The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is color washed pink - the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture.

Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of this term, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall.

The City Palace : In the heart of the old city is the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns ornate with floral modify in gold and colored stones. Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers serve as guides.

Hawa Mahal : Built in 1799 A.D. the Hawa mahal or Palace of Winds is a major Rajput landmark. This five storey building along the main street of the old city is in pink splendor with semi octagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows.

Govind Devji Temple : The most popular spireless temple of Jaipur dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located in the central pavilion of the Jai Niwas Garden to the north of Chandra Mahal. The image of parton deity - Govind Devji, originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh II as his family deity.

Jantar Mantar : A stone observatory. Largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments, whose settings and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy.

Swargasuli (Isar Lat) : The highest tower dominating the skyline on the western side of the Tripolia Bazaar. It was build by Sawai Ishwari Singh in 1749 A.D. to commemorate a grand victory.

Ram Niwas Bagh : A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a green house, a herbalu, a museum and popular sport ground.

Dolls Museum : Pretty dolls from various countries are on display in the compound of the school for deaf and dumb children, near the Police Memorial.

BM Birla Planetarium : The planetarium offers unique audio-visual education and entertainment with its modern computerized project in system. For school groups concessions are available. Closed on last Wednesday of ever month.

Galtaji : An ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills. Temples, pavilions and holy kund along with lush landscape make it a delightful spot.

Jain Temple : The exquisite Jain temple on the Agra road has some of the most beautiful 19th century paintings in Jaipur style on its walls.

Statue Circle : The full-length exquisitely carved statue of Sawai Jai Singh in white marble in the centre of the circle was erected under the newly planned scheme area to pay homage to the founder of Jaipur.

Ghat ki Guni : Beautifully landscaped gardens, laid out in the 18th and 19th century by kings and courtiers dot the narrow gorge in the south eastern corner of the walled city, along the road to Agra.

Moti Doongri and Lakshmi Narayan Temple : Moti Doongri is a privately owned hilltop fort built like a Scottish castle. The Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the marvelous Lakshmi Narayan Temple built in marble a few years back, are also noteworthy.

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 Shitla Mata Temple : A beautiful complex of palaces, hall, 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.

Old City : Once a settlement of nobles, crafts and common folks, the city Amer is now in ruins. The remnants of its rich past are the beautifully carved and planned Jagat Shriomani 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.

Nahargarh : A sentinel to the Pink City is Nahargarh Fort, situated beyond the hill of Jaigarh.

Sanganer (12 km) : Located on the Tonk road. In addition to its ruined palaces, Sanganer has exquisitely carved Jain temples.

Bagru (35 km) : On the Ajmer Road, the ground level fort is still in good shape. It is noted for its hand printed handloom industry using simple techniques.

Ramgarh Lake (32 km north east) : A huge artificial lake created by constructing a high bund amidst tree covered hills. While the temple of Jamwa Mata and the ruins of the old fort are some of its antiquities, its beautiful landscape, especially during monsoons, makes it an idyllic picnic spot.

Samode (40 km north west) : The beautiful Samode Palace, has been rebuilt and renovated and provides a fine example of the Rajput haveli architecture and is an ideal spot for outings.

Bairath (86 km on the Shahpura-Alwar Road) : An important historical place with the excavated remains of a circular Buddhist temple, unique in Rajasthan and the earliest known temple in India.

Abhaneri (128 km north east off the Agra Road near Bandikui) :  A famous 7th - 8th century A.D. temple of Harshad Mata and the step well known as Chanda Baodi are of Interest.

Sambhar (94 km west) : The largest inland salt lake of India known for the lholy Devayani Tank, the palace and the Naliasar nearby.

Jaisinghpura Khor (12 km off the Amer Road) : One of the settlements of the Meena tribe, it has a formidable fort, a Jain temple and a step well amid lush surroundings.

Mahdogarh - Tunga (40 km on the Bassi-Lalsot Agra raod) : Tunga was witness to a historic battle fought between the Jaipur forces and the Marathas. The fort is nestled amidst beautiful mango orchards.

Rural Rajasthan

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