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Tourist Atraction of Jaipur
Jaigarh Fort - Jaipur
At a distance of 15kms from Jaipur, stands the imposing Jaigarh Fort. Also called
the Victory Fort, the Jaigarh Fort stands in the midst of thorn-scrub hills
that impart a sterner look to the already forbidding Fort. As one approaches
the fort from the steep road that leads to the main gate, the Dungar Darwaza,
one cannot help but remark at the amazing view it offers of the city below.
The Jaigarh fort was built to bolster up the defense of Amer, so one should
not be amazed to find that the fort unlike most palaces and forts of Jaipur
is quite plain and simple. It has moats and all the features you would expect
of a full-fledged citadel.
The highlight of the tour of Jaigarh Fort is definitely the Jaivana, which
is the world's largest cannon on wheels. It was built in Jaigarh's foundry
in the year 1720. Many say that the cannon was only used once and the ball
fell some 35kms away on a village. But that's quite doubtful, since a closer
inspection of the cannon actually revealed that it has been fired at least
a couple of times.
The Fort has a lot of wide water channels, which were a part of a rainwater
harvesting system. There are 3 underground tanks at the fort, the largest
one of which could store 60,00,000 gallons of water. An interesting story
about this tank is that, many believed it contained hidden treasure but unfortunately
Indian Government searched for it and did not find anything at all.
While you are taking a tour of the Jaigarh Fort, you might want to visit
the armory and the museum. The armory has many swords, shields, guns, muskets
and even a 50 kg cannon ball. One can also see old photographs of two of Jaipur's
Maharajas, Sawai Bhawani Singh and Major General Man Singh II, both of whom
were senior officers in the military (Indian Army). The Museum has many photographs,
of Maharajas, royalty, buildings and processions and even a circular pack
of cards besides many other relics of the past.
There are various other structures you can check out too, such as open halls.
The most interesting one is the Shubhat Niwas (the Meeting hall of Warriors),
which has many old things of the old times.
The Jaigarh Fort is definitely worth a visit, if you are in Jaipur. The Entrance
fee to Jaigarh is Rs. 10 for Indian Tourists and Rs. 20 for Foreign Tourists
" Jaigarh Fort - Jaipur Reservation Form "