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There are some interesting attractions around Jaipur and you can get to most of these places by bus. Alternatively there are organised.
(See
Organised Tours
in this section)
Amber
About 11 km north of Jaipur, the ancient capital of Jaipur state. Construction of the fort-palace was begun in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army. It was later extended and completed by the Jai Singhs before the move to Jaipur on the plains below. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts.
You can climb up to the fort from the road in about 10 minutes, and cold drinks are available within the palace if the climb is a hot one. A seat in a jeep up the fort costs Rs 15 return. Riding up on elephants is popular, though daylight robbery at Rs 400 per elephant return (each can carry up to four people).
An imposing stairway leads to the Diwan-I-am, or the hall of Public Audience, with a double row of columns and latticed galleries above. Steps to the right lead to the small Kali Temple.
The maharaja's apartments are on the higher terrace - you enter through a gateway decorated with mosaics and sculptures. The Jai Mandir, or Hall of Victory, is noted for its inlaid panels and glittering mirror ceiling. Regrettably, much of this was allowed to deteriorate during the 1970s and 1980s but restoration proceeds. Opposite the Jai Mandir is the Sukh Niwas, or Hall of Pleasure, with an ivory-inlaid sandalwood door, and a channel running right through the room which once carried cooling water. From the Jai Mandir you can take in the fine views from the palace ramparts over the lake below.
Amber Palace is open daily 9am to 4.30 pm and entry costs Rs 4. A camera costs Rs 20/50 for Indians/foreigners, Rs 50/100 for video. Guides can be hired at the tourist office (at the fort entrance) for Rs 75/230/345 for 1 1/2 hours/half day/full day (maximum four people).
There are frequent buses to Amber from the Hawa Mahal and from the train station in Jaipur (Rs 4.25 minutes).
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Nahargarh
Nahargarh, also known as the Tiger Fort, overlooks the city from a sheer
ridge to the north, and is floodlit at night. The fort was built in 1734 and extended in 1868. An 8km road runs up through the hills from Jaipur, and the fort can be reached along a zigzagging 2km path. The glorious views fully justify the effort. Entry is Rs 2, and a camera/video costs Rs 30/70.
There's a small restaurant on the top (with a toilet). You can even stay at the fort, although there's only one basic double room which costs a hefty Rs 500 - reservations should be made at the Tourist Reception Centre
(Tel No. 0141 - 365256) in Jaipur.
Jaigarh
The imposing Jaigarh, built in 1726 by Jai Singh, was opened to the to the public in mid-1983. The fort was never captured and so has survived virtually intact through the centuries. It's within walking distance of Amber and offers a great view over the plains from the Diwa Burj watchtower. The fort, with its reservoirs, residential areas, puppet theatre and the cannon, Jaya Vana, is open 9 am to 5 pm daily. Entry is Rs 15 plus Rs 50 per car, Rs 20 for a camera and Rs 100 for a video camera. (Note that you can also enter Jaigarh on the same entry ticket you used for Jaipur's City Palace, as long as it is within two days of purchase; car entry and cameras are extra.)
Royal Gaitor
The cenotaphs of the maharanis of Jaipur are on Amber Rd, midway between Jaipur and Amber. Nearby is the Jal Mahal( Water Palace), in the middle of a lake and reached by a causeway.
Sisodia Rani Palace & Gardens & Vidayadharji ka Bagh
Six kilometres from the city on Agra Rd (leave Jaipur by the Ghat Gate), and surrounded by terraced gardens, this palace was built for Maharaja Jai Singh's second wife, the Sisdoia princess. The outer walls are decorated with murals depicting hunting scenes and the Krishna legend.
Vidyadharji ka Bagh, a garden built in honour of Jai Singh's chief architect and town planner, Vidyadhar, is about 200m before Sisdoia Rani Palace on Agra Rd.
Both gardens are open 8 am to 6 pm daily and there's a small entry fee (no video cameras allowed).
Galta
The temple of the sun god at Galta is 100m above Jaipur to the east, a 2.5km climb from Surajpol. A deep, temple-studded gorge stands behind the temple and there are good views over the surrounding plains.
Sanganer & Bagru
The small town of Sanganer is 16 km south of Jaipur and is entered through the ruins of two tripolias, or triple gateways. In addition to its ruined palace, Sanganer has a group of Jain temples with fine carvings to which entry is restricted. The town is noted for handmade paper and block printing (most shops can be found on, or just off, Stadium Rd). Salim's Paper on Gramodyog Rd is the largest handmade paper factory in India. Here you can see the paper production process and they also sell a beautiful range of paper products. For block-printed fabrics, there are a number of shops, including Sakshi, which also has excellent blue pottery (downstairs).
About 20 km west of Sanganer is the village of Bhagru, also known for its block printing (but it's less obvious than in Sanganer).
A bus from Jaipur to Sanganer takes 30 minutes and costs Rs 5.50. To Bhagru it takes 45 minutes and is Rs 7.
Samode
The small village is nestled among hills about 50 km north of Jaipur. The only reason to visit is if you can afford to stay in the beautiful samode Palace (although strictly speaking it's not actually a palace, as it wasn't owned by a ruler but by a noble man). Like the Samode Haveli in Jaipur, this building was owned by the rawal of Samode. The highlight of the beautiful building is the exquisite Diwan-I-Khas, which is covered with original paintings and mirror work
Samode Palace (Tel No. 01423-4114, fax 4123, reservations - 0141 - 632370, fax 632407) has a pleasant doubles costing from Rs 2750 to Rs 3750. Breakfast/lunch/dinner is Rs 250/375/425. Entry to the palace for nonguests is Rs 100 (deducted if you have a set meal). Similarly priced luxurious tent accommodation is available 3km away at Samode Bagh, where there's a lovely garden and pool.
There are four daily direct buses from Jaipur's main bus station to Samode (Rs 13.50, 1 1/2 hours).
Ramgarh
This green oasis, about 35km from Jaipur, has a picturesque lake (boating available), polo ground (call Jaipur
on 0141-374791 to find out when matches are being played) and an ancient Durga temple.
Ramgarh Lodge (Tel No. 1426-552217, fax 381098), a former royal hunting lodge overlooking ramgarh Lake, is the best place to stay (Rs 1600/2300 a single/double). Inside the lodge, there are a number of stuffed beasts, including a tacky elephant's trunk pot plant holder.
RTDC's Jheel tourist Village (Tel No. 01426-52370), farther away from the lake, is cheaper at Rs 300/350 with attached bath.
Buses travel daily between Jaipur and Ramgarh (Rs 9, one hour).
Abhaneri
About 95 km from Jaipur on the Agra road, this little village has one of Rajasthan's most awesome
baodis (step wells). Flanking the baodi is a small, crumbling palace, now inhabited by pigeons and bats.
From Jaipur, take a bus to Sikandra, from where you can hire a jeep for the 10km trip to Abhineri (Rs 200 return, including a 30 minute stop).
Alternatively, from Jaipur get a bus to Gular, from where it's a 5 km walk to Abhineri.
Balaji
The Hindu exorcism temple of Balaji is about 43 km from Abhaneri, about 1.5 km off the Jaipur-Agra road. The exorcisms are sometimes very violent and many being exorcised don't hesitate to discuss their experiences. Most exorcisms take place on Tuesday and Saturday (go upstairs). Remove your shoes before entering the temple. Photography is prohibited.
From Jaipur there are numerous local buses to Balaji (Rs 26, 2 1/2 hours).
Karauli
Located 182 km southeast of Jaipur, Karauli was founded in 1348 and has
some important Krishna temples.
Bhanwar Vilas Palace (Tel No.07464-20024; reservations - 0141 - 211532, fax 210512) is a country retreat with rooms from US$29/32. They can organise excursions to nearby points of interest, including the old city palace.
Buses between Jaipur and Karauli take five hours and cost Rs 45.
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