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Saturday, June 14, 2008

Jaipur Cuisine

Ghewar


Dahi Vada


Besan Ka Gatta

Jaipur's cuisine is rich like the royalty of Jaipur. Cuisine of Jaipur offers many delicacies to gratify the appetite of every taste. In Jaipur, lot of ghee and butter is used in cooking the food. Dal-Bati Churma, Dahi Vada, Mawa Kachori, Besan Ka Gatta, Ker Sangri, Pyaaz Ki Kachauri, chakke Ki Sabji and Jodhpur Ki Rabri are some of the main attractions of Jaipuri cuisine. Rajasthani Food is usually vegetarian, pure and nutritious. Other Jaipuri delights include Ghewar,and Mirchi Bada.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Folk Dance And Music

Ghoomar Dance





Men Playing Sarangi And Harmonium


A Tanpura

Dance and Music of Jaipur bring liveliness to the desert lands of Rajasthan. "Ghoomar" is the main folk dance of Jaipur in which the ladies flaunts their huge ghagras or skirts while dancing. Regarding music, the people of Jaipur share the royal interest of Rajputs in Morchang, Naad, Tanpura, Sarangi and many others.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Jaipur Nightlife

Raj Mandir Theatre


Jaipur Bars





Kalbelia Dance


Traditional Dance At Jaipur


Puppet Shows At Jaipur

Nightlife of Jaipur is certainly as regal as this pink city of Rajasthan. The dwellers of this majestic city have their own style to enjoy the night. Actually, Jaipur is not involved in a very active nightlife like other global cities. People usually enjoy quiet evenings by listening music, puppet shows and traditional dances, which are exhibitors of Rajasthan's rich heritage. Raj Mandir is one of the famous theatres of India which offers night shows and this could be one of your night destinations.
You can enjoy the shows of Kalbelia Dancers, Puppeteers & Bhopa- Bhopi at Welcome group Rajputana Palace Sheraton in the evenings. If you love listening Band, Ram Niwas Bagh is a perfect destination for you. Here, Department of Tourism has invigorated the tradition of "Band Playing" once again that was started during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh. Ravindra Manch and Jawahar Kala Kendra are other places where you can watch special shows of classical Indian arts and plays.
The city doesn't comprise many discotheques but there are many bars and pubs to gratify the thirst of liquor seekers.Disco at Le Meridian is the utmost place to dance at the tunes of DJ's. There is another disco at Choki Dhani, the 5 star village resort of India. This is an aqua disco where you can groove to the latest national & internationalmusic with showers of water.
Coming to pubs and bars, the city has some of the most lavish bars of the world. Many palaces of the city have been converted into heritage hotels and many of these hotels comprise imperial bars/ pubs to provide comfort and ambienceof world-class. Madhu Shala, The Polo (Rambagh Palace), Rang Mahal, Talab and Maharani Express are some of the mosthappening bars of Jaipur. Sheesh Mahal of Welcomgroup Rajputana Palace Sheraton is one of the best bars that will serve you liquor in the finest manner.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

What To Wear In Jaipur

Traditional Wear


Contemporary Wear

Jaipur is a city of its own charm and majestic splendour. It becomes of vital importance to know the culture and traditions of Jaipur, while coming to the city on a trip. There is nothing specific regarding what to wear in Jaipurbut one should be dressed in a decent manner to avoid the unnecessary attention. In the contemporary times, residents of Jaipur prefer dressing in a casual manner, a style that resembles the national culture.
In view of the fact that, Jaipur setbacks in a desert area of Rajasthan, the city observes extreme type of climate.The weather of Jaipur is generally hot and humid. Taking this in mind, it is suitable to take some light cotton clothing along, which is comfortable and absorbs the sweat as well. However, one can take light woolens, if touring Jaipur in winters.
The traditional dress of Rajasthani men is the angarakha (an upper garment) and dhoti or pajama (a lower garment) with a pagari or turban on their heads. Conventional dress for Rajasthani women is kurti or top and a Ghaghra or skirt with odhani to cover their heads. However, with the changing times, it is not mandatory to wear the traditional dresses of Rajasthan in Jaipur. Decent dressing of contemporary times is totally acceptable in the city of Jaipur.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

