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On the Day 3 of our trip, we decided to visit Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, and Nahargarh Fort. All these forts lies on the same road.
This was the last day of our trip so we had to cover maximum, but still we missed to visit Albert Hall (the museum)
We started our day with Visiting "Maharani Ki Factory" which claimed 100% on the products sold over there to be made of natural colours, and the local workers. There were many items to se eand purchase like rajasthani fabrics, clothes, traditional dresses for kids, famous Jaipuri quilts, fabrice made up with natural dye prepared with vegetables, handicraft works, stone(marble, kota works),gemstones, miniature paintings, showpieces, home decor items, block print stuffs, and many more.
A warning to the people who purchase the clothing from there. Though they offer a guarantee from 2-5 years on the bill of the purchased item depending on the items, but do not believe them. The stuffs just release the colours as soon as dipped in water. The female salwar suit stuff though is good and have lots of variety.Dont miss to buy/see famous variety of 'Maharani ki Sari' and 'Bandhani saris'
After finishing the shopping from here, we proceeded towards Hawa Mahal.
Hawa Mahal:
Hawa Mahal means :Palace of Winds" or "Palace of the Breeze".
It was in 1799 that the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler, Sawai Pratap Singh, grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who built Jaipur, constructed Hawa Mahal as a continuation of the Royal City Palace. Sawai Pratap Singh's devotion to Lord Krishna is evident in the palace's construction as it resembles the lord's crown. Though many reasons are cited behind the construction of the fort, Purdah system followed by the Rajputs is said to be one of the main causes. During those days, Rajput royal women did not appear in public or in front of strangers. However, they were keen to follow the day-to-day events and royal processions occurring on the streets. It is for their benefit that the Hawa Mahal was built, complete with small windows and screened balconies. This gave the women a sense of freedom, without appearing in public.
Considered as an embodiment of Rajputana architecture, the main highlight of Hawa Mahal is its pyramid shape and its 953 windows or 'Jharokhas' which are decorated with intricate designs.
Hawa Mahal, designed as a beehive castle with small windows, has a height of 50 feet from its base. This structure, erected on a thin shield or podium approximately fifty feet high, has walls less than a foot thick. Constructed of red and pink sandstones .Hawa Mahal is famous for its windows or 'Jharokhas' which enable free circulation of air within the structure. Its entrance is a door which leads to a spacious courtyard surrounded by two-storey buildings on three sides. Of the five storeys of the Mahal, the top three storeys have the thickness of a single room while the bottom storeys have courtyards. The interior of the Hawa Mahal is stark and plain with passages and pillars reaching to the top storey. The building does not have stairs to reach the upper floors; the storeys are connected by slopes. From Hawa Mahal, you have an excellent view of the city
Pictures:
We couldn't go inside the Hawa Mahal as our mr. guide told us that there is all smell and bats there.And due to rain it has become worse. As we had little kid with us so we satisfied ourselves with outer view itself. What could be said , negligence of govt to maintain such a beautiful architecture.After spending millions on the repair and renovation again its like abandoned for care and maintenance.
Amber Fort:
Amer Fort was built by Raja Man Singh I.It is built on a hill top of Aravalli overlooking Maota Lake.It was the original home of Rajput royalty until Jaipur city was constructed during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II
The main entry is through the Suraj Pole (Sun Gate) which leads to Jaleb Chowk, which is the first main courtyard. This was the place where armies would hold victory parades with their war bounty on their return from battles, which were also witnessed by the Royal family women folk through the latticed windows. This gate was built exclusively and was provided with guards as it was the main entry into the palace. It faced the eastern direction towards the rising Sun and hence the name. Royal cavalcades and dignitaries entered the palace through this gate.
The other gate located opposite to it was known as 'Chand Pole' which was meant for the entrance of common people.
In todays time, the police security guard are seated to check people and tickets.
Jaleb Chowk means a place for soldiers to assemble. This is one of the four courtyards of the Amer Palace, which was built during Sawai Jai Singh’s reign (1693–1743 AD). The Maharaja's personal bodyguards held parades here under the command of the army commander or Fauj Bakshi. The Maharaja used to inspect the Guards contingent. At this location, the horse stables were also located where its upper level rooms were occupied by the guards
Third Courtyard:
The entry is from Ganesh Pole.It is known as Diwan-i-Khas.It is also called Jai mandir, and because of the beautiful mirror glass work in it, Sheesh Mahal ot the Glass Palace.The Raja met his special guests like envoys from other rulers here.
