About Jaipur
|
 Rajasthan's
beautiful Pink City Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of rulers
whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the city are
important attractions. Known as the Pink City because of the
colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur's
bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye
scarves and other exotic wares. Western Rajasthan itself forms a
convenient circuit, in the heart of the Thar desert which has
shaped its history, lifestyles and architecture.
Founded in AD 1727 by Sawai
Jaisingh II, Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan is popularly
known as the Pink City with broad avenues and spacious gardens.
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and
culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and
palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. The
bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous fo r
Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality
and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. This fascinating
city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and
tradition.
Jaipur has been laid according to the conventional nine-grid
pattern that astrologers believe to be lucky, and which has been
recommended in the ancient Indian treatise on architecture. Each
grid consists of a square, and these have been planned so that, at
the heart of the city is the City Palace. Spread around it, in
rows, are public buildings, the residences of noblemen, the living
and trading quarters of merchants and artisans. Straight, wide
roads run through the city, while a high, crenellated wall that
forms its defense is pierced with seven gateways that serve as
entry points. Today, these walls may be more difficult to spot
since the city has grown far beyond its original plan, but they
are still there, proof that though Jaipur saw no great siege, it
was more than adequately prepared for it.
Jaipur’s
architectural planning may have been ancient, but its
execution was definitely modern. Best represented by the City
Palace complex, it brought together all that was excellent in
Rajput and Mughal architecture, creating a new tradition that
found wide currency over much of north India. As in the Mughal
tradition, the durbar or court areas became much more open,
characterised by a series of arched pavilions held on delicately
crafted pillars. Ornamentation had always been a part of the
state’s architectural heritage, now it became much more opulent.
The private wings of the family also extended their entertainment
areas. Since defence was no longer a primary concern, larger, more
ornamental windows were built to over look the streets or
courtyards outside these wings. Gardens were no longer planned
within the internal courtyards only, but were added to the
external vistas, and water, a basic feature of Mughal palaces and
gardens, was utilised in a similar fashion, in canals and
fountains.
Jaipur has much
to offer visitors — everything from pageants and festivals to
extraordinarily clad people, a wealth of handicrafts, a royal
legacy of palaces, and sightseeing — that will occupy their time.
However, should the visitors simply choose to walk around the
streets of the old city instead, they will not regret it. All of
Jaipur is an architectural gem, and no scheduled sight seeing can
even hope to do justice to this rare city.
Transportation
- Air
: Indian Airlines connect Jaipur with Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur,
Aurangabad, Bombay, Varanasi, Calcutta, Ahmedabad.
- Rail
:
Jaipur is connected by rail with Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer,
Abu Road (Mount Abu), Udaipur, Bombay and Sawai Madhopur.
- Road
:
Good motorable roads connect Jaipur with Delhi 258 km, Agra 236
km, Bikaner 321 km, Udaipur 405 km, Ajmer 131 km, Jodhpur 316
km, Bharatpur 176 km, Jaisalmer 638 km and Bombay 1202 km
- Bus
: Regular buses ply
from Jaipur to the above places and Alwar, Kota, Sariska,
Mathura, Indore, Chittorgarh and Barmer.
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Jaipur General Information |
|
Population |
23, 24, 319 (2001) |
|
Area |
23.3 sq. km.
approx |
|
Altitude |
431 m (above sea
level) |
|
Temperature |
Summer Average Max
40.6°C, Average Min. 25.8°C
Winter Average Max. 22.0°C Average
Min 8.3°C
|
|
Rainfall |
64 cm |
|
Season |
September to March |
|
Clothing |
Summer - Tropical,
Winter - Woolen |
|
Languages |
Hindi, Rajasthani
& English |
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Tourist Places in Jaipur
 ¤
HAWA MAHAL -
built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is the most
recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal
monument having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a
fine piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal
ladies to watch and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the
street below. Now it houses a well laid out museum. The display
“Jaipur past and present” is the special feature of this newly setup
museum. Timing 10.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00: Phone: 2618862
¤ JANTAR MANTAR (Observatory) - built in 18th century by Maharaja
Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonary instruments were used to study
the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dial
still provide accurate time, which are subject to daily corrections.
Timing 9.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 10.00, Phone: 2610494
 ¤
CITY PALACE AND S.M.S. II MUSEUM - situated in the heart of the
old City, it occupies about one seventh of the old city area. The
palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven
storeyed Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view of the
gardens and the city. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public audience) has
intricate decorations and collection of manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas
(Hall of private audience) has a marble pawed gallery Mubarak Mahal
has a rich collection of costumes and textiles. There is a Clock Tower
near Mubarak Mahal. Sileh Khana has a collection of armory and
weapons. Timing 9.30 to 16.45 hrs. Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 35.00 and
for foreigners Rs.150.00 inclusive of entry to Jaigarh fort, Phone:
2608055
¤ ISHWAR LAT - ‘Swarg Suli’ or ‘heaven piercing minaret’, the
tower, near Tripolia gate, built by Maharaja Ishwari Singh (1744-51).
It offers one of the most breathtaking view of the city.
 ¤
CENTRAL MUSEUM - situated in the Ram Niwas Garden. This graceful
building was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert (also known as Albert
Hall). It has a rare collection of archaeological and handicraft
pieces. Timing 10.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 5.00, for
foreigners As. 30.00, Phone: 2570099
¤ DOLLS MUSEUM - a collection of beautiful dolls from all over the
world, it is situated on Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg. Timing 10.00 to 16.00
hrs, Phone: 2619369
¤ BIRLA PLANETARIUM - It offers unique audio-visual education
about stars and entertainment with its modern computerised projection
system. Entry fee As. 20.00 show timings: 11.00, 13.00, 15.00, 17.00,
18.00, 19.00 hrs. Phone: 2381594
 ¤
JALMAHAL - (6 kms) on the way to Amer, this small palace is set in
the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Renovation around the lake is in
progress.
¤ GAITOR - (6 kms) At the foot hill of Nahargarh stands the
memorials to the former rulers of Jaipur the place has some gracefully
carved cenotaphs in white marble.
 ¤
JAIGARH FORT - (15 kms.) standing on a hilltop, overlooking the
palaces and city of Amer. The world’s biggest cannon on wheels- the
Jai Ban is positioned here, built during reign of Maharaja Sawai
Jaisingh. It has a twenty feet long barrel and pumped in the cannon
for a single shot. Timing 10.00 to 16.45 hrs, Entry Fee for Indians Rs.
15.00 & for foreigners Rs. 20.00, Phone: 2630848
 ¤
NAHARGARH FORT - (15 kms.) cresting a hill about 600 ft. above the
city, the fort was built in 1734. The walls of the fort run along the
ridge and within are architectural beauties like Hawa Mandir and
Madhvendra Bhawan. Timing 10.00 to 16.00 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00,
Phone: 5148044
¤ GALTA - (10 kms.) This holy pilgrimage centre has a temple
dedicated to the Sun God (Which is the only one of its kind in this
part of the country) and natural spring. It crests the ridge over a
picturesque gorge and provides an impressive view of the city. As the
legend goes, sage Galav performed a difficult penance here.
¤ MOTIDOONGARI - perched on a hill top on the southern horizon. It
is a replica of a Scottish castle.
 ¤
LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE - is situated just below the Moti 000ngri,
known for the intricate marble carvings in white marble, popularly
known as Birla Temple.
¤ MAHARANI K! CHHATRI - The funeral place for the royal ladies,
marked by some wonderfully carved cenotaphs.
¤ SISODIA RANI GARDEN - (5 kms.) on the road to Agra, the
magnificent palace garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in
1710 for his queen. Timings 8.00 to 18.00 hrs. Entry fee Rs. 5.00,
Phone: 2680494
¤ VIDHYADHAR GARDEN - (5 kms.) on the way to Agra, built by
Viyadhar, the chief architect and town planner of Jaipur. This
beautiful terraced garden has several galleries and pavilions
decorated with exquisite murals, depicting Lord Krishna. Timing 9.00
to 18.00 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00
¤ KANAK VRINDAVAN - (6.5 Kms on the way to Amer) This newly
restored temple and garden, near Jal Mahal, has beautiful gardens and
is popular picnic place. This is also beautiful location for film
shooting. Entry fee Rs. 4.00 & Timings 8.00 to 17.00 hrs, Phone:
2634596
 ¤
AMER - The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range of
craggy hills. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur
of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful
palaces. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The
solemn dignity of it red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when
reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold. The
original palace was built by Raja Man Singh, the additional extensions
were built by Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh lIthe
last Maharaja of Amer, who built a new city called Jaipur, where he
shfted his capital in 1727.
The
palace complex is lavishly ornamented and displays the riches of Amer.
Sheesh Mahal chamber of Mirrors. Diwan-e-Am or the Hall of Public
Audience is a beautifully proportioned hall open on three sides and
stands on two rows of ornamented pillars. Diwan e-Khas or the Hall of
Private Audience has delicate mosaic work in glass. Sukh mandir is
guarded by sandalwood doors inlaid with ivory. Throughout the massive
fort finely carved lattice windows, exquisitely painted doorways,
halls and finely sculptured pillars crave for attention.
The
old city of Amer was the seat of power and bustling with life and
prosperity. Other worth seeing sites are Jagat Shiromani Temple,
Narsinghji temple, the stepwell of Panna Meena and fine carved royal
cenotaphs on the road to Delhi. Timing: 9.00 to 16.30 hrs. Entry Fee
For Indians Rs. 10.00, For Foreigners Rs. 50.00, Phone: 2530293,
Elephant ride charge Rs. 400.00 (inclusive of all taxes) Timing : 8.00
to 16.00 hrs, Phone: 2530264 (Tourist Office).
For offline reservation please call Vikram Singh
+91-9982268307
E-mail :
info@hotelpolovictorypalace.com
Near Polovictory Cinema, Station Road, Jaipur-302001 (Rajasthan)
Phone: 0141-2369101,2369316 Telefax : 0141-5101454 |
