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Panna Meena Ka Kund is one of the best-restored stepwell or Baori in Jaipur. Panna Meena Ka Kund is also called Panna Mian Kund, Panna Meena Baori, Panna Meena Bawri. Chand Baori, a stepwell on Jaipur- Agra highway gets all the limelight because of its massive size and history, but it is a 100 km drive from Jaipur. Panna Meena Kund, on the other hand, is accessible to all since it is in Amer town near Jaipur.
Panna Meena Kund is located in Amer town. Amer Fort is what brings tourists to the Amer town. Most tourists end up visiting only Amer Fort and thereby missing many other places to explore in this historic town. It is situated close to Anokhi Museum near the Kheri gate in Amer town.
History of Panna Meena ka Kund There is no confirmed history or record on how this Baori came to be called Panna Meena or Panna Mian Kund. As per the local legend, during the reign of Maharajah Jai Singh, a eunuch named Panna Miah served in the royal court of Amer Fort and some believe that he was instrumental in constructing this stepwell. It is believed that it dates back to the 16th century. There is yet another theory according to which it was built by the locals Meenas who were original residents of Amer before Rajputs arrived during the 10-11th century. Locals believe that Panna Meena was a brave warrior and this stepwell was built in his remembrance.
Some sources have mentioned that it is in Panna Meena Kund that Rajputs killed Meena chiefs who ruled Amer and thereby came to control this town. None of the popular history books mentions this. What we do know is that before 11 century it was Meenas who ruled Amer. It is unlikely that Panna Meena Kund dates before the 11th century. In the absence of records, people add their own versions and stories. The fact is we know very little about its history.
Pushkar Lake is considered as the holiest lake in India. This water reservoir is enclosed by 52 ghats (personal ghats for 52 Maharajas of India) and 500 temples. According to a Hindu mythology, this lake was created by the fallen petals of Lord Brahma’s lotus when he was destroying the demon Vajra Nabha. Lotus petals were struck at a particular place and water spurted from there giving it the shape of a pious. The charm of Pushkar Lake is also mentioned in some old books like Abhigyan Sakuntalam, Mahabharat and Ramayana. A dip in this holy water can purify one from all the sins, troubles and ailments. Sacred to the Hindus as well as the Sikhs, this lake has its mention in history since the 14th century.
History The lake at Pushkar has an incredible historical and religious significance. It finds mention in several sacred Hindu Texts and sources and is primarily associated with Lord Brahma, who is considered as the creator out of the Trinity of Gods-Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. According to most versions of the legend associated with the lake, when Lord Brahma killed demon Vajranabha, three petals of His divine lotus fell at three parts, creating springs in their place, known as Pushkar. Later on, Brahma also performed a yagna at the place. However, at the end of this ritual, he got cursed by his first wife that, he will be worshipped at this spot only.
The archeological dating of the lake measures that lake existed even in the 4th century BC. In later periods it was referred to in many sources- from the inscriptions at Sanchi to records of Chinese Traveler Fa Xian. Over the period of time many Rajput rulers and local chiefs of Ajmer tried to restore the glory of Pushkar. The lake lost significance only during the brief period of Mughal rule except during the reign of Akbar.
Significance of Pushkar Lake Pushkar Lake is one of the most holy sites for Hindus and the place is accessed mostly for religious purposes only. The lake is surrounded by around 500 temples and 52 Ghats with different religious significance. People from all across the country and from all walks of life come here to take a dip in its sacred waters. However, taking bath in Pushkar during Kartik Poornima (Full Moon Day), in the month of Kartik (October-November) assumes special importance as it is considered highly auspicious. Also circumambulating the lake along with Hanuman and Krishna Temple in the vicinity is also considered religiously favorable.
It is believed that taking bath in the Lake during Kartika washes all the sins and absolve the devotees of bodily ailments especially skin diseases. Ramayana and Mahabharata refer Pushkar Lake as Adi-Tirtha while the lake is also counted one amongst the supremely sacred Panch-Sarovar. The Lake has been marked as one of the ten most religious places in the world and one amongst the five top sacred places for Hindus in India. The site is also home to the world’s only Brahma Temple.
Brahma Temple Pushkar is a rare religious site that is dedicated to the lord of creation, Lord Brahma. The reason behind it being rare is that the temple is amongst the very few existing temples of Lord Brahma in India. Known as the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, this Hindu temple has its address in the Pushkar town of Rajasthan.
Days of construction of this temple dates back to the 14th century. However, Indian Mythology believes the origin of this temple took place 2000 years back in the history. Located close to the sacred Pushkar Lake, the temple is a highly prominent tourist attraction; with large flock of tourists visiting it especially on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Poornima.
History As per the sacred scripture of Hindu religion; Padma Purana, Lord Brahma once came across a demon named Vajranabha, killing and torturing people. Seeing such atrocity, the Lord slayed the demon with lotus flower (his special weapon). While doing so, some petals from the lotus flower fell at three places on the ground. This resulted into the creation of three sacred lakes, which in today’s times are known as the Jyestha Pushkar, the Madhya Pushkar and Kanishta Pushkar.
Later on, when the lord made his visit to earth, he started with the preparations of a yajna (fire sacrifice) at the Jyestha Pushkar Lake. In order to perform the yajna undisturbed by the demons, Lord Brahma created a chain of hills around. However, his wife Savitri was not available for the Yajna, which was disruptive of the proceedings.
