Rajasthan • 9 monuments
Jaipur, the Pink City, is famous for many architectural marvels built during different eras. One of the most contemporary structures is Birla Temple built in white marble using modern architectural elements. Massive domes, stained glasses and stunning use of white marble are among the main highlights of the built on an elevated ground. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayana) and his consort Laxmi, the temple is well-known for portraying religious figures from many religions apart from Hinduism. The pictorial backdrop of Moti Dungari Hill makes the temple even more magnetic in appeal. It is a pleasure to watch the lighted up temple at evening.
Amer Fort (also called Amber Fort) is one of the most well-preserved hilltop forts across India. Built at the end of the 16th century, the fort is home to a number of palaces, courtyards, gardens, gates and temples. The most popular attractions include Sheesh Mahal, Sila Devi Temple, Ganesh Pol (gate), Sun Pol, Lion Gate, Tripolia Gate, Palace of Man Singh I, Diwan-i-Aam, Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir, Charbagh Garden, Dil e Aaram Garden and many others. Archaeological Museum of Amber is another highlight. Magic flower fresco, paintings, colourful tiles, mirror work and splendid designs enhance the beauty of the fort. The fort is also admired for the breathtaking views of the surroundings, especially those of Lake Maota.
Aravalli Hills with their unprecedented rustic charm are the perfect home to three massive Rajpur Forts, named Amber, Jaigarh and Nahargarh. Located about 400 m. above Amber Fort is Jaigarh Fort which is undoubtedly the most exhilarating attraction of Jaipur. Perched on the top of what is righteously called ‘Cheel ka Teela’ or ‘Eagle’s Hill’, the fort was once a stronghold of Rajputs and also one of the world’s greatest cannon foundries. Though the fort has existed over many centuries, the present day red sandstone structure was constructed in 1726 by Jai Singh II. The most exciting places within the fort complex are Laxmi Niwas (royal palace residence), Lalit Mandir (royal summer residence), Vilas Mandir (queens’ residence), Khilbati Niwas (commanders’ meeting place) and Subhat Niwas (warriors’ meeting place), each boasting of outstanding architecture. Armoury is a must-visit section which displays unbelievable weapons and arms and ammunitions like swords, muskets, armours, guns and a 50 km. cannon ball. You must also visit the museum which displays many wonderful royal possessions. Puppet Theatre is yet another interesting attraction where huge varieties of puppets are put on display. You should not miss the pleasure of watching the world’s bulkiest cannon of wheels, known as Jaivana. Heart-warming views of the huge water reservoir (which once supplied water to the fort and was believed to contain invaluable treasures), Amber Fort and the city of Jaipur must be enjoyed from the fort.
Popular as the Tiger Fort of Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort is tucked in the rugged folds of Aravalli Hills which silently admire the royal splendour of Jaipur - the Pink City of Rajasthan. Built in 1734 by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the fort flaunts Indo-European architecture. The fort mainly served as the summer retreat for the king and his 12 wives and is today a favourite spot among Indian filmmakers. Apart from some old temples, the fort’s main attraction is its two-storey Madhavendra Bhawan Palace which still boasts of some admirable frescos. The irresistible views of the Aravallis and the entire Jaipur city are completely spellbinding. Zenana quarters and courtyards of the fort allow one to have a glimpse of the bygone royal era. In the close vicinity of the fort is the Nahargarh Biological Park, known for its faunal and avifaunal species. Cafeteria within the premises offers good refreshment to the visitors.
Resembling the crown of Lord Krishna, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Breeze) is a unique structure in the shape of a pyramid. The five storey structure was constructed in 1799 on the order of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and for the purpose of providing a royal dwelling place to the queens and princesses. A visually appealing structure made of red and pink sandstone, the palace appears as a bee hive honeycomb at the first sight. The most striking feature of the palace is its 953 small windows (called jharokhas) boasting of intricate latticework, grills and finials. The wind flowing in through these windows would cool the temperature during summers and hence the monument got its name. Coloured glasses at many places allow the sunrays to enter inside, thereby forming enthralling kaleidoscopes. Courtyards, chambers, pillars and corridors are reminiscent of the golden era. The beautifully carved imperial doors of the palace have enticing magnificence. Try to visit the palace during early morning hours to watch it basking in the golden glory of the sun. Numerous monuments, palaces and other tourist attractions as well as shops selling extremely attractive handicrafts surround the palace.
