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Excursion Of Jaipur
Jaigarh Fort
The imposing fort, built in
1726 by Jai Singh was opened tot he public in mid - 1983 and offers
a greatviewover the plains from the Diwa Burj watchtower.
The fort served as the treasury of the Kachcawas.
It is a remarkable feat of millitary architechture in a fine state
of preservation, with water reservoirs, residential areas, a puppet
theatre and worl largest wheeled cannon, Jaya Vana.
Jaigarh was never captured and is therefore in
a pretty good shape. A giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban, one of
the largest in the country are preserved here. The extensive parkotas
(wallls), watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh dominate the western
skyline.
Govind Dev Ji
The most popular temple of Jaipur dedicated to Lord Krishna. It
is located in the central pavilion of the Jai Niwas Garden to the
north of Chandra Mahal. The image of the patron deity-Govind Devji,originally
installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai
Jai Singh II as his family deity.
A Part of City Palace complex, this Krishna Temple
is highly revered by the erstwhile royal family. The image brought
from Vrindavan, is housed within the sanctum of this spireless temple,
the patron deity of the royal family is very religiously worshipped
by most of the Hindus in the city and near by areas. The image is
unveiled seven times daily for 'AARTIES' and BHOGS offered in the
silver wares, consisting of sweets mostly. The idols of RADHA KRISHNA
are dressed in different styles each time for the 'AARTI' procession
where thousands of followers or 'Bhakt' gather around the courtyard
for the Darshan (a look connecting them with the divine).
Swargasuli
The highest tower dominating the skyline of the western side of
the Tripolia Bazaar. It was built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in 1749
A.D. to commemorate a grand victory.
Also known as the Israr Lat, this tower was irected
in the mid - 18 century by Maharaja Ishwari Singh to commemorate
 a battle victory. Ironically, Ishwari Singh was
ostracised for his love of a common girl, and he is the only Kachcawaha
maharaja who has not been commemorated at Gaitore.
Sisodia Rani Garden
Six kilometers from the city on Agre road, this palace with its
surrounding terraced gardens was built for Maharaja Jai Singh's
second wife, the Sisodia princess. The palace is closed but the
outer walls are decorated with murals depicting hunting scenes and
the Krishna Legend. Video cameras are not permitted.
BM Birla Planetarium
The Birla Planetarium is at the BM Birla Science & Technology
Center, near Statue Circle. The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual
educational and entertainment with its modern computerised projections
system.
This attractive building houses a state-of-the-art
centre of knowledge on the cosmos and a unique science and technology
museum with several self-operated models.
Galta Ji 
An ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond the gardens amidst low
hills.Temples ,pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and reservoirs)
along with lush landscape make it a delightful spot. The small temple
of the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest
peak is visible from all parts of the city.
A popular site with pilgrims, Galtaji's hilly location
is full of surprising spires and peaks. Some of the temples here
are quite old, and a sun temple is perched atop the highest point.
The natural springs here are said to possess curative properties.
The legend is that Galtaji was the place where the sage Galava performed
penance 15 centuries ago.
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Old City
It’s called ‘The Pink City’. Simply because the city is colored
pink! Jaipur offers myriad colors for the visitor - in the bright
vibrant traditional skirts of the Rajasthani women and in the huge
turbans of the men folk. And of cour se there are the long rows of shops selling traditional
handicrafts, trinkets, silverware, the works!
The great warrior King Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh
II established the city in the 1720s. He was the quintessential
ruler, warrior,statesman, mathematician, astronomer and architect,
the last of which is quite evident in the impressive plan and layout
of the old city. The broad, open lanes and rectangular road intersections
are evident in the Johari (jeweler) Bazaar in the old city. Unlike
many of the cramped markets elsewhere in the country, this one is
different in that it is planned to enable a smooth flow of traffic.
The old city is also host to a number of other markets like Bapu
Bazaar, Tripolia, and Chandpol Bazaar. Here you can buy cotton fabrics,
camel skin jutties (slippers with the unique upturned toes) and
ittars (traditional perfume).
Once a settlement of nobles,craftsmen and common
folks, the city of Amer is now in ruins. The remanants of its rich
past are the beautifully carved and planned Jagat Shiromani Temple,
a Krishna temple associated with Meerabai, an ancient temple of
Narsinghji and a magnificent step-well,Panna Mian-ka-kund
Ram Niwas Bagh
A garden planned by Maharaja Ram Sigh in the 19th century as a famine
relief project, this extensive park consists of a zoo,aviary, herbarium,
museum and sports complex. An added attraction is the Albert Hall,
designed by Sir sSwinton Jacob, a British architect who created
palaces for many rulers in Rajasthan. The Hall is home to an exquisite
collection of sculptures, paintings, objects d’art, natural history
specimens, an Egyptian mummy and a beautiful Persian carpet. Recently,
the Rabindra Manch with an auditorium, a modern art gallery and
an open-air theatre, has been added to promote cultural events.