On this, Lord Brahma requested Lord Indra to send him a suitable consort to complete the Yajna. When a Gujar’s daughter, named Gayatri was finally sent to take the seat next to Brahma as his wife, Savitri arrived. Feeling agitated, she cursed Brahma that the Lord would never be worshipped by anyone. She later on permitted his worship only in Pushkar. This entitled Brahma temple in Pushkar as the most prominent place to worship the lord.
Architecture of the temple The famous Brahma temple in Pushkar is an altogether marble structure and sports a Southern style of temple architecture. Built on a raised platform, the temple’s entrance which is decorated of pillared canopies, has to be reached through marble steps.
After making the entrance, comes the pillared outdoor hall also known as Mandapa. Situated further to the Mandapa is the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). At the central position of the Garbhagriha, lies the statue of Lord Brahma seated in a cross legged position. The interiors of the Pushkar Brahma temple also contain the images of the Lord of Preservation (Vishnu), glided Garuda (eagle man) and Dvarapalas (gate-keepers)
From the outside, the structure flaunts a red colored spire (shikara) on the mount of the temple. Along with this is the symbol of a Hamsa (goose or swan) to add to the beauty of its exteriors.
The forts in Rajasthan defined royalty and power in the yesteryears, today the shine must have lost, and the embellishments must have faded away, but the ruins of the fort still create a colossal impact in the minds of the visitors. The Ranthambore fort like the others stands out for its distinctive history and architecture standing tall amongst the wildlife.
The Ranthambore fort with 5 other forts was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013, as part of a group of six hill forts in Rajasthan.
Though the exact origin of the fort lies undiscovered, it is widely believed that the construction started under the reign of Chauhan Rajput King Sapaldaksha however the name remains disputed. Nevertheless locals confirm that the construction began in the middle of the 10th century. Illtumish had captured the fort in 1226 but the Chauhans successfully took it back after his death. The fort saw its golden years under the reign of the Raja Hammir Singh (1282-1301). In 1300 Alauddin Khilji tried to conquer the fort but conquered it on the third time after remaining unsuccessful twice.
The fort changed hands many times with powerful rulers taking it under control. In 1568, Akbar lead a massive attack and after a month-long siege conquered the fort which remained with the Mughals as a residence and then as a prison till the 18th century. The fort finally rested with Kachwahas of Jaipur a few centuries later.
The Ranthambore national park once was the hunting ground for the kings and boasts abundant flora and fauna. The fort stands atop on a 700-foot high hill, spread across 7 km in circumference and is enclosed by walls and bastions acting as a primary defense for this strategically planned fort. Ranthambore fort also promises some of the best views that grow majestically green and breathtaking as the elevation rises.
The ruins of the fort include palaces like Dullah Mahal, Hammir Court, 32 Pillared Chhattri along with many other architectural marvels like war memorials and various other monuments. The Ranthambore fort is a fine example of a forest fort and also has many gateways like Navlakha pol, Hathia pol, Ganesh pol, Andheri pol, Sat pol, Suraj pol with variations in architecture in each gateway.
There are three Hindu temples dedicated to Ganesh, Shiva and Rama and there is also a Jain temple of Lord Sumatinath and Lord Sambhavanath constructed in 12th and 13th centuries from red Karauli stone which was also a pilgrimage for many devotees. Out of these the Trinetra Ganesh Temple is the most prominent and is believed to be the oldest Ganesh temple in Rajasthan.
History Ranthambore Fort The oldest settlement in the area near Sawai Madhopur was around the Ranthambhore fort. The exact origin of the Ranthambore fort is still disputed but it is generally accepted that there was a settlement at the site of the Fort, as far back as the 8th century A.D. It is widely believed that the construction of the Ranthambhore Fort was started during the reign of the Chauhan rajput King Sapaldaksha in 944 AD. Another theory stipulates that King Jayant, also a Chauhan rajput, built the Ranthambore Fort during 1110 AD. It is most likely that the construction of the fort commenced during the mid 10th Century A.D. and continued for a few centuries after that.
Since, the Ranthambhore Fort controlled the trade routes between North India and Central India, it was highly coveted by the rulers of North India. The Ranthambore Fort had its golden moments during the reign of the king Rao Hammir, the last ruler of the Chauhan dynasty (1282 – 1301 AD). During 1300 AD, Ala-ud-din Khilji, the ruler of Delhi sent his army to capture the Fort. After three unsuccessful attempts, his army finally conquered the Ranthambhore Fort in 1301 and ended the reign of the Chauhans. In the next three centuries the Ranthambore Fort changed hands a number of times, till Akbar, the great Mughal emperor, finally took over the Fort and dissolved the State of Ranthambore in 1558. The fort stayed in the possession of the Mughal rulers till the mid 18th century.
During the mid 18th century, the Maratha rulers of Western India were gradually increasing their influence in this region. In order to check the growing influence of the Marathas, Sawai Madho Singh, the ruler of Jaipur state, unsuccessfully, requested the Mughal emperor to hand over the Ranthambhore fort to him. In 1763, Sawai Madho Singh fortified the nearby village of Sherpur and renamed it Sawai Madhopur. This town, which is now commonly known as the “Sawai Madhopur City”, lies in a narrow valley between two parallel hills, at the South Western edge of the Ranthambhore National Park. Two years later, the Mughals handed over the fort to the Jaipur state.
During the end of the British Raj, Sawai Man Singh, the last ruler of Jaipur state, got a railway link constructed between Jaipur and Sawai Madhopur. A railway station was built about 4 kilometers away from the Sawai Madhopur town. Gradually, a small settlement came up around the railway station. This twin of Sawai Madhopur, known as “Man Town”, has now outgrown the older “City”.