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, a keen scholar and astrologer, built five astronomical observatories in different cities, the largest one being located in Jaipur. Popularly called Jantar Mantar (meaning instruments and calculations), the observatory is famous globally for its largest sundial. Built from 1728-1734, it is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and combines the aspects of religious, science, art and architecture in the most magnetizing manner. Each of the 14 geometrical instruments at the observatory is constructed using stone and marble. Apart from the sundial, which boasts of an accuracy of 2 seconds and is called Brihat Samrat, other popular instruments include Sasthamsa with four huge meridian dials, Jai Prakash sundial, Great Ram used for recording the azimuth of celestial bodies and Rasivalaya used for recording ecliptic co-ordinates of celestial bodies. Even today, the instruments are used for weather forecasting and probability of calamities like floods and famines. Astronomy students as well as astrologists from all over the world throng this wonderful tourist attraction.
Personifying the royal grandeur, the City Palace complex of Udaipur stands gracefully on the bank of mesmerizing Lake Pichola. Constructed on a small hillock by combining architectural styles like Medieval, Rajasthani, Mughal and European, the complex boasts of unbeatable palaces, gardens, museum displays, courtyards and elaborated art. Enter the palace through the massive gateway Bari Pol and gear up to relish the splendour of palaces like Sheesh Mahal, Fatehprakash Palace, Badi Mahal, Dilkhusha Mahal and Manak Mahal. Amar Vilas, the highest court in the complex, boasts of ornamental towers, hanging garden and exquisite fountains. Rang Bhawan houses the temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and other Hindu deities. Collections of paintings at Bhim Vilas and ornamental tiles at Chini Chitrashala and beautiful ornamented peacocks at Mor Chowk are other notable attractions of the complex. The museum at the complex also boasts of displays like arms and armours, statues and sculptures, royal palanquins and a crystal gallery. There are different tour ticket combinations and you can choose according to the preferred activities. Don’t miss savouring the commanding views of the lake and lake islands.
Among the many heart-warming wonders of the Pink City Jaipur is the beautifully landscaped palace garden called Sisodia Rani ka Bagh. Constructed in 1728, this palace garden was a gift from Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh to his beloved queen Sisodia after whom the place gets its name. Multi-tired gardens adorned with flowerbeds, shrubs and lush foliage is a mesmerizing treat to the eyes. The top tier of the garden accommodates a two-storey palace, well-known for its spectacular murals that depict the eternal love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. Painted pavilions of the palace add to its grandeur. Fountains and water channels form a distinguished part of the garden, laid in the Mughal style with the blend of Indian elements as well. One can also find natural springs dotting the garden which is also home to the shrines dedicated to the Hindu deities like Shiva, Vishnu and Hanuman. Away from the city crowd, it is one perfect corner to spend some peaceful moments.
Adhering to the royal splendour written all over Jaipur, Jal Mahal (Water Palace) is the most eye-pleasing sight in the city. The fact that it was only recently opened to general public after extensive restoration is no less than dream-come-true for many. Built in the early 18 th century in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, the palace has a red sandstone construction that has undergone restoration numerous times. The lake and the palace are surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills on three sides. Their slopes adorned with forts, palaces and temples add remarkable backdrop to the palace. Jal Mahal is a 5 storey building, out of which 4 stay submerged in the lake water. Rectangular and octagonal cenotaphs, semi-octagonal towers mounted by stylish cupolas and elegant interiors bless the palace with unbeatable magnificence. The most striking feature is the terraced garden, called Chameli Bagh, which offers commanding views of the vicinity and can completely relax one’s mind, body and soul. Fragrant flowering plants and trees at the four quadrants of the garden need a special mention. Painted Pleasures is an exhibition at the palace which displays mesmerizing murals, royal perfumes and many other collections. Birdwatchers can have galls time exploring numerous species of local and migratory birds like common moorhen, white-browed wagtails and grey heron among others.
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