Historic Sites of Jaipur in Northern India

A San Ramon, California-based entrepreneur, Vikas Mishra has extensive experience in IT infrastructure development. An international traveler, Vikas Mishra has visited five continents and had the experience to explore areas ranging from Machu Picchu in Peru to Jaipur in India.

The capital of northern India’s Rajasthan state, Jaipur is a historical city with many well-preserved glimpses of the past. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar was created by astronomer, scholar, and maharaja Jai Singh II in the early 18th century. Featuring 19 large stone instruments, the outdoor assemblage includes the world’s largest sundial, which can tell the date and time based on the sun and planetary patterns. Additionally, stone instruments on the grounds are used to calculate celestial latitude, longitude, and altitude.

A hilltop highlight is the 16th-century Amer Fort, which was constructed by Raja Man Singh and features high walls and embankments. Noteworthy for its Indo-Islamic architectural style, the walled interior is populated by exquisite temples, palaces, and courtyards. The Mira Mandir is particularly well known and has been featured prominently as a setting in the Bollywood hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa.