Hawa Mahal

Palace of Winds, the pride of Jaipur adjoins the outside of the palace wall.It was was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. It was exclusively designed for the queens who could watch the proceedings on the road and the colourful bazaars below through the intricately latticed windows.

Hawa Mahal is a major landmark and a famous tourist attraction of Jaipur. The Palace offers a beautiful sight to behold. The City Palace spread over a large area is a beautiful blend of Rajputana and Mughal architecture with spacious courtyards, manicured gardens and temples The splendid Rajputana architecture of Hawa Mahal, still speaks the glory of the royal family. However, one can also find a glimpse of Mughal architecture, which is blended perfectly to make it different from others. The literal meaning of Hawa Mahal is Palace of Winds .

Hawa Mahal is a pyramid-shaped facade with five stories. It has 953 small windows decorated with tiny lattice work. These pink sandstone windows commonly known as "Jharokhas" are constructed in such a style, that it looks like a giant honeycomb. The air circulation through windows represents the marvelous touch of Mughal designing, which keeps the Palace always cool. The small screened balconies and arched roofs with hanging cornices enhance the beauty of the Palace. The Pyramidal outline and replication of pattern makes it more attractive in appearance.

Located just outside the walled city is the sprawling Ram Niwas Garden. The garden houses the majestic Albert Hall Mueseum. Opened in 1887 AD, this impressive building displays a rich collection of paintings, carpets, ivory, stone and metal sculpture among other objects.

Jantar Mantar

In Jaipur, the capital and gateway to Rajasthan, you will find one of the the largest stone observatory in the World and this feature makes it, a special destination for a traveller. Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. During the period between 1727 and 1733.It is the most precious and culturally non aligned pieces of architecture in the world. . Located in the city of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar draws its name from Sanskrit terms 'yantra' and 'mantra'. The former term means instrument while the latter means formulae.

Built of local stone and marble, each instrument carries an astronomical scale, generally marked on the marble inner lining; bronze tablets, all extraordinarily accurate, were also employed. Thoroughly restored in 1901, the Jantar Mantar was declared a national monument in 1948.
A perfect amalgamation of religion and science, the observatory, still in its own unsecularized integrity, is comparable only with the witnesses in stone of the archaic cultures. Whether or not you are interested in stars, this place is worth a visit for its pure architectural splendour.

Jantar Mantar has a remarkable collection of architectural astronomical instruments. It portrays noteworthy attempt of the ancestors, who were interested in astronomy and knowledge of celestial bodies. Above all, this observatory still, provides accurate information, which can be compared with today's modern instruments undeniably.

The compound instruments are in most cases huge structures, whose settings and shapes are scientifically designed to depicts the forte of Medieval Indian Astronomy. The samrat yantra, for instance, which is a sundail, can be used to tell the time to an accuracy of about two seconds in Jaipur local time.1 It is considered the largest sundial in the world.(1) (2) Today the main purpose of the observatory is to function as a tourist attraction.

Jantar Mantar is hugely attractive destination for scholars, however, common people are little aware about its importance. A visit to Jantar Mantar makes tourists realize that the Rajput rulers were not just ardent patriots and admirer of royalty but also highly intellectual and observant. As such, though the place is more related to science, yet it has a historical importance attached to it. Jantar Mantar is open on all days from 9.00 am in the morning till 4.30 pm.

Amber Fort

Amber Fort is located in Amber (Jaipur), which used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. The sprawling Amber Fort is a typical example of what the lives of our gallant Rajputs were like – militant, adventurous, temperamental and also self-indulgent. It is among the best hilltop forts in India. The fort offers magnificent views of the surrounding area.

The Amber Fort looks stunning, all-built in white marble and red sandstone. To add to its charm, Maotha Lake makes its foreground. The crystal mirror image of the Fort, on the still waters of the lake, seems to be a beautiful illusion. Amber Fort is usually pronounced as Amer Fort. In 1592, construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I. However, the Amber Fort took its present form during the reign of Raja Jai Singh I.

