subject: Jaipur (the Pink City) A Splendor Of Rajasthan [print this page] Jaipur, The Pink city, Jaipur was founded in 1727 AD by Sawai Jaisingh II. It is also the capital of Rajasthan and is popularly known as the Pink City because of the colour of the stone used for the buildings. Designed in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture - Jaipur follows a grid system. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.. Jaipur Hotels and their hospitality too attract tourists from India and overseas. Jaipur sightseeing includes Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Jantar Mantar (Observatory) and Museum.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is an integral part of the City Palace though standing away from the main complex. It is the world famous landmark of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is located to the north of the city's main road intersection. At first glance it looks rather whimsical in design. When looked from the roadside, it appears as mere facade. But there is much more than meets the eye.
City Palace
City Palace is the architecture is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal art. It is strategically located in the heart of the Pink City of Jaipur. It is divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. It is home to several palatial structures like the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple, Mubarak Mahal, and the City Palace Museum.
Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort is one of the most famous attractions of Rajasthan. It is believed to be the biggest cannon on wheels in the world. It is very powerful but has not been used in any war. It is believed that once a cannon ball was test fired from Jaivan and it landed at a distance of around 38 kilometers. The impact, they say was so powerful that a Lake was formed! Also, some villages located in Jaipur were completely destroyed due to the impact there! The man who fired the cannon died instantly and it was never touched again in future.
Jantar Mantar
The Jantar Mantar derives its name from the Sanskrit words "Yantra" and "Mantra". The people in Rajasthan pronounce 'Y' as 'J', hence the name Jantar Mantar. Its own significance and combinations of these geometric monuments are used to calculate many different things like eclipse, planetary positions, etc. These observatories have fascinated historians, architects, artists and astronomers not just in India, but all over the world.
