Spectrum Tours » Rajasthan » Jaipur

Capital of Rajasthan has earned universal renown as the "Pink City".
Jaipur, meaning the "city of victory', was founded in 1727 by the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh of Kachhawaha clan, and designed by architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya in accordance with the principles of town planning set down in the 'Shilpa Shastra' - an epochal treatise on the Hindu architecture.

Attractive monuments, comfortable hotels, gardens and excursion nearby places and shopping makes the Pink City a memorable one.

Places of Interest
» The City Palace : The City Palace complex is a historical and mark with its numerous old building, courtyards, impressive gateway and temples. Two elephants carved in marble guard the entrance, occupying one-seventh of the walled city area. The palace houses the seven-storied Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, the Diwane-Am and Diwani-e-Khas. The museum houses a rare collection of arms, carpets, costumes, paintings and royal paraphernalia.
A notable exhibit is a pair of pure silver containers, which are the largest single pieces of silver in the world

» Jantar Mantar One of the astronomer king Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories (the others being in Delhi, Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura), represents the high points of medieval Indian astronomy. It is a collection of complex astronomical instruments chiseled out of stone most of which continue to provide fairly accurate information to this day.

» Hawa Mahal Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this is remarkable structure which overlooks one of the main streets and also provides some excellent views of the city. The multi-niched five-storey high balconies of the complex were built to provide adequate vantage position behind delicate stone-carved jail screens to the palace women for watching the royal procession through the bazaar below.

» Govind Devji Temple Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is shaped like a Mukut, which adorns the Lord's head. The image in the form of Govind Devji, originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh II as his family deity.

» Swargashuli / Isar Lat The tower dominating the skyline on the western side of Tripolia Bazar, the largest structure of Jaipur was built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in 1749 to commemorate an important victory.

» Ram Niwas Bagh (Gardens) This is a lush spacious garden with a zoo an aviary (i.e. a large enclosure for birds) a green house, a museum and popular sport ground. Built during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh in 1868 as a famine relief project, the majestic Albert Hall Museum opened in 1887 AD displays a rich collection of paintings, carpets, ivory, stone and metal sculptures and other objects besides and Egyptian mummy of a priestess. The Bagh also houses one of the oldest zoos in the country.

» Maharani Ki Chattri The traditional site where the last rites of royal ladies were performed. It has a number of cenotaphs some of which are still in very good condition.

» Gaitor Located in the foothills of the Nahargarh hills, this is the funeral ground of the rulers of the Jaipur, there are some fine cenotaphs with intricately carved marble columns and lattices.

» Jai Mahal A palace amidst the Man Sagar lake was built for royal duck shooting parties.

» A Kanak Vrindavan A newly restored temple and a popular picnic spot.

» Galtaji Old pilgrim center with several pavilions, natural springs and a Sun temple.

» Sisodia Palace, Gardens And Vidyadhar Gardens These are well-laid out garden houses with several galleries, pavilions and murals depicting the scenes from the life of Lord Krishna which are a visual delight.

The Garland of Forts
» Nahargarh Meaning the Tiger Fort it was built in 1734 AD and provides some stunning views of the city. A royal retreat for the Maharanis, it was also used as a treasury for many year.

» Jaigarh The Fort of Victory built in 1726 by Sawai Jai Singh, the world's largest cannon on wheels is located here. Also of interest is the intricate water supply and storage system which is considered a marvel of planning. The fort has it s own museum.

» Amer Amer is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh, it sprawls on the hillside. Built in red sandstone and white marble, the palce complex has some very interesting apartments. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas and Ganesh pol are some of the prominent areas of interest. The old township at foothills with its cobblfid streets and ruins of havelis provides and old world atmosphere.

Excursions
Sanganer (12 Km) : It has an exquisitely carved Jain temple. The town is an important center of crafts industry and produces one of the finest hand printed textiles from units of block and screen paintings

Jaisinghpura (12 Km) : One of the settlements of the Meena tribe, it has also an imposing fort, a Jain temple and step-well in a picturesque location

Ramgarh Lake (32 Km) : A huge artificial lake created by constructing a high bund amidst tree-covered hills, beside their is a temple of Jamuna Mata and the ruins of a fort.

