When you travel, you open up yourself to a whole new world. You encounter new experiences, and you discover a new culture. My trip to Jaipur has been like that. Every historical architecture in Jaipur speaks for its rich culture. While the ancient forts and Havelis of Jaipur bring a sense of Royalty, It often tells you how the city has adapted to both - the old and the new lifestyle. It offers a plethora of activities that make your travelling experience more enthralling.
My trip to Rajasthan has been quite memorable. However, the most beautiful part of the journey was Jaipur itself. Often known as the Pink City, Jaipur has a rich cultural heritage. This beautiful place on Earth was discovered and built by Sawai Jai Singh II who belonged to Kachhwaha Rajput Clan. Jai Singh wanted to shift his capital from Amber to Jaipur. Vidhyadhar Chakravorty, one of the famous architect, planned the city by dividing the city into nine blocks and encircling it by a wall.
Jaipur is a paradise for someone who loves Art and Culture. There’s an abundance of historical monuments like Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mahal. These are places which are well known even by those who have never visited Jaipur before. So to explore the best of Jaipur, I visited the less popular places first. One of them is Panna Meena Ka Kund. Although the place has its historical importance, I was more fascinated by its structure. It is too good to be true for any photographer. It’s an eight-story staircase pool that gives any photographer a perfect opportunity to capture numerous aesthetic pictures. This place is an amalgamation of nature and religion. The most unique thing about it is that nobody can use the same stairs to get down and to go upstairs. The locals believe that no same stairs can be used by the same person. It remains quite a mystery for the visitors.
Apart from its ancient history, Jaipur is also famous for its textile industry. One of the finest ways to discover the textile industry is to visit the Bazaars inside the walled city. One of the famous bazaar and the one I liked a lot is Sireh Deori Bazaar. It is famous for jewellery and handicrafts. Other Bazaars are - Ramganj Bazaar for leather footwear, Tripolia Bazaar for brass and steel. Johari Bazaar is the best place in India for all the ladies who love Bandhani Sarees. The designs of these sarees are unique. I was curious to know how the design such small patterns on the saree. One of the shopkeepers told me about the technique - the fabric is tied tightly with multiple threads at different points depending upon the pattern, and then the saree is dyed.
Apart from its ancient history, Jaipur is also famous for its textile industry. One of the finest ways to discover the textile industry is to visit the Bazaars inside the walled city. One of the famous bazaar and the one I liked a lot is Sireh Deori Bazaar. It is famous for jewellery and handicrafts. Other Bazaars are - Ramganj Bazaar for leather footwear, Tripolia Bazaar for brass and steel. Johari Bazaar is the best place in India for all the ladies who love Bandhani Sarees. The designs of these sarees are unique. I was curious to know how the design such small patterns on the saree. One of the shopkeepers told me about the technique - the fabric is tied tightly with multiple threads at different points depending upon the pattern, and then the saree is dyed.
After discovering the local bazaars, I was extremely ecstatic to experience the Royalty of the City Palace. It is the home of the Jaipur Royal Family. It comprises various courtyards, buildings, gardens and temples. The most prominent well-known places are -Shri Govind Dev Temple, Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and the City Palace Museum. I entered from the Atish Pol to discover the Mubarak Mahal. It has an identical balcony from all four sides. It has the intricate carving in white and beige stone giving it the illusion of delicate decoupage.
Diwan-e-Khas and Diwan-e-Aam are two marvellous architecture about which we all have studied in our history textbooks. Diwa-e-Khas is a hall inside the Sarvato Bhadra, where rulers used to hold courts and have private meetings. Diwan-e-Aam was for the general public. It has a beautifully painted ceiling. The city palace is a marvellous ancient site that needs to be preserved for generations to come. Each pattern or design depicts the passion and creativity of workers who built it. It is beyond anyone’s imagination. It just makes you speechless!
After visiting other famous places like Jantar Mantar and Hawah Mahal, it was time to end the trip with a sunset at Nahargarh Fort and beautiful night at the Jal Mahal. I can still feel the ambience the place had to offer. Jal Mahal was far away from me but its reflection on the Sarovar lake radiated golden light that lit up the surroundings even during the night. It brought a sense of joy and satisfaction too. Jaipur has a rich history that lets you experience the Royalty but its often the Jal Mahal where you will experience an extraordinary moment of peace. Do not let that go away.
Even though Jaipur is famous for its history, Its people add joy and beauty to the place. The Rajasthani culture is what makes Jaipur even more special. Its rich cuisine (gatte ki sabzi, mawa ki kachorr and many others) and the Rajasthani dance forms will make your trip a memorable one. Jaipur has numerous places and corners which probably few of us have or will ever explore. The Pink City holds a special heart in all our hearts. It is the place that has preserved its ancient culture and has continued to progress in the 20th Century.
Comments