The gateway to the dessert state of Rajasthan is a congested and chaotic city that yet manages to ensnare the unwary traveler with its quixotic appearance and brilliantly colorful atmosphere. No one can accuse the city of Jaipur of being anything less than flamboyant or majestic. Boasting of royal pasts and permanently bustling bazaars, it stands proud with a sophistication that is an acquired taste to most. Glowing brightest as the sun sets, it's known as the City of Victory - both resilient and statuesque as time itself.
Designed in the Indo-Saracenic style that is a blend of European and traditional Indian architecture, the Albert Hall, Jaipur is a dignified monument. Built in 1876 by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, it's at present used as the Central Museum of Jaipur. The hall was named after Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert and was designed by Colonel Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob.
Purporting to be the oldest museum of the state, it houses an assortment of the rarest articles. Ranging from textiles to weapons, it also displays metal and wood crafts, pottery, arms, flora and fauna of the state, toys and even an Egyptian Mummy belonging to the Ptolemaic Epoch. A number of miniature paintings and also an extremely famous carpet portraying a scene of a Persian Garden can be witnessed in the museum. In an attempt to display the uniqueness of jewelry and dress of the tribes and classes at that time, the galleries on the ground floor were remodeled in 1959. These depictions include the lifestyles of the many tribes of Rajasthan. Another gallery has been dedicated to the 'Mehendi Mandana', or the henna body art which is so well recognized the world over. Phad and puppet paintings depicting the life of Pabuji Rathor - a great folk hero also takes precedence in one gallery. The central gallery however, is the real gem of the place, depicting and completely devoted to the dance forms and music of the Rajasthan dynasty.
When considering accommodation in Jaipur,
The Gateway Hotel Ramgarh Lodge Jaipur could be touted as one of the best hotels around. Warm and welcoming, it strives to make the guest their priority. A
Jaipur hotel that markets itself as having an eye for perfection, it promises to provide the best of services and hospitality any hotel can offer.
