The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is colour washed pink – the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palace, rugged fortresses parched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall. A young Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya formalized the city’s plans in a grid system. The wide straight avenues, roads, streets, lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of main bazaars were arranged in nine rectangular city sectors ( Chokris), in accordance with the principles of town planning set sown in the ‘Shilpa Shastra’ – an epochal treatise on the Hindu architecture. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur’s colourful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvellous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to the pink city a memorable one.

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 greywhite marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones. Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chased handles, some of them inlaid with enamel and embellished with jewels and encased in magnificent scabbards. The palace also has an art gallery with an execellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical woeks in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detil.

Hawa Maha: 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 in pink splendour with semioctagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows. The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.

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. The most striking of these are the Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes.

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 the patron deity-Govind Devji, originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh II as his family deity.

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

Ram Niwas Bagh: It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II in 1868 A.D. as a famine relief project.

Dolls Museum ( Time 1200 hrs to 1900 hrs): 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 ( Time 1200 hrs to 1900 hrs): The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual education and entertainment with its modern computerized projection system.

Galtaji : An ancient pilgrimage center, lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills, Temples, pavilions and holy kunds (nature spring and reservoirs) 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 19^th century paintings in Jaipur style on its walls.

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

Statue Circle: The full-length exquisitely carved statue of Swai Jai Singh in white marble in the center of the circle was erected to pay homage to the founder of Jaipur.

Ghat Ki Gunj: Beaufifully landscaped gardens were find out in the 18^th and 19^th century by kings Sisodia Rani garden has tiered multilevel gardens with fountains, water channel and painted pavilions and suites of living rooms. Vidyadhar-ka-Bagh is the best preserved one, with shady trees, flowing water, an open pavilion. It was built by the planner of the city, Vidyadhar.

Amer: Former capital of the Kachhwaha rules of the old state of Dhundhar for seven centuries.

Amer Palace and Shila Mata Temple: A beautiful compex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Jaja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about to 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 one end of the chowk, one elading to the Shila Mata Temple and other to the palace complex. The image of the patron goddess, worshipped by thousands of devotees, was brought from Jessore in East Bengal ( now in Bangladesh ) by Raja Man Singh, to be installed here. A spectacular pillared hall-Diwan-e-Aam and a double storeyed painted gateway, Ganesh Pole dominate the front courtyard. An elegant tiny garden in Charbag style beyond the corridors, has Sukh Niwas to its right and Jas Mandir to its left. 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 center of the Maotha Lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provides a spectacular view of the palaces above.

Old City: The city of Amer is now in ruins. The remnants 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 splendour in palaces, gardens, reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, 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 ( walls), 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.

Sanganer ( 12 km): Sanganer has exquisitely carved Jain temples. The town is entered through the ruins of two tripolias. The town is an important center for crafts industry and produces some of the finest hand printed textiles from units of block and screen printers. This textile is popular all over the country and abroad.

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.

Samod ( 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. Bairath also has relics of the Mauryan, Mughal and Rajput periods. A mint constructed by Akbar, a beautiful Mughal garden and a remarkable monument with painted chhatris and walls built by Jahangir are other attractions.

Abhaneri ( 128 km north east off the Arga Road near Bandikui): A famous 7^th –8^th century A.D. temple of Harshad Mata and the step-well known as Chanda Baodi are of interest. Two Jain temples are also present, which were built at a later period.

Sumbhar ( 94 km west): The largest inland salt lake of India known for the holy 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.

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

Shopping: Jaipur offers one-of-a-kind shopping experience with its rich treasure of bewitching jewellery, beautiful gems, semi precious stones, Kundan and Minakari work (enamel work on gold). Beautiful cotton fabrics including sanganeri prints, tie-and-ye and fine kota doria saris are the best buys for women. The exotic blue pottery, enamel were and brass ware, make excellent souvenirs and gift items. The city is also famous for woolen carpets and cotton rugs. Equally popular are the leather footwear, especially the embroidered ‘jutis’.

By Air: There are flight connections to Delhi, Kota, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

By Rail: An excellent connection from Delhi is Shatabdi Express which provides a fast, air-connditioned rail service.

BISSAU PALACE, JAIPUR
Bissau Palace is an alegant and traditional hotel built by Rawal Raghubir Singh in 1909. Situated in the heart of the Pink city, this gracious hotel seems like an oasis of peace and calm entirel untouched by the hustle-bustle of the city surrounding it. The palace offers a fascination collection of royal portraits, old silver and armoury dating abck to the 17^th century. Hotel Bissau Palace has spacious and comfortable rooms. The lounge and the wood-panelled library with its collection of rare books, are reminders of the charm and grace of a bygone era.

