Jaipur

Jaipur - The Heritage Pink City has been the capital of erstwhile Jaipur state since its inception in 1727 AD, it gets the name from its founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. He 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.



The capital city of the state Rajasthan, very nearly exemplifies the character of the state and its people. Surrounded by rugged hills on three sides, each crowned by formidable fort and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts.

In 1876 A.D. Jaipur dressed itself in pink to welcome Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria and earned the epitaph PINK CITY', it is also a home of excellent handicrafts especially known for the exquisite gold jewellery enamelled or inlaid with precious stones, blue pottery, carving on wood, stone & ivory, block print, tie & dye textiles, hand made paper, miniature painting etc.

DISTANCES TO IMPORTANT  CITIES 

• Agra - 232 kms via Mahua-Bharatpur-Fatehpur Sikri

• Ajmer - 132 kms via Dudu-Kishangarh

• Alwar - 143 kms via Shahpura-Thanagazi

• Bharatpur - 176 kms via Dausa-Mahua

• Bikaner - 321 kms via Sikar-Fatehpur-Ratangarh

• Bundi - 300 kms via Ajmer-Kekri-Devli

• Chittaurgarh - 320 kms via Ajmer-Bhilwara

• Delhi - 262 kms via Shahpura-Behror-Dharuhera-Gurgaon

• Gwalior - 347 kms via Agra-Dhaulpur

• Jaisalmer - 638 kms via Ajmer-Beawar-Jodhpur, Dechchu, Pokaran

• Jodhpur - 325 kms via Ajmer-Beawar-Barr-Bilara

• Sariska - 105 kms via Shahpura

• Udaipur - 407 kms via Ajmer-Beawar-Kankroli-Nathdwara

• Mount Abu - 505 kms via Ajmer-Beawar-PaIi-Sirohi

• Ahmedabad - 657 kms via Udaipur-Himatnagar- N.H. 8

GENERAL INFORMATION 

Population:              23, 24, 319 (2001)

Area:                      23.3 sq. km. approx

Altitude:                 431 m (above sea level)

Temperature:           Summer Average Max 40.6°C, Average Min. 25.8°C

                             Winter Average Max. 22.0°C Average Min 8.3°C

Rainfall:                  64 cm

Season:                  September to March

Clothing:                 Summer - Tropical, Winter - Woolen

Languages:              Hindi, Rajasthani & English

PRIME  SITES 

HAWA MAHAL - 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. Timing 10.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00: Phone: 2618862

JANTAR MANTAR (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. Timing 9.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 10.00, Phone: 2610494

CITY PALACE AND S.M.S. II MUSEUM - situated in the heart of the old City, 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. Timing 9.30 to 16.45 hrs. Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 35.00 and for foreigners Rs.150.00 inclusive of entry to Jaigarh fort, Phone: 2608055

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. Timing 10.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 5.00, for foreigners As. 30.00, Phone: 2570099

DOLLS MUSEUM - a collection of beautiful dolls from all over the world, it is situated on Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg. Timing 10.00 to 16.00 hrs, Phone: 2619369

BIRLA PLANETARIUM - It offers unique audio-visual education about stars and entertainment with its modern computerised projection system. Entry fee As. 20.00 show timings: 11.00, 13.00, 15.00, 17.00, 18.00, 19.00 hrs. Phone: 2381594

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

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.) 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. Timing 10.00 to 16.45 hrs, Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 15.00 & for foreigners Rs. 20.00, Phone: 2630848

NAHARGARH FORT - (15 kms.) 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. Timing 10.00 to 16.00 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00, Phone: 5148044

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.

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 K! CHHATRI - 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. Timings 8.00 to 18.00 hrs. Entry fee Rs. 5.00, Phone: 2680494

VIDHYADHAR GARDEN - (5 kms.) on the way to Agra, built by Viyadhar, the chief architect and town planner of Jaipur. This beautiful terraced garden has several galleries and pavilions decorated with exquisite murals, depicting Lord Krishna. Timing 9.00 to 18.00 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00

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. Entry fee Rs. 4.00 & Timings 8.00 to 17.00 hrs, Phone: 2634596

AMER - 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. Timing: 9.00 to 16.30 hrs. Entry Fee For Indians Rs. 10.00, For Foreigners Rs. 50.00, Phone: 2530293, Elephant ride charge Rs. 400.00 (inclusive of all taxes) Timing : 8.00 to 16.00 hrs, Phone: 2530264 (Tourist Office)

SIDE  TRIPS 

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 - (March-April) 6 March, 2004, 25 March, 2005, 14 March, 2006, the elephant enthrall the spectators on the day of the Colourful festival of Holi 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 - (March-April) 4-5 April, 2003, 23-24 March, 2004, 11-12 April, 2005, 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 - (July-August) 12 August 2003, 19-20 August, 2004, 8-9 August, 2005, 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.

INFORMATION  CENTRES

Tourist Reception Center, Govt. Hostel Campus, M.I. Road, Tel: 5110598

Govt. of Rajasthan Tourist Bureau, Railway Station, Tel: 2315714.

Airport Saganer, Tel: 2722647

Tourist Office Amer, Tel: 2530264

Govt. of  India Tourist Office, State Hotel, Jaipur, Tel: 2372200/1363.