Jaipur
The city of Jaipur is not only the largest city, but also the capital. Jaipur is perhaps an ideal destination for those interested in going on historical tours to Rajasthan. This rustic city abounds with forts and monuments that remind you of its ancient glory and Rajput rulers. The city is known as ‘the Pink City1 of India. Travellers should take into consideration the extreme temperatures while planning a tour to this city.
|H How to get there
By Air: Jaipur is well connected with all major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad and Kolkata. Jet Airways and Indian Airlines operate regular services between Jaipur and Mumbai. The Jaipur-Delhi sector is also serviced well by daily flights.
By Train: Jaipur is well connected by Indian Railways. There are a number of trains that connect the city with not only Delhi and Mumbai, but also with the far east and the south.
By Bus: There are buses plying between Jaipur and various destinations in North India and other major cities. Rajasthan State Transport Corporation (RSTC) runs buses at regular intervals.
Places of interest Hawa Mahal: Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal is the most prestigious monument of Jaipur. The five- storied amazing semi-octagonal monument stands testimony to Rajput architecture with
its 152 windows and exquisite protruding latticed balconies. These balconies were meant for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy processions on the street below. Now it houses a museum with a good collection of artifacts.
Jantar Mantar (Observatory): Built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the observatory has huge masonry instruments which were used to study the movement of constellations and stars. There is an amazing giant sun-dial which provides accurate time, even now, subject to daily corrections.
City Palace and S.M.S. Museum: Situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about one seventh of the old city area. A nice blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the palace houses a seven-storied Chandra Mahal in the centre, which offers a magnificent view ofthe gardens and the city. Diwan-E-Am or Hall of public audience has intricate decorations and a collection of manuscripts. Diwan-E-Khas or Hall of Private Audience has a marble pawed gallery. Entering through the Virendra Pol, you will see the Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace), a reception centre for visiting dignitaries. It also has a Clock Tower and now forms part ofthe Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II Museum that contains a good collection of costumes, shawls and textiles.
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Ishwar Lat: The tower adjacent to Tripolia gate was built by Maharaja Ishwari Singh (1744-51). Also called as ‘Swarg SuIi’ or ‘heaven piercing minaret,’ the tower offers one of the most breathtaking views of the city.
Central Museum: This majestic building situated in the Ram Niwas Garden, was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert. Also known as Albert Hall, the museum houses a rare collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces.
Laxmi Narayan Temple: Built as per vastu norms in 1904, this temple, also known as Birla Temple, is located near the Surajpole Darwaja in Jaipur. The temple’s gurus impart spiritual teachings to the young and the old. A large number of devotees visit this temple every year to seek the blessings of Hindu deities like Lord Rama, Sita, Laxman and Lord Sudarshan.
■ AROUND JAIPUR Amber: The erstwhile capital of the Kachhwaha clan, Amber stays in the limelight because of the Amber Fort that stands on rugged hills, 11 km north ofthe town. The fort is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture and has seen many historical battles. It is also known for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings 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.
The Maharaja’s apartments are on the higher terrace and there is an entrance through a gateway decorated with mosaics and sculptures. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is noted for its inlaid panels and mirrored ceiling. Opposite to the Jai Mandir is Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure) that has a beautiful ivory inlaid sandalwood door.
Originally built by Maharaja Man Singh, the fort has many extensions made by Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh II, the last Maharaja of Amer. The best part of Amber Fort is the royal elephant ride. The
inimitable beauty of the fort can be enjoyed at its best with an elephant ride. A trip to Jaipur would be definitely incomplete, without a visit to this imperial fort.
Jaigarh Fort (15 km): This fort atop a hillock overlooks the palaces and city of Ajmer. The world’s biggest cannon on wheels – the Jai Ban is positioned here. This cannon with a 20- feet long barrel, was built during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh.
Nahagarh Fort (15 km): Built in 1734, this fort atop a hill is about 600 ft. above the city. The walls of the fort run along the ridge and houses architectural beauties like the Hawa Mandir and the Madhvendra Bhawan.
Galta (10 km): One of the popular pilgrimage centres of the state, Galta has a temple dedicated to the Sun God and a natural spring. It crests the ridge over a picturesque gorge and provides a spectacular view of the city. Legend has it that sage Galav performed a difficult penance here.
Other places of interest: Sisodia Rani Garden (5 km), Vidhyadhar Garden (S km), Kanak Vrindavan (6.5 km), Moti Dungri (J. Nehru Marg) and Govind Deoji Mandir.
K| Tourist information
RTDC Tourist Office, Hotel Swagatham
Campus, Near Railway Station. Ph: 2203531
m Ajmer
The city of Ajmer was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century AD which
Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti Dargah: The shrine is in honour of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti – a Sufi saint from Persia who died here in 1236. For the Muslims of India, this is a most revered shrine, next only to the sacred shrine at Mecca. It was the venue of an annual pilgrimage for Akbar the Great.
Adhai-din ka Jhonpra: Located on the outskirts ofthe town, this landmark structure stands testimony to the ancient Indo-Islamic architecture. Designed by Abu Bakrof Herat, the mosque is believed to have been built in two and a halfdays, and is thus named Adhai- din.
Ana Sagar: The artificial lake was built in the
continued to be a major centre of the Chauhans till 1193 AD. Ajmer, once a favourite residence of the Mughals, is a centre of culture and education today. It is also a popular pilgrimage centre for Hindus as well as Muslims. Ajmer is also the access point for visiting Pushkar (14 km), the abode of Lord Brahma, lying to its west with a temple and a picturesque lake.
911 How to get there