Tourist places in and around Jaipur
Birla Mandir or Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Laxmi Narayan Temple The other places of interest are Jaipur Museum, Albert Museum, Birla Mandir Planetarium, Sisodia Rani Park, Lakshmi Narain Temple, Kanak Vrindavan, the Raj Mahal Palace and Rambagh Palace (now a Luxury hotel).The magnificent temple just below Moti Doongri is noted for its excellent architecture and exquisite carvings on white marble.
Birla Mandir or the Lakshmi - Narayan Temple, situated just below the Moti Dungari. This is a modern temple built of white marble on top of a hill, dominating the skyline of south Jaipur. .
Govind Devji Temple
Near chandra Mahal is dedicated to Lord Krishna.A vital part of the city Palace complex, this Krishna temple has been highly preserved by the erstwhile royal family. Sawai Jai Singh installed the image of GOVIND DEV JI (an incarnation of lord Krishna) after it was brought from Vrindavan.
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
Hawa Mahal is the best-known landmark of Jaipur. As against the popular belief it is not really a palace. It is a sand stone screen from behind which the ladies of the court could watch the proceedings on the road below without being seen.In the heart of the city is situated the City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The place is now a museum except for one section where the erstwhile royal family still lives. The city palace has an exclusive part devoted to the arms and ammunitions used by the royal family in the past.
Hawa Mahal is the most strikingly designed monument in Jaipur. Built by the poet-king Sawai Pratap singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is centrally located and is multiniched, five storey high. It was conceived, five storey high. It was conceived to provide n adequate vantage position behind delicate stone-carved jali, screens for the palce women to watch the royal processions passing through the Bazaar below without being seen by outsiders. The top of the palace affords a beautiful view of the city. A small archaeological museum is yet another attraction in the palace.
It was built in 1799, by the poet king sawai pratap singh for the royal ladies to enjoy the procession and day to day activities from the coll confinement of this majestic façade. The five storeyed semi-octagonal structure has 953 niches and 152 windows, with overhanging latticed balconies, curvilinear roofs, domes and spires.
The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is only one of the 5 observatories constructed by Jai Singh still running. The observatories show the passion of Maharaja Jai Singh for astronomy. This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use. .Jantar Mantar is one of Sawai Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Constructed with stone and marble, it is scientifically designed, and represents the high-points of medieval Indian Astronomy. The two Ram Yantras used for gauging altiudes are unique in their isolation. This is the largest of the five observatories founded by Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of the country.
This open ‘air observatory is set outside the gateway of the city palace complex. It was built in 1728, by sawai Jai singh II and is one of the five observatories built by him. The first being at Delhi in 1724, followed by observatories at Jaipur (1728); Ujjain (1734); Varanasi (1737) and Mathura (1738).
Swargasuli or Isar Lat
This imposing minaret was built by sawai Ishwari singh in 1749, to commemorate a grand victory. It dominates the skyline on the western sode of the Tripolia Bazar and affords a fine view of the city.Ram Niwas Garden
The beautiful garden near Ajmeri Gate was built by sawai Ram singh in 1868. In sprawls across an area of four acres and has a zoo, a bird park, a play ground, exhibition ground and a gymnasium.Govt. Central Museum (albert Hall)
Central Museum situated in the Ram Niwas Gardens has a large collection of costumes, woodwork, brassware, Jewllery and pottery.The magnificent building built in Indo-Saracenic style is set in the lish Ram Niwas Garden. It was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob and inaugurated in 1863, by Prince Albert. Albert Hall was opened in 1887 as public museum and now functions as the state Museum of Rajasthan.
The City Palace
The City Palace is a historic landmark. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones. Two elephants carved in marble, guard the entrance, where retaineers whose families have served generations of the rulers are at hand, to serve as guides.A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
City Palace Complex
It was built between 1729 and 1732 by sawai Jai Singh in the heart of the old city area. The complex is surrounded by a high wall and is divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and other buildings. It is a splendid fusion of Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. The magnificent chandra Mahal, occupies the centre stage and is still the residence of erstwhile ruling family. The outer courtyards have architectural beauties like Mubarak Mahal, Sarvatobhadra, Diwan Khana and Pritamk Niwas. These have been converted into a museum known as the Maharaja sawai Man Singh II Museum. The most interesting exhibits at city palace inculdes, the two huge silver urns known as Gangajalis, which are placed outside the Diwan-I-Khas or the ‘Hall of Private Audience'. These were used by Wawai Madho singh during his trip to England in 1902. The silver urns find mention in "Guiness Book of ‘world Records", as being the largest silver objects in the world.Ravindra Manch
It is also located within the Ram Nivas gardens. Rajasthani dance, music and plays are held here in the evening. There is also a small art gallery exhibiting works of well known modern artists and the sculptors of Rajasthan.Dolls Museum
It is situated on the J L Nehru Marg, near Police Memorial and has a rich collection of beautiful dolls from all over the world.Birla Planetarium, Birla Auditorium & Convention centre
It is the part of the Birla science and Technology centre at statue circle. The audio-visual display at the plantarium with the help of computerised projection system is educative and entertaining. There is an interactive science museum, a libracry, a computer centre, an ingormation processing and dissemination cell etc. The state-of-art main auditorium is one of the largest in the country, which a seating capacity of 1,350.The Birla Planetarium is at the BM Birla Science & Technology Centre, near Statue Circle. The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual educational and entertainment with its modern computerised projections system.
