A few nights’ stay in Jaipur gives you some fulfilling options of taking interesting day excursions around this area. You could visit Tonk, 100 km away from Jaipur. Originally established in the seventeenth century, the new town, still resurrects a forgotten era, in its colorful medley of painted mosques, mansions and colonial buildings. Chief amongst these is ‘ Sunehri Kothi ‘( Golden Mansion) , known for its glittering interiors of mirror work, which is a part of traditional decorative features of Rajasthan.
You can visit the nearby town of Gaitor, located only 15 km from Jaipur. Set amidst an environment of tranquility, you will see the memorial ‘chattris’ or Rajasthani style monuments of the rulers of Jaipur The cenotaph of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, is the finest. This is a fascinating structure in white marble, its elegant dome being supported by twenty carved pillars. The cenotaphs of two more maharajas, Pratap Singh and Madho Singh II are also admirable.
If you want to enjoy watching the dexterity and skill of local craftsmen , take the 40-km drive from Jaipur to Sanganer, which is well known for its block printing on textiles. Originally, pure vegetable dyes were used, but even now, some of the designs produced are replicated traditional Mughal motifs. You will also get to see the production of hand made paper and blue glazed pottery, which are typical cottage crafts of Jaipur. Sanganer also has some old temples and a palace.
Another worthwhile excursion is the tiny village of Samode, known for its beautiful Samode Palace and Garden. You will be awed by the exquisite ‘Diwan-I-Khas’ or special royal hall, which is covered with original paintings and mirror work. Other places of excursion around Jaipur are Ramgarh, Abhaneri, Balaji, and Karauli. For some wildlife adventure, you could go on to visit Ranthambore, and be lucky enough to sight a tiger. |
|
