India’s Rajasthan, known for its historical monuments and rich folk culture, is embarking on night tour projects that will give its majestic attractions new life after dusk.
Kicking off in the state capital of Jaipur, projects will cover popular attractions including Amber Palace, Albert Hall, Hawa Mahal and Vidyadhar Ka Bagh.
Since the monuments started operating for night viewing, the night tourism segment has attracted footfalls of 12.2 lakh rupees (US$19,000) and revenues of 12.2 crore rupees, against the total capital expenditure of 4.3 crore rupees made on the installation of lighting fixtures, according to Hridesh Sharma, director of the government’s department of archaeology and museums.
In its endeavour to boost night tourism in the city, the department has revamped Vidyadhar Park, which began opening for night viewing in 2017. Nestled in the lap of a valley and offering a panoramic view of the city, the 350-year-old Vidyadhar Ka Bagh features a lush green garden and beautiful fountains that sparkle with yellow and blue lights at night.
Similar preparations are also being made at the other places in the vicinity including the famed Ghat ki Guni tunnel and Sisodiya Garden.
And while the 16th century Amber Palace has been open to visitors at night since 2015, the department of archaeology and museum is now initiating the Amber by Night campaign to make the attraction even more enchanting beyond dusk.
Open from 19.00 till 22.00, Amber by Night offers a tour of Jaleb Chowk, Diwan-e-Aam, Mansingh Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. The attraction has been enhanced with lights, fixtures, additional security and a café. A combination of LED & non-LED light fittings has also been added to create mood lighting, themed after different festivals.
Besides an upgrade of basic facilities, major additions include CCTV cameras, electric vehicles and segways.
Furthermore, the department of archaeology and museum has started holding cultural programmes at Amber Fort and Albert Hall, where renowned artistes of Rajasthan and other Indian states will stage cultural performances like kathak (on full moon nights) and other folk dances.
Jaipur’s walled city bazaars and historical gates are also set to come alive at night, with a project underway to provide façade lighting for Chaura Rasta, Tripolia Bazar and Johri Bazar, as well as Sanganeri Gate, New Gate, Ajmeri Gate, Tripolia Gate, Chandpole Gate and Hawa Mahal.
