Jaipur - Land of Rajwaras

The land of Rajwaras, Jaipur, where every niche that tells the tales of the victory and romance of royal Rajputs was first built in 1727 by Maharajah Jai Singh ji II of Kachhwaha Rajputana.

Jaipur

Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink city is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. This city is the first planned city of India. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the royal families and the Rajputs.

History of Jaipur

Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II on 18th November 1727, the ruler of Ajmer. This city is remarkable among pre-modern Indian cities for the width and regularity of its streets. The streets of Jaipur are 111ft (34m) wide. He himself was the lover of Mathematics and scientific theories. He also conducted Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya a Brahmin academician from Bengal who helped Jai Singh to design the architecture of Jaipur city.

On the basis of their planning, he began building the city. The main palaces and square were completed in the time span of four years. Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya and Jai Singh used Shilpa Shastra principles of Indian architecture were followed. Jaipur was separated into nine blocks. In which two blocks consists of the state buildings and palaces. Then Strong walls of buttressing and seven tough gates were created for ensuring defense and security.

The history of Jaipur is enriched by the extraction of kings who have succeeded Jai Singh such as Sawai Ram Singh and Madho Singh. In the post independence era initiatives were taken to transform the position of princely state Jaipur. Then Jaipur was merged with other Rajput states like Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and thus Great Rajasthan was formed. In 1956, Jaipur was given the status of capital of Rajasthan state. Till now also Jaipur retained its charm and spectacle by retaining its beauty.

Sightseeing's of Jaipur

Hawa Mahal: This Mahal was built by the Maharaja Sawai Singh in 1799.This Mahal was an integral part of the city palace. This palace is a five-storied building with pyramid structure has 953 tier and small casements. The main entrance to the Hawa Mahal is through safety doors that open into spacious courtyard. You can view wonderful sunlight view in the early dawn through the lattice windows of the Hawa Mahal.

The City Palace: This palace is a fascinating landmark of Jaipur that reflect the imposing blend of masterpiece of Rajasthan architecture. Ruler Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh built this fascinating palace during his rule representing the architecture of the ancient India. It attracts many tourists throughout the entire globe.

Jantar Mantar: This is magnificent astronomical observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh. This building was built in between 1728 to 1734. This is a grand astronomical instrument to observe the time . The instrument you can watch are: Small Samarat, Dhruva, Narivalya, Small Kranti, the Observer's seat, 'Raj', 'Unnathamsa', 'Disha', 'Dakshina', Large 'Samrat', 'Rashivalayas' 'Jai Prakash', Small 'Ram', Large 'Ram Yantra', 'Diganta, Large 'Kranti'

Nahargarh: This is a splendid fort located in Jaipur. This is among one of the three forts built by Maharahja Jai Sawai Singh. He was the ruler of Jaipur. This fort glitters under moonlight in the night.

Shimla - A heaven on earth

This resource contains information on various spots to be visited in Shimla. Shimla is known to be the queen of hills and have lot of sightseeing nearby.

Shimla

Shimla is capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Previously it was the summer capital of Britishers. Shimla name is named after goddess Shyamala Devi. It is situated in the north west of Himalayas. It is the most favorite tourist destination in India. People from all parts of the country came here to spend their summer vacations. It is situated 120 Kms from Chandigarh. It is well connected by road as well as by train. Train can be hired at Kalka stations. Travelling by train is the real fun. There are about 103 tunnels on the way to Shimla longest being 1 kms approximately.

Tourist Places to be visit

The Ridge
Ridge is the most happening place in Shimla where you can enjoy sightseeing and do various activities like photography, Horse riding, eating and many more. There are many shoppers who will click your photographs in local dresses.

The Mall
Mall road in Shimla is full of shops. You can buy variety of local things like shawls, woolens and artificial jewelery. There are many food courts and dhabas on the road where you can enjoy your food.

Christ Church
Church is situated on the ridge in Shimla. At night the lighting done is very fabulous and should spend some time there in the church.

Jakhu Mandir
From the ridge itself there is way uphill to Jakhu mandir. Jakhu Mandir is temple of Lord Hanuman and it is believed that Lord hanuman takes rest here while bringing Sanjeevani for Lakshman. There are lot of monkeys on the way and if possible do not take any think along with you otherwise will not be spared by the monkeys even your spectacles.

Summer Hill
Another famous place to visit is Summer Hill. It is situated near about 8 Km form ridge. Himachal Pradesh University is also there in Summer Hill.

Tara Devi mandir
This is again yet another spot where everybody likes to go in winters. This area is covered by snow in Winters and a place to do lot of snow sports like skeeing.Tara Devi is situated in the while coming from Chandigarh to Shimla. It is about 10 kms from Shimla Bus stand.

Conclusion

Shimla is the most happening among the hill station as it is liked to many other tourist places. Best time to visit is during winters only as in summers now day temperatures are quite high. In winters Shimla is covered with snow and is the real fun of the city. In short it is a must visit spot.