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Indian States Rajasthan Travel Guide Rajasthan City Guide Tour
Jaipur
SHEER SYMPHONY IN PINK
Travel Angel Says: The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is colour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture.Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills'and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by aformidable wall.
A young Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya formalised the city's plans in a grid system. The wide straight avenues, roads, streets, lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of main bazaars were arranged in nine rectangular "city sectors (Chokris), in accordance with the principles of town planning set down in the 'Shilpa Shastra' - an epochal treatise on the Hindu architecture.
There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur's colourful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvellous heritage hotels. once the residence of Maharajas, are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to the pink city a memorable one.
PRIME SITES
The City Palace: In the heart of the old city is the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The carved arches are supported by greywhite marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones. Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers serve as guides.
The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chased handles, some of them inlaid with enamel and embellished with jewels and encased in magnificent scabbards.
The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail.
Jantar Mantar: A stone observatory. Largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments, whose settings and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy. The most striking of these are the Ram Yantras used for guaging altitudes.
Hawa Mahal: Built in 1799 AD., the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is a major Rajput landmark. This five storey building along the main street of the old city is in pink splendour with semi octagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows.
The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.
Govind Devji Temple: The most popular spireless temple of Jaipur dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located in the' central pavilion of the Jai Niwas Garden to the north of Chandra Mahal. The image of the patron deity - Govind Devji, originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh II as his family deity.
Swargasuli (Isar Lat): The highest tower dominating the skyline on the western side of the Tripolia Bazaar. It was built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in 1749 AD. to commemorate a grand victory.
Ram Niwas Bagh: A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarium, a museum and popular sports ground. It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II in 1868 AD. as a famine relief project. The Albert Hall - fine example of IndoSarcenic style of architecture designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, was opened later with an exquisite collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative wares, natural history specimen, an Egyptian mummy and the celebrated Persian carpet.
Recently, the Rabindra Manch with an auditorium, a modern art gallery and an open air theatre, has been added to promote cultural events.
Dolls Museum (Time: 1200 hrs to 1900 hrs) : Pretty dolls from various countries are on display in the compound of the school for deaf and dumb children, near the Police Memorial.
BM Birla Planetarium (Time 1200 hrs to 1900 hrs): The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual education and entertainment with its modern computerised projection system. For school groups concessions are available. Closed on last Wednesday of every month.
GaItaji: An ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills. Temples, pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and reservoirs) along with lush landscape make it a delightful spot. The small temple of the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak is visible from all parts of the city. Jain Temple: The exquisite Jain temple on the Agra road has some of the most beautiful 19th century paintings in Jaipur style on its walls.
Moti Doongri and Lakshmi Narayan Temple: Moti Doongri is a privately owned hilltop fort built like a scottish castle. The Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the marvellous Lakshmi Narayan Temple built in marble a few years back, are also noteworthy.
Statue Circle: The full-length exquisitely carved statue of Sawai Jai Singh in white marble in the centre of the circle was erected under the newly planned scheme area to pay homage to the founder of Jaipur.
OTHERS
Beautiful memorials to the queens, Maharani-ki-Chhatri are near the Ramgarh road crossing on the Amber Road. The Island Palace, Jal Mahal built by Sawai Jai Singh I, is a fascinating spot at the centre of the Man Sagar Lake.
The Kanak Vrindavan Complex of fine temples and gardens has been recently renovated to their pristine perfection. To the west of this road is the royal crematorium at Gaitore in a narrow valley with some spectacular cenotaphs of all the Jaipur rulers except Sawai Ishwari Singh who was cremated outside the Jai Niwas Garden. Most imposing is the 'chhatri' of Sawai Jai Singh II with intricate carvings and a graceful shape.
Ghat ki Guni: Beautifully landscaped gardens, laid out in the 18th and 19th century by kings and courtiers dot the narrow gorge in the south eastern corner of the walled city, along the road to Agra. Sisodia Rani garden has tiered multilevel gardens with fountains, water channel and painted pavilions and suites of living rooms.