Inside the Ganesh Pole lies the beautiful Sheesh Mahal.It is beautified with glass inlaid panels and multi-mirrored ceilings. The mirrors are of convex shape and designed with coloured foil and paint which would glitter bright under candle nights at the time it was in use.
Infront of the Sheesh mahal is a little garden in the classic Mughal pattern called 'Char-Bagh' or 'Four Gardens'.Facing the Sheesh Mahal is Raja's private apartment where he retired to rest.
Fourth Courtyard:
The fourth courtyard is where the Zenana (Royal family women, including concubines or mistresses) lived. This courtyard has many living rooms where the queens resided and who were visited by the king at his choice without being found out as to which queen he was visiting, as all the rooms open into a common corridor.
The queen mothers and the Raja’s consorts lived in this part of the palace in Zanani Deorhi, which also housed their female attendants.
Tunnel between Amer Fort & Jaigarh Fort:
JAIGARH FORT:
The massive Jaigarh Fort was built in 1726 and holds great appeal for military lovers. Flanked by towering gateways and watchtowers, it contains the world's largest cannon on wheels. The cannon has never been fired though, and neither has the fort been captured. As a result the fort has remained intact over its long life, and is very well preserved. Infact, it's one of the best-preserved military structures of medieval India. Jaigarh doesn't have the delicate interiors of Amber Fort, and therefore appears as a real fortress.
The Jaivana cannon
Jaigarh Fort was a centre of artillery production for the Rajputs. It is now home to the Jaivana – at the time of its manufacture in 1720, it was the world's largest cannon on wheels of the Early Modern Era.The foundry where it was manufactured is also located here. A plaque at the entrance to the enclosure where the Jaivan Cannon is displayed gives relevant information on the history of the Cannon, its size and use. This cannon was never used in any battle as the Rajput rulers of Amber had friendly relations with the Mughals. This testifies to well-preserved features of fort.The cannon was fired only once with a charge of 100 kilograms (220 lb) of gunpowder and when fired covered a distance of about 35 kilometres (22 mi).
The Jaivana was manufactured during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (1699–1743) at a foundry in Jaigarh. The barrel is 20.19 foot (6.15 m) in length and weighs 50 tonnes. It has a diameter of 11 inches (280 mm). The barrel has decorations carved on it which depict trees, an elephant scroll and a pair of birds (ducks). It is mounted on wheels and has the mechanism of two back wheels mounted on roller pin bearings, to turn it 360° and fire in any direction. A tin shed was built to protect the cannon against weather. The cannon had a range of 22 miles and used 50 kilograms (110 lb) balls
Images courtesy: google images
NAHARGARH FORT:
Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, this fort was originally named Sudarshangarh Fort. Later, it was given a new name, Nahargarh which means 'abode of tigers'. Located in one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world, the Aravalli Hills, this fort gives you a breathtaking view of the scenic surroundings.
One of the major tourist attractions of Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort is noted for its extended wall which connects it to the Jaigarh Fort.
The fort follows Indo-European architecture and there are many structures inside the fort. To the left of the entrance gate 'Tadigate', there is a temple dedicated to the deity of Jaipur rulers. Apart from this, there is another temple inside the fort, dedicated to the Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia. Another attraction in the fort is the 'Madhavendra Bhawan' built by Sawai Madho Singh. This is a two-storey building which has suites for the king and his twelve queens. It is divided into nine similar apartments and each of these apartments has a lobby, bedrooms, toilets, kitchen and store. Other structures inside the palace include Diwan-I-Aam, an open air enclosure where the king met the common men and listened to their problems and complaints.
It was really an awesome experience to see the grand and scenic view of Jaipur city from the fort. And since it was raining, the beauty was multiple time. FYI, the shooting of some scenes of movie 'Rang De Basanti' were shot here.
sources : http://www.jaipur.org.uk/
wikipedia
Shri Jagat ShiromaniJi Temple Amer:
As told by our guide who is a local resident of Amer, this is the ancient Radha Krishan temple. When we reached the temple, it was afternoon, so the doors of the main temple where gods idols are residing were closed. Our bad timing....so we couldn't get a glimpse of the idols.
