1- Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur Overview
The massive edifice of Hawa Mahal stands at the intersection of the main road in Jaipur, Badi Chaupad and was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. Hawa Mahal derives its name from its unique structure, which is a mesh of small windows that allowed cool wind to enter the palace and hence kept the palace comfortable during the hot summer months. The main reason behind the palace's construction was to allow the women of the royal house to observe the festivities on the streets whilst being unseen from the outside as was the custom of the land. It is located right on the edge of the City Palace Jaipur and extends right to the 'zenana'.
Hawa Mahal is a structure made of red and pink sandstone and has a pyramidal structure which almost resembles a crown. It has been embellished with 953 tiny windows, also known as 'Jharokhas' and embellished with gorgeous latticework. From within, the Hawa Mahal palace is based on five floors each of which has a uniquely decorated chamber. A charming fountain welcomes you inside the main palace, from whereon you can make your way up to the different floors. The top of the palace offers a brilliant view of the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the ever-busy Siredeori Bazar. There is a small museum as well which holds some rich relics and miniature paintings.
2- Amer Fort
Amer Fort, Jaipur Overview
In the Pink City of Jaipur, cradled on the top of the Aravali Hill lies the Amer Fort, one of the most magnificent palaces in India. Also commonly known as the Amber Fort, this majestic building with its maze-like passages and serpentine staircases is an architectural masterpiece and with significant importance in Indian history. Only 11 kilometres away from the capital city of Jaipur, Amer Fort is clad in pink and yellow sandstone and is a part of an extensive complex. Built by one of the most trusted generals of Akbar, Maharaja Man Singh I in the year 1592, Amer Fort served as the main residence of the Rajput Rulers.
The Amer Fort through its large ramparts, several gateways and paved paths overlooks the Maotha Lake in the town of Amer, which used to serve as the capital of the erstwhile Jaipur princely state. The fort is big enough that it will take you at least two to three hours to explore it in detail, and you can also choose to avail of the audio guides to lead you through this fascinating building while explaining the history of the place. Getting an elephant ride up the stairs to the Amber Fort is also a popular tourist activity. The fort sees over five thousand visitors daily and rightfully, the Amer Fort was inducted into UNESCO World Heritage Site list as part of the "Hill Forts of Rajasthan" along with five other forts.
3 Pink City
Pink City, Jaipur Overview
Pink City in Jaipur refers to the old walled city that was built in the year 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II. This was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of June 6th 2019. The wall that marks the boundary of the Pink City is about six metres high and three metres thick and encompasses a number of structures within its confines. In keeping with the magnificence of the structure, there are seven different gates that provide access to the Old City, namely Chand Pol, Suraj Pol, Ajmeri Gate, New Gate, Sanganeri Gate, Ghat Gate, Samrat Gate and Zorawar Singh Gate. Built about 275 years ago, today it presents the glorious past of our country through its culture and architecture. The city is known as 'Pink City' as it is built out of Sandstone and reflects the colour pink in the daytime.
Steeped with rich past and heritage, the Pink City of Jaipur is a place of royal heritage, culture and architecture. The city is covered in the tint of pink colour oozing charm and attracting tourists from all over the world. The place offers a feast to its visitors in the form of its historical saga with magnificent palaces and forts and stunning Havelis. A number of important structures such as Badi Chaupar, Jantar Mantar and City Palace are situated in this part of the city. The vibrant bazaars of Jaipur like Bapu Bazaar and Johri Bazaar are paradise for shopping lovers offering beautiful Rajasthani jewellery, fabric, shoes and handicrafts. Bustling with colours, a walk around this old city gives you a glance into is the wealth of handicrafts, the royal legacy of the palace, and a shadow of their rich past.
4- City Palace, Jaipur
City Palace, Jaipur Overview
The magnificent City Palace in Jaipur is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during the years 1729 to 1732, the vast complex of the palace occupied one-seventh of the walled city. In fact, it was once the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Planned with precise intricacies, the palace is divided into a series of courtyards, buildings and gardens including the Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal. The museum showcases various unique handcrafted products and other things that belong to the royal heritage of the City Palace. The historical structure is located in the old part of Jaipur city and can be easily located and reached by any means of transport.
The architecture of the City Palace will strike a sense of awe in you from the very beginning. The facade itself is designed with acute and detailed handiwork and showcases a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture styles. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh II, however, the palace itself has been subjected to various changes over the course of time, with some of them even belonging to the early 20th century. The City Palace has three gates, out of which the Virendra Pol and Udai Pol are open to the public.
5- Jantar Mantar Jaipur
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur Overview
Located near the City Palace in the regal city of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is the largest stone astronomical observatory in the world. Owing to its rich cultural, heritage and scientific value, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur has also been featured on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. This ancient study boasts of nineteen instruments built out of stone and brass and was built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727-33. The intelligent construction and placement of these instruments allowed the observers to note the position of heavenly bodies with their naked eye alone. Time has failed to lay dust upon this engineering marvel and it still works as well as it used to in the olden times.
The main objective of building this vast observatory was to study and gather information about space and time. The instruments here pertain to Egyptian study of Ptolemaic astronomy and follows three classical celestial coordinates to track the positions of heavenly bodies- namely horizon-zenith local system, the equatorial system and the ecliptic system. Another fact that makes this destination unique is that the world's largest sundial is situated here. The observatory in Jaipur is a part of a collection of five other such observatories built by Raja Jai Singh, which are located in New Delhi, Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura. The best experience here is undoubtedly the light and sound show that takes place every evening and Jantar Mantar lights up like a firefly!
6- Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur Overview
Nahargarh Fort is located in the Pink City of Jaipur and is one of the many countless palaces and beautiful historic buildings that speak of the magnificent and rich history of this city. Embellished with delicate carvings and stonework, the Nahargarh Fort is an impregnable structure, that together with its two neighbouring forts - Amer and Jaigarh, once stood as the strong defence of Jaipur city. The Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1734 as a retreat. With some breathtaking views of the city, the Nahargarh Fort is known for its extended wall that connects it to Jaigarh Fort. The fort is located on top of a hill and you can hire a cab or autorickshaw to the foot of the hill and trek the rest of the way.
Nahargarh Fort was primarily used as a retreat for the ladies of the royal household and has a ladies quarters by the name of 'Zenana'. Also known as the Madhavendra Bhavan, the 'Zenana' was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Its counterpart, the 'Mardana Mahal' was also constructed in the complex for the royal men. Another attraction in the Nahargarh Fort is the Nahargarh Biological Park, which is an asylum for majestic animals such as tigers, leopards and the Asiatic lions. The Padao Restaurant is also a must-visit if you're near Nahargarh Fort from where you're sure to enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Jaipur.
7-Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur Overview
Jaigarh Fort is a grand structure perched on the top of the 'Cheel ka Teela' hills in the Pink City of Jaipur. This magnificent edifice was commissioned by Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1726 to protect Amer Fort. Cradled on the top of the cliff, it is a palatial structure bounded by verdant greenery and massive battlements. This magnificent fort is connected to Amer Fort through subterranean passages and is famously known as the 'Fort of Victory' as it was never conquered. The fort currently houses the world's largest cannon on wheels - 'Jaivana' and offers a magnificent view of the Jaipur city.
Conceptualized and designed by a talented architect called Vidhyadhar, Jaigarh fort is said to be the strongest of all the three forts and has never faced any major resistance. The fort reflects the city's prosperous past and is named after the ruler who got it built - Sawai Jai Singh II. Other than its elaborate architecture, the fort is also known for the huge treasure that was believed to be buried under it. However, it is believed that the treasure was seized by the government of Rajasthan in the 1970s.