Amongst others, Vidyadhar-ka-Bagh is the best preserved one, with shady trees, flowing water, an open pavilion. It was built by the planner of the city, Vidyadhar.
Amer: Former capital of the Kachhwaha rulers of the old state of Dhundhflr for seven centuries. Very little of the early structures survive now.
Amer Palace and Shila Mata Temple: A beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries still stand in magnificent state.
The palace complex emerges dramatically from the placid waters of the Maotha Lake and is approachable only through a steep path. Tourists often ride on the elephant back to the Singh Pol and the Jaleb Chowk. Two flights of stairs rise from one end of the chowk, one leading to the Shila Mata Temple and other to the palace complex.
The image of the patron goddess, worshipped by thousands of devotees, was brought from Jessore in East Bengal (now in Bangladesh) by Raja Man Singh, to be installed here.
A spectacular pillared hall- Diwan-e-Aam and a double storeyed painted gateway, Ganesh Pole dominate the front courtyard. An elegant tiny garden in Charbag style beyond the corridors, has Sukh Niwas to its right and Jas Mandir to its left. The latter combines the Mughal and Rajput architecture, seen in its beautiful interior with intricately carved Jali screens, delicate mirror and stucco work and painted and carved dadoes. The well proportioned Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Maotha Lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provides a spectacular view of the palaces above.
Old City: Once a settlement of nobles, craftsmen and common folks, the cjty of Amer is now in ruins.
The remnants of its rich past are the beautifully carved and planned Jagat Shiromani Temple, a Krishna temple associated with Meerabai, an ancient temple of Narsinghji and a magnificent step-well, Panna Mian-ka-kund.
Jaigarh: One of the few military structures of medieval India, retaining its ancient splendour in palaces, gardens, reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a well planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon - the Jai Ban, one of the largest in the country are preserved here.
The extensive parkotas (walls), watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh dominate the western skyline.
Nahargarh: A sentinel to the Pink City is Nahargarh Fort, situated beyond the hills of Jaigarh.
Although much of it is in ruins, the lovely building added by ~awai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II provides interest to the fort.
EXCURSIONS
Sanganer (12 km): Located on the Tonk road. In addition to its ruined palaces, Sanganer has exqui~itely carved Jain temples. The town is entered through the ruins of two tripolias (Triple gateways) .The town is an important centre for crafts 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.
Bagru (35 km): 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.
The designs of these handlooms are less complicated and are in earthy hues.
Ramgarh Lake (32 km north east): A huge artificial lake created by constructing a high bund 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, especially during monsoons, makes it an idyllic picnic spot.
Samode (40 km north west): The beautiful Samode Palace, has been rebuilt and renovated and provides a fine example of the Rajput haveli architecture and is an ideal spot for outings.
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 walls built by Jahangir are other attractions.
Abhaneri (128 km north east off the Agra Road near Bandikui): A famous 7th-8th century A.D. temple of Harshad Mata and the step-well known as Chanda Baodi are of interest. Two Jain temples are also present, which were built at a later period.
Sambhar (94 km west): The largest inland salt lake of India known for the holy Devayani Tank, the palace and the Naliasar nearby.
Jaisinghpura Khcr (12 km off the Amer Road): One of the settlements of the Meena tribe, it has a formidable fort, a Jain temple and a step-well amid lush surroundings.
Madhogarh-Tunga (40 km on the BassiLalsot Agra road): Tunga was witness to a historic battle fought between the Jaipur forces and the Marathas. The fort is nestled amidst beautiful mango orchards.
Shopping: Jaipur offers one-of-a-kind shopping experience with its rich treasure of bewitching jewellery, beautiful gems, semi precious stones, Kundan and Minakari work (enamel work on gold). Beautiful cotton fabrics including sanganeri prints, tie-and-dye and fine kota 'doria' saris are the best buys for women. The exotic blue pottery, enamel ware and brass ware, make excellent souvenirs and gift items.
The city is also famous for woollen carpets and cotton rugs.
