Jaipur Rajasthan India

City Palace

Situated in the walled city of Rajasthan, City Palace in Jaipur is one of the major tourist attractions of the city. It was principally built during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh II, though the present architecture of City Palace is the resultant of numerous additions and alterations of the age old structure. However, it still retains its original flavor and artistic craftsmanship, which is inexplicable. You can only feel its beauty when you watch it with your own eyes.

Right from its entrance, the fascinating displays of large metal artifacts are sure to impress you. Like previous times, even in modern times, the guards at the entrance are assigned the duty of maintaining this artistic beauty. They always keep an eye on the happenings and the occurrences in the City Palace complex. Do you know that descendents of Raja Sawai Jai Singh still resides at a section of this huge palace.

Architecture of this Rajput palace is a blend of the Mughal and Rajasthani styles, which is clearly reflected in the courtyards, structures, buildings as well as the adjoining garden of the architecture. The complex comprises of small palaces and halls, namely, Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal and Badal Mahal as the notable mentions. Feel like a Rajput King when you walk through these historic courtyards and Mahals. City Palace Museum and Shri Govind Temple are also famous attractions, which you make it a point to visit.   

The door that once separated the Royal household from public viewing, displays exquisite artwork. It seems as if a peacock is spreading its colorful plumes in joy.  This painted artwork offers a three dimensional effect that reflects the brilliant artistic sense of the craftsmen of that time.  You can check its image in the gallery of this site. 

Mubarak Mahal, which was built in the 19th Century by Madho Singh, is one of the notable attractions of City Palace, which was once served as the Royal reception area. It has now been converted to a museum that displays the royal costumes of the charming prince, Madho Singh. 15th Century armors that were used in the wars are also well preserved in this museum.  Other areas of attraction inside the city Palace compound are Diwan-I-Aam and Diwan-I-Khas. When you enter Diwan-I-Khas, you will find large silver vessels, which were used to store holy water of the Ganges. Diwan-I-Aam has been transformed to an art gallery that exhibits Hindu manuscripts along with beautiful artwork that belong to the Mughal, Persian and Rajasthani School of Art. 

Chandra Mahal, a seven storied building is the residence of present Maharaja of Jaipur. Each of the stories is for distinct function and is also named accordingly. It goes without saying that this palace is an enchanting abode with flower patterned decors, elaborate paintings, dazzling parapets and intricate work on ceilings. These mirrored parapets reflect colored lights, when it is fully lit up in the evening, which is really a treat for the eyes.

Amber Fort in Jaipur

Amber Fort was the ancient capital of the State. . Ply the Elephant to mount the Fort Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors must be seen

Amber Fort is one of those palaces, which have a rugged look from outside, in complete contrast with its warm interiors and intricate artwork. Situated at the Pink City of India, Jaipur, and bordered by a picturesque lake Maota, this architectural masterpiece dates back to the rule of the Rajputs in Rajasthan. Also referred as Amber Fort of Amber palace, it is one of the notable attractions of the capital city of Rajasthan. It is only 11 kilometers from Jaipur and is regarded as the oldest fort of the region.

This magnificent fort was actually the citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, when the capital was not shifted to present day Jaipur. It is evident from the mighty walls that guarantee its protection from foreign invasion. All total four parts constitute the entire architecture of this age old structure. Though the construction began in the year 1592 during the reign of Man Singh I, it was completed in the reign of Jai Singh I. Artistic beauty of this palace is praiseworthy.

Do not allow yourself to make any judgments from its rough and craggy exteriors, as the beautiful warm interior is sure to mesmerize you with its beauty, which will compel you to change your judgment. Entire fort is built up of red sandstone and white marble, which reflects uniformity in design. Bas relief, glass mosaic along with inlay work in the interior walls of this spectacular structure is impossible to go unnoticed. Interior artwork is the example of the talent and hard work of the craftsmen of the golden past that reflects both Hindu as well as Muslim ornamentation style. They still maintain its charm and beauty as if it is work of recent time. Do not forget to visit the Hall of Mirrors, which comprise of innumerable mirror pieces on the wall, used for wall decoration. Time has not been able to steal away its attraction. Outer walls of this fort have paintings of hunting scenes that speak of the temperament and lifestyle of the Rajputs, who were revolutionary, adventurous and self indulgent.

