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JAIPUR
PLACES TO VISIT
Jaipur is popularly known as the
Pink City. It is also the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It is one of
the most visited tourist places of India. The old city of Jaipur is partially
encircled with seven gates - the major gates are Chandpol, Sanganeri, and
Ajmeri.The Capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture.
Here the past comes alive in magnificient forts and palaces, blushed pink,
where once lived the Maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, Famous for
Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are
surely a treasure trove for the shoppers.
Amer
Palace & Fort
Amer Fort and Palace was originally built by Raja
Man Singh and subsequently developed by Sawai Jai Singh. The major attractions
are Sheela Devi Temple, Sheesh Mahal ( Hall of mirrors), Jai Garh Fort
a few kilometres from the city centre was built for the defence of the
towna and has one of the world`s biggest cannons on wheels and a rich
collection of arms and weapons.
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
Hawa Mahal is the most strikingly designed monument
in Jaipur. Built by the Poet-King Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa
Mahal is centrally located and is multiniched five storey high back view
of the compled. It was conceived to provide an adequate vantage position
behind delicate stone-carved jali, screens for the palace women to watch
the royal processions passing through the Bazar below without being seen
by outsiders. The Top of the palace affords a beautiful view of the city.
A small archaeological museum is yet another attaraction in the palace.
Jal Mahal
The Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur is noted for its intricate
architecture. The Palace was developed as a pleasure spot. It was used
for the royal duck shooting parties. On the road to Amber at a distance
of 6.5 kms from Jaipur are the cenotaphs of the royal family. A causeway
leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar lake, opposite
the cenotaphs.The first four floors of this building is under water, only
the top floor remains outside.One can have a wonderful view of the lake
and the palace from Nahargarh Fort Built in 1799, the palace is now abandoned,
but reasonably well preserved. In the monsoons, it looks particularly
startling with its red sandstone set against the water hyacinth filled
lake.
The City Palace
The
city Palace is a historic landmark. The Carved arches are supported by
grey-white marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold and coloured
stones. Two elephants carved in marble, guard the entrance, where retaineers
whose families have served generations of the rulers are at hand, to serve
as guides.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is one of Sawai Jai singh`s Five remarkable
observatories. Constructed withstone and marble its compled instruments
whose setting and shapes are precisely and scientifically designed , represent
the high-points of medieval Indian Astronomy. The two Ram Yantras used
for gauging altitudes are unique in their isolation. This is the largest
of five observatories founded by Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of
the country.
Jaigarh Fort
The Western skyline is dominated by the extensive
parkotas (Walls), watch-towers and gateways of Jaigarh.It is one of the
few military structures of medieval India preserved almost intactcontaining
palaces, gardens, open and covered reservoirs, a grannary, an armoury,
a well planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant
mounted cannon the Jai Ban the largest in the Country.
Nahargarh Fort
Beyond the hills of Jaigarh, stands the fort of
Nahargarh like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful
capital. Much of the original structures are now in ruins, but the lovely
buildings added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II in the
19th century are preserved in a good condition. Some of the rooms provide
the most spectacular view of the city below.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh
Along the road to Agra through a narrow gorge in
the south-eastern corner of the walled city, several landscaped gardens
were constructed by the kings and important courtiers in the 18th and
19th centuries. The largest and the most famous amongst these is a garden
built by Sawai Jai Singh II for his Sisodia Queen - The Sisodia Rani-ka-Bagh.
It consists of tiered multi-level gardens with fountains, watercourses
and painted pavilions. Amongst others, the best-preserved one is Vidyadhar-ka-Bagh,
constructed by the builder of the city, Vidyadhar, with shady trees, flowing
water, an open pavilion and suites of living rooms. |
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