Monday, April 7, 2008


ALBERT HALL
Situated in the middle of the garden as a centre attraction was the exquisitely built structure of Albert Hall, which was designed by sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect who designed many palaces in Rajasthan. Combining the elements of English and north Indian architecture known as the pride of the New Jaipur opened in 1887 AD, it is a very well maintained and impressive building displaying a rich collection of Art- de- fact like paintings, carpet, ivory, stone and metal sculptures and colorful crystal works etc. Just opposite the Albert Hall is one of the oldest ZOO in the country, harboring different species of birds and animals. Another piece of attraction near the Albert Hall, is the Ravindra Rang Manch (theatre) with a modern art gallery and an performing art theatre both indoor and open air. Recently added joints of interest are streets dotted with food stalls which promises a delicious variety of Indian fast food certainly relished by the tourists.

Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh
The Sisodia Rani ka Bagh was built for Sawai Jai Singh's wife, Sisodia Queen who was from Udaipur. The garden is located on the Jaipur-Agra Road and is about 10 kms from Jaipur.
The Garden is laid out in the Mughal style and is a tiered multi-level garden, which has fountains, water channels and many painted pavilions.
The garden was the perfect place for the queen to enjoy the beautiful landscape, cool breeze and fresh air. Many say, the garden was built as a cure to the Queen's homesickness but some insist the Queen found the gardens to be the perfect place to escape Court intrigues. Regardless of the reason for its construction, one cannot deny the beauty and charm of this magnificent garden.


NAHARGARH FORT
Nahargarh Fort is located on the sheer rugged ridge of Aravali Hills and it forms an impressive northern backdrop of Jaipur. It looks most classy when floodlit at night. The fort overlooks the city and presents a glittering view of the city lights. It was built in 1734 and extended in 1868. Nahargarh meaning abode of the tigers was built by Jai Singh to bolster the defense of Amber. The legend also have it that it was named. It was used by members of the royal family for excursion in summers and is now even a favoured picnic spot. Durg Cafeteria just above the entrance sells meals and refreshments, while Padao Restaurant on the west sells drinks around sunset.

JAIGARH FORT
The Jaigarh fort is the most spectacular of the three-hilltop forts that overlook Jaipur. In Mughal times, the Jaipur region was a major weapon-producing centre for the Mughal and Rajput rulers, several of which are on display in the fort's museum. It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved almost intact, containing palaces, a granary, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban (Jaivan) which is the largest cannon in the world. Jaigarh Fort is also known as the fort of victory. The display includes a collection of canons, many of which are exquisitely decorated and were used in the Mughal campaigns led by the Rajput King, Raja Man Singh.


CITY PALACE
City Palace is another beautiful landmark that was built by Kachchwah Rajput rulers of Jaipur. The City Palace is a classic example of Mughal and Rajput architecture. A part of the palace today is museum that houses a collection of rare manuscripts, weapons, Mughal carpets and costumes, and Mughal and Rajasthani miniatures.


HAWA MAHAL
Hawa Mahal is one of the most common and popular tourist attractions in Jaipur. Hawa Mahal was basically used as a veil by the royal women folk to watch the proceedings on the road below. Today it is the one of most visited monuments in Jaipur.







AMBER FORT
Amber Fort is another famous tourist attraction in Jaipur. The Amber Fort was built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and was completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. The fort offers magnificent views of the surrounding area. The fort is a mix of Mughal and Rajput architecture and is built in red stone and white marble.