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Jaipur’s commanding forts keep watch, temples and museums offer glimpses of a rich culture, and the Old City pays homage to a regal past.

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Fabulous Forts

Located atop a hill, 1 Amber Fort, or Amer Fort, is a structure made of red sandstone and marble, with large ramparts, cobbled paths, and the opulent Amer Palace overlookin­g the Maota Lake. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, the fort showcases its glorious past with an engaging light and sound show. Trailing the edge of the Aravalli Hills, and providing a panorama of Jaipur, is the 18th-century 2 Nahargarh Fort, best known for being a location for hit Bollywood movies. Once a retreat and hunting residence of the Rajput kings, it now houses the Jaipur Wax Museum and Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirrors). Another fort that served as a defence outpost for the city is the rugged Jaigarh Fort. It is known for the Jaivana Cannon, which was the world’s largest cannon on wheels at the time of its manufactur­e in 1720.

Revered Temples

Made of white marble, the 3 Birla Temple features three towers representi­ng three faiths of India, stained glass windows depicting Hindu mythology, and marble sculptures of Hindu deities as well as Christ, Buddha, Confucius, Socrates, and others. An ancient Hindu pilgrimage site about 10 kilometres from the city, Galta Ji has a series of temples built into a narrow crevice in the hills. Located within Jai Niwas Garden is the Vaishnava temple of Govind Dev Ji, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Memorable Museums

The oldest museum in Rajasthan, 4 Albert Hall Museum is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architectu­re designed by noted British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. Opened as a public museum in 1887, it displays a rich collection of paintings, jewellery, carpets, ivory, metal sculptures, and crystal works. Located in a traditiona­l townhouse, Anokhi Museum (anokhi.com) is dedicated to preserving the rich textile heritage of the land through artefacts that depict hand printing and woodblock printing. Amrapali Museum (amrapalimu­seum.com) is another lesser-known gem with one of the rarest collection­s of tribal and ancient jewellery.

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