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Jaipur is 260 km from Delhi and 240 km from Agra and forms
the most chosen tourism golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and
Jaipur. It a bustling capital city and a business centre
with all the trapping of modern metropolis but yet flavoured
strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise
a traveller.
The old Jaipur painted in Pink can grip any visitor with
admiration. Stunning backdrop of ancient forts Nahargarh,
Amer, Jagarh and Moti Dungri are dramatic testimonials of
the bygone era and a reminder of their lingering romance.
Settled in the rugged hills of the Aravallis, Jaipur is
the pristine jewel in the desert sands of Rajasthan. Jaipur
is as remarkable for its marvellous architecture and town
planning as it is for the lively spirit of the people who
inhabit it. The city presents a unique synthesis of culture
that has to be experienced in order to be appreciated.
With its origin buried deep into the pages of history,
the city still exudes a magical old world charm; an aroma
of chivalry and romance is evident, despit having evolved
into a city that is the hub of modern commercial activity
in the region. Tell-tale signs of the glorious past and
regal splendour of the city lie strewn across with gay abandon.
The colourful and intricately carved monuments are adequately
matched by the lively spirit of fanfare, festivity and celebration
of the people. Even today, one can find weather beaten faces
with huge coloufrul trurbans, fierce moustaches and lips
that spontaneouslya crease into a heart warming smile.
A city like Jaipur, where modernity and tradition live
hand-in-hand, is truly rare. Perhaps this is what makes
it an attractive destination for tourists who flock to Jaipur
, year after year. Jaipur is named after its founder the
warrior and astronomer sovereign Sawai Jai Singh II (ruled
1688 to 1744).
The decision to move out of his hilltop capital Amer was
also compelled by reasons of growing population and paucity
of water. Moreover in the early seventh century the power
of the great Mughals was dwindling with its aging Monarch
Aurangzeb and after several centuries of invasions the north
was now quite and the wealth of the kingdom had become greater
than before.
Seizing upon this opportune time Jai Singh planned his
new capital in the planes. Jaipur is a corroborative effort
of Sawai Jai Singh's strong grounding in sciences and astrology
and a Bengali architect Vidyadhar with a strong instinct
for planning.
Amber Fort
At a short distance of 11 kms . from Jaipur, the Amer Fort
complex stands amidst wooded hills overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur
highway, with its forbidding ramparts reflected in the still
waters of the Maota Lake below.
Jaigarh Fort
It is one of the few military structures of medieval India
preserved almost intact, containing palaces, agrdens open
and covered reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a well-planned
cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant
mounted acnnon-the Jain Ban, the largest cannon in the world.
Nahargarh Fort
Perched atop a pricturesque hill, the Nahargarh Fort offers
a breathtaking view of the city below. Initially built by
Sawai Jain Singh in 1734 A.D. It was enlarged and given
its present shape by Sawai Madho Singh in1885 A.D. Decorative
motifs in some of the rooms are delightful.
City Palace
The City Palce is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani
and Mughal art and architecture. The City Palace complex
houses several palatial structures. The first building in
it is Mubarak Mahal, built by Kaharaja Madho Singh. It has
a beautifully carved marble gate with heavy brass doors
on either side of this gate. Beyond this gate lies the Diwan
-e-Khas, or the "Hall of Private Audience".
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