But the temple is really antique piece of architecture. Its design reminds of south indian style of temples.
It is kind of less visited by people, very quiet and peaceful it is. The two elephants at the entrance of the temple premise on the stairs is really one of its kind.
Our Mr. guide told us that the shooting of few scenes of the Hindi movie BhoolBhulaiya( starring Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan , & Shiny Ahuja was done here.)The scene in which Akshay kumar shows the old ghungroos of Manjulika to Vidya balan.
As mentioned on the toursit information stone board "This magnificent temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna was built between A.D. 1599-1608 by Rani Kankawati, the wife of Raja Man Singh-I in the memory of her son Jagat Singh and is the best specimen of early 17th century A.D. MAHAMERU PRASADA. It consists of a Sanctum, Vestibule and Mandapa with projecting screen windows on either side.The temple stands on a highr ornate ADHISTHANA.The three storey GARBHAGRIHAis crowned by Sikhara which is adorned with successive rows of URUSRINGAS and KARANSRINGAS. The Mandapa is two storeyed with lateral transepts on either side.The walls of upper storey and the ceiling bear paintings. The marble GARUDA-MANDAPA in front of the temple is intricatley carved. The beautiful marble Torana is flanked by figure of elephants."
Posting pics of the temple:
This is really a very less known place for tourists. It needs to be developed in a famous tourist place near Amer fort among the visitors.
Finally whoever says monsoon is not good for Jaipur trip should change mind and explore the monsoon beauty of the Pink City. It is really beautiful with clouds and showers.No sun, No sweat, and no humidity...Just chill and relax.
And thus our trip came to an end.We all checked out in the morning back to our place.Memorable family trip...Most important was my kid enjoyed posing and roaming comfortably which is such a relief, and yeah encouragement for our next road trip :)
This was the last day of our trip so we had to cover maximum, but still we missed to visit Albert Hall (the museum)
We started our day with Visiting "Maharani Ki Factory" which claimed 100% on the products sold over there to be made of natural colours, and the local workers. There were many items to se eand purchase like rajasthani fabrics, clothes, traditional dresses for kids, famous Jaipuri quilts, fabrice made up with natural dye prepared with vegetables, handicraft works, stone(marble, kota works),gemstones, miniature paintings, showpieces, home decor items, block print stuffs, and many more.
A warning to the people who purchase the clothing from there. Though they offer a guarantee from 2-5 years on the bill of the purchased item depending on the items, but do not believe them. The stuffs just release the colours as soon as dipped in water. The female salwar suit stuff though is good and have lots of variety.Dont miss to buy/see famous variety of 'Maharani ki Sari' and 'Bandhani saris'
After finishing the shopping from here, we proceeded towards Hawa Mahal.
Hawa Mahal:
Hawa Mahal means :Palace of Winds" or "Palace of the Breeze".
It was in 1799 that the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler, Sawai Pratap Singh, grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who built Jaipur, constructed Hawa Mahal as a continuation of the Royal City Palace. Sawai Pratap Singh's devotion to Lord Krishna is evident in the palace's construction as it resembles the lord's crown. Though many reasons are cited behind the construction of the fort, Purdah system followed by the Rajputs is said to be one of the main causes. During those days, Rajput royal women did not appear in public or in front of strangers. However, they were keen to follow the day-to-day events and royal processions occurring on the streets. It is for their benefit that the Hawa Mahal was built, complete with small windows and screened balconies. This gave the women a sense of freedom, without appearing in public.
Considered as an embodiment of Rajputana architecture, the main highlight of Hawa Mahal is its pyramid shape and its 953 windows or 'Jharokhas' which are decorated with intricate designs.
