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Beautiful memorials to the queens, Maharani-ki-chattri are
near the Ramgarh road crossing on the Amber Raod. The Island
Palace,Jal Mahal built by Sawai Jai SinghI, is a fascinating
spot at the centre of the Man Sagar Lake.
The Kanak
Vrindavan:
Complex of fine temples and
gardens has been recently renovated to their pristine perfection. To
the west of this road is the royal crematorium at Gaitore in a
narrow valley with some spectacular cenotaphs of all the Jaipur
rulers except Swai Ishwari Singh who was cremated outside the Jai
Niwas Garden. Most imposing is the ‘chattri’ of Sawai Jai Singh II
with the intricate carvings and a graceful shape.
Ghat ki Guni:
Beautifully landscaped gardens, laid out in the 18th and
19th century by king and courtiers dot the narrow gorge
in the south eastern corner of the walled city, along the road to
Agra.
Sisodia Rani Garden
has tiered multilevel gardens with fountains, water channel and
painted pavilions and suites of living rooms.
Amongst others,
Vidhyadhar-ka-Bagh is the best preserved one, with shady trees,
flowing water, an open pavilion. It was built by the planner of the
city,Vidhyadhar.
Amer:
Former capital of the Kachhwaha rulers of the old state of Dhundhar
for seven centuries. Very little of the early structures survive
now.
Amer Palace and Shila Mata Temple:
A beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and
temples built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai
Singh over a period of about two centuries still stand in
magnificent state. The palace complex emerges dramatically from the
placid waters of the Maotha Lake and is approachable only through a
steep path. Tourists often ride on the elephant back to the Singh
pol and the Jaleb Chowk. Two flights of stairs rise from on end of
the chowk, one leading to the Shila Mata Temple and other to the
palace complex. The image of the patron of goddess, worshipped by
thousands of devotes, was brought from Jessore in East Bengal (now
in Bangladesh) by Raja Man Singh, to be installed here.
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A spectacular pillared hall -Diwan-e-Aam and a double
storied painted gateway. Ganesh Pole dominate the from
courtyard, An elegant tiny garden in Charbagh style beyond
the corridors, has Sukh Niws to its right and Jas Mandir to
its justify. The latter combines the Mughal and Rajput
architecture seen in its beautiful interior with intricately
carved Jali screens,delicate mirror and stucco work and
painted and carved dadoes. The well proportioned Mohan Bari
or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Maotha Lake and the
Dilaram Bagh at its north end provides a spectacular view of
the palaces above.
Old City:
Once a settlement of nobles, craftsmen and common folks, the
city of Amer is now in ruins. The remains of its rich past
are the beautifully carved and planned Jagat Shiromani
Temple, a Krishna temple associated with Meerabai, an
ancient temple of Narsinghji and a magnificent step-well,Panna
Mian-ka-kund.
Jaigarh:
One of the few military structures of medieval India, retaining its
ancient splendor in palaces, gardens , reservoirs, a granary, an
armory, a well planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower
and a giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban,one of the largest in the
country are preserved here. The extensive parkotas (wallls), watch
tower and gateways of Jaigarh dominate the western skyline.
Nahargarh:
A sentinel to the Pink City is
Nahargarh Fort, situated beyond the hills of Jaigarh. Although much
of it is in ruins, the lvoerly building added by Sawai Ram Singh II
and Sawai Madho Singh II provides interest to the fort.
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India
Travel Guide
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by
Cecilia dos Guimaraes
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