chhatris-tombs-cenotaph-royal-gaitore-jaipur-must-visit-place-tourist-attraction-india-jaipurthrumylens
Jaipur Architecture, Jaipur Offbeat

Royal Gaitor | The Rajput Architectural Opulence!

Royal Gaitore is one of the lesser-explored tourist attractions in Jaipur & presents a spectacular architectural brilliance that a traveler shouldn’t miss. It is referred to as Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan in Hindi. Gaitore has the reputation of being one of the most beautifully constructed and maintained royal cenotaphs in Rajasthan. Every structure has a distinct design and workmanship, which makes it unique. It is still owned by the erstwhile rulers of Jaipur. It’s a calm and peaceful place, away from the hustle and bustle of bazaars of Jaipur. Moreover, it’s a big change in contrast with the touristy Amer Fort.

If you were to search for the word Gaitor or Gaitore/  गैटोर in Hindi dictionary, you are unlikely to find a listing. This word doesn’t have any meaning. Popular opinion assumes that it might have originated from “Gaye ka Thor” (गये का ठौर) in Hindi, which when translated into English means resting place of the departed soul. It is a royal cremation site and the mausoleum of Kacchawa rulers of Jaipur and some people refer it as royal Tumbas.

How To Reach Royal Gaitore Jaipur

Gaitore is in Brahampuri, Jaipur. It is at a foothill with Nahargarh Fort on one side and Garh Ganesh temple on the other side. It houses several tombs and mausoleums of the entire Kacchhawa dynasty that ruled over Jaipur from 1727 AD to 1947 AD barring just one ruler – Maharajah Sawai Ishwari Singh. I  found the mausoleum of Maharajah Sawai Madho Singh II and Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, most beautiful of all. Across Rajasthan, Rajput rulers used to build chhatris as a remembrance to the deceased rulers. Bada Bagh is another such monument in Jaisalmer constructed using sandstone which has become an important tourist attraction.

Gaitore primarily has chhatris made of white marble. (Chhatris are dome-shaped structures or cupolas). Sandstone has also been used in Some Chhatris. These are one of the finest examples of fusion between Rajput & Mughal architecture spanning 220 years. White marble  Chhatris features intricate carvings which are both exquisite and beautiful. I will not delve into history any further. Let me take you on a visual tour of Royal Gaitore in Jaipur.

Follow me on Facebook   Twitter    Instagram  

chhatris-tombs-cenotaph-royal-gaitore-jaipur-must-visit-place-tourist-attraction-india-jaipurthrumylens
Chhatri with intricate detailing

The above Chhatri belongs to Maharajah Jai Singh II, founder of Jaipur city.

Nahargarh Fort in the background seems to add to its charm.

rajput-architecture-royal-gaitore-chhatris-touirst-attraction-jaipur-rajasthan-india-sms-trust-jaipurthrumylens
A simpler version of the tombs

The cenotaphs dedicated to the later rulers are not as intricate or as big as the previous one say that of Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh II. Probably, this is an indication of the fall in the wealth of state or change in the mindset. Each Chhatri structure is unique in terms of architecture. The below structure is built in Baradari style devoid of the typical Rajput dome or Chhatri structures.

sawai-madho-singh-ii-cenotaph-tomb-royal-gaitore-jaipur-rajasthan-india-jaipurthrumylens
This mausoleum is quite unique in its architecture with Baradari type of construction, similar to the one famous in Amer palace.

I love the way white marble blends with the pastel yellow color wall.

white-marble-tomb-sawai-madho-singh-ii-royal-gaitore-jaipur-sms-trust-jaipurthrumylens
Simplicity personified.

The one below is the most ornate and elaborate of all. This is Maharajah Sawai Madho Singh II Chhatri.

rajput-chhatri-mable-sandstone-tomb-maharajah-sawai-jai-singh-ii-royal-gaitore-must-visit-places-jaipur-jaipurthrumylens
Intricate  carving on white marble and sandstone in one of the tombs at Royal Gaitore, Jaipur 

The most ornate and beautiful Chhatri belongs to the Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh II made out of the finest white marble sourced from Makrana in the Jodhpur region.

royal-gaitor-jaipur-history-sawai-jai-singh-II-cenotaph

In all this cenotaph is the most exquisite and elaborate of all.

royal-gaitor-jaipur-marble-carving-pillar

marble-carved-cenotaph-maharajah-sawai-pratap-singh-royal-gaitor-brahampuri-jaipurthrumylens
Stonecraft and fine workmanship can be seen here

In many ways, this particular structure reminds me of the Albert Hall Museum due to a similarity in architectural styles.

tomb-maharajah-sawai-jai-singh-ii-royal-gaitore-jaipur-offbeat-tourist-attraction-sms-trust-jaipurthrumylens
A closer look at the detailing.

The most recent structures in Gaitore are the ones dedicated to Brig. Sawai Bhawani Singh (1931-2011) the son of the last ruling king of Jaipur. His tombs can be found on the right-hand side from the gate.

maharajah-bhawani-singh-tumba-gaitor-jaipur
Tumba dedicated to Maharajah Bhawani Singh

Another important cenotaph is of Maharajah Sawai Man Singh II, the last ruler of Jaipur It is located on the left-hand side after the entrance gate. The cenotaph of Brig. Bhawani Singh is a replication of Maharajah Sawai Man Singh II.

maharajah-man-singh-2-gaitor-cenotaph-jaipur
Cenotaph dedicated to the last ruler of Jaipur- Maharajah Man Singh II

Here are a few monochrome pictures of Royal Gaitore.

rajasthani-rajput-chhatri-royal-gaitore-jaipur-rajasthan-india-sawai-jai-singh-ii-jaipurthrumylens
Beautiful Chhatris.

The entrance gate featured below is not the main entrance to Gaitore. It’s a secondary entrance. I assume this must have been the original gate for this compound but as the requirement of space grew for more cenotaphs and place expanded, the gate was shifted closer towards the city. The main entrance is not as understated as this one.

entrance-royal-gaitore-cenotaph-jaipur-sms-trust-tourist-attraction-sawai-ram-singh-ii-jaipurthrumylens
Entrance gate

By the way, are you aware that Jaipur (and Rajasthan state as a whole) is still one of the leading places for stone sculpting & carving? Especially the one which uses white marble and sandstone?  Rajasthani stone sculptors are always in demand across the World for stone sculpting work in the temples. Jaipur and Sikandara village are popular places to hunt for Murtis, idols, and sculptures made of white marble and sandstone.

maharajah-sawai-jai-singh-ii-picture-royal-gaitore-tourist-attraction-in-jaipur-jaipurthrumylens
As seen from the steps leading to the Garh Ganesh temple.

Tips for visiting Gaitore

Clubbing your visit to Royal Gaitore with Garh Ganesh Temple close-by is a good idea. If you’re visiting during the evenings, it makes sense to climb up to the Garh Ganesh temple and enjoy the lovely views of the city and the sunset. Click here to read all write-ups on Garh Ganesh temple, Jaipur

Follow me on Facebook   Twitter   Instagram  

In my opinion, Royal Gaitore is the finest masterpiece of the royal architecture of Jaipur. The kind of detailing & workmanship one get to see here is outstanding. Each structure is architecturally unique. It’s being said that one can experience the changes in architectural styles and patterns by closely observing the structures built over the years. It is definitely worth visiting if you are looking to explore offbeat Jaipur or love architecture and art. It is also recommended for travelers seeking quiet moments and solitude.

best-jaipur-blog-award-jaipurthrumylens

 

 

79 thoughts on “Royal Gaitor | The Rajput Architectural Opulence!”

  1. What a befitting homage to the departed! Commemorating their dead was done in a royal manner as the Kings had the public funds all to themselves to plan their royal retreat!
    Beautiful images. Thanks for sharing this off-beat place arv, I have seen such chhatris in Jodhpur, they are a marvel in marble!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. well, I know that royalty had all such privileges which were denied to the common public. Even here at Gaitore these tombs depict condition of wealth with royalty when a particular tomb was built as well as personal preferences and style of prevalent architecture. If you observant, there’s a lot that you can learn. Also, I feel the level of detailing in the craftsmanship is unimaginable in current world. Rajasthan was well renowned for the stone work. A similar attraction in Jodhpur is Jaswant thada.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts here 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you Raghav! It’s not hidden really…but this is offbeat. Indians in general don’t find this one interesting enough but some foreign tourists love this place.
      Thanks for appreciating and commenting!
      🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I’m sure. Been to many historical sites locally and always hear people say “yeh Kya tutti phooti cheez dekh rahe Ho”. I think if we start appreciating our heritage, we can do so much better in our present as well. Thanks for bringing it to everyone’s notice.