Hawa Mahal, designed as a beehive castle with small windows, has a height of 50 feet from its base. This structure, erected on a thin shield or podium approximately fifty feet high, has walls less than a foot thick. Constructed of red and pink sandstones .Hawa Mahal is famous for its windows or 'Jharokhas' which enable free circulation of air within the structure. Its entrance is a door which leads to a spacious courtyard surrounded by two-storey buildings on three sides. Of the five storeys of the Mahal, the top three storeys have the thickness of a single room while the bottom storeys have courtyards. The interior of the Hawa Mahal is stark and plain with passages and pillars reaching to the top storey. The building does not have stairs to reach the upper floors; the storeys are connected by slopes. From Hawa Mahal, you have an excellent view of the city
Pictures:
 |
| A little closer look :) |
Amber Fort:
Amer Fort was built by Raja Man Singh I.It is built on a hill top of Aravalli overlooking Maota Lake.It was the original home of Rajput royalty until Jaipur city was constructed during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II
 |
| Maota Lake |
The other gate located opposite to it was known as 'Chand Pole' which was meant for the entrance of common people.
 |
| Suraj Pole |
In todays time, the police security guard are seated to check people and tickets.
Jaleb Chowk means a place for soldiers to assemble. This is one of the four courtyards of the Amer Palace, which was built during Sawai Jai Singh’s reign (1693–1743 AD). The Maharaja's personal bodyguards held parades here under the command of the army commander or Fauj Bakshi. The Maharaja used to inspect the Guards contingent. At this location, the horse stables were also located where its upper level rooms were occupied by the guards
 |
| Jaleb Chowk where horse stables were also located where its upper level rooms were occupied by the guards |
The layout of the fort is divided into 4 courtyards:
First Courtyard:
Stairway from the Jaleb Chowk leads into the main palace grounds.At the entrance itself to the right of the stairway steps is the Sila Devi(an incarnation of Kali or Durga) temple where the Rajput Maharajas offered worship, starting with Maharaja Mansingh in the 16th century till the 1980s, when the animal sacrifice ritual (sacrifice of a buffalo) practiced by the royalty was stopped.
 |
| Sila Devi Temple, this door is having silver layer mounted on it. |
 |
| The auspicious Lord Ganesha idol made out of single piece of Coral stone is mounted over the door of the Sila Devi temple. |
Second Courtyard:
The second courtyard houses the Diwan-i-Am.
Built with double row of columns, the Diwan-i-Aam is a raised platform with 27 colonnades, each of which is mounted with elephant shaped capital with galleries above it. As the name suggests, the Raja held audience here to hear and receive petitions from the public.
 |
| Diwan-i-Aam |
The entry is from Ganesh Pole.It is known as Diwan-i-Khas.It is also called Jai mandir, and because of the beautiful mirror glass work in it, Sheesh Mahal ot the Glass Palace.The Raja met his special guests like envoys from other rulers here.
 |
| Ganesh Pole or Ganesh Gate |
 |
| Jai Mandir/Sheesh Mahal/The Glass Palace |
 |
| Interiors of Sheesh Mahal |
Infront of the Sheesh mahal is a little garden in the classic Mughal pattern called 'Char-Bagh' or 'Four Gardens'.Facing the Sheesh Mahal is Raja's private apartment where he retired to rest.
 |
| Char-Bagh/Four Gardens.The raja's private apartment is visible here( see people in queue) |
Fourth Courtyard:
The fourth courtyard is where the Zenana (Royal family women, including concubines or mistresses) lived. This courtyard has many living rooms where the queens resided and who were visited by the king at his choice without being found out as to which queen he was visiting, as all the rooms open into a common corridor.
The queen mothers and the Raja’s consorts lived in this part of the palace in Zanani Deorhi, which also housed their female attendants.
Tunnel between Amer Fort & Jaigarh Fort:
 |
| Self Explanatory about the tunnel |
The massive Jaigarh Fort was built in 1726 and holds great appeal for military lovers. Flanked by towering gateways and watchtowers, it contains the world's largest cannon on wheels. The cannon has never been fired though, and neither has the fort been captured. As a result the fort has remained intact over its long life, and is very well preserved. Infact, it's one of the best-preserved military structures of medieval India. Jaigarh doesn't have the delicate interiors of Amber Fort, and therefore appears as a real fortress.