Bagru (35 Km) : It is noted for printed handloom industry

Samode (40 Km) : It has the old palace which is renovated and rebuilt provides decorated and painted examples of Rajput haveli architecture and is an ideal spot for outings.

Madhogarh Tunga (40 Km) : An historic battle between Jaipur forces and Marathas was fought at Tunga Fort. Madhogarh nestles amidst beautiful mango orchards.

Bairath (56 Km) : An important historical place with the excavated remains of a circular Buddhist temple - unique in Rajasthan and the earliest known temples in India. The town also has the relics and structure of Mauryan, Maghal and Rajput periods.

Sambhar (94 Km) : It is the largest inland salt lake in India known for the holy Devayani tank. The palace and the Naliasar are located nearby.

Tonk (96 Km) : On the way to Ranthambore this quite little town was ruled by a tribe of Pathans from Afghanistan. Sunheri Kothi's interior is richly ornamented with stained glass mirrors, stucco and gilt. There is a thriving leather and felt industry in Tonk. The Nawabs of Tonk were avid book lovers and collectors. In the nineteenth and early decades of the 20 centuries, they built up a large collection of rare and magnificent manuscripts and books in Arabic and Persian. A few years back Arabic and Persian research institute has been set up here.

Abhneri (128 Km) : Near Bandikui it has the famous temple of Harshad Mata built in 7th and 8th centuries.

Ranthambore (132 Km) : Founded in the 11th century, the fort was the stronghold of the Yadav a kings in the 8th century and later the Chauhans from 10th century onwards. The fort faced several attacks, and its most valiant ruler was Hammir who faced Alluddin Khilji and refused to bow to the enemy in spite of severe shortage of food and provisions. Thousands of people gather at Ganesh temple in the fort durng Ganesh Chaturthi. One interesting aspect is the mail that is sent to Lord Ganesha consisting mainly of wedding invitations; the letters are brought up to the temple in large sacks every day.

Today the town is known for its Ranthambore National Park. History and natural history blend in right proportion in the Ranthabore National Park, a famous tiger reserve under the Project Tiger. Here sambar, chital, chinkara, nilgai, wild boar and common langur provide a good spectrum of prey range for the resident tigers and their co-predators leopard jackal, sloth bear and hyena who also live in the 392sq km of unique habit of dry deciduous forests.

The park is approachable both by rail (132 Km) and road (180 km) from Jaipur. RTDC castle Jhoomar Baori, Hotel Kamdhenu, Maharaja's Lodge, PWD rest house, railway retiring rooms and several hotels are available on advance notice.

Ajmer (135 Km) : Surrounded by the Aravallies, the city was established in the early 7th Century by Ajaipal Chauhan and named Ajaimeru - the invisible hill. The Chauhans dominated the city for many years. Towards the end of the 12th century Pritviraj Chauhan was killed in a battle with Mohammed Ghori and the city came under Delhi Sultanate. Ajmer saw many upheavals until Emperor Akbar came to the throne in 1556 and gave Ajmer the status of a full-fledged province and also made it his base for operations in Rajputana. The Rajputs, the Mughals, the Marathas and the British were all involved on it and left their marks. In 1818 it passed into British Empire by accepting the British treaty of Subordinate Alliance.

Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage center for the Hindus as well as the Muslims, especially for the Dargah-tomb and the Pushkar Lake where lies the abode of Lord Brahma

The Dargah, is the final resting place of the great Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. The Dargah Sharif, where the saint lies buried, was visited by Akbar. During the URS Several thousands of Muslim pilgrims from all over the sub-continent visit the shrine. The Dargah has two massive cauldrons that are filled with about 48 and 32 quintals of rice, dry fruits and condiments respectively and then cooked by professionals who slide down into massive cauldrons for mixing it. The cooked rice is then sold as "TA BARUKH - SANCTIFIED FOOD"

Other places of interest in Ajmer are ADHAI-DIN-KA-JHOPRA, TARAGARH FORT, MUSEUM AND MAYO COLLEGE.

