A Road Trip to Blue City Via Pink City – II

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The second day to explore Jaipur. Well, we had planned to get up early in the morning but what to do sleep is a big thing. We woke up at 8 am. We got ready quickly and then had breakfast before leaving to our first visiting spot which was Jantar Mantar. At first, we thought we would drive but considering traffic conditions previous day we decided to take an auto.
We have reached Jantar Mantar at 9:30. Contrary to our expectation, there was no traffic on the way. And we were among the first few to buy tickets because when we arrived at the Jantar Mantar not many people came by then.

The Jantar Mantar is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh, and completed in 1734 CE. It features the world’s largest stone sundial, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located near City Palace and Hawa Mahal, the monument features masonry, stone and brass instruments that were built using astronomy and instrument design principles of ancient Hindu Sanskrit texts. The instruments allow the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye. The observatory is an example of the Ptolemaic positional astronomy which was shared by many civilizations. The monument features instruments operating in each of the three main classical celestial coordinate systems: the horizon-zenith local system, the equatorial system and the ecliptic system. The Kapala Yantraprakara is one that works in two systems and allows transformation of the coordinates directly from one system to the other. A documentary is shown in the Jantar Mantar which was given detailed information about every instrument usage.
At 11 am, we left from the Jantar Mantar to pick our car from the hotel. It is advisable to use local auto inside the city rather than own vehicle. 11:45 am was the time by when we left to Nahargarh Fort from the hotel. And again like a bad nightmare we have to face heavy traffic. Rather than traffic, it was to face idiots on the road who do not have road sense to drive. Nobody knows who will come from where. It took us one hour to cross the city and come on the Amber road.

At 1.30 pm, we reached Nahargarh Fort. Luckily we got a spot to park our car. Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills. The view of the city from the fort is impressive. Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defense ring for the city. The fort was originally named Sudarshangarh, but it became known as Nahargarh, which means ‘abode of tigers’. The popular belief is that Nahar here stands for Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed construction of the fort. Nahar’s spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, which thus became known by his name. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the fort was constructed as a place of retreat on the summit of the ridge above the city. Walls extended over the surrounding hills, forming fortifications that connected this fort to Jaigarh, the fort above the old capital of Amber. Though the fort never came under attack during the course of its history, it did see some historical events, notably the treaties with the Maratha forces who warred with Jaipur in the 18th century. During the Indian Mutiny of 1857, the Europeans of the region, including the British Resident’s wife, were moved to Nahargarh fort by the king of Jaipur, Sawai Ram Singh, for their protection.

At 2:30 pm we left for Amer Fort and reached at 3:10 pm. There was heavy traffic and it took us twenty minutes to find a safe parking spot. Amer Fort (Amber Fort) is located in Amer, a town with an area of 4 square kilometres located 11 kilometres from Jaipur. It is located high on a hill. The town of Amer was built by Meenas and later it was ruled by Raja Man Singh I. Amer Fort is known for its artistic Hindu style elements. With its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks Maota Lake. It is the main source of water for the Amer Palace.

Constructed of red sandstone and marble, the attractive, opulent palace is laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. It consists of the Diwan-i-Aam, or “Hall of Public Audience”, the Diwan-i-Khas, or “Hall of Private Audience”, the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. Hence, the Amer Fort is also popularly known as the Amer Palace. The palace was the residence of the Rajput Maharajas and their families. At the entrance to the palace near the fort’s Ganesh Gate, there is a temple dedicated to Sila Devi, a goddess of the Chaitanya cult, which was given to Raja Man Singh when he defeated the Raja of Jessore. This palace, along with Jaigarh Fort, is located immediately above on the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the same Aravalli range of hills. The palace and Jaigarh Fort are considered one complex, as the two are connected by a subterranean passage. This passage was meant as an escape route in times of war to enable the royal family members and others in the Amer Fort to shift to the more redoubtable Jaigarh Fort. At this time we also visited an art gallery established inside the fort. The last time I did not. For art lovers, it was a breathtaking experience. The gallery showcase paintings range from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 30 Lakhs.

At 5:15, we left for our hotel. After a short rest at the hotel, we left to explore the market. And when one is roaming in the local market, one should have to try local cuisines. And the first dish which we tasted was Dal Ki Pakodi with green sauce. It was delicious and mouthwatering.

After that, we went to Thali House to taste Daal Bhati Churma as we got to know that they served one of the best Daal Bhati Churma. We came back to the hotel with satiated heart and the full stomach.
We are leaving for Jodhpur tomorrow and the journey is of 340 km. As I have to drive the car for such a long distance so proper sleep is needed.

…To be Continued. Click Here to read more experiences