Breath
taking, swashbuckling, nerve wracking, spine tingling and what not? The pink walled desert capital has got it all!
It won’t be too many words, if I say that the pink city of India richly
illustrates the Indian heritage of a bygone era.
The
Rajputs, the mahals, the vibe and the tranquillity beats the heat of the city
hands down.
Check:
11. Amber
Fort and Palace
Set
on the banks of Maota lake, the fort was an abode to the Rajput royalty,
stationing myriad halls, gardens and temples. It covers four square kilometres and
is eleven kilometres away from the city centre. Sans the staircase, the
elevated entrance of the fort is the reason behind lurching elephants,
incessant jeep rides and pedestrian walks through the gateway.
Anokhi
Museum and the evening sound and light show, comprise the inevitable to-do
list. “Amber by Night” offers the delightful experience of plunging into the historic
era momentarily, under the guiding lights of the city in the evening. Sheesh
mahal, Mansingh mahal, Diwan –i-aam all seem to be picturesque after the dusk.
A must visit for people interested in the artistic block printing.
22. Hawa
mahal
The
palace of the winds, is humongous and perhaps, the most popular. The five
storey palace, situated on the main street of the exuberant Jaipur’s old city
offers a vivid view from the top floor.
The
story runs that in the prehistoric times, the women of the palace could glance
at several ongoing proceedings on the street through these innumerable windows
which even provided a breezy ambience during the festivities.
Much
to the disappointment of contemporary travellers, most of the windows are now
shut but the architecture is still mesmerising.
33.
Jantar
Mantar
“Jantar
mantar” is the Hindi parallel to calculation instrument. Constructed by King
Jai Singh II, the 90 feet tall observatory is home to the famous Samrat Yantra
sundial.
It
is a rich collection of 19 astronomical instruments that deploys all three
ancient coordinate systems of the 5 heavenly bodies. Built in 1734, it is the
largest stone observatory of the world. With a meagre price of 20 INR,
it is a must visit for all
the astronomy buffs.
44.
Nahargarh
Fort
On
the rough terrains of the gigantic Aravallis, the Tiger fort (Nahargarh Fort) offers
a panoramic view of the pink city. It was built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai
Jaisingh II.
The
fort has now turned into a picnic spot, with a café in the vicinity. It calls
for especially all the night people in pajamas, basking in the glory of sinking
sun and galloping beer till 10 pm. Set magnificently under the night lights, the
place is bewitching yet placid. With tourists from USA travelling all the way
to Nahargarh in large flocks, say it all that why Indians shouldn’t be far behind.
It
has got classy hotels and resorts mobbed nearby, for luxurious accommodation
and comfortable travelling. With films like Rang De Basanti being shot over
here, the fort is growing in name and fame, quite aptly.
55.
Monkey
Temple
The
Galta temple, renamed as the monkey temple due to the omnipresent monkeys in
the campus is adjusted between two granite cliffs in the pink city. It is built
within the Aravali hills. From the three sacred water pools, one is completely
taken over by the ‘monkey’ empire that swims and bathes in it.
The
poor maintenance of the temple, and the filthy premises can turn the mood sour of
the travellers but around the sunset gangs of monkeys, perched on temple walls
are a sight to watch at the divine place.
Beware
of monkey thieves in the arena!
If the seemingly
endless tiring walks took you over, then Chokhi Dhani isn’t a bad bet to savour
the delicacies and relax.
About the
Author:
Hi! I’m Rohit
Agarwal and am a travel aficionado. I’m here to post some really cool travel
blogs for you. Avid writer and a crazy traveller.
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