The exteriors of the Fort, being rough and craggy is totally different from its core. The interior of the Fort provides a soothing and warm ambience, which is least expected from its outer appearance. Exquisite paintings of hunting scenes on the walls depict the temperament of the Rajputs, who were adventurous, revolutionary and self-indulgent.

The intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings are simply astonishing. The miniature mirror work adds to the splendid appearance and royalty of the halls. The Amer Fort undoubtedly captivates the tourists with its artistic quality of delicate work. The mighty walls guarantee the protection of the Fort against the invasion of the enemies. The Fort is divided into four subparts.

Growing out of the rugged hills are mighty gates, temples, huge ornate halls, palaces, pavilions, gardens and even a ramp to take you to the hilltop palace! The tourists to this fort can either approach the fort by road or take an elephant ride,Yes, beautifully- caparisoned elephants go up and down carrying visitors to and fro. These well cladded elephants make a joyride to Amber fort and in turn makes your travel to Amber fort a fascinating experience. This some thing which you cannot afford to miss in any Rajasthan itinerary.

Some of the Fort Attractions:
Kali Temple, which is also known as Shila Devi Temple, forms the part of the Fort. Entry into Shila Mata Temple is through Singh Pol.The temple is devoted to Shila Mata ( Goddess Kali), the goddess of victory and houses a black marble idol of the goddess which was brought here from Jessore by Raja Man Sigh in 1604. It is renowned for its glorious past. You would find nine images of Goddess Durga (strength) and ten forms of Goddess Saraswati ( knowledge) which are carved on the silver gates of the temple. The mandap of this temple is made up of white marble contrasting the colours of the idols.

The Hall of Public Audiences, Diwan-I-Aam is a pavilion with double row of columns. This is a delicate palace which you would come across on your travel to Amber fort. This forty pillared pavillion is perfect example of intricate craftmanship and was constructed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh. The pavilion worked as a place where Maharajahs used to recieve its general public and used to hear their pertaining problems. The southern area of this palace was kept clear so that the royal ladies could watch the proceedings of Diwan-I-Am from the Zenana house ( Women's quarters).

Ganesh Pol, another feature of the Fort, directs the way to the inhabited apartments of the King. It is an imposing gateway which lies south of Diwan-i-am. The gateway has been painted beautifully and endorse typical Rajasthani motifs. From Ganesh Pol, you can move to beautiful garden or Charbagh, which is based on the Mughal patten of gardens.

The Hall of Victory, Jai Mandir has a wonderful carving on the walls and the ceiling. It is decorated with beautiful mirror work and an inlaid panel. The Fort has numerous other halls and pavilions with their own specific attraction. Diwan-i-Khas show cases a rich amalgam of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The architecture is showcased in the fascinating Diwan-i-khas, Sukh Niwas, Jai Mandir and Jas Mandir.. The major attractions of these halls are miniature murals made of coloured glasses which depicts Radha and Krishna.

Jaipur attracts travellers from around the globe. If you are in Rajasthan, do not miss the opportunity to tour the Amber Fort, which is one of the important forts of the city and one of the major attractions of Jaipur.
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Jaipur-The pink city

Jaipur-The Rose Pink city founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II , is the capital of Rajasthan.It was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh..It is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts & enclosed by embattled walls. Houses with latticed windows line the streets with their rose pink colour lending enchantment to the scene which is almost magical at sunset.

The city is best explored on foot and the adventurous visitor willing to go into the inner lanes can discover a whole new world not visible to the tourist-in-a-hurry..

Jaipur is a blend of princely heritage, feudal traditions and genuine Rajasthani hospitality. It took almost six years to complete the city of Jaipur, which was interestingly, the country's first modern city to be designed in a grid form over two centuries ago.

The city is strewn with palaces, monuments, gardens and museums. Apart from these are the fascinating havelis of the traditional residents - Jaipur has a tale to narrate in every nook and corner.The 'Old City' is typically the heart of JaipurThe whole city was painted in Pink colour by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876. Today, every home with in the city is obliged by law to maintain his facade. The City is laid out in a grid pattern. It is a very well planned city and was designed by a Young Bengali , an engineer and scholar by the name "Vidyadhar Bhattacha