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Rajasthan Tourism |
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HAWA MAHAL - built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied 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 |
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¤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 |
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¤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 |
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¤ JALMAHAL - (6 kms) on the way to Amer, this small palace is set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Renovation around the lake is in progress. |
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¤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 |
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¤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 |
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¤LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE - is situated just below the Moti 000ngri, known for the intricate marble carvings in white marble, popularly known as Birla Temple. |
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¤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. |
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¤The Chittorgarh Fort- has witnessed three bloody sieges and 'jauhars' (a Rajput tradition in which royal maidens and ladies immolate themselves in the fire to save their honor from the cruel hands of the enemy, when there is no chance of defeating the enemy). The walls and the atmosphere is still haunted with the gloom of despair, valiant pride of the Rajput queens and ladies and sheer zeal and bravery of their men who refused to cow down before the enemy. The Rajput style of architecture is clearly visible in the fort, which is said to be the Gahlot and Sisodia ruler of Mewar from the 8th to the 16th century. Named after Chittrangad Mauraya, the magnificent fort rises 150 m above the surrounding region and runs to an approximate length of 3 km covering an area of 60 acres and peripheral length of 13 km.
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¤'Dargah Sharif'- or 'Holy Dargah' is one of the most sacred Muslim shrines in the country. Venerated by both Hindus and Muslims, it is the tomb of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti, a Sufi saint who came from Persia and devoted his life to the service and upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. The Dargah has a massive gate with silver doors built in several stages. Revered by the Mughal rulers, it has touches of Humayun to Shah Jahan in its structural architecture. A silver railing and a marble screen surround the actual tomb of the saint, made of marble with a gold plated dome. |
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¤Deeg-32 km from Bharatpur, Deeg was the tranquil retreat of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur. Though, its name has now been into obscurity, most of the palaces in Deeg are in an excellent state of repair. The one-time royalty of Bharatpur were living in their palaces as recently as 1970's. This is the reason why these palaces still retain some of their unique furnishings. The palaces sport well-planned Moghul gardens with calm pools and fountains. They are richly ornamented with carved cornices, pavilions and attics and the trophies collected by Jats in their various adventures. |
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¤Fateh-Sagar-Lake-To be found to the north of Lake Pichola, Maharana Jai Singh as a medium-sized perennial storage reservoir originally built the pretty Fateh Sagar Lake of Udaipur in 1678. Hills on three sides and Pratap Memorial on the fourth surround it and thus it presents captivating scenery. Since it had been destroyed due to heavy rains, Maharana Fateh Singh took it upon himself to bear the pains and expenditure of reconstructing the dam and it was in honor of his contributions to the place that the lake was named after him. |
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¤Kumbhalgarh-FORT-84 km from Udaipur, Maharana Kumbha built Kumbhalgarh Fort in the 15th century. It is the second most important fort in Rajasthan after the Chittaurgarh Fort. Crowning the Aravalli Hills, the fort is not so easily accessible with seven great gates that stand guarding its entrance. Just 6 kms, from the Kumbalgarh Sanctuary, this mighty fort boasts of some great temples and the Badal Mahal or the Cloud Palace, which gives scenic view of the city. |
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¤Lalgarh-FORT-Oriental fantasy and European comforts are blended together most tastefully in the Lalgarh Palace of Bikaner. Maharaja Ganga Singh built Lalgarh Palace. There are terraced lawns that have been artistically planned and are in forever bloom with Bougainvillea bushes and peacocks that charm almost everybody who witness it. The palace has now been turned partly into a heritage hotel, while the other part still serves as the royal residence. The elaborate filigree work and intricate latticework are glorious achievements of the craftsmanship. The museum of the palace boasts of some well preserved hunting trophies, royal portraits and old photographs. |
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¤Mehrahgarh-FORT-One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort holds its place on a steep hill. The number of palaces in its premises are made of sandstone and are excellent examples of stone the highlights of the palace are Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace, which has a delicately carved stone screen and houses the Sringar Chowki, royal throne of Jodhpur, Umaid Villas that displays Rajput miniature paintings, Ajit Villas that houses musical instruments and royal costumes and a beautiful mirror room. Phool Mahal or the Flower Palace depicts musical moods in its paintings. It houses the Jodhpur Coat of Arms is kept in the Phool Mahal. Walls of this Flower Palace is covered with paintings depicting various musical moods. Maan Villas displays weapons and arms of Rathore and the 'Tent room', which used to be an imperial Mughal campaign tent. It was used by Shahjahan and now, it is displayed as a trophy of victory of Jaswant Singh over Aurangzeb in a battle. It is beautiful to behold the royal tent with its red velvet and golden embroidery. |
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¤Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary-The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary or Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary has been deemed as world heritage bird sanctuary. Sprawling over the area of 29 sq km, more than 380 species of birds have already been spotted and identified here. A paradise for bird watchers, photographers and nature lovers, it is the best place to see the exotic beauty of varied species. Egrets, ducks, coots, storks, kingfishers, spoonbills, Sarus crane, laggar falcon, greater spotted eagle, marsh harrier, Pallas' eagle can be seen here quite often and if visitors are lucky, they may even spot the rare Siberian Crane that migrate to this place in winters. |
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¤Pichola Lake -The boat ride in the pristine blue waters of the Lake Pichola, especially, in the backdrop of setting sun is enough to seduce anybody to come to it. Maharaja Udai Singh certainly did not miscalculate the panoramic beauty of the lake, which is surrounded by beautiful hills, when he chose to expand it. Later two beautiful island palaces in the middle of the lake were added by Maharaja Jagjit Singh, now, known as Jag Niwas (popularly known as the Lake Palace) and Jag Mandir that adds to the gleaming beauty of the lake. |
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Pushkar-Pushkar is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage sites and it is said that a dip in the sacred lake of Pushkar is akin to the visits to the four main Hindu shrines known as 'Chaar Dhaam'. The charming lake of Pushkar is surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the fourth and presents an ideal site for the religious and cattle fair, which is held every year in the month of October or November. Pushkar alone has more than 400 temples and is said to be the only place with a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, one of the most important member of the Holy Trinity of Hindus who is known as 'The Creator').
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Saheliyon-ki-Bari-Saheliyon-ki-Bari or the 'Garden of the Maids of Honor' of Udaipur was once reserved for the royal ladies who came here for a stroll. A well planned garden, with extensive lawns and shady walks situated on the banks of the dainty Fateh Sagar Lake was constructed in 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for forty-eight young ladies-in-waiting sent to the royal house, as part of the dowry as a cool summer retreat for them. Located in the northern precincts of the city, the suburb of Polo Ground, it has now been opened for the public.
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Shrinath-Temple-48 km from Udaipur, Shrinathji of Nathdwara is actually a temple of Lord Krishna with his image carved out of a single block of black marble. Set amidst idyllic hills, it is said to be the second richest temple in the world. The royalty of Udaipur pray at the temple and as the head of his clan, the Maharana is also called as Shriji among his people. As the legend goes, Goswami Dev fled from Mathura to escape from Aurangzeb and carried this particular idol in a chariot with an intention to take it to Udaipur.
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¤Umaid-Bhawan-Palace-The famine had struck the arid and barren land of Jodhpur and farmers were dying of hunger as their lands yielded nothing and they had no money to buy food. It was then, when like a judicious king, Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur undertook the construction of this magnificent building as a famine relief project to provide employment and a regular source of income to his subjects.
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