Jaipur, dubbed "the Pink City" after the colour-wash of its old city’s walls, is indeed a visual treat. The city, which is the Holy Grail of Indian tourism, boasts its assembly of world-renowned monuments. The monuments which draw the largest crowds to Jaipur are the Palace of Winds or Hawa Mahal, Jai Singh's City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory, built by the city's founder,

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, a man famed for his talents as a politician, astronomer, and mathematician. Other attractions that will detain you in the capital of Rajasthan are Ram Niwas Bagh and Govindji Temple, Ram Niwas Bagh, the city garden, houses Albert Hall (Central Museum).

Sights to See

Hawa Mahal
The Palace of Winds or Hawa Mahal – the five-story facade of 593 latticed-stone screened windows is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. The monument is made of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

City Palace
A wonderful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

Jantar Mantar
This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

Amber Fort Palace
Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.

The Statue Circle
This is a traffic roundabout In Jaipur. It is the favourite lounge of Jaipur and a place for evening out, with 'Meals on Wheels' standing by. Strangely it acquires its name of statue circle after its figurine rather than the grand Sawai Jai Singh the founder of modern day Jaipur. .

Moti Dungri
In the middle of Jaipur rises a small hill Moti Dungri meaning pearl hill, because it looks hill a drop of pearl. An exotic palace is parched which is a replica of Scottish castle once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son.

Gaitore
It is the final resting place of the Maharajas of Jaipur and is located just off the Jaipur - Amber Road. Situated in a narrow valley the cenotaphs of the former Maharajas are chhatris made in typical Rajput architecture. The chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh II is of special mention for its carvings that exaggerate it.

Jal Mahal
Also known as Water Palace, Built in the mid 18th century by Madho Singh I. The Palace was developed as a pleasure spot and was used for the royal duck shooting parties. A causeway leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, opposite the cenotaphs.

Albert Hall
Situated in the middle of the Ram Niwas garden, as a centre attraction was the exquisitely built structure of Albert Hall, which was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect who designed many palaces in Rajasthan. Combining the elements of English and north Indian architecture known as the pride of the New Jaipur opened in 1887 AD, it is a very well maintained and impressive building displaying a rich collection of Art- de- fact like paintings, carpet, ivory, stone and metal sculptures and colourful crystal works etc.

Birla Planetarium
The Birla Planetarium is at the BM Birla Science & Technology Centre, near Statue Circle. The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual educational and entertainment with its modern computerised projections system.

Govind Dev Ji Temple A vital part of the city Palace complex, this Krishna temple has been highly preserved by the erstwhile royal family. Sawai Jai Singh installed the image of GOVIND DEV JI (an incarnation of lord Krishna) after it was brought from Vrindavan.

Birla Lakshmi-Narayan Temple
Birla Mandir or the Lakshmi - Narayan Temple, situated just below the Moti Dungari. This is a modern temple built of white marble on top of a hill, dominating the skyline of south Jaipur.

ZOO
Just opposite the Albert Hall is one of the oldest Zoo in the country, harbouring different species of birds and animals.

Kanak Vrindavan
Not so old but definitely an exquisitely landscaped garden with beautifully carved temple in beige stone, which is a vast complex with terrace sites all around and intricately carved marble columns and lattices. Located in the foothills of Nahargarh hills on the way towards Amer, this complex is a popular spot for picnic and film shoots.

Sisodia Rani ka Bagh
Sawai Jai Singh built it in 1728. The garden is laid in Mughal style and it depicts the legends of Radha and Krishna. The garden is located 8 km from Jaipur - Agra road .It consists of tiered multi-level gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavilions. Sawai Jai Singh built it for his Sisodia Queen from Udaipur. The palace house has several galleries, pavilions and beautiful murals depicting scenes from the life of lord Krishna.

Vidyadhar Gardens
Located near the Sisodia Gardens,it is a beautiful vineyard, which unfolds itself in the valley. It is named after Vidyadhar Bhatacharjee the architect of Jaipur.

Galtaji
It is an ancient pilgrimage centre lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills. Temples, pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and water tanks) along with lush landscape make it a delightful spot. The small temple of the Sun God built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak is a visible city landmark.

Ravindra Rang Manch (theatre)
Another piece of attraction near the Albert Hall, is the Ravindra Rang Manch (theatre) with a modern art gallery and a performing art theatre both indoors and open air. Recently added joints of interest are streets dotted with food stalls, which promises a delicious variety of Indian fast food certainly relished by the tourists.

Chokhi Dhani
an ethnic village resort with a blend of rustic environment and modern amenities making it an important destination in Pink City. Chokhi Dhani gives the impression of a typical Rajasthani village and is perfect for both the business person or leisure traveller visiting the area.

For more information please visit at http://www.incredibleindia.org/#/travel/destination/jaipur