AFTER getting down at Jaipur bus stand, I went to railway
station and placed my luggage in clock room. Previous day, I had booked a
'Royal Enfield Classic 350' bike for one-day ride through a website. Bikes were
parked at metro station's parking lot. Though metro station was just opposite
to railway station, it took a while to find out its parking space. After
showing driving license, I took the bike. Unfortunately, metro work was going
on across Jaipur city and main roads were very crowded. Nothing compared to
Bangalore roads, but it consumed a lot of time and killed any interest in
driving through the city. After spending some 30 minutes in Jaipur roads, I
left the city for my first destination - Amber Fort.
Jaipur History
Jaipur is the capital and largest city in Rajasthan. Located
240kms from Delhi, Jaipur is part of Golden Triangle tourist circuit whose two
other legs are Delhi and Agra. This city was named after her founder Jai Singh
II. Construction of Jaipur was planned and started in 1726 based on Vastu
shastra and Shilpa Shastra. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya was the chief architect. It
took four years to complete construction of roads, palaces and offices. Out of nine
blocks, two were reserved for official buildings and palace, rest were available
for public.
During the visit of Edward VII (then Prince of Wales) in
1876 king 'Sawai Ram Singh I' painted the city in pink, and thereafter Jaipur
is known as Pink City. Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites located here - Jantar
Mantar and Amer Fort
Amber Fort
Amber fort (pronounced as Amer fort) is located 11kms from
capital Jaipur. Amer town was originally built by Meenas and there were some
small structures. Later, Rajputs captured it and built Amber fort and palace on
this harsh terrain on top of Aravalli range. Construction was started by Raja
Man Singh I in 1592 AD and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh. Constructed using
red sandstone and marble, this palace also hosts vibrant works in precious
stones and glass.
Overseeing Maota lake - primary source of water - Amer fort
and palace is divided in to six parts; each with its own entrance and
courtyard.
Entrance to this majestic structure is through a gate in the
east known as Suraj Pol (Sun gate). Other main areas are, Sila Devi Temple,
Ganesh Pol (Ganesh Gate), Suhag Mandir, second courtyard (which houses
Divan-i-Aam - Hall of public audience), third courtyard (which also houses
Maharaja's private quarters, gardens, Jai mandir, Sheesh mahal, Sukh Nivas -
Hall of pleasure), palace of Man Singh I, central courtyard, fourth courtyard
(with multiple living rooms for women of royal family).
Amer palace is connected through a subterranean passage to
Jaigarh fort situated nearby; hence both are part of same complex. This passage
was an escape route for royal family and others during war.
Amber served as capital of Kachwaha Rajputs until the
capital was moved to Jaipur.
To Amber
Once I left Jaipur city, roads were less crowded; one can
see harsh, shrub covered hills of Aravalli range were close from here. After
driving some 11 kms, I reached the fort. I was late; hence there were no
parking space left at the bottom or nearby. So, I went ahead and drove through
some narrow passages to reach the parking space on top. As I reach closer, four
wheelers were blocking the way. However, there were some space – enough or a
bike to pass - available on either or both sides four wheelers ahead of me. Problem
was, the high gradient of that stone paved road. Driving without stopping was
ok, but if stop, then start moving again was difficult. Close to top my bike
slid and almost touched the bonnet of a car. Luckily escaped. Someway, I took
it forward and safely reached some empty space at top. It was not parking area,
nevertheless, it served the purpose.
After buying tickets I went inside. Unlike many forts I
visited before, buildings inside were in good shape. It was very much crowded.
Indeed, it’s not without a reason Amber fort is named among the best forts in
India.
Capturing Amber located in desert like area with harsh
climate on top of a hill, with good view of any movement for miles might have
been very tough; even for a battle-hardened enemy. By the way, elephant safari
is available to reach the top; in case you parked your vehicle at bottom and
don't want to walk. After spending some time there I went back to the city.
@Back to Jaipur city
My plan was to spend two days in Jaipur. But due to train
delays I lost 1 day at Ludhiana, and 12 hours of not so comfortable sleepless
journey made me very much tired. Rather than seeing some places I just wanted
to eat and sleep!!! But, Jaipur is far away from my base locations - Bangalore
and Kerala. After going all the way here, I won't be doing justice to myself if
I simply eat and sleep.
Jal Mahal (Lake Palace)
While coming back, I stopped at Jal Mahal. There were couple
of decorated camels walking through road side. There was a small road going
through one side of Jal Mahal, I took that one and parked bike at the end.
Apart from couple of ladies selling some eatables, two girls taking lot of
selfies and numerous monkeys there weren't many people. However, at the side of
main road there was a huge crowd to view Jal Mahal.
