Cradled on the top of a hill near Jaipur lies the Amer Fort, one of the most magnificent palaces in India. Also commonly known as the Amber Fort, this majestic building with its maze-like passages and serpentine staircases is an architectural masterpiece and with significant importance in Indian history. Only 11 kilometres away from Jaipur, Amer Fort is clad in pink and yellow sandstone and is a part of an extensive complex.
Located near the City Palace in the regal city of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is the largest stone astronomical observatory in the world. Owing to its rich cultural, heritage and scientific value, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur has also been featured on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. This ancient study boasts of nineteen instruments built out of stone and brass and was built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727-33
The massive edifice of Hawa Mahal stands at the intersection of the main road in Jaipur, Badi Chaupad and was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. Hawa Mahal derives its name from its unique structure, which is a mesh of small windows that allowed cool wind to enter the palace and hence kept the palace comfortable during the hot summer months.
Chokhi Dhani is a luxury heritage resort synonymous with Rajasthani village culture. It is located outskirts of Tonk Road. It is a true depiction of traditional Rajasthan with ancient artefacts, handicrafts, paintings, folklore and sculptures. The village offers myriad entertainment options- folk dances, singing, acrobatics, predicting parrots, horse riding etc.
The magnificent Birla Mandir in Jaipur is a Hindu temple that forms a part of one of the several Birla temples located all around the country. Also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, the shrine is situated on the Moti Dungari Hill. The temple was built in the year 1988 by the Birlas when the Maharaja of Jaipur gave the land away for a token amount of one rupee. Built purely out of white marble.
Nahargarh Fort, situated on the outskirts of Jaipur, is known for breathtaking views of the city and for its extended wall that connects it to Jaigarh Fort. Embellished with delicate carvings and stonework, the Nahargarh Fort is an impregnable structure and together with its two neighbouring forts - Amer and Jaigarh once stood as the strong defence of Jaipur city. The Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1734 as a retreat.
Situated in the Ram Niwas Garden of Jaipur, the Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum in Rajasthan. Built in 1876, it was initially envisioned to be a concert hall and resembles the architecture of the Victoria and Albert Hall Museum in London, hence, the name. It is a standing example of the Indo-Saracenic architecture and is also known as Government Central Museum. Albert Hall Museum has an extensive collection of artefacts brought from the different regions of the world that are divided over a whopping 16 art galleries.
Sitting prettily right in the centre of the Man Sagar Lake on the outskirts of Jaipur, lies the splendid and tranquil Jal Mahal. A masterful creation, it is bordered by the Nahargarh Hills. This low rise symmetrical Palace was once a shooting lodge for the Maharajas and now fascinates many visitors from all over the world. Jal Mahal was constructed in the 1750s and was commissioned by Maharaja Madho Singh. It is indeed one of the most photographed monuments in India.
Patrika Gate serves as the entrance to the Jawahar Circle Park and is one of the photographed spots in India. A massive gate famous for its gorgeous architecture, it is characterised by vibrant colours and intricate carvings that symbolise the Rajasthani culture. The gate, one of nine gates in Jaipur, is a relatively new addition to the city that is made out of pink sandstone on the outside and features a colourful walkway on the inside. Visitors walking underneath would be able to see brightly painted archways and walls.
Probably one of the most significant temples for Krishna followers after Vrindavan, Govind Dev Temple is located within the City Palace of Jaipur. Locals believe that the statue of the deity here looks exactly like Krishna's form during his incarnation of Earth. From early in the morning to the late night, the air is thick with the sounds of Mangala Aarati at dawn and Shayana Aarati at night. Built during the reign of Emperor Akbar by Sawai Man Singh in 1590 and was regarded as being one of the largest temples of the world during its time.