Jaipur India

Jaipur - The Pink City

Hawa Mahal, JaipurJaipur the capital city of Rajasthan is flanked by the Aravali Hills from one side. The city known for its colourful culture, magnificent forts and palaces is a major tourist destination. Jaipur is often called as the Pink City of India, because of its all painted pink buildings.

History of Jaipur

Jaipur was founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan. The city was coloured in pink to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of Mughal cities.

What attract tourists

Jaipur is a bustling capital city and a major business centre, but it keeps its old-age charm which surprises the travellers. The city situated along the stunning backdrop of ancient forts of Nahargarh, Amer, Jagarh and Moti Dungri attracts thousands of tourists. Among the prominent tourist attractions include :

The City Palace The palace also known as Sawai Jai Singh's Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) is located in the heart of the city. Built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles, this is the former residence of the royal family. The royal family still lives in a portion of this palace, while other portions have been converted into the the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. The museum has a huge collection of rare manuscripts, Rajasthani and Mughal miniatures, Carpets, Costumes and Textiles, Arms and Weapons etc. Other attractions inside the palace are a pair of Gangajalis and Govind Devji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Jantar Mantar Jantar Mantar is situated across the road from the City Palace. Principally a stone observatory, Jantar Mantar is one of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. A collection of complex astronomical instruments, chiseled out of stone- most of which still provide fairly accurate information to this day.

Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal is a major landmark of Rajputs. The five storey building overlooks one of the main streets and provides breathtaking views of the Pink city. The monument was originally built with an aim to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday activities on the streets.

Amber Palace Elephant Ride at Amber Palace, JaipurThe place set amidst a picturesque surroundings presents an amazing mixture of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Amber is a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries. The attractions inside the palace complex are Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas and Ganesh Pole. The old township of Amer lies at the foothills of the palace and it has the attractions like Jagat Shiromani Temple, Narsingh Temple and other places of tourist interest.

Jaigarh The fort built in 1726 is also called as the Fort of Victory. The fort houses the world's largest cannon on wheels and a museum. The fort provides excellent views of the Amer Palace and foothills of the Aravalli range.

Excursions around Jaipur

Nahargarh Fort Built in 1734, it is first of three forts in Jaipur, situated at a distance of 10 Kms from Jaipur. The fort and Palace overlooking the artificial lake is famous for its blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The fort provides spectacular views of the city both in day time and night.

Samod Located 40 Kms northwest of Jaipur, it is small village famous for its palace with its massive Diwan-i-Khas. The little town of Samod has its own cloth printers, bangle makers and other artisans. The palace has recently been converted as a heritage hotel.

Sanganer The place situated at a distance of 12 Kms from Jaipur lies on the Tonk road. The town is famous worldwide for textile block printing. Sanganer an important centre for crafts industry and produces some of the finest hand printed textiles from units of block and screen printers. Besides it also houses ruined palaces and exquisitely carved Jain temples.

How to Reach Jaipur

The Rambagh Palace Hotel, JaipurThe capital city is well connected by air, rail and road links. Local transport is available for tourist places in and around the city.

Air : The flights are available from cities like Delhi (45 minutes), Jodhpur (45 minutes), Udaipur (1 hour 45 minutes) and Aurangabad (2 hour 15 minutes).

Rail : Jaipur is the major railhead, the trains are available from all the major cities of India.

Road : The highways and state roads connects Jaipur with other cities inside and outside the state. The distance of some cities from Jaipur are Delhi (261 Kms), Agra (246 Kms), Ahmedabad (625 Kms), Chandigarh (510 Kms), Mumbai (1,176 Kms) and Kolkata (1,472 Kms).

Where to Stay in Jaipur

The hotels in Jaipur provide enough accommodation options. The hotels range from heritage, star to budget offer pleasant stay to travellers. Some of the famous hotels in Jaipur are Jai Mahal Palace (5 Star Deluxe), Raj Vilas (5 Star Deluxe), The Rambagh Palace Hotel (5 Star Deluxe), Rajputana Palace Sheraton (5 Star Deluxe), Hotel Mansingh (5 Star) and Hotel Jaipur Palace (5 Star) etc.

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