About The Temples

Galtaji Temple


Birla Temple

The cultural roots of Jaipur are reflected in the temples of Jaipur. The city houses several temples, which depict the religious nature of the pink city dwellers. The royalty of Jaipur always encouraged the spirituality and aesthetic sense of admiration in the foundation of the city. It doesn't mean that people are conservative or orthodox in their approach. Here, all religions are equally appreciated, but as Hindus dominate the city, you will find a number of temples in Jaipur.
The artistic temples of Jaipur provide an enthralling view to the visitors. Amongst the others, temples like Birla Mandir, Moti Dungri, Galta ji and Govind Deo Ji are worth mentioning. Birla Mandir gets the limelight of this trip with its wonderful carvings and brilliant architecture. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Temple of Moti Dungri lies on the peak of a hill. Govind Deo ji temple is situated in the beautiful City Palace complex of Jaipur.
Galta Ji Temple is dedicated to sun god and gives a panoramic view of the city of Jaipur. All these temples are known for their architectural styles and craftsmanship of their designers. The spiritual aura, which these temples create, attracts tourists and devotees from both far and near.Here you will get to know more about temples of Jaipur.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Galtaji Temple

The Famous Galtaji Temple


The Hanuman Temple At Galtaji

Prayer Hovel At Galtaji


The Holiest Galta Kund





The Other Holy Kunds At Galtaji




Location: Near Sisodia Rani ka Bagh, On Jaipur-Agra Highway
Built by: Diwan Rao Kriparam
Built in: 18th Century
Dedicated to: Sun God, Lord Hanuman/Balaji
Highlights: Fresh Water Springs
Galtaji is a holy pilgrimage of India, located 10 kms away from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The vast complex of Galta Ji has several temples in it. The Temple of Galtaji is famous for its natural water springs. Set amidst the beautiful landscape, Galtaji Temple offers a picturesque view of the city. Galtaji is considered holy place, as Saint Galav spent his life meditating here. However, the temple was built much later by Diwan Rao Kriparam, a courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II, in the 18th Century. The outstanding structure of the Temple looks more like a mansion or Haveli.
The complex of Galtaji has numerous temples, pavilions, natural springs and holy 'kunds'. Built in pink sandstone, Galtaji Temple appeals to the aesthetic sense of the visitors. The temple, dedicated to the Sun God, is the most famous temple built on the top of a hill. The temple is decked with rounded roofs, exquisitely carved pillars and painted walls. Out of all other temples, Hanuman temple stands out, being surrounded by hundreds of monkeys. Besidesall other attractions, Natural water springs draw special attention of the visitors.
The water of these springs is accumulated in the tanks or 'kunds'. In all, there are seven tanks, 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. Makar Sankranti is regarded as a special day to take bath in the holy waters of Galtaji.
Galtaji Temple is a prehistoric pilgrimage location, in a lush green landscape of nature. The location of temple is such that it provides awe-inspiring views of the surrounding plains. The Galtaji Temple is a souvenir of the former age and a sacred pilgrimage of the Hindus. The tranquility of the Temple, attracts people from far and near, to visit it again and again.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Birla Temple

Steps Leading To The Temple


The Temple Is Made Of Pure White Marble




Shiva Statue At The Birla Temple

Birla Temple During The Night










Location: In the south of Jaipur, situated just below the famous Moti Dungri Fort
Built by: B.M. Birla Foundation
Built in: 1988 Dedicated to: Lord Laxmi Narayan
Highlights: Rich carvings on pure white marble
Birla Temple forms one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night. Birla Mandir, in pure white marble, dominates the skyline of southern part of Jaipur. The enormous temple was built during the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries, 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. Due to this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple.
The Birla Mandir is situated just below the renowned Moti Dungri Fort. Built in a contemporary manner, Laxmi Narayan Mandir covers the vast lands of the city of Jaipur. The temple stands erect on a raised platform, at the footsteps of the Moti Dungri Hill. Birla Mandir is constructed in the finest quality of white marble. The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night.
The attractive stained windows glass windows of the temple depict scenes from Hindu Mythology. The idols of the temple look so real as if, they would utter a word just now. Amongst all the idols, the marble idol of Ganesha is a masterpiece which looks almost-transparent. The idols of Lord Vishnu and his consort, Lakshmi attract the attention,being made out from one piece of marble. The temple also portrays great historical achievers, philosophers and religious saints such as Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Buddha, and Confucius.
The Laxmi Narayan Mandir is a modern architectural marvel, surrounded by lush green gardens. The fascinating exteriors of the temple are carved splendidly with beautiful sculptures based of 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. Birla Mandir / Laxmi Narayan Temple is a masterpiece of art and tourists should not miss this architectural spiritual heritage on their trip to Jaipur.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Govind Dev Ji Temple

