Jaipur Travel Guide

Jaipur Forts & Palaces

Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and is known for the forts and palaces that were built by Maharajas here. Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur contains many forts and palaces which have preserved the rich cultural heritage of the city. These structures are provided with courtyard, outbuildings, gateways and temples. The forts also houses museums wherein the legacy of Maharajas has been resting.
The monuments are real attractions as the architecture and construction of the monuments are superb. The architecture of these monuments reveal a blend of Hindu (Rajasthani) and Mughal architecture. Amer Fort built by Raja Man Singh in 16th century is a perfect example of this arcitectural blend. Some of these Havelis (Palaces) are still inhabited with descendents of Maharajas. The Sheesh Mahal which is a delightful hall of mirrors has been constructed in such a manner that even a small flicker of light reflects and illuminates the hall.

Some forts were particularly built to protect the city from foreign invasion. Fort like Jaigarh was cleverly built to give its archers an advantage over their targets. According to a popular belief Raja Man Singh has buried huge treasures in this bastion which have never been recovered. The fort also houses the Jai Ban, the largest cannon in Asia, which is supposed to have been test fired only once. The fort has an exclusive part devoted to the arms and ammunitions used by the royal family in the past.

The monuments that are found in Jaipur have been built with sandstone and marble. The building walls are painted with hunting practices and other activities during the times of Maharajas. Precious stones are embedded in the plaster walls of many palaces. The medieval buildings of Jaipur reveal the elegance and charm of the royal family as well architectural feats.