Rajasthan Motels

Jaipur

Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743) and is the capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur is surrounded by hills and dotted with forts. Houses with pink latticed windows line the streets, and look almost magical at sunset. An extremely well planned city, Jaipur was designed by an engineer and scholar Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, in accordance with ancient Hindu treatise on architecture, the Shilpa Shasta (Vastu).

It was planned in a grid system with wide straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of the main roads. Jaipur remains the only place where the nine sectors that sub-divide the city symbolise the nine divisions of the universe. Jaipur is surrounded by a wall having seven gates and was built for protection from invading armies and wild animals that lurked just outside in the jungles that surrounded the city.

The Old City, also known as the Pink City, is a wonderful place to wander around. The whole city was painted pink by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876. Today, every home within the city is obliged by law to maintain this facade. Jaipur's regal heritage is evident in its architecture and culture. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvellous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas are testaments to the Rajasthan of yesteryears. The arts and crafts of the state are amazing. You'll find elaborately fashioned jewellery, the multi-coloured 'bandhini' fabrics, richly decorated handlooms, and other trinkets at the colourful bazaars of Jaipur. These bazaars are a lot of fun not just what's available, but also for the cheerful people in their traditional costumes.

Hawa Mahal : the "Palace of Wind" is situated in the Pink City Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state. This was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 AD. This five storeyed palace made of red & pink sandstone has a number of tiny windows, arched roofs and balconies is a great example of Rajputana architecture. This historic structure is currently under the supervision of the state archaeological department and provides excellent views of the city.


Jantar Mantar : Sawai Jai Singh who also built the five observatories in India built the largest stone observatory in the world, Jantar Mantar. Its complex instruments are excellent for predicting the figures related to the Indian astronomy. Hawa Mahal is the renowned landmark of Jaipur. As against the popular belief, it is not really a palace. It is a sandstone screen veiling the ladies of the court who could watch the proceedings on the road below without being noticed.

The City Palace of Jaipur : The City Palace is an architectural marvel that presents a perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture. The City Palace has projecting balconies, arches and the entrances. The palace covers one-seventh of the area in Jaipur. The City Palace also has a museum with an exclusive collection of Rajasthani costumes, miniature paintings, carpets and royal paraphernalia.

Amber Fort : The Palace is situated in Amber, 11km from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The Palace lies inside the massive Amber fort complex with several gateways, gardens, halls, small palaces, pavillions & temples. The construction of the palace was started by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and later it was completed by Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh. This palace is a synthesis of Hindu & Mughal architecture built in red sandstone and white marble. This is a must visit travel destination in Rajasthan which attracts tourists from all over India.