Tourist Places

The splendid City Palace makes the folklore of Jaipur royalty being one of the richest in India credible. The large complex housing courtyards, gardens, and buildings combine the superlatives of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The exquisite Peacock Gate showcases an amazing display of superior workmanship featuring bright peacocks. The address of present royal family is the graceful Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) bordering the courtyard. Also inside the City Palace complex is a museum, art gallery, and interesting displays of royal costumes and old Indian weapons.

Hawa Mahal is incontestably the Jaipur’s most recognized structure. Its uniqueness is attributed to the intricate façade representative of exquisite craftsmanship. The five floors comprising of rows of small windows and screens was constructed in 1799. The palace derived its name from the flow of wind through its openings. However, to preserve the structure, majority of the windows of the Hawa Mahal have been sealed close. The palace overlooking the main street of Jaipur’s lively Old City, as the legend goes, was constructed to offer the women of royal household vistas for catching the glimpses of hustle and bustle of streets below in discreet manner without being noticed. The building’s top offers panoramic view of the streets.

Raja Sawai Jai Singh II had commissioned the observatory Jantar Mantar, whose construction had started in 1727 and was completed in 1734. The literal meaning of the term is “calculation instrument”. The intriguing Jantar Mantar does not only boast of a curious collection of sculptures but has specialized astronomical functionassigned to each structure of observatory. There are 14 structures in total, which measure time, predict eclipses, and track stars. The most notable is the imposing Samrat Yantra sundial. At a height of 90 feet (27 meters), it has a shadow that roughly gets shifted by a distance equivalent to the width of a person’s hand every minute. It’s a grand display of fleeting nature of time.

Nahargarh Fort, also known as Tiger Fort, is perched atop the rugged Aravali Hills overlooking the city of Jaipur. Construction of the fort was completed in 1734. The purpose was to defend the city from invaders. The fort shot to fame in 2006 after many scenes from the movie Rang De Basanti were filmed there. Nahargarh Fort offers spectacular views after sunset. The presence of café on the premises with provision for serving beer and snacks till 10 PM renders it a perfect place for enjoying picnic. The fort looks particularly attractive at night when it is lit up.

The colossal Jaigarh set on a promontory was built in 1726 as safeguard for Amer Fort. Flanked by towering gateways and watchtowers, it plays host to the world’s largest cannon on wheels. The epitome of India’s military glory in yore, the cannon had never been fired. The fort has also remained invincible till date. Since it has been immune to the scourge of battle, Jaigarh Fort is extremely well preserved and reminiscent of the grand military structures of medieval India. Jaigarh is devoid of the delicate interiors of Amber Fort, and therefore has the majestic appearance of a real fortress. Climbing the Diva Burj watchtower would offer eyeful view of the surrounding plains.

This famous museum of antiquity has been modelled after the looks of Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Its collection includes portraits of local kings, costumes, woodcarvings, paintings, and eclectic arts and crafts.

The venerated Govind Dev Ji temple is situated in Jaipur’s City Palace Complex. This beautiful Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the revered Govind Dev Ji. This temple is among the 7 magnificent temples glorifying the grandeur of Thakur of Vrindavan including Shri Radhavallabh ji, Shri Bankey Bihari Ji, Shri Govind Dev Ji and four others. Raja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, had commissioned the construction of presiding deity by artists of Vrindavan. Popular legend has it that the image of Lord Krishna placed in the temple bears uncanny resemblance to his form during incarnation on Earth.

Jaipur Development Authority had developed and maintains this largest park of Jaipur. The park is located at the heart of Jaipur city and hence has been named ‘Central Park’. The verdant and sylvan garden adds a new dimension to the city with its lushness. Rambagh Polo Ground and golf club are situated nearby which makes Central Park the perfect place to steal some peaceful moments from the hustle and bustle of life. The Central Park offers an avenue for Jaipurites to stay in the pink of their health through the 5 KM long jogging and walking track. Bird watchers’ flock the park to catch glimpses of different migratory and native birds which frequent the park round the year.