Showing 1-13 of 13 results
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Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple
A modern temple with splendid marble carving. Free guides explain aspects of the temple. Next to the temple there's a small, free museum, which houses everyday objects from the industrially renowned Birla family.
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Cenotaphs of the Maharanis of Jaipur
The Cenotaphs of the Maharanis of Jaipur are midway between Jaipur and Amber.
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Central Museum
This dusty but memorable collection is housed in the spectacularly florid Albert Hall, south of the old city, and displays a fine, if carelessly exhibited, array of tribalware, decorative arts, costumes, drawings and musical instruments. Photography is prohibited.
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City Palace
This palace is impressive - a vast complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The outer wall was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743), but other additions are much more recent, some dating from the early 20th century. Today the palace is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Beyond the main courtyard is the seven-storey Chandra Mahal, the maharaja's residence (off limits to visitors).
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Hawa Mahal
Jaipur's most distinctive landmark, Hawa Mahal is a remarkable, delicately honeycombed pink-sandstone structure. The five-storey building was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawaj Pratap Singh to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city. It's an amazing example of Rajput artistry, and remains a great place for people-watching from behind the small broken shutters.
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Iswari Minar Swarga Sal
A handy reference point among the chaos of the Old City is Iswari Minar Swarga Sal near Tripolia Gate. The minaret was erected by Jai Singh's son, Iswari, who later killed himself rather than face the advancing Maratha army. As the ultimate act of Rajput loyalty, 21 wives and concubines committed jauhar on his funeral pyre. You can climb to the top of the minaret for excellent views over the old city.
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Jantar Mantar
Near the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, an observatory begun by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743) in 1728, which at first glance looks like a collection of mammoth, bizarre sculptures. If sensing you've stepped into Alice Through the Looking Glass is not enough, the Rs 150 guided tour (30 minutes to one hour) is worthwhile.
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MI Rd
MI Road is great for restaurants and for general Jaipur hubbub. Time it for sunset when the buildings turn pink.
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Moti Dungri
This small fort is closed to the public. At its foot is the modern Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple, with splendid marble carving. Next to the temple there's a small museum, which houses everyday objects from the industrially renowned Birla family.
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Museum of Indology
The ramshackle, dusty treasure-trove of the Museum of Indology is an extraordinary private collection of folk-art objects - there's everything from a manuscript written by Aurangzeb to a glass bed (for a short queen). The museum is signposted off J Nehru Marg.
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Nahargarh
Built in 1734 and extended in 1868, sturdy Nahargarh overlooks the city from a sheer ridge to the north. An 8km road runs up to the fort through the hills from Jaipur, or it can be reached along a zigzagging 2km footpath. There are some interesting furnished rooms in the fort and glorious views - it's a popular picnic spot on weekends, and the perfect place to catch the sunset.
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Royal Gaitor
The site of the royal cenotaphs, just outside the city walls, is an appropriately restful place to visit, and still feels remarkably undiscovered. Surrounded by a straggling village, the monuments bear much beautiful, intricate carving. The marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jai Singh II is particularly impressive.
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The Old City
The Pink City is partially encircled by a crenellated, battle-scarred wall, and the major gates of Chandpol, Ajmer and Sanganeri have been carefully restored. The entire city is a feat of town planning; the Old City is still loosely divided into traditional artisans' quarters. Avenues divide it into neat rectangles, each one specialising in different crafts: the main bazaars are Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar and Chandpol Bazaar.
Showing 1-13 of 13 results
