To See & Do
 |
|
|
Palaces |
|
|
|
| |
Sawai Jai Singh's Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) or the City Palace
The city palace, with its imposing and magnificent architecture blending Mughal and Rajasthani schools of architecture, is actually walking distance from the main markets. There are two ways to enter it; through the Virendra Pol and the other through the Udai Pol near Jaleb Chowk.
A must see is the pair of Gangajalis on display in the open Sarvatobhadra building, these were fabricated in the court workshops for Sawai Madho Singh II to carry the holy water of the Ganges to England! These even find a mention in the Guiness Book of World Records as the largest silver objects in the world. The Mubarak Mahal, (reception area) is a blend of awesome Rajasthani, Islamic and Mughal architecture. Part of the building now forms the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and the other half is still remains as the residence of the kings of Jaipur. Yes, you could actually meet Royalty here!
On display in the three-floored museum are a wide array of royal costumes, some very exquisite and precious shawls, Benaras silk saris, Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery and a favorite amongst the lot the unusual display of voluminous clothes worn by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I.
The Maharani's Palace
Strangely enough the palace of the Queen, now houses the huge display of the Rajput weaponry. And amongst the hundreds of weapons on display here, is one of the most remarkable and deadly piece - the scissor-action dagger. A fine piece of mechanics: the weapon when thrust into the body, spreads its blades, tearing away the insides completely at the time of being pulled out of the body. A gruesome weapon to use. The armory collection is certainly not for the weak hearted.
The other interesting parts of the Queens Palace are the walls and ceilings with frescoes and gold inlayed art.
As you go further you come to the Diwan- E- Am, which used to be the hall for public audience. This is now a vibrant art gallery showcasing the best Hindu art like precious and ancient hand written Hindu manuscripts, delicate miniature paintings in Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools on various themes including the Ramayana and Mahabarata. The palace has well maintained gardens all along, complete with a full range of fountains and well laid out pathways. The palace is open for visitors from 9.30 am to 5.30pm daily.
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal or the water palace was developed as a pleasure spot for the royalty. And indeed its that to date. Situated in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, the palace has a lot of intricate architecture. From across the lake, you feel that it's a small palace. But once you cross over the causeway, you discover that the first four floors are fully submerged. Take the time to go closer to the structure, else you will miss out on its beauty.
|
|
|
|
Monuments, Musuems and Forts |
|
|
|
| |
Jantar Mantar
walk across to the Jantar Mantar from the city palace to enjoy magnitude and design elements of this structure. Among the five observatories built during the reign of Sawai Jai Singh, in 1728, this is one of the oldest, the biggest and the best preserved observatories. Astronomy being a passionate hobby of the King he with the help of skilled laborers, managed to create a collection of complex astronomical instruments chiseled out of stone and most of which continues to provide accurate information to this day. Be sure to stick with a guide, he will give you detailed descriptions of how each and every instrument in the observatory fits in and also the story behind, the calculations involved. The must see here, is the sundial which was built according to the ancient Indian texts on astronomy. The yellow edifice has a 27m high gnomon, set at an angle of 27 degrees. The shadow it casts moves up to 4 m in an hour and helps calculate the local time. Time : 9:00 A.M.- 4:30 P.M.(Daily).
Hawa Mahal
This is a sight you will take home with you and never forget. The entire structure seems to be made of paper and you wonder how it's standing high in spite of the breeze!Hawa Mahal, when translated means the palace of winds is a stunning example of Rajput architecture. This pink honeycombed structure has 953 sandstone windows knows as jharokhas, and allows plenty of wind to flow in and out of the structure. The idea of the structure was to let the ladies of the royal household watch everyday life and processions in the city without coming out in public. The view from the top of the palace is remarkable.
Statue Circle
This is a traffic roundabout In Jaipur. The Statue Circle is not only the most famed circle, but also the most crowded. It is the favorite lounge of Jaipur and a place for evening out, with 'Meals on Wheels' standing by. Strangely it acquires its name of Statue Circle after its figurine rather -- the statue of Sawai Jai Singh the founder of modern day Jaipur who stands there holding out astrological diagrams to exemplify his proclivity for astrology. The lighting and the colorful fountains cheer up the roundabout and it's surrounds. You do not have to make a special visit to this circle, you will pass this circle almost everyday!
Amber fort
Amber (Amer) is situated about 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was the seat of the ruling Kachhawa kings, before they created Jaipur. The Amber Fort itself is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture made in red sandstone and white marble. The interior wall of the palace abounds in paintings, carvings and mirror settings. Make sure you visit the Maota Lake just outside the fort, it has a breathtaking view. The Jai Mandir is here too, go there to check out the famous Sheesh Mahal, the intricacies of the inlaid panel and dazzling mirror ceilings are worth the visit. Your trip here would be even more exciting if you can catch a ray of light playing magic in these rooms. A good time to go here is early mornings.
Jaigarh Fort
This is the most spectacular of the three-hilltop forts that overlook Jaipur. Jaigarh means `Victory Fort' and was built between the 15th and the 18th century amidst rock-strewn, thorn-scrub covered hills, its forbidding stone ramparts are visible till date from Jaipur town, which is a good 15 kms away. A steep road goes up to the main gate, the Dungar Darwaza, from where the view is stupendous.
The fort during it's hey days was responsible for protecting both Amber and Jaipur. It has palaces for the royals, the chief of staff and the soldiers, a granary, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban (Jaivan)- which is one of the largest cannons in the world.
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort (meaning abode of the tigers) overlooks the city and presents a glittering view of the city lights by dusk. The fort has a unique cluster of 12 identical suits for queens with a suit for the king himself at the head. During the peaceful days, the fort used to be an excursion point for the royal family. The fort retains some delicate frescoes too, guess where they're placed -- in the toilets. It's believed that the royalty picnicked here, well now you can too.