The Junagarh Fort Bikaner is a massive fort in the heart of the city. It is considered to be one of the top attractions in Bikaner. It was earlier referred to as Chintamani. In the 20th century, the Junagarh Fort was renamed. The new sections of the city was built around this fort, nearly 1.5 km away from the city centre. The fort houses several temples, pavilions and palaces, covering an area of 5.28 hectares. Some of the interesting facts about Junagarh Fort has been mentioned below.
Inside the fort, you will be able to find major temples like the Ratan Behari Temple and the Har Mandir Temple. You can also visit the palaces inside the fort-like Karan Mahal, Anup Mahal, Ganga Mahal, Phool Mahal, Badal Mahal and Chandra Mahal. There are also a few Bikaneri Havelies within as well as outside the fort, which are worth a visit. The famed Junagarh Fort Museum is also a must-visit when visiting this place to get a glimpse at the history of the city.
History of Junagarh Fort Formally known as Chintamani, the Fort was renamed to Junagarh in the early 20th century. Locally, it is also famous as Old Fort. The foundations of the Fort were laid by Rao Bika back in the year 1478 and it was inaugurated on 17th February 1589. The Fort is an architectural feat that is built with finesse and explicit engineering prowess. The design is a unique amalgamation of Rajput, Gujarati, and Mughal styles of architecture, along with some European motifs and elements. The monuments inside the fort are an exemplary feat of engineering and architectural abilities of 16 generations of rulers who ruled the city of Bikaner in the late 16th century. The fort also comprises of an eclectic mix of Gothic archways, mansions, Hindu temples, Buddhist monuments, and mosques that must be seen with your own eyes to be believed.
Architectural layout of Junagarh Fort Bounded by a moat, Junagarh fort has an intimidating structure. The palace complex houses some wonderful structures in its boundaries. Palaces in marble and red sandstone make up for a wonderful collection of kiosks, windows, balconies and courtyards that look stunning.
Junagarh fort complex has two entrance and has a total of 986 long walls that have 37 bastions. There are a total of 37 palaces, along with a number of pavilions and temples. One of the highlights of the architecture of Junagarh fort is its stone carving with an excellent quality. Number of rooms of the palace have paintings and decorations that were done in traditional style.
Suraj Pol and Daulat Pol are two main gates of the fort. Suraj Pol or the sun gate was east facing and was the main gate of the fort complex. The historical Daulat Pol has the handprints of the royal ladies who had committed sati along with the pyres of their deceased husbands, at the Sati Stambh. Chand Pol, Karan Pol and Fatech Pol were the other inner gates.
The Zenana or the latest quarters are extremely lavish and are a display of unique artistic skill. While they royal ladies were an integral part of the household, they were not really a part of the matters of the state. They used carved stone screens for interaction with others. These screens can be seen displayed here. Do not miss noticing the mirror work, paintings, and lacquer work. The minarets, columns, arches and pavilions are gigantic and imposing.
The Jaisalmer Fort is the second-oldest fort in the state of Rajasthan, and the oldest continuously inhabited fort in India. It was built on a hill in the 12th century by Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. The double-fortified ramparts and circular bastions are incorporated into the stunning architectural design for extra protection during defense and battle.
Jaisalmer is on the edge of India, very near the Pakistan border, but it wasn’t always off the beaten path. Centuries ago, it was at the crossroads of several important trade routes, including the ancient Silk Road. Rich merchants built intricately carved havelis in the fort, adding to the beauty and charm of the “Golden City.”
A paved road takes you from the city up a ramp into the fort, through four huge gateways to Dushera Chowk, presided over by the beautifully carved Palace of the Maharawal, the former home of the monarch. The palace was turned into a museum and visitors can wander among the painted and tiled rooms, and up to the roof, the highest point in the fort, which offers stunning views.
The view from the Palace of the Maharawal, as well as other rooftops in Jaisalmer Fort, reveals the maze of narrow, twisting lanes that honeycomb through this ancient edifice. It’s a joy and delight to wander among them, letting yourself get lost. Residents share the confined space with several impressive Jain and Hindu temples, endless souvenir shops selling Rajasthani crafts such as puppets and textiles, guest houses and boutique hotels for every budget, cafes and restaurants, and, the fort museum itself.
Jaisalmer Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site, part of a group of six hill forts in Rajasthan. But unlike most other forts, Jaisalmer is a living city that both preserves the past and thrives in the present.
Jaisalmer Fort History
The Sonar Quila of Jaisalmer was constructed in 1156 AD, over 860 years ago, by the Bahti Rajput ruler (Rawal) Jaisal. It’s immediately evident that he also named the citadel desert city after himself.
The Jaisalmer Fort was an important trading hub, strategically constructed on the crossroads of historic trading routes, including the Silk Road. Jaisal and his city’s citizens used the fort as a secure capital that flourished from the network of regional trade caravans.
As you’d expect, there have been several raids, sieges, and battles at the Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan. The earliest recorded siege lasted for nine years by the Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khalji before falling and being abandoned for several years before re-occupation by surviving Bajtis.
Following several more attacks, it was the Mughals who occupied the Jaisalmer Fort for several hundred years before the colonizing Brits of the East India Company.
The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, is an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century. It includes a set of some twenty main fixed instruments. They are monumental examples in masonry of known instruments but which in many cases have specific characteristics of their own. The Jantar Mantar is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period.
The Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur constitutes the most significant and best preserved set of fixed monumental instruments built in India in the first half of the 18th century; some of them are the largest ever built in their categories. Designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, they embody several architectural and instrumental innovations. The observatory forms part of a tradition of Ptolemaic positional astronomy which was shared by many civilizations. It contributed by this type of observation to the completion of the astronomical tables of Zij. It is a late and ultimate monumental culmination of this tradition.
Through the impetus of its creator, the prince Jai Singh II, the observatory was a meeting point for different scientific cultures, and gave rise to widespread social practices linked to cosmology. It was also a symbol of royal authority, through its urban dimensions, its control of time, and its rational and astrological forecasting capacities. The observatory is the monumental embodiment of the coming together of needs which were at the same time political, scientific, and religious.
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur History Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a fascinating astronomical observatory, located at the heart of the city. This is one of the largest observatories in the World, comprising of interesting stone structures that help to interpret the position of celestial bodies and calculate local time. Enumerated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur attracts architects, mathematicians, geographers and historians.
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, and he built 5 such observatories in different parts of the country: Jaipur, Mathura, Delhi, Ujjain, and Varanasi. The one in Jaipur is the largest of all, whereas the one in Mathura is almost in ruins, now. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II is the founder of Jaipur city and a potential ruler of Amber region. Along with his political expertise, he was also a scholar in physics, mathematics, and astronomy. During his reign, he was commissioned by Emperor Muhammad Shah to rectify astronomical calculations in Islamic zij tables. To accomplish this task, he gathered astronomical data from European and Persian nations and studied and interpreted the same.
After extensive research and studying the gathered data, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II constructed stone made instruments to determine the position of planetary bodies and measure time. Jaipur Jantar Mantar was built between 1728-1734 and its stone instruments are considered to be more accurate than others.
When To Visit Jantar Mantar, Jaipur Best time to visit Jantar Mantar: The best time of the day to visit Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is noon. During mid-day, the Sun is vertically above and it is easy to understand the process of interpretation of the readings of each instrument.
Jantar Mantar Jaipur timings: Jantar Mantar in Jaipur remains open from 9:00 am to 4: 30 pm, on all seven days of the week. Generally, one can see the whole of Jantar Mantar in 30 to 45 minutes of time.
Jantar Mantar Jaipur entry fee: Jantar Mantar, Jaipur entry fee is INR 50/person for Indians and INR 200/per person for foreigners. The entry cost for Indian students is INR 15/person and that of International students is INR 25/person. Students get this discount on showing valid ID proof.
Jaipur is one city that transports you back to the Rajput era the moment you set foot there. It is dotted with architectural wonders and that is the reason why the city sees a good tourist footfall all year round. One such architectural delight right at the center of Jaipur is the City Palace; a symbol of the regal and royal days of the city.
City Palace is a building that has preserved the history of the city and is an icon of grandeur. Once you enter the palace all you can do is stand transfixed by its beauty while you soak in the marvelous architecture and the artifacts inside the palace. City Palace used to be the home for the royal family of Jaipur but later it was divided into two parts; one which contains few courtyards and museums and the other where the royal family still resides.
City Palace, Jaipur .Built between 1729 and 1732 with later additions. Inner courtyard with Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace)
History of City Palace City Palace was built by Sawai Jai Singh who headed the Kachwaha Rajput Clan and holds the credit of being the founder of Jaipur. The palace served as his residing throne and he started the construction of the palace way in the 17th century as he wanted to shift the capital of the state from Amber to Jaipur.
Raja Man Singh II was the last ruler of this dynasty to hold the throne in this palace. The beautiful structure was designed by architects Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Samuel Swinton Jacob who brought a European influence to the design.
Architecture of City Palace The original structure of City Palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II who started with the outer wall. Over the decades since then, buildings and courtyards were added to the premises and so all the structures inside the palace date bear a different timestamp.
At several places inside City Palace, especially as you move from one courtyard to the other, you will see relics of the past like cannons and tall sculptures that catch your eye and make you stop to capture the image. Do not forget to admire the breathtaking structure of the palace as soon as you enter the main gate.
How to Reach City Palace The City Palace is located in the middle of the old city wall of Jaipur. There is ample transport to the palace. You can either take a cab for local site-seeing or take rickshaws if you want to experience the Indian way of travel.
City Palace Entry and Timings The City Palace is open from 9 30 in the morning. The entire palace will take around one and half to two hours to visit. They provide a composite ticket which gives you entry to the museum and the Jaigarh Fort.
The city palace reserves the most beautiful section for only a select few. The Chandra Mahal is a four story building behind the area accessible to general public. The entrance fee to this area is INR 2500 but definitely worth a visit.
It is advisable to take either a guide or an audio guide as the palace is very rich in its history. The audio guides are available for INR 200 and can be taken from the main gate.
The museum is housed inside the Albert Hall’s complex. The foundation of Albert Hall was laid by the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward in 1876. The building was completed in the year 1887 by the architect, Samuel Swinton Jacob. The museum collection is spread across ground and first floor and is divided under fifteen categories namely metal art, pottery, jewellery, garments & textiles, arms & armour, miniature paintings, musical instruments, clay art, sculptures, marble art, furniture & wooden art, carpet, international art, ivory, and coins.
Metal art collection includes everyday utility objects from the 19th century. The collection of arms and armour include swords, hilts, tiger knives, helmets, javelins, bows and arrows. 4th to 10th century sculptures including Shiva, Bodhisatva, Ravananugrah Murthi are on display on the ground floor. The jewellery gallery contains ornaments worn by peasants as well as the elites in the 19th century Jaipur; garments and textile gallery houses old sanganeri prints, kotadoria, bandhish work, gota work, embroidery, and lace. The Egyptian mummy from 322-30 B.C., Pharaonic antiquities from 11th-1st century B.C are part of the international art collection. The vintage pottery masterpieces from Britain, Iran, Turkey, and Japan are part of the pottery collection. Marble art gallery includes sculptures carved by Jaipur artisans during the 19th century. The carpet collection displays carpets also from the 19th century.
History of Albert Hall Museum The building of Albert Hall Museum was built in 1876 as a concert hall. The museum gets its name from the Victoria and Albert Museum of London, because of the similarity of architecture. The foundation for the building started in 1876, when Prince of Wales visited Jaipur. When the building was constructed, the royals and government did not have any idea about usage of the building. It was initially used as Town Hall in 1880. Later, the King of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II suggested to use it as a museum for Industrial Arts. Later, the hall was used for displaying masterpieces of local artisans.
In 1881, the museum was at its prime beauty and people from across the country visited this museum to buy or enjoy handicrafts, artwork and other masterpieces. However, the building was under construction until 1887. Later, the museum started to showcase artifacts and ancient artworks along with budding artist’s masterpieces.
Architecture of Albert Hall Museum Featuring Indo-Saracenic architecture and stone ornamentation, Albert Hall Museum became an iconic structure soon after its completion. Also, it became a great source of reference for varied classical Indian styles of design and architecture which came from Mughal to Rajput eras.
The corridors of the museum are decorated with murals in different styles. The museum has paintings from illustrations in the Persian Razmnama which were especially prepared for Emperor Akbar. In most of the murals, Chinese, European, Egyptian, Greek and Babylonian civilizations have been portrayed. There are a number of archways, courtyards and towers in the museum, which speak much about the rich architectural heritage of the country. There are many miniature paintings and portraits of the royal kings displayed in the museum.
Mehrangarh Fort holds the pride of place in Jodhpur because of its splendid architecture and the diverse history associated with it. Considered as one of the most formidable and magnificent forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh fort was built by Rao Jodha in the year 1459. The fort is spread over an area of 5 km and is built on 125 m high hill in the outskirts of Jodhpur city.
There are seven gates, which can be used to enter the Mehrangarh fort. These 7 gates are made by different rulers, and are built in honour of victory over Bikaner and Jaipur armies.
One can see the panoramic view of the Jodhpur city from this fort, which seems like a blue carpet laid at the foot of a hill. Every ruler of Jodhpur has contributed in the making of this fort. Within the fort one can see the magnificent palaces. The main palaces located in the Mehrangarh Fort are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Zenana Dude, Takht Vilas and Jhanki Mahal. There are also two temples located inside the fort – Chamundi Devi Mandir and Nagnechiaji Mandir, dedicated to Goddess Durga and the Kuldevi respectively.
Mehrangarh Fort History Jodhpur derives it name from king ‘Jodha’. The suffix ‘pur’ indicates that the city was founded by a Hindu king. It is located in the Marwad region, ruled by the Rathore clan for centuries.
In 15th century there was a big revolution that changed everything across Asia and Europe. Jodhpur was no exception. The epic pivotal moment was the invention of gun powder! It quickly became the weapon of choice for the powerful seeking to expand their kingdoms. Thereafter, it was no longer possible to protect kingdoms with arrows, swords and the like. Kingdoms and particularly their capitals needed thick walled forts. Like kingdoms everywhere else, Jodhpur had to build the fort where the administration, royal family and important people lived. Thus the fort’s construction started in 1459.
Just has castles and forts came in vogue, they quickly went out of style with the advent of aviation, Air Force and modern warfare. Mehrangarh, which was home to the royal family until 1880, was no longer needed so the family moved to more modern and western palaces in Jodhpur. The fort is now managed by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, founded and led by H. H. Maharaja Gaj Singhji, the current beloved, honorary king of Jodhpur.
Amer Fort Jaipur is rated as one of the top things to do in Jaipur. It is a must-visit place in Jaipur. Recently, Amer Fort has been listed as one of the 17 iconic tourist sites identified by the Ministry Of Tourism of India. Amer Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a part of the “Hill Forts of Rajasthan” cluster. People call it by many names like Amber Palace, Amer Ka Kila, Amber Fort, and so on. Even though it is commonly called a fort, in reality, it is a palace since it was a residential unit of the royal family.
What’s the History behind the Amer Fort : Amer was ruled by the Meena tribe before Kachwaha Rajputs took control. The capital of the Kachwaha ruler was Dausa near Jaipur. They were originally from Narwar before emigrating to this region. As per popular opinion, Kachwaha Rajputs befriended the Meenas and later massacred them to take control of Amer town.
Amer became the capital of the Dhundhad region ruled by Kacchawa Rajputs. The current building known as Amer fort was built by Raja Man Singh I in the 16th century. Many additions were made subsequently until it was abandoned in the early 18th century when the capital was shifted to Jaipur. The history of Amer Fort consists of a dark period when it was taken over by Mughals until it was recaptured by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
It takes 45 minutes to 90 minutes to complete a tour of Amer Fort. With so much to see and experience, this Amer Fort travel guide blog intends to help you plan your visit to the most popular fort in India. It intends to answer traveler’s common queries on the fort. I’m listing here what to see in Amer fort in the order of importance.
Architecture of Amer Fort : The Amer fort is built of red sandstone and marble. It is a perfect blend of the outlooks of the Rajput (Hindu) and Mughal (Islamic) architectures. It has a very grand layout comprising of royal courtyards, temples, palaces, gardens and chambers. This fort’s spectacular architecture will leave you completely spell bound by it’s beauty.