        Like

      2. Given the amount of build and cultural heritage we have, we should feel lucky! On the other hand, the general attitude of people in our country is that anything new and the ones which comes from west is best! appreciating things which are from yester-years is quite like being backwards and not appreciated. This is general attitude around us. In comparison, when we look at how many European countries have been able to generate money from such heritage we are far far behind. Our attitude needs to change very soon, else we’ll lose our heritage. old building are losing to the shiny glass facades!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. My sentiments exactly!! I’m mad about vintage and antique and go nuts over it but there are only a few those who appreciate it. Still, small changes are happening and it might take time but hope is still there. Although we’ve lost a lot o encroachments and buildings being demolished for – as you said – new buildings, we still have a lot to offer. Fingers crossed!

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Strangely, or not? The edifices are more magnificent after death, than the lives likely were. As magnificent as the structures are, why do people wish to prove they are somehow better than the next person? In death, all are equal. Cheers Jamie.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I love your thought.
      As I shared with another blogger, there is stark contrast between tombs. some are simpler while others are opulent and magnificent. It is a study of prevalent architecture and the state of finances when a particular tomb was built. Surprisingly, the tombs of most popular rulers are the best in terms of architecture and detailing.
      It’s true that humans have always been thinking of ways to keep their names alive in people’s mind even when they are gone. The irony is that this thought is generally with rich people. for common man, it’s a daily fight for survival. Thanks for sharing your thought Jamie! You never fail at it and I love your unique way of looking at things! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. absolutely stunning. Great story and superb photographs. I really enjoyed looking at them and reading about them. I am looking for places without to many tourists and will research this some more now. Thanks again 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Good to know that you enjoyed pictures and write up Jackie. If offbeat is your cup of tea, I can suggest you few more places. Feel free to get in touch!
      Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for appreciating the post! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  8. Amazing! So much info in the post, ignorant me reading with lot of interest! Beautiful architecture and you have captured it so well made me click on each and every pic to see them in detail.
    Would definitely enjoy visiting the place whenever that would happen.
    Great post 👍🏻.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you Ashu. I’m happy you enjoyed this write up.
      Generally, I stay away from writing about regular tourist attractions in Jaipur. Enough has been written on blogs, travelogues and sites. So unles there’s unique angle to it, it doesn’t make sense for me to write about it. This one is offbeat. I have been getting many requests to write about some tourist attractions as well.
      well, if you haven’t visited Jaipur ever, than you must plan for a visit. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      3. 😀😀
        One can look at it this way -you are making such a big contribution by developing interest in the city through your lens. How many memories would be created for those tourists for whom the pics from your lens were deciding factor for selection of this tourist destination, so such a big part your site plays.
        Also everything in the world is not for monetary gains, right!
        So yeah unpaid contribution if you wanna say that way😀

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Ha ha! It flew from a recent comment from a fellow blogger. she mentioned that you’ve done great pr work.

        In any case, whatever I write is completely by my own choice. I write for my readers and myself! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  12. What a beautiful place!! We’ve been ignoring Jaipur as a weekend getaway mainly because we’ve been there and seen the tourist destinations. Now we have an excuse to revisit… Like you say, its a perfect place for those of us who hate the milieu of tourists. Beautiful imagery too 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. The thing about offbeat places is that they are not everyone’s cup of tea. while there are many offbeat places, I’m always contemplating whether they’ll live upto the expectations. Thing with more popular ones is that even if they’re not so great people are mentally set that it needs to be ticked off. That’s one of the reason why I have slowed down writing about these places. I don’t want people to have high expectations from such places since it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. With popular places like Jaipur expectations just builds up.

      I’ll suggest you to pick places of your choice and let your trip be easy and laidback. Maybe choose some haveli in old -walled city or some resort situated away from Jaipur city area. How about doing a city or heritage walk? pick your style.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. Royal Gaitore looks an amazing place to visit and the architecture looks stunning – such intricate detail. I could happily spend hours investigating the beautiful Chhatris. The white marble is really lovely.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. This white marble is one of the world’s best, much stronger than more famous Italian marble. This one is pure white with no figures or patterns. Unfortunately, the quarry located near Jaipur has now run low on this resource. 🙂
      I’ll post more pictures on details of workmanship soon. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  16. Another Great post Arv, yes I am aware of the marbles cutting done in Rajasthan and also have heard about the contribution of Rajasthani sculptors in the making of Taj Mahal. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. The answer is negative because the most ornate ones were completed at least two hundred years ago. The recent ones are simple in design. currently there’s no work in progress! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.