Special Features: Lawn tennis, badminton & swimming facilities are available as well as all other modern amenities.

Facilities available: 36 double rooms. A coffee shop.

NARAIN NIWAS PALACE, JAIPUR
Narain Niwas Palace was constructed in 1928 A.D. by one of Jaipur’s most able and distinguished soldier-Maj. Gen. Rao Bahadur Amar Singh, the first Indian commissioned into the British Army. Centrally located and designed in traditional Rajput styale, Narain Niwas is surrounded by sprawling, landscaped gardens and mango orchards. The palace has a sense of peace and serenity with its thick vegetation providing a safe haven to several species of birdlife and dancing peacocks. The rooms are large and have well-maintained period furniture, carpets, paintings and other objects d’art.

Special Features: Royal welcome and traditional Rajasthani folk dances can be arranged. Swimming facilities available.

Facilities available: 28 double rooms. Restaurant serving available.

By Road: Delhi 250 kms.
By Train: Jaipur 5 kms.
By Air: Jaipur 11 kms.

THE RAJMAHAL PALACE, JAIPUR
The Rajmahal Palace was built in 1729 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur for his favourite Maharani. From 1821 onwards, the palace was used to house the British resident at Jaipur. This palace has played host to several VVIPs like Queen Elizabeth and Jacqueline Kennedy. Set amidst 15 acres of well-maintained lush green lawns, the Rajmahal Palace was converted into a hotel in 1979 and is today managed by the Taj Group of Hotels. The palace has spacious suites with high ceilings, chandeliers and period furniture. Beautiful paintings and antiques have been carefully preserved and are reminiscent of the royal past.

Special Features: The palace has a swimming pool and its spacious lawns and shady trees provide ample space for waling and bird-watching.

Facilities available: 11 double rooms, lounge, bar and multi-cuisine restaurant.

By Road: Delhi 270 kms.
By Train: Jaipur 4 kms.
By Air: Jaipur 35 kms.

RAMBAGH PALACE, JAIPUR
Located a little outside the walled city of Jaipur the Rambagh Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in India. Originally a garden house of a favourite royal maid, it was constructed in the 19^th century. After the death of Kesar Badaran, the maid, Sir Swinton Jacob, a British engineer was given the task of converting the garden house into a guest house and hunting lodge.

The immediate additions were halls, covered corridors, forecourts and courtyards with extensive use of marble.

Later additions and alterations that became necessary were carried out with meticulous care, keeping in mind the Rajput architectural tradition. Most of the gardens were left untouched and the well-maintained lawns and flower beds make the palace look very attractive.

The Rambagh Palace later became home to one of the most beautiful woman in the world, Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. The palace played host to several royal guests from India and abroad, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and several lavish banquets and celebrations were held here. Today the palace is open to all those who seek to be transported to the royal past, the alorious age of grace and beauty.

Several luxurious suites like the Princess suite, Maharani suite, Pothakhana and Maharaja suite, to name a few, still have an authentic royal atmosphere.

Special Feature: Tours to the city and nearby places of interest can be arranged. The hotel is well-equipped to organise meetings, conferences and theme parties. Tennis, squash, cultural programmes and indoor swimming pool.

Facilities available: 106 rooms, 4 special suites. One restaurant, coffee shop and bar.

RAMGARH LODGE, RAMGARH ( JAIPUR )
Situated on the shores of the famous Ramgarh lake, this was the hunting lodge of the former rulers of Jaipur. Thickly wooded hills form a dramatic backdrop to the old world colonial ambience of the dodge. Managed by the Taj Group of Hotels, care has been taken to maintain its original décor. Wood-panelled walls and staircases, large rooms and spacious suites give the place a rugged beauty of its own. Its location makes it ideal for trekking, boating or leisurely walks along the hilly terrain.

Special Features: Tennis, squash, billiards, boating and bird-watching make a trip to Ramgarh Lodge interesting and memorable.

Facilities available: 11 double rooms. Multicuisine restaurant.

By Road: Jaipur 40 kms.
By Train: Jaipur 40 kms.
By Air: Jaipur 40 kms.

JAI MAHAL PALACE, JAIPUR
The Jai Mahal Palace ( literally, the Palace of Victory ) was built in the 18^th century by Hargovind Natani, a powerful chief of the Jaipur forces. Constructed in a typical palace style with high domes, chhattries and cupolas with intricate lattice work done in the Rajasthani tradition, it was taken over by the Taj Group in the early 80 s. The palace has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. The L-shaped palace has most of the rooms overlooking a beautiful garden which replicates an 18^th century garden laid out by a Mughal emperor, 200 kms east of Jaipur.

The interiors have been done tastefully with a lot of attention to details. The suites are elegant and luxurious and have very enteresting 19^th century imprints of Rajput architecture by Sir Swinton Jacob. Other interesting features in the palace are old crystal mirrors and chandeliers, miniature paintings and tapestries, stained glass panels amd marble inlay work.

Special Features: The hotel organizes cultural programmes in the evenings. Guests can either enjoy these in the lawns outside or else spend a quiet, undisturbed evenings. Guests can either enjoy these in the lawns outside or else spend a quiet, undisturbed evening in their rooms. Solar heated swimming pool and beauty parlour. Tours to places of interest can also be arranged.

Facilities available: 102 rooms including 5 special suites. One bar, one lounge that serves tea, coffee and snacks and one Multicuisine restaurant.

SAMODE HAVELI, JAIPUR
Built by Rawal Sheo Singhji, a Prime Minister in the royal court of Jaipur, the haveli is the result of around 200 years of construction in phases, by its occupants. Located conveniently in the heart of the walled city the haveli exudes an atmosphere of quiet beauty and elegance. The haveli has some beautiful frescoes, arched windows and intricate wall designs. Maintained well, the haveli provides the right atmosphere of luxury and allows the visitor a glimpse into its magnificent royal past.
Special features: Rajasthani folk dances and authenitic cuisine is available at the haveli. Execursions to nearby places of interest can be arranged.

Facilities available: 16 double and 2 single rooms. Multi-cuisine restaurant.

By Road: Delhi 270 kms.
By Train: Jaipur 5 kms.
By Air: Jaipur 12 kms.

SAMODE PALACE, SAMODE
The story of Samode Palace goes back more than four and a half centuries. Prithviraj Singhji of Amber, the seventeenth prince of the house of Kachhawaha Rajputs, had awarded Samode to one of his twelve sons-Gopal Singhji along with the hereditary title of Rawal Saheb.

Nestled picturesquely amid rugged hills, Samode Palace with its stately grandeur and frescoed walls is a pleasant journey into the glorious past. The palace is full of architectural delights the birds, animals and flowers painted on the walls of Sultan Mahal, the dining-room with its stained glass windows and its collection of old family portraits, the Durbar Hall with its painted ceilings and intricately carved walls and beautiful chandeliers, give this palace its old world charm. Each room is done up in traditional Rajasthani style and the antique furniture blends well with the atmosphere making it comfortable and luxurious at the same time.

Special Features: A traditional welcome with camel carts, buggies, elephants and local musicians is organized if desired. Camel safaris available.

Facilities available: 30 double rooms. Multi-cuisine restaurant.

By Road: Delhi 264 kms.
By Train: Jaipur 45 kms.
By Air: Jaipur 46 kms.

ACHROL LODGE, JAIPUR
Situated on the outskirts of old Jaipur, Achrol House is a Palatial mansion with spacious lawns, flowering shrubs, shady trees and dancing peacocks. The original architecture has not been touched and the house retains most of its old furniture, portraits, books and photographs.

Special Features: Ideal for campers, the lawns allow caravan parking and provide ample tent space.

Facilities available: 6 double and a single room. Breakfast available.

By Rood : Delhi 265 kms.
By Train : Jaipur 1 km
By Air: Jaipur 10 kms.

ALSISAR HAVELI, JAIPUR
Tucked away in the heat of Jaipur city is the Alsisar Haveli. Built in a traditional Rajput style with large courtyards, corridors with arched pillars and a huge garden in front. The rooms too are spacious with stained glass ventilators and arched columns. Antique fumiture, chandeliers and traditional fabrics maintain its medieval look. Strewn all around the haveli are traces of its past splendour.

All the rooms are self contained, air conditioned and equipped with all modern amenities.

Special Features: Located very close to the walled city, it is ideal for walking tours into the city. Puppet shows and folk dances can be arranged.

Facilities available: Rooms with attached bathrooms.

KHASA KOTHI, JAIPUR
Khasa Kothi, literally ‘special mansion’ was constructed by Sawai Ram Singh II hundred years ago as the State Guest House. Portions were added to the main building by his successors. After independence it was given the status of a Sate Hotel.

