Jaipur

A city known for its vibrant colours, slim streets busy with life and to top it all, the city’s important monuments that boast of its wonderful past, chivalry and velour of Rajput kings welcome to the historic city of Jaipur. Also known as the ‘Pink City’ owing to its buildings built in pink sandstone, the personality of this cultural city of India endures to lure travellers, history buffs and researchers from different corners of the world. With its array of monuments soaked in the glory of opulence and grandeur of the Rajput rulers, Jaipur offers a great journey in its rich past. Let us uncover some of its best places and attractions on this memorable journey.

Hawa Mahal

One of the most prominent landmarks of the pink city, ‘Hawa Mahal’ is placed very near to the ‘City Palace’. Rajput customs used to be very severe for the royal ladies in the past. Ladies were bound by a strict ‘Purdah System’ and were not allowed to go in public and cooperate with strangers. In order to enable ladies of the royal family observe the day to day life and festivals celebrated in the streets of the city, without being seen by the common man, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, in the year 1799 gave the orders to construct this special monument. Built with red and pink sandstone and symbolizing the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown, ‘Hawa Mahal’ is an architectural masterpiece with over 900 complicatedly carved ‘Jharokhas’ or small windows. These Jharokhas are designed in such a way that they allow proper aeration of the air in the palace, keeping it cool and airy even during peak summers. Brilliant enterprise of this palace makes it one of the ‘Must-Visit’ tourist attractions in Jaipur. When visiting this memorial, make sure to go up to the topmost floor that offers panoramic views of the Jaipur city with ‘City Palace’ at one end and ‘Siredeori Bazaar’ at the other end.

City Palace

The ‘City Palace’ is one of the most famous tourist charms in Jaipur, placed in the heart of the city. Dating back to the 19th century, the palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. Showcasing a exclusive combination of Rajput, Mughal and European styles of building with an array of courtyards, gardens and special assemblies built inside the palace complex, the City Palace gives you a deep insight into the excellent architectural skills of the designers and engineers of the bygone era. Many parts of the palace complex except the ‘Chandra Mahal’, have today been transformed into art galleries and museums displaying the antique collection of armours, costumes, carriages and memorabilia belonging to the erstwhile Maharajas and Maharanis; the ‘Chandra Mahal’ inside the palace complex still serves as the home to the royal family of Jaipur. One of the major charms inside the palace complex are the 4 gateways or ‘pols’ each designed in a unique way symbolizing the four seasons. The beauty of these gates with complex carvings and floral designs is a visual treat to eyes. A visit to this palace is a must during the Jaipur trip to catch a glimpse at the royal existence of the past kings and queens of this historic city.

Jantar Mantar Observatory

‘Jantar Mantar’ in Jaipur, is another most celebrated tourist attraction of the city. Hundreds of historians, stargazers and curious travellers visit this place to get a picture of the astronomical skills of an Indian king during an era when these scientific concepts were very new to the Indian society. Holding the status of UNESCO World Heritage site, the testimonial was built in 1738 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, who is believed to have a keen interest in astronomy. The monument houses a unique and impressive collection of cosmological instruments made of stone and brass based on the astronomical design principles of Hindu texts of astrology and modern science; some of the devices are largest ever built in their particular categories. Through these instruments, which are fixed on the ground, you can observe various cosmological positions with naked eye. The ‘Samrat Yantra’ in the observatory is the world’s largest sundial and needs a special mention. Boasting of the brilliant architectural, astronomical and cosmological concepts of Sawai Jai Singh, the observatory is indeed an astronomical heritage of the city.‘Jantar Mantar’ in Jaipur, is another most celebrated tourist attraction of the city. Hundreds of historians, stargazers and curious travellers visit this place to get a picture of the astronomical skills of an Indian king during an era when these scientific concepts were very new to the Indian society. Holding the status of UNESCO World Heritage site, the testimonial was built in 1738 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, who is believed to have a keen interest in astronomy. The monument houses a unique and impressive collection of cosmological instruments made of stone and brass based on the astronomical design principles of Hindu texts of astrology and modern science; some of the devices are largest ever built in their particular categories. Through these instruments, which are fixed on the ground, you can observe various cosmological positions with naked eye. The ‘Samrat Yantra’ in the observatory is the world’s largest sundial and needs a special mention. Boasting of the brilliant architectural, astronomical and cosmological concepts of Sawai Jai Singh, the observatory is indeed an astronomical heritage of the city.