Do you like to be a little adventurous in your vacation to this mystic City of India? If your answer is yes, then avail the elephant rides, which are one of the attractions of this historical masterpiece. It will enable you to experience the lifestyle of the Royals, when the animals were the only modes of transport, which carried their masters from one place to the other. This royal ride will enable you to discover the flawless beauty of this fort along with its surrounding area, in a new way.

The beauty of Amber Fort is enhanced by the picturesque beauty of Maota Lake in the foreground. Its reflection in the tranquil water of the lake will make you think whether it is a beautiful illusion or a dream.

You can either take a guide or you can discover the beauty of Amber Fort on your own.

Albert Hall Museum Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is located in the arid, desert area of the state. In this mystic city, you will find some of the finest architectural craftsmanship of the bygone era. The city itself resembles with the Royal family and the Rajputs, and their taste is evident in each and every monument of the city, architectural beauty being one of the major spectrums. Albert Hall Museum is situated right at the heart of Jaipur, which is among the most visited place tourist attractions of this Pink City.

Situated in the middle of Ram Niwas Garden, this spectacular architecture was built under the guidance of Swinton Jacob, a well known British architect of that time, who has also designed some other notable architectures of Jaipur. This monument can be dated back to the year 1876. It was modeled after Victoria and Albert Museum of London. You will be able to notice architectural elements of both North Indian and English architectural features in this historical monument. There is a popular saying that it was built for individual utilization by Maharaja Ram Singh, the then king of Jaipur.

Albert Hall houses one of the popular museums of Jaipur, which is also referred as Government Central Museum. Central Albert Hall Museum is adorned with numerous miniature paintings that reflect past way of living. If you have an idea of different school of paintings like Jaipur, Udaipur, Kishangarh, Bundi and Kota, you will also be able to relate the paintings with their respective school of art. The paintings that will catch your attention are the majestic real life portraits of the Royal Jaipur Kings. Do not miss the exhibits of metal artworks, jewelry collection and a variety of brass articles that speaks of the brilliant craftsmanship of the artisans of that time.

This historical grandeur is sure to impress you at the first glance. The architecture of Albert Hall truly reflects the Indo-Sarcenic style with courtyards, towers and archways. If you look at the images in the gallery, you will see a variety of Chhatri like structures, which are specialties of Rajput architecture, which is visible in the forts and palaces of Rajasthan.

When you visit the city of Jaipur, make it a point to visit Albert Hall during nighttime. Its beauty changes with sundown, when it is lighted up. Believe me, it is truly a treat for the eyes. Even in the dark, this picturesque beauty is noticeable from quite a large distance.

One of an impressive element of Albert Hall architecture is its uniformity of the structures; it seems that one chhatri is the mirror image of the other. Be it the column, the dome or the intricate carvings, every thing in this ancient architecture is with perfect resemblance with its counterpart. It will surely compel you to appreciate the engineering sense of the architects as well as the masons of that time.

Hawa Mahal

What undoubtedly draws ones attention about the Hawa Mahal is the stunning façade that. Built in 1799 AD by Sawai Pratap Singh (grand son of Sawai Jai Singh and son of Sawai Madhoo Singh) and designed by Mr. Lal Chand Usta, the structure stands tall in five storeys with a fascia to remember.

Walk through the corridors and passageways of Hawa Mahal as depicted by our gallery pictures and you will walk the avenues of the past, of the yesteryears of the Rajput dynasty. Hawa Mahal - A building constructed with an intention to allow the ladies to look into the outside world through the windows. Unbelievable though it might sound, it is true. You can indeed let your vision travel far and wide into the streets, market places and people’s lives in Jaipur through these intricately latticed windows! The existence of several windows and the latticework served as air-conditioning device with the air being able to circulate through innumerable small windows. This again suggests the scientific acumen of the then architects.

