And amongst the hundreds of weapons on display here, is one of the most remarkable and deadly piece - the scissor-action dagger. A fine piece of mechanics: the weapon when thrust into the body, spreads it

s blades, tearing away the insides completely at the time of being pulled out ofthe body. A gruesome weapon to use. The armory collection is certainly not forthe weak hearted. The other interesting parts of the Queens Palace are the walls


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and ceilings with frescoes and gold inlayed art. As you go further you come tothe Diwan- E- Am, which used to be the hall for public audience. This is now a vibrant art gallery showcasing the best Hindu art like precious and ancient handwritten Hindu manuscripts, delicate miniature paintings in Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools on various themes including the Ramayana and Mahabarata. The palace has well maintained gardens all along, complete with a full range of fountains and well laid out pathways. The palace is open for visitors from 9.30 am to

5.30pm daily.

Jal Mahal Jal Mahal or the water palace was developed as a pleasure spot for theroyalty. And indeed its that to date. Situated in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, the palace has a lot of intricate architecture. From across the lake, you feel that it's a small palace. But once you cross over the causeway, you discoverthat the first four floors are fully submerged. Take the time to go closer to the structure, else you will miss out on its beauty.

MONUMENTS AND MUSEUMS:

Jantar Mantar walk across to the Jantar Mantar from the city palace to enjoy magnitude and design elements of this structure. Among the five observatories builtduring the reign of Sawai Jai Singh, in 1728, this is one of the oldest, the biggest and the best preserved observatories. Astronomy being a passionate hobby of the King he with the help of skilled laborers, managed to create a collectionof complex astronomical instruments chiseled out of stone and most of which continues to provide accurate information to this day. Be sure to stick with a guide, he will give you detailed descriptions of how each and every instrument in theobservatory fits in and also the story behind, the calculations involved. The must see here, is the sundial which was built according to the ancient Indian texts on astronomy. The yellow edifice has a 27m high gnomon, set at an angle of 27degrees. The shadow it casts moves up to 4 m in an hour and helps calculate thelocal time. Time : 9:00 A.M.- 4:30 P.M.(Daily).

Hawa Mahal This is a sight you will take home with you and never forget. The entire structure seems to be made of paper and you wonder how it's standing high inspite of the breeze!Hawa Mahal, when translated means the palace of winds is astunning example of Rajput architecture. This pink honeycombed structure has 953sandstone windows knows as jharokhas, and allows plenty of wind to flow in andout of the structure. The idea of the structure was to let the ladies of the royal household watch everyday life and processions in the city without coming outin public. The view from the top of the palace is remarkable.

Statue Circle This is a traffic roundabout In Jaipur. The Statue Circle is not only the most famed circle, but also the most crowded. It is the favorite loungeof Jaipur and a place for evening out, with 'Meals on Wheels' standing by. Strangely it acquires its name of Statue Circle after its figurine rather -- the statue of Sawai Jai Singh the founder of modern day Jaipur who stands there holdingout astrological diagrams to exemplify his proclivity for astrology. The lighting and the colorful fountains cheer up the roundabout and it's surrounds. You donot have to make a special visit to this circle, you will pass this circle almost everyday!

Amber fort Amber (Amer) is situated about 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was theseat of the ruling Kachhawa kings, before they created Jaipur. The Amber Fort itself is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture made in red sandstone and white marble. The interior wall of the palace abounds in paintings, carvings and mirror settings. Make sure you visit the Maota Lake just outside the for

t, it has a breathtaking view. The Jai Mandir is here too, go there to check outthe famous Sheesh Mahal, the intricacies of the inlaid panel and dazzling mirror ceilings are worth the visit. Your trip here would be even more exciting if yo


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u can catch a ray of light playing magic in these rooms. A good time to go hereis early mornings.

Jaigarh Fort This is the most spectacular of the three-hilltop forts that overlook Jaipur. Jaigarh means `Victory Fort' and was built between the 15th and the 18th century amidst rock-strewn, thorn-scrub covered hills, its forbidding stoneramparts are visible till date from Jaipur town, which is a good 15 kms away. A

steep road goes up to the main gate, the Dungar Darwaza, from where the view isstupendous. The fort during it's hey days was responsible for protecting both Amber and Jaipur. It has palaces for the royals, the chief of staff and the soldiers, a granary, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower anda giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban (Jaivan)- which is one of the largest cannonsin the world.