After spending sometime there, I resumed my journey to city
centre. Next couple of hours I roamed around the city without any destination
in mind. During these rounds I saw Hawa Mahal and parts of City Palace.
However, I didn't go inside. By this time, I was hungry and started looking for
some restaurant. After searching for a while in internet, I finally identified
one, and drove towards that using google maps. Even after reaching the destination
in maps, I didn't see that restaurant. This happened couple of times before as
well. Even in Amritsar, google maps said, I arrived at destination. However,
there was nothing at that place. Well, there was a nice street food vendor
nearby. Food was good. By the way, I always like good street food.
Finally, it was time for me to go to railway station. I went
to a nearby pump and filled the tank and returned it at Jaipur metro station's
parking lot. From there, I started walking towards railway station. Unlike, all
other places while leaving Jaipur I felt very sad. The journey was nothing like
what I planned. Instead of two days, I could spend only a day here. Public
works going across the road killed lot of time. In fact, I missed so many
places, in fact the only place I saw properly was Amber Palace (there also I
didn't try that underground path to Jaigarh Fort. Well, the journey is not
complete, I need to come to Jaipur again...
To Udaipur
Finally, I boarded the train to Udaipur.
Sajeev
Other main places to visit in Jaipur are,
1. City Palace
City Palace Complex, located in northeast part of
grid-patterned Jaipur, was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. This is a mix
of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Palace is still home to
the last ruling royal family which lives in a private
section of this palace. The City Palace Complex includes Mubarak Mahal (the
palace of reception) and Maharani’s Palace (the palace of queen). Mubarak Mahal
now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. The Chandra Mahal palace now
houses a museum, but the greatest part of it is still a royal residence.
2. Albert Hall Museum (Central museum)
Inspiration from 'Victoria and Albert Museum' in London
Albert Hal is located in the centre of Ram Niwas Garden. Museum displays wide
range of metal objects, wood crafts, carpets, stone and metal sculptures, arms
and weapons, natural stones and ivory items. Alber Hall also has a good
collection of miniatures from Bundi, Kota, Kishangarh, Udaipur and Jaipur
schools of art.
3. Nahargarh (abode
of tigers) Fort
Constructed during the reign of Jai Singh in 1734, Nahargarh
fort is located on ridge of Aravalli Hills. Fort was later expanded in 1868.
This fort also have a palace - Madhavendra Bhawan - built by Sawai Madho Singh;
which act as a summer destination for members of royal family. Palace has 12
matching rooms for queens and a suite for king. All connected by corridors
decorated with murals.
4. Jaigarh Fort
Located about 15kms from Jaipur, Jaigarh Fort was built by
Sawai Jai Singh II in early 18th century. This fort is situated amidst an arid,
dry, rocky and scrub covered hills of Aravalli. Visitors can see world’s
largest cannon – Jaiban here.
5. Digamber Jain Mandir
Built using red sandstone, this ancient temple is in
Sanganer, 14 km from city. Principal idol in Sanghiji Temple is Lord Adinath in
Padmasan (lotus position). The 7-storied temple has sky high 'shikharas'
(spires) and its inner sanctum is a stone shrine with eight sky-high shikharas.
7. Gaitore (Memorial of Kings)
Tombs of former maharajas of Jaipur are located in Gaitore,
which is located close to Jaipur-Amer road. Chhatris (cenotaphs) are made using
white marble. Crematorium is located in the middle of yellow sandstone hills.
Depends on status and power of ruler, decor his chattri varies. The most
elegant chattri at Gaitor is that of Maharaja Jai Singh with 20 carved pillars.
8. Janthat Mantar (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Considered to be the largest of five astronomical
observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Janthar Manthar contains
sixteen geometric devices, designed to measure time, track celestial bodies and
observe the orbits of planets around the sun. It also houses the Interpretation
Centre that helps tourists to understand about the working principles &
chronology of the observatory.
7. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
Hawa Mahal was built by poet king Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799
using pink sandstone. It was a summer retreat for him and family. Hawa Mahal
also served as a place from where ladies of royal family could observe everyday
life without being seen themselves. This unique five floor structure is a
fusion of Hindu and Islamic architecture, and the exterior, with its small
latticed windows (called jharokhas), resembles the crown of Lord Krishna. The
windows also serve as an air-conditioner, blowing cool air throughout the
palace; which make it suitable for summers. Built from pink sandstone, Hawa
Mahal is Jaipur’s iconic landmark and visitors can view its complete
magnificence from outside, from across the road. However, it is also possible
to climb right up to the top for a wonderful view from the windows. Today,
Mahal is maintained by Archaeological Department of Rajasthan Government. An
archaeological museum is also there in the courtyard.
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