Outer View Of The Temple


The Idol Of Radha And Krishna
Location: In City Palace Complex
Established In: 18th Century by Raja Sawai Jai Singh
Built In: 1890 by Raja Man Singh
Dedicated to: Govind Dev Ji (Lord Krishna)
Govind Dev Ji Temple is one amongst the major tourist attractions of Jaipur. The Temple represents the royal past of Jaipur. The Temple is dedicated to Govind Dev Ji (Other name of Lord Krishna). Govind Devji Temple of Jaipur is situated in the City Palace complex, between the Chandra Mahal and Badal Mahal. Govind Dev Ji is the principal deity of Amber's Kachawaha Dynasty. In the earlier times, the idol of the lord used to reside in the temple of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.
According to a legend, Govind Dev Ji appeared in the dream of Raja Sawai Jai Singh and asked him to bring his idol from Vrindavan to Jaipur. As a consequence, Raja Sawai Jai Singh brought the idol and placed in the City Palace complex of Jaipur. After the sad demise of Jai Singh, many successors acquired the throne, but Raja Man Singh took the initiative to build the temple in 1890.
The beautiful image of Radha-Krishna doesn't let people to take off their eyes from the lovely view. Different 'Aartis' and 'Bhog' are offered to the deity at seven different times of the day. Every time, when the idols are revealed to the devotees, they are clothed in a different manner. The Devotees, who come here to get the glance or 'Darshan' of the deities, reverberates the temple with the pious phrase "Jai Govind".
A large number of tourists and devotees visit this temple of special importance. Janmashtmi, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is a special event and is celebrated with full enthusiasm. Govind Dev Ji Temple is a sacred place of the Hindus. The Temple has also become a tourist attraction in the contemporary times.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Moti Dungari Temple

Hill Of Pearls





Moti Dungari Temple




The Idol Of Ganesha In The Temple

Location: In Jaipur, above the renowned 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 for the scenic view it offers. Moti Dungri Temple 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 a beautiful Palace on the hill, this is 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. Still, the enchanting Palace belongs to the royal family. Today, it makes home for Rajmata Gayatri Devi and her son, Jagat Singh. However, the palace is not open for public.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

A City Of Colourful Markets

Pictures Of Jaipur Markets




Bangle Market Of Jaipur

Jaipur is a city of vibrant colors and markets (bazaars) of Jaipur verify this fact. Jaipur's colorful markets offer a great break to stop and shop on you tour. Usually tourists include shopping and visiting the lively markets of Jaipur in their itinerary. While moving through the markets, you will come across the vivacious culture of this region. Jaipur is the perfect place to shop for Handicrafts, antiques, jewelry, gems, pottery, carpets, textiles, metalwork and leatherware.
In Jaipur, there are many markets to present you the art and craft of Rajasthan. Kishanpol Bazar, Haldiyon Ka Rasta,Mahiharon Ka Rasta, M.I. Road, Jauhari Bazar, Bapu Bazar, Nehru Bazaar are the main markets of Jaipur. One cannot define in words, the assortment of products, which these markets offer. You have to visit the city to experience the actual range of stuff. Shopping is an electrifying activity in Jaipur. If you don't visit these markets of Jaipur, you will be definitely at amiss. Without a shopping spree in Jaipur's markets, no trip to Jaipur is complete. In this section, we will tell you about the shopping attractions of Jaipur.