Jaipur
for hundreds of years remained the capital of the Kachhwaha dynasty and
hence been extensively enriched architecturally by the Rajput rulers. It
has resulted in numerous forts and palaces which served as the residence
of the royal family. These structures are stunning examples of Rajput
and Mughal style of architecture. The Palaces and forts of Jaipur
encompass beautiful gardens, fountains, temples, durbars, separate men
and women quarters within its fold. Today many of the Palaces serve as
heritage hotels and also house some of the finest museums. Amber Fort
Made in red sandstone and white marble the fort provides the spectator a magnificent sight. The fort of Amber was the citadel of the Kacchwaha clan, with which the great Mughal Emperor Akbar forged a marriage alliance. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Raja Sawai Jai Singh I the fort is a fantastic blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture at its best. From inside the fort is adorned by beautiful paintings and intricate carvings with precious stones and mirror settings on the walls. It offers a visitor an enchanting sight which must not be missed at any cost.
Jaigarh Fort
Situated approximately 15 km away from Jaipur the fort was constructed between 15th to 18th centuries. The fort is clearly a military structure as can be comprehended by its citadel kind of architectural style. The Jaigarh Fort is also famous for housing the world's largest canon on wheels jaivana or jai-ban. The Jaigarh fort perched on a hill-top gives a spectacular view of entire Jaipur city to the visitor.
City Palace & Maharaja Sawai Singh II Museum
The City palace is an ideal example of the blend of Mughal and Rajput styles of Architecture. Situated amidst the heart of the walled city, City palace Jaipur was built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh and later the following rulers made extensions to it. It has now been turned into Raja Man Singh II museum and displays the royal costumes of the Kings and Queens of Jaipur. The Diwan-e-aam or the hall of public audience today serves as the art gallery which has ancient Hindu manuscripts and exquisite work of Mughal, Rajput and Persian art. The Maharani Palace or the Queens Palace serves as the armory museum today. The weapons on display here date back to the 15th century and are in a remarkable state even today. A section of City Palace still serves as the residence of the royal family of Jaipur.
Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal was built by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 for the women of the royal family to view the royal processions and other activities in the street below from the palace without being visible themselves. It is an unusual structure with 953 small windows at the large wall facing the street today to allow breeze to enter in the hot months of summers. The best time to visit the Hawa Mahal is at sunrise when sunrays pierce the beautiful latticed windows and give the entire palace a golden glow.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is a living proof of the interest of the people even 300 years ago in astronomy and the science of celestial bodies. Constructed wholly with stone and marble Jantar Mantar houses fourteen architectural astronomical instruments and is one of the famous five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The fourteen geometric instruments of Jantar Mantar can still be used for making astronomical observations. The Jantar Mantar is visited by innumerable visitors every year.
Birla Lakshmi-Narayan Temple
Built in pure white marble, the temple is one of the recently constructed temples of Rajasthan. The templehas been constructed by the illustrious industrialist family of the Birlas and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi. The temple happens to be one of the major attractions of Jaipur where not only devotees but tourists turn up in a big way.