Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Jaipur Must Visit Places

CITY PALACE & S.M.S. II MUSEUM - situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about one seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven storeyed Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public audience) has intricate decorations and collection of manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private audience) has a marble pawed gallery Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and textiles. There is a Clock Tower near Mubarak Mahal. Sileh Khana has a collection of armory and weapons. Timing 9.30 to 16.45 hrs. Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 35.00 and for foreigners Rs.150.00 inclusive of entry to Jaigarh fort, Phone: 2608055

JANTAR MANTAR (Observatory) - built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonary instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dial still provide accurate time, which are subject to daily corrections. Timing 9.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 10.00, Phone: 2610494

HAWA MAHAL - built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the street below. Now it houses a well laid out museum. The display “Jaipur past and present” is the special feature of this newly setup museum. Timing 10.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00: Phone: 2618862

JAL MAHAL - (6 kms) on the way to Amer, this small palace is set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. A paved causeway leads upto the beautiful water palace.

JAIGARH FORT - (15 kms.) standing on a hilltop, overlooking the palaces and city of Amer. The world’s biggest cannon on wheels- the Jai Ban is positioned here, built during reign of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh. It has a twenty feet long barrel and pumped in the cannon for a single shot. Timing 10.00 to 16.45 hrs, Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 15.00 & for foreigners Rs. 20.00, Phone: 2630848

AMER FORT- The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range of craggy hills. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The solemn dignity of it red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh, the additional extensions were built by Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh lIthe last Maharaja of Amer, who built a new city called Jaipur, where he shfted his capital in 1727.

NAHARGARH FORT - (15 kms.) cresting a hill about 600 ft. above the city, the fort was built in 1734. The walls of the fort run along the ridge and within are architectural beauties like Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra Bhawan. Timing 10.00 to 16.00 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00, Phone: 5148044

CENTRAL MUSEUM - situated in the Ram Niwas Garden. This graceful building was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert (also known as Albert Hall). It has a rare collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces. Timing 10.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 5.00, for foreigners As. 30.00, Phone: 2570099

BIRLA PLANETARIUM - It offers unique audio-visual education about stars and entertainment with its modern computerised projection system. Entry fee As. 20.00 show timings: 11.00, 13.00, 15.00, 17.00, 18.00, 19.00 hrs. Phone: 2381594

LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE - is situated just below the Moti doongri, known for the intricate marble carvings in white marble, popularly known as Birla Temple.

KANAK VRINDAVAN - (6.5 Kms on the way to Amer) This newly restored temple and garden, near Jal Mahal, has beautiful gardens and is popular picnic place. This is also beautiful location for film shooting. Entry fee Rs. 4.00 & Timings 8.00 to 17.00 hrs, Phone: 2634596