Most Indian tour packages include a Golden Triangle option—stops in Delhi, Jaipur (the Pink City), and Agra. A traveler’s preferences and pocketbook will control the total number of days and how long is spent in each location. If it’s only possible to stay one day or a bit more, I recommend 3 top tourist attractions— Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar and the City Palace.
Amer Fort
On a clear day, the Amer Fort or Amber Fort can be seen from a distance. It is strategically placed on top of a hill that extends into the Maota Lake. Despite the animal abuse complaints, most tourists choose to take an elephant ride up a steep incline into the Sun Gate. Even in a torrential downpour, it is worth the once in a lifetime experience. Yep, I endured and enjoyed a soggy ride.
The sidesaddle carriage on top of the elephant allows passengers to see the strategic advantage of the fort and simultaneously get a preview of the exterior craftsmanship.
The fort has a long history that dates back to the 10th century. Numerous revisions and updates have been made since that time. The current structure dates to the late 16th century.
Inside the fort are several notable courtyards and buildings that are filled with ornate doors, walls, columns, and ceilings. Many of the rooms are decorated with frescoes and colored tiles.
If you’re in the central part of Jaipur, you’re approximately seven miles away from this historical site.
Jantar Mantar
During the 18th century, Maharajah Sawaii Jai Singh II built astronomical observatories in several locations around India. The one in Jaipur was built across from the City Palace. The astronomical instruments on display are jumbo sized. The enormity of these structures is apparent when you take pictures of fellow travelers next to these relics.
The devices were built in a fixed outdoor location to measure time, predict eclipses, and track a variety of celestial
bodies. They are made from a variety of materials including masonry, stone, and brass. The largest sundial in the world can be found in this location. The guide claimed that some of the devices still worked. Rain prevented a testing. Even in the rain, it’s a fun place to walk around and take pictures.
City Palace in Jaipur
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh built this palace in the 18th century. From its central location, the
Maharaja ruled. Visitors to this historical site will be able to stroll through a large compound that has many buildings, courtyards and interior gates. One will have multiple opportunities to admire a wide variety of mural, lattices, and custom craftsmanship from a long-gone era. There are a few enclosed areas that have artifacts on display.
If you’ve been to Jaipur, please share your favorite place to visit in the comment section below.
THE ABOVE ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 10, 2016. IT IS BEING REPOSTED ON THIS SITE BECAUSE THE EXAMINER SITE SHUT DOWN IN JULY, 2016. SOME PARTS OF THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HAVE BEEN UPDATED AND THE ORIGINAL SLIDE SHOW HAS BEEN ELIMINATED AND REPLACED WITH A SAMPLING OF THE ORIGINAL PHOTOS.
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BIO
Sandra Bornstein is a freelance travel writer. She shares her travel experiences and recommendations on this blog and on other websites—One Travel: Going Places, Cheapoair.com Miles Away Travel Blog, We Said Go Travel, Mom It Forward, Boulder Jewish News, and Family Circle.
Sandra is the author of MAY THIS BE THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE. This memoir highlights Sandra’s living and teaching adventure in Bangalore, India. She is a licensed Colorado teacher who has taught K-12 students in the United States and abroad as well as college level courses. Sandra is married and has four adult sons.
The memoir was a finalist in the Travel category for the 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the 2013 International Book Awards, the 2013 National Indie Book Excellence Awards, 2013 USA Best Book Awards, and a Honorable Mention award in the Multicultural Non-Fiction category for the 2013 Global ebook Awards.
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