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Of Jaipur's three forts, Jaigarh is perhaps the most interesting. Not if all you want to
see are pretty palaces (for that Amer's perfect); but if you want a peek at a hard-core
fortress, this is it. Jaigarh (literally, `Victory Fort') was built between the 15th and
the 18th century, and stands 15 km from Jaipur, amidst rock-strewn, thorn-scrub covered
hills, its forbidding stone ramparts visible from Jaipur itself. A steep road goes up to
the main gate, the Dungar Darwaza, from where the view is stupendous. |
Jaigarh, once responsible for
the security of both Jaipur and Amer, is a huge moated fort and contains all the
accoutrements of a full-fledged citadel. 1 ½ or 2 hours are usually enough to explore it-
don't bother taking a guide; there isn't much use for one, and sections like the armoury
and the museum have adequate signs.
Begin with Jaigarh's biggest draw- the Jaivana, the world's largest cannon on wheels.
Jaivana was constructed in Jaigarh's foundry in 1720, and its barrel alone weighs close to
50 tons. According to popular belief, Jaivana's been fired only once (the ball falling 35
km away in a very unfortunate village!). Actual inspection of the cannon has revealed,
however, that the number of times it's been fired has been considerably higher.
Wander around a bit- you can walk the ramparts and peer down the loopholes for guns and
boiling oil, or check out the wide water channels. These were part of a very efficient
system for rainwater harvesting, bringing in water from across the hills and into
Jaigarh's 3 underground tanks. The largest of the tanks stored 60,00,000 gallons of water,
and was, till not long back, supposed to house a treasure (that myth was shattered by the
Indian government, which searched it).
Also part of the fort are the armoury and museum: both have a good collection of items
pertaining to Jaigarh. The Armoury's treasures include a 50-kg cannonball, various swords,
shields, muskets, war bugles, armour and guns (bullock-cart, wheel, and camel-mounted!).
It also has photographs of two of Jaipur's maharajas, Sawai Bhawani Singh and Major
General Man Singh II, both once senior military officers in the Indian Army.
The Museum has more of the same, though not all military. Here too there are photos- some
delightful ones of old Jaipur, its maharajas (especially Madho Singh, Man Singh II and
Bhawani Singh), palace guards, royal processions and the Jaipur State Cavalry. There's an
interesting photograph of India's many rulers at the Conference of Ruling Princes and
Chiefs (Delhi, 1917), along with other knick-knacks- maps of Jaigarh, spittoons, leather
and metal oil containers, and 18th century circular playing cards.
Among Jaigarh's other structures are a series of open halls, of which the Shubhat Niwas
(the Meeting Hall of Warriors) has a few weather-beaten odds and ends lying about- mostly
ramshackle sedan chairs and drums.
Entrance fees to Jaigarh are Rs 20 for foreign tourists and Rs 10 for Indian tourists
Best time to go
The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and
March. During this period, the heat of the desert sun is less intense, the weather is cool
and it is the best season for going sightseeing. The Elephant Festival and the Gangaur
Festival are held in Jaipur at the tail end of March; another good reason to plan a trip
as winter is on the wane and summer is yet to set in.
Getting there and around
One of India's hottest tourist destinations, Jaipur's
well-connected to the rest of the country: the domestic airport has regular flights to and
from all across India, and trains- including superfast Shatabdis- link the city to Delhi,
Mumbai, Kolkata, and a host of other cities in Rajasthan, Gujarat and other nearby states.
Besides that, buses (regular as well as deluxe and air-conditioned) are operated from
neighbouring states, and within Rajasthan, by the Rajasthan State Roadways. The Rajasthan
Tourism Development Corporation (the RTDC), also run special daytrips to Jaipur from
Delhi, Agra and elsewhere.
Getting around Jaipur is best done by autorickshaw, tourist taxis or cycle rickshaws, as
public buses are usually crowded and uncomfortable. Alternately, you could try hiring a
car: chauffeur-driven jeeps, buses, cars, minivans and MUVs are readily available for hire
within the city and to the attractions round about.
Accommodation
Visitors to Jaipur can choose from the luxurious
splendour of regal palace hotels and deluxe modern hotels with all the facilities to
modest three star ones down to economical lodges, guest houses and tourist hostels run by
government agencies. For those looking for the ultimate in Rajasthan exotica, a stay in a
heritage hotel is highly recommended- check out the Samode Palace, which has been rated as
one of the world's best heritage hotels.
Within each segment of hotels, a wide variety of accommodation and price options are
available as Jaipur is a prime tourist destination. The RTDC can also arrange for home
stays for those visitors who would like to stay with local families.The contact address
is: Department of Tourism , Art & Culture, Government of Rajasthan, Govt. Hostel
Campus, Paryatan Bhawan, M.I. Road, Jaipur - 302 001(Tel. : 5110595-7)
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