Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and by far my favourite Indian city. It gained the name of the Pink City because back then it was the queen's favourite colour, and due to this fact every building within the walled historic centre is painted in a terracotta-rosa-shade, with few exceptions. The city has so much to offer that you won't know where to start. The area of the so called Pink City is delimitated by nine equal gates, connected between each other by extra long traffic-avenues. Our tour began in the City Palace, right in the city centre, which is still a royal residence dated from the 18th century and at the same time a museum. We bought a ticket for 500rs and that includes entrance to 4 monuments in town and is valid for two full days.
Based on that, we then took off to visit the Royal Cenotaphs, also known as Gaitore, a royal cremation ground for the Kachhwaha Rajput kings and the members of the royal family. It is located on a base between two hills and on the axe from Jaipur's Fortress Wall. At the top of one of the hills, besides the incredible view, is the less famous Garh Ganesh Temple.
Jaipur almost has a temple or built monument per mount, and I can assure you that are many surrounding it. The Jal Mahal, or Water Palace, is located on the way back to the Pink City and in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake (hence the name). The palace is made of red sandstone, but sadly a big part of it is submerged.
On the second day, we went directly to the Amer Fort, one of the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Jaipur. It is simply amazing and gigantic, and offers a perfect viewpoint. Considered the city's main attraction, you can walk up and spend a couple of hours just wandering around its courtyards, with Hindu and Muslim architectural influences, as well as pathways.
Next to the Ame(b)r Fort, situated on the promontory called the Hill of Eagles, is the Jaigarh Fort. Here they have one of the biggest cannon on wheels ever made. The Jaivana - that's how it is called - dates from the 18th century, is 6m length and weighs about 50 tons. It is so big that 4 elephants were used back then to swivel it around on its axis. Jaigarh is also famed for its stronghold structure that covers a long extension throughout the hills. Almost compared to the Wall of China...
We used our third day to only explore the Pink City and its several gates, visit the Hawa Mahal, and finally the Albert Hall Museum. Perhaps many already know the Hawa Mahal, a palace of red and pink sandstone built in the form of a high wall to screen royal ladies as they watched street festivities. Just its facade brings in several tourists to the area. After it, we walked the complete Surajpol Bazar Road in direction of the Sun Temple and the Monkey Mountain. The idea was actually to visit the Hanuman Temple but somehow we miss it.
As for the Albert Hall Museum is fine detailed architecture needs no words. The building is situated in Ram Niwas Garden outside the city wall opposite New gate and is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It was designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob and was opened as public museum in 1887, case-showing a rich collection of artefacts including paintings, carpets, ivory, stone, metal sculptures, and works in crystal.
Next Stop: Agra, India
For more information:
http://tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/jaipur.html
http://tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/jaipur.html
Comments
Post a Comment