Royal Cenotaphs of Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan

Gaitore cenotaphs. Niharika Sharma/CC BY-SA 4.0

Collector of Experiences (Atlas Obscura User)

Gaitore cenotaphs. Wyatt66 (Atlas Obscura User)

"Gaitor, set in a gorge washed by a seasonal river, still remains nature's most peaceful spot in Jaipur." From, Jaipur, The Last Destination by Aman Nath with photographs by Samar Singh Jodha. More photos of Gaitore at https://kimcarpenterphotos.smugmug.com/Gaitore-Jaipur/ kimcarpenter (Atlas Obscura User)

Collector of Experiences (Atlas Obscura User)

"Nine of the chhatris [covered pavilions, from the word for umbrella] or cenotaphs of the rulers of Jaipur lie here in the shadow of the ramparts of the Nahargarh fort. The oldest of all the chhatris is that of Jai Singh II (1700-1743) painstakingly built by his son Ishwari Singh...." From, Jaipur, The Last Destination by Aman Nath with photographs by Samar Singh Jodha. More photos at https://kimcarpenterphotos.smugmug.com/Gaitore-Jaipur/ kimcarpenter (Atlas Obscura User)

Just a short ride outside the center of Jaipur, India, you’ll find a cluster of royal tombs most tourists overlook. It’s a serene, beautiful spot; a place filled with a sort of contemplative quietness not afforded to the city’s more popular attractions.

Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan is the royal crematorium grounds for the Kachwaha, a Rajput clan that ruled in the region. The site was designated by the founder of Jaipur in the 18th century. The royals’ cenotaphs are scattered throughout the complex, creating what looks like a mix of shrunken open-air palaces and ornate towers. The structures mark the spots where former leaders were cremated.

They’re beautiful pieces of architecture to behold. Each is topped with an umbrella-shaped dome called a chhatri, which is a common fixture in Indian memorials or cremation sites. The most impressive structures are made of marble while others were constructed with sandstone. Some are embellished with intricate carvings of elephants, battle scenes, and nature.

Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan is a fascinating hidden gem. You can take your time while soaking in the quiet atmosphere, though do be respectful and bear in mind the site’s funerary past.