About Jaipur

"The Pink City of India" founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743) is the capital of Rajasthan. It is one of the major tourist attraction of India Particularly for the first time visitor. Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts and enclosed by embattled walls. Houses with latticed windows line the streets with their rose pin color lending enchantment to the scene, which is almost magical at sunset. HAWA MAHAL (The palace of wind): The palace of wind-a fascinating landmark of Rajasthan, was built by orders of poet-king Sawai Pratap Singh in the 18th century and is the most remarkably designed monument in Jaipur. What is seen from the Sireh Deodi Bazaar is the multiniched five story high backside of the complex. It was conceived to provide adequate vantage position behind stone-carved mesh-like screens to the palace women for watching the royal processions passing through the bazaar. There is a museum of collections which include paintings, coins, handicrafts and sculptures. 'Jaipur-past and present' is the feature of the museum.

THE CITY PALACE One of the most magnificent marvels of Jaipur is the City Palace Complex which has a rare combination of the finest blends of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It is a vast area a part of the complex. The Museum has an array of royal costumes, shawls, embroideries, Banars silk sarees, the Maharaja's pyjamas, chogas and pyjamas of other rulers, jamawars, kamarbandhs, musical instrument like giant tanpura and sarangis and a set of the clothes of Sawai Madho Singh I who was just seven feet tall, over four feet wide and supported a Goliathic weight of 250 kilograms. JAL MAHAL : Jal Mahal was built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1999 A.D. in the midst of the Man Sagar Lake as a pleasure spot. The Lake was formed by constructing a dam between the tow hills by Sawai Man Singh I. During winter months one can see large number of migratory birds at the lake, a favorite spot for bird watchers.

AMBER FORT Situated just over 10 kilometers away from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Delhi highway is Amber, which was the the ancient capital of Jaipur Stale. The fort complex includes palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh. the Rajput commanders of Akbar’s army, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries. It is a striking example of Rajput architecture situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects the Fort’s ramparts and terraces. The Diwan-e-aam {hall of public audience} has lattimed galleries and double row of columns each having the shape of elephants on the top,. The Maharaja’s residence is at higher elevation and can be entered trough a decorated gateway,. The Jai Mandir {hall of victory} has glittering ceiling of mirrors and elegant inlay panels. In front of Jai Mandir is the Sukh Niwas {hall of pleasure} with a door made of sandalwood, inlaid with ivory and with a channel running through which once carried cool water, acting as a natural water cooler, Mohan Bari of kesar kyari in the Maotha Lake gives a scintillating view of the palace above.

ALBERT HALL MUSEUM It is situated in the beautiful Ram Niwas Garden. This beautifully designed scenic structure was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob. It was opened in 1887 as a public museum. It contains a rare collection of decorative art objects, paintings, sculptures, natural history specimens, an Egyptian mummy and the well-known Persian golden carpet. MOTI DOONGRI & LAKSHMI NARAIN TEMPLE (Birla Mandir) : Among the important landmarks dotting the southern horizon is the small privately owned hilltop fort of Moti Doongri which is shaped like a Scottish castle along with the Ganesh Temple and the Lakshmi Narain Temple of built of snow white marble at the foot the hill. JAIGARH FORT : It is situated 15 kms from Jaipur beyond the hills of Jaigarh and is like a waterfall sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful capital. Much of the original structures are in ruins. From the top of hill, the fort offers a scenic view of the city below.

JANTAR MANTAR {Observatory} The largest and best preserved of Sawai Jai Singh’s five observatories. It is built in stone and marble whose setting and shapes are designed scientifically and which are one of the high-points of medieval Indian astronomy. RAMGARH LAKE : 32 kilometers from Jaipur, known for its artificial lake over an area of about 20 square kilometers. Created by constructing a huge dam amidst tree-covered hills. It is a popular picnic sport during the rainy season and has facilities for boating and fishing.