Fondly known as the SMS stadium to locals, the sprawling Sawai Mansingh Stadium was built by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. With a capacity of around 30,000, this historic venue has hosted numerous cricket test matches, the most famous being the India v/s Pakistan in 1987. Also in a city where polo is given precedence over any other sport, SMS is a lone stadium that is used for other sporting tournaments. The confines also house a cricket academy, hockey field, badminton court and a swimming pool. The stadium has restricted entry and is open to the general public only during sports tournaments, so it makes sense to call ahead for details.
For those looking to escape the chaos of the main city, Jawahar Circle Garden might just be the right antidote. This vast expanse of lush greenery sees throngs of locals as well as tourists every day, who come by for a picnic with family and friends, or simply to enjoy their time alone. Claiming to be the largest circular park in Asia, this spot is definitely not worth a miss.
Ram Niwas Bagh was built in 1868 CE by Sawai Raja Pratap Singh and also houses the famous Albert Hall Museum. One of the most expensive gardens of its time, Ram Niwas Bagh had started off as a drought relief project for the people of Jaipur. A decade later, the foundation of the Museum Hall was laid in its compound. Today, this garden is a favorite hang-out for locals as well as tourists. Although open through mornings, this place is usually crowded during evenings as people come to appreciate the spectacular facade of the brilliantly lit Albert Hall. If you are looking for a peaceful time, this is not the place for you; with the city traffic on one side and the tourists loitering around the other, Ram Niwas hardly qualifies as a quiet place to relax. However, the lively atmosphere is quite enjoyable if you give it a chance.
Swargasuli or Isar Lat was built in the mid 18th century to commemorate Ishwari Singh's victory over Mewar and the formidable Maratha armies. This monumental seven story minaret is situated right in the middle of Tripolia Bazaar, and happens to be one of the tallest structures in Jaipur. A perfect example of Rajasthani design, it is said that Swargasuli was inspired by the Qutub minar built in New Delhi. One can enjoy an unobstructed bird's eye view of Jaipur City from this tower, which is finely decorated in exquisite lattice work. Swargasuli literally means a 'minaret reaching for the heavens'; one look at this towering structure, and you'd know why the name is indeed so apt!
An ingenious conception of the Department of Science and Technology of Rajasthan, the Science Park was built in 1998 to spread scientific knowledge and create environmental awareness among Jaipur's people. As you walk through the park you'll come across models explaining the various laws of science. Visitors here get acquainted with concepts like Newton's Law of Motion, gravity, conservation of energy and Kepler's law of celestial motion. The interactive displays, illusion-like effects, and three-dimensional mirror images at the 'Fun gallery' leave every visitor intrigued. Make sure you visit the mini-planetarium and the Information Technology gallery. Indeed, learning science was never this much fun! Please note this great attraction is closed on major holidays.
At the center of the green Statue Circle stands the imposing statue of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh with an astrological diagram in hand, created in tribute to Rajasthan's greatest visionary ruler and builder of the Pink City. Locals and tourists find this space perfect for relaxation and timeout. The prime attractions, hotels and commercial centers including the Birla Planetarium, City Palace, The Rambagh Palace and Central Park are a stone's throw away from here, thus explaining the incessant flow of traffic at the crossroads. Needless to say, Statue Circle remains crowded round the clock.