Sunday, September 13, 2009

Jantar mantar in jiapur
















Location: Just next to the entrance of City Palace
Built by: Maharaja Jai Sawai Singh

Built in: Between 1727 and 1733
Highlights: Largest Stone Astronomical Observatory in the World

How to reach: One can easily reach Jantar Mantar from the city by taking local Buses, Rickshaws and Taxis


Jantar Mantar at Jaipur is the largest stone observatory in the World and this feature makes it, a special destination for a traveler. Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. During the period between 1727 and 1733, Jantar Mantar took its form and structure. Initially Jantar Mantar was named as Yantra Mantra, which means instruments and formulae, but due to mispronunciation of the term, it is changed to the recognized name.

Jantar Mantar has a remarkable collection of architectural astronomical instruments. It portrays noteworthy attempt of the ancestors, who were interested in astronomy and knowledge of celestial bodies. Above all, this observatory still, provides accurate information, which can be compared with today's modern instruments undeniably. The compound instruments, whose settings and shapes are scientifically designed depicts the forte of Medieval Indian Astronomy.

Jantar Mantar is wholly constructed with stone and marble. The observatory has fourteen statistical instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses and to ascertain other astronomical events. Amongst all the instruments, the Sundial usually attracts the maximum attention of people, which tells the time to an accuracy of about two seconds in local time of Jaipur. Jantar Mantar was carefully renovated in 1901 and was declared a national monument in 1948. Today, Jantar Mantar has become a major tourist attraction in Jaipur.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

HawaMahal jaipur





























HawaMahal
Location: Next to the entrance of City Palace
Built by: Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh
Built in: 1799
Highlights: Its Rajputana architecture
How to reach: One can easily reach Hawa Mahal from the city by taking local Buses, Rickshaws and Taxis

Hawa Mahal is a major landmark and a famous tourist attraction of Jaipur. The Palace offers a beautiful sight to behold. The splendid Rajputana architecture of Hawa Mahal, still speaks the glory of the royal family. However, one can also find a glimpse of Mughal architecture, which is blended perfectly to make it different from others. The literal meaning of Hawa Mahal is Palace of Winds. Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799.

Hawa Mahal is a pyramid-shaped facade with five stories. It has 953 small windows decorated with tiny lattice work. These pink sandstone windows commonly known as "Jharokhas" are constructed in such a style, that it looks like a giant honeycomb. The air circulation through windows represents the marvelous touch of Mughal designing, which keeps the Palace always cool. The small screened balconies and arched roofs with hanging cornices enhance the beauty of the Palace. The Pyramidal outline and replication of pattern makes it more attractive in appearance.

As a matter of fact, Hawa Mahal is believed to build for the women of the Royal Families, since they had to observe strict "purdah" (cover). The small windows and screened balconies serve the women to watch processions and different activities taking place on the streets. In this manner, the women could enjoy a sense of freedom without showing themselves.

Early morning is considered as the best time to visit the Palace, when it is drenched in the golden light of the Sun. At this time, Hawa Mahal appears incredible. One cannot possibly describe the beauty of the Palace in words. The golden light of the early morning sun floats beautifully through the windows of this palace creating a wonderful sight for one and all. The palace has to be visited to experience the true beauty.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Amber fort





Another view of fortress walls surrounding the Amber fort jaipur













Ornate columns in palace



looking down from Amber Fort to what was the Old Capital of the Rajput until the water ran out, then the move to Jaipur


















Elephants ride to palace






Location: On Delhi-Jaipur Highway, 11 km from Jaipur
Built by: Raja Man Singh I
Built in: 1592
Highlights: Wonderful carvings and minute mirror work
How to reach: You can reach Amber Fort either by taking local buses from the city or by hiring Taxis



Amber Fort is located in Amber (Jaipur), which used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. The Amber Fort looks stunning, all-built in white marble and red sandstone. To add to its charm, Maotha Lake makes its foreground. The crystal mirror image of the Fort, on the still waters of the lake, seems to be a beautiful illusion. Amber Fort is usually pronounced as Amer Fort. In 1592, construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I. However, the Amber Fort took its present form during the reign of Raja Jai Singh I.

The outer appearance of the Fort, being rough and craggy is totally different from its core. The interior of the Fort provides a soothing and warm ambience, which is least expected from its outer appearance. The marvelous decoration of the Amer Fort is influenced by both, the Hindu and Muslim manner of ornamentation. Exquisite paintings of hunting scenes on the walls depict the temperament of the Rajputs, who were adventurous, revolutionary and self-indulgent.

The intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings simply astonish the visitors. The minute mirror work adds to the grand appearance and royalty of the halls. The Amer Fort undoubtedly captivates the tourists with its artistic quality of delicate work. The mighty walls guarantee the protection of the Fort against the invasion of the enemies. The Fort is divided into four subparts.

