If I travel by air from Lucknow to Pune Corona test is required

Image
PUNE: People reaching Maharashtra in flights connecting Delhi, Rajasthan, Goa and Gujarat will not have to carry with them the RT-PCR negative reports or undergo the test at the airports on arrival. A representative of the city-based diagnostic centre conducting the tests on the arriving flyers at the airport told TOI that the decision was conveyed to them following a meeting between officials of the airport and various airline. People boarding direct flights from these four states to Maharashtra will, however, have to undergo the test. In response to a WhatsApp message sent to Pune airport director Kuldeep Singh on whether the state government had kept passengers reaching the city connecting the four states out of the RT-PCR test purview, he said, “Yes.” The Centre on Wednesday requested the Maharashtra government not to introduce Covid tests for travellers from Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa at airports and railway stations in the state before December 1. T...

Famous place in Jaipur

The traveller visiting Jaipur for the first time will instantly notice the juxtaposition of old and new- lanky camels walk the same roads as luxury buses, swanky malls stand side by side with age-old bazaars. The Pink City has all the tourist amenities but is built on a culture and heritage that permeates the very skeleton of the capital of Rajasthan. Whether you’re exploring the City Palace, or taking a ride to Amber Fort, nestled in the Aravalli Hills, Jaipur’s majestic history is tangible, breath-taking, and offers travellers exactly what they’re looking for- a royally good time!

In 1876, all the buildings of Old Jaipur were painted the colour of pink sandstone in honour of the visiting Prince of Wales, hence the moniker. The Pink City is now a bustling metropolis but its historical monuments haven’t lost any of their charm. Make sure you don’t miss out on these vibrant places to visit in Jaipur mentioned below.

1. CITY PALACE

Bang in the centre of the Old City is the City Palace, an amalgamation of various buildings, gardens and courtyards, around which runs a wall erected by Jai Singh, the Hindu Rajput ruler, after whom the city is named. The standout feature of the City Palace is the aesthetic combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture.

As you enter the City Palace from Virendra Pol, you will notice the 19th century Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace). The latter contains a variety of royal costumes with exquisite brocade work. If you walk north from Mubarak Mahal, you will reach Rajendra Pol, another entrance, that has carved elephants holding lotus flowers in their mouths. The Diwa-i-Am has a rare, impressive collection of paintings, hand-printed manuscripts of Hindu texts and 17th century Lahori carpets.

The City Palace is one of the best maintained places to visit in Jaipur. You shouldn’t leave without exploring the Maharani’s Palace that is, surprisingly, home to a vast armoury.

2. AMBER FORT AND PALACE

Around 10kms northeast of Jaipur lies a majestic specimen of Rajput architecture. Amber (pronounced Amer) Fort-Palace has four sections, each with their own courtyard. Be prepared to travel back in time as soon as you enter through Suraj Pol (Sun Gate). From there the sights get more majestic as you explore the main courtyard, Jaleb Chowk. The Diwan-i-Am, Hall of Public Attendance, has two rows of columns that have sculptured elephants at the top.

Don’t forget to check out the intricate mosaic work at the Ganesh Pol courtyard. The mirrored ceiling and inlaid panels of Jai Mandir, Hall of victory, will leave you enthralled by the beauty of this historical building. Jai Mandir also offers stunning panoramic views of Maota Lake and the palace ramparts.
An elephant ride via the cobbled road that leads to the Amber Fort entrance is a memory that will last forever.

3. JANTAR MANTAR— TIME AS MEASURED BY THE MAHARAJAS OF OLD

Jantar Mantar’s foundation was laid in 1728 by Jai Singh who took more than a passing interest in astronomy. This royal observatory has a number of striking instruments meant to calculate eclipses, altitude and azimuth, and the position of stars, among other.

Hiring a guide is a good idea here as he will take you around and explain how the various instruments were utilized. For instance, the Brihat Samrat Yantra (King of the Instruments) is a massive sundial that has an imposing 27m gnomon that casts an impressive shadow on the dial, according to the position of the sun.

The Ram Yantras consists of 12 vertical and horizontal slabs that measure the altitude and azimuth of planetary bodies. Jantar Mantar will take you about an hour to explore but you will come away with a sense of awe at Jai Singh’s search for meaning among the stars!

4. HAWA MAHAL

From a distance, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) looks like an enormous honeycomb. Constructed of pink and red sandstone, this palace is easily the most remarkable structure in Jaipur.

Built in 1799, Hawa Mahal served as the meeting place for the royal Rajput ladies who could survey the life of the city from 953 tiny windows built into the walls. These small windows allowed for maximum ventilation and even today one can get a magnificent view of Jaipur, overlooking Jantar Mantar and City Palace.

The narrow corridors and filtering light make for exciting exploration and the only entrance is from behind this structure of architectural ingenuity.

5. ABHANERI

You know you’re in Abhaneri when you’re greeted with a sprawling expanse of wheat crops. This little-known village is home to one of the most magnificent stepwells you will find in Rajasthan.

The 10th century Chand Baori contains 11 criss-crossing levels and is 20m deep. At the side of the baori is a palace where members of the royal family would sun-bathe and picnic in seclusion. Abhaneri is also home to the 10th century, orange sandstone, Harshat Mata Temple. The remnants of the deep relief sculptures here are interesting to explore for history lovers.

Abhaneri is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur, and the perfect day-trip away from the city bustle.


Comments