Sunday, January 18, 2009

Jaipur - my last post!!



I wonder if all of my friends who visit my blog are fed up of my Jaipur posts by now!!! Anyway, this is going to be the last post of the series. In this, I present two more special palaces that are very unique in their own way...and we could only get the long view since it was closed to the public.

The Jal Mahal (Water palace) is located right in the middle of a very deep lake and the view is incredible. We are not allowed inside and this was the best view..but still, it is an impressive sight.
That building has been standing for more than 300 years, and used to be the summer palace of the Royal family. The pillars of the palace are built such that the water does not destroy the foundation.. in fact the water passes through the pillars. It serves to make the palace cooler and also protect it from immense water-pressure
build-up!!!

Also, just the balcony portion is visible. The living quarters are submerged and have the umpteen number of chambers needed for the large Royal family and their servants.. It is said that there are windows underneath so that there is no sense of being under-water..and all the chambers are still water-proof...Also, the rooms are well-ventilated from above!!!Imagine the talent of builders and artisans !!!



Above is the picture of Hawa Mahal. It means 'air palace. The large number of windows are where the ladies in the palaces sat while any royal procession or special events took place down in the streets. The windows are well-curtained so no one can see in, but all the ladies could have a good view of the streets without crowding together at one window.These windows do make the place very airy, and if you notice, the open windows show the open skies beyond, as though the front is just a cut-out, and there are no walls behind.. but you can also see a man sticking his head out from a lower window..How is that???

This palace is built on the main 'pink' streets . All the buildings are the same coral-pink colour of the palace ..that's why Jaipur is called the Pink city.. it was so crowded with vehicles and people, that it was difficult to get a decent shot. 

We had a great time, but I recommend that you avoid the peak seasons while visiting Jaipur...the rush is unbelievable...

So this is it..a summation of our three-day trip to Jaipur!!!


7 comments:

  1. Beautiful! I love the photo of the water palace, absolutely breathtaking. It looks so serene.

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  2. Thanks for Pink Saturday fun, glad to hear from you~thank you too for your wonderful encouragement!

    I am not covered up with pink here LOL so that SAT was a stretch for me!! :) LOL

    Oh yes I imagine and dream of the art to go into making these lovely buildings!!!
    My fav, the water palace...oooo!!!

    I would never tire of reading about travels! :)....

    Sure hope you are well! And that your daughter is getting more confident in her singing :) :)

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  3. The Jal Mahal (Water palace)
    wow absolutly fabulous..amazing the workmanship you do over in India..
    thanks for sharing the beautiful parts of your world..
    and thanks on the recipe-map
    I'll see if I can find them now..
    hugs Patty

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  4. Wow the Jal Mahal is just amazing - it is hard to understand how it can be underwater and so water-tight - just amazing! Thanks for sharing it with us:)

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  5. Beautiful pictures!! Lucky you - I love travelling, however children make it more difficult.

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  6. Hey Poppa..i remember visitng Jal Mahal..and the guide wid us as usual told us many stories..he even told us this is where the hindi movie Beta was shot..I luv ur blogs!!!

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  7. One of my all-time favorite cities! I absolutely loved seeing the lake palace and the amber fort. But then shopping in Jiapur is divine!

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