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Jaipur |
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History of Jaipur
Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhawaha king who ruled from 1699-1744, founded the princely state of Jaipur in 1727. The history of Jaipur shows that when Jai Singh succeeded the throne of Jaipur, the kingdom of Ajmer was under constant threat of Mughal domination and invasion by the Marathas. Maharaja Jai Singh used all his diplomatic skills to successfully align himself with the Mughal and a number of victories and matrimonial alliances took care of the Marathas.
The Establishment of the New City
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur Tours
During this period there was a massive water and accommodation crisis at Amberdue to its rising population. Therefore, Jai Singh decided to establish a new city that would be well planned and sufficiently roomy to accommodate all his people.
Maharaja Jai Singh II himself was a keen admirer and follower of art and astronomy and took immense interest in the foundation of the city. His penchant for art and astronomy encouraged him to draw up the plan for the new city of Jaipur along with a talented Bengali architect named Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. Jaipur is recorded in history as the first planned city of India.
The Architecture of the City
The principles of the ancient Hindu text on architecture, the Shilpa Shastra were followed to build the Jaipur city. And after eight years of constant settlement work the new city of Jaipur came into being. Interesting to know is, the famous Jantar Mantar and the City Palace were designed by the king himself who took great interest in astronomy and architecture.
The architect planned the design of the city according to the grid system with wide roads and lanes. A huge wall with seven gates was set up around Jaipur to protect it from external aggression.
However, when the glorious reign of Sawai Jai Singh II drew to an end, the city plunged into utter chaos. The successors of Sawai were locked in a battle of succession with the Marathas, Jats and the British trying to take full advantage of the situation. As the history records of Jaipur say, the British entered into an alliance with the rulers who vowed their loyalty to the English cause. And this understanding continued till India's independence when Jaipur was made the capital of Rajasthan in 1856.
Jaipur Shopping
Travel cannot be complete in Jaipur without shopping. Jaipur bazaars appeal the international tourist to the maximum, since they have some interesting souvenirs for them to carry back home.
Things You Can Buy in Jaipur
The choice is huge for the shoppers in Jaipur. In fact, Jaipur is a shopper's paradise, Jaipur Shopping Guidefor the colourful markets in Jaipur are sure to dazzle the eyes of any visitor who can buy a number of local products ranging from tie-dye fabrics to handicrafts.
Shopping in Jaipur can include purchasing some of Jaipur's illustrious blue pottery and its exquisite choice of Kundan jewelry. Bandhej printed fabrics, block printed fabrics and other exclusive and colorful fabrics are other attractive items to buy here. While shopping in Jaipur, you can also explore the leather products shops that stocks some of the most amazing range of leather products that are cherished all over the world. Jaipur bazaars are also known for their superb and antique handicraft and home decorative products, which could be the best buys in Jaipur. Everything about these colorful bazaars exudes a magical charm that is sure to leave you fascinated for life. Browsing the shops and bazaars could be the better way to know Jaipur in Rajasthan.
The Places Where You Can
Buy Jaipur boasts of several markets, and some of the most popular ones include the Jauhari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, M I Road and the Ramganj Bazaar. But it may be reminded that there are other equally fascinating markets around Jaipur. While shopping in Jaipur, it is also suggested that you visit the Government Emporium and the Rajasthan Handloom house that showcases a wide plethora of local products and handicrafts.
Shopping in Jaipur can be an out of the world experience. As you browse through the markets you experience a magical sense of harmony with everything around you. The crowds and chaos don't seem to matter at all. And surely, by the time you complete a tour of the bazaars in Jaipur, you will be loaded with a number of shopping bags that would be a perfect reminder of the great time you had.
Jaipur Tourist Attraction
Ajmer has more to offer than one would think of! Pushkar, just 11 kms away from Ajmer is a religious site for Hindus that pulls in Hindu pilgrims in large numbers. Pushkar is no less significant than the Chardhams (the four most sacred places) of the Hindu pilgrims. Ajmer is access point to reach Pushkar.
The Sites You Should Not Miss in Ajmer
Dargah Sharif
Dargah of Khwaja, Ajmer Tour Packages
Dargah, the tomb of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is one of the most famous attractions of Ajmer. The Dargah is located at the foot of a barren hill in the old part of Ajmer, and is visited by people of all faiths. It was in 1192, when the Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti came to Ajmer from Persia.