Pushkar : 11 km from Ajmer, is sacred to the Hindus. The lake at Pushkar is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself and has the same sanctity as Manasarovar in Tibet. Thelake is situated on the edge of the desert and surrounded by hills from Ajmer by "Nag Parvat'. On this mountain the Panchkund and the cave of saint Agystya are located. It is believed that Kalidasa the 4th century poet land play writer had chosen the setting for his masterpiece "Abhigyana Shakuntalam' in this forest heritage. No pilgrimage is complete without a visit to Pushkar. There are 400 temples and the lake is circled by 50 ghats built over the years by several kings and nobles. The important temples are dedicated to Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, Badri Narayan, Varaha,gayatri and Savitri The important ghats are the Varaha, Brahma and gau.
Pushkar is also the site for one of the largest CATTLE FARI AND MELA, and is believed to be the most colourful animal fair in the world. On the full-moon night of Kartik (novement) pilgrims take a holy dip in the lake.
Along the banks of the Pushkar Lake is the former residence of Raja Mansingh of Amber

Alwar (150 Km) : Alswar, one of the oldest cities in Rajsthan, was once a lparto of Matsya Desh. It was here, in the city of Viratnagar, in the court of king Virata that the mighty Pandavas, herores of the great Indian epic Mahabharata, spent the last year of their 13 years of exile. There are still exist several lmonumnets around Alwar named after the Pandavas. Matsya kingdom was overshadowed by the more influential Mauryan Empire and with the passing of the years there were many more upheavals. Alwar today is a busy and growing industrial district-but full of ancient temples, medieval forts and palaces, gardens and a wildlife sanctuary.

Bala Quila (Fort) : This Huge Fort With Its Ramparts Stretching 5 Km from north to south and 2.6 km from east to west, stands 304 meters above the city and 595 meters above sea level constructed before the rise of the Mughal empire. The fort is a witness to many historical events. CITY PALACE OR VINAY VILAS PALALCE, built in the 18th century, it has traces of both Rajput and Mughal style architecture. The converted into government offices and district court. GOVERNMENT MUSEUM has the finest collection of Mughal and Rajput paintings dating back to the 18th and 19th century and some rare ancient manuscripts and Persian, Arabic Urdu and Sanskrit. VIAJY MANDIR PALCE, 10 from Alwar, this is the royal residence, built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1819. a splendid temple of Sita Ram here is visited by devotees on the occasion of Ram Navmi. SILISERH LAKE AND PALACE HOTE, 13 km away, is a popular picnic spot built as a summer retreat. A magnificent royal place and the hunting lodge, built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845 for his queen Shila stands overlooking the lake which is now converted into hotel. JAI SAMAND LAKE, 37 km, is the largest artificial lake constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1910. it is a popular picnic spot for outing and picnic. VIRATNAGAR, 66 km from Alwar, is one of the oldest historical sites in Rajasthan, edict of King Ashoka the great dating back to the 3rd century. BC was found here. 37 km away is the SARISKA SANCTUARY AND PALACE. The 765.80 sq km thickly wooded reserve is cradled in the picturesque reserve in the valley of Aravellis. Established in 1955 it is an excellent tiger sanctuary under Project Tiger. A marvelous palace was build here by Maharaja Jai Singh in the honour of Duke of Edinbirgh during his visit to the sanctuary.

How To Reach
Air : Jaipur is connected by air to Delhi, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Calcutta, Jodhpur, Mumbai and Udaipur

Rail : Jaipur is connected by rail to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Indore, Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi,
Amritsar and all-important cities of Rajsthan.
Jaipur is connected with Delhi by Shatabdi Express.
Delhi - Jaipur Shatabdi Express (Train operates between Delhi and

Roads : Delhi, Jaipur and Agra is known as the Golden Triangle and as such it is well-connected by road. Rajasthan Roadways and marry private bus operators run regular services of A/c and deluxe coaches from Delhi to Jaipur and many other cities of the Rajasthan

Distances From Jaipur
Delhi 259 km; Agra 228 km; Bharatpur 176 km Sariska 108 km, Ajmer 132 km; Chittore 320 km; Udaipur 407 km; Jodhpur 343 km; Jaisalmer 654 km; Bikaner 321 km; Sawaimadhopur 157 km; Ahmedabad 664 km