Jal Mahal (Water Palace) in Jaipur is a spectacular structure that seems to be floating on the lake’s surface. An architectural marvel in itself, it is an embodiment of the engineering prowess of the Rajput period. The palace, which was built as a hunting lodge for the Maharajas of Jaipur, has now become one of the prime tourist attractions in the city. While planning your trip, don’t forget to book your hotels in Jaipur such that you have easy access to this magnificent palace and other forts and historical attractions in the city.
Jal Mahal, Jaipur: History Jal Mahal, one of the top places to visit in Jaipur, doesn’t have any recorded history about who built it or when. However, it is popularly believed that Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh constructed Jal Mahal in 1799 to serve as a hunting lodge during his duck shooting trips. Some people also credit Maharaja Madho Singh I for the construction of this palace and date its origins back to the 1750s. Regardless of who built the palace, it was never meant to be used as a regular palace for living.
Later, the palace was renovated by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber in the 18th century. Over the years, the structure suffered subsidence due to partial seepage of lake water and waterlogging issues. After several years of deterioration and neglect, renovation works were carried out in the early part of the 21st century to restore the palace into its former glory. Though the palace and many of its features have been restored, its original terrace garden could not be salvaged. Plans are on to create a new terrace garden modeled on the rooftop garden of the famous Amer Palace in Jaipur.
Jal Mahal Architecture Jal Mahal stands in the middle of a lake that has a maximum depth of 15 feet and a minimum depth of 4.9 feet. It is a five-storied structure built in the Rajput style of architecture, with influences of the Mughal architectural style. While four of its stories remain under water, only the top story remains visible, giving you an impression that the palace is floating on the waters of the lake.
Jal Mahal has been constructed out of red sandstone. Four elaborate chhatris designed in octagonal shape adorn the four corners of the palace. A huge Bengal-style rectangular chhatri also exists on the roof of the palace. In its heyday, the terrace garden of Jal Mahal was decorated with arched passages.
Hawa Mahal Jaipur Situated at Badi Choupad, Pink City of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal was built in 1799. It has 953 windows on the outside walls. The honeycomb shaped and beautifully carved windows allow breeze to blow through the palace and makes it a perfect summer palace. It was built as an extension to the City Palace nearby. See below for more information about Hawa Mahal.
Hawa Mahal: History Hawa Mahal was built by Kachhwaha Rajput ruler Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. When the maharaja saw the structure of Khetri Mahal in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, he was so impressed that he decided to build a palace modeled on it. Hawa Mahal, also called the Palace of Breeze, was the result of that inspiration.
This five-storied structure was designed by Lal Chand Ustad as an extension of the City Palace. Starting from the City Palace’s edge, Hawa Mahal extends to the women’s chambers aka zenana. During those days, the Purdah system was strictly followed and Royal Rajpur women weren’t allowed to show their face to strangers or even appear in public. The palace comprises 953 windows which enabled them to get a glimpse of the day-to-day activities and festivities happening on the street below without appearing in public.
Hawa Mahal, one of the best places to visit in Jaipur, features a splendid fusion of Islamic, Mughal, and Rajput architectural styles. Its domed canopies, floral patterns, lotus motifs, and fluted pillars, all reflect the rich Rajput style. Complementing these elements is the filigree work in stone and lavish arches, both of which draw influence from the Islamic style of architecture.
Designed in red and pink sandstone, this one-of-its-kind palace boasts of a pyramidal shape. It has five stories and rises up to a height of 50 feet. The 953 windows featured on the front part of the palace lend it a honeycombed hive look. Thanks to the exceptional latticework on these windows, the palace experiences a cooling effect as the breeze blows in through them. Delicately designed hanging cornices are another attractive aspect of Hawa Mahal’s architecture.
The interiors of the palace consist of pillared chambers and minimally ornamented corridors that reach up to the top floor. Patios adorn the front part of the first and second floors. Unlike the lower two floors, the top three floors have a width that’s not more than a single room. There are fountains adorning the center of the building’s courtyard.
A state that invites visitors with melodic tune of ‘Padhaaro Maare Desh’(Come to My Land), Rajasthan beckons the rich culture and history of India. Most of us recognize Rajasthan as a state of vibrant folk dance and music, gigantic forts and palaces, spicy food, colourful and large turbans, extensive golden sand desert, camels and the pride of Rajasthani men, Moochh (Moustache). Thus making it an incredible place to visit and enjoy unforgettable holidays. Sprawling in an area of 342239 sq km, Rajasthan. Thus, amalgamation of folk dance & music, golden sand desert, camels and the pride of Rajasthani men, colorful and large turbans make it an awesome place to visit and enjoy unforgettable vacations. Sprawl over an area of 342239 sq km, Rajasthan is crowned with the pride for North Indian state. The state is dotted with lot of tourist attractions which seems perfect holiday destination for visitors of all ages. In other words, we can properly say that a tour in Rajasthan is the complete bouquet for the vivid travelers.
Top 5 Fair Festivals in Rajasthan Even a quick stop at its capital city, Jaipur which is mirror of the state as it is flooded with majestic forts and palaces such as the Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Amer Fort, lakes and monuments, architectural glories and has many other attractions like Chokhi Dhani that mesmerizes the tourists. The village tour of the royal state is an alternate way to enjoy the rustic beauty of the place. Even the air of majestic state sprays fragrance of cultural opulence everywhere. It is not just the architecture excellence of the city but here the world fame cities like Jaisalmer and Jodhpur are showcase of modern day artifacts too. One thing that pulls the attention of tourists while traveling through Rajasthan is the urban locality of the state that they are still closely associated with the old culture and tradition so that they can maintain the legacy of the past. The fairs and festivals that reflect the old traditions and rituals may surprise you at once. The world fame cattle fairs like Pushkar and Nagaur attracts lots of tourist. Beside this the most popular fairs and festivals are Mewar, Marwar, Teej, Elephant, Gangaur, Kite and many more that can be enjoyed round the year.