Albert Hall
Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect, Albert Hall combines the elements of English and north Indian architecture. The Hall displays an impressively rich collection of artifacts like paintings, carpet, ivory, stone and metal sculptures and colorful crystal works.
Gaitore
The final resting place befitting the Kings. That is Gaitore about 6kms, off the Jaipur-Amber road. Situated in a narrow valley the cenotaphs of the former Maharajas are chhatris made in typical Rajput architecture. The chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh II is a work of art with its typical Rajput architecture.
|
|
|
|
Parks and Gardens |
|
|
|
| |
Sisodia Rani ka Bagh
The multi level garden consists of fountains and watercourses along with painted pavilions. While the kids play here, you can visit the several galleries that line this garden created on Mughal lines, some of the beautiful murals depict scenes from the life of lord Krishna.
Kanak Vrindavan
This garden is best visited in the monsoons when it is back to its clean green glory. Kanak Vrindavan is an exquisitely landscaped gardens with beautifully carved temple in beige stone, with terrace sites all around and intricately carved marble columns and lattices. This complex is a popular spot for picnic and more often than not parts of the garden will be cordoned off due to film shoots.
|
|
|
|
Religious Places |
|
|
|
| |
Govind Dev Ji Temple
Inside the City Palace complex is this temple dedicated to lord Krishna. Sawai Jai Singh installed the image of Govinddevji (an incarnation of lord Krishna) after it was brought from Vrindavan. The gods are unveiled seven times daily for 'Artis' and bhogs offered in the silver wares, consisting of sweets most of the time. The idols of radha-krishnan are dressed in different styles for each arti. A great sight to capture.
Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple
On a small hill called the Moti Dungri (Pearl hill) lies a small castle, built along the lines of a Scottish castle. This is a private property of the ruling family. This is also where Lord Ganesha resides in Jaipur. The temple is know far and wide and in fact, this elephant god gets more outstation visitors than he does locals.
Birla Lakshmi-Narayan Temple
The temple that dominates the skyline of south Jaipur! Constructed in white marble the temple has three domes, each portraying a different approach to religion. The presiding deities here are Vishnu (One of the Hindu Trilogy Gods) called Narayan and his consort Lakshmi Goddess of wealth and good fortune. The exterior of the temple is beautiful with carved sculptures of various mythological themes and images of saints. The interior has large panel in marble of mythological proceedings.
Galtaji
If you've sinned come here for absolution! This ancient pilgrimage centre has a temple of the sun god, but what's worth dipping into here is the holy kunds (natural springs) along the lush green landscape. A dip in these kunds is supposed to cleanse you of all your sins. It's not too far from Jaipur, just 2.5kms away.
|
|
|
|
Festivals |
|
|
|
| |
Makar Sankranti: (Mid January)
Makar Sankranti, the transition of the sun into the northern hemisphere, is synonymous with Kite Festival in Jaipur. It is celebrated with huge pomp and gaiety. It is a happy occasion for everyone and kites of various sizes and shapes fly free in the sky. Kite makers flaunt kites sized as big as 1.5 km of various shapes and designs. Some carrying messages, some depicting social issues, some as caricatures of politicians. It's been the most popular event recently, even tourists can take part in various kite flying competitions. The colours that flaunt in the blue sky will mesmerize you.
The Brij Festival takes place a few days before Holi, (the festival of colours) in the month of March. Held in honour of Lord Krishna, this festival is marked by verve and zest. Villagers, in gay, multihued attire, can be seen singing and performing the Ras-leela dance (dance depicting the immortal love-story of Radha and Krishna).
Banganga festival
Pilgrimage and traders from different communities arrive at this fair to sell their wares. The articles sold range from simple rural ornaments to toys and household items. The buying and selling adds to the atmosphere and to the hustle and bustle of the fair. Giant wheels and merry-go-rounds thrill the children as well as the grown-ups. Devotees gather at the Shri Radha Krishnaji's temple in the morning, they take a bath at the ghats (a flight of steps leading to the water) of the Banganga river with the belief that it has powers to purify the soul. The people then proceed to the nearby shrines of Hanuman and Ganga Bihari and also visit the Shiva temple and the Math of Goswamiji.
Bairath is 85 kms from Jaipur on a diversion from National Highway No. 8 near Shahpura which connects Alwar. There is a regular bus service between Jaipur and Maid (from where Banganga is only a couple of kilometres away.
Elephant Festival
Yes, there is a day for these silent gentle creatures too in Jaipur. The elephant festival as the name implies, is their day. Rows and rows of elephants come parading on the grounds, run races, play tug of wars, and also the regal game of polo. This festival is held just before the summer turns harsh, usually falling towards the end of March or early April.
Gangaur Festival
The festival marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated in honour of Gauri, the goddess of abundance. It's one of the most colorful and important local festival of Rajasthan and is observed with great fervor and devotion by womenfolk who worship Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is the celebration of monsoon, harvest and marital fidelity.The festival commences on the first day of Chaitra, the day following Holi and continues for 18 days. For a newly-wedded girl, it is binding to observe the full course of 18 days of the festival. Even unmarried girls fast for the full period of 18 days and eat only one meal a day.The festival reaches its climax during the last three days. Unmarried girls and married women decorate the images and make them look like living figures. At an auspicious hour in the afternoon, a procession is taken out to a garden, tank or a well with the images of Isar and Gauri, placed on the heads of married women. It is one of the best festivals in Jaipur one can attend!
|
|
|
Wait...
Invalid login details, please try again.
