Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. The city is also known as Pink City due to the colour of the stone used exclusively in this walled city. The main attractions in Jaipur are three hill forts and series of palaces. The main attractions in Jaipur are Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar (Observatory), City Palace & S.M.S. II Museum, Ishwar Lat, Central Museum, Dolls Museum, Birla Planetarium, Jalmahal, Gaitor, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Galta, Motidoongari, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Maharani Ki Chhatri, Sisodia Rani Garden, Vidyadhar Garden, Kanak Vrindavan, Amer, etc.
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Hawa Mahal[/caption]
Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. This Mahal is a 5 storied beautiful semi-octagonal monument having many windows and over hanging meshed balconies of Rajput architecture designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy activities on the street below. Now this mahal is a museum. Timing is from 10AM in the morning to 4.30 PM in the evening & the entry fee is Rs 5/-.
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Jantar Mantar[/caption]
Jantar Mantar (Observatory) was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Here there are huge masonary instruments to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Timing is from 9AM to 4.30PM. Entry Fee is Rs. 10/-.
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City Palace[/caption]
City Palace & S.M.S. II Museum is situated in the heart of the old city. The palace is a right blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. There is a seven storeyed Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public audience) has intricate decorations and collection of manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private audience) has a marble pawed gallery. There is a rich collection of costumes and textiles in the Mubarak Mahal. There is a Clock Tower near Mubarak Mahal. There are also collections of armory and weapons in Sileh Khana. Timing is from 9.30AM to 4.45PM. Entry Fees for Indians is Rs. 35/- and for foreigners Rs.150/- inclusive of entry to Jaigarh fort.
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Ishwar Lat[/caption]
Ishwar Lat is also known as ‘Swarg Suli’ or ‘heaven piercing minaret’. The tower was built by Maharaja Ishwari Singh. From here you will get a great view of the city.
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Central Museum[/caption]
Central Museum is situated in the Ram Niwas Garden. There is a rare collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces in this museum. Timing is from 10AM to 4.30PM. Entry Fee for Indians is Rs. 5/- & for foreigners is Rs. 30/-.
Dolls Museum has a collection of beautiful dolls from all over the world. Timing is from 10AM to 4PM.
Birla Planetarium provides unique audio-visual education about stars and entertainment with its modern computerised projection system. Entry fee Rs. 20/-.
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Jalmahal[/caption]
Jalmahal is built in the middle of Man Sagar Lake on the way to Amer.
Nahargarh Fort was built in 1734. The walls of the fort run along the ridge and within the architectural beauties like Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra Bhawan. Timing is from 10AM to 4PM. Entry Fees is Rs. 5/-.
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Gaitor[/caption]
Gaitor is a memorial to the former rulers of Jaipur. Here you can see beautifully carved monuments in white marble.
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Jaigarh Fort[/caption]
Jaigarh Fort is about 15 kms from the city of Amer. The world’s biggest gun on wheels- the Jai Ban is positioned here, which was built during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh. It has a twenty feet long barrel. Timing is from 10AM to 4.45PM. Entry Fee for Indians is Rs. 15/- & for foreigners Rs. 20/-.
Galta is a pilgrimage centre located at a distance of 10 kms from the city. This holy pilgrimage centre has a temple dedicated to the Sun God.
Motidoongari is an exact copy of a Scottish castle.
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Laxmi Narayan Temple[/caption]
Laxmi Narayan Temple is also known as Birla Temple. This temple is situated just below the Motidoongari. Birla Temple is popular for its complicated marble carvings in white marble.
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Maharani Ki Chhatri[/caption]
Maharani Ki Chhatri is the funeral place for the royal ladies, marked by some beautifully carved monuments.
Sisodia Rani Garden is located at a distance of 5 kms from the city. This beautiful palace garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1710 for his queen. Timings is from 8AM to 6PM in the evening. Entry fee Rs. 5/-.
Vidyadhar Garden was built by Viyadhar the Jaipur city chief architect. There are several galleries and domed buildings decorated with beautiful paintings, depicting Lord Krishna. Timings from 9AM to 6PM in the evening. Entry Fee is Rs. 5/-.
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Amer Fort[/caption]
Amer Fort is a main tourist attraction in Amer, Jaipur. It is located high on a hill. The Fort was built by Raja Man Singh I. The fort is known for its artistic style of Hindu elements. The Amer Fort is also popularly known as the Amer Palace. The Amer palace is built with red sandstone and marble consisting of the Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience", the Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience", the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over the water cascade within the palace. The palace was lived in by the Rajput Maharajas and their families. Timings is from 9AM to 4.30PM. Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 10/- & for Foreigners Rs. 50/-. Elephant ride charge Rs. 400/-. Timing is from 8AM to 4PM.
Jaipur bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and other exotic wares. There are many holiday rental properties near the tourist attractions of Jaipur offering safe, comfortable stay for the tourists. The best season to visit Jaipur is October to March. The nearest major airport to Jaipur, is Jaipur International Airport & the nearest railway station is Jaipur.