Fun things to do in Jaipur

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From the city centre as you proceed to Amber fort, about 4 kms away, you will come across a huge body of water with three large buildings on it, with the Aravalli hills forming a neat backdrop. This is the Man Sagar (Man Lake) and the biggest building of the three is the Jal Mahal (Water Palace). During the day, the scene is quite ordinary but come the evening and the palace is lit up to present an exquisite picture. The shimmering water and the vast expanse of the lake imbues the palace with an alluring beauty. For an even better view, go up towards Amber Fort, park your vehicle before the fork that takes you to Nahargarh Fort and watch the jewel of lights of Jaipur, with the Jal Mahal to your mid-top left corner. It is a sight you will not forget.

Originally meant for duck-shooting parties by the well-heeled, it had fallen into disrepair. However, a complete makeover of the Palace, as well as of the lake, was undertaken in 2011. Now, there are comfortable boats to take you across to the Palace.

In 1596 AD, when a severe famine afflicted this region, the-then ruler of Ajmer ordered construction of a dam across the Darbhawati River. In the 17th. century, a stone masonry wall replaced the original structure. The final touches to the Palace and to the Lake were done during the reign of Jai Singh II of Amber in the 18th century. When the lake is full, only the top floor of the Palace remains above the level of the water; the rest four floors get submerged.

First Written: Apr. 4, 2012

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Located in the Adarsh Nagar part of Jaipur city, about 3 kms from the city centre, is a Scottish castle look-alike perched on top of Moti Dongri or Pearl Hill. It is called by that name as it is supposed to resemble a pearl drop. The castle is the private property of the royal family.

Once a year during Ganesh Chaturthi, the temple of Lord Ganesh in Moti Dongri, is thrown open to the public. The temple is noted for its excellent marble carvings. At all other times, it remains closed to the public.

First Written: Apr. 4, 2012

This ‘Heaven Piercing Minaret’ was built by Maharaja Iswari Singh in 1749 to celebrate a victory. Legend has it that he built it to secretly watch the bewitching daughter of his Prime Minister who lived next door. It is located in Tripolia (Triple Gate) Bazar. Had he watch his borders with equal intensity, he may not have committed suicide by taking recourse to poison and making a cobra bite him as the Maratha army advanced upon his kingdom. True to tradition, three of his queens consumed poison while his 21 wives committed ‘jauhar’ on his funeral pyre.

The way to the top of the tower is not through a series of steps. Rather, like at the Jantar Mantar, there is a continuous circular serrated incline that goes all the way up. Once you're on top, you're a bit dizzy. However, the breathtaking view of the Old City is compensation enough.

The minar is open from 9 am to 4.30 pm hrs and has a nominal entrance fee.

First Written: Apr. 4, 2012

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This Central Museum is an exquisite building, modelled as it is along the lines of the Victoria and Albert Hall in London. The foundation stone for this building was laid on Feb. 6, 1876 by Prince of Wales during his visit to Jaipur. It was thrown open to the public in 1887. There are innumerable sections in the museum, each more delightful than the previous one. The armoury section has all the blood-curdling weapons of war, including a male statue wearing an iron mail dress. One section holds the pottery – blue as well as white while another section boasts of ivory busts and statues. Pride of place is given to the mummy of Tutu from ancient Panopolis, present day Akhmim in Egypt. Another noteworthy exhibit is The Ramayan Shield. Musical instruments are also on display here.

In a nondescript, dusty room on the ground floor is the magnificent Persian Garden Carpet (Char Bagh), purchased in 1632 AD by Mirza Raja Jai Singh I. Its 28’ 4” by 12’ 4’ size is of a Persian garden replete with designs of ponds, sectioned gardens, water tank and other animals, including a dragon. Taking a photo of it from any angle is impossible – it is laid on the marble floor, sloping framework of glass and wood covers it and it is pushed into a corner of the room. Still, if you walk around the framework you cannot but help admire the intricate workmanship.

It is open from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm.

First Written: Apr. 4, 2012

From the road between Jaipur and Amber Fort, you will see the beautiful Jal Mahal (Water Palace) which is located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. The palace was built in red sandstone by Madho Singh in 1799 century to be used for a pleasure palace for the royal family and duck hunting parties!

The palace looks best when the lake is full and you can catch a reflection in the water. Unfortunately the first floor of the palace is submerged under water and the palace is closed. It is still a very pretty sight.

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This was the first time that we lost ourselves inside the hotel, with the feelings of being in a featured monument.

All the space is absolutely fantastic, and, if it is open only for the guests, it's a good reason to stay at least one night there.

This rescue center is pretty good and the you need permission to visit this part of the city. Panthers in their real habitat and a couple of beautiful temples make the place beautiful. The place is more explorable in Monsoons. we usually go there on bikes.

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Recognisable by its slender twin minarets, the Jama Masjid is the "Friday Mosque" of Jaipur. The structure consists of three floors with beautiful polyfoil arches and a hint of Gothic influence in its architecture. The mosque dominates Johari Bazaar street in the old city of Jaipur. Moslems in the city of Jaipur are a sizeable minority, constituting about 10% of the population.