Located at the main road junction of the Badi Chaupad this brilliant multi-layered structure of Hawa Mahal brings to the fore the excellent architectural genius of the Rajputs. Covered with stylish trellis work on windows and small balconies with 953 niches, Hawa Mahal is built in red and pink sandstone and bordered with red and white. It is said that Lal Chand Usta who designed and laid the Hawa Mahal, had dedicated it to Lord Krishna and Radha but its fantastic structure appealed to the Maharaja who found it perfect for the harem.

The building, placed on a high platform, is a fifty-foot high thin shield, less than a foot in width, with tiny intimate compartments, giving this palace its inimitable facade. The small casements, each with minute windows and vaulted roofs with hanging cornices, exquisitely modeled and carved were incredibly the best ways for the ladies to look through onto the outer world.

Jantar Mantar

Human rationality and the quest for knowledge have always been fascinated by the Universe and the Cosmos. Every passing day brings us closer to newer discoveries and inventions. Ever thought you would be able to be at the helm of astronomical measurements so easily? Testimony to the advanced scientific methods of the bygone age, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a wonderful specimen of the same. This suggests that even our ancestors centuries ago, could not resist the lure and thus endeavored to learn more about the mysteries of Time and Space. A stone observatory, colossal in size, the Jantar Mantar will draw your attention to a major extent while you travel to the city of Jaipur.

Jantar Mantar derived its name from Sanskrit’s ‘Yantra Mantra’ which mean ‘instruments’ and ‘formulae’. Emperor Muhammad Shah had commissioned Sawai Jai Singh II to make rectifications in the astronomical tables and to substantiate the already existing data on the planetary positions. It took seven long years for Sawai Jai Singh II to complete the task. The Jaipur observatory was constructed in 1728. There is actually a fascinating story in regards to the erection of the Observatory. The story goes that Sawai Jai Singh II had sent his emissaries to different parts of the world. The envoys returned with manuals and astronomical tables apart from heaps of data on the advancement achieved so far worldwide in the field of astronomy. Influenced by La Hire's “Tables”, Sawai Jai Sing II ordered the observatory to be built as per the data presented in this manual. To the astonishment of most, the Observatory – the manifestation of the table proved more precise than the Table itself.

In the observatory, you will find fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, forecasting eclipses, trailing stars in their orbits, determining the declinations of planets, and ascertaining the celestial altitudes and associated ephemeredes. Each one is a fixed and ‘dedicated’ device. The Samrat Jantar or the sundial, the biggest instrument, is 90 feet high, its shadow cautiously plotted to give you the exact the time of day – you not cry over your lost wristwatch at this point as much! The Hindu chhatri (small domed cupola) sited on the top, serves as a platform for declaring latest news regarding eclipses and the advent of monsoons. Made of local stone and marble, each tool bears an astronomical scale, usually marked on the marble lining inside; bronze tablets, all amazingly accurate, were also used. You can also obtain specific reading for particular sun signs. Want to check out your time according to your zodiac sign? This is the right place to go for it. Meticulously restored in 1901, the Jantar Mantar was acknowledged as a national monument in 1948.

Nargarh & Jaigarh

15 kms to the north-west of the city is The  Nahargarh or Tiger fort,from where you can have a spectacular view of the city. Once upon a time it was the royal retreat for maharanis and was also a treasury. Jaigarh - the fort of victory has the world's largest cannon on wheels. Its remarkable water supply and storage system as well as the museum are worth seeing.

Jal Mahal

Romance was never as serene as this, yet intense. The view of Jal Mahal amidst Mansagar Lake is almost like poetry structurally etched. Built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 AD Jal Mahal was constructed as a summer resort and pleasure spot. With the Nahargarh Hills doing the backdrop, the palace is definitely a delightful treat for the tourists from far and wide. It is all the more enticing if you are viewing the palace from the Nahargarh Fort.

