Amer
Palace -
The magnificent fort with its huge ramparts &
watchtowers, overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur highway. It is believed to have been
the capital of the "Minas", the original inhabitants of Rajasthan.
City
Palace - Nakkarkhana-ka-Darwaza, the imposing gateway of the
City Palace guarded by stone elephants, is monumental. Hawa
Mahal - A Pandora's box of wonders, the enchanting Hawa Mahal
is a multi-layered palace, with a profusion of windows and stone screens.
Jai Garh - Built
on a peak, overlooks the palace & city of Amber below. Jal Mahal - Is
Jaipur's lake palace. Surrounded with water. Jantar
Mantar - The amazing astronomical three-storey-high complex
observatory, of an 18th century Rajasthani king named, Jai Singh. Nahargarh
Fort - Originally called Sudarshan Garh affords a splendid view
of Jaipur. Sisodia
Rani Ka Bagh - Has beautiful gardens, fountains, pools &
some magnificent pieces of Sculpture. Government Central Museum: This
is the oldest Museum in the State. The building, designed by Colonel Sir Swinton
Jacob is located in the centre of the sprawling Ram Niwas Bagh. Built in 1876
when King Edward VII visited India as the Prince of Wales, it was opened to
public in 1886.
EXCURSIONS: Bairath (86 km on the
Shahpura-Alwar Road):
An important historical place with the
excavated remains of a circular Buddhist temple - unique in Rajasthan and the
earliest known temple in India. Bairath also has relics of the Mauryan, Mughal
and Rajput periods. A mint constructed by Akbar, a beautiful Mughal garden and a
remarkable monument with painted chhatris and wall built by Jahangir, are other
attractions.
Gaitor (6.5 km on the road to Amer):
There are memorials to the queens in the Maharani-ki-Chhatri
complex near the Ramgarh road crossing. The white marble cenotaph of Maharajah
Jai Singh II is the most impressive and is decorated with carved peacocks. Next
to it is the cenotaph of his son. The island palace-Jal Mahal built by Sawai
Madho Singh as a pleasure spot at the centre of the Man Sagar Lake, and the
Kanak Vrindavan complex of temples and gardens recently renovated add to its
pristine glory. To the west of this road, in a narrow valley, is the royal
cremation ground at Gaitor. The cenotaphs of all Jaipur rulers, with the
exception of Sawai Ishwari Singh, who was cremated outside the Jai Niwas Garden,
were built at this place. The imposing cenotaph of Sawai jai Singh stands out
for its delicate carvings and beautiful shape.
Galta (2.5
km): Beyond the gardens amidst the low hill guarding the city lies
the old pilgrim centre of Galtaji. Temples, pavilions and holy kunds (natural
springs and reservoirs) dot the serene green landscape. The small temple of the
Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on top of the highest peak, is visible form all
parts of the city.
Ramgarh Lake (32 km north-east) A
huge artificial lake created by constructing a high dam amidst tree covered
hills. While the temple of Jamwa Mata and the ruins of the old fort are some of
its antiquities, its beautiful landscape makes it an idyllic picnic spot.
Samod (40 km
north-west) : The beautiful Samod Palace, has been rebuilt and
renovated and provides a fine example of the Rajput haveli architecture and is
an ideal spot for outings.
Sanganer (16 km):
Located
on the Tonk road. This small town is entered through the ruins of two
'Tripolias' or triple-gateways. The town has a ruined palace and a group of Jain
temples with fine carvings. Entry to the temples is restricted. The town is an
important centre for craft, industry and produces some of the finest hand
printed textiles from units of block and screen printers. This textile is
popular all over the country and abroad. On the Ajmer Road, the ground level
fort is still in good shape. It is noted for its hand printed handloom industry
using simple techniques.
Vidyadhar's
Garden: Nestled in a narrow valley, this beautiful garden was
built in honour of Jai Singh's chief architect and town planner.

|
|