JAIPUR MONUMENTS

The City Palace : In the heart of the old city is former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and colored stones.

Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers serve as guides. The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs. The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic,Persian,Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail.

Jal Mahal: Jal Mahal was built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 A.D. in the midst of the Man Sagar lake as a pleasure spot. The lake was formed by construcing a dam between the two hills by Sawai Man Singh I. During the winter months one can see a large number of migratory birds at the lake.

Royal Cenotaphs: At the far end on the Delhi road is the cremation ground of the rulers of Amer. Some of these cenotaphs still preserve traces of paintings which once embellished their inner and outer walls.

Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum: The outer courtyards with Mubarak Mahal, Sarvatobhadra and Diwan Khanna and the ground floor halls of Pritam Niwas and the inner courtyard have been converted into a public museum, the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. The museum houses an extensive collection of rare manuscripts, Mughal and Rajasthani miniatures, Mughal carpets, costumes and textiles, arms and weapons, objects of art and royal belongings. The giant silver Gangajalis displayed in the open Sarvatobhadra building were fabricated in the court workshops for Sawai Madho Singh II to carry holy water of Ganges to England.

Jantar Mantar: A stone observatory. Largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments,whose setting and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy.

The most striking of these are the Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes.

Hawa Mahal: Built in 1799 A.D. the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is a major Rajput landmark. This five storey building along the main street of the old city is in pink splendor with semioctagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows. The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.

Swargasuli (Isar Lat): The highest tower dominating the skyline of the western side of the Tripolia Bazaar. It was built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in 1749 A.D. to commemorate a grand victory.

Sisodia Rani Garden: 8 kms. east of Jaipur, the palace was built for the Sisodia queen of Jain Singh II in 1779 A.D. It is a terraced garden with fountains, the top terrace being occupied by a palace. The palace has painted murals illustrated by hunting scenes and the Radha Krishna legend.

BM Birla Planetarium (Time 12.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.): The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual education and entertainment with its modern computerized projection system. For school groups concessions are available. Closed on last Wednesday of every month.

Galtaji: An ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills.Temples ,pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and reservoirs) along with lush landscape make it a delightful spot. The small temple of the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak is visible from all parts of the city.

Old City: Once a settlement of nobles,craftsmen and common folks, the city of Amer is now in ruins. The remanants of its rich past are the beautifully carved and planned Jagat Shiromani Temple, a Krishna temple associated with Meerabai, an ancient temple of Narsinghji and a magnificent step-well,Panna Mian-ka-kund.

Vidyadhar Garden: Situated 7 kms. east of Jaipur in a narrow valley, the garden, in memory of Vidyadhar, the architect of the Pink City, is surrounded by high hills. This newly renovated and enthrallingly beautiful place is former vineyard of the royalty. This is a terraced garden with fountains, pool and other features of a formal royal resort.

Jaigarh: One of the few military structures of medieval India, retaining its ancient splendour in palaces,gardens , reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a well planned cannon foundary, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban,one of the largest in the country are preserved here. The extensive parkotas (wallls), watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh dominate the western skyline.

Amer: At a short distance of 11 kms . from Jaipur, the Amer Fort complex stands amidst wooded hills overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur highway, with its forbidding ramparts reflected in the still waters of the Maota Lake below. One of the finest examples of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of the Kachhawah rulers. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh and additions were made later by Sawai Jai Singh.

Within the palace are the Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience" and the Sukh Niws where a cool breeze blows across channels of water for the purpose of air-conditioning. Here are the private chambers of the queens with windows having latticed screens so that the ladies could watch the proceedings of the royal court inprivacy. There is also the Jai Mandir or the "Temple of Vicotry", with its famed Sheesh Mahal, the scintillating "Hall of Mirrors"

Albert Hall Museum : Located in the middle of Ram Niwas Garden of Jaipur, Albert Hall was built to commemorate and honours the visit of Prince of Wales to Jaipur. Designed in Indo-Sarcenic style, the hall was completed in 1876. It was opened in 1887 as a public museum. The museum has a vast collection exhibits those include sculptures, paintings, decorative art objects, natural history specimens, an Egyptian mummy and a celebrated Persian Garden Carpet.

