Jaipur is in the state of Rajasthan, India. This city is the heart and soul of Rajasthan, the state of color and history. The tourist as they move around this bustling city see the beautiful pink palaces and forts. You admire the intricate architecture and delicately carved designs all over its prominent places.
Tourists Attractions
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is also known as “Palace of Winds”. It was built in 1799, and the architecture is like the crown of Lord Krishna. The place has small windows called jharokhas. Each window is decorated with lattice-work. Hawa Mahal is built of pink and red sandstone and is located in the heart of Jaipur. The tourists are left amazed when they see it lit up in golden light at sunrise.
Hawa Mahal has five stories and is shaped like a pyramid. The structure is about 50 feet high. To the viewer the front side looks like a honeycomb. Seeing is believing. The interiors of the mahal have rooms with different colored marbles, and the courtyard has fountains. Hawa Mahal reflects a mix of Rajput architecture and Islamic the mahal has fluted pillars, domed canopies, floral and lotus patterns and stone inlay filigree work and arches.
An imperial door welcomes visitors to the courtyard. A museum is also there in the courtyard. The mahal is maintained by the archeological department. The Hawa Mahal lies to the south of Jaipur City. It is one of the most prominent attractions in Jaipur.
City Palace
The City Palace also includes the ‘Mubarak Mahal’ and the ‘Chandra Mahal’. It is towards the northeast side of central Jaipur. The City Palace reflects in it the Rajput Mughal and European styles of architecture. The famous entrances are ‘Udai Poi’, ‘Virendra Pol’ which are richly decorated. The palace houses various structures ornately designed with murals, lattice and mirror work. The City Palace gives the tourists an insight of the rich heritage of a bygone era.
Amber Fort
Amber Fort is at a distance of 11km from Jaipur city. There are a number of attractions built with the Amber palace complex. The tourists can reach the Amber Fort by two ways. It is situated on a hill. You can take the elephant ride or climb the stairs. Now a road for vehicles to reach up to the fort is also constructed. The elephant ride all the way up to the fort is simply thrilling. You see the Maotha Lake and a skyline glimpse of the Pink City. You can choose a guide at the doorstep of the magnificent Amber Fort.
Albert Hall Museum
Albert Hall Museum is located in the Ram Niwas Garden. This garden lies outside the walled city. It is one of the oldest museums in Jaipur.
The architecture of the Albert Hall Museum is of Indo-Saracenic type and follows the pattern of the Victoria and Albert museum in London. The museum has carved pillars and arches. The museum houses historic objects, ivory work, lacquer work, metal ware, clay models, tribal costumes, paintings and many more admirable things. Time slips by as the visitor takes a look around the Albert Hall Museum. The construction of this museum took place when King Edward the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur in 1868. To the public the museum was opened ten years later.
In the Albert Museum, there are galleries on the ground floor. The central gallery shows the Rajasthani dance forms. The Darbar Hall has the largest floor covering in the world. The museum is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm. It is closed only on the festival of Holi
Jaipur Zoo
In the lively and energetic city of Jaipur lies this Zoological Garden. It is an excellent sanctuary. The zoo is located in the garden of Ram Niwas Bagh. The tourists can just walk down to the zoo from the Albert Hall. It was founded in 1868 and has a vast area of about 33 acres. The gardens are multicolored and pools with fountains. The zoo has an aviary where you see a number of colorful birds and the animal side which houses leopards, lions, white tigers, jackals etc. The children are excited to see the animals and especially the gracefully dancing peacock. There are also some exotic birds and beasts. It is popular as a crocodile breeding zoo. The zoo is closed on Tuesdays. The timings are 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal is located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. The tourists take a boat to reach the palace. The row boats are crafted in Rajput style. You can see the Jaipur City. A number of migratory birds visit the wetlands to nestle. Jal Mahal lies between Amber Fort and Jaipur city.
The hills surrounding the Jal Mahal have quartzite rock formation, they are to the north-east of Jaipur. You can also view the Kanak Vrindavan valley with a temple.
In the catchment areas of the lake, you find dry tropical forests. The forest areas have a number of wildlife species.
The Jal Mahal is beautifully built in Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. You get a spectacular view of the lake and the surrounding hills from the palace. The Jal Mahal was built in 1799. It is built of red stone with four stories under water and one above the lake waters. Jal Mahal Palace is now turned into a luxury hotel where you stay like a king and relish the traditional Rajasthani cuisine. It has a terrace garden and a tower at each corner. It is 4 km from Jaipur city and can be visited by bus.
Birla Mandir
The Birla Mandia is a Laxmi Narayan Temple. It commands a good view as the Mandir is situated on the hill. The temple construction is done in white marble. It glitters as the sun rays fall on it. The Mandir dominates the skyline of Jaipur. In the sanctum Santorum are images of deities. Pretty colorful gardens, which are well maintained surround the Birla Temple.
Jaipur has other tourist attractions like the Jaigarh Fort, Raj Mandir Cinema, Jantar Mantar, a stadium and a few other temples.
Jaipur holds a number of festivals. You can shop in Jaipur for handicrafts that preserve its ancient art and crafts. The tourists can buy leather bags, shoes, wallets, sandals etc. Do visit the ‘Bapu Bazar’ for camel leather items. Jewelry is a part of Rajasthani culture, and you can have your pick at the ‘Johari Bazar’. The famous jewelry of Jaipur is known as Kundan Jewelry, Menakari Jewelry and Thewa Jewelry. The ornaments are studded with precious stone and made of gold or silver. Go and see the vibrant colored carpets woven with artistic designs. You can visit the ‘Kishanpol Bazar’.
Excursions
The tourists can take the Jaipur Excursions Tour and see some beautiful and interesting places like Abhaneri Ramgarh, Sanganer etc. Nature lovers should not miss the chance of going to the famous Ranthambore National Park. In India, it is one of the largest National Parks covering an area of 329 sq. km. It is famous for its tiger population. It is 180 km from Jaipur city. You can reach the National Park by road.
Jaipur lies in the semi-desert lands of Rajasthan. The most ideal time to visit Jaipur is between the months of October and March.
Jaipur is connected by air to all major cities in India and major overseas countries. The Jaipur Airport at Sanganer is 7 km from Jaipur city and is the domestic terminal. The international terminal of the airport at Jaipur is 10 km from the city. Once you disembark at the airport, you can hire a cab, taxi or take a bus to reach the main Jaipur City. The Pink City of Jaipur is well-connected by road and rail with the rest of India.
Accommodation is easily available. The tourists can book in advance if they wish to stay in deluxe hotels or the famous Heritage hotels of Jaipur. You can enjoy the Rajasthani food at the many restaurants and eateries in Jaipur.
