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17 March 2012

Jaipur - Rajasthan, India

 Hawa Mahal - Palace of the Winds - was built in 1799 by Maharaja Pratap Singh. It's dedicated to Lord Krishna.
 There are a total of 953 sandstone "Jharokas" or screened windows to allow the women from former royal families to catch a glimpse of the city life without having to defy the then-prevalent purdah system:

 Amber (Amer) was the capital of the Kachchawahs from 1037 to 1727, when Sawai Jai Singh II moved it to Jaipur.
 The foundations of Amber fort were laid in 1592 by Raja Man Singh and it took about 137 years to be completed.
 Ganesh Pol (Ganesh Gate) provides access to the inner parts of the palace. Covered with frescoes, it was constructed on the orders of Mirza Raja Jai Singh:
 Marble relief detail on the wall of Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience):
After the successful construction of Jantar Mantar in Delhi, Maharaja built another one in Jaipur:
 This is the largest observatory in India:

 Jaigarh Fort dates back to 1726 and its main purpose was to protect Amber Fort and the palace complex within it:
 Langur monkeys populate the fort now:
 The Elephant Festival is celebrated each year on the occasion of Holi:




 Folk dances and live music are part of entertainment:




 The most beautiful decorated elephant is awarded:


 Holi is the festival of colors:
 Moti Doongri Fort:
 Jal Mahal served as a hunting palace since the time it was built by Sawai Pratal Singh in 1799:
 Four of its floors are now submerged in the Mansagar Lake:

 Dream view of Jal Mahal:
travel.more.cosmin

2 comments:

  1. Cosmin!
    BEAUTIFUL pictures, I can definitely tell that you were in the zone when you shot these.

    The picture with the 953 sandstone "Jharokas" has your own logo signature nestled in so well!

    Favorite shot is probably the Amber fort with all the birds in flight.

    -Warren from Flashbay

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you so much, Warren!
    I'm really glad you're enjoying my travels! Good to know I'm not alone! :)

    ReplyDelete