Location: Jaipur

Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan is among the most colorful and vibrant cities in India. Located on a dry and barren lake bed nestled within hills and surmounted by crenellated walls and forts, the Pink City of Jaipur is a buzzing city always full of life. Bearing a rich culture with a Rajputana flavor the city boasts of some of the most wonderful forts, palaces and lakes. General information on Jaipur reveals that the royal Jaipur city derived its name from King Sawai Jai Sing II, the great warrior who founded Jaipur in 1727. The civic administration of the city is vested in the hands of Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Jaipur Development Authority. Both the bodies are also responsible for the development of the city.
The city of Jaipur brags of some of the most wonderful and popular tourist destinations, beautiful forts, mesmerizing palaces and many more. From the graphic Jantar Mantar forms to the intricate Hawa Mahal, the majestic fort of Amber, colorful fountains, magnificent Birla temple, tranquil Jal Mahal and the architectural pleasure of City Palace, etc Jaipur is a perfect delight for the tourists.
The city of Jaipur has a good system of transport. National Highways links the city of Jaipur to various other Indian cities. Besides the city also has one of the busiest railway station that is the Jaipur Railway Station. Jaipur International Airport connects the city to places outside India.
Transportation
Air : Indian Airlines connect Jaipur with Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Bombay, Varanasi, Calcutta, Ahmedabad.

Rail: Jaipur is connected by rail with Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Abu Road (Mount Abu), Udaipur, Bombay and Sawai Madhopur.

Road: Good motorable roads connect Jaipur with Delhi 258 km, Agra 236 km, Bikaner 321 km, Udaipur 405 km, Ajmer 131 km, Jodhpur 316 km, Bharatpur 176 km, Jaisalmer 638 km and Mumbai 1202 km

Bus: Regular buses ply from Jaipur to the above places and Alwar, Kota, Sariska, Mathura, Indore, Chittorgarh and Barmer.
History
The city of Jaipur was founded in 1726 by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amer who ruled from 1699 to 1743. He planned to shift his capital from Amer, 11 kilometres (7 mi) from Jaipur to accommodate the growing population and increasing scarcity of water. Jai Singh consulted several books on architecture and architects while planning the layout of Jaipur. Under the architectural guidance of Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur was planned based on the principles of Vastu shastra and Shilpa Shastra. The construction of the city began in 1726 and took four years to complete the major roads, offices and palaces. The city was divided into nine blocks, two of which contained the state buildings and palaces, with the remaining seven allotted to the public. Huge ramparts were built, pierced by seven fortified gates.
Climate
Jaipur lies on a borderline between a hot desert climate and a hot semi-arid climate under the Köppen climate classification “BWh/BSh”, receiving over 650 millimetres (26 in) of rainfall annually but most rains occur in the monsoon months between June and September. Temperatures remain relatively high during summer from April to early July having average daily temperatures of around 30 °C (86 °F). During the monsoon there are frequent, heavy rains and thunderstorms, but flooding is not common. The winter months of November to February are mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 10–15 °C (50–59 °F) and with little or no humidity and cold waves lead to temperatures near freezing.
Place of Interests
CITY PALACE AND S.M.S. II MUSEUM
Situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about one seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture; it houses a seven storeyed Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public audience) has intricate decorations and collection of manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private audience) has a marble pawed gallery Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and textiles. There is a Clock Tower near Mubarak Mahal. Sileh Khana has a collection of armory and weapons. Timing 9.30 to 16.45 hrs. Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 35.00 and for foreigners Rs.150.00 inclusive of entry to Jaigarh fort, Phone: 2608055

JANTAR MANTAR
Built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonary instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dial still provide accurate time, which are subject to daily corrections. Timing 9.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 10.00, Phone: 2610494

HAWA MAHAL
Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the street below. Now it houses a well laid out museum. The display Jaipur past and present is the special feature of this newly setup museum. Timing 10.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00: Phone: 2618862

JALMAHAL
(6 kms) on the way to Amer, this small palace is set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. A paved causeway leads upto the beautiful water palace.

JAIGARH FORT
(15 kms.) Standing on a hilltop, overlooking the palaces and city of Amer. The world biggest cannon on wheels- the Jai Ban is positioned here, built during reign of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh. It has a twenty feet long barrel and pumped in the cannon for a single shot. Timing 10.00 to 16.45 hrs, Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 15.00 & for foreigners Rs. 20.00,
AMER
The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range of craggy hills. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The solemn dignity of it red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh, the additional extensions were built by Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh lIthe last Maharaja of Amer, who built a new city called Jaipur, where he shfted his capital in 1727.

NAHARGARH FORT
(15 kms.) cresting a hill about 600 ft. above the city, the fort was built in 1734. The walls of the fort run along the ridge and within are architectural beauties like Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra Bhawan. Timing 10.00 to 16.00 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00,

CENTRAL MUSEUM
Situated in the Ram Niwas Garden. This graceful building was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert (also known as Albert Hall). It has a rare collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces. Timing 10.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 5.00, for foreigners As. 30.00,

BIRLA PLANETARIUM
It offers unique audio-visual education about stars and entertainment with its modern computerised projection system. Entry fee As. 20.00 show timings: 11.00, 13.00, 15.00, 17.00, 18.00, 19.00 hrs.

LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE
is situated just below the Moti doongri, known for the intricate marble carvings in white marble, popularly known as Birla Temple.

KANAK VRINDAVAN
(6.5 Kms on the way to Amer) This newly restored temple and garden, near Jal Mahal, has beautiful gardens and is popular picnic place. This is also beautiful location for film shooting. Entry fee Rs. 4.00 & Timings 8.00 to 17.00 hrs, Phone: 2634596