Amber is the classic, romantic Rajasthan fort-palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by his descendant Jai Singh I. The rugged, forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles find its ultimate refinement. Painted scenes of hunting and war adorn the walls with precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster. In the foreground is the Maota Lake with breathtaking reflections of the magnificent Amber Fort-Palace. For an experience that's truly royal, visitors can reach the fort through snaking pathways on elephant back. e built by the famous David Sasson in 1867. 

Tonk-100 kms from Jaipur, this old town dates to the middle of the 17th century. The new town is a colourful medley of painted mosques, mansions and colonial buildings. The Sunehri Kothi or Golden Mansion is particularly lovely, noted for its mirror work.

Held in honour of goddess Parvati, this festival is held a few days after Holi and is celebrated in Jaipur on a grand scale. Primarily, a festival for women, married women pray for their husbands and unmarried girls pray for a good husband. Festive processions are taken out, women draw water from wells, pick flowers and chant hymns to the goddess Parvati.

'Tiger Fort', the fort is perched on a cliff overlooking and protecting Jaipur.

The ornamental façade of this " Palace of Winds" is a landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure of pink sandstone encrusted with fine trelliswork and balconies has 953 niches and windows. It was built in 1799 by Pratap Singh and was a royal grandstand for palace women.

This is the largest and best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.

A lake palace, it was the summer resort of the royal Rajput family.

Galta - 20 kms from Jaipur and a fine spot for a day's outing. The natural springs here are said to have curative properties. There are also several temples in the area. Noteworthy among them is the temple of the Sun God. Galta is particularly lovely after the rains when the surrounding landscape is clothed in a carpet of green. Enroute to Galta from Jaipur, is Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, a charming place with a fine garden; a temple dedicated to Vishnu and one dedicated to Hanuman.

Named after Jai Singh II, the fort is perched on a cliff and surrounded by huge battlements with inside walkways offering stunning views on all sides.

A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one - seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

Sanganer - A 40 kms drive from Jaipur, Sanganer is famed for textile block - printing, paper - making and Jaipur blue pottery.

Gaitor - Located 15kms from Jaipur, it is here that the Chhatris of Jaipur's rulers stand amidst reverential silence. The cenotaph of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh - II, the founder of Jaipur, is the finest. Twenty carved pillars support a dazzling structure in white marble, its elegant dome. Other cenotaphs that are of note are those of Pratap Singh and Madho Singh II.

A major event in Jaipur, this festival is celebrated during the months of July/August and dedicated to goddess Parvati. The festival celebrates the beginning of the mansoon.

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