Amer Fort

"The Amer Fort, situated in Amber, 11 kilometers from Jaipur, is one of the most famous forts of Rajasthan. Amer, originally, was the capital of the state before Jaipur. It is an old fort, built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. This fort is also very popularly known as the Amer Palace. The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort. Though the fort is quite old and may even look so from the outside, it is beautiful on the inside and boasts of various buildings of prominence like the 'Diwan-i-Aam', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and even the 'Sukh Mahal'. The Amer Fort has influences of both Hindu and Muslim architecture. This fort also has the 'Shila Devi' Temple and the 'Ganesh Pol' which is a gate that leads to the private palaces of the kings. The Amer Fort has many pavilions and halls of great interest and other popular attractions."

Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort is a monumental edifice built by Sawai Madho Singh in the eighteenth century. The fort is situated on Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) and Nahargarh means “abode of tigers”. Nahargarh fort along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort once formed a strong defense around the city of Jaipur. However, Nahargarh fort was also used as a summer retreat by the Jaipur kings considering that there are several palaces, temples and landscaped gardens within its complex. There is an extended wall at Nahargarh Fort which connects it to Jaigarh Fort.

Nahargarh Fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the year 1734. Interestingly, the fort was never attacked during the entire history. But, historical events in the eighteenth century like the signing of treaties with Maratha forces happened at the fort.

Hawamahal

Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh who was the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The story of the birth of the palace started when Pratap visited Jhunjhunu and saw Khetri Mahal.

Resembling Krishna’s crown, Hawa Mahal is an elaborate monument in Jaipur. Standing right in the middle of the old market of Jaipur, the structure made of red and pink sandstone keeps the name of the Pink City very proudly.

Lal Chand Ustad has put a lot of effort in designing the back of the palace to blend in the city, which is now also confused as the front by people. Also known as ‘The Palace of Winds’, the Hawa Mahal is a part of the City Palace. There is no entrance from the main road to the mahal, so you have to seek for the gate which let you enter. Inside are five floors designed very carefully. There are 953 ‘jharokhas’ made to allow the winds to pass into the palace and keep it fresh and breezy in sweltering summers.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is an astronomical observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II. Besides this one in Jaipur, India owns 4 more Jantar Mantar across different states.

Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar comprises of some astounding stone structures which once were used for locating the exact positions of the celestial bodies in space. There are around 19 instruments carved out from stone and brass. As it aids in calculating the local time, this massive structure attracts geographers, architects, and historians.

The 19 geometric devices present here to contribute towards understanding local time, ascertaining the declination of planetary systems, predicting eclipses, and tracking orbital stars. Besides, it also aids in the determination of celestial altitudes. The entire observatory covers a land stretch of 18700 metres. Samrat Yantra, Ram Yantra, Jai Prakash Yantra, Narivalya yantra, Karnti yantra, Raj yantra, Unnsynhsmsa yantra, Chakra yantra, Disha yantra, Dakshina yantra, and Rasayas yantra are some of the instruments found here.

City Palace

City Palace is situated right in the middle of Old Jaipur which covers one-seventh of that area. The construction of the palace dates back to 1732, but it still looks fresh and crisp as it always would have been.

This beautiful palace represents the rich culture Jaipur still holds on to. You will find a perfect blend of the Rajputana with Mughal and European style of architecture. The vast property represents the grandeur and heritage of the royal families of the bygone era. The walls are beautifully sculpted and decorated with mirrors and hand paintings. You will also witness how detailed the carvings are done on the roofs of the palace

The City Palace is a marvellous blend of Rajputi, Mughal and European style of architecture. The design of the property follows the ‘Vastu Shastra’ which is said to be facilitating the art of living and the atmosphere inside the house. The entire palace is structured in ‘Grid Style’ having four gates to enter and exit, namely ‘Tripolia Gate’, ‘Udai Pol’, ‘Virendra Pol’, and ‘Jaleb Chowk’.

Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal is one of the most splendid architectural palaces sitting in the centre of Man Singh Lake on the outskirts of Jaipur. This masterful creation was earlier a shooting lodge for the Maharajas, but now it has become the most famous spot for sightseeing in Jaipur. Jal Mahal was built by Maharaja Madho Singh in the 1750s for himself and his companions to rest after their duck hunting endeavours. Jal Mahal is a four storeyed building built with red sandstone.

Jal Mahal is extremely popular among the visitors for it’s striking architecture and detailed craftsmanship. This palace has been built by combining Rajput and Mughal style of architecture. Due to it’s alluring beauty and rich architectural magnificence it has also been touted as one of the most photographed sites in India. The entry is prohibited inside the fort but you can have a view of this magnificent fort from a considerable distance.