Karauli
Located at 182 kms southwest of Jaipur, it was founded in 1348 and
is best known for its Krishna Temples. The Fort, which was constructed
over different period, is about 600 years old. The fort was the
residence for the royal family until 1950 and is now occupied by
monkeys and geese. The geese were used in the early days as warningsystem
against any intruders. They still seem to be doing their duty. The
Bhawar Vilas Palace, which is owned by the descendents of the royal
family and resembles a large manor, is a hotel now. The rooms are
comfortable and good meals are available. Karauli is best connected
by bus or taxi from Jaipur.
Jain Temple 
The most beautiful temple in Sanganer is the ancient Shri Digamber
Jain temple. The temple has fine carvings as those of the magnificent
Dilwara temples of Mount Abu. Built in various phases with sky-high
shikharas (spires), the temple represents an old style of architecture.
The last phase was probably built in the 10th century. The beautiful
nij-mandir (inner temple) is a stone shrine with three pinnacles.
In the centre is an idol of Parshwanath with 7 serpent hoods. All
around it, are carvings of lotuses, creepers and elephants pouring
water from pitchers held in their trunks. But the main idol is that
of Adinath, installed in the shrine behind this.
Moti Dungri
A small palace, this is a replica of a Scottish castle, and perches
on a hilltop. Once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son who was
confined here, it was also for a while home to Maharani Gayatri
Devi. Entry is prohibited.
At the foot of Moti dungri fort is the Birla Lakshmi
Narayan Temple. It is a large, modern marble edifice. Stained glass
widows depict the scenes from Hindu scriptures. Ganesh the protector
of households, is above the lintel, and the fine quality of marble
is evident when you enter the temple and look back at the entrance
way - Ganesh can be made out through the marble, which is almost
transparent. The images of Lakshmi and Narayan were carved from
one piece of marble. Many of the deities of the Hindu pantheon are
depicted inside the temple, and on the outside walls great historical
personages and figures from all religions are shown, including Socrates,
Zarathustra, Christ, Budhda, and Confucius.
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Kanak Vrindav an Complex
Not so old but definitely an exquisitely land scaped gardens with
beautifully carved temple in beige stone, which is a vast complex
with terrace sites all around and intricately carved marble columns
and lattices. Located in the foothills of Nahargarh hills on the
way towards Amer, this complex is a popular spot for picnic and
film shoots. It should be definitely visited on the way to the three
garland forts of Jaipur- Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Amber. The greenery
after the monsoons give this whole place a feel of heavenly sensation,
with Jal Mahal in the background.
Samode
the Nathawat family of Samode served as prime ministers in Jaipur
court, and their four-century-old fortified residence some 40 km
from Jaipur is able to exibit the good taste learned at royal palaces
in a more restrained space. The Durbar hall at Samode Palace is
one of the most beautifully painted chambers in Rajasthan. Close
by is the samode bagh, the garden pavelion with charming water channels
and ancient trees. In Jaipur itself, the family built itself a townhouse,
samode haveli. which typifies the style of architechture then in
prevalance, including accessible public spaces, especially for the
women of the family. The paintings at the Haveli are every bit as
excellent as at the Palace, if a little less profuse. All three
properties are hotels.
Bagru 
Bagru, a small village town in Rajasthan, is a centuries old centre
for hand block printed textiles.
It is located 30 kms away from Jaipur on the Ajmer
Road and is well known for its Bagru prints. This technique simulates
a wooden block on which the required design is first carved, then
the carved block is used for transferring the motif in the desired
colour on the fabric. This process is most effective on ethnic floral
patterns and for printing in vegetable dyes in traditional Bagru
Prints.
The Bagru prints are include less range of colors
which are usually deep and dark shades. The beautiful designs, easy
designing process and use of natural colors have made Bagru prints
very important in Rajasthan's Block printing. Also, Bagru prints
are very famous among the traditional look of the wear and ethnic
taste of the furnishings.
Ramgarh Lake
A huge artificial lake created by constructing a high bund amidst
tree covered hills. While the temple of Jamwa Mata and the ruins
of the old fort are some of its antiquities, its beautiful landscape,
especially during monsoons, makes it an idyllic picnic spot.