Nahargarh Fort Nahargarh Fort (meaning abode of the tigers) overlooks the city and presents a glittering view of the city lights by dusk. The fort has a uniquecluster of 12 identical suits for queens with a suit for the king himself at thehead. During the peaceful days, the fort used to be an excursion point for theroyal family. The fort retains some delicate frescoes too, guess where they're p

laced -- in the toilets. It's believed that the royalty picnicked here, well nowyou can too.

Albert Hall Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect, Albert Hall combines the elements of English and north Indian architecture. The Hall displays animpressively rich collection of artifacts like paintings, carpet, ivory, stoneand metal sculptures and colorful crystal works. Gaitore The final resting placebefitting the Kings. That is Gaitore about 6kms, off the Jaipur-Amber road. Situated in a narrow valley the cenotaphs of the former Maharajas are chhatris madein typical Rajput architecture. The chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh II is a work ofart with its typical Rajput architecture.

PARKS AND GARDENS:

Sisodia Rani ka Bagh The multi level garden consists of fountains and watercourses along with painted pavilions. While the kids play here, you can visit the several galleries that line this garden created on Mughal lines, some of the beautiful murals depict scenes from the life of lord Krishna.

Kanak Vrindavan This garden is best visited in the monsoons when it is back to its clean green glory. Kanak Vrindavan is an exquisitely landscaped gardens withbeautifully carved temple in beige stone, with terrace sites all around and intricately carved marble columns and lattices. This complex is a popular spot for picnic and more often than not parts of the garden will be cordoned off due to film shoots.

RELIGIOUS PLACES:

Govind Dev Ji Temple Inside the City Palace complex is this temple dedicated tolord Krishna. Sawai Jai Singh installed the image of Govinddevji (an incarnationof lord Krishna) after it was brought from Vrindavan. The gods are unveiled seven times daily for 'Artis' and bhogs offered in the silver wares, consisting ofsweets most of the time. The idols of radha-krishnan are dressed in different styles for each arti. A great sight to capture.

Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple On a small hill called the Moti Dungri (Pearl hill) li

es a small castle, built along the lines of a Scottish castle. This is a privateproperty of the ruling family. This is also where Lord Ganesha resides in Jaipur. The temple is know far and wide and in fact, this elephant god gets more outs


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tation visitors than he does locals.

Birla Lakshmi-Narayan Temple The temple that dominates the skyline of south Jaipur! Constructed in white marble the temple has three domes, each portraying a different approach to religion. The presiding deities here are Vishnu (One of theHindu Trilogy Gods) called Narayan and his consort Lakshmi Goddess of wealth andgood fortune. The exterior of the temple is beautiful with carved sculptures of

various mythological themes and images of saints. The interior has large panelin marble of mythological proceedings.

Galtaji If you've sinned come here for absolution! This ancient pilgrimage centre has a temple of the sun god, but what's worth dipping into here is the holy kunds (natural springs) along the lush green landscape. A dip in these kunds is supposed to cleanse you of all your sins. It's not too far from Jaipur, just 2.5kms away.

SHOPPING

The city is one of the best centre for precious/semi-precious stones and diamonds. The Kundan style jewellery of Jaipur is well known in the world. Some of thefamous shopping places include:1.M.I.Road - Jewellery and handicrafts2.Bapu Bazar - Ironware and Utensils3.Nehru Bazar- Fancy items and garments4.Johari Bazar textiles - Jewellery and tie and dye textiles.5.Khajane Walon ka Rasta - marble,carving and textiles6.Sanganer Town Paper - Block printing and hand made paper.7.Maniharon ka Rasta - Lac bangles and Lac items.

EAT OUTS

1.Om Revolving Restaurant-Mirza Ismail Road2.LMB Restaurant-Johari Bazar3.Handi Restaurant-Mirza Ismail Road4.Chokhi Dhani Restaurant-Tonk Road5.Gulab Mahal Restaurant-Taj Jai Mahal Palace6.Suvarna Mahal Restaurant-Taj Rambagh Palace7.The Copper Chimney Restaurant-Mirza Ismail Road8.The Palace Cafe-The City Palace9.Jaipur Darbar Restaurant-Amer Road10.Surabhi Restaurant-Old Amer Road

SPECIAL ATTRACTION FOR FOREIGN TOURISTS VISITING JAIPUR Visit: Academy of Indian Culture.Tonk Road, Jaipur.E Mail: [email protected]

jaipur tour and travels - guide and information for tourists

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