Jaipur Rajasthan India

"The Pink City"

Established in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan in northern India. Rajasthan became an official British Colony in 1858, and remained under British rule until 1947. Jaipur becasme known as “The Pink City” when, in 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh had most of the buildings painted pink – the colour of hospitality – in preparation for a visit by Britain’s Queen Victoria. Today the city is know for its bazzaars, forts, temples, palaces, and wildlife sanctuaries..aipur was India’s first planned city. This is reflected in the well-designed intersections and straight, wide main streets. Just 260 km (162 miles) from the capital New Delhi, Jaipur is a busy city with a population of over 3 million people. The city’s economy is based on tourism, gemstone cutting, jewelry manufacturing, and information technology

Hawa Mahal

The Hawa Mahal (known as Palace of Winds or Palace of Breezes), is one of Jaipur’s most visited attractions. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Jaipur’s founder. The 5-story palace was designed by architect Lal Chand Ustad to resemble the crown worn by Krishna, one of Hindu’s major deities. There are no stairs inside the palace, only a series of ramps.

Jantar Mantar

This park houses a collection of scientific instruments used to measure the positions and movements of stars and planets. Jantar Mantar, means “instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens”. Built by Maharajah Sawaii Jai Singh II, it symbolizes a merging of scientific, religious, and political power. The instruments are of masonry construction. Their large size enables them to be extremely accurate.Vrihat Samrat Yantra, or “Supreme Instrument,” is the world’s largest sundial. It’s so precise it can measure time in as short as two second increments. The slanted wall, or gnomon, is positioned facing north-south, and is about 90 feet high.

Amer Fort (1592)

About 7 miles outside of Jaipur, Amer Fort was built by Raja Man Singh to protect Amer, Rajasthan’s capital. In following years, other kings added to the fort, creating a structure that reflects both Muslim and Hindu architecture. Made of sandstone and marble, the fort has four sections, each with its own entrance and courtyard. The main entrance is known as the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) On the hill opposite is their “Great Wall”

Amer Palace

Amer Palace, the historic home of the Rajput Maharajas, is located inside Amer Fort. The architecture and art seen throughout the palace reflect both Islamic and Moghul cultures and religions.

Ganesh Pol This gateway is for the private royal living space. The Hindu god Ganesh is rarely seen in profile as he has been depicted here. The gateway was painted with vegetable dyes, which are still vivid today. Islamic art uses symmetric or repeating plant and floral patterns, seen on the walls, ceilings and pillars surrounding the Ganesh Pol. Floral motifs typically reflect the region’s

Sheesh Mahai - The Mirror Palace

At some point in the fort’s history, the resident queen couldn’t sleep outdoors, but wished to see the stars. So, the hall’s walls and ceiling were covered with images made of glass. When candles were lit, the space filled with thousands of candles

Sheesh Mahai - The Mirror Palace

Jal Mahal

The Jal Mahal literally means the “Water Palace”, but when it was built, Maharaja Madho Singh I did not intend to use it as a palace. Instead, it was supposed to be a hunting lodge for the king and his entourage during their duck hunting trips. The palace stands in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city, and is a famous spot till date for sightseeing. The Jal Mahal is designed in a classic Rajput manner, with pink sandstone in a symmetrical style.On the surface, the palace appears to have one floor, but actually, there are four more submerged levels to the palace as its stone walls hold back millions of litres of water, and the specially designed lime mortar prevents water seepage into the palace, something which it has been doing for more than 250 years

I would recommend that you travel from Delhi to Jaipur in a First Class Express Train. There is much more to do and see than I have shown here – City Palace, Mukesh Gallery, Chand Baori (Step Well) Jargarah Fort. I had a coat made over night, some of the women bought saris, rugs and jewelry.rs I was tempted to buy a beautiful camel aired carpet, only NZ$3,300

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