The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - Beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

JAIPUR, A TREASURE OF DELIGHTS

Amber Fort Palace :
Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthan fort- palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by his descendant Jai Singh I. Its rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate refinement. Painted scenes of hunting and war adorn the walls with precious stones and mirrors set into plaster. In the foreground is the Maota Lake with breathtaking reflections of the magnificent Amber Fort- Palace.

Jaigarh Fort : Named after Jai Singh II ,the fort is perched on a cliff and is surrounded by huge battlements with inside walkways offering stunning views on all sides.

Nahargarh Fort : This picturesque fort was built by Jai Singh II in 1734. Along the ridge top road, it provides magnificent views down to the Mansagar Lake. In the midst of this a palatial duck- blind which was used for shooting parties by the erstwhile royal families.

Hawa Mahal : The ornamental facade of this "Palace Of Winds" is a landmark in Jaipur. Its five- storeyed structure of pink sandstone encrusted with fine trellis work and balconies has 953 niches and windows . It was built in 1799 by Pratap Singh and was a royal grand stand for palace women.

Jantar Mantar : This is the largest and best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. more..

Jal Mahal : A lake palace , it was the summer resort of the royal family.

City Palace : A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Sri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

Albert Hall/ Central Museum :
The foundation stone of Albert Hall was laid down by Sir Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales during the reign of Sawai Madho Singhji and the construction was completed during the reign of Sawai Madho Singhji in 1887. The building is designed in the Indo-saracenic style. The museum housed in this building was formally inaugurated by Sir Edward Bradford on February 21, 1887.

Museum of Indology :
Shri Ram Charan Museum of Indology in Jaipur, Rajasthan is notably striking in its representation of the biggest thematic collection of Folk and Tantra Art. more..

Jawahar Kala Kendra :
Jawahar Kala Kendra- the new multi arts centre, was preceived as the hub of arts and artistic activities and as a centre for conjunction of the classical and the folktraditions which wolud in the years to come cater both to continuity and innovation. It is a happening place where cultural and artistics activities always happening- drama festivals, music performances, art exhibitions, craft fairs, workshops, discussions and seminars or films and film screenings.

INTERESTING INTERLUDES:

Laxminarayan Temple; Kanak Brindavan; B.M.Birla Planetarium; the Raj Mahal Palace; Ram Baugh Palace; Parks and Bazars.

Celebrations and Festivities:

1.The Gangaur Festival: Held in honour of Goddess Parvati, this festival is held a few days after Holi, and is celebrated in Jaipur on a grand scale.

2.The Elephants Festival: Also held at the time of Holi (Mar-Apr). Elephants are taken in procession at this time.

3.The Teej Festival: A major event in Jaipur during the month of July/Aug. Dedicated to Parvati this festival celebrates the beginning of the monsoon.

Shopper's Paradise: The Pink City is one of the finest centres in the entire region for beautiful prints-specially on cotton fabrics and has perhaps India's largest centre of semi-precious/precious gems and stones. Tie-and Dye fabrics and sarees; Sanganer prints; Brocades; Marble statuettes; Ivory carving; Stone-set and semi precious jewellery; Enamel work...there is no end to what Jaipur offers to shoppers.

Gaitor: Located 15 kms from Jaipur, it is here that the Chhatris of Jaipur's rulers stand amidst reverential silence.The cenotaph of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, is the finest.

Galta(20 kms): The natural springs here are said to have curative properties.There are also several temples in the area, noteworthy among them is the temple of the Sun God. Galta is particularly lovely after the rains when the surrounding landscape is clothed in a carpet of green. Enroute to Galta from Jaipur, is Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh , a charming palace with a fine garden; a temple dedicated to Vishnu and one dedicated to Hanuman.

Sanganer(40 kms): Famous for textile block- printing, paper-making and Jaipur blue pottery.

Bagru(28 km): A famous centre of textile block - printing.

Samod(40 kms): Known for its palace which is now a heritage hotel.

Tonk(100 km): A colourful medley of painted mosques ,mansions and colonial buildings. The Sunehri Kothi, or Golden Mansion, is particularly lovely, noted for its mirror work.

Book a Hotel