Page 366 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

364  WESTERN INDIA

Jaipur: South of the Walled City Palace, occupies a special place
in the history of Jaipur. Built
By the end of the 19th century, Jaipur had expanded far in 1739 for Sawai Jai Singh II’s
beyond the boundaries of the walled city established by favourite queen, Chandra Kumari
Sawai Jai Singh II. Many new pleasure palaces, hunting Ranawatji, it was used as a
lodges and mansions were built on its outskirts, making summer resort by the ladies
of the court. In 1821, it was
the city a harmonious blend of old and new.
declared the official home of
the British Resident in Jaipur.
However, the most memorable
phase of its his tory dates to
the time when Man Singh II
and Gayatri Devi moved here
from Rambagh Palace in 1956.
Among the celebrities they
entertained were Prince Philip,
polo player like Man Singh II,
and Jackie Kennedy.
E Jawahar Kala Kendra
Jawaharlal Nehru Marg.
Tel (091) 98281 44299. Open daily.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple, a white marble addition to the Pink City - m
Designed by the Indian architect
P Moti Doongri Palace Hammonds of London to redo Charles Correa and inaugurated
Jawaharlal Nehru Marg. the interiors. New additions in 1993, this remarkable
Closed to the public. included an exotic red-and-gold building pays vivid tribute to
Moti Doongri palace, perched Chinese room, contemporary
on a low hillock, owes its florid black marble Indian design.
exterior to Sawai Man Singh II bathrooms, Lalique An arts centre,
(r.1922–49), who converted the crystal chandeliers it is imaginatively
old fort of Shankargarh into a and an illuminated patterned after
palace, and added turrets in the dining table. the famous grid
style of a Scottish castle. In 1940 Surrounded system of the city,
he married the beautiful Princess by fairy-tale and each of its
Gayatri Devi of Cooch Behar, and gardens, it became Jawahar Kala Kendra nine squares or
this palace with its modernized a hotel in 1957, courts houses a
interior became the venue for when Man Singh II moved to small mahal, or palace, named
glittering parties hosted by the the smaller Raj Mahal Palace. after a planet. Each also displays
glamorous couple. selected exhibits of textiles,
At the foot of Moti Doongri P Raj Mahal Palace handicrafts and weaponry,
is the white marble Lakshmi Sardar Patel Marg. Tel (0141) 510 5675. while in the centre there is a
Narayan Temple, a popular 0 open to non-residents. wonderfully conceived open-air
place of worship, admired Now a grand heritage hotel, this plaza, where performan ces of
for its elaborate carvings. pleasant 18th-century palace, traditional Rajasthani music
less opulent than the Rambagh and dance are held.
P Rambagh Palace
Bhawani Singh Rd. Tel (0141) 221
1919. 0 open to non-residents.
The Rambagh Palace, now a
splendid hotel, has a colourful
past. Built in 1835, it was originally
a small garden pavilion for Ram
Singh II’s wet nurse, but was used
as a hunting lodge after she died
in 1856. Later, on his return from
England, Ram Singh II’s son Madho
Singh II transformed it into a royal
playground with squash and
tennis courts, a polo field and an
indoor swimming pool. In 1933,
it became the official residence
of Madho Singh’s adopted heir,
Man Singh II, who hired Luxurious interior of Rambagh Palace, now a hotel
For hotels and restaurants in this region see p699 and pp712–13

364-365_EW_India.indd 364 26/04/17 11:46 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
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Date 12th July 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm