Jaipur - Beyond the Palaces Part - I

My first destination was Nahargarh Fort, a magnificent fort in the Aravalli range of Jaipur. Earlier known as Sudarshangarh, built in 1734, this fort served as a strong defence for Jaipur city. Though it was never attacked by enemies, this fort was built for defence purposes. The word Nahargarh means 'abode of tigers' & was named after the tigers which roamed around the hills. The most amazing part of the fort is Madhavendra Bhawan which had 12 identical suites for each of the 12 queens of Sawai Madho Singh.

I chose to visit the fort in the evening to spectate the city of Jaipur with lights on. The view looks amazing and spectacular. If you are driving on your own to this fort in the night, the journey is full of mysteries. After the fort is closed, you can still visit "Padao", an open air restaurant & bar with the beautiful view of Jaipur city with lights.

Chulgiri Digambar Jain Temple is one of the offbeat destination of Jaipur which definitely deserves the one time visit. It is situated within the Aravalli hills and you can experience the mountains around you while driving to Chulgiri. The road journey is interesting with not so much people around and full of bleak vegetation landscapes. It was unexpected for me to find hilly curves on mountains in this city.

Another destination near to Chulgiri is Sisodiya Rani ka Bagh. The word itself tells its meaning - "Garden of Queen Sisodia". Sisodia was the princess from Udaipur who got married to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728 as his second queen. The Maharaja gave this royal garden to her as a perfect retreat so that she can relax. This garden is designed with a mixture of Indian and Mughal style. The wall paintings and decorations are in Indian style while the fountains and flower bed arrangement is done in Mughal style.

One of the popular landmarks, the white statue at the circle is of the founder of Jaipur - Sawai Jai Singh II. This white marble statue adds charm to the royal pink city. This place is decorated with multi - colored fountains which brilliantly enlighten the place during the evening. You can really have a quality time there with your loved ones in the night.

This is one of the most magnificent water palace of the world and strangely, it is located in such a city which doesn't boast water bodies so much. Jal Mahal, located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, was constructed in 1750 by Maharaja Madho Singh I for his duck hunting parties. This palace was constructed from pink sandstone and follows the same symmetric structure which can be observed throughout the state Rajasthan. For tourists, this palace only appears to be a single storey but there are actually four levels. The three levels are submerged inside the water.

Don't keep the wrong information as Jal Mahal in the night, now has no lights and is almost invisible between the lake. However, I tried very hard with my phone camera to create a visible image of the palace for you all.

If you are a non veg lover, M.M.Khan hotel is just for you. The street outside this hotel is almost a replica of streets of Chandni Chowk in Delhi with the same crowded environment and full of non veg restaurants which are old and famous. I don't have a picture of this place but you must try "Changezi Chicken" or "Laal Maas" at M.M.Khan hotel.

To end the wonderful night, you can't afford to miss this best "Paan wala" in Jaipur who sells 99 different types of Paans. I could only try 1% of it properly and I ordered "Litchi" flavour & "Night Queen" flavour. Both were delicious and mouth watering but stomach was already too full and hence, had to end this foodie night here itself.