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Travel Guide
Jaipur Travel Guide
Jaipur is 260 km from Delhi and 240 km from Agra and forms the most
chosen tourism golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It a bustling
capital city and a business centre with all the trapping of modern metropolis
but yet flavoured strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise
a traveller.
The
old Jaipur painted in Pink can grip any visitor with admiration. Stunning
backdrop of ancient forts Nahargarh, Amer, Jagarh and Moti Dungri are dramatic
testimonials of the bygone era and a reminder of their lingering romance.
Settled in the rugged hills of the Aravallis, Jaipur is the pristine jewel in
the desert sands of Rajasthan. Jaipur is as remarkable for its marvellous architecture
and town planning as it is for the lively spirit of the people who inhabit it.
The city presents a unique synthesis of culture that has to be experienced in
order to be appreciated.
With its origin buried deep into the pages of history, the city still exudes
a magical old world charm; an aroma of chivalry and romance is evident, despit
having evolved into a city that is the hub of modern commercial activity in
the region. Tell-tale signs of the glorious past and regal splendour of the
city lie strewn across with gay abandon.
The colourful and intricately carved monuments are adequately matched by the
lively spirit of fanfare, festivity and celebration of the people. Even today,
one can find weather beaten faces with huge coloufrul trurbans, fierce moustaches
and lips that spontaneouslya crease into a heart warming smile.
A city like Jaipur, where modernity and tradition live hand-in-hand, is truly
rare. Perhaps this is what makes it an attractive destination for tourists who
flock to Jaipur , year after year. Jaipur is named after its founder the warrior
and astronomer sovereign Sawai Jai Singh II (ruled 1688 to 1744).
The decision to move out of his hilltop capital Amer was also compelled by reasons
of growing population and paucity of water. Moreover in the early seventh century
the power of the great Mughals was dwindling with its aging Monarch Aurangzeb
and after several centuries of invasions the north was now quite and the wealth
of the kingdom had become greater than before.
Seizing upon this opportune time Jai Singh planned his new capital in the
planes. Jaipur is a corroborative effort of Sawai Jai Singh's strong grounding
in sciences and astrology and a Bengali architect Vidyadhar with a strong
instinct for planning.
Places to see :
Forts & Palaces
» Amber
Fort
At a short distance of 11 kms . from Jaipur, the Amer Fort complex stands
amidst wooded hills overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur highway, with its forbidding
ramparts reflected in the still waters of the Maota Lake below.
» Jaigarh
Fort
It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved almost
intact, containing palaces, agrdens open and covered reservoirs, a granary,
an armoury, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower
and a giant mounted acnnon-the Jain Ban, the largest cannon in the world.
» Nahargarh
Fort
Perched atop a pricturesque hill, the Nahargarh Fort offers a breathtaking
view of the city below. Initially built by Sawai Jain Singh in 1734 A.D.
It was enlarged and given its present shape by Sawai Madho Singh in1885
A.D. Decorative motifs in some of the rooms are delightful.
» City
Palace
The City Palce is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal
art and architecture. The City Palace complex houses several palatial structures.
The first building in it is Mubarak Mahal, built by Kaharaja Madho Singh.
It has a beautifully carved marble gate with heavy brass doors on either
side of this gate. Beyond this gate lies the Diwan -e-Khas, or the "Hall
of Private Audience".
Monuments in Jaipur
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is the most famous and elaborate observatory of its time.
It was constructed in the year 1724 A.D. by Sawai Jai Singh II, even before
the city of Jaipur was built, and has been described as the most surrealistic
and logical landscape instone. It was built to measure the local time, the
sun's declination, altitude, the declination of stars, planets and to determine
eclipses.
Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal, or the "Palace of Wind" built by Maharaja Sawai
Pratap Singh in 1799 A.D. is characterised by elaborate and fanciful architecture.
The broad pyramidical facade comprises five storeys of semi octagonal overhanging
windows with perforated screens, domes and spires.
Temples in Jaipur :
Govind Dev Ji Temple
A vital part of the city Palace complex, this Krishna temple has been highly
preserved by the erstwhile royal family. Sawai Jai Singh installed the image
of GOVIND DEV JI(an incarnation of lord Krishna) after it was brought from
Vrindavan. Housed within the sanctum of this spire less temple, the patron
deity of the royal family is very religiously worshipped by most of the
Hindus in the city and near by areas. The image is unveiled seven times
daily for 'AARTIES' and BHOGS offered in the silver wares, consisting of
sweets mostly. The idols of RADHA KRISHNA are dressed in different styles
each time for the 'AARTI' procession where thousands of followers or 'Bhakt'
gather around the courtyard for the Darshan (a look connecting them with
the divine).
