Jaipur

Jaipur is the Capital of India’s desert state, Rajasthan. Its rich cultural and architectural beauty has its roots in the tradition followed by its Rajput rulers. Various aesthetic and historical places around the city stand testimony to its rich heritage. It is more popularly known as the Pink City, because the houses and broadly laid-out avenues are painted in pink A visit to this place helps you have a peep into the times of a bygone era.

Some of the most important attractions in Jaipur are listed below:

City Palace
The City Palace, an exponent of both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, was the residence of the royal family. It has a huge complex of courtyards and gardens, and buildings blend. The Peacock Gate of the palace has a wonderful display of excellent craftsmanship featuring bright peacocks. Inside the palace complex is an art gallery, museum, and an interesting display of old Indian weapons, artifacts and royal costumes.

“Hawa Mahal” Palace of the Winds
This is Jaipur’s most famous building. The five floors of the mahal contain a series of small windows and screens. All the windows overlook the main street of the busy Old City. It was so built so that the women of the royal family could watch the street below without being observed. The maze of pillars and passages is undoubtedly an architectural wonder. From the top of the building you can have a panoramic view of the city.

Galta Monkey Temple
This is a dilapidated holy Hindu temple, ensconced between two granite cliffs. Reaching the place is a bit tough but the serene locale makes it worth the effort. One of the pools of the temple has been taken over completely by monkeys that enjoy splashing around in the waters.

Amber Fort and Palace
Amber Fort is located atop a hill overlooking the Maota Lake. It has a number of halls, beautiful palaces, gardens, and temples. The elaborate mirror work inside- an essential aspect of Rajput craftsmanship- adds to the grandeur within. You can reach the fort by walking up the hill, a jeep ride, or taking a elephant ride.

Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort is also known as Tiger Fort. It is located high on the Aravali Hills. The fort overlooks the Jaipur city. From here one can have great sunset views.

Jaigarh Fort
This massive fort is flanked by watchtowers and towering gateways. It showcases the world’s largest cannon on wheels. This is one of the most well preserved forts in the country.

Jantar Mantar Observatory
Jantar Mantar, built between 1727 and 1734, has 14 structures which measure time, predict eclipses, and track stars. The Samrat Yantra sundial is the most impressive.

Government Museum
Modeled on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London this museum has a collection which includes portraits of local kings, woodcarvings, costumes, art works like paintings and crafts.

These apart there are many other local attractions which are equally fascinating.

A visit to Jaipur can be illuminating in many respects.