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Jaipur Vacations

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The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur the fantasy in Pink sand
stone and clour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality
in Rajput culture. One of the finest planned cities of India. Not
long after ascending the throne, Maharaja Jai Singh II (1699 - 1744)
felt need to shift his seat of administration from Amber to new site
and so laid out the foundation of Jaipur city in 1727. Jai Singh was
not only a great ruler but also a renowned mathematician and astrologer,
his various talents are clearly exhibited in the city. Vidhydhar Bhattacharya
designed Jaipur as per the Hindu treatise, Shilp Shastra. The city
was laid with great precision, it could also be called as the first
planned city of the country. The roads were quite wide and intersected
at right angles, the entire city being divided into rectangular blocks
and surrounded by a peripheral wall with huge gates guarding it. The
market places were named after the commodity, which was supposed to
be predominantly sold or manufactured there.
Jaipur displays remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The
ancient heart of the pink city still beats inits fairt tale Palaces,
rugged Fortresses perched on barren hill and board avenues that dot
the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled
by formidable wall. it is also a home of excellent handicrafts especially
known for the exquisite gold jewellery enamelled or inlaid with precious
and semi precious stones, blue pottery, carving on wood, stone &
ivory, block print, tie & dye textiles, hand made paper, miniature
painting etc.
Palaces to visit
CITY PALACE AND S.M.S. II MUSEUM - situated in the heart of
the old CitY is the former royal residence. it occupies about one
seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend of Rajput and
Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven storeyed Chandra Mahal in the
centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city. DIWAN-E-AM
(Hall of public audience) has intricate decorations and collection
of manuscripts, DIWAN-E-KHAS (Hall of private audience) has a marble
pawed gallery Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and
textiles. There is a Clock Tower near Mubarak Mahal. Sileh Khana has
a collection of armory and weapons.
HAWA MAHAL - Hawa Mahal or Palace of winds is major Rajput landmark,
built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is the most recognizable
monument of Jaipur. The 5 storeyed stunning semi-octagonal monument
having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine
piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies
to watch and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the street
below. Now it houses a well laid out museum. The display “Jaipur past
and present” is the special feature of this newly setup museum.
JANTAR MANTAR (Observatory) - A stone Observatory built in
18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonary instruments
were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the
sky. Enormous sun-dial still provide accurate time, which are subject
to daily corrections.
JALMAHAL - (6 kms) on the way to Amer, this small palace is
set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. A paved causeway leads upto the
beautiful water palace.
GAITOR - (6 kms) At the foot hill of Nahargarh stands the memorials
to the former rulers of Jaipur the place has some gracefully carved
cenotaphs in white marble.
JAIGARH FORT - (15 kms.) One of the few military structures
of medieval India. Standing on a hilltop, overlooking the palaces
and city of Amer. The world’s biggest cannon on wheels- the Jai Ban
is positioned here, built during reign of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh.
It has a twenty feet long barrel and pumped in the cannon for a single
shot.
NAHARGARH FORT - (15 kms.) A sentinel to the pink city is Nahargah
Fort, situated beyond the hills of Jaigarh and cresting a hill about
600 ft. above the city, the fort was built in 1734. The walls of the
fort run along the ridge and within are architectural beauties like
Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra Bhawan.
GALTA - (10 kms.) This holy pilgrimage centre has a temple
dedicated to the Sun God (Which is the only one of its kind in this
part of the country) and natural spring. It crests the ridge over
a picturesque gorge and provides an impressive view of the city. As
the legend goes, sage Galav performed a difficult penance here.
ISHWAR LAT - ‘Swarg Suli’ or ‘heaven piercing minaret’, the
tower, near Tripolia gate, built by Maharaja Ishwari Singh (1744-51).
It offers one of the most breathtaking view of the city.
CENTRAL MUSEUM - situated in the Ram Niwas Garden. This graceful
building was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert (also known as Albert
Hall). It has a rare collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces.
DOLLS MUSEUM - a collection of beautiful dolls from all over
the world, it is situated on Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg.
BIRLA PLANETARIUM - It offers unique audio-visual education
about stars and entertainment with its modern computerised projection
system.
R. C. MUSEUM OF INDOLOGY - It has a large collection of historical
archaeological manuscripts, miniature paintings and other artifacts.
Timing 10.00 to 16.00 hrs, Phone: 2607455
MOTIDOONGARI - perched on a hill top on the southern horizon.
It is a replica of a Scottish castle.
LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE - is situated just below the Moti 000ngri,
known for the intricate marble carvings in white marble, popularly
known as Birla Temple.
MAHARANI KICHHATRI - The funeral place for the royal ladies,
marked by some wonderfully carved cenotaphs.
SISODIA RANI GRADEN - (5 kms.) on the road to Agra, the magnificent
palace garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1710 for
his queen.
VIDHYADHAR GARDEN - (5 kms.) on the way to Agra, built by Viyadhar,
the chief architect and town planner ofJaipur. This beautiful terraced
garden has several galleries and pavilions decorated with exquisite
murals, depicting Lord Krishna.
