The city capital in the tone of an autumnal sunset, literally
blushed pink when prince Albert the consort of Queen Victoria,
stepped on its soil. Interspersing the play of red and pink
were white borders and motifs, painstakingly outlining the architectural
highlights of Jaipur's buildings. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
had it built. Jaipur is the only city in the world symbolizing
the nine divisions of the Universe through nine rectangular
sectors subdividing it.
Interestingly,
the royal family's earlier residence at Amer is only 11 km away.
The palaces and forts of yesteryears that were witness to royal
processions and splendor are now living monuments, accepted
quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the 'Pink
City'. Jaipur is connected from other tourist and business centers
such as Delhi, Mumbai & Jodhpur. Jaipur's signature building
is Hawa Mahal, a multi-layered
palace with a profusion of windows and stone screen. Jantar
Mantar is a stone observatory raised in the 18th century.
The city palace was the principal residence of the former ruler
of the state. Heading out of the city is Jal mahal a former hunting lodge.The experience of visiting Amer
Palace, cannot be easily described. Overlooking Amer
are two fortresses, Jaigarh and Nahargarh.
Two
gardens that must be visited are the landscaped pavilions known
as Vidyadharji Ka Bagh and Ka Sisodia
Rani Bagh. These pleasure pavilion can also be booked
for parties. The newly built Birla Mandir is
a unique monument with exquisite marble carvings.
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