The imposing Indo-Colonial building, surrounded by tall shady trees and well-maintained lawns, still retains its grandeur.

The rooms are large and have been so planned that most of them overlook the gardens. All modern amenities exist here for the comfort of the guest.

The hotel is located close to the bus stand and railway station and the old city within easy reach.

Special Features: Puppet shows and folk dances can be arranged.

Facilities available: 36 rooms with attached bathrooms. Swimming pool, conference hall, tourist office, multi-cuisine restaurant, bar and barbecue.

NAHARGARH FORT, JAIPUR
The magnificent fort of Nahargarh lies on a hill overlooking the city of Jaipur. Built in 1734 by the founder of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh to defend his new city, this was also a retreat for his maharanis. Additions were made to the original structure by Sawai Ram Singh in 1868 and later by Maharaja Madho Sighe. Elaborate upper storey, more halls, courtyards and the most elaborately painted rooms were courtyards and the most windows, excellently carved doors and the most amazing paintings made this hill-fort as decorative ad any pleasure palace. The fort spreads to the tip of the hill from where one can see the entire city of Jaipur bathed in the early morning sunlight or else enjoy the stunning sunset view over the city.

Special Features: The drive to the fort is full of interesting views. Ideal for picnics and to get away from the noises of the city.

Facilities available: One room and restaurants.

MANDAWA HOUSE, JAIPUR
Mandawa House was constructed in 1896 by Thakur Bhaagwat Singh of Mandawa. This was the Jaipur residence of the Mandawa family which has recently been converted into a hotel. A traditional Rajput styale building, it has courtyards, open terraces and large, spacious rooms. Care has been taken to maintain an authentic Rajashani atmosphere in all the rooms and they have been tastefully furnished. All modern amenities have been provided.

Located just outside the walled city, Mandawa House allows guests to take walking tours into the colourful city or just relax in the peaceful atmosphere.

Special Features: The hotel roganises puppet show in the evenings.
Facilities available: 19 rooms and suites. Meals available.

ROYAL CASTLE KANOTA, JAIPUR
The Royal Castle at Kanota was built in the 18^th century by Thakur Zorawar Singh Champawat. Located 14 kms from Jaipur, this fortified medieval castle is an ideal getaway into the interior of a typical Rajasthani village. Built as the last defence for the city of Jaipur, it is well-equipped with cannons and a well-stocked armoury. The fort also has a unique library with gold work on the walls and a collection of over 10,00 rare books, manuscripts and miniatures.

The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a fruit orchard which make a calm and peaceful holiday.

Special Features: Museum housing old arms, saddlery and buggies for horses, camels and elephants, Billiards, puppet shows and excursions can be arranged.

Facilities available: 12 double rooms & a restaurant.

By Road: Delhi 260 kms.
By Train: Jaipur 20 kms.
By Air: Jaipur 26 kms.

SAMODE BAGH, SAMODE
Three kms away from the well-known Samode Palace is the Samode Bagh. Built more than 400 years ago by Rawal Sheo Singhji, it is modeled on the geometric style of the Mughal garden. Members of the Samode family came here to enjoy rare moments of privacy and relax in the airy pavilions surrounded by rippling water fountains. The meeting point at the Bagh is the elegantly furnished Durbar Tent.

Dune colourd tents, all luxuriously furnished with every comfort, including a private bathroom, transport the guest to a different era. The lawns, fruit trees, grape vines and flowering shrubs make a stay here memorable. Evenings come alive with local folk music and dances and the magic of a comfier. One can swim in the private pool or take camel rides to explore the countryside. Meals are served on the lawns.

Special Features: Camel safaris, visit to the village and the Samode Palace, tennis, croquet & recreational area for children.

Facilities available: 50 tents with attached bathrooms.

SHAHPURA GARDEN PALACE, SHAHPURA
Shahpura Garden Palace, Shahpura lies on the Jaipur – Delhi highway. It was the head seat of the Shekhawat clan. Its Garden Palace was built in 1825 A.D. by Rao Hanuwant Singhji. It is situated amidst lush green fields and orchards.

It has a central hall with high ceiling and brightly painted walls. The rooms have concealed jharokhas amidst the baradari giving it a combination of Mughal and Rajpur architecture.

Special features: The rooms are done in traditional style and have been suitably mordenised to make them comfortable for guests.

Facilities available: 2 cottages, 4 suites and 4 double rooms. Indian meals available.

By Road: Jaipur 60 kms.
By Train: Jaipur 70 kms.
By Air: Jaipur 75 kms.