The Rose Pink Metropolis founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743), is the funds of Rajasthan. It is a major attraction for the first-time visitor. Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts & enclosed by embattled walls. Houses with latticed windows line the streets with their rose pink colour, lending enchantment to the scene, which is almost magical at sunset.
The Old City (Known as the Pink Metropolis) is really a great place to wander around. The whole metropolis was painted in Pink colour by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876 AD. Today, every home within the metropolis is obliged by law to maintain its facade. It is a very well planned city laid out in a grid pattern and was designed by a young Bengali engineer and scholar by the name "Vidyadhar Bhattacharya".
Jaipur was and remains the only metropolis in the world, symbolising the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. Jaipur is a royal city & this is its most noticeable aspect, small buildings & festivals testify it.
Jaipur & its surroundings are rather like an endless museum. The metropolis also offers an endless variety of crafts. Jewellers here still fashion the beautiful enamel-on-gold pendants, studded on the reverse with precious stones or pearls & turquoise that one sees in miniature paintings. Jaipur's lacquer bangles are famous all over the world. This is a metropolis to be visited.
Rajasthan Train Travel :
Palace on wheels : Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome to Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience of the Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes the visitor to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day. The coaches also carry out an image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. Last but not the least the "Royal Treat" for your passengers on board include saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach as well as restaurant and organized shopping facilites.
Prime Attractions :
» Amer Palace - The magnificent fort with its huge ramparts & watchtowers, overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur Highway. It is believed to have been the capital of the "Minas", the original inhabitants of Rajasthan.
» City Palace- Nakkarkhana-ka-Darwaza, the imposing gateway of the City Palace guarded by stone elephants, is monumental.
» Hawa Mahal- A Pandora's box of wonders, the enchanting Hawa Mahal is a multi-layered palace, with a profusion of windows and stone screens.
» Jai Garh - Built on a peak, Jai Garh overlooks the palace & city of Amber below. Jal Mahal is Jaipur's lake palace. It is surrounded with water.
» Nahargarh Fort - Originally called Sudarshan Garh, it affords a splendid view of Jaipur.
» Jantar Mantar - The amazing astronomical three-storey-high observatory, of an 18th century Rajasthani king, named Jai Singh.
» Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh - Has beautiful gardens, fountains, pools & some magnificent pieces of sculpture.
» Vidyadhar's Garden - Nestled in a narrow valley, this beautiful garden was built in honour of Jai Singh's chief architect and town planner.
» Government Central Museum - This is the oldest museum in the state. The buiding, designed by Colonel Sir Swinton Jacob is located in the centre of the sprawling Ram Niwas Bagh, built in 1876 AD. When King Edward VII visited India as the Prince of Wales, it was opened to public in 1886.
» 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 wall built by Jahangir, are other attractions.
» Galta (2.5-km) -Past the gardens amidst the reduced hill guarding the town lies the outdated pilgrim centre of Galtaji. Temples, pavilions and holy 'kunds' (natural springs and reservoirs) dot the serene green panorama. The modest temple with the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on leading of your highest peak, is visible form all components with the urban centre.
» Ramgarh Lake (32-km north-east) - Ramgarh Lake (32-km north-east): A substantial artificial lake created by constructing a substantial dam amidst tree covered hills. Whilst the temple of Jamwa Mata and also the ruins in the outdated fort are a number of its antiquities, its stunning landscape makes it an idyllic picnic location.
» Samode (40-km north-west) - The beautiful Samode Palace, has long been rebuilt and renovated and provides a fine example of the Rajput haveli architecture. It is an perfect location for outings.
Cities :
» Sanganer (16-km) - Situated around the Tonk Road. This small town is entered through the ruins of two 'Tripolias' or triple-gateways. The town includes a ruined palace plus a group of Jain temples with good carvings. Entry for the temples is restricted. The town is definitely an important middle for craft, business and creates some of the finest hand printed textiles from models of block and display printers. This textile is popular all through the nation and abroad. On the Ajmer Road, the floor level fort is nonetheless in very good shape. It truly is noted for its hand printed handloom industry utilizing easy techniques.
» Gaitor (6.5-km on the road to Amer) -You will find memorials to the queens within the Maharani-ki-Chhatri complicated near the Ramgarh road crossing. The white marble cenotaph of Maharajah Jai Singh II will be the most impressive and is decorated with carved peacocks. Subsequent to it's the cenotaph of his son. The island palace-Jal Mahal built by Sawai Madho Singh like a pleasure spot in the centre of the Guy Sagar Lake, as well as the Kanak Vrindavan complex of temples and gardens not too long ago renovated add to its pristine glory.
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