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Monuments in Rajasthan

Hawa Mahal : Hawa Mahal or the Palace of the Wind was built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and is one of the major landmarks of the pink city Jaipur. This five storey building Hawa Mahal is a stunning example of Rajput artistry made of red and pink sand stone. This palace is of unusual architecture and was designed by Lal Chand Usta. Hawa Mahal is beautifully outlined with white borders and motif's painted with quick lime.The entire building of Hawa Mahal is shaped like a crown adorning Lord Krishna's head. The five-story, pyramid-shaped structure of Hawa Mahal is made up of small casements, each with tiny windows and arched roofs, beautifully modeled and carved. These tiny windows circulate cool air even during extreme hot months of summer. The entrance to the Hawa Mahal is in the rear side of the main building. Unlike conventional buildings the front portion of the building having no entry at all. The Hawa Mahal also provides a striking view of the beautiful city of Jaipur. Hawa Mahal can be viewed at its best during sunrise when the sunlight through the latticed window gives it a wonderful glow. Hawa Mahal is currently under the supervision of the State Archeological Department

Ajmer Sharif : Ajmer Sharif (Ajmer - e - Sharif - Dargah) is the final resting place of the famous Muslim Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisthi and is situated in the famous city of Ajmer in Rajasthan. This marble domed mausleum is one of the most important shrines for Muslims in India is visited by the people of all religions. Legends says tha Akbar, the famous Mughal Emperor has visited this Shrine to meet the saint, in his quest of a boon for an heir.The major festivals celebrated in Ajmer Sharif is the Urs festivals, which is held in the month of May. The Urs festival in Ajmer Sharif attracts lakhs of Pilgrims from all over India. There is also a mosque within the Dargah, which was build by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Like all other Mughal buildings the Dargah is an architecturel marvel, which white marbles, narrow courtyard, ornate calligraphic inscriptions and beautiful carvings. Reaching this marvelous monument is not much difficult as Ajmer is well connected to the other cities by road and rail.

The Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur : The Umaid Bhavan Palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh and is situated in Jodhpur in Rajasthan. This heritage palace was built during the period of 1929-34 and that was a time when Jodhpur was struck with famine and had a large number of suffering people. The construction of this palace employed around 5000 men for a period of 16 years. The Palace is located at the top of the Chittar hills and is mainly built of the Chittar sandstone. and hence also earned it another name, that of Chittar Palace. The Umaid Bhavan palace is one the best examples of the Rajput architecture with extending balconies, large courtyards, huge terraces, blooming gardens and royal rooms. The palace, spreads over an area of 26 acres and is segregated into three distinctive part. The first one of the was used by the grandson of Umaid Singh, and the second part has been converted into a museum. The third part of the palace, today serves as a famous heritage hotel. At Present the Umaid Bhavan Palace is owned by His Highness Gaj Singh, The Maharaja of Jodhpur.

The Jaisalmer Fort : Jaisalmer Fort is an Ancient Monument in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and is a monument which is worth visiting while in Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is an ancient city in Rajasthan which is well known for its glorious heritage. The Jaisalmer Fort is a beatiful and ancient fort structure amidst the Thar desert sands, made of sand stones and is locally known as Sonar Quila. The Jaisalmer fort is also one of the largest desert forts in the World. Due to its massive yellow sandstones and its shining appearances during the sunset, the fort is also known as "The Golden Fort". The fort was built in 1156 AD by the famous Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. The Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan and is about two hundred and fifty feet tall.The fort is reinforced by imposing crenellated sandstone wall, which is 30 feet high.

Jantar Mantar : Jantar Mantar is an astronoical observatory in Jaipur, which was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1728. It is located near the gate of the City Palace and is considered to be the biggest stone observatory which is still running smoothly. 'Jantar' means 'instrument' and 'Mantar' means 'calculation' and hence Jantar Mantar means 'instrument for calculation'. This is one of the must to visit spot in Rajasthan, as it unveils a lots of interesting astronomical facts. It is also popular for its beautiful stone landscape and architecture. It is a place where you get an opportunity to learn something new and is also a place for having a bit of enjoyment. Each instruments in the Janta Mantar are build in local stones and marbles and carries an astrnomical scale which is marked on the inner lining of the marble. Apart from being a major tourist attraction it is also used by the local astronomers and astronomy students to predict the weather and learn more of astronomy.

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