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HAWA
MAHAL - built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh,
is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied
stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with
over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput
architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies to
watch and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the
street below. Now it houses a well laid out museum. The
display “Jaipur past and present” is the special feature of
this newly setup museum.
JANTAR MANTAR (Observatory) - built in 18th century
by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonary
instruments were used to study the movement of
constellations and stars in the sky.
CITY PALACE AND S.M.S. II MUSEUM - situated in the
heart of the old City, it occupies about one seventh of the
old city area. The palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal
architecture, it houses a Seven storeyed Chandra Mahal in
the centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the
city. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public audience) has intricate
decorations and collection of manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas
(Hall of private audience) has a marble pawed gallery
Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and
textiles. There is a Clock Tower near Mubarak Mahal. Sileh
Khana has a collection of armory and weapons. Timing 9.30 to
16.45 hrs.
ISHWAR LAT - ‘Swarg Suli’ or ‘heaven piercing
minaret’, the tower, near Tripolia gate, built by Maharaja
Ishwari Singh (1744-51). It offers one of the most
breathtaking view of the city.
CENTRAL MUSEUM - situated in the Ram Niwas Garden.
This graceful building was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert
(also known as Albert Hall). It has a rare collection of
archaeological and handicraft pieces.
DOLLS MUSEUM - a collection of beautiful dolls from
all over the world, it is situated on Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg.
BIRLA PLANETARIUM - It offers unique audio-visual
education about stars and entertainment with its modern
computerised projection system.
JALMAHAL - (6 kms) on the way to Amer, this small
palace is set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Renovation
around the lake is in progress.
GAITOR - (6 kms) At the foot hill of Nahargarh stands
the memorials to the former rulers of Jaipur the place has
some gracefully carved cenotaphs in white marble.
JAIGARH FORT - (15 kms.) standing on a hilltop,
overlooking the palaces and city of Amer. The world’s
biggest cannon on wheels- the Jai Ban is positioned here,
built during reign of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh. It has a
twenty feet long barrel and pumped in the cannon for a
single shot.
NAHARGARH FORT - (15 kms.) cresting a hill about 600
ft. above the city, the fort was built in 1734. The walls of
the fort run along the ridge and within are architectural
beauties like Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra Bhawan.
GALTA - (10 kms.) This holy pilgrimage centre has a
temple dedicated to the Sun God (Which is the only one of
its kind in this part of the country) and natural spring. It
crests the ridge over a picturesque gorge and provides an
impressive view of the city. As the legend goes, sage Galav
performed a difficult penance here.
MOTIDOONGARI - perched on a hill top on the southern
horizon. It is a replica of a Scottish castle.
LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE - is situated just below the
Moti Doongari, known for the intricate marble carvings in
white marble, popularly known as Birla Temple.
MAHARANI K! CHHATRI - The funeral place for the royal
ladies, marked by some wonderfully carved cenotaphs.
SISODIA RANI GARDEN - (5 kms.) on the road to Agra,
the magnificent palace garden was built by Maharaja Sawai
Jai Singh II in 1710 for his queen.
VIDHYADHAR GARDEN - (5 kms.) on the way to
Agra, built by Viyadhar, the chief architect and town
planner of Jaipur. This beautiful terraced garden has
several galleries and pavilions decorated with exquisite
murals, depicting Lord Krishna.
KANAK VRINDAVAN - (6.5 Kms on the way to Amer)
This newly restored temple and garden, near Jal Mahal, has
beautiful gardens and is popular picnic place. This is also
beautiful location for film shooting.
AMER - The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop
a range of craggy hills. The fort is remarkable as much for
the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy
battlements and beautiful palaces. It is a fine blend of
Hindu and Muslim architecture. The solemn dignity of it red
sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in the
lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold. The original
palace was built by Raja Man Singh, the additional
extensions were built by Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and
Sawai Jai Singh lIthe last Maharaja of Amer, who built a new
city called Jaipur, where he shfted his capital in 1727.
The palace complex is lavishly ornamented and displays the
riches of Amer. Sheesh Mahal chamber of Mirrors. Diwan-e-Am
or the Hall of Public Audience is a beautifully proportioned
hall open on three sides and stands on two rows of
ornamented pillars. Diwan e-Khas or the Hall of Private
Audience has delicate mosaic work in glass. Sukh mandir is
guarded by sandalwood doors inlaid with ivory. Throughout
the massive fort finely carved lattice windows, exquisitely
painted doorways, halls and finely sculptured pillars crave
for attention.
The old city of Amer was the seat of power and bustling with
life and prosperity. Other worth seeing sites are Jagat
Shiromani Temple, Narsinghji temple, the stepwell of Panna
Meena and fine carved royal cenotaphs on the road to Delhi. |
