Indian Cities & Destinations - Comprehensive guide to
cultural heritage of India where you discover art & craft, dances,
music, costumes, and languages of India.
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 for
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..
The
city is encompassed by a high wall, 10 km. long with eight gates. Within the
city, atop a rocky hill, stands the massive fort, 120 mtrs. above the
plains. Packed with history, art and culture, this princely state is a
treasure - trove of some exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis -
standing a testimony to the imperial grandeur.
The city is located
at a distance of around 258 km from Delhi and 232 km from Agra, making it a
part of the famed Golden Triangle tourist circuit of North India.
Jaipur
got its name from its founder Sawai Jai Singh (1693-1743), who had the
vision to create a meticulously planned city as his capital. All the houses
in the old city are painted pink, including the famous Hawa Mahal.
 Major
Attractions of Jaipur |
 |
Hawa Mahal : The Hawa Mahal, or the "Palace
of Wind" built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 A.D. is
characterised by elaborate and fanciful architecture. The broad pyramidical
facade comprises five storeys of semi octagonal overhanging windows with
perforated screens, domes and spires. The palace, overlooks one of Jaipur's
main streets and was originally constructed to offer women of the court an
upper hand, so that they can watch the activities taking place in the bazaar
and the surrounding streets behind stone-carved screens.
This
five storey building of unusual architecture designed by Lal Chand Usta, is
a stunning example of Rajput artistry made of red and pink sand stone,
beautifully outlined with white borders and motif's painted with quick lime.
Its facade from the road side makes Hawa Mahal look more like a delicate
screen than a palace.
The City Palace : In the heart of the old city is former
royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The
carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns ornate with floral
motifs in gold and colored stones. Two carved elephants in marble guard the
entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers
serve as guides. The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of
Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs. The palace also has
an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets,
royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic,Persian,Latin and
Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail.
| How
to Get There |
|
By Air : Jaipur is connected to Delhi,
Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Calcutta and Varanasi by domestic
flights.
By Rail : The rail service to Jaipur
is available from all the major parts of the country. The train services to
Jaipur are slower, because of the metre gauge line.
By
Road : Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan,
Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.
Destinations
