Jaipur Vacation
 
Jaipur , the capital city of Rajasthan is situated about 260 kms from Delhi, and is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in India for vacationing. Also known as the “Pink City”, it is a busy capital city as well as a bustling business center. The ancient capital of Rajasthan also forms the part of the “Golden Triangle” that includes Delhi and Agra as well, which ensures that Rajasthan gets a constant flow of tourists all round the year. It is not only a beautiful city, but it is also a perfect place to spend vacation and start exploring Rajasthan. Its historical monuments combined with the modernism reflected in the urban places are a unique combination of the traditional as well as the modern world. Be it the ‘Hawa Mahal’, the ‘Nahargarh Fort’ or the ‘Jantar Mantar’, each has its own charm.

Jaipur is named after its founder, Sawai Jai Singh II who ruled from 1699 to 1744. It is really interesting how Maharaja Jai Singh got the epithet “Sawai”. It so happened that Jai Singh went to visit Aurangzeb, the Mughul king. There, Aurangzeb asked Jai Singh holding his hands: “How do you expect to be powerful when your hands are tied?” To this, Jai Singh replied: “Just as a bridegroom takes his bride's hands, in a sacred vow to protect her, so you, sir, have held my hands. I have nothing to fear now, that the Mughal himself has taken my hands in his?" Aurangzeb was pleased and thus gave him the title “Sawai”. Jaipur is a combined effort of Sawai Jai Singh's strong grounding in sciences and astrology and a Bengali architect Vidyadhar's strong instinct for planning so exploring Jaipur during vacation will be great.

Climate

Summers: Max: 45 degrees C; Min: 25 degrees C
Winters: Max: 22 degrees C; Min: 8 degrees C

Fair & Festivals

Teej Festival (next 11th to 16th August, 2007): Teej is a very famous festival held in July – August to mark the advent of monsoons. It is essentially a festival that is celebrated by women.

How to reach

Air: There are domestic and international flights connecting Jaipur to all the major destinations of India and overseas respectively. The Jaipur airport is called Sanganer Airport.

Train: Connections are from Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Varanasi and Ahmedabad. Well connected from other states like UP, MP.

Road: A convenient mode of travel to Jaipur , regular bus service of AC and Deluxe Coaches are available.

PLACES TO SEE

Hawa Mahal
Built by poet king Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, ‘Hawa Mahal ’ is also known as “Palace of the Wind”. Located in the City Palace, this five-storey building of unusual architecture is a stunning instance of Rajput artistry. Designed by Lal Chand Usta and made of red and pink sand stone, outlined with white borders and motif’s painted with quick lime, the Palace is regarded as one of the major royal ladies to watch the everyday city life and royal processions.

City Palace
Emperor Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs built the City Palace of Jaipur , which occupies one seventh of its area and is surrounded by a high wall (Sarhad). An impressive blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthan architecture, this palace is has splendidly laid down courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings. Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Badal Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum are some of the attraction within this palace premises.

Nahargarh Fort
Situated in the Aravalli hills, it provides an awe-inspiring sight, seen from the air. It was built in 1734 by Maharaja Jai Singh and extended in 1868. “Nahargarh” meaning abode of the tigers. It looks absolutely beautiful once it is floodlit from all sides at night. It has a very important legend attached to it. It is said while the construction of the Fort was going on, a spirit of a prince named Nahar Singh used to visit the construction place and destroy it. To appease the spirit, a ‘tantrik’ was called, and finally the spirit of the prince agreed to leave on the condition that the fort be named after him, and hence the fort bears the name – “Nahargarh Fort.”

Gaitore
It is located just off the Jaipur - Amber Road. Situated here are the chhattris made in typical Rajput architecture. The chattri of Sawai Jai Singh II is of special mention for its carvings that exaggerate it. “Gaitore” is actually the local form of the Hindi word “Gaye ka Thor” which means the resting place of the departed souls. This has remained the funeral ground of the Kachhawaha since the time of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh-II.

Jaigarh Fort
During vacations you will come across to the most spectacular fort that overlooks the Jaipur city. It also houses among other things, the Jai Ban (Jaivan) which is the largest cannon in the world. This fort is also known as the fort of victory. The fort has some of the most impressive battlements, which have walkways on the inner side. The "Diwa Burj" watchtower, for example, provides an excellent viewpoint from where tourists can look across the whole town and the Amber Fort, which is just a little distance away. The Jaigarh Fort is considered to be one of the most well fortified structures in India.

Jantar Mantar
Built by Sawai Jai Singh, this is one of the largest and the best-preserved observatories of India. The most striking instrument of the Jantar Mantar is the Brihat Samrat yantra, an imposing yellow edifice to the far right of the observatory complex.

HOTELS

Heritage Hotels

• Rajmahal hotel

• Rajvilas hotel

• Samode haveli

• Rambagh palace

Budget Hotels

• Hotel Mansingh Towers

• Diggi Palace

• Rajasthan Palace

• Dera Rawatsar

 

Content Copyright © Ricardo Fernan 2007, All Rights Reserved