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Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh or the Tiger fort is the
first of the three forts built by the kings of Jaipur. Built
mainly in 1734 by Jai Singh II, it lies 6 km north west of city
Palace and provides some stunning views of Jaipur down below to
the Man Sagar Lake. The imposing fort harbors many legends and
three kings have added their stamp at different times to the
structures within the fort. In the midst of this lake, is a
palatial duck blind, which was used for shooting parties by the
erstwhile royal family. A royal retreat for the Maharanis, it was
also used as a personal treasury for many years.
City Palace
In
the heart of the city is situated the City Palace, a blend of
Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The City Palace is marked by
projecting balconies, arches on slender pillars, and ornate
entrances. There is a huge paved courtyard flanked by apartments
from three sides.
The place is now a museum except for one section where the
erstwhile royal family still lives. The palace cum museum is
constructed in the fortified campus style and covers more than
half of the old city. The city palace has an exclusive part
devoted to the arms and ammunitions used by the royal family in
the past. Apart from arms and ammunitions museum, there is
separate section on textile and costume, art gallery, Chandra
Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-I-Khas, and Diwan-I-Aam.
Royalty has not lost all of its charm and it is respected by the
people of Jaipur even now. Own symbol of the royalty (formally
removed by Indian government) is the flag of Jaipur royal family
atop the King's residence signifying that the king is in Jaipur.
If the flag is not there that signifies the absence of king from
Jaipur.
Laxmi Narayan Temple
Situated
in the south of Jaipur, Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the many
such temples built by wealthy Birla family in India, thus it is
also known as Birla Mandir. The temple is a great reminder of the
secular traditions India has shown over the centuries. The temple
has been constructed in white marble and has three domes, each
portraying the different approaches to religion.
The temple is situated at the foot of Moti Doongri Fort, converted
as a small palace by Ram Singh II for his wife Gayatri Devi.
Rambagh Palace
Once
the garden retreat of the royal families, Rambagh Palace is now
one of the leading heritage hotels of India. Run by the Indian
Hotels (which owns the Taj group of Hotels), the palace has wide
terraces, spacious corridors, and banquet rooms that are brushed
by the fragrance of the lush gardens. Rooms give the impression of
imperial legacy that the place has come to be associated as. Its
Chinese room with red and gold tapestry and antique is unique.
Equally interesting is the enclosed swimming pool located outside
the palace, but inside the garden complex.
The history of the hotel can be easily associated with the history
of royalty in Rajasthan in the 19th and 20th century. The queen of
Jaipur constructed it in 1835 for her favorite handmaiden. Later
on as the need for a guesthouse and hunting lodge came, it was
changed accordingly. In 1925, the Maharaja of Jaipur converted
this place as his royal residence and many modifications were done
at that time. In 1972, the palace was changed as a heritage hotel
and it has seen many prominent guests including Lord Mountbatten,
Prince Charles, and Omar Sharif.
Sisodiya Rani Ka Bagh
The
terraced Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh (the Garden of Sisodia Queen) is
situated on the Jaipur-Agra road at a distance of 10 km from
Jaipur. The garden is one of the many summer retreats built in
17th and 18th century by the royals of Jaipur. The garden was
created by the queen of Jai Singh II, Sisodia Rani, as an escape
from the court intrigues. It is a beautiful escape with landscaped
gardens and murals of the life of Lord Krishna, decorating its
interiors. Not far from here on the way to Galta are natural
springs and temples of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Hanuman.

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