Jaipur

          Complete information about Rajasthan

The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is color washed pink-the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall.

A young Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya formalised the city’s plans in a grid system. The wide straight avenues. Roads, streets, lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of main bazaars were arranged in nine rectangular city sectors (Chokris), in accordance with the principles of town planning set down in the ‘Shilpa Shastra’- and epochal treatise on the Hindu architecture.

There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur’s colorful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharaja’s are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to the pink city a memorable one.

PRIME SITES

• The City Palace

  In the heart of the old city is former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and colored stones. Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers serve as guides.

  The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chased handles, some of them inlaid with enamel and embellished with jewels and encased in magnificent scabbards.

  The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic,Persian,Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail.

  Jantar Mantar

  A stone observatory. Largest of Jai Singh’s five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments,whose setting and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy.The most striking of these are the Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes.

• Hawa Mahal

  Built in 1799 A.D. the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is a major Rajput landmark. This five storey building along the main street of the old city is in pink splendor with semioctagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows.

  The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.

• Govind Devji Temple

  The most popular spireless 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.

• Swargasuli (Isar Lat)

  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.

• Ram Niwas Bagh

  A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarlum , a museum and popular sport ground. It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II in the 1868 A.D. as a famine relief project. The Albert Hall-fine example of Indo Sarcenic style of architecture designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, was opened later with an exquisite collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative wares, natural history specimen, and Egyptian mummy and the celebrated 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.

• Dolls Museum (Time 12.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.)

  Pretty dolls from various countries are on display in the compound of the school for deaf and dumb children,near the Police Memorial.

• BM Birla Planetarium (Time 12.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.)

  The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual education and entertainment with its modern computerized projection system. For school groups concessions are available. Closed on last Wednesday of every month.

• Galtaji

  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.

• Jain Temple

  The exquisite jain temple on the Agra road has some of the most beautiful 19^th century paintings in Jaipur style on its walls.

• Moti Doongari and Lakshmi Narayan Temple

  Moti Doongari is a privately owned hilltop fort built like a scottish castle. The Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the marvellous Lakshmi Narayan Temple built in marbles a few years back,are also noteworthy.

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• Statue Circle

  The full-length exquisitely carve statue of Swai Jai Singh in white marble in the centre of the circle was erected under the newly planned scheme area to pay homage to the founder of Jaipur.

OTHERS SITES

• The Kanak Vrindavan

  Complex of fine temples and gardens has been recently renovated to their pristine perfection. To the west of this road is the royal crematorium at Gaitore in a narrow valley with some spectacular cenotaphs of all the Jaipur rulers except Swai Ishwari Singh who was cremated outside the Jai Niwas Garden. Most imposing is the ‘chattri’ of Sawai Jai Singh II with the intricate carvings and a graceful shape.

• Ghat ki Guni

  Beautifully landscaped gardens, laid out in the 18^th and 19^th century by king and courtiers dot the narrow gorge in the south eastern corner of the walled city, along the road to Agra.

• Sisodia Rani Garden

  has tiered multilevel gardens with fountains, water channel and painted pavilions and suites of living rooms.

  Amongst others, Vidhyadhar-ka-Bagh is the best preserved one, with shady trees, flowing water, an open pavilion. It was built by the planner of the city,Vidhyadhar.

• Amer

  Former capital of the Kachhwaha rulers of the old state of Dhundhar for seven centuries. Very little of the early structures survive now.

• Amer Palace and Shila Mata Temple

  A beautiful complex of palaces, halls,pavilions,gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh,Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries still stand in magnificent state. The palace complex emerges dramatically from the placid waters of the Maotha Lake and is approachable only through a steep path. Tourists often ride on the elephant bak to the Singh pol and th Jaleb Chowk. Two flights of stairs rise from on end of the chowk, one leading to the Shila Mata Temple and other to the palace complex. The image of the patron of goddess,worshipped by thousands of deovtees, was brought from Jessore in East Bengal (now in Bangladesh) by Raja Man Singh, to be installed here.