Galtaji
This ancient Hindu Pilgrim site associated with sage Gala nestles amidst low hills. The sacred site is studded with temples, pavilions and holy kunds. The temple of sun God built by Diwan Kriparam is the most important shrine of Galtaji.It is an ancient pilgrimage centre lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills. Temples, pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and water tanks) 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 a visible city landmark. .
Gaitor
The royal crematorium at the foot hill os Nahargarh fort has cenotaphs and memorials of various distinguished members of the royal family of Jaipur.It is the final resting place of the Maharajas of Jaipur and is located just off the Jaipur - Amber Road. Situated in a narrow valley the cenotaphs of the former Maharajas are chhatris made in typical Rajput architecture. The chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh II is of special mention for its carvings that exaggerate it.
Maharani ki Chhatri
It is the funeral place for toyal ladies and is located just before the Ramgarh road crossing. Some exquisitely carved cenotaphs can be seen here.Kanak Vrindavan Garden complex
The beautiful temple-garden complex lies on Jaipur-Delhi highway, near Jal Mahal. It is a popular excursion and picnic point.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. .
Ghat ki Guni
This scenic narrow gorge along the Agra road has beautifully landscaped gardens built during the 18th and 19th centuries. The important ones are - Sisodia Rani Gardens & Palace and Vidhyadhar Garden.The Statue Circle
This is a traffic roundabout In Jaipur. It is the favourite lounge of Jaipur and a place for evening out, with 'Meals on Wheels' standing by. Strangely it acquires its name of statue circle after its figurine rather than the grand Sawai Jai Singh the founder of modern day Jaipur. .Moti Dungri
In the middle of Jaipur rises a small hill Moti Dungri meaning pearl hill, because it looks hill a drop of pearl. An exotic palace is parched which is a replica of Scottish castle once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son. .Jal Mahal or the ‘Water Palace' (6 km)
The JaI Mahal Palace, Jipur is noted for its intricated architecture. The palace was developed as a pleasure spot. It was used for the royal duck shooting parties. On the road to Amber Palace at a distance of 6.5km from Jaipur are the cenotaphs of the royal family. A causeway leads to JaI Mahal Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar lake, opposite the cenotaphs. The first four floors of this building is under water, only the top floor remains outside. One can have a wonderful view of the lake and the palace from Nahargarh Fort built in 1799.This summer resort of the erstwhile royal family was built by sawai Pratap singh in 1799, in the midst of picturesque Man Sagar Lake on the way to amber.
Also known as Water Palace, Built in the mid 18th century by Madho Singh I The Palace was developed as a pleasure spot and was used for the royal duck shooting parties. A causeway leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, opposite the cenotaphs. .
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh
Along the road to Agra, through a narrow gorge in the south-easten corner of the walled city, several landscaped gardens were constructed by the kings and important courtiers in the 18th and 19th centuries. The largest and the most famous amongst these is a garden built by Sawai Jai Singh II for his Sisodia Queen- The Sisodia Rani-ka-Bagh. It consists of tiered multi-level gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavilions. Amongst others, the best-preserved one is Vidyadhar-ka-Bagh, constructed by the builder of the city, Vidyadhar, with shady trees, flowing water, an open pavilion and suites of living rooms.Sawai Jai Singh built it in 1728. The garden is laid in Mughal style and it depicts the legends of Radha and Krishna. The garden is located 8 km from Jaipur - Agra road .It consists of tiered multi-level gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavilions. Sawai Jai Singh built it for his Sisodia Queen from Udaipur. The palace house has several galleries, pavilions and beautiful murals depicting scenes from the life of lord Krishna. .