Bairat
The  site of Bairat is located
on Alwar Jaipur highway - about 66 kms. from Jaipur and 40 kms.
from Alwar town. The site has got two inscriptions of Mauryan king
Ashoka, one on an isolated boulder and other on a hill also known
as Bijak – ki – Pahari. A roughly flagged ramp takes you to the
top of this hill. One of the inscription is addressed to the Buddhist
community. The Buddhist remains are located on the two terraces
on the Bijak – ki – pahari, the upper terrace with a brick masonary
and the lower one with a brick sanctuary. The sanctuary is a circular
stupa with a door in the east, enclosing another circular wall of
wedge - shaped bricks. The intervening space serves as a procession
path of circumbulatory passage.
The upper terrace of the hill is approached by
a broad staircase and has dilapidated monastery. There were evidences
that monastery continued from Mauryan period till early Christian
era with discovery of 36 silver punch marked Greek and Indo – Greek
coins from the monastery.
The Bairat was flourishing Buddhist centre during
the 4th and 3rd century B.C. under the Mauryan king Ashoka which
was attested by his two inscription fragments. One or more pillars
of Ashoka in Chunar sandstone and a polished stone umbrella of Mauryan
craftsmanship were found in the debris. The site remained in occupation
till early centuries of the Christian era and after a break, in
medieval period.
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Abhaneri 
About 95 km from jaipur on the Agra road , this village has one
of theRajasthan's most awesome baories(step-wells) and is well worth
a detour if your are travelling this way. Flanking by mammoth baoriis
a small crumbuling place, now inhabited by pegions and bats. In
recent yeaers the water level has dorpped low enough to reveal 13
levels of steps down to the stagnant water of the baori, but there
are beleived to be even more levels beneath that. You are allowed
to take the photos of the baori but not the statues.
Sambhar
Sambhar is 190 sq. km in extent at full capacity, and lies some
60 km west of Jaipur, just outside prosaically named Salt Lake City.
This vast body of glacial saline is on average just 0.6 cm deep
and never more than 3 m even just after the monsoon. It stretches
in length for 22.5 km, its width varying between around 3 and 11
km. It is fed by several seasonal fresh water streams, two of the
major ones being the rivers Mendha and Rupangarh.
Sambhar quite literally means salt, and salt has
been extracted from here for over a thousand years by the various
administrators of the area . Over time, these have included the
Scindhias, Rajputs, Marathas, Moghuls and the rulers of Jaipur and
Jodhpur who jointly owned the lake, and who in 1870 leased it to
the British who built the solid square Circuit House where we were
fortunate enough to stay.
After independence, the lake was taken over by
the government and is now managed by Sambhar Salts Limited, a joint
venture of Hindustan Salts and the Government of Rajasthan.
The vast, roughly elliptically shaped lake has
been divided into two sections by a 5 km long stone dam. The eastern
section contains the reservoirs for salt extraction, canals and
salt pans. Water from the vast shimmering western section is pumped
to the other side via sluice gates when it reaches a degree of salinity
considered optimal for salt extraction.
The waters here are glacially still, edged with
a glittering frost of salt. Files abound, drawn by the blue-green
algae in the water and queue up in order to crawl into your mouth
and ears. There is a sharp briny tang in the air taking you straight
back to coastal fishmarkets. The only thing missing being the hushing
lisp of the sea as it fans out on the beach.
Madho garh & Tunga
Tunga was witness to a historic battle fought between the Jaipur
forces and Marathas. The fort is nestled amidst beautiful mango
orchards.
The Present owner, Thakur Bhawani Singh, the fourth
generation directed descendent of Thakur Pratap Singhji, has now
renovated the Madhogarh Fort and converted into a family run heritage
hotel. Guests can now experience the famous Rajput hospitality and
relive the glory of a bygone age.
Nahargarh Tiger Fort
Nahargarh (tiger Fort), overlooks the city of Jaipur from a sheer
ridge to the north and is floodlit at night. The fort was built
in 1734 by Jai Singh and extended in 1868. A 9 km road runs up through
the hills from Jaipur, and the fort can be reached along a zigzagging
2km path which starts from the north - west of the old city. The
glorious view fully justify the effort. Inside the fort you can
visit the Madhavendra Bhavan housing the nine apartments of Maharaja
Ram Singh's nine wive. The rooms are linked by a maze of corridors
and retain some delicate frescoes, as well as toilets and kitchen
herths.
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