Jaipur är huvudstad i den indiska
delstaten Rajasthan. Den är samtidigt huvudort för distriktet Jaipur.
Staden kallas Indiens rosa stad och har cirka 3 miljoner invånare.
Staden grundades 1727 av kungen och astronomen Sawai Jai Singh av
Kachhawahadynastin.
I staden innanför murarna finns palatset och ett av de fem astronomiska
observatorier som maharadjan Sawai Jai Singh lät uppföra. Precis utanför
murarna kan man observera Hawa Mahal (Vindarnas Palats), byggt 1799 av
maharadja Sawai Pratap Singh. Utanför Jaipur finns fortet Jaigarh, byggt
1726, med världens största kanon på hjul.
Jaipur är idag ett av världens centrum för hästpolo.
(Jaipur,
http://sv.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jaipur&oldid=11038295
(senast besökt februari 23, 2010).)
Settled in the
rugged hills of the Aravalis, Jaipur is the pristine jewel in the
desert sands of Rajasthan. Jaipur is as remarkable for its marvelous
architecture and town planning as it is for the lively spirit of the
people who inhabit it. The city presents a unique synthesis of culture
that has to be experienced in order to be appreciated.
With its origin buried deep into the pages of history, the city still
exudes a magical old world charm; an aroma of chivalry and romance is
evident, despite having evolved into a city that is the hub of modern
commercial activity in the region. Tell-tale signs of the glorious past
and regal splendor of the city lie strewn across with gay abandon.
Widely known as the 'Pink City',
Jaipur is colour washed pink to welcome Prince Albert, the consort of
Queen Victoria of England who visited India in 1883 A.D. The city was
founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is
surrounded by hills on three sides, crowned by formidable forts and
majestic palaces, mansions and gardens. Jaipur is the only city in the
world, which is sub-divided in to nine rectangular sectors symbolizing
nine divisions of universe. Jaipur is the first planned city designed in
accordance with 'Shilpa Shastra'- epochal treatise of Hindu
architecture.
The lively spirit of fanfare, festivity
and celebration of the people adequately match the colourful and
intricately carved monuments. Even today, one can find weather beaten
faces with huge colourful turbans, fierce moustaches and lips that
spontaneously crease into a heart-warming smile. A city like Jaipur,
where modernity and tradition live hand-in-hand, is truly rare. Perhaps
this is what makes it an attractive destination for tourists who flock
to Jaipur, year after year.
Places
of Interests
Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a
prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures of sandstone
plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies.
The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh,
the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
City Palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional
Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the
area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev
Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar - This is the largest and the best preserved of the
five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the
country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical
instruments is still in use.
Amber Fort Palace - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort
palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and
completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies
an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles
finds it's ultimate expression.
The Statue Circle - This is a traffic roundabout In Jaipur. It is
the favourite lounge of Jaipur and a place for evening out, with 'Meals
on Wheels' standing by. Strangely it acquires its name of statue circle
after its figurine rather than the grand Sawai Jai Singh the founder of
modern day Jaipur.
Moti Dungri - In the middle of Jaipur rises a small hill Moti
Dungri meaning pearl hill, because it looks hill a drop of pearl. An
exotic palace is parched which is a replica of Scottish castle once
occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son.
Gaitore - It is the final resting place of the Maharajas of
Jaipur and is located just off the Jaipur - Amber Road. Situated in a
narrow valley the cenotaphs of the former Maharajas are chhatris made in
typical Rajput architecture. The chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh II is of
special mention for its carvings that exaggerate it.
Jal Mahal - Also known as Water Palace, Built in the mid 18th
century by Madho Singh I The Palace was developed as a pleasure spot and
was used for the royal duck shooting parties. A causeway leads to Jal
Mahal Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, opposite the
cenotaphs.
Museums
Albert Hall - Situated in the middle of the Ram Niwas garden, as
a centre attraction was the exquisitely built structure of Albert Hall,
which was designed by sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect who
designed many palaces in Rajasthan. Combining the elements of English
and north Indian architecture known as the pride of the New Jaipur
opened in 1887 AD, it is a very well maintained and impressive building
displaying a rich collection of Art- de- fact like paintings, carpet,
ivory, stone and metal sculptures and colourful crystal works etc.
Birla Planetarium - The Birla Planetarium is at the BM Birla Science &
Technology Centre, near Statue Circle. The Planetarium offers unique
audio-visual educational and entertainment with its modern computerised
projections system.
Temples
Govind Dev Ji Temple - A vital part of the city Palace complex,
this Krishna temple has been highly preserved by the erstwhile royal
family. Sawai Jai Singh installed the image of GOVIND DEV JI (an
incarnation of lord Krishna) after it was brought from Vrindavan.
Birla Lakshmi-Narayan Temple - Birla Mandir or the Lakshmi -
Narayan Temple, situated just below the Moti Dungari. This is a modern
temple built of white marble on top of a hill, dominating the skyline of
south Jaipur.
Parks &
Gardens
Zoo - Just opposite the Albert Hall is one of the oldest ZOO in
the country, harbouring different species of birds and animals.
Kanak Vrindavan - Not so old but definitely an exquisitely land
scaped gardens with beautifully carved temple in beige stone, which is a
vast complex with terrace sites all around and intricately carved marble
columns and lattices. Located in the foothills of Nahargarh hills on the
way towards Amer, this complex is a popular spot for picnic and film
shoots.
Sisodia Rani ka Bagh - Sawai Jai Singh built it in 1728. The
garden is laid in Mughal style and it depicts the legends of Radha and
Krishna. The garden is located 8 km from Jaipur - Agra road .It consists
of tiered multi-level gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted
pavilions. Sawai Jai Singh built it for his Sisodia Queen from Udaipur.