  A spectacular pillared hall -Diwan-e-Aam and a double storeyed painted gateway. Ganesh Pole dominate the from courtyard, An elegant tiny garden in Charbagh style beyond th corridors, has Sukh Niws to its right and Jas Mandir to its left. The latter combines the Mughal and Rajput architecture seen in its beautiful interior with intricately carved Jali screens,delicate mirror and stucco work and painted and carved dadoes. The well proportioned Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Maotha Lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provides a spectacular view of the palaces above.

• Old City

  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.

• Jaigarh

  One of the few military structures of medieval India, retaining its ancient splendour in palaces,gardens , reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a well planned cannon foundary, several temples, a tall tower and 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.

• Nahargarh

  A sentinerl to the Pink City is Nahargarh Fort, situtated beyond the hills of Jaigarh. Although much of it is in ruins, the lvoerly building added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II provides interest to the fort.

Nearby Sight Seeing Places

• Sanganer (12 km)

  Located on the Tonk road,. In addition to its ruined palaces, Sanganer has exquisitely carved Jain temples. The town is entered through the ruins of two tripolias (Triple gateways) The town is an important centre for crafts industry and produces some of the finest hand printed textiles from units of block and screen printers. This textile is popular all over the country and abroad.

• Bagru(35 km)

  On the Ajmer Raod, the ground level fort is still in good shape. It is noted for its hand printed handloom industry using simple techniques. The designs of these handloom are less complicated and are in earth hues.

• Ramgarh Lake (32 km. North east)

  A huge artificial lake created by constructing a high bund amidst tree covered hills. White 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.

• Samod (40 km, north west)

  The beautiful Samode Palace, has been rebuilt and renovated and provides a fine example of the Rajput haveli architecture and is an ideal spot for outings.

• Bairath (86 km on the Shahpura-Alwar Road)

  An important historical place with the excavated remains of a circular Buddhist temple-unique in Rajasthan and the earliest known temple in India. Bairath also has relics of the Mauryan,Mughal and Rajput periods.

  A mint constructed by Akbar, a beautiful Mughal garden and a remarkable monument with painted chhatris and walls built by Jahangir are other attractions.

• Abhaneri (128 km north east off the Agra road near Bandikui)

  A famous 7^th -8^th century A.D. temple of Harshad Mata and the step-well known as Chanda Baodi are of interest. Two jain temples are also present, which were built at a later period.

• Sambhar (94 km.west)

  The largest inland salt lake of India known for the holy Devayani Tank, the palace and the Naliasar nearby.

• Jaisinghpura Khor (12 km off the Amer Raod)

  One of the settlement of the Meena tribe, it has a formidable fort, a jain temple and a step-well amid lush surroundings.

• Madhogarh-Tunga (40 km. On the Bassi-Lalsot Agra Road)

  Tunga was witness to a historic battle fought between the Jaipur forces and Marathas. The fort is nestled amidst beautiful mango orchards.

The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and March.

• Air: Jaipur is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Calcutta and Varanasi by domestic flights.
  
• Bus: Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.
  
• Train: The train service to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country. The train services to Jaipur are slower, because of the metre gauge line.

• HERITAGE HOTELS

• BUDGET HOTELS
  • Hotel Aryan Niwas
    Air-conditioned and non airconditioned rooms
    are available
    Approved as a one star hotel by Govt.of India.
    Behind Amber Tower, Sansar Chandra Road, Jaipur - 302001
    Tel:091-141-372456, 364376, 370612, 379583, 368524
    Fax:0091-141-361871
    Email : aryahotl@jp1.dot.net.in
    Rs 300 to 600 (US $ 7-14) Single occupancy
    Rs 400 to 750 (US $ 10-18) Double occupancy
  • Hotel Ratnawali
    (Approved by Department of Tourism, Govt. of Rasjathan)New Colony, Near Paanch Batti, M.I.Road, Jaipur-302001
    Tel : 91-141-636217, 377487, 204256
    Email : Ratnawali<mail@rajasthan-tourism.com

• RTDC NETWORK

• Bank of Rajasthan, Hotel Rambagh Palace time - 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  (only foreign exchange) 381416
  
