Jaipur: A Visitor's Delight

chillibreeze writer — Sona Damania

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The old walled city has been built using the locally available stones which are tinted in a reddish, pinkish shade and hence the name “Pink City”. There are a number of places in Jaipur that are interesting to visit. The “Hawa Mahal” is a defining structure and is a palace that has 152 small Jharokhas or windows that were used by the women folk of the royal families, to have their own private viewing space of the processions and festive celebrations beyond the walls of the palace without exposing themselves to the public eye. With huge spaces and beautifully designed structures that are artfully carved with domes and arches, staircases that connect the palace buildings and the traditionally crafted Jharokhas forming an entire wall of small windows looking on to the street, “The Hawa Mahal” stands proud testimony to the magnificence of the golden era, the times of yore.

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While there are a number of other such places which are equally handsome in their architecture, the Amer Fort is surely the hallmark of majestic opulence and aesthetic perfection. Situated at the top of a hill, it has a splendid view of the surroundings and its approach road steeply winding upwards, is reflective of the security features that are imbibed within the massive fort design. Within its premises, is the beautiful Shish Mahal, the carvings of which are still so intricately perfect, the colors still so vivid, it is difficult to believe that centuries have passed since it was built. These remarkable edifices bear witness to the craftsmanship and engineering soundness of our peers in the olden days. There are a number of other forts, palaces and gardens which are well maintained and preserved.

While the past has etched itself on the walls of Jaipur, its present is glorious with all that the city has to offer to its guests. “Guests”, not visitors because hospitality is the inherent nature of the people of Rajasthan. The streets of Jaipur are welcoming and warm as the brightly painted elephants strut along flapping their large ears and the tall camels walk with their graceful gait, taking us back in time to a different era. The shops that line the lanes and by lanes are conspicuous by their brilliantly colored fabric that summons the interest of the passersby. The handicrafts are classic old arts which have attained matured expertise, crossing thresholds of generations to achieve their finesse. The paintings of Lord Krishna in all his glory and those of the Maharajas depicting their greatness, Marble artwork and the embroidered & antique woven pieces are the most wonderful souvenirs to carry back home. It is almost like a taking a piece of history back with you. Jaipur is also very famous for its precious and semi precious stones and the ceramic blue pottery industry. For the spiritually inclined, Jaipur has many temples that are ancient and have intriguing sagas attached to them. The Radhe Govindji temple is the oldest shrine which was built in the year 1735 and is highly revered by the people of the city. Another temple that is charming because of its old mystic character is the Sun temple at the Galta Valley. This place has the rustic appeal of prehistoric tales that add magic to the beliefs of the people who come here with faith. Surrounded by high mountains on all sides and natural springs, this valley transports the visitor to the medieval ages and the legends that narrate its importance are truly fascinating.

One cannot leave this alluring town without an evening spent at “The Chowki Dhani”, a unique resort that has captured all the various flavors of Rajasthan under one roof. Conceptualized as a village, it encompasses all the possible rural pastimes. There are exciting rides on the elephants and camels, puppet and magic shows, the astrologer parrot, the snake charmer, the folk dancers, the local masseur, stalls that have games such as dart throwing, air rifle shooting aimed at balloons and many others that are part of a traditional village carnival. There is even a maze, a tree house and swings that hang from the branches of the large trunks, cots that are placed everywhere and most importantly there is the traditional Rajasthani cuisine which is mouth watering and spicy. The striking feature of this very specially designed place is its warmth and hospitality which again stems from its richly cultured people.

Jaipur is a place reminiscent of the yesteryears and yet it coalesces into the same backdrop, the colors of its distinctive hospitality and makes this heritage city a traveler’s delight.

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Sona writes for chillibreeze.

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