The fairytale city of Jaipur is nicknamed the «Pink City» by the locals because of the color of the stone used to build almost all the buildings on its territory. Even the fortification walls protecting it from unwelcome guests and preying animals are pink. Today, this largest center of semi-precious stone processing in the world and the true kingdom of palatial and temple architecture is happy to receive each traveler and welcomely opens its gates. And if to get to know shimmering jewelry you may need a good magnifying glass – to explore pompous palaces of maharajahs and temples astounding with their sizes, you will need to go up the main skyscraper of Jaipur, the Isarlat Tower. Climb there to enjoy the stunning panorama of the magic city from the bird’s eye view. Locals call it «Sargasooli» which translates from Hindi as «Heavenly». Indeed, it almost touches the sky, and its observation deck on the highest, the 7th tier, offers such a view that the phrase «on cloud nine» can be interpreted literally.
The famous seven-storied Isarlat Tower was built in 1749 by Maharaja Ishvari Singh to commemorate the great victory over each of the seven states which supported his brother Madho Singh in a sharp battle for the throne of Jaipur. It is located near the Tripoli Gate leading to the former Maharaja Palace. From the observation deck of the upper tier of the octagonal tower where you can get by following the narrow steps of a steep staircase, you can see the enormous grounds of the palace that occupy 1/7 of the Old Town, as well as numerous other palaces and temples. Each of its tiers has a door and an exit to the deck but you can profit from a 360-degree view of the fantastic city only by reaching the top.
Over many years, this view wasn’t available to the general public. Only in recent years, the local authorities allowed tourists to visit the tower. So now everyone can enjoy the same beautiful views that delighted the eye of the Maharaja in the 18th century.