As a tourist one is bound to enjoy his or her trip to Jaipur. From towering forts to elaborately designed palaces- the city of Jaipur is dotted with tourist spots. These are both historically and religiously significant. In order to tour these places local transportations are easily available. The interesting sightseeing at the Pink City has made it a regular name in the arena of international tourism.
City Palace: Usually the sightseeing tours commence with a trip to the City palace in Jaipur. Lying in the heart of the city the City Palace is a blend of the Mughal and the Rajasthani architecture. A great ceremonial gate called Tripolia Gate is now reserved for the erstwhile Maharaja and his family. The visitors are generally ushered in through the Atish Pol. Passing through the Chandani Chowk and the Gainda Ka Deorhi, the travelers will come to the Mubarak Mahal. Besides these there are the Maharani`s Palace and the Sileh Khana. Singh Pol, Diwan I Khas, Diwan I and Pritam Chowk are also part of the palace.
The Observatory: One of the most famous of Sawai Jai Singh`s astronomic observatories is the Jantra Mantar. It was built in 1827. These gigantic instruments are made of marble and stone. One of the most striking instruments here is the Samrat Yantra it is a sundial that measures 27m in height and 45m in width. Various observations related to celestial bodies can also be made with the help of this jantar.
Hawa Mahal: It literally means the Palace of Winds. This was built in 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh. Till date it remains one of the most favorite haunts of the tourists. Originally it was built for the ladies royal household Kept in purdah to watch at leisure without being seen the activities taking place in the streets as well as royal and religious processions. It was named Hawa Mahal as its pink little wind vanes moved in every direction with the slightest gust of wind.
Govind Devi Temple: Established by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1730 it is part of the City Palace. It has been built in such a way that the idol of the god is visible from the king`s residence that is located exactly at the opposite direction. Dedicated to Lord Krishna the idol resembles the one in Mathura. Here both the idols of Radha and Krishna are worshipped.
Albert hall or Central Museum: The museum building, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob in 1886, has a rare collection of artifacts and crafts items such as metal work, ivory carvings, pieces of jewellery, textile, pottery and paintings. An Egyptian mummy and a 16th century Persian carpet are to be found here.
Amber Fort Complex: It is a magnificent old citadel that was the former capital of the Kachhwaha rulers. It was built in the 16th century by Raja Man Sing and additions were made to it later by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh. The palace complex rises from the placid waters of the Mootha Lake. As is the case with the forts there are temples, palaces and other buildings within the fort premises.
Jaigarh Fort: This is another massive structure that is part of the sightseeing in Jaipur. In 1726 Sawai Jai Singh built it to strengthen the defense mechanism of Amer. Although the artistry of the other forts is missing in it but it genuinely reflects the military prowess of the Rajputs.
Nahargarh Fort: Also Known as the Tiger Fort it was built in 1737. The walls of the fort run along the ridge and are superb examples of marital architecture. Hazari Burj, the palace of the Maharaja and his queens are noteworthy for their unique plasterwork called arayish.
Gaitor: Gaitor is the funeral ground of the rulers of Jaipur. The most impressive chhatri here is that of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It is a large dome and is supported by twenty columns with mythological figures carved on it.
Birla Mandir: Compared to the other attractions it is fairly a new building. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Laxmi-Narayan. The architectural grandeur has made it quite popular amongst the tourists.
Gardens in Jaipur: There are several gardens in Jaipur that help to beautify the city. These also show that the royal people had a penchant for gardens. Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, Ram Niwas Public Garden and Vidhyadhar bagh are the most popular ones. They lay at a short distance form the city center.
Galta: It is a holy pond that is located 10 kilometers east of city centre. It was home to sage Rishi Galav. Devotees congregate here to take sacred dip in its holy waters. On the top of the hill overlooking the valley stands 18th century Sun Temple.