Zoological Garden: It is situated in the ram Niws garden. It is a century old and is among the oldest in the country. Set in a landscaped garden, it has a good number of birds and animals and also houses a famous crocodile breeding ground.

Statue Circle: The full-length exquisitely carve statue of Swai Jai Singh in white marble in the centre of the circle was erected under the newly planned scheme area to pay homage to the founder of Jaipur.

Ghat ki Guni: Beautifully landscaped gardens, laid out in the 18th and 19th century by king and courtiers dot the narrow gorge in the south eastern corner of the walled city, along the road to Agra.

EXCURSIONS

Samode (40 km, north west): The beautiful Samode Palace, has been rebuilt and renovated and provides a fine example of the Rajput haveli architecture and is an ideal spot for outings.

Bagru (35 km) : On the Ajmer Raod, the ground level fort is still in good shape. It is noted for its hand printed handloom industry using simple techniques. The designs of these handloom are less complicated and are in earth hues.

Sanganer (12 km): Located on the Tonk road,. In addition to its ruined palaces, Sanganer has exquisitely carved Jain temples. The town is entered through the ruins of two tripolias (Triple gateways) The town is an important centre for crafts industry and produces some of the finest hand printed textiles from units of block and screen printers. This textile is popular all over the country and abroad.

Samoda : Located about 50 km north of Jaipur. Its a small village famous for its palace with its exquisite Diwan-i-khas. Daily bus service (Fare Rs 15) from Jaipur. Accommodation : Samoda Palace (Tel : 01423/4114); tented accommodation at Samoda Bagh, about 3 km away.

Ramgarh Lake (32 km. North east): A huge artificial lake created by constructing a high bund amidst tree covered hills. White the temple of Jamwa Mata and the ruins of the old fort are some of its antiquities, its beautiful landscape,especially during monsoons,makes it an idyllic picnic spot.

Bairath (86 km on the Shahpura-Alwar Road): An important historical place with the excavated remains of a circular Buddhist temple-unique in Rajasthan and the earliest known temple in India. Bairath also has relics of the Mauryan,Mughal and Rajput periods.

A mint constructed by Akbar, a beautiful Mughal garden and a remarkable monument with painted chhatris and walls built by Jahangir are other attractions.

Sambhar (94 km.west): The largest inland salt lake of India known for the holy Devayani Tank, the palace and the Naliasar nearby.

Jaisinghpura Khor (12 km off the Amer Raod): One of the settlement of the Meena tribe, it has a formidable fort, a jain temple and a step-well amid lush surroundings.

Madhogarh-Tunga (40 km. On the Bassi-Lalsot Agra Road): Tunga was witness to a historic battle fought between the Jaipur forces and Marathas. The fort is nestled amidst beautiful mango orchards.

Nahargarh - Tiger Fort ( Around 10 km from Jaipur) : Perched atop a pricturesque hill, the Nahargarh Fort offers a breathtaking view of the city below. Initially built by Sawai Jain Singh in 1734 A.D. It was enlarged and given its present shape by Sawai Madho Singh in1885 A.D. Decorative motifs in some of the rooms are delightful. From the windows of the nine identical suites, one gets a magnificent view of the city, complete witht he geometrical layout. From Amer there is a road to Nahargarh, which passes through the hills.

Kishangarh: Located on Jaipur-Ajmer Road. This place is famous for its miniature paintings. Not much accommodation facility. Stay at Ajmer instead, which is just around an houre drive - about 30 km.

Roopangarh: Lies on NH8, about 25 km from Ajmer. Its fort has been converted into a heritage hotel. Staying option available . For bookings : Tel 011 3351301 -Delhi, Kishangarh : Tel 01463 42001, Roopan garh Fort : Tel 01463 7217.

Karauli: Famous for its Krishna Temples, the place is about 185 km South East of Jaipur. Daily bus service (Fare Rs 50) from Jaipur. Accommodation : Bhanwas Vilas Palace - Tel 07464 20024.

Bharatpur: Renowned for its World Heritage - listed bird sanctuary, the kedadeo Ghana National Park. Favourite with bird watchers.