The palace house has several galleries, pavilions and beautiful murals
depicting scenes from the life of lord Krishna.
Vidyadhar Gardens - Located near the Sisodia Gardens,it is a
beautiful vineyard, which unfolds itself in the valley. It is named
after Vidyadhar Bhatacharjee the architect of Jaipur.
Excursions
Amber Fort - Amber (pronounced Amer) is situated about 11
kilometres from Jaipur and was the ancient citadel of the ruling
Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted in the plains to
present day Jaipur. Amber is the classic and romantic fort- palace with
a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive
painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. In
the foreground is the Maota Lake providing a breathtaking look.
Jaigarh Fort - The Jaigarh fort is the most spectacular of the
three-hilltop forts that overlook Jaipur. In Mughal times, the Jaipur
region was a major weapon-producing centre for the Mughal and Rajput
rulers, several of which are on display in the fort's museum.
Nahargarh Fort - Nahargarh Fort is located on the sheer rugged
ridge of Aravali Hills and it forms an impressive northern backdrop of
Jaipur. It looks most classy when floodlit at night. The fort overlooks
the city and presents a glittering view of the city lights. It was built
in 1734 and extended in 1868. Nahargarh meaning abode of the tigers was
built by Jai Singh to bolster the defence of Amber.
Sanganer- 16 km - Sanganer is located 16 Kms from Jaipur. It is
also known for exquisite Jain temples. Moreover, it is an important
centre for crafts and hand-printed textiles that is internationally
famous.The most beautiful temple in Sanganer is the ancient Shri
Digamber Jain temple.
Tonk - It is located, 96 kms away from Jaipur. This is a quiet
town which was ruled by tribes of 'Pathans' from Afghanistan. The focal
point of Tonk is the Suneri Kothi, the Golden Bungalow. A fairly
ordinary monument from outside, it has stunningly rich ornamental
interiors.
Bagru - It is located 30 kms away from Jaipur on the Ajmer Road
and is well known for its Bagru prints. This technique simulates a
wooden block on which the required design is first carved, then the
carved block is used for transferring the motif in the desired colour on
the fabric.
Samod - The fort is an old fortified residence of the Nathawat
family (hailing from chomu) that served as the Prime Ministers of the
Jaipur Royal Court is located some 40km from Jaipur and 264 km from
Delhi in the range of Aravali.
(Pinkcity
Holidays,
http://www.pinkcityholidays.net/jaipur.html,
den 28 februari 2011)
Boende
Shahar Palace,
a verdant island of calm in the middle of the hustle and
bustle of the Pink City, Jaipur. Owned by the formal royal family of
Shahar, Colonel Virendra Singh (retd) and his wife Nalini, the palace
now welcomes guests from all over the world.
Six rooms have been converted into guest rooms overlooking lush lawns.
After spending the day exploring the city, you can come back and relax
in an environment that is designed to please.
Shahar Palace is located in Civil Lines, one of the posh residential
areas in Jaipur. Besides the grand residences of Rajasthan's Chief
Minister and Governor, the area is renowned for it's peace and quiet.
All our rooms are either air-conditioned or air cooled and have attached
bathrooms with running hot and cold water. We also have a restaurant
that serves Indian, Rajasthani and Continental cuisine.
(Hostelbookers,
http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/india/jaipur/8887/,
2011-02-28)
Address: Barwara House Colony, Civil Lines,
Ajmer road, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India 302006
Telephone: +91 (141) 2221 861
Web:
http://shaharpalace.com/
E-mail:
info@ShaharPalace.com
Jaipur Inn.
The hotel offers comfortable accommodation in 25 Deluxe rooms with
plenty of natural light, equipped with modern amenities including an air
conditioning, cable television, telephone, work desk, luggage rack,
wardrobe and full length mirror. While the rooms have an intercom,
STD/ISD (long distance telephone) is available at the reception.
Bathroom amenities include soap, shampoo, linen, exhaust fan and
individual hot water systems. 15 rooms open on to sit-out, terrace or
private balcony where guests can enjoy a quiet moment of solitude.
Dining facilities include Cafe Jai, a cafeteria on the ground floor or
can use the rooftop dining space. While Cafe Jai is a self service cafe
where guests can take their pick from amongst the stock of light snacks
or full meals. Dining on the rooftop is a delightful experience where
guests can sit back and relax while enjoying the view of the surrounding
area. During the winter months one can enjoy all meals on the rooftop,
whereas in summer, dinner is the only meal served. The rooftop cafe
offers panoramic views of Jaipur including a splendid view of the
Nahargarh Fort, which is also lit in the evenings.
On the ground floor, adjacent to the cafe is a small yet substantial
library that has quite a collection of books on subjects from various
genres. Guests are more than welcome to borrow books and can also avail
the 'exchange a book offer' on request. There are many tables and chairs
laid out in the front courtyard where guests can enjoy a light snack
while reading or relaxing under the shade of a tree.
Broadband internet access is available at Rs. 40 per hour. Other
facilities available at the hotel include travel assistance, car rental
service, masseur on call, doctor on call and ample parking.
Located in Bani Park, Jaipur Inn lies close to the heart of the city.
Which is close to both tourist & commercial areas and is well known by
taxi & rickshaw drivers. The railway station and main bus stops are
within a kilometer of the hotel and the airport is 16 km's south of the
hotel.
(Hostelbookers,
http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/india/jaipur/25290/,
2011-02-28)
Address: 17 Shiv Marg, Bani Park, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India 302016
Tel: +91-0141-2201121
Fax: +91-141-5104661
Web:
http://www.jaipurinn.com/
E-mail:
info@jaipurinn.com