History : The glorious history of Rajasthan is about 5000 years old. The downfall of well established Gupta Empire marks the inception of Rajputana – a cluster of several Princely States of Rajasthan. The state faced many Muslim attacks but the courage and honor for the land kept Rajputs community strong. The era of evolution gave birth to the great leaders like Prithviraj Chauhan who defeated the invading Muhammad Ghori and Rana Pratap of Mewar who challenged the mighty Mughal Emperor Akbar.
However, the arrival of British East India Company in the region led to the administrative disintegration and during the 18th century, the Mughal Empire faced a major setback. Most of the Rajputana province continued with self-governance. The situation improved at the time of independence when Rajputana majorly comprised of 18 princely states joined hands with each other.
The year 1950 mark the merger of all 18 princely provinces into one united Sates of Rajasthan and Maharaja of Jaipur Sawai Man Singh II was elected as the Rajpramukh. Today Rajasthan has 33 districts.
Hot Air Ballooning is very popular in Jaipur that is the capital along with being the largest state in Rajasthan. There are a lot of architectural marvels which include forts, monuments, temples, palaces and so on which are frequently visited by tourists from all across the globe. Air balloon rides in Jaipur go on for an hour that is extremely adventurous. Hot air ballooning allows the tourists to take a glimpse of the whole city Jaipur , either in the morning or in the evening in the months from October to March from where the views are splendid on an aerial experience with a trained crew guiding you about the city from the skies throughout. The hot air balloon follows the direction of the wind, and is an amazing sight for the local villagers as well, nestled amidst the Aravali ranges.
Ideal for: Couples, Family, Groups, Tourists, Solo Explorers Where: Amber Fort, Jaipur When: All days of the week Duration: 1 hour Time slots (starting time): September, October and November: 6:15 am and 4:00 pm December, January, February and March: 6:45 am and 3:30 pm April, May and June: 5:45 am Safari Season Morning Flight Evening Flight Sep-Nov 6:15 am 4 pm Dec-March 6:45 am 3:30 pm April-June 5:45 am No Flights
The ‘Pink City’, is a step back in time. Be mesmerised as you drift slowly over the area surrounding the spectacular Amber Fort. Absorb the unique colours & sounds and as they blend beautifully with the historical Forts & hidden Palaces nestled amongst the Aravali Ranges. Capture a privillaged view of traditional Rajasthani villages and the smiles of friendly local people gazing up at you.
Jhalana Safari Park is a popular tourist attraction in Jaipur. The park is famous for birdwatching, but over the time, it has become quite a popular place to sight Indian leopards. Jhalana as the name suggests, offers the opportunity for exciting gypsy safari which is an excellent way to sight the wildlife in the park.
Apart from the leopards, there are a number of wild animals like hedgehog and desert fox that can be sighted. Along with the avifauna including Indian eagle owl and others, the park in the winter season becomes home to a large number of migratory birds like flamingos, cranes, egrets, dunlins, bar-headed goose and cormorants.
Jhalana Leopard Reserve is the 1st Leopard reserve in India Jhalana Leopard Conservation Reserve has more than 35 Leopards including 5 cubs. The last tiger was shot in 1948. Jhalana is spread over an area of 20. square kilometers. In 2017 Jhalana was identified as a Leopard Reserve by Rajasthan Forest Department. Jhalana was opened for the first time for tourists in December 2016.
The revised charges of jhalana Leopard Safari Half-Day Safari Rs 15000 for Indians and Rs 18000 for foreigners Gypsy Safari Rs 3500 for Indians and Rs 4500 for foreigners Tour guide charges Rs 1000 Desert Safari charges Rs 2000 for 6 person Camel Riding charges Rs 2000 for 2 person Night Safari charges Rs 5500 for 6 person ATV Bike Rides charges Rs 1500 for a single person Camping charges for AC tents Rs 3500 for 2 person
Best time to visit Jhalana Leopard Reserve: The Jhalana Leopard Reserve (The 1st Leopard reserve in India) is open for the safari tours for the visitors for all 12 months even in the monsoon season from 1st January to 31st December every year, according to the entry timings of that particular season. In Monsoon season most of the protected reserves in the country are closed, but here’s something to compensate for that.
Though one can enjoy the Jhalana Leopard Safari and savor the view of the majestic Leopard anytime, but from November to April is considered as the best time to visit Jhalana reserve as the weather is delightful at this point of time and nature is in its complete blossom around this time enhancing the beauty of the forest.
By Air: The Jaipur International airport is just 6 km away from Jhalana leopard reserve, which is approximately 15 minutes drive from the airport to Leopard Reserve. There are plenty of domestic and international flights connecting the pink city Jaipur to various cities of Indian and abroad. You can get a taxi, cab or Bus at Jaipur airport to reach Jhalana Safari Park.
By Rail:The Jaipur Junction Railway station is the nearest rail station to the Jhalana Leopard Reserve. Which is around 11.7 km away from the forest. The station is the famous tourist station and connected through the direct trains from the major cities of India like Udaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. For covering the distance from the station to Jhalana, you can hire a taxi or catch the local bus.