Birla Lakshmi-Narayan Temple
Birla Mandir or the Lakshmi - Narayan Temple, situated just below the Moti
Dungari. This is a modern temple built of white marble on top of a hill,
dominating the skyline of south Jaipur. The Birlas (industrialists who have
also built several temples in India) built this temple. The temple has been
constructed in white marble and has three domes, each portraying the different
approaches to religion. The presiding deities here are Vishnu (One of the
Hindu Trilogy Gods) called Narayan and his consort Lakshmi Goddess of wealth
and good fortune. The temple is built is white in marble and exterior has
carved sculptures of various mythological themes and images of saints. The
interior has large panel in marble of mythological proceedings. The images
of the deities are placed in the sanctum sanctorum. Built on raised ground,
it is surrounded by large lush green gardens.
Moti
Dungri (Ganesh Temple)
In the middle of Jaipur rises a small hill Moti Dungri meaning pearl hill,
because it looks hill a drop of pearl. An exotic palace is parched which
is a replica of Scottish castle once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's
son. From There on remained as a private property of the ruling family.
In the recent past it served as a home for Rajmata Gaytri Devi and her estranged
son Jagat Singh. The mere view of this castle is exotic enough. The highlight
of this place is the famous and auspicious temple of Lord Ganesh, which
is frequently visited by almost whole of Jaipur and people from outside.
Jagat Shiromani Temple
The beautifully carved Jagat Shiromani Temple houses the idol of Lord Krishna
and is popularly associated with the celebrated saint-poetess Mira Bai.
The old temple of Narsinghji and a step well Panna Main-ki-Baodi, which
still bears witness to its past glory are also located in the vicinity.
Exursions in Jaipur :
Tonk
and the persian art
It is located, 96 kms away from Jaipur. This is a quiet town which was ruled
by tribes of 'Pathans' from Afghanistan. The focal point of Tonk is the
Suneri Kothi, the Golden Bungalow. A fairly ordinary monument from outside,
it has stunningly rich ornamental interiors. There are also some interesting
building that accommodated the British office. Tonk is also famous for its
leather and felt industry and one can pick up a good bargain from the markets.
The Nawab of Tonk was an avid book lover and built a sizable library of
Arabic and Persian manuscripts. Arabic and Persian Research Institute are
also located here.
Sanganer
Sanganer is located 16 Kms from Jaipur. It is also known for exquisite Jain
temples. Moreover, it is an important centre for crafts and hand-printed
textiles that is internationally famous.The most beautiful temple in Sanganer
is the ancient Shri Digamber Jain temple. The temple has fine carvings as
those of the magnificent Dilwara temples of Mount Abu. Built in various
phases with sky-high shikharas (spires), the temple represents an old style
of architecture. The last phase was probably built in the 10th century.
The beautiful nij-mandir (inner temple) is a stone shrine with three pinnacles.
In the centre is an idol of Parshwanath with 7 serpent hoods. All around
it, are carvings of lotuses, creepers and elephants pouring water from pitchers
held in their trunks. But the main idol is that of Adinath, installed in
the shrine behind this.
The town is most famous for its hand paper and mostly screen-printed fabric.
The fabric is popular for small floral designs. A wide variety of material
for apparels, furnishing and curtaining is available. Some of the traditional
designs were produced in the patronage of the royal family. It is a beautiful
sight to see brightly colour fabric drying out in the sun near the river.
Sawai Jai Singh II set up a paper business in Sanganer on the outskirts
of Jaipur. It is said that in the 16th century, the ruler of Amber, Raja
Man Singh, brought Kagzis to Sanganer (situated on the bank of Saraswati
River, where abundant clear water was available). The town emerged as one
of the biggest paper making centres in northern India. In between, however
the industry did get a setback, but after independence, the Khadi and Village
Industries Commission (KVIC) included the handmade paper in its agenda for
promotion of crafts.
It is famous for kagazi mohulla (handmade paper) and block printing and
is the world's largest centre of hand-made paper. Sanganer is blessed with
water and open spaces, essential for papermaking. From here the Kagzis enjoyed
patronage of the royal court of Sawai Man Singh and his successors. Today
there are about 10 hand-made paper industries in Sanganer, all owned by
Kagzis. Of these the largest is Salim Kagzi's Handmade Paper and Board Industries.
All Sanganer paper makers are the largest producers of hand-made paper in
the world. The airport of Jaipur is also located in Sanganer.
Bagru
It is located 30 kms away from Jaipur on the Ajmer Road and is well known
for its Bagru prints. This technique simulates a wooden block on which the
required design is first carved, then the carved block is used for transferring
the motif in the desired colour on the fabric. This process is most effective
on ethnic floral patterns and for printing in vegetable dyes in traditional
Bagru Prints.
Samode
The fort is an old fortified residence of the Nathawat family (hailing from
chomu) that served as the Prime Ministers of the Jaipur Royal Court is located
some 40km from Jaipur and 264 km from Delhi in the range of Aravali. This
magnificent fort is as charming and romantic in itself, and exhibits grandeur,
good taste, class and elegance. The way to the fort's main entrance is through
the inside of the village, which can be covered from the highway by a camel
safari, with the locals welcoming the guests with smiles and thrilling expressions.
