Hawa Mahal. All images by Lloyd D`Souza
Named after the ruler of Amber Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the capital of Rajasthan is a bustling business centre, but still retains its age-old charm. Known as the ‘Pink City’ of India because of the colour of the stone used in this walled city, Jaipur is rich in history and culture and is home to magnificent forts and palaces. Situated approximately 260 km from Delhi, it is included in the Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Delhi and Agra.
If you’re planning a trip to Jaipur, make sure these are on your must-do list. You might even be able to hire a pre-paid rickshaw and spend the day sightseeing, without worrying about getting cheated by rickshaw drivers.
Amber Fort
Amber Palace
Humongous with splendid views of the green surrounding hill, the Amber Palace gives you a sense of open space. Amber Palace was the ancient castle of the ruling Kachwahas of Amber, before Jaipur was made the capital. A beautiful blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, in the Amber Fort was constructed in red sandstone and white marble, by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and was completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh. It was built mainly to protect the residents of the fort during wars. Step inside to a paradise; a splendid fusion of art and architecture with expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings.
City Palace
Located in the heart of Jaipur, the City Palace complex includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces as well as other buildings. WhileMaharaja Sawai Jai Singh built many of the buildings of the palace complex, some of the structures were also built by other rulers, later on. A blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, parts of the palace is still a royal residence. Mubarak Mahal, once the palace of welcome or reception is now theMaharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and is home to a wide array of royal costumes including Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Benaras silk saris, Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery. It also includes a display is of the voluminous clothes worn by Maharaja Sawai. If you head to Maharani`s Palace or the Palace of the Queens, you will see on display the Rajput weaponry including the scissor-action dagger, chain armours, pistols, jewelled- and ivory-handled swords, gun, gun powder pouches and more.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal
Located within the City Palace complex, Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed by Sawai Pratap Singh. The five-storeyed building, which overlooks the bazaar was originally built for the royal ladies so that they could watch everyday life and processions in the city from its windows. The palace has 953 pink sandstone windows known as `jharokhas`. The Hawa Mahal is a photographer`s delight, but if you`re not to keen on clicking pictures of the palace, head to the top for a fabulous view from the latticed windows.
At Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar
A collection of architectural astronomical instruments, the observatory at Jaipur was built by King Sawai Jai Singh. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jaipur`s Jantar Mantar is home to the tallest Samrat Yantra (27m), a sundial used to keep time. This Jantar Mantar, not only has the maximum number of instruments, but also some really interesting ones. The Rashivalaya Yantra, a group of twelve instruments, each dedicated to a particular Zodiac sign, helps determine the longitude and latitude of the first point of the sunsign at a particular time. Some people, possibly astrologers, still use these yantras for keeping records.
Nahargarh Fort
Built in 1734 and extended in 1868, Nahargarh Fort is located on the ridge of the Aravali Hills. Overlooking the city, the fort was constructed by Jai Singh to reinforce the defence of Amber. It is believed that the fort was named after Nahar Singh. As the legend goes, Nahar Singh`s spirit would destroy its construction and stall it`s process. When a tantrik invoked the spirit, it withdrew under the condition that the fort would be named after him.
Jaigarh Fort
A major weapon-producing centre for the Mughals and the Rajputs, several weapons are on display in the fort`s museum. Built between the 15th and 18thcenturies, it is one of the few military structures of medieval India that still remains intact. It contains palaces, a granary, temples, and a well-planned cannon foundry.
Moti Doongri Temple
Located on a small hill Moti Doongri, which means Pearl Hill, is a replica of a Scottish palace once occupied by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh. The highlight of the palace is a temple of Lord Ganesh. Locals, tourists and devotees visit the Moti Doongri temple during Ganesh Chaturti in huge numbers and among the many offerings made by them, the most fascinating is the motichoor laddoos, some weighing even a kilo. One of the two prominent Ganapati temples in Jaipur, Moti Doongri, is visited by some locals everyday, whereas others await the mela (fair) held on the temple grounds every Budhwar (Wednesday), Ganapati’s day.
Gaitore
Located off the Jaipur-Amber road, Gaitore is the final resting place of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The cenotaphs of the former Maharajas are built in the typical Rajput architectural style and the chhatri or umbrella-shaped memorial of Magaraja Sawai Jai Singh is special, because of its carvings.