A stunning presentation of the rich architectural expertise of the past, Hawa Mahal is a not-to-miss tourist places in Jaipur. The Mahal was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. True to the name it earned as the ‘Palace of the Winds’, Hawa Mahal has 953 windows to provide ventilation. The five-storey building does not have steps to reach upper floors. Slopes connect the storeys and it is said that the Mahal was constructed to enable the Royal women of Rajput family to view the happenings in the city.
Possibly the most serene sight amidst the chaos of Jaipur is the beautiful Jal Mahal Jaipur, the Water Palace. This low-rise symmetrical palace, that once was a shooting lodge for the Maharajah, appears to float in the centre of Sagar Lake. The light sand coloured stone walls of the Jal Mahal Jaipur are at a stark contrast to the deep blue of the waters of the lake, while from the innards of the palace lush foliage sprouts.
Also known as Amer Fort, it is located in Amer, which is around 11 kilometers from Jaipur. It was constructed by Raja Mansingh in the year 1592. It was later expanded by Raja Jai Singh I. The red sandstone and marble stone construction reflect a blend of Hindu-Muslim architecture. The main entrance faces east and there are three more entrances. There are four courtyards in Amber Palace. One of the courtyards has the Public Audience Hall, called the Diwan-i-Aam.
The Ranthambore National Park is a delight for any wildlife enthusiast as this is one of the best location for spotting a tiger in India. The lush Aravali range surrounding the place and a significant tiger population makes for a stunning wildlife safari. Visitors can also visit the nearby Ranthambore Fort.
If you have any doubts about having to spend your time at an observatory on your tour, reconsider it. Jantar Mantar is not just like any other average observatory; it is ranked amongst the largest observatories of the world. Built during the period of Maharaja Jai Singh II, the astronomical observatory has the largest sundial of the world. Maharaja Jai Singh II had avid interest in various subjects including architecture, astronomy, philosophy and astronomy. His keen interest in astronomy led him to construct the country’s largest observatory.
Built as a defensive fort on the Aravali Ranges, Nahargarh Fort is a majestic fort overlooking Amer and Jaipur. The fort provides some stunning viewpoints of the city nearby and therefore is a popular picnic hangout spot for localites. The main attraction here apart from the views are the twelve queen boudoirs which are well connected and decorated with beautiful murals.
This Laxmi Narayan temple is one of the many Birla temples adorning India’s cityscape. Built completely from white marble, Birla Temple Jaipur is visited by tourists from all over the world for its beautiful architecture, carvings and the stunning idol of LaxmiNarayan. The inner walls depict various events associated with Hinduism and the outer walls also have cravings of philosophers, thinkers and religious leaders namely- Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Buddha, and Confucius.