The inside of the fort reflects expressions of the medieval architecture
that is renovated a bit for the oriental formality. The open courtyards
in the centre has separate wings on the sides that extends to 43 spacious
rooms & suites having private balconies and views. The walls are in
warm colours to highlight the intricate marble work, the antiques and the
colourful art with traditional artefacts. The Durbar hall of Samode Palace
is one of the most beautifully painted chambers with glass & minakari
work and the same goes for the private restricted spaces- meant for the
"zannanis", women of the family.
Sariska
This park is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from
Jaipur. Although larger than Ranthambor, it is less commercialised and has
less tigers but a similar topography. It covers an area of 800 sq km in
total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km. The Northern Aravali
Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs and long narrow
valleys. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National
Park in 1979.
The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali
hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests,
dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of wildlife here
is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate
here is variable as well as erratic.
It is located in the contemporary Alwar district and is the legacy of the
Maharajas of Alwar. Pavilions and Temples within Sariska are ruins that
hint at past riches and glory. The nearby Kankwadi Fort has a long and turbulent
history.
In morning and evening, wildlife in Sariska heads towards the many water
holes, which litter the park, thus providing the guests with their best
chance of viewing game. At some of these watering holes it is possible to
book hides which are situated in prime spots for wildlife viewing.
Ranthambhor National Park
Ranthambhor National Park, before a princely game conserve is the scene
where the celebrated Indian Tiger is best seen. Ranthambhor Tiger Reserve
lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas just 14 Kms from Sawai Madhopur
in Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape.
The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas
and sharp and conical hills of the Aravali. A tenth century fort also blends
amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) interspersed
with grasslands at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage
around the canals make the jungle. Three big lakes – Padam Talab (meaning
Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh – are similar turquoises studded in
the vast forest that abounds with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds,
lilies and lotus.
A
significant geological feature within the park is the 'Great Boundary Fault'
where the Vindhaya plateau meets the Aravali range. The Rivers Chambal in
the South and the Banas in the North bound the National Park. The park is
dotted with steep rocky hills and the dominating architecture of Ranthambhor
Fort (built in the 10th century), adds to its landscape. The rugged park
terrain alternates between dry deciduous forest, open grassy meadow, dotted
by several lakes and rivers that are only made passable by rough roads built
and maintained by the Forest Service.
The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhor; although it is the
one park resident that people come to see. A variety of birds including
Owlets, the ubiquitous Langur (monkey), Leopard, Caracal, Hyena, Jackal,
Jungle Cat, marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boar, Bears and various species of Deer
are the other attractions.
Abhaneri
Abhaneri is a village about 95 kms from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Agra Road.
A detour is well merited for its amazing step wells or 'baoris' and Harshat
Mata Temple. According to a legend, the village is so called because the
Goddess Harshat Mata who is shown portrayed in a joyous mood is believed
to spread brightness or "abha" all around. The village's original
name was Abha Nagri, and its name today is Abhaneri.
It is believed that the celebrated king Raja Chand established the village.
On the other hand it is felt that the mythological Raja Chand could be King
Bhoja, who ruled over the Gurjar kingdom in the ninth century AD. The ruins
of the temple also speaks of the 10th century architectural and sculptural
styles. There is a huge tank named "Chand Baori", opposite to
the temple fortified on all four sides with bastions for defence. Even though
Abhaneri is now in ruins, the place has a distinct reminiscence about itself.
It is best approached by road, buses ply between Jaipur and Agra.
Kaurali Located at 182 kms southwest
of Jaipur, it was founded in 1348 and is best known for its Krishna Temples.
The Fort, which was constructed over different period, is about 600 years
old. The fort was the residence for the royal family until 1950 and is now
occupied by monkeys and geese. The geese were used in the early days as
warning system against any intruders. They still seem to be doing their
duty. The Bhawar Vilas Palace, which is owned by the descendents of the
royal family and resembles a large manor, is a hotel now. The rooms are
comfortable and good meals are available. Karauli is best connected by bus
or taxi from Jaipur.
How to Reach Jaipur
Jaipur is 262 kms. from Delhi, and is well connected by road, rail and air
from all over the country. There is also a special luxury train, the Palace
on wheels,which starts from Delhi every Wednesday from September to April,
on a round trip of Rajasthan, the first stop being Jaipur. Regular luxury
buses are available round the clock and speical trains like the Shatabdi
Express and Intercity Express ply regulary.
Air:
The Jaipur Airport is called Sanganer Airport . There are domestic flight
connections to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Udaipur. There
is a single international flight to Dubai.
Train:
Connections are from Delhi, Agra, Mumbai ,Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur,
Ahmedabad. Well connected from other states like UP, MP .
Road:
A convenient mode of travel to Jaipur is by road. Regular bus service of
AC and Deluxe Coaches are available.
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