Equally popular are the leather footwear, especially the embrodered 'jutis'. The famous shopping spots are RajasthaIi (Govt. Handicrafts shop on MI Road), Johri Bazaar, MI Road, Nehru Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Chaupar Stalls.
The markets generally remain closed on Sundays.
FESTIVE FUN
Some of the festivals unique to the city include:
Gangaur (March-April): The festival of women, dedicated to Goddess Gauri.
Elephant Festival (March): Playing hoIi on these majestic mammals is a unique sight during the festival.
Teej (July-August): Another festival exclusively for women and dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
TRAVEL INFORMATION HOW TO GET THERE
Air: There are flight connections to Delhi, Kota, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Rail: An excellent connection from Delhi is Shatabdi Express which provides a fast, air-conditioned rail service. Other connections to Jaipur are from Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Secunderabad, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai and Calcutta. Some important train connections are: Marudhar Express (Varanasi-Jaipur-Jodhpur); 9770 Express (Jaipur-Purva), Gujarat Mail (MumbaiJaipur-Delhi Sarai Rohilla); Shatabdi Express (New Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer); Superfast Express (Delhi Sarai RohillaJaipur); Mandore Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur-Jodhpur); Intercity Express (Jaipur-Delhi Sarai Rohilla); Chetak Express (Udaipur-Jaipur-Delhi Sarai Rohilla); Ahmedabad Mail (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur-Ahmedabad); Jodhpur Mail (Marwar-Jaipur-belhi Sarai Rohilla).
Road: A convenient mode of travel to Jaipur is by road, through a network of comfortable tourist buses. Rajasthan Roadways runs excellent regular service of AC and Deluxe Coaches from Delhi (Prom Bikaner House, Pandara road and ISBT, Kashmeri Gate) Some Road distances are Delhi 259 kn:t, Udaipur 405 km, Jodhpur 336 km, Ahmedabad 657 km.
Local Transport: Un metered autorickshaws, buses, cycle-rickshaws. The Rajasthan State Roadways operates regular bus service to Amer Palace and around the city.
Where to stay: Deluxe Hotels: Rambagh Palace, Tel. : 381919; Jai Mahal Palace, Tel. : 371616;Rajputana Palace Sheraton, Tel. : 368254; Hotel Clarks Amer, Tel: 550616 -19; Hotel Mansingh, Tel. : 378771; Hotel Jaipur Ashok, Tel. : 204494; Hotel Jaipur Palace, Tel. : 512963; Rajmahal Palace (Heritage), Tel.: 381757, 381676; Holiday Inn, Tel. : 609000; Ramgarh Lodge (Heritage), Tel. : 014262 - 217.
Standard Hotels: Narain Niwas Palace (Heritage), Tel: 563448; LMB Hotel, Tel. : 565844; Hotel Aditya, Tel. : 381720, 381726; RTDC Hotel Gangaur, Tel: 371641; Hotel Meru Palace, Tel. : 371111-14; Hotel Hawa Mahal, Tel. : 38120l.
Budget Hotels: Hotel; Khasa Kothi, Tel.: 375151; Samode Haveli, Tel.: 602407; Hotel Bissau Palace, Tel.: 374191; Hotel Broadway, Tel. : 41765, 48844; Hotel Mangal, Tel. : 375126; RTDC Hotel Teej, Tel. : 374373.
Economy Hotels: Arya Niwas, Tel. : 37245,6, 364376; RTDC Hotel Swagat:1m, Tel. : 200595; Hotel Diggi Palace (Heritage), Tel. : 373091
Supplementary Accommodation: Circuit House, Tel. : 374455; Dak Bungalow, Tel. : 379276. Paying guest accommodation available, please contact nearest Rajasthan Tourist Information Office.
Dining (Vegetarian): LMB, Johri Bazar; Rawat Misthan Bhandar, Station Road; Amber, Station Road; Natraj, MI Road; Madras Cafe, Moti Lal Atal Road; Suvarna Mahal, Rambagh Palace; Sheesh Mahal, Clarks Amer; Sanganer, Hotel Man Singh; Shivir, Hotel Man Singh; Aravali, Hotel Jaipur Ashok; Niros, MI Road; Indian Coffee House, MI Road; Golden Sand, Sansar Chandra Road; Gauri Hotel, Gangaur, MI Road.
