Jaipur

Rajasthan's capital Jaipur was built by Sawai Jaisingh II in AD 1727 is the most picturesquewith color washed pink-the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. It was then enlarged and given its present shape by Sawai Madho Singh in 1885 A.D. Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor through its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. 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.

Jaipur is designed as per 'Shilpa Shastra'- an epochal treatise on the Hindu architecture by the Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. Roads, streets, lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of main bazaars were arranged in nine rectangular city sectors (Chokris). Each grid consists of a square, and these have been planned so that, at the heart of the city is the City Palace. Spread around it, in rows, are public buildings, the residences of noblemen, the living and trading quarters of merchants and artisans. Straight, wide roads run through the city, while a high, crenellated wall that forms its defense is pierced with seven gateways that serve as entry points.

Jaipur a Rajasthan city where modernity and tradition live hand-in-hand has much to offer visitors - everything from pageants and festivals to extraordinarily clad people, a wealth of handicrafts, a royal legacy of palaces, and sightseeing - that will occupy your time.

Information about the City

Altitude : 236.53 m

Summer : Max. 42.2 °C Min. 36.6 °C

Winter : Max. 27.5 °C Min. 15.5 °C

Rainfall : 31.87 cm

Clothing : Summer light tropical or cotton Winter Wollens

Best Season : October to March

Tourist Places

Jaipur City Palace and S.M.S. II Museum

Anchored in the heart of the city it occupies one seventh of the city area. It is the blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture and houses several palatial structures. The first monument in it is the Mubarak Mahal built by Maharaja Madho Singh a beautifully carved marble gate with heavy brass doors on either side of this gate. City palace with large silver container, museum, Diwan-e-Khas, or the Hall of Private Audience overlooks the Mubarak Mahal with carved arches supported by grey-white marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones. The building now forms the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and on display here are a wide array of royal costumes, some very exquisite and precious Pashmina (Kashmiri) Shawls, Benaras silk saris, Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery. An unusual display is that of voluminous clothes worn by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I (ruled 1750-68). Govindevji temple is nearby.

Hawa Mahal

Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 Hawa Mahal is a 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 953 windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. It was 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. Ishar lat tower is nearby.

Jantar Mantar

Built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II this unique observatory displays some of the most amazing treasures held by the Jaipur royal family to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dial still provides accurate time subject to daily corrections.

Amer Fort

With a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture the palace was built by Raja Man Singh, the additional extensions were built by Maharaja Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh II. It is the old capital of the Kachhwahas and stands atop a range of craggy hills. The fort is remarkable for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings and the sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. The solemn dignity of its red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold. Sheesh Mahal chamber of Mirrors, Diwan-e-Am or the Hall of Public Audience, Diwan-e-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience and Sukh mandir are beautifully consisted in it. Jaigarh fort has world's largest cannon on wheels and museum.

Ram Nivas Bagh, Jaipur zoo & Albert hall museum, museum of indology, Birla Mandir, Galtaji temple, Gaitor (8 km) - palace, centographs, Jal mahal in Mansagar lake, Sanganer Jain temple (12 km).