KANAK VRINDAVAN - (6.5 Kms on the way to Amer) This newly restored
temple and garden, near Jal Mahal, has beautiful gardens and is popular
picnic place. This is also beautiful location for film shooting.
AMBER - The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range
of craggy hills. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur
of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces.
It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The solemn dignity
of it red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in
the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold. The original palace
was built by Raja Man Singh, the additional extensions were built
by Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh lIthe last Maharaja
of Amer, who built a new city called Jaipur, where he shfted his capital
in 1727.
The palace complex is lavishly ornamented and displays the riches
of Amer. Sheesh Mahal chamber of Mirrors. Diwan-e-Am or the Hall of
Public Audience is a beautifully proportioned hall open on three sides
and stands on two rows of ornamented pillars. Diwan e-Khas or the
Hall of Private Audience has delicate mosaic work in glass. Sukh mandir
is guarded by sandalwood doors inlaid with ivory. Throughout the massive
fort finely carved lattice windows, exquisitely painted doorways,
halls and finely sculptured pillars crave for attention.
The old city of Amer was the seat of power and bustling with life
and prosperity. Other worth seeing sites are Jagat Shiromani Temple,
Narsinghji temple, the stepwell of Panna Meena and fine carved royal
cenotaphs on the road to Delhi.
EXCURSIONS
SAMODE - 40 Km to the northwest is the popular small village
Samode the royal residence of the prime minister of Jaipur. Nestling
beneath a hill fort Samode with its fairytale Palace that has some
of the most exquisite mirrior work and fresoes. The Durbar hall at
Samode Palace is one of the most beautifully painted chambers in Rajasthan.
Close by is the Samode Bagh, the garden pavelion with charming water
channels and ancient trees.
SAMBHAR - Famous for the country’s largest inland salt lake,
is an ancient city. It was the first capital of the Chauhan dynasty.
Sakambhari, as it was founded near the temple of Goddess Sakambhari,
famous for its holy Devyani tank, the palace and the nearby Naliasar:
where the 3rd century onwards sculptures and terracottas were found
in excavation. This place is situated on the Sambhar-Naraina Road.
VIRATNAGAR - 86 K.m. on the Shahpura-Alwar road, The site of
ancient Viratnagar is of great antiquity. It contains the relics and
structures of Mauryan, Mugal and Rajput periods.
RAMGARH LAKE - (28 Kms) the huge artificial lake, a popular
picnic spot. The ruins of the old fort and the temple of Jamwa Mata
indicate that it was the seat of power of the Kachhawahas before they
moved to Amer.
SAMODE - (40 kms) a quaint village amidst the hills, the Samode
palace set in fairy tale surrounding, has beautiful wall paintings
& mirror works, now this is a heritage hotel.
BAGRU - (35 Kms.) the village on the Ajmer road, is known for
its hand block printing, the characteristic prints are called as Bagru
prints. The fort here is still in a good condition.
SANGANER - (16 Kms.) another centre of hand block printed textile
and hand made paper. It also has historical ruins and Jam temples.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The Pink City rejoices and celebrates the fairs and festivals with
pomp and gaiety since time immemorial. These fairs and festivals reflect
the rich culture and heritage of the region. Jaipur has a flair for
celebrating every occasion.
ELEPHANT FESTIVAL - 14 March, 2006, the elephant enthrall the
spectators on the day of the Colourful festival ofHoli at Chaugan
stadium. Beautifully decorated elephants assemble for royal procession,
Elephant polo match, races etc. & Rajasthan Folk music & dance
performances are part of the festival.
GANGAUR - 1-2 April, 2006, this festival is celebrated by the
maidens and married women, and is dedicated to Gauri, the incarnation
of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. A Colourful procession
is taken out from Zanana Deodhi of the City Palace, passing through
Tripolia Bazar, Gangauri Bazar, Chaugan and converging near Talkatora
for two consecutive days.
TEEJ - 28-29 July, 2006, festival marking the advent of monsoon,
swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls
sing songs of love and about the rain. The festival is dedicated to
parvati, commemorating the day when she was united with Lord Shiva,
A magnificent procession is taken out from City Palace, similar to
the Gangaur procession, for two consecutive days.
MAKAR SANKRANTI - celebrated on the 14th of January, every
year with traditional fervour, the devotees take a holy dip in the
holy tank at Galtaji, it has now also become a kite flying festival,
millions of colourful kites come on the sky of Jaipur on this day.
SHITLA ASHTAMI - (March-April) this festival is locally called
as Basoda, is celebrated to ward off the dreaded disease of small
pox. The most famous fair is held at the Shitla Mata temple in Chaksu
(on the Jaipur Kota Road), people gather here to pray and celebrate.
DONKEY FAIR - (Khalkani Mata Mela) (October) the donkeys day
at Looniyawas near Sanganer, Thousands of donkeys from all over north
India are brought here for buying and selling. The donkey races and
sports are organised for the merriment of people. A rare sight indeed.
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