Attractions In jaipur
Attractions in Jaipur
If you are looking for a place that has a rich culture, and at the same time boasts majestic palaces, forts and beautiful temples, then Jaipur is the best option to consider. Frequented by thousands of travellers from across the country and the world, the city offers a deep insight into the intriguing medieval Indian history. Mentioned below are some of the most popular attractions in Jaipur that you must include in your tour itinerary.
Forts and Palaces
When planning a Jaipur tour, the first thing that comes to our mind is its magnificent forts and palaces. Amer Fort, Jaigadh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal impress visitors with their impressive architecture in the very first sight. Built by Raja Man Singh in 1592, Amer Fort is made of white marble and red sandstone, and is situated in Amer, around 11 km from Jaipur. Overlooking the pristine Maota Lake, the fort exemplifies a perfect blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural style elements. The fort comprises Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) and Sukh Niwas.
Another great fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture can be seen at City Palace – once the seat of the maharaja of Jaipur. It is a prominent palace complex housing the beautiful Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. On a trip to the palace, you can admire its manicured gardens, courtyards and buildings. You can also see a nice collection of royal costumes at Mubarak Mahal, which is now a part of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum.
Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is a perfect place to spend an evening with loved ones. Beautiful floral patterns, fluted pillars and domed canopies highlight the Rajput style while the arches and stone inlay filigree work depict the Islamic architectural style of this pink sandstone structure.
Set in the centre of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal or Water Palace was built by Maharaja Madho Singh I as his shooting lodge. You can have a good time appreciating its architectural beauty that appears more attractive in the azure waters of the lake. The palace has four submerged levels in which solid stone walls and lime mortar are used to prevent water seepage.
Museums and Art Galleries
If you are interested in the history of Jaipur, then numerous museums and art galleries will fascinate you with their centuries-old exhibits having immense historical significance. Opened to public in 1887, the Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum of Rajasthan. Also referred to as the Government Central Museum, it boasts a fine collection of artefacts, including portraits, paintings, sculptures, pottery, and most importantly a 2300-year-old Egyptian mummy.
You can also plan a visit to the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum (also known as City Palace Museum) that houses a rare collection of miniature paintings and Hindu scriptures. The Dolls Museum with its exquisite collection of dolls is another not-to-be-missed attraction in the city.
Gardens, Parks and Zoos
Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Sisodia Rani Palace and Garden is frequented by many tourists visiting Jaipur. It boasts beautiful gardens, fountains, pavilions and wall paintings. A leisurely walk through colourful water channels and beautiful flowerbeds is sure to make you cherish your visit. Central Park, another well-known park in the city, is home to numerous varieties of plants and flowers. Popular with denizens and tourists alike, it features modern fountains and jogging tracks. For animal lovers, a visit to Jaipur Zoo can be a rewarding experience.
Temples
The culture of Jaipur dates back to hundreds of years, and the city is home to people of different religions. You can find numerous temples, mosques, churches and gurudwaras in almost all parts of the city. Birla Mandir, also known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple, is built using premium white marble and fascinates everyone with its modern architectural style. Its interior is decorated with paintings of different Hindu deities, while the exterior has beautiful carvings of prominent religious and historical pioneers like Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, Socrates, Zarathustra and Lord Buddha. A magnificent idol of Lakshmi Narayan, made from a single piece of stone, is the major attraction of the temple. Govind Dev Jee Temple, Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple, Galtaji Temple and Monkey Temple are also worth visiting.
Other Attractions
Featuring a unique collection of 19 astronomical instruments, Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can see the world’s largest stone sundial and instruments made of brass and stone. Chokhi Dhani, Ram Niwas Garden, Jawahar Kala Kendra and Raj Mandir Cinema are other must-see tourist attractions in Jaipur.
