I prefer having an idea of the things I want to explore so I do not miss out on anything of significance. That is what I used to think until I made a trip to Jaipur. My travels to Jaipur changed my pre-conceived notions of travelling as to how I wanted to approach new places and encounter new experiences
It was in July 2007 when, unexpectedly, I got a few days free while I was in Delhi. On a whim I decided to go to Jaipur. I have never been more delighted on having made such an impulsive decision. To put it simply, I ended up having a fabulous time exploring the place on my own.
Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the State of Rajasthan in India. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber in 1727, it is regarded as one of the best planned cities, when compared to other towns of that period. Keeping in mind the Hindu architectural books involving geometric planning, Jaipur was planned by the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II together with the famous Hindu priest architect, Guru Vidyadhar.
The present population of Jaipur is estimated to be approximately 2.7 million. The City is very popular among the tourists, both within India and those visiting India. Jaipur is well connected to the rest of the country by railways, road transport and by air. I boarded a bus from Delhi to Jaipur and the journey was uneventful. Despite it growing into a bustling metropolitan city, Jaipur still continues to retain its historical character. It is a city with a pleasant mix of the past and modernity. Having explored Jaipur, I can now confirm that it is indeed one of the most important heritage cities of India.
Here I shall write briefly on the Jaigarh and Nahargarh Forts of Jaipur, and the City Palace. I shall start with the latter in this post.
City Palace
One of the major landmarks and famous tourist attractions of the Pink City is the City Palace Complex. The City Palace stands apart for its excellent art and architecture. The architecture of the City Palace is a delightful combination of Rajasthani and Mughal style.
The City Palace complex covers a huge area and comprises of many palatial edifices, courtyards, gardens and buildings. There are many splendid small palaces and halls in the complex, such as the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Badal Mahal. There is also a famous temple called the Shri Govind Temple and a museum inside, named the City Palace Museum.
Originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs, additions have been made to the Palace Complex by his successors.
To the north-west is the elegant seven storeyed Chandra Mahal, or the Moon Palace, home to the present Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Bhavani Singh Bahadur (nicknamed Bubbles). The Chandra Mahal provides a fine view of the gardens and the city. Paintings, floral decorations, mirror walls and ceilings in the traditional style adorn the palace.
Some More pics. Click them to see a large version.
To sum up, the City Palace is a structure of historical importance and a souvenir of the regal past. The palace, with its royal grace stands as a symbol of magnificence.