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City Palace : The City
Palace is also known as Chandra Mahal. A part of the palace serves
as the residence of the royal family. On the ground floor and outer
courtyards is the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. It has a rich
collection of Mughal carpets, Mughal and Rajasthani miniature
paintings, arms and weapons, rare manuscripts, royal costumes and
textiles, etc.
Hawa Mahal: The Hawa Mahal (palace of winds) was constructed
by the king Sawai Pratap Singh. Situated in the City Palace, this
five-story structure is an architectural beauty. It has 953 pink
sandstone windows known as jharokhas. The purpose behind this palace
was to serve as a window for the royal ladies to watch everyday life
and processions in the city from their covered comfort.
Kanak Vrindavan: Situated in the foothills of Nahargarh
hills, Kanak Vrindavan consists of beautifully landscaped gardens.
It also has a temple, made up of beige stone and with brilliantly
carved marble columns and lattices. With Jal Mahal serving as the
backdrop, Kanak Vrindavan serves as the perfect spot for picnic and
shootings.
Jaigarh Fort: Overlooking Jaipur, the Jaigarh fort is the
most magnificent hilltop fort of the city. Known as the fort of
victory, it is one of the few military structures of medieval India.
The fort consists of numerous palaces, a granary, a well-planned
cannon foundry, several temples, a tower and Jai Ban, the largest
cannon in the world.
Nahargarh Fort: Providing a striking backdrop to Jaipur in
the north, Nahargarh Fort is located on the Aravalli Hills ridge. It
was built by Jai Singh to strengthen the security of Amber. Floodlit
at night, it presents an entrancing sight. There is a Madhavendra
Bhawan in the fort used by the royal family for excursion in
summers. Now, it serves as a picnic spot.
Amber: Located 11 km from Jaipur, Amber (pronounced Amer)
Fort was the ancient fortress of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber.
The fort is an awesome fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture.
Built in red sand stone and white marble, Amber reflects a marvelous
aura. On the inside, the palace is decorated with painting scenes
with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. The Maota Lake
In the forefront strikes you with its scenic beauty.
Lakshmi Narayan Birla Temple: The Laxmi Narayan temple, also
known as the Birla temple, is an important tourist attraction in
Jaipur. As the name indicates, the Birla Mandir/temple is dedicated
to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. The Lakshmi Narayan Birla temple
is located near the Moti Doongri fort. It is interesting to note
that the Birla temple at Jaipur has three domes, representing
different approaches to religion. The Birla temple is built in white
marble, which glows magnificently at night. As a popular pilgrimage
place, the Birla temple attracts tourists and devotees throughout
the year. The Lakshmi Narayan Birla temple is very crowded
especially during the Hindu festivals.
Albert Hall Museum: The Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur is one
of the oldest museums of the state. The Albert Hall museum was built
to welcome the Prince of Wales on his visit to India in 1876.
Located amidst the Ram Niwas Bagh in Jaipur, the Albert Hall museum
has an assortment of rare articles including textiles, paintings,
carpets, metal and wood crafts, pottery, arms and weapons, dolls,
toys and an Egyptian mummy belonging to the Ptolemaic Epoch. The
Albert hall museum also houses the famous carpet that was bought by
Mirza jai singh I from Shah Abbas of Persia. The museum also
showcases the miniature paintings from different schools of
Rajasthan.
Jantar Mantar: Jantar mantar is one of Jai Singh's five
remarkable observatories. Constructed with stone and marble its
complex instruments whose settings and shapes are precisely and
scientifically designed represent the high points of Medieval Indian
astronomy. The Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes are unique in
their isolation. this is the largest of the five observatories
founded by Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of the country.
Galtaji: An ancient pilgrimage center, Galtaji has a number
of temples, pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and water
tanks).
Govind Dev Ji Temple: Jaipur, Rajasthan sightseeing tour must
include Govind Dev Ji temple. A part of the City Palace complex,
this temple is dedicated to Govind Dev Ji (an incarnation of Lord
Krishna), the patron deity of the royal family. The temple has been
well preserved by the royal family.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh and Vidyadhar-ka-Bagh: These two gardens
in the gorge towards the east are designed in Mughal style with
beautiful chatris (canopies), terraced gardens and fountains.
Vidyadhar-Ka-Bagh Located near the Sisodia Gardens is a beautiful
vineyard, which unfolds itself into the valley. Named after
Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, this beautiful garden was built in honour of
Jai Singh's chief architect and town planner.
Birla Planetarium and Science Centre: this attractive
building houses a state-of-the-art centre of knowledge on the cosmos
and a unique science and technology museum with several
self-operated models. If you are travelling with kids, visiting here
is a must do activity.
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