STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES OF INDIA
RAJASTHAN
around Jaipur
Amber
Amber, the former
capital is situated 11 kms from Jaipur. It was the capital of the
Kachhwahas for six centuries till Maharaja Jai Singh II felt the need to
shift his capital from Amber to Jaipur. It stands proudly on top of a range
of hills along the Maotha Lake.
 
The
fort in all its grandeur with the majestic palace, battlements in red standstone
& white marble is an excellent example of medieval Rajasthani architecture,
with a blend of Hindu & Muslim influences. The inner sections laid
by the Hindus remained austere, while the outer sections bear testimony
to the rich taste of the Moghuls. In the time of Man Singh
I who was Akbar's Commander-in-Chief, the palaces were richly decorated.
Several successive rulers have contributed to the grandeur of the fort.
The Sheesh Mahal
is richly laid with mirrors, where the light from a lit candle creates
thousands of bright wavy reflections is also known as the Chamber of Mirrors.
Diwan-e-Am
(Hall of Public Audience) with a hall open on all three sides standing
on two rows of ornamental pillars, Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience)
where the walls are decorated with turquoise and green murals, Ganesh Pol
the cremeonial two tiered painted gateway with inlaid mirror work, Sukh
Manidr (The Hall of Pleasure) with its carved sandalwood doors inlaid with
ivory are all magnifiecient artworks. Every window, wall and pillar
is finely carved and sculpted.
Adjoining the
palace is a temple dedicated to Shila Devi (Kali). This was originally
meant only for the worship by the royalty. Raja man Singh sought
the blessing of Goddess kali for victory in war. The Goddess asked
for freedom from underground, for she was buried as a slab. Raja
Man Singh dug up the slab and had it installed. Traditional rites are performed.
The prasad is a local liquer.
The Jagat
Shiromani Mandir is a temple built in the Hindu pattern following the Rajput
style of architecture. There are images of Krishna as well
as beautiful sculptures of Radha.
Gaitore
At Gaitore,
which is near Jaipur, lie the Chataries - memorials to the royal family
of Jaipur. They are laid in beautifully carved white marble.
The finest of them is the memorial of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the
founder of Jaipur.
Nahargarh
Fort
The fort
also known as Sudarshangarh was built in 1734 AD by Sawai Jai Singh for
the city's defence atop a hill 600ft above the city. It was later
enlarged by Sawai Ram Singh II in 1868. The Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra
Bhawan are situated within. It is believed that this fort containes
a great treasure. It is also known as 'Tiger Fort'.
Galta
This ia
a temple dedicated to the Sun God. It is believed that sage Galava
performed severe penance here. The temple and the sacred tank can
be reached by climbing the Suraj Pol (the Sun Gate) in the east.
Sisodia
Rani-ka Bagh
 
The palace
and terrace gardens with lovely fountains, situated 10kms from jaipur in
the Jaipur Agra road was built by Sisodia Rani, the second wife of Maharajah
Jai Singh. It is nested in a picturesque gorge and is adorned by
bright murals depicting hunting scenes and Krishnalila.
Ramgarh
Lake
This is
a quite serne spot with boating facilities.
Sanganer
Sanganer
is situated 11 kms from jaipur and is famous for the colourful block printed
cotton textiles and handmade paper.
Lakshminarain
Temple
This grand
temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi built by the Birlas
is situated near Moti Doongri.
The Palace
on Wheels
This is a
luxury train, fully air-conditioned and is steam engine driven. It
offers an exotic 7 nights and 8 days tour between Delhi and Jaipur
covering various places in Rajasthan such as Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur,
Bharatpur. The train boasts of grandeur such as gleaming brass, ceiling
of painted silk, etc.
Jaipur
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