Albert Hall
Situated in the middle of the Ram Niwas garden, as a centre attraction was the exquisitely built structure of Albert Hall, which was designed by sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect who designed many palaces in Rajasthan. Combining the elements of English and north Indian architecture known as the pride of the New Jaipur opened in 1887 AD, it is a very well maintained and impressive building displaying a rich collection of Art- de- fact like paintings, carpet, ivory, stone and metal sculptures and colourful crystal works etc.Zoo
Just opposite the Albert Hall is one of the oldest ZOO in the country, harbouring different species of birds and animals. .Vidyadhar Gardens
Located near the Sisodia Gardens,it is a beautiful vineyard, which unfolds itself in the valley. It is named after Vidyadhar Bhatacharjee the architect of Jaipur. .Around Jaipur
Amber Place & Fort (11 km)
Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthan fort-palace. Built in 1592 by Man Singh its walls depict painted scenes of hunting with precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster. In the foreground is the Maota Lake with breathtaking reflections of the magnificent Amber Fort-Palace.Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, is perhaps the most beautiful example of Rajasthani forts and gives a grand view of the city below. Other attractions include the Jaigarh Fort, Birla Mandir, and Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh.
Amber Fort and Palace was originally built by Raja Man Singh and subsequently developed by Sawai Jai Singh. The major attractions are Sheela Devi Temple, Sheesh Mahal (Hall of mirrors), and Jai Garh Fort, a few kilometres from the city centre, which was built for the defence of the town and has one of the world's biggest cannons on wheels. It has a rich collection of arms and weapons.
It was the capital of Kachhwaha's of the old state of Dhundhar for over six centuries, before the birth of Jaipur. The mighty Amber fort stands atop a range of craggy hills overlooking the Jaipur-Delhi highway. The fort is a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal styles and is noted for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. The original palace was built by Raja Man singh, while the successive rulers contributed to the development of the place in their own way. The majestic Amber Palace complex is approached through an imposing gateway called as ‘Ganesh Pol'. It has magnificent halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by Raja Man singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and sawai Jai Singh, over a span of about two centuries. The main sites here includes, diwan-I-am or the ‘Hall for the public Audiences', Sukh Niwas or the ‘Hall of victory', Sheesh Mahal or ‘Hall of Mirrors', Diwan-I-Khas or the ‘Private Meeting Hall' and Jas Mandir or ‘Hall of Glory' etc.
The sacred shila Mata Temple adjecent to the singh pole is dedicated to shila Mata (an aspect o Goddess Kali), the patron goddess of the royal family.
Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression. .
Amber (pronounced Amer) is situated about 11 kilometres from Jaipur and was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted in the plains to present day Jaipur. Amber is the classic and romantic fort- palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. In the foreground is the Maota Lake providing a breathtaking look.
Jagat Shiromani Temple
The beautifully carved shrine is located at the foothills of the Amber Palace. It enshrines an idol of Lord Krishna and is regarded as one of the marvels of Indian temple achitecture.Jaigarh Fort (15 km)
The Western skyline is dominated by the extensive parkotas (walls), watch-towers and gateways of Jaigarh. It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved almost intact containing palaces, gardens, open and covered reservoirs, a grannary, an armoury, a well planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon, the ‘Jai Ban' which the largest in the country.This hill-top fortress overlooks the palaces and the old town of Amber. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1726 and is among the few fortresses of medieval India which are still preserved, almost intact. Within its rugged bastions are beautiful palaces, and gardens. ‘Jai Ban', the world's biggest cannon on wheels is placed here. It has a 20ft long barrel and the wells are 9ft. in diameter.
The Jaigarh fort is the most spectacular of the three-hilltop forts that overlook Jaipur. In Mughal times, the Jaipur region was a major weapon-producing centre for the Mughal and Rajput rulers, several of which are on display in the fort's museum.
Nahargarh Fort (15 km)
Beyond the hills of Jaigarh, stands the fort of Nahargarh like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautifu; capital. Much of the original structures are now in ruins, but the lovely buildings added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II in the 19th century are preserved in a good condition. Some of the rooms provide the most spectacular view of the city below.It is the third hill-top fort guarding the Jaipur city and was initially built by sawai Jai singh in 1734 and later enlarged by sawai Ram singh.
The Jaigarh fort is the most spectacular of the three-hilltop forts that overlook Jaipur. In Mughal times, the Jaipur region was a major weapon-producing centre for the Mughal and Rajput rulers, several of which are on display in the fort's museum.
Sanganer (16 km)
The small town is famous for the beautifully carved Jai temples and palace ruins. It is also renowned for hand block printed textiles and hand-made paper.Sanganer is located 16 Kms from Jaipur. It is also known for exquisite Jain temples. Moreover, it is an important centre for crafts and hand-printed textiles that is internationally famous.The most beautiful temple in Sanganer is the ancient Shri Digamber Jain temple.
Samode (40 km)
This quaint village is known for the Samode Palace of Nathawat family. It is now a famous heritage hotel. Other attractions are samode Garden and Samode Haveli.The fort is an old fortified residence of the Nathawat family (hailing from chomu) that served as the Prime Ministers of the Jaipur Royal Court is located some 40km from Jaipur and 264 km from Delhi in the range of Aravali.