Non-Vegetarian: Niros, MI Road; Rainbow Restaurant, MI Road; Savmor, Ajmer Road, Milap, Lal Kothi Near Rambagh Circle; Choudhari, MI Road; Jal Mahal, MI Road; Kohinoor, MI Road; Suvarna Mahal, Rambagh Palace; Sheesh Mahal, Clarks Amer; Sanganer, Hotel Man Singh; Shivir, Hotel Man Singh; Aravali, Hotel Jaipur Ashok.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Automobile Association: Western India Automobile Association, Rajendra Bhawan, P- 74 Subhash Marg,C Scheme, Jaipur.
Banks / Money Changers: Thomas Cook, Jaipur Towers, MI Road, Tel. : 360801, 360940; Bank of Baroda MI Road, Tel. : 377807 (1000 hrs to 1400 hrs); Bank of India MI Road, (1000 hrs to 1400 hrs).
Rajasthan Bank Rambagh Palace, Tel. : 381416 (0800 hrs to 2000 hrs); State Bank of India near Statue Circle, New Revenue Building, Tel. : 380188 (1000 hrs to 1400 hrs); State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur SMS Highway, Tel. : 312329 (1000 hrs to 1400 hrs); State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur (Evening Branch), MI Road, Tel. : 370648 (1400 hrs to 1800 hrs); State Bank of India, MI Road, Tel. : 564320(1000 hrs to 1400 hrs) (1430 hrs to 1630 hrs); United Commercial Bank, MI Road, Tel. : 565879 (1430 hI's to 1630 hrs).
Post and Telegraph Office: GPO, MI Road, Tel. : 368740; City Post Office, outside Sanganeri Gate, Tel. : 560699; RMS Railway Station, Jaipur.
Guide Service: Approved tourist guides for local sightseeing may be hired through the Tourist Officer, Tourist Information Bureau, Jaipur Railway Station, Tel. : 315714 or the Government of India Tourist Office, State Hotel, Tel. : 372200 and Tourist Reception Center, Tel. : 365256.
Tours: The sightseeing tours are conducted by RTDC Tourist Hotel, Tel. : 375466; Ashok Travels and Tours, State Hotel, Khasa Kothi, Tel. 368461; Bajrang Yatra Co. Ajmeri Gate; Kalra Bus Service, Ajmeri Gate; Rathore Transport Service, Dhuleshwar Garden; Trans India Raja Park.
Travel Agents: Rajasthan Tours, Rambagh Palace, Tel. : 381041; Tourist Guide Service, Tholia Circle, MI Road, Tel. : 378377; Amber Tours, Rambagh Palace, Tel. : 381543; Mayur Travels, MI Road, Tel. : 363728; Sita World Travel, Station Road, Tel. : 364702, 368226; TCI, Bajaj Marg, Tel.: 381071.
Clubs: Temporary membership avilable at the Ashok Club, Bhagwan Das Road, Tel. : 381690 and Jai Club, Ashok Marg. Other clubs are Jaipur Club, Rajasthan Polo Club, Polo Ground, Lion's Club and Rotary Club.
SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Golf: Golfers can tee off at the Rajasthan Golf Club, Rambagh.
Polo: Apart from horse polo, you can watch and play polo on elephant or camel-back or on a bicycle. The prestigious R~asthan Polo Club in Jaipur has many distinguished polo players as its members. Spring (March) marks the polo season in Jaipur when five polo tournaments are held - Sawai Madho Singh Gold Vase, Kota Cup, Sirmur Cup, Mysore Cup and Argentine Cup.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: Jaipur City (Municipal limits 64.75 sq. km, Pink City 9.8 sq.km)
Altitude: 431 metres
Climate: Mean Max. Summer: 45.0°C Winter: 22.0° C
Mean Min. Summer: 25.8°C Winter: 8.3° C
Rainfall: 64 cms..
Clothing: Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Light Woollen
Best Season: September-March
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English.
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