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 Jaipur
, the capital city of Rajasthan is situated about 260 kms from
Delhi, and is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in
India for vacationing. Also known as the “Pink City”, it is a
busy capital city as well as a bustling business center. The ancient
capital of Rajasthan also forms the part of the “Golden Triangle”
that includes Delhi and Agra as well, which ensures that Rajasthan
gets a constant flow of tourists all round the year. It is not only
a beautiful city, but it is also a perfect place to spend vacation
and start exploring Rajasthan. Its historical monuments combined
with the modernism reflected in the urban places are a unique
combination of the traditional as well as the modern world. Be it
the ‘Hawa Mahal’, the ‘Nahargarh Fort’ or the ‘Jantar
Mantar’, each has its own charm.
Jaipur is named after its founder, Sawai Jai
Singh II who ruled from 1699 to 1744. It is really interesting how
Maharaja Jai Singh got the epithet “Sawai”. It so happened that
Jai Singh went to visit Aurangzeb, the Mughul king. There, Aurangzeb
asked Jai Singh holding his hands: “How do you expect to be
powerful when your hands are tied?” To this, Jai Singh replied: “Just
as a bridegroom takes his bride's hands, in a sacred vow to protect
her, so you, sir, have held my hands. I have nothing to fear now,
that the Mughal himself has taken my hands in his?" Aurangzeb was
pleased and thus gave him the title “Sawai”. Jaipur is a
combined effort of Sawai Jai Singh's strong grounding in sciences
and astrology and a Bengali architect Vidyadhar's strong instinct
for planning so exploring Jaipur during vacation will be great.
Climate
Summers: Max: 45 degrees C; Min: 25 degrees C
Winters: Max: 22 degrees C; Min: 8 degrees C
Fair & Festivals
Teej Festival (next 11th to 16th August, 2007): Teej is a very
famous festival held in July – August to mark the advent of
monsoons. It is essentially a festival that is celebrated by women.
How to reach
Air: There are domestic and international flights connecting
Jaipur to all the major destinations of India and overseas
respectively. The Jaipur airport is called Sanganer Airport.
Train: Connections are from Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai,
Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Varanasi and Ahmedabad. Well connected
from other states like UP, MP.
Road: A convenient mode of travel to
Jaipur , regular bus service of AC and Deluxe Coaches are available.
PLACES TO SEE
Hawa Mahal
Built by poet king Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, ‘Hawa Mahal ’ is
also known as “Palace of the Wind”. Located in the City Palace,
this five-storey building of unusual architecture is a stunning
instance of Rajput artistry. Designed by Lal Chand Usta and made of
red and pink sand stone, outlined with white borders and motif’s
painted with quick lime, the Palace is regarded as one of the major
royal ladies to watch the everyday city life and royal processions.
City Palace
Emperor Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs built the City
Palace of Jaipur , which occupies one seventh of its area and is
surrounded by a high wall (Sarhad). An impressive blend of Mughal
and traditional Rajasthan architecture, this palace is has
splendidly laid down courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings.
Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Badal Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple
and the City Palace Museum are some of the attraction within this
palace premises.
Nahargarh Fort
Situated in the Aravalli hills, it provides an awe-inspiring sight,
seen from the air. It was built in 1734 by Maharaja Jai Singh and
extended in 1868. “Nahargarh” meaning abode of the tigers. It
looks absolutely beautiful once it is floodlit from all sides at
night. It has a very important legend attached to it. It is said
while the construction of the Fort was going on, a spirit of a
prince named Nahar Singh used to visit the construction place and
destroy it. To appease the spirit, a ‘tantrik’ was called, and
finally the spirit of the prince agreed to leave on the condition
that the fort be named after him, and hence the fort bears the name
– “Nahargarh Fort.”
Gaitore
It is located just off the Jaipur - Amber Road. Situated here are
the chhattris made in typical Rajput architecture. The chattri of
Sawai Jai Singh II is of special mention for its carvings that
exaggerate it. “Gaitore” is actually the local form of the Hindi
word “Gaye ka Thor” which means the resting place of the
departed souls. This has remained the funeral ground of the
Kachhawaha since the time of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh-II.
Jaigarh Fort
During vacations you will come across to the most spectacular fort
that overlooks the Jaipur city. It also houses among other things,
the Jai Ban (Jaivan) which is the largest cannon in the world. This
fort is also known as the fort of victory. The fort has some of the
most impressive battlements, which have walkways on the inner side.
The "Diwa Burj" watchtower, for example, provides an excellent
viewpoint from where tourists can look across the whole town and the
Amber Fort, which is just a little distance away. The Jaigarh Fort
is considered to be one of the most well fortified structures in
India.
Jantar Mantar
Built by Sawai Jai Singh, this is one of the largest and the
best-preserved observatories of India. The most striking instrument
of the Jantar Mantar is the Brihat Samrat yantra, an imposing yellow
edifice to the far right of the observatory complex.
HOTELS
Heritage Hotels
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Rajmahal hotel
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Rajvilas hotel
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Samode haveli
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Rambagh palace
Budget Hotels
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Hotel Mansingh Towers
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Diggi Palace
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Rajasthan Palace
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Dera Rawatsar
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