The history says that to welcome Prince Albert, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II ordered to paint the Jaipur city with terracotta pink color. After that, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II had passed an order that it is illegal to paint a building in any other color. This is how Jaipur city retained its title as the Pink City of India.
Jaipur has several attractions, from affluent palaces and forts to sumptuous temples and scurry markets blazoning their panorama and, therefore, it is a perfect place for travel enthusiasts to explore. The place presents a bewitching mix of sights and scenes to tourists thus making it bang for buck for them.
Even though two days are not enough to enjoy the bewitching mix of sights and scenes in Jaipur, Rajasthan, this post guides you through some of the finest places in Jaipur, which Jaipur travelers can enjoy within two days.
The best time to visit Jaipur is in the month of September to November and February to April for best Jaipur travel experience. In these months the temperature is moderate like all other parts of North India.
If you are visiting Jaipur from Delhi, then there are numerous of trains available. I prefer the Ajmer Shatabdi because of its timings. If you chose the train option and a 3-star hotel to stay, then the entire Delhi to Jaipur trip cost will be approximately Rs. 15000 to a family of four member for two days.
Here are two days itinerary to a Jaipur Trip based on my experience.
Day 1 – Places to explore in Jaipur
Jal Mahal
An architectural beauty used as a duck shooting paradise by Maharaja. Jal Mahal is situated in the middle of Mansagar lake and the Nahargarh hills at the backdrop of the palace, which makes it a beautiful spot for photography. It also serves as a home to many species of local and migratory birds.
The Jal Mahal is a five-story building in the middle of Man Sagar Lake of Jaipur city. The four floors of the building remain underwater. Built in red stone are at stiff contrast to the deep blue water of the lake. Even though exploration of the actual palace is not possible, the majestic view of Jal Mahal is picture perfect.
Nahargarh fort
Stories reveal that at the time of its construction, every morning the workers previous day work will found damaged. Then, the Maharaja Jai Singh discovered that the place is haunted, and he built a shrine in which the spirit of Nahar Singh could live and named the Fort Nahargarh Fort. The Fort now has a wax museum and Glass palace as beautiful attractions. It is advised that you visit the Fort in the daytime only. Therefore, you can plan to visit the Nahargarh Fort first, then Jaigarh Fort, and the Amber Fort at last.
Jai garh fort
Built-in 1726 AD by Sawan Jai Singh II, the Jaigarh Fort is situated on the Cheel ka Tila (Hill of Eagles). Spread over 3 Kilometers and located at a height of around 500 feet above the sea level, the Fort offers a panoramic view of Jaipur, the Man Sagar Lake, and the Amber Fort.
It houses the world largest cannon on the wheels, “the Jaivana Cannon”. Its watchtower, the Laxmi Vilas, the Lalit Mandir, the Aram Mandir, and the Vilas Mandir are its attractions that add to its beauty and make Jaipur a worth place to visit.
Amber Fort
Maharaja Man Singh I, who led Mughal Emperor Akbar’s army, started the construction of this Amber or Amer Fort. It consists of four courtyards. The Jaleb Chowk is at the entrance. If you walk towards the right, a small staircase will lead you to the Shila Devi temple. Move up the staircase and you will reach to Diwane-e-Aam the second courtyard.
By walking through the Ganesh Pol, you will reach the third courtyard, Diwan-e-Khas. Its walls are covered by mirror work. As a result, it is also known as Sheesh Mahal. There are two buildings separated by a garden. Its upper part is called Jas Mandir with floral designs over glass.
The fourth courtyard is at the rear of the Fort. It has zenana, the place where King kept his wives. It is the oldest part of the Fort.
The exit from here leads you to the town area of the Amber.
There is a passage that connects the Amber Fort to the Jaigarh Fort. You can walk through it to reach the Jaigarh Fort or use a golf cart.
Raj Mandir
Raj Mandir is a movie theater which is Known for its enormous size as well as wealthy and mesmerizing interiors.
If you are a movie lover, then you must visit this theater. Plan for an evening show or a late-night show.
Day 2 – Places to Explore in Jaipur
Hawa Mahal
Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of the Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty built this beautiful structure in 1799 for royal women to enjoy the events and festivals on the streets of Jaipur.
It is a five-story building with a high screen wall in the shape of Lord Krishna crown. The building has 953 jharokhas or windows. Royal women enjoyed the glimpse of street festivals and busy city life through them, while remaining out of the public view.
The first floor is Sahard Mandir and used for autumn celebrations. The Second floor has colorful glass work called Ratan Mandir. The top three floors are Vichitra Mandir for Lord Krishna worshiping, Prakash Mandir to provide open terrace, and Hawa Mandir.
Jantar Mantar
The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the largest observatory among the five astronomical observatories of India. It is one of the major Jaipur attractions. Distances and positions of astronomical objects were measured with them. There are 19 devices, out of which Samrat Yantra (the largest sundial in India) is most notable.
Jaipur City Palace
Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, City Palace is spread over a large area extending one-seventh of the old city of Jaipur. You can enjoy beautiful gardens, buildings and courtyards, a temple, and museums. The City Palace is overall an excellent view that reflects its ancient importance and majestic royal grace. It also served as a residence of the former Maharaja of Jaipur.
Bapu Bazaar – Jaipur
If you are a shopaholic, then this is the place where you are going to enjoy the most. In Bapu Bazaar you can purchase all sort of Rajasthani material (dresses, dupattas, juti, blankets, etc.).
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