Among the several colossal forts and imposing palaces of the city of Jaipur, Jal Mahal or the Water Palace stands as evidence to the lavish and exorbitant lifestyle of the Maharajas of Jaipur. One of the premium and most exotic pieces of artwork depicting Rajput architecture, it replicates the technical brilliance, knowledge and taste of the builders of the era bygone. Even the Man Sagar Lake in the middle of which the palace is built, is an artificial lake formed by creating a dam between the two hills by Sawai Man Singh II for meeting the ever increasing demands of water by the residents of Jaipur city.

A favorite hub of the duck shooting parties, the palace is surrounded by several migratory birds as the Mansagar Lake is a favorite hunting ground for these winged beasts during the winters. Visiting Man Sagar Lake will prove to be a good experience even for an bird watcher as a huge range of species of birds head towards this site during the winter season. Initially the palace was reached by a well-made paved causeway, another example of fascinating architecture, offering scenic views to its patrons. Presently ferry services were made available for the visitors.

Not only the location with the setting of Nahargarh Hills and the influx of migratory birds, but the Jal Mahal Palace, also presents a refined architectural design and grand structural form which offer as particular points of attraction for visitors. Echoing Indo Saracenic style of architecture, this red sandstone has a terrace garden which is enclosed by arched passages, and at every corner, you will find a semi-octagonal tower topped by an elegant cupola. All this takes a beautiful shape in the monsoons with the lake being filled with water hyacinth.

Jal Mahal of Jaipur, Rajasthan is a five-story palace. Amazingly, the first four floors of this building are submerged under water, only the top floor remains visible outside water. This trait of the palace makes it all the more attractive.

If you are planning a trip to Jaipur, be it your first or umpteenth honeymoon, you ought to visit the Jal Mahal. Looking into the sunset, you will feel the romantic charm in the golden reflections of the palace on the waters of the Mansagar Lake. The Mansagar Dam on the eastern side of the lake serves as a nice site for viewing the lake and the valley. The cenotaphs of the royal family overlooking the palace are no less attractive.

Maharani Ki Chhatri

Maharani ki Chhatri Jaipur

Though borrowed from Mughal architectural style, chhatris are an important part of Rajput architecture, which were erected as monumental cenotaphs of the Royal Family. Maharani Ki Chhatri is a special funeral area for the queens or the ladies of the Royal family in Jaipur. After the cremation of the royal ladies, one chhatri was built in her memory. This shows that along with being chivalrous, the women were held in high esteem in the Rajput society. It is situated on Amber Road, which is a little distance before the Ramgarh Road crossing, near Jal Mahal. It is one of the popular attractions of the city of Jaipur. 

You can view the pictures of Maharani Ki Chhatri in Jaipur, all dedicated to the imperial ladies of Jaipur. Built either of local stones or marble, these chhatris display a unique characteristic. A glance of it would compel you to know the answer of one obvious question– why some of them are finished structures while some are not? It is not without any reason. The maharanis who died after their king, their cenotaphs were complete structures, but who died after their maharaja, their chhatris were kept unfinished, without the covered roof on top.

The Chhatris in the royal funeral ground also exhibit some unique architectural characteristics. Each of these beautifully carved cenotaphs is canopied with a unique royal chhatri. Ornately decorated, the chhatris reflect the taste of the women, in whose memory it was built. Architectural brilliance of the yore is prominent in these cenotaphs that are embellished with beautiful sculptures. You can visit this royal crematorium site on your visit to Jaipur; it is open throughout the year except on the day of Holi.

Jaigarh Fort

If forts and palaces fascinated you ever since your childhood, Jaipur is the right place to be in to explore the nitty-gritty of fort culture of the Rajputs. More so, if it is Jaigarh Fort you are visiting.

Looking through the pictures will feel that breathing history and the essence of yesteryears, Jaigarh Fort speaks volumes of the Rajputana strength and vigor, allowing you to travel several decades back in time. Perched atop a hill called Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles), at the bottom of which is placed the Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort is also known as the ‘Victory Fort’. Considered as one of the most stunning forts of India, this fort, with the Amber Fort located at the bottom of the hill, is relatively less ornate but, nevertheless, has a definite charm of its own.

