LOCAL SIGHTSEEING
A part of the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, Devi Ratn offers ample scope for sightseeing. Please contact the hotel's travel desk for further information.
Kanak Vrindavan Valley
Nahargarh hills, adjoining Amber Fort, on Amer-Jaipur Road
According to past records, the beautiful green valley was named Kanak Vrindavan Valley by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, almost 280 years ago. The valley seemed like the mythological Vrindavan (Land of Lord Krishna) to the King, consequently he installed an idol of Lord Krishna in the complex.
Kanak Valley is also believed to be the blessed place where holy water from several rivers was gathered to carry out the Ashwamedh Yajna. Govind Deoji Temple, with its beautiful and delicate carvings, spreads a holy aura of spirituality all over the valley. The temple looks marvelous with its chhatris, lattice and mirror work.
Divided into eight sections, the garden comprises a series of fountains. The fountain by the name of 'Parikrama' is carved out of a single piece of marble. At night, the temple is brightly lit, the sounds of chants and hymns offered to the God complete the celestial picture of the place. Kanak Valley is a green oasis that flourishes in a bare land.
Sisodia Rani Ka BaghJaipur-Agra Highway, 10 kms from Jaipur
In 1728, this garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, as a gift to his Sisodia Queen from Udaipur. The Sisodia Rani Garden served as a natural sanctum and a getaway for the Maharani of Jaipur. Here, the queen would spend time in the lap of nature, away from the politics of the royal palace.
The garden is designed in a Mughal style, on the theme of eternal lovers, Radha-Krishna. The garden appeals to the artistic and visual tastes of the spectator with its layered gardens, fascinating fountains, painted pavilions and galleries. Several frescos, depicting scenes of Radha-Krishna, adorn the walls. Set amidst the desert land, the garden exhibits skill of a human hand and the beauty of nature.
Vidyadhar GardenOn Jaipur-Agra Highway, 8 kms from Jaipur
Vidhyadhar ka Bagh was made in order to bring a sense of relief in the scorched scenery of the desert land. The Garden is situated at a distance of 8 kms to the east of Jaipur, on Jaipur-Agra Road. Initially, the place served as a vineyard to previous rulers then it was renovated to its present form.
Vidhyadhar Gardens is one of the well-planned gardens in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was built in the memory of Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, the chief architect and city planner of Jaipur. The garden has been designed as per the Shilpa Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture. Vidyadhar ka Bagh is beautifully laid in the valley between two rugged hills. Well-arranged fountains, flowerbeds and trees enhance the beauty of the Garden.
Arranged in layers, the Garden comprises of several galleries, pavilions and splendid frescos depicting Lord Krishna. Twilight is considered as the best time to the Gardens, when the setting sun and the lights illuminate its outline with the backdrop of the adjoining hills.
GaltajiNear Sisodia Rani ka Bagh, on Jaipur-Agra Highway
Galtaji is a destination of holy pilgrimage in India. The vast complex has several temples in it and is famous for its natural springs. Galtaji is considered holy as Saint Galav spent his life meditating here. However, the temple was built much later in the 18th Century. The outstanding structure of the Temple looks more like a mansion or Haveli. Built in pink sandstone it crests the ridge over a picturesque gorge. Galtaji Temple is dedicated to the Sun God. The temple is decked with rounded roofs, exquisitely carved pillars and painted walls. Out of all other temples, the Hanuman temple stands out, being surrounded by hundreds of monkeys.
The water of these springs is accumulated in the tanks or 'kunds'. In all, there are seven tanks, the holiest being the Galta Kund, which never goes dry. It is considered auspicious to take bath in the holy waters of Galtaji. Thousands of people come every year to take a dip in the tanks to rinse out their sins.
Birla TempleSouth of Jaipur just below the famous Moti Dungri Fort.
The Birla Mandir, in pure white marble, dominates the skyline of southern part of Jaipur. The enormous temple was built during the year 1988, built by B.M. Birla Foundation, 1988, one of the business tycoons of India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple.
The attractive stained glass windows of the temple depict scenes from Hindu Mythology. The idols of Lord Vishnu and his consort, Lakshmi are made out from one piece of marble. The exteriors of the temple are carved splendidly based on mythological themes, while the interiors have a large marble panel portraying mythological events. The Birla Temple has a museum too, which showcases the ancestral valuables of the Birla family.
Moti Dungri,Above the Birla Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha
Moti Dungri is a small hill, centrally located in the city of Jaipur. The term Moti Dungri means Hill of Pearls or Pearl Hill. The hill is occupied by a palace and a temple. The temple of Moti Doongri is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This ancient temple serves as a tourist attraction and is significant from the religious point of view. People from far and near often come to this sacred temple to pay their homage to Lord Ganesha.
Close to the Temple, there is a beautiful Palace on the hill known as Moti Dungri Palace. The Palace is an imitation of a Scottish Castle. In the ancient times, it was occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son and still belongs to the royal family. Today, it is the home of Rajmata Gayatri Devi and her son, Jagat Singh. However, the palace is not open to public.
Ranthambore National Park30 kms east of Jaipur, 2 hour drive
Ranthambore National Park used to be the hunting ground of Maharajas of Jaipur. Spread over an area of 1,334 sq. km. along with its nearby sanctuaries like the Mansingh Sanctuary and the Kaila Devi Sanctuary, the park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to see the majestic predators in their natural habitat. Ranthambore is also a famous heritage site because of the pictorial ruins that dot the wildlife park. For any nature lover, watching tigers roaming around, verdant greenery, a gamut of other species of birds and animals is priceless and worth a visit.
SamodeSamode lies at a distance of 42 kms from Jaipur. It is located on the way to Shekhawati. The small and beautiful village of Samode is famous for its fort palace and haveli. Shekhawati and its bare flat and colourless natural landscape is home to some of the most exquisite frescoes in northern India. Quite possibly no other place in the world houses such a large concentration of frescoes.
Sanganer16 kms from Jaipur on the Tonk road.
Sanganer is renowned for its crafts and hand-printed textiles. In order to enter Sanganer, one has to drive past two massive Tripolias (Triple Gateways) on the Tonk Road. Sanganer boasts of ruined palaces, forts and Jain Temples, which are carved with refinement. The town of Sanganer is well-known as the largest center of the handmade paper industry. Traditional small floral prints form the specialty of Sanganer block printers. Sanganer prints are unique, for the reason that patterns in bright colors are always printed on white backgrounds. Actually, this handmade paper industry started in 1728.
Sariska National Park107 kms north of Jaipur, on the Delhi-Jaipur roadM
Sariska Tiger Reserve covers 800 sq. km. area divided into grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape. A variety of wild animals like the leopard, sambhar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur, hyena and jungle cats are found here apart from the tiger. The Sariska National Park is home to India's largest population of peafowl, and harbours quail, sand grouse, golden-backed woodpeckers and crested serpent eagles. Also the Siliserh Lake on the edge of the park has a large number of crocodiles. The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary houses the ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor that date back to the 10th and 12th century.
Museum of IndologyDeveloped by Acharya Ram Charan Sharma Vyakul in 1960. Museum of Indology has an excellent private collection of Folk and Tantric art objects, paintings done on rice, manuscripts, ornaments, fossils, clocks and currency notes etc.
Amer FortAt the entrance to Jaipur, 11 kms before the city begins
The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range of craggy hills. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The solemn dignity of its red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foothill, is a sight to behold. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh, the additional extensions were made by later kings. The last Maharaja of Amer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, built a new city called Jaipur, where he shifted his capital in 1727 AD.
City PalaceFive miles south of Amer, northeast of the centre of the city
Built between 1729-1732 AD, City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. Situated in the heart of the old city, it occupies about one-seventh of the old city area. The Palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a seven-storeyed Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public audience) has intricate decorations and collection of manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private audience) has a marble paved gallery. Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and textiles. There is a Clock Tower near Mubarak Mahal. Sileh Khana has a collection of armory and weapons.
Hawa MahalNorth of the Jaipur city, at the main road intersection called the Badi Chaupad
Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The five-storeyed stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy the processions and other activities on the street below. Now it houses a well laid out museum. The display "Jaipur past and present" is the special feature of this newly setup museum.
Jantar Mantar (Observatory)Jantar Mantar at Jaipur is the largest stone observatory in the world. Built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. The enormous sun-dial still provides accurate time. It is one of the five astronomical observatories built by the founder of Jaipur.
Nahargarh FortNahargarh Fort is the first of the three forts built by Maharaja Jai Sawai Singh in 1734. The Fort stands at the top of a hill in the Aravali range and offers a spectacular view of the City. The fort was made to serve as a means of supporting the security of Amer. The walls of the fort run along the ridge and within are architectural beauties like Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra Bhawan.