Kali Temple, which is also known as Shila Devi Temple, forms the part of the Fort. It is renowned for its glorious past, huge silver lions and silver doors. The Hall of Public Audiences, Diwan-I-Aam is a pavilion with double row of columns. Ganesh Pol, another feature of the Fort, directs the way to the inhabited apartments of the King. The Hall of Victory, Jai Mandir has a stunning ceiling comprised of mirror work and an inlaid panel. The Fort has numerous other halls and pavilions with their own specific attraction.

The best part of this tourist attraction situated on a crafty hill, is the royal elephant ride. The flawless beauty of the Fort can be enjoyed royally with an elephant ride. Amber/Amer Fort is the part of Jaipur and its royalty. A trip to Jaipur would be definitely incomplete, without the visit to this imperial Fort of Amber.

Monuments in jaipur

Jaipur is a reservoir of the architectural wonders embracing the rich legacy of India. The remnants of the bygone era boast of the royalty of Jaipur. There are many forts and monuments in Jaipur that are worth seeing. Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort are the three antique forts that provide the spectacular view of the city. In the heart of Jaipur, there lies the stunning City Palace. The Pink city marks its impact with the sight of the amazing Hawa Mahal. Statue Circle is a favorite hang-out of Jaipur and celebrates the founder of this city.

Gaitore is a memorial of the Royal kings famed for its beautifully carved cenotaphs. The massive Jantar Mantar of Jaipur still captures the astronomical dream of Raja Sawai Jai Singh, the noble king of Jaipur. People from all over the world come to visit these relics of the former age. Government of Rajasthan is working on these monuments to preserve these priceless monuments of the erstwhile period. These epoch-making monuments of Jaipur are really worth visiting and this article will provide you further information about these relics.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Le Meridien Hotel

Front view of hotel le Meridien

Pool view

Lobby

View of pool in day time

Room

Theatre

Mediera terrace

Game room

Surya vilas fine dining

Description
Home to the Rajput princes, who claim ancestral ties to the Hindu god Rama, Jaipur boasts the most sumptuous, extravagant palaces in India. Le Méridien Jaipur too is an extravagantly regal hotel, a hotel that pays homage to the grandeur of Indian architecture with peacock arches and gleaming white stone.
Built upon 25 acres of lush gardens, Le Méridien Jaipur offers a sanctuary of serene tranquillity. The hotel features a world-class spa with massage and meditation rooms, two innovative restaurants, a sleek bar, a cinema seating 42 guests, and a Penguin Club for children. The hotel also includes a state-of-the-art conference centre and magnificent banquet halls.
Amenities
Parking
Swimming pool
Restaurant
24-hour front desk
Airline desk
Baby sitting
Baggage hold
Barber shop
Beauty shop/salon
Business center
Car rental desk
Complimentary newspaper delivered to room
Complimentary newspaper in lobby
Concierge desk
Concierge floor
Currency exchange
Doctor on call
Dry cleaning
Express check-in
Express check-out
Free parking
Game room
Golf
Laundry/Valet service
Lounges/bars
Outdoor pool
Room service
Safe deposit box
Sauna
Spa
Translation services
Transportation
Valet parking


Policies
Check-in:
14:00Check-out: 12:00
Cancellation policy
Normal cancellation policy is 12 PM

Hotel Jiamahal palace

Exterior
Lobby

Marigold Bar

Luxury room
Luxury room with sitout
Pool to palace

Description
1) Original Palace bulit in the 17th century. 2)Spread across 18 acres of land, right in the heart of the city. 3) A wide vareity of cuisine ranging from authentic rajasthani, Italian, Indian and continental. 4)official residence of the former Prime Minsiters of jaipur. 5)The stately Moghul gardens of the Jai Mahal palace are arguably the finest Moghul gardens in existence. 6)Lots of recreational activities at the Palace 7)Centrally located, close to downtown and historical monuments.
Amenities
Fitness center or spa
Parking
Swimming pool
Restaurant
120 AC
220 AC
24-hour room service
Accessible facilities
Baby sitting
Barber shop
Beauty shop/salon
Bell staff/porter
Boutiques/stores
Bus parking
Car rental desk
Coffee shop
Coin operated laundry
Complimentary newspaper delivered to room
Complimentary newspaper in lobby
Concierge desk
Conference facilities
Doctor on call
Drugstore/pharmacy
Elevators
Express check-out
Florist
Gift/News stand
Hairdresser/barber
Jacuzzi
Jogging track
Laundry/Valet service
Lounges/bars
Multilingual staff
Onsite laundry
Outdoor pool
Poolside snack bar
Safe deposit box
Security
Tour/sightseeing desk
Wakeup service


Policies
Check-in: 15:00Check-out: 12:00