Jaipur

Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It has, long been established, on tourist itineraries as the third corner of India's Golden Triangle, just 300 km southwest of Delhi, and 200 km west of Agra. The old city of Jaipur is partially encircled with seven gates - the major gates are Chandpol, Sanganeri, and Ajmeri. The 'pink city' label, applies specifically, to the old walled quarter of the Rajasthani capital, while in the northeast of the town, glorious palaces and temples, in an assortment of styles, spanning centuries, are scattered throughout the, predominantly, urban area.

Hawa Mahal:The most magnificent palaces of the city, are the Hawa Mahal and City Palace.Built in 1799, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. This five storey building, which looks out over the main street of the old city, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry, with its pink semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household, to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, and is part of the City Palace complex. There is, also, a small archaeological museum on the same site

Jantar Mantar:Adjacent to the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, an observatory begun by Jai Singh in 1728. Jai Singh's passion for astronomy, was even more notable, than his prowess as a warrior. The Jaipur observatory is the largest, and the best preserved of the five observatories he built. The others are in Delhi, Varanasi and Ujjain. The observatory at Mathura, has now disappeared.

Central Museum:Located in the Ram Niwas gardens, in the south of the old city, is Central Museum, which houses portraits of the Jaipur Maharajas, a collection of costumes, and woodwork from various parts of the state, and other miniatures and artworks. There is also a zoo, and an art gallery, located in the Gardens.

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.

Amber: 11 kilometres out of Jaipur, Amber was once the ancient capital of Rajasthan. The Amber Fort is a stunning piece of Rajput architecture.

The Cenotaphs of the royal family are at Gaitore, 6.5 kilometres from Jaipur, on the road to Amber. Opposite the Cenotaphs, is the Jal Mahal Palace, in the middle of a lake and reached by a causeway.

Nahargarh Fort: 6.5 km away and is floodlit at night. Jaigarh Fort, built in 1726 is within walking distance of Amber.

Samode: 50 km north of Jaipur, is the small village. The beautiful Samode palace is worth a visit.

Other attractions: the Temple of Sun God at Galta, Sisodia Rani palace and gardens, Vidyadhar's garden, Balaji and Sanganer, Ishwar Lat , Central Museum , Gaitor, Maharani Ki Chhatri, Sisodia Rani Garden , Vidhyadhar Garden, Kanak Vrindavan , Amer, Dolls Museum.