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Founded by the multi faceted warrior, astronomer, King Sawai Jai
Singh II (1688- 1744), its perhaps India’s first planned city. Neat
rows of pink houses, drains and ingenious water supply made it a
medieval heaven .Yet the exigencies of the time imprinted the
spectacular forts, palaces and gardens. Just as necessarily, modern
times are turning it into the hottest tourist destination in India.
Revel in the grandeur of its palaces. Be transported to the age of
the swords and the armors-where you came face to face with death and
your life depended on real bravery. Shop endlessly on the boundless
treasures found here. Or gorge on the most fabulous cuisines you’ve
ever experienced.
The Jaipur Airport is called Sanganer Airport. There are domestic
flight connections to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and
Udaipur and land at Sanganer Airport. International flights are
limited to Dubai. Convenient Rail connections exist from all
northern cities. Regular bus service of AC and Deluxe Coaches are
also available.
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Places to visit |
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Monuments:
Hawa mahal
Actually just a
thin façade, palace of winds was meant for the “purdahed”
royal ladies to gaze longingly at the busy bazaar. The
deception is immaculate and it combines the best Rajasthani
architecture and artistry with its pink delicately
honeycombed 953 sandstone windows known as 'jharokhas'. You
can also climb to the top for a wonderful view. |
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City Palace
Located in the
heart of the walled city, the City Palace Complex is a
majestic blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture where
the royal family still lives. Before the palace proper you
come across the Mubarak Mahal, now forming the Maharaja
Sawai Man Singh II Museum. Maharani's Palace paradoxically
shows a display of the rare Rajput weaponry with amazing
frescos on the ceiling. |
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Jaigarh Fort
The most
stupendous of the three-hilltop forts, it is one of the few
military structures of medieval India preserved almost
intact and encloses palaces, a granary, a well-planned
cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower . A giant
mounted cannon-the Jai Ban (Avian) is the largest cannon in
the world. |
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Amber
Amber
(pronounced Amer) was the ancient citadel of the ruling
Kachhawa clan of Amber. It is a syncretistic example of the
fusion of a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The
rugged forbidding hides an interior wall of the palace
depicting astonishing painting scenes with carvings,
precious stones and mirror settings. The Maota Lake produces
a breathtaking setting. |
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Gardens: Kanak
Vrindavan
An exquisitely
landscaped garden with beautifully carved temple in beige
stone, this complex is a popular spot for picnic and film
shoots. It should be definitely visited on the way to the
three garland forts of Jaipur- Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Amber.
The place becomes heavenly verdant during the monsoons, with
JAL MAHAL in the back ground. Lakes. |
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Galtaji
An ancient
pilgrimage centre, its Temples, pavilions and holy kunds
(natural spring and water tanks) along with lush landscape
make it a delectable place. The highest peak is a small Sun
temple and is a city landmark. |
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Temples:
Govind Dev Ji Temple
This
Krishna temple has been befittingly preserved by the
erstwhile royal family as Sawai Jai Singh himself installed
the image of GOVIND DEV JI (an incarnation of lord Krishna)
here. The RADHA idols are dressed differently every time for
the 'AARTI' .Thousands of followers or 'Bhakt' gather around
the courtyard for the Darshan. |
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Birla Lakshmi
Narayan Temple
It is a modern
temple built on raised ground; it is surrounded by large
lush green gardens. While the exterior has carved sculptures
of various mythological themes and images of saints, the
interiors have large marble depicting mythological scenes. |
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Moti Dungri (Ganesh
Temple)
Meaning and
looking like a drop of pearl, it has n exotic palace that is
a replica of Scottish castle once occupied by Maharaja Madho
Singh's son. The auspicious temple of Lord Ganesh, which is
frequented by almost whole of Jaipur, is the highlight. |
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Unique Shopping
Jaipur provides a unique
shopping experience with its rich treasure of bewitching jewellery,
beautiful gems, semi precious stones, kundan and minakri work
(enamel work on gold). Shop till you drop for beautiful cotton
fabric including sanganeri prints, tie-dye, and fine kota doria
saries are the best buys for women. The exotic blue pottery, enamel
ware and brass ware, make excellent souvenirs and gift items and you
can also get plentiful bargains on woolens carpets and cotton rugs,
leather footwear, with embroidered Jutes.
Don't miss Rajasthali, Johari Bazaar, MI road, Nehru Bazaar, Bapu
Bazaar, Chapur stalls for shopping.
Eating out
Goa is a synonym for
gorging on Sea food- ranging from fish to varieties of shell fish -
mussels, oyster, cockles to prawn, crab, lobster and squid. Revel in
local dishes like the spicy coconut based fish curries, chicken
xacuti and cafrael, the vinegar based fish and prawn balchaos and
rechaedo, pork vindaloo and sorpotel. Sweets like Bebinca, Dodol and
Doce made with coconut are special to area. Discover eating places
that can be restaurants in the five star hotels or numerous
personalized family run eateries and beach shacks stocked with
excellent food in both local and western styles.
Experience live music amidst fitting ambience at the Alfama at the
Cidade de Goa, the Banyan Tree at the Taj Holiday Village, Casa
Portuguesa at Baga, Riorico at the Hotel Mandovi and Planter’s
Restaurant at Calangute.
Do’s and Don’t’s
- Always book into
approved hotels or RTDC run hotels.
- Make enquiries at the information bureaux located at most Railway
stations, Bus stands, Airports
- Before staying in a paying guest accommodation, always check about
its authorisation by the Department of Tourism Always keep your
hotel room locked when there or when out for sight seeing, shopping.
- Take autorikshaws from pre paid kiosk wherever available.
- Otherwise settle the amount before embarking on the journey.
- Hire taxis from approved Travel Agency, RTDC or through Govt.
Tourist Reception Centres.
- Don't stay with or be coaxed into staying with people you meet at
Railway platforms, Bus stands or shopping areas.
- Don't think you are getting a bargain if a free ride is given by
any transporters to a hotel, check with tourist information office
first.
- Don't allow any one into your room for a drink and snacks or just
a chat unless the person is really well known to you.
- Free rides can culminate in trouble at hotel suggested by the
driver.
- Don't leave your valuables, luggage with the driver |
