Jolly good trip to Jaipur !

Jolly good trip to Jaipur !

Our much awaited trip to the Pink city was filled with awe and admiration.
We opted for the full day tour of the city conducted by RTDC and set off to explore the city . Our journey began with the landmark of the city, the Hawa Mahal , an imposing structure. This 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument has 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies and is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. On the way to this Mahal, situated in the Ram Niwas Garden is the Central Museum. This graceful building was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert , also known as Albert Hall.
Known for the intricate marble carvings in white marble, the Lakshmi Narayan temple, popularly known as Birla Temple, is an impressive structure.
The City Palace is a remarkable palace, 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, and leaves one awestruck.
Adjacent to this palace, is the Jantar Mantar, the largest stone built observatory in the world. A look at these stone structures, makes one wonder how these the huge masonary instruments, used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky, were built during those bygone days.

Standing on a hilltop, overlooking the palaces and city of Amer is the Jaigarh fort. The world’s biggest cannon on wheels- the Jai Ban is positioned here, built during reign of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh.
Cresting a hill about 600 ft. above the city, is the Nahargarh 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.

The Amer fort exudes 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 palace complex is lavishly ornamented and displays the riches of Amer. Sheesh Mahal chamber of mirrors, is an impressive structure, adorned with pieces of mirrors decorated artistically. Throughout the massive fort finely carved lattice windows, exquisitely painted doorways, halls and finely sculptured pillars crave for attention.
On the way to Amer, is a small palace, Jal Mahal, set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.
The newly restored temple and garden, Kanak Vrindavan, near Jal Mahal, has beautiful gardens and is popular picnic place. Our first day tour in Jaipur ended here.

The next day we visited Chokhi Dhani , the ethnic village resort situated 18 kms away from the city. In the evenings this place, comes alive, with various cultural activities, like the Rajashtani dance show, magic show, snake dance, elephant rides, camel rides, horse rides etc. The interiors of the resort are done in a style resembling a typical Rajasthani village.
This place is a must visit for every enthusiastic tourist !!