Take a look at the massive south facing Doongar Darwaza at the entrance of Jaigarh Fort - you will instantly sense the feel of Rajput romanticism with the cobbled pathways and yellow texture of the structures. If you are lucky enough, you will be greeted by Thakur Pratap Singh, a handsome Rajput with a fine moustache to tell you stories of Jaigarh’s eventful past. The other entrance to the fort is through the Awani Darwaza in the east.

Originally constructed to tighten the security of Jaipur and Amber, the Jaigarh Fort, as depicted in the pictures too, might not seem as artistic and decorated as its counterparts. It has several structures of medieval India, which are really worth exploring and is an amazing feat of military architecture. It has a number of palaces, granary, well-planned cannon foundry, several temples and a tall tower. Once used as a major center of artillery production for the Rajputs, Jaigarh Fort talks of the historical nuances in its every detail. 

The highlight of this Fort is the gigantic cannon by the name of Jaivan atop a tower, which was made in the same production house and which has been arrested well in the lenses of our cameramen. Weighing 50 tons with an 8m barrel and a trajectory of about 20km, it is considered as the world’s largest cannon on wheels. Interestingly enough, it has delicate carvings of birds, foliage and a roaring elephant at its mouth. Jaigarh Fort has several wide water channels, which were a part of a rainwater harvesting system. The Fort has 3 underground tanks as we, the largest one of which can capacitate 60, 00,000 gallons of water.

You will do well to plan to visit the armory and museum, which are truly worth seeing. The museum has an extraordinary collection of puppets, dolls, coins, photographs of the royal kings, buildings, processions and also a circular pack of cards besides many other relics of the past. Moated and protected in the most scientific manner, the Fort offers a stunning view of the city below. You never know, these pictures might just entice you to take trip of the fort and the city of Jaipur on your next holiday!

Sanganer
Sanganer is famous for its hand made paper and block-printed fabrics, and is also known for its Jain Temples and carvings.

Swargasuli in Jaipur

Built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in the year 1749 in order to commemorate an important victory, Swargasuli dominates the skyline of Jaipur, it being the highest structure in this Pink City of India. Your visit to this mystic will remain incomplete if you do not visit this spectacular minaret that is situated on the western side of Tripolia Bazaar. This is the center of all bustling activities of the city. Needless to say, it is one of the major tourist attractions of the colorful capital city of Rajasthan.

It is actually a seven story minaret, which is also referred as Isar Lat or the Heaven Piercing Minaret. Swargasuli is located right at the intersection of Gangotri Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar, which is very near to Tripolia Gate and Chhoti Chaupar Chowk. The name, Heaven Piercing Minaret, is justified as it is the highest building in Jaipur, which also offers breathtaking views of the entire city. Do not forget to take a look at the old city from its lattice jalli openings. You can get an idea from the pictures in this site that has suitably captured the architectural beauty of this spectacular historical specimen.

This majestic monument was built to celebrate the grand victory of Maharaja Ishwari Singh over the combined armies of the Marathas and Mewar, who wanted Madho Singh to be the King of Jaipur. This architecture was inspired from Kirti Stambha of Chittorgarh and Qutub Minar of Delhi, which are both heaven piercing minarets of the country, unique in their own ways. However, the reign of Ishwari Singh came to an end as he decided to kill himself rather than fighting with the strong army of the Marathas. He was the only king whose body was not cremated in Gaitor, the royal crematorium, as it was ostracized.

When you visit this historical masterpiece, do notice the intricate latticework that provide light and air to the entire building. It is indeed a thing to watch when the suns rays enter the room through these openings, which transform the interior of this minaret to a place of mystic beauty.
You will be delighted to know that unlike most of monuments of India; even the highest point of this seven story minaret is quite accessible, which remains open for public viewing.  There is a well maintained gateway that beautifully preserves the history and leads to the historical monument inside. Yu will have to enter the tower from its rear side.

If you are worrying about how to reach this minaret, then do not worry at all. It is easily accessible from the entire city of Jaipur. You can hire rickshaws, cars or a taxi or you can board buses that leave from all major parts of the city. It is open throughout the year for public viewing, but it remains closed only during the Holi. So, do not plan your vacation during the Holi season.

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