JAIPUR
 The
Capital of Rajasthan, also known as the 'Pink City' is established,
in the tourist record of books as the third corner of India's
golden triangle. 300 kms southwest of Delhi, this old city
of Jaipur is encircled with 7 gates, amongst which the major
are chandpol, Sanganeri and Ajmeri. The old walled quarter
of the Rajasthani capital is specifically labeled 'pink city'
due to the local quartile stone covered with terracotta with
which all the structures are built. The north east of town
houses some glorious palaces and temples, depicting styles
spanning centuries scattered throughout the area, especially
the urban area.
History
One of the loveliest cities in the world, Jaipur owes much
of its grandeur to the careful planning of great warrior-astronomer
Maharaja Jai Singh II and brilliant architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya.
This city was made to order by Jai Singh in 1727 when Mughal
Power was on the wane. The architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya
used the principles of town planning laid in the Shilpa Shastra
(an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture), while designing
the city. The same principles were employed when he built
the city Palace as well as the largest stone observatory in
the world.
Places to visit
 Jaipur
is a spectacular place attracting a large number of tourists.
The magical glow of the pink and orange building during sunset
and the gorgeously attired Rajasthanis add beauty to this
colourful city. In Jaipur you can come across many camel drawn
carts.
The Hawa Mahal and City Palace are the most fascinating palaces.
Just adjacent to the City Palace is the world's larges observatory
Jantar Mantar begun by Jai Singh in 1728. Jai Singh was more
known for his astronomy than his prowess as a warrior. Among
the 5 observatories built in Delhi, Varanasi, Ujjain, Mathura
(where it has now disappeared) and Jaipur, this is the largest
and best preserved.
Central Museum is situated in the Ram Nivas gardens in the
south of old city. This museum displays portraits of the Jaipur
Maharajas, a collection of costumes, and woodwork from various
parts of the state, and other miniatures and artworks. The
gardens also house a zoo and an art gallery.
Around Jaipur
11 kms out of Jaipur is the awe-inspiring piece of Rajput
architecture, the Amber Fort. Amber was an ancient capital
of Rajasthan.
On the road to Amber at a distance of 6.5 kms from Jaipur
are the cenotaphs of the royal family, at Gaitore. A causeway
leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated in the middle of a lake,
opposite the cenotaphs. At night the Nargarh fort situated
6.5 kms away is floodlit. Built in 1726 is Jalgarh Fort which
is walking distance of Amber.
The spectacular Samode palace is located in a small village
of samode, located 50 kms north of Jaipur. Other places of
interest to the tourist are, the temple of Sun God at Galta,
Sisodia Rani palace and gardens, Vidyadhar's garden, Balaji
and Sanganer.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and March.
How to get there
Air: Jaipur is connected
to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Calcutta and
Varanasi by domestic flights.
Bus: Jaipur can be accessed
from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and
Mumbai by bus.
Train: The train service
to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country.
The train services to Jaipur are slower, because of the metre
gauge line.
Where to Stay
Rambagh Palace (Tel: 141-381919, Fax: 381098), formerly the
palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur, is one of India's most prestigious
and romantic hotels. Jai Mahal Palace (Tel: 371616, Fax: 365237)
also used to belong to the Maharaja of Jaipur. Rajmahal Palace
(Tel: 381676, Fax: 381887), Hotel Clarks Amer (Tel: 550616,
Fax: 550013), Mansingh Hotel (Tel: 378771, Fax: 377582) and
Hotel Jaipur Ashok (Tel: 322999) are other good options in
the city.
Contact
Tourist reception Centre, Tourist Hotel, M.I. Road, Jaipur.
Tel: 141-370180 (Extn. 215/203) Tourist Information Counter,
Platform No. 1, Railway Station, Jaipur. Tel: 315714.
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