The Jaivana cannon
Jaigarh Fort was a centre of artillery production for the Rajputs. It is now home to the Jaivana – at the time of its manufacture in 1720, it was the world's largest cannon on wheels of the Early Modern Era.The foundry where it was manufactured is also located here. A plaque at the entrance to the enclosure where the Jaivan Cannon is displayed gives relevant information on the history of the Cannon, its size and use. This cannon was never used in any battle as the Rajput rulers of Amber had friendly relations with the Mughals. This testifies to well-preserved features of fort.The cannon was fired only once with a charge of 100 kilograms (220 lb) of gunpowder and when fired covered a distance of about 35 kilometres (22 mi).
The Jaivana was manufactured during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (1699–1743) at a foundry in Jaigarh. The barrel is 20.19 foot (6.15 m) in length and weighs 50 tonnes. It has a diameter of 11 inches (280 mm). The barrel has decorations carved on it which depict trees, an elephant scroll and a pair of birds (ducks). It is mounted on wheels and has the mechanism of two back wheels mounted on roller pin bearings, to turn it 360° and fire in any direction. A tin shed was built to protect the cannon against weather. The cannon had a range of 22 miles and used 50 kilograms (110 lb) balls
Images courtesy: google images
NAHARGARH FORT:
Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, this fort was originally named Sudarshangarh Fort. Later, it was given a new name, Nahargarh which means 'abode of tigers'. Located in one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world, the Aravalli Hills, this fort gives you a breathtaking view of the scenic surroundings.
 |
| Beautiful view of Jaipur City from Nahargarh Fort |
The fort follows Indo-European architecture and there are many structures inside the fort. To the left of the entrance gate 'Tadigate', there is a temple dedicated to the deity of Jaipur rulers. Apart from this, there is another temple inside the fort, dedicated to the Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia. Another attraction in the fort is the 'Madhavendra Bhawan' built by Sawai Madho Singh. This is a two-storey building which has suites for the king and his twelve queens. It is divided into nine similar apartments and each of these apartments has a lobby, bedrooms, toilets, kitchen and store. Other structures inside the palace include Diwan-I-Aam, an open air enclosure where the king met the common men and listened to their problems and complaints.
 |
| The view from the roof of the fort. |
sources : http://www.jaipur.org.uk/
wikipedia
Shri Jagat ShiromaniJi Temple Amer:
As told by our guide who is a local resident of Amer, this is the ancient Radha Krishan temple. When we reached the temple, it was afternoon, so the doors of the main temple where gods idols are residing were closed. Our bad timing....so we couldn't get a glimpse of the idols.
But the temple is really antique piece of architecture. Its design reminds of south indian style of temples.
It is kind of less visited by people, very quiet and peaceful it is. The two elephants at the entrance of the temple premise on the stairs is really one of its kind.
Our Mr. guide told us that the shooting of few scenes of the Hindi movie BhoolBhulaiya( starring Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan , & Shiny Ahuja was done here.)The scene in which Akshay kumar shows the old ghungroos of Manjulika to Vidya balan.
As mentioned on the toursit information stone board "This magnificent temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna was built between A.D. 1599-1608 by Rani Kankawati, the wife of Raja Man Singh-I in the memory of her son Jagat Singh and is the best specimen of early 17th century A.D. MAHAMERU PRASADA. It consists of a Sanctum, Vestibule and Mandapa with projecting screen windows on either side.The temple stands on a highr ornate ADHISTHANA.The three storey GARBHAGRIHAis crowned by Sikhara which is adorned with successive rows of URUSRINGAS and KARANSRINGAS. The Mandapa is two storeyed with lateral transepts on either side.The walls of upper storey and the ceiling bear paintings. The marble GARUDA-MANDAPA in front of the temple is intricatley carved. The beautiful marble Torana is flanked by figure of elephants."
Posting pics of the temple:
 |
| The beautiful entrance to the temple premise with elephant figures |
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| The temple |
 |
| Some inscriptions |
 |
| Garuda Mandap |
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| Scenic view from the temple to the entrance Torana |
 |
| Closer look at some of the cravings |
Finally whoever says monsoon is not good for Jaipur trip should change mind and explore the monsoon beauty of the Pink City. It is really beautiful with clouds and showers.No sun, No sweat, and no humidity...Just chill and relax.
And thus our trip came to an end.We all checked out in the morning back to our place.Memorable family trip...Most important was my kid enjoyed posing and roaming comfortably which is such a relief, and yeah encouragement for our next road trip :)
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