Jaipur
"A symbol of the royal elegance and courtly splendor of the Rajput clans", Jaipur is the first planned city of north India and is designed in accordance with Shilpa shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. Jaipur, which earned the sobriquet of 'Pink City", is today the capital of the state of Rajasthan thriving with traditional crafts like jewellery, metal works, enamelling,pottery,stone carvings and miniature paintings.
Location
Jaipur is located in the state of Rajasthan at the edge of the Thar Desert. It is at a distance of 258 km from Delhi, the national capital.
Climate
Weather in the summers ranges from 25 Centrigrade to a maximum of 45 Centrigrade while winters lies between 22Centrigrade to as low as 8Centrigrade.The rainy seasons are very humid starting from July to mid September.The best time to visit Jaipur is between October to March.
Tourist Attractions
City Palace - The City Palace complex has the most important architectural marvel in palatial arts with its numerous buildings, courtyards, impressive gateways and temples. Covering about one-seventh of the old city, this exemplary blend of Rajputs and Mughal architecture houses the seven-storied Chandra Mahal, which is still occupied by the former ruling family of Jaipur. There are many splendid small palaces and halls in the complex, such as the Mubarak Mahal and Badal Mahal. There is also a famous temple called the Shri Govind Temple. The rest of the complex consists of the Sawai Madho Singh II museum.
Hawa Mahal - Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh the 'Hawa Mahal' or Palace of the Wind, is an integral part of the City Palace. It was built as an extension of the Zenana, women's chamber standing away from the main complex. This five storey building of unusual architecture 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. The monument was originally conceived with the purpose of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions in the city without being seen by others.
Amber Fort - Seven miles north of Jaipur is Amber Fort in Amber, capital of the then Kachwaha Rajputs. The city-palace is protected by the towering outer walls of this fort, a further wall runs for miles along the hills surrounding the palace. For many, the most memorable part of a trip to Jaipur is the journey up the palace ramparts, through a succession of vast gates, on the back of a painted elephant in a typical Maharaja style. Inside are the ruins of the once great palace, a wonderful example of Rajput architecture, with Mughal influences.
Palace on Wheels - The Palace On Wheels is a luxury train that carries with it an ambience of the Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey. It takes the visitor to the imperial cities of Rajasthan.The coaches also carry out an image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. The "Royal Treat" for the passengers on board include saloons, bar lounges & libraries as well as restaurant and shopping facilities.
The other places of interest are Jaipur Museum, Albert Museum, Birla Mandir Planetarium, Sisodia Rani Park, Lakshmi Narain Temple, Kanak Vrindavan, the Raj Mahal Palace and Rambagh Palace.
Nearby Attractions
Gaitor - is one such location at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. It is the place where Chhatris of Jaipur's rulers stand amidst reverential silence. Twenty carved pillars support its elegant dome, which is a dazzling structure in white marble.
Sanganer - It is 40 kms away, and is well known for its textile block printing, paper making and Jaipur blue pottery. Besides, several temples and an old palace are also an attraction.
Tonk - Tonk is an old town dating back to the middle of the 17th century. The present township which lies 100 kms away resurrects a forgotten era in a colorful mixture of painted mosques, mansions and colonial buildings. The Sunehri Kothi or Golden Mansion is of special mention because of its mirror work.
Shopping
The major markets in Jaipur are along Jauhari Bazar, Bapu Bazar, Nehru Bazar, Chaura Rasta, Tripolia Bazar and M.I. road. Jaipur, a house of handicrafts and precious stone, is one of the best place to shop. Handicrafts are available in a wide range at the Rajasthani Emporium. Textiles from bedspreads to scarves are available in abundance at Rajasthan Handlooms House and Anokhi at Tilak Marg.
Jaipur is famous for its marble status, antique jewellery and fascinating handicrafts. Precious and semi precious stones can be found near Johari Bazaar. The exotic blue pottery, enamel ware and brass ware make excellent souvenirs and gift items. The city is also famous for woollen carpets and cotton rugs. Equally popular are the leather footwear, especially that embroidered Jooties.
Accommodation
The heritage hotels of Jaipur like the Ramgarh Lodge, Royal Castle Kanota, Raj Mahal Palace pamper the tourists with royal treatment. There are also Five star hotels that includes names such as Man Singh Towers, Hotel Jaipur Palace and The Ethnic Village Resort. Many Jaipur hotels are a part of leading hotels chains like the Taj Hotels and Resorts, Oberoi group of hotels, Welcome group of hotels, and the Mansingh group of hotels.
Please send us your online query now and let your exceptional experience commence. darasinghin@yahoo.com.
