JAIPUR
TRAVEL GUIDE
Places
of Interest Amer 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.
One of the finest
examples of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of the Kachhawah rulers.
The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh and additions were made later
by Sawai Jai Singh.
Within the palace are the Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall
of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience"
and the Sukh Niws where a cool breeze blows across channels of water for the purpose
of air-conditioning.
Here are the private chambers of the queens with
windows having latticed screens so that the ladies could watch the proceedings
of the royal court inprivacy. There is also the Jai Mandir or the "Temple
of Vicotry", with its famed Sheesh Mahal, the scintillating "Hall of
Mirrors"
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Jaigarh Fort
The western skyline is dominated by the extensive walls, watch towers and gatewasys
of the 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.
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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.
From the windows of the
nine identical suites, one gets a magnificent view of the city, complete witht
he geometrical layout. From Amer there is a road to Nahargarh, which passes through
the hills
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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".
Across a paved square lies the Diwan-e-Aam,
or the "Hall of Public Audience". To the north-west is the stately and
graceful seven storeyed Chandra Mahal, the residence of the ex-ruler. Each storey
has a distinctive name and is a place of sheer beauty and luxury. Paintings, floral
decorations, mirror walls and ceilings in the traditional style adorn the palace.
The uppermost storey is called the Mukut Mahal. Opposite the chandra
Mahal lies the Baldal Mahal. The Govind Devji temple stands inthe middle of the
Chandra Mahal and Badal Mahal.
A delightful system of fountains is placed
in the middle of the paved path between the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal.
The palace has extensive and sprawling gardens.
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Govind Devji Temple
To the north of Chandra Mahal in the midst of the sprawling Jai Niwas Garden is
the spireless temple of Lord Krishna. The idol wsa brought from Vrindavan and
installed here by Sawai Jai Singh II as the tutelary deity. Today, the temple
attracts devotees, from all over the country.
A delightful system of
fountains is placed in the middle of the paved path between the Chandra Mahal
and the Badal Mahal. The palace has extensive and sprawling gardens.
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Moti Doongrari
& Lakshmi Narayan Temple The important landmarks dotting the
southern horizon of the city inlcude the small privately- owned hilltop fort of
Moti Doongari, shaped like a Scottish Castle; the Ganesh Temple at the foot of
the hill and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple built from white marble, a few years back
by the B.M. Birla foundation.
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Jagat
Shiromani Temple The beautifully carved Jagat Shiromani
Temple houses the idol of Lord Krishna and is popularly associated with the celebrated
saint-poetess Mira Bai. The old temple of Narsinghji and a step well Panna Main-ki-Baodi,
which still bears witness to its past glory are also located in the vicinity.