Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City. It is also the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It is one of the most visited tourist places of India. The old city of Jaipur is partially encircled with seven gates - the major gates are Chandpol, Sanganeri, and Ajmeri.The Capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificient forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the Maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, Famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure trove for the shoppers.
The city Palace is a historic fort and landmark of the city. The Carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones which is beutifully decorated. Two elephants carved in marble, guard the entrance, where retaineers whose families have served generations of the rulers are at hand, to serve as guides.
Amer Fort and Palace was originally built by Raja Man Singh and subsequently developed by Sawai Jai Singh. The major attractions are Sheela Devi Temple, Sheesh Mahal ( Hall of mirrors), Jai Garh Fort a few kilometres from the city centre was built for the defence of the towna and has one of the world`s biggest cannons on wheels and a rich collection of arms and weapons.
Beyond the hills of Jaigarh, stands the fort of Nahargarh like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful capital. Much of the original structures are now in ruins, but the lovely buildings added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II in the 19th century are preserved in a good condition. Some of the rooms provide the most spectacular view of the city below.
The Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur is noted for its intricate architecture. The Palace was developed as a pleasure spot. It was used for the royal duck shooting parties. On the road to Amber at a distance of 6.5 kms from Jaipur are the cenotaphs of the royal family. A causeway leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar lake, opposite the cenotaphs. The first four floors of this building is under water, only the top floor remains outside. One can have a wonderful view of the lake the palace is now abandoned, but reasonably well preserved.
Hawa Mahal is the most strikingly designed monument in Jaipur. Built by the Poet-King Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is centrally located and is multiniched five storey high back view of the compled. It was conceived to provide an adequate vantage position behind delicate stone-carved jali, screens for the palace women to watch the royal processions passing through the Bazar below without being seen by outsiders. The Top of the palace affords a beautiful view of the city. A small archaeological museum is yet another attaraction in the palace.
Jantar Mantar is one of Sawai Jai singh`s Five remarkable observatories. Constructed withstone and marble its compled instruments whose setting and shapes are precisely and scientifically designed , represent the high-points of medieval Indian Astronomy. The two Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes are unique in their isolation. This is the largest of five observatories founded by Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of the country. Jantar Mantar has its own architectural beauty which attracts visitors from each side of the area.