• State Bank of India, Sanganeri Gate 380421
  
• Thomas Cook, Jaipur Tower, M.I. Road Time - 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  (foreigners only) 360801
  
• Paul Merchants, Ganpati Plaza 361041

ROAD DISTANCES TO SOME IMPORTANT TOURIST CENTRES

• Agra 228 kms. Via Mahua, Bharatpur, Fatehpur Sikri
  
• Ajmer 138 kms. Via Dudu, Kishangarh
  
• Alwar 143 kms. Via Shahpura, Thanagazi
  
• Bharatpur 174 kms. Via Dausa, Mahua
  
• Bundi 300 kms. Via Ajmer, Kekri, Devli
  
• Chittaurgarh 320 kms. Via Ajmer, Bhilwara
  
• Delhi 306 kms. Via Sariska, Alwar, Sohna
  
• Gwalior 347 kms. Via Agra, Dhaulpur
  
• Jaisalmer 638 kms via Ajmer, Bhilwara, Jodhpur, Dechchu, Pokaran, Chandan
  
• Jodhpur 343 kms. Via Ajmer, Bewar, Barr, Bilara
  
• Khajuraho 608 kms. Via Gwalior, Datia, Jhansi, Nowgong
  
• Sariska 105 kms. direct
  
• Udiapur 407 kms. Via Ajmer, Beawar, Kankroli

• J.K. Mother & Child Institute, J.L. N. Marg 48581
  
• S.M.S. Hospital, Ram Singh Road 560291
  
• Santokba Durlabhji Hospital,Bhawani Singh Rd. 566251
  
• Unani Hospital, Galta Rd. Suraj Pol 40830
  
• Getwell Polyclinic, J.L.N. Marg 563743
  
• Ayurvedic Hospital, Jorawar Singh Gate 43917
  
• Zanana Hospital, near Chandpole Gate, Station Rd. 378721
  
• Mahila Chikitsalaya, Sanganeri Gate 40616
  
• Red Cross, Sanganeri Gate 48677
  
• Clagary Eye Hospital, Malviya Nagar 511384
  
• Rajputana Hospital, Vaishali Nagar

• Airlines :
  
  • Air India, Opp. All India Radio 368569
    
  • British Airways, Park Street 370374
    
  • Lufthansa, 126, 127, Sarogi Mansion 561360
    
  • Air-France, Jaipur Tower, M.I. Road 377051
    
  • Royal Jordan, Jaipur Tower M. I. Road 377051
    
  • Singapore Airlines , Jaipur Tower M. I. Road 377051
    
  • Gulf Airways, Jaipur Tower M. I. Road 377051
    
  • Thai Airlines, Jaipur Tower M. I. Road 370062
    
  • K.L.M., Jaipur Tower M. I. Road 370062
    
  • Kuwait Airways, Jaipur Tower M. I. Road 372896
    
  • Cathay Pacific, St. Road, Near Polo Victory 375625
    
  • Alitalia, Opp HMT showroom, M.I. Road 369120
    
  • Indian Airlines, Nehru Place, Tonk Road 514407
    
  • East West Airlines, Vishal Chamber, Tonk Road 370374
    
  • Jet Airways , Opp. A.I.R. M.I. Road 377202/051.
• Railways :
  
  • Railway Enquiry 131 - 133
    
  • Railway Reservation 135
    
  • Rail reservation time: 8 am. To 8 pm. (Sunday 8 am. To 2 pm.)
• Roadways :
  
  • Central Bus Stand, Station Rd., Sindhi Camp
    
  • For Deluxe Buses 375834
    
  • For Express Buses 366579, 381272

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Area : Jaipur City (Municipal limits 64.75 sq. km. ,Pink City 9.8 sq. km.)
  
• Altitude : 431 metres
  
• Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.
  
• Summer : 45.0 degree C 25.8 degree C
  
• Winter : 22.0 degree C 8.3 degree C
  
• Best Season : Spetember- March
  
• Clothing : Summer light tropical
  
• Winter : light woollen
  
• Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani.