India
Great Videos and Photos of the Best Places and Things to see in Jaipur India. For the independent traveller who is interested in seeing places while planning their next trip. Or for anyone who likes to be close to nature and see the quieter parts of the country or city
Jaipur
Explore the Pink City of Jaipiur the capital of Rajastan, the city has a populaton of over 3 million. For visitors Jaipur is on the Golden Triangle circle of Delhi - Agra - Jaipur. Some of the highlights in Jaipur are the City Palace, Jantar Manatar and of course Amber Fort.
Jaipur City
Jaipur
Jaipur City is the capital of Rajasthan state. The city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber ( Amber is about 11 km from Jaipur ). The city was laid out in a grid system with wide thoroughfares. Jaipur is known as the Pink City of Rajasthan. THe city was used as the location for the comedy film (2012)Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Tripolia Bazar
Jaipur
The area around Tripolia Bazar is generally regarded as downtown Jaipur. The area is a hub of activity - with goods being ferried back and forth by camel, donkey, rickshaw or van. The noise on the street can appear deafening at first.
Market
Jaipur
The downtown market of Tripoli Bazaar caters for all needs - selling spices, metal works, untensils and so much more. The market runs the length of the street. Behind the main street is an intricate web of tiny narrow passage ways.
City Palace
Palaces and Museums
The City Palace includes two palaces Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Chandra Palace while the home of a museum is still a royal residence. The Mubrarak Mahal is a museum housing royal costumes.
Jantar Mantar
Palaces and Museums
The Jaipur observatory was built by the astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II - while it may look like a kids play ground, the astronomical instruments are very accurate, they measure time, predict eclipses and track stars location as the earth orbits around the sun.
Hawa Mahal - Wind Palace
Palaces and Museums
The palace was built in 1759 in the shape of the crown of Krishna the Hindu God. The exterior has over 900 windows which allow cooling breezes into the palace rooms. The palace is built from red and pink sandstone.
The Courtyards
Amber Fort
The palace has four courtyards. The winding access road from Lake Moata enters through the gate leading to Jaleb Chowk courtyard. The first courtyard houses the Sila Devi temple, where the Rajput Maharajas offered worship. The second courtyard, up the main stairway of the first level courtyard, houses the Diwan-i-Am or the Public Audience Hall. Built with double row of columns
Below the Fort
Amber Fort
From below the Fort rises majestically above the man made Lake Maotha.
The Gardens
Amber Fort
Below the fort lies Moata Lake. The lake is bordered by two gardens. The Kesar Kyari Bagh - rises out of the water, its flower beds are shaped like stars. The Dilaram Bagh garden is a peaceful green space below the fort.
The Rooms
Amber Fort
The lattice windows - openings etched from sandstone sheets - which allow one to view out without been seen. These are typical windows from the area. Also notice the communal toilets dating back to the 16th century. While the fort is called Amber Fort - it is spelt Amer Fort after the local town.
Galta Tanks
Galta
There are seven tanks which collect the water from the mountain springs. According to legend the holiest tank Galta Kund never run dry - despite being in an arid region. Galta is a holy place - dating back to prehistoric times. Note: Dont leave your clothes (jackets,scarves,gloves ) lying about when bathing - the monkeys are experts at nabbing clothes from the unsuspecting.
Galtaji Temple
Galta
The temple lies close to Jaipur but over the mountains. It is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site. The temple is famous for its natural springs which feed its seven water tanks. Thousands of visitors a year come to bathe in the waters and atone for their sins. The temple is famous for the tribe of monkeys that live close by - the monks feed the monkeys in the evening - when they scramble down from the hills. The road from Jaipur to Galta is precarious. Tour cars and buses often park on the Jaipur side of the access road. The winding road can be a bit steep at times.
Jal Mahal - Water Palace
Jal Mahal
The palace seems to float in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. The palace, built in red sandstone, is a five storied building out of which four floors remain under water when the lake is full and the top floor is exposed. After a severve famine in 1596 - the rivers were dammed to create the lake. Due to pollution over the centuries the water quality detiorated and the lake lost much of its wildlife. In recent times after rejunvenation works on the lake the wildfowl are breeding again.
Drive from Agra to Jaipur
Jal Mahal
The journey by road from Agra to Jaipur takes about 5 hours depending on traffic and where and how long you stop. The highway - has soem interesting features - like trucks driving or camels travelling on the wrong lane and animals crossing at village
Best to leave Agra early - around 8am and take in a few stops such as Fatehpur Sikri or the reliugioius site of Galta along the way.