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Also known as: |
The Pink City |
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Shopping: |
Handmade accessories; Mineral stones;
Precious & Semi Precious Gem stones; carpets; marble sculptures
and many more |
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History of: |
300 years |
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Population: |
32 Lac |
Rajasthans beautiful Pink City Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of
rulers whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the city are
important attractions. Known as the Pink City because of the colour of
the stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur's bazaars sell
embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and other
exotic wares. Western Rajasthan itself forms a convenient circuit, in
the heart of the Thar desert which has shaped its history, lifestyles
and architecture.
Founded in AD 1727 by Sawai Jaisingh II, Jaipur the capital of
Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City with broad avenues and
spacious gardens. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in
history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificent 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. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes
you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.
Major Attractions
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. Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 35.00 and for foreigners
Rs.150.00 inclusive of entry to Jaigarh fort.
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. Enormous sun-dial still provide
accurate time, which are subject to daily corrections. Timing 9.00 to
16.30 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 10.00.
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. Timing
10.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00.
JALMAHAL - (6 kms) on the way to Amer, this small palace is set
in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. A paved causeway leads upto the
beautiful water palace.
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. Timing 10.00 to 16.45 hrs, Entry Fee for Indians Rs.
15.00 & for foreigners Rs. 20.00.
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. Timing: 9.00 to 16.30 hrs. Entry Fee
For Indians Rs. 10.00, For Foreigners Rs. 50.00, Phone: 2530293,
Elephant ride charge Rs. 400.00 (inclusive of all taxes) Timing : 8.00
to 16.00 hrs.
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. Timing 10.00 to 16.00 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00.
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. Timing 10.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee for Indians Rs.
5.00, for foreigners As. 30.00.
BIRLA PLANETARIUM - It offers unique audio-visual education
about stars and entertainment with its modern computerised projection
system. Entry fee As. 20.00 show timings: 11.00, 13.00, 15.00, 17.00,
18.00, 19.00 hrs.
LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE - is situated just below the Moti doongri,
known for the intricate marble carvings in white marble, popularly
known as Birla Temple.
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. Entry fee Rs. 4.00 & Timings 8.00 to 17.00 hrs.
Nearby
Excursions
SAMBHAR
Famous for the country�s
largest inland salt lake, is an ancient city. It was the first capital
of the Chauhan dynasty. Sakambhari, as it was founded near the temple
of Goddess Sakambhari, famous for its holy Devyani tank, the palace
and the nearby Naliasar: where the 3rd century onwards sculptures and
terracottas were found in excavation. This place is situated on the
Sambhar-Naraina Road.
VIRATNAGAR
86 Km. on the Shahpura -
Alwar road, The site of ancient Viratnagar is of great antiquity. It
contains the relics and structures of Mauryan, Mugal and Rajput
periods.
RAMGARH LAKE
28 Kms - the huge
artificial lake, a popular picnic spot. The ruins of the old fort and
the temple of Jamwa Mata indicate that it was the seat of power of the
Kachhawahas before they moved to Amer.
SAMODE
40 kms - a quaint village
amidst the hills, the Samode palace set in fairy tale surrounding, has
beautiful wall paintings & mirror works, now this is a heritage hotel.
BAGRU
35 Kms - the village on the
Ajmer road, is known for its hand block printing, the characteristic
prints are called as Bagru prints. The fort here is still in a good
condition.
SANGANER
16 Kms - another centre of
hand block printed textile and hand made paper. The town is entered
through the ruins of two Tripolias (Triple Gateways) The town is an
important centre for crafts industry and produces some of the finest
hand printed textiles from units of block and screen printers. This
textile is popular all over country and abroad.
Fun Festives
The Pink City rejoices and
celebrates the fairs and festivals with pomp and gaiety since time
immemorial. These fairs and festivals reflect the rich culture and
heritage of the region. Jaipur has a flair for celebrating every
occasion.
ELEPHANT FESTIVAL - (March-April) the elephant enthrall the
spectators on the day of the Colourful festival of Holi at Chaugan
stadium. Beautifully decorated elephants assemble for royal
procession, Elephant polo match, races etc. & Rajasthan Folk music &
dance performances are part of the festival.
The sight of mighty jumbos striding majestically is a treat to watch.
The mahavats or owners proudly decorate their elephants with bright
colours, jhools (saddle cloth) and heavy jewellery. Female elephants
are made to wear payals or anklets which tinkle as they walk. Prizes
are given for the most beautifully decorated elephant. Even more
exciting is the Polo match, the Elephant race, the tug-of-war between
elephant and 19 men and women. The most colourful being the playing of
Holi on Elephant back.
GANGAUR - (March-April) this festival is celebrated by the
maidens and married women, and is dedicated to Gauri, the incarnation
of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. A Colourful procession
is taken out from Zanana Deodhi of the City Palace, passing through
Tripolia Bazar, Gangauri Bazar, Chaugan and converging near Talkatora
for two consecutive days.
Images of Isar & Gauri are made of clay for the festival. In some
families, permanent wooden images are painted afresh every year by
reputed painters called Matherans on the eve of the festival. A
distinct difference between the idols of Teej and Gangaur is that the
idol will have a canopy during the Teej festival while the Gangaur
idol would not a canopy.
The ladies decorate their hands and feet by drawing design with
Mehendi (myrtle Paste). The figures drawn range from the sun, Moon and
the stars to simple flowers or geometrical designs.
TEEJ - (July-August) festival marking the advent of monsoon,
swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls
sing songs of love and about the rain. The festival is dedicated to
parvati, commemorating the day when she was united with Lord Shiva, A
magnificent procession is taken out from City Palace, similar to the
Gangaur procession, for two consecutive days.
MAKAR SANKRANTI - celebrated on the 14th of January, every year
with traditional fervour, the devotees take a holy dip in the holy
tank at Galtaji, it has now also become a kite flying festival,
millions of colourful kites come on the sky of Jaipur on this day.
SHITLA ASHTAMI - (March-April) this festival is locally called
as Basoda, is celebrated to ward off the dreaded disease of small pox.
The most famous fair is held at the Shitla Mata temple in Chaksu (on
the Jaipur Kota Road), people gather here to pray and celebrate.
DONKEY FAIR - (Khalkani Mata Mela) (October) the donkeys day at
Looniyawas near Sanganer, Thousands of donkeys from all over north
India are brought here for buying and selling. The donkey races and
sports are organised for the merriment of people. A rare sight indeed.
Distance
from major cities
|
Delhi |
265 Kms |
|
Ajmer |
140 Kms |
|
Agra |
240 Kms |
How to reach there
 |
Sanganer Airport is well connected
with Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Goa & many major cities of India. |
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Jaipur Railway Station is well connected with
Delhi, all major states
& cities
of India. |
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NH-8 connects Delhi with Jaipur
and NH-11 connects Jaipur with Agra. |
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