The Amer Fort
The fort is located in Amer, which was the capital of the kingdom before Jaipur. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this majestic fort houses gardens, palaces, halls and temples. Situated atop a hill, one needs to undertake a steep climb to visit the fort.
The Diwan-e-Aam and the Ganesh Pole, both pillared halls, are popular in the fort. The Sukh Niwas and Jas Mandir gardens are also a sight to behold.
The Hawa Mahal
Also known as the Palace of Winds, this was designed by Ustad Lal Chand and built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 A.D. Designed in the form of Krishna’s crown, resembling a honeycomb, there are 953 small windows (Jharokhas) in the palace. It was built to let the royal ladies view the streets without being seen by outsiders.
Jaigarh Fort
Constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1726 A.D, the Jaigarh Fort is located on a cape called ‘Cheel ka Teela’ in the Aravali mountain range. It was built with the vision of securing the Amer Fort from enemy attacks. The fort houses royal residences, gardens, water reservoirs, and an arsenal among others. The Jai Ban, a mounted cannon on wheels, is the largest in the country.
Jantar Mantar
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the biggest among Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II’s five observatories. Built with stone and marble, the instruments at the site stand testimony to the advancement of Indian astronomy in the late medieval era.
The Jal Mahal
Also known as the Water Palace, the Jal Mahal is situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. The palace was renovated in the 18th Century by Maharaja Jai Singh II and used as a hunting lodge.
One can hire a boat from the shore to reach the palace. Inside the palace are decorated hallways and a garden called Chameli Bagh.
Picture Credit : Google