Mughal Emperor Humayun completed the construction of the shrine and the Nizam of Hyderabad added its massive gate. There are two mosques in the courtyard, one built by Akbar and the other by Shah Jahan. The saint's tomb with
a marble dome is in the center of the second courtyard and is surrounded by a silver platform. The shrine is next only to Mecca for the Muslims of South Asia.
Ana Sagar Lake
The Ana Sagar Lake is an artificial lake that was created in the 12th century by damming River Luni. On its bank is the pleasant park, the Daulat Bagh containing a series of marble pavilions erected in 1637 by Shahjahan. There are fine views from the hill beside the park. Boats are available for hire at the jetty. Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra is another major attraction located beyond the Dargah; on the outskirts of the town are the ruins of this mosque.
Taragarh Fort
Taragarh Fort lies about 3 km beyond the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra mosque in Ajmer. Built by Ajaipal Chauhan, the town's founder, the fort commands a superb view over the city. It was the site of much of the military activity during the Mughal period and was later used as a sanatorium by the British.
The Museum
The Museum was once a palace built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, this imposing building now houses the government museum. Its collection includes stone sculptures, old weapons, and miniature paintings. You can visit this museum on your Ajmer travel tour.
Nasiyan Temple
Nasiyan Temple, Ajmer ToursYou can visit Nasiyan Temple on your Ajmer travel tour. This Red Temple is a Jain temple built in the 19th century. Its double storey hall contains a fascinating series of large, gilt wooden figures from Jain mythology that depict the Jain conception of the ancient world.
Only in Ajmer!
Urs Festival
Urs is held in Ajmer in honour of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in the month of August every year. Special prayers are offered at the mosque, and huge amounts of consecrated food offered from the large, steaming cauldrons, which were gift by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The entire town is in festive mood during Urs. Quwwallis are sung at night and the complete town is decorated immensely.
The Urs Mela commemorating the death anniversary of the saint is held here in the seventh month of the lunar calendar and attracts a large number of Muslims from India and abroad. A colorful fair that springs up during this time is the major attraction. The Dargah is a must visit on your travel to Rajasthan.
Ajmer was also home to the famous Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti who came here from Persia in 1192 AD and passed away in 1236 AD. His Dargah at Ajmer is now one of the most sacred sites in India.
Besides, Ajmer also boasts of the first hill fort in India, the Taragarh Fort that was built by Ajai Pal Chauhan.
How to Reach Bikaner
Air
The Jaipur Airport is called the Sanganer Airport. A number of flights connect Jaipur to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Udaipur. There is also a single international flight to Dubai from Jaipur.
Rail
Jaipur has regular trains from Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad. The Shatabdi Express and the Intercity Express are some of the best trains to travel to Jaipur. Another train that deserves special mention is the Palace on Wheels luxury train, which is an unconventional but luxurious way to tour Rajasthan.
Road
Jaipur is at a distance of 265 km away from Delhi. It is well connected by a number of regular and deluxe buses to many major cities in India and Rajasthan.
Jaipur At a Glance
Location: Located at Rajasthan in north India at a distance of 261 km from Delhi and 232 km from Agra.
Climate: Hot and humid in summers and chilly in winters. Maximum temperature in summer reaches till 45°C and drops till 5°C in winters.
Major Tourist Attraction: Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, RamNiwas Garden, Jaigarh Fort, Nargarh Fort, Jantar Mantar, Rani Sisodia's Garden and Palace, Govinddev Ji ka Mandir, Albert Hall Museum.
Nearby Tourist Destinations: Ajmer, Alwar, Delhi, Agra, Shekhawati, Sawai Madhopur.
Best Buys: Blue Pottery, Precious and Semi Precious Jewellery, Quilts, Tie-Dye Textiles, Block Printed Textiles.
Best Shopping Areas: Tripolia Bazaar, Jauhari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Mirza Ismail Road and Chaura Rasta.
Famous For: Hawa Mahal, Elephant Ride to Amber Fort, City Palace Museum and Shopping
Best Time To Visit:October - March |
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| Colors, colors – red saris, green fruits, pink palaces and towns, blue temples in Pushkar, all these colors were a delightful experience!!! Thank you so much Dear Gautam for all these things during our trip in Agra & Rajasthan. We were like kings! I wish you the very best for continuation, hoping we’ll be able to see you again in India. I wish you also success and chance in your business further with the white Ambassador car !!! Tou tes mes amities Thomas Paris, France |
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