Albert Hall Museum

Celebrated to be the oldest museum of Rajasthan, the ‘Albert Hall Museum’ is located inside the ‘Ram Niwas Garden’ and was opened to public in the year 1887. Foundation stone of the museum was laid in 1876 by the then Prince of Wales, Albert Edward, after whom the museum is named. Beautifully carved arches and domes of the museum constructed with pink sandstone can be noticed from even a far-off distance. A rare collection of ancient artefacts including paintings, weapons, metal and wood craft items, musical instruments, carpets, and costumes and jewellery belonging to different tribes of Rajasthan, can be seen in the museum. What interests more to visitors are the sections showing Rajasthan’s unique henna artwork and puppet collection? The museum is a ‘must-visit’ place in Jaipur for explorers, historians and researchers studying art and culture of Rajasthan.

Jaipur Zoo

Placed at a walking distance from the ‘Albert Hall Museum’ in Jaipur, the ‘Jaipur Zoo’ also known as the ‘Zoological Garden’, is a celebrated tourist attraction, especially amongst kids. Feast across a sprawling area of 33 acres, the Zoo was recognized under the rule of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II in 1877. Home to various species of mammals, birds and reptiles; you can spot tigers, panthers, cheetals, hyenas, spotted deer and a variety of colourful birds counting white peacock, parrots, babbling lorry and other migratory birds. The crocodile breeding ground in the Zoo is one of the best in the country and is a huge crowd puller. Another exciting attraction of the Zoological Garden is its museum showing the unique wildlife of Rajasthan. All in all, a great place to spend half a day amidst tranquil environs and natural greenery. Kids, nature lovers and bird watchers will definitely have a memorable time observing the animals and birds here.

Jal Mahal

Also known as the ‘Water Palace’, ‘Jal Mahal’ is located right in the heart of the ‘Man Sagar Lake’, flanked by the majestic Nahargarh Hills. Unique location and charming beauty of the palace makes it one of the best clear sites in Jaipur. Originally, believed to be built by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh some 300 years back, as a lodge for his duck shooting parties, the palace was refurbished by his son later on to beautify its exteriors with courtyards and parks built in typical Mughal style. Tourists can book boat rides to visit the palace; only the walkway garden is allowed to be accessed by the visitors. Striking views of the hills adorned with forts and temples from the terrace of the palace leaves you fascinated for some time. If you have keen interest in bird viewing, the palace gives you ample occasions to spot flamingos and various other species of migratory birds. In the evenings, when the palace gets illuminated with thousands of flood lights reflecting on the waters of the lake, the sight really captivates your hearts and souls.

Birla Mandir

Placed at the foot of the ‘Moti Dungari’ hill in Jaipur, ‘Birla Mandir’ is a great piece of beauty and splendour. Built by the famous manufacturer family of Birlas in 1988, the name of the temple is prefixed with the word ‘Birla’. Dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu, the temple is also popularly denoted to as ‘Laxmi Narayan Temple’. Alluring building of this magnificent temple makes it one of the most famous tourist attractions in Jaipur. Made of pure white marble, the temple walls adorn the models of the scenes of mythology and quotes from Gita. Main highlight of the temple is the images of Laxmi and Vishnu sculpted out of a single piece of marble. Unlike other Hindu temples, the outer walls of the Birla Mandir are decorated with images of famous natures like Socrates, Buddha and Jesus Christ. The serenity of the place provides you with a thrilling sense of peace and solace. Many devotees throng the temple through the year but, the crowd gets multi-fold on the occasion of Janmashtmi. Breath-taking splendour of the temple when it glows with thousands of lights in the evenings, captivates everyone with its supreme charm.

Govind Devji Temple

Placed in the City Palace composite with lush gardens surrounding the temple, the ‘Govind Devji Temple’ is committed to Lord Krishna and is one of the most valued temples of Krishna outside Vrindavan. The deity of Shri Govind Devji is believed to have been transported by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II from Vrindavan. The position of the temple was set in such a way that the king could get a direct view of the deity from Chandra Mahal. One of the most celebrated attractions in Jaipur, the temple is visited by many tourists, pilgrims and followers of Lord Krishna every day. You will be amazed to know that there is a assembly of almost 5000 people during Mangal Aarti, the morning ceremonies to wake up the lord. Janmashtmi and Holi are the two festivals that see huge rush of devotees in the temple. A visit to this temple is a must during a trip to Jaipur.