Monuments in Rajasthan
Destinations: Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Jaisalmer - Kota - Bikanes - Kumbhalgarh - Ranakpur - Ajmer
Hawa Mahal

Built
in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh the 'Hawa Mahal', Palace of the Wind,
is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. It is an integral part of the City
Palace, an extension of the Zenana (women's chambers) standing away from the
main complex. This five storey building of unusual architecture designed by
Lal Chand Usta, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry made of red and pink
sand stone, beautifully outlined with white borders and motif's painted with
quick lime. The monument with a spectacular view of Jaipur city with road avenues,
intersections and colourful crowds in the market, was originally conceived with
the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life
and royal processions in the city without being seen by others.
Jantar Mantar
The architectural astronomical instruments of 18th century Rajasthani king
named Jai Singh contained in an amazing, three-storey-high complex known as
Jantar Mantar
Amer Palace (Fort )
Amer Fort and Palace was originally built by Raja Man Singh and subsequently
developed by Sawai Jai Singh. The major attractions are Sheela Devi Temple,
Sheesh Mahal ( Hall of mirrors), Jai Garh Fort a few kilometres from the city
centre was built for the defence of the towna and has one of the world`s biggest
cannons on wheels and a rich collection of arms and weapons
Jaigarh Fort

The
Western skyline is dominated by the extensive parkotas (Walls), watch-towers
and gateways of Jaigarh.It is one of the few military structures of medieval
India preserved almost intactcontaining palaces, gardens, open and covered reservoirs,
a grannary, an armoury, a well planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall
tower and a giant mounted cannon the Jai Ban the largest in the Country.
Jal Mahal
The Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur is noted for its intricate architecture. The
Palace was developed as a pleasure spot. It was used for the royal duck shooting
parties. On the road to Amber at a distance of 6.5 kms from Jaipur are the
cenotaphs of the royal family. A causeway leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated
in the middle of Man Sagar lake, opposite the cenotaphs.The first four floors
of this building is under water, only the top floor remains outside.One can
have a wonderful view of the lake and the palace from Nahargarh Fort Built
in 1799, the palace is now abandoned, but reasonably well preserved. In the
monsoons, it looks particularly startling with its red sandstone set against
the water hyacinth filled lake.
Nahargarh Fort
Beyond the hills of Jaigarh, stands the fort of Nahargarh like a watchful
sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful capital. Much of the original
structures are now in ruins, but the lovely buildings added by Sawai Ram Singh
II and Sawai Madho Singh II in the 19th century are preserved in a good condition.
Some of the rooms provide the most spectacular view of the city below.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh

Along
the road to Agra through a narrow gorge in the south-eastern corner of the walled
city, several landscaped gardens were constructed by the kings and important
courtiers in the 18th and 19th centuries. The largest and the most famous amongst
these is a garden built by Sawai Jai Singh II for his Sisodia Queen - The Sisodia
Rani-ka-Bagh. It consists of tiered multi-level gardens with fountains, watercourses
and painted pavilions. Amongst others, the best-preserved one is Vidyadhar-ka-Bagh,
constructed by the builder of the city, Vidyadhar, with shady trees, flowing
water, an open pavilion and suites of living rooms
City Palace- Jaipur
The city Palace is a historic landmark. The Carved arches are supported by
grey-white marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold and coloured
stones. Two elephants carved in marble, guard the entrance, where retaineers
whose families have served generations of the rulers are at hand, to serve
as guides.
Vijay Stambh
It was built in 1440 AD. by Maharaja Kumbha, a powerful ruler of Mewar, to
commemorate his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat. It is
37 metre high structure with nine storeys, covered with exquisite sculptures
of Hindu deities.
Palace of Padmini

Built
beside a large pool with a pavilion in its centre. Legend relates that, as Padmini
sat in this pavilion, Alaud-din was permitted to see her reflection in a mirror
in the palace. The bronze gates in this pavilion were carried off by Akbar and
can now be seen in the fort at Agra.
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is the most alive of any museum, fort or palace that you are
likely to visit in India. It was built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisala.
About a quarter of the old city's population resides within the fort walls.
The fort is entered through a forbidding series of massive gates leading to
a large courtyard.
Haveli
The impressive mansions built by the wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are known
as havelis, and several of these fine sandstone buildings are still in good
condition.
Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli
This haveli was built about 300 years ago and part of it is still occupied.
Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of a princely
state, and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets
in the form of peacocks. The mansion is just below the hill and it is said,
once had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as
the Maharaja's palace, but the maharaja had the upper storeys torn down.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli

It
is one of the largest and most elaborate houses in Jaisalmer. It is five storeys
high, extinsively carved. It is divided into six apartments, two owned by the
Archaeological Survey of India, Two by families who operate craftshops here,
and two private homes.
Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli
This late 19th century haveli was also a prime minister's house. This haveli
was carved by two brothers, one working on the right side and the other on
the left. Yellow sandstone elephants guard the building, and even the front
door is a work of art.
Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort in Bikaner is considered one of India's most impressive fort
complexes. It's exquisitely decorated interiors are in an excellent state
of preservation. Built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh. The complex consists of
palaces, courtyards, pavilions, and balconies. The walls are adorned with
carved stones, marble, paintings, and inlaid semi-precious stones. Each palace
in the complex was built by a different ruler over the centuries. The most
recent additions were made in 1943.
Lalgarh Palace

This
grand palace is an architectural masterwork in red sandstone, and was built
by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh Ji
in 1902. Sir Swinton Jacob designed this oriental fantasy. This architecture
is a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. The exterior contrasts
dramatically with the oriental interiors and amenities. The palace has beautiful
latticework and filigree work, which are hallmarks of a great craftsmanship.
The Palace has an amazing collection of well-maintained paintings and hunting
trophies. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks make
a visual extravagance.
Mehrangarh Fort
Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India.
The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga
of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures.
Inside the fort, there is a series of courtyards and palaces.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Built of marble and pink sandstone, this immense palace is also known as the
Chittar Palace because of the local Chittar sandstone used. The only palace
built in 20th century under the famine relief programme, has now been converted
into a hotel with some parts being retained as a museum.
Kumbhalgarh Fort

Kumbhalgarh,
a two hour drive from Udaipur, is famous for its 15th century fort and a game
sanctuary. Approachable by road, the huge stone bastion stands atop a hill and
allows access through spiked gates. The fort wall covers miles over the hillside
and a walk on it can be invigorating. The fort lies 1,100 metres above sea level
and enclosed within its fortified ramparts are palaces, temples, fields, water
sources and farms fully self-contained to withstand a long siege. Kumbhalgarh
provides an excellent view of the countryside where many fierce battles were
fought. It also has its significance of being the birth place of Maharana Pratap
Lake Palace
Lake Palace or Jag Niwas was built in 1754 by Maharana Jagat Singh II who gave
his name to this elegant white building. The Lake Palace Udaipur is a palace
on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola girdled by hills, was the summer
residence of the rulers of Mewar. Today this pleasure palace is a luxury hotel
like none other in the world.
Monuments in Rajasthan Reservation Form