Jaipur’s Royal Palaces: A Cultural Tour
You should visit Jaipur’s palaces to get a glimpse into the culture, art, and heritage of the region. And you would appreciate it if someone helps you zero in on the top five. No worries. This guide has details about five monuments that offer a glimpse into Jaipur’s royal past.
Amber Fort
Amber Fort was a vital part of the administration for the Kachwaha Rajputs since its completion in 1592. It was extensively used as their kingdom capital before the construction of Jaipur. It is surprising to see how brilliantly red sandstone and marble were used back then. There is also a lake situated within the boundaries of this palace. No wonder it has got a UNESCO World Heritage Site tag.
Jal Mahal
Some historical monuments seem way ahead of their time. And Jal Mahal, located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, is one such gem. Maharajas of Jaipur, including Sawai Pratap Singh, are equally credited for converting an existing structure into the Water Palace between 1699 and 1799. The palace served as a vacation lodge for royals. This engineering marvel made from sandstone did undergo restoration between 2000 and 2005.
Chomu Fort
Located roughly 30 kilometers from Jaipur, the Chomu Fort has well-preserved artifacts and carvings on the walls. The fort’s construction was initiated by Thakur Karan Singh. Later, it was converted into a palace by their legal heir Col. Govind Singh in 1901. You can even live in its beautifully done-up rooms, as it happens to be one of the Jaipur Palaces converted into heritage hotels.
Jaigarh Fort
King Jai Singh II was excellent when it came to drafting defense plans. And under his regime, various forts and structures were constructed to defend Amber Fort. Located on the Hill of Eagles, the Jaigarh Fort was built to position warriors in a way they could protect vital areas leading to the Amber Fort. The monument also houses an armory museum. The fort deserves a place in your Rajasthan travel itinerary.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal was built for a special purpose in 1799. It was constructed so that women in royal families could watch street festivals without being noticed by commoners. The structure served as a balcony, helping women enjoy and maintain the Purdah system at the same time. Designed like a honeycomb, the palace has 953 windows. And massive gusts of wind blow through the palace due to these windows.
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