The honor of being India's first planned city belongs to Jaipur. The capital of Rajasthan, known around the world for its colored jewels, mixes the charm of its long history with all the benefits of a large city. One of the three points of the Golden Triangle, which also encompasses Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, is this vibrant modern metropolis.
According to legend, the Prince of Wales made a tour of India in 1876. The entire city of Jaipur was painted pink by Maharaja Ram Singh because the colour pink was associated with hospitality. The pink hue that permeates the city creates an amazing spectacle. With Jaigarh, Nahargarh and Amber Fort as their backdrop, Jaipur rises gloriously.
The founding of Jaipur dates back to 1727, when Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber, founded the city. The new city became his capital, replacing Amber, as a result of the population's explosive growth and mounting water constraints. The city was constructed by renowned architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya using the precepts of Vastu Shastra. To know more read about a palace to visit in Jaipur.
Amber is located approximately 11 kilometers away from Jaipur. Until the capital was transferred to the plains, to what is now Jaipur, it served as the stronghold of the Kachwahas of Amber and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mirza Raja Jai Singh finished building the palace, which Raja Man Singh I had started in 1592 as a powerful, safe haven against invading adversaries. It is astonishing how different the warm inside is from the stern exterior. Visitors are enthralled by the splendor of the palace, which is built completely of white marble and red sandstone and makes use of carvings, precious stones, and mirrors.
The City Palace Complex, situated deep within the city walls, was designed and constructed by Jaipur's founder, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The last surviving royal family still resides at the palace, which is a stunning example of Mughal and Rajput architecture, in a private area. Though most of the buildings are attributed to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, they were also enhanced by other kings. The Maharani's residence, the queen's residence, and the Mubarak Mahal, the palace of reception, are both part of the City Palace Complex.
The poet monarch Sawai Pratap Singh constructed Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, in 1799 as a summer resort for himself and his family. The ladies of the royal household could watch daily life there without having to worry about being seen themselves. The facade of this unusual five-story building, which combines Islamic and Hindu architectural styles, includes tiny latticed windows known as jharokhas that give it a resemblance to the crown of Lord Krishna. The palace receives cold air from the windows, which also act as a kind of air conditioner, giving it the ideal summertime hideaway.
Jaipur's founder, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, constructed five astronomical observatories, the greatest of which is Jantar Mantar, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has sixteen geometric instruments that are intended to track celestial bodies, measure time, and chart the planets' orbits around the sun. Additionally, it is home to the Interpretation Center, which educates visitors on the chronology and operating principles of the observatory.
The Aravalli Hills' Nahargarh Fort towers over the city of Jaipur, providing an outstanding northern background. It was built in 1734 with red sandstones, during Jai Singh's reign and then enlarged in 1868. Nahargarh, which translates to "Abode of Tigers," served as a strong defence for Jaipur from invading forces. The fort offers the best sunset and sunrise views of Jaipur.
Jaigarh Fort, located approximately 15 kilometers from Jaipur on the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles), was constructed in the early 1700s by Sawai Jai Singh II amidst the stony, thorny, and shrub-covered hills. Its intimidating citadel aspect is mostly intact despite its age of construction. At the fort, visitors can witness Jaivana, the largest cannon in the world.
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built the Rajmahal Palace for his beloved wife in the year 1729. Though it was initially called Maa Ji Ka Baag, it was later renamed the Residency in 1821. However, it was converted into a hotel that serves tourists visiting Jaipur. Political circumstances reduced this palace to a mere guest house. However, it regained its glory when Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II shifted his residence from Rambagh Palace to the Rajmahal Palace. Though the guest list of this palace includes the most famous celebrities, in 1980, this palace was converted into a hotel and since then it has become an integral part of Jaipur tourism.
Rambagh, one of the famous palaces of Jaipur, is located about 8 km from the old city. The residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur has today been transformed into one of the finest Taj hotels. Although the initial construction in the year 1835 was merely a garden house for the nurse of Prince Ram Singh, it was later converted into a hunting lodge by 1887.
However, later in the 20th century, it was converted into the official residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II with additional rooms and royal suites.
Samode, one of the larger towns in Rajasthan, originally belonged to the Zamindars (A landowner, especially one who leases his land to tenant farmers). It was built as a Rajput fort in the sixteenth century. However, in the early 19th century, under the leadership of Rawal Berisal, the place was converted into a palace built with a blend of Rajput and Muslim architectural styles. The Durbar Hall which is extraordinarily decorated, later a gallery and the Sheesh Mahal which is also known as the Hall of Mirrors were added to it. The landscape around this palace is worth seeing.
