The desert capital of India, well known as the Pink City, was found in AD 1727 by Sawai Jaisingh II. Jaipur is a city known for its vibrant colors with historical monuments that boast of its glorious past and also about the bravery and honor of the Rajputs kings. The charisma of this city built in pink sandstone allures tourist from all over the world. The pink city-Jaipur offers a memorable journey in its rich glorious past. If you wish to envision the Mughal-Rajputana style architecture before your eyes, you can book cab in Jaipur for the local sightseeing.
Scroll down below to see the top 10 cities in Jaipur where you should definitely pay a visit.
- HAWA MAHAL: Hawa Mahal is situated near the City Palace and is one of the most famous heritage sites of the Pink City, Jaipur. The Rajput customs at those times in the past for the royal ladies were very uncompromising. The ladies were bounded by the harsh system of Purdah. So, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799 gave the command to construct an exceptional monument for the ladies of the royal family. They could then observe the day to day life and the festivals celebrated without being spotted by the common man. The Hawa Mahal is an architectural masterpiece with convoluted carvings on the small windows known as Jharokas.
2. AMER FORT: The Amer Fort located at a distance of 11km from Jaipur in the Amer town is one of the most splendid forts of Rajasthan which is visited by countless tourists each year. It represents the brilliance of the Rajputs Architecture which is an opulent masterpiece. This fort reflects a unique mixture of Rajputana and Hindu elements of architecture. The Amer Fort shows an unmatchable skill of the designers and artisans of the Rajput era. Some of the artistic brilliance like the ornamented pillars or be it the delicate mosaic work of Divan-e-Khas to the splendid ivory-sandalwood work on the Sukh Niwas will leave you spell-bound. You can visit all heritage building by walking tours in Jaipur.
3. CITY PALACE: Located in the heart of the city of Jaipur built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh back in the 19th century, the City Palace showcases a unique combination of Rajputs, Mughals as well as the European style architecture. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Jaipur. The City Palace draws attention to the brilliant architectural designers and engineers of that era. The four gateways or poles inside the palace complex are one of the major points of attraction of the palace as it symbolizes the four seasons in a unique sumptuous way. A visual treat to the eyes is the beautifully designed gate with convoluted carvings and floral designs.
4. JANTAR MANTAR OBSERVATORY: Jantar Mantar holds the status of UNESCO- World Heritage Site and so is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Jaipur. This heritage was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who had a keen interest in astronomy. People in uncountable numbers ranging from astronomers to historians to travelers and visitors filled with curiosity visit here to get a glimpse of the skills of an Indian King when the concepts of science were new to the Indian society. The observatory houses an eccentric and magnificent collection of astronomical instruments based on Hindu astrology. The world’s largest sun-dial, the Samrat Yantra present in the Jantar Mantar observatory undoubtedly needs special attention.
5. JAL MAHAL: Amidst the Mansagar Lake, bounded by the lofty Nahargarh Hills the Jal Mahal is situated. It is one of the best photographic site in the pink city owing to its location and picturesque beauty. Embellished with Fort and Temples along with the stunning view of the hills right from the terrace of this palace will leave you spell-bound. The site of the palace being illuminated by the floodlights reflecting on the waters of the lake will leave your soul and heart mesmerized. You will be only allowed to enter the terrace garden area. Visit this heritage site if you come to Rajasthan.
6. JAIGARH FORT: The Jaigarh Fort stands tall in the Aravali Range over-looking the magnificent Amber Fort and the Maota Lake. This was built to protect Jaipur City from the Marauder, the invaders. It is also known as the “Fort of Victory” due to the fact that it never witnessed any defeat. The striking structure of the Fort brags of the lavishness of the rulers of the Rajputs and showcases the flawless world’s biggest cannon. This grand fort is one of the best sight-seeing places in the city of Jaipur where a visit cannot be missed if you are present in the historic land of Jaipur.
7. GALTAJI TEMPLE: Situated at a distance of 10km away from the vibrant Pink City, the Galtaji temple is one of the most interesting tourist attraction built in the 18th century. The Galtaji temple is encompassed by the exalted Aravali Range. A number of devotees, tourists and pilgrims come to the temple to take a dip in the holy water of the most sacred Galta Kund. It is a firm belief that all your sins will be exempted from your life. The picturesque architectural brilliance of the temple which looks no less comparable to that of a striking Haweli will leave you spell-bound.
8. ALBERT HALL MUSEUM: The Albert Hall Museum is adulated to be the oldest museum present in Rajasthan. It is located inside the Ram Niwas Garden named after the then Prince of Wales Albert Edward. This was opened to the public in the year 1887, and a foundation stone was laid by the Prince himself. The Albert Hall Museum can be noticed even from far distance owing to the beautifully carved domes constructed with pink sandstone. This museum houses a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts which belong to the different ethnic group of people of Rajasthan. The primary attractions of the visitors are the unique puppet and Henna artwork collection and it is among the List of Top 5 Places to Go Holiday in Rajasthan This Winter
9. KANAK VRINDAVAN: Located 8km away from Jaipur towards the Amber Fort, the Kanak Vrindavan is presented surrounded by the Aravali Range of Hills. The brilliance of Kanak Vridhnavan’s beauty is incomparable and is inexpressible and will leave you spell-bound with jaw-dropping beauty. It is also well known as Kanak Ghati by the Locals. It was built by the orders of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh resembling the marvelous beauty of the gardens of Vrindhavan. The beauty of Kanak Vrindavan is indescribable with lush greenery lined up in series of Fountain by the pathways, the convoluted carvings, and marble-works in this beautiful garden will leave you mesmerized with its splendid beauty.
10. BIRLA MANDIR: At the foothills of Moti Dungari Hills, the beautiful and splendid Birla Mandir is situated. It is popularly referred to as the Laxmi-Narayan temple which is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Jaipur as its captivating architecture of the temple attracts and pleases your soul. The statue of Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu is sculpted out of a piece of marble which is the main highlight of the temple. The tranquility of the place will provide you with solace and peace which will rejuvenate your mind and body. The temple captivates every tourist with its unparallel charm in the evening when the temple glows with thousands of lights.
By: Sunil Karmakar