By Road: There is a direct road passing nearby the Jhalana forest reserve connecting it with cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Kota, etc which is further connected with the major cities of India. So, If you are choosing the direct road trip from Delhi, Mumbai, or Udaipur, you can easily reach the Jhalana without any hassle. You can get on the road trip in your own vehicle or opt for the state Bus services to reach Jhalana.
Top 5 Places to See in Khajuraho will still be a treat to your eyes with all its rock carvings and intricate designs. This is a destination where you can walk to unravel the mysteries of the bygone days, live in the cities of simple folk who speak less yet say a lot, and a place where you can be one with nature. Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India, with the backdrop of the Vindhya Mountain range Khajuraho is the perfect destination for people who love historical tales, appreciate art, and the serenity of nature. The mains sights here are the marvelous temples of the Hindus and Jain and describing the beauty of the rock carvings is no easy a feat.
As far as history goes these temples were constructed by the kings of the Chandela dynasty between the years 950 AD and 1050 AD. But after the fall of the ruler the temples were left unattended for several years until later to be found within a dense forest of palm trees, hence the town which was earlier known as Vasta, came to named Khajuraho. ‘Khajur’ is the word for date palm in Hindi. Sadly, out of 85 temples there are only 22 that survived the test of time. So, here are main attractions to see in Khajuraho, India:
Kandariya Mahadev Temple At a distance of 1 km from Khajuraho Bus Stand, the Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the most ornate Hindu temple in the medieval temple group found at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is the largest and most beautiful temple in the Western Group of temples at Khajuraho.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kandariya Mahadev Temples was built by Vidyadhara, a powerful Chandela king. Its construction is dated to the period from 1025 and 1050 AD. Vidyadhara, also known as Bida, was a powerful ruler who fought Mahmud of Ghazni in 1019 AD. This battle was not conclusive and Mahmud had to return to Ghazni. Mahmud again waged war against Vidyadhara in 1022. He attacked the fort of Kalinjar but the siege of the fort was unsuccessful. Vidyadhara celebrated his success over Mahmud by building the Kandariya Mahadev Temple. The Archaeological Survey of India protects and maintains the temple, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site at Khajuraho.
Lakshmana Temple At a distance of 1 km from Khajuraho Bus Stand, Lakshmana Temple is one of the most well preserved temples in Khajuraho. This temple is considered to be one of the oldest existing temples in the Western Group and also one of the must visit places in Khajuraho.
Lakshmana Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was built before 954 CE by Yashovarman, the seventh ruler of Chandela dynasty. It is believed that it took 20 years to build the temple. It is one of the first magnificent structures established in Khajuraho and also one of the three largest temples set in the Western Wing of the Khajuraho complex.
The temple is a Sandhara temple of the Panchayatana variety. The entire temple complex stands on a high platform and consists of all the elements of Hindu temple architecture. It has an entrance porch, mandapa, maha-mandapa, antarala, and garbhagriha. The platform of the temple
Dulhadev / Duladeo Temple At a distance of 1 km from Jain Group of Temples and 2 km from Khajuraho Bus Stand, Dulhadev or Duladeo Temple is one of the most beautiful shrines of the Southern Group of Khajuraho Temples. Situated on the north bank of Khudar River, Duladeo Temple is the last built temple in Khajuraho and also one among the famous Khajuraho Temples.
Also known as Kunwar Math, Dulhadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per the evidences Duladeo Temple was built by King Madanvarman of the Chandela dynasty in 1130 AD. Duladeo Temple is not as ornate as the Khajuraho temples that were built earlier.
It is a nirandhara temple and faces east. The temple consists of a sanctum without ambulatory, vestibule, maha mandapa and an entrance porch. The main hall or maha mandapa of the temple is huge and is in the shape of an octagon. The ceilings of the temple are decorated with stone carvings of the Apsaras and other ornamented sculptures.
Chausath Yogini Temple At a distance of 1 km from Kandariya Mahadev Temple and 1.5 km from Khajuraho Bus Stand, Chausath Yogini Temple is another ruined Hindu temple belonging to the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Chausath Yogini Temple is believed to be the oldest surviving temples in Khajuraho, the erstwhile town of Chandelas, dating back to 900 AD. The name of the temple is derived from the Hindi word ‘Chausath’, which means 64. Legends state that the temple once had 64 yoginis in its 64 cells, who attended goddess Kali. Further, it is also believed that goddess Kali sheltered herself in the 65th cell. Only 35 shrines are survived now out of original 65 shrines.
The Chausath-Yogini Temple is the earliest building at Khajuraho and is situated on a low granite outcrop to the south-west of the Siva Sagar tank. Made using coarse granite
Ajaygarh Fort At a distance of 33 km from Panna and 65 km from Khajuraho, Ajaygarh Fort is an ancient fort situated at Ajaygarh in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh. Ajaygarh Fort is listed among the top attractions of the region.
Built at a height of 688 meters, Ajaigarh or Ajaygarh Fort stands on a flat-topped projection of Vindhya ranges. It was the capital of the Chandelas in their declining years. The fort is bordered by beautiful Vindhya Hills and provides absolutely stunning views of the Ken River. This grand fort is noted for its rich historical past and architectural beauty, which speaks volumes about the Chandela dynasty.
There is plenty to explore in the fort, which makes it a treat for history lovers. Ajaigarh Fort originally had five gates, but now only two gates are survived. There are two temples and two rock-cut tanks present inside the fort. These tanks have been named as Ganga and Yamuna. Close to it is a ruined Chandela temple, dedicated to Raja Parmardi deva.
