Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan state, India. The city is famous for its majestic forts, palaces & beautiful lakes which attract tourists from all over world. It has both modern & traditional industries mainly of metals & marbles. Also popular for its handicraft items, gems, jewellery, textiles which are the chief export items. The city also provides good educational facilities with more than 20 Engineering colleges & 1 Medical college. The tourism sector is also growing day by day.
A Date With the Past
During British Raj it was the capital of the princely state Jaipur. The city was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II the ruler of Amber. This is an well planed city designed by an architect named Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya according to the Shilpa Shatra. The whole city was painted in pink by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales visited Jaipur in 1883 and so named the Pink City.
Must See in Jaipur
City Palace : The palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh
II and is a synthesis of Mughal & Rajasthani architecture. There are several
structures inside the palace like courtyard, gardens, small palaces like Mubarak
Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Badal Mahal and a temple called Shri Govind Temple and
a museum named the City Palace Museum.
Hawa Mahal : This was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh
in 1799 AD and Lal Chand Usta was the architect. This is a five storied building
built of red & pink sandstone with a number of tiny windows, arched roofs
& balconies. This shows the excellence of Rajputana architecture.
Other Attractions
Jantar Mantar : This is one of the five observatories built
by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1716 AD to study the movements of sun, moon,
planets & stars.
Amber Fort : The fort palace is situated at Amber, 11 km
from Jaipur. The Amber fort comlex has several apartments with palaces, halls,
stairways, pillared pavilions, gardens & temples. It is a classic example
of Mughal & Hindu architecture.
Government Central Museum : It was constructued in 1876 when
Prince of Wales has visited India and opened to public in 1886. It has a rich
collection of ivory work, textiles, jewellery, carved wooden objects, miniature
paintings, marble statues, arms and weapons.
Sisodiya Rani-Ka-Bagh : This was built by Sawai Jai Singh
II for his Sisodiya Queen. The garden consists of shady trees, water courses
and painted pavilions.
Jal Mahal : Set amidst the Man Sagar lake, the Jal Mahal
is a picturesque palace built for royal duck shooting parties.
Kanak Vrindavan : This temple is recently restored. The well
laid gardens in the surrounidngs have made this place a popular picnic spot
in Jaipur.
Jaigarh Fort : This impregnable fort was artistcally built
to give its archers an advantage over their targets. The fort also houses
the Jai Ban, the largest cannon in Asia, which is expected to have been test
fired only once.
Nahargarh Fort : Located on the rugged landscape of Aravali
Hills, the Nahargarh fort was built by Jai Singh to prevent the defence of
Amber. The fort has distinctly has a cluster of 12 suits for queens and at
the head is a suit for Jai Singh himself.
Galtaji Temple : Lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills
is the ancient temple of Galtaji. Temples pavilions and holy kunds (natural
spring and water tanks) along with lush landscape make this temple a major
place of pilgrim's as well as tourist's interest. Built by Diwan Kriparam
on the top of the highest peak, the temple is dedicated to Sun God and is
is visible from all parts of the city.
Festivals in Jaipur
Jaipur - the state capital of Rajasthan celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year. Deepawali, Gangaur, Teej, Makar Sakranti, Shitla Ashtami and elephant festivals are some of the major festivals celebrated in Jaipur.
Shopping in Jaipur
In Jaipur one can buy numerous items, which are unique to this city. Jaipur bazaars are vibrant and the shops are full with colourful items which include - handicraft items, precious stones, textiles, Minakari items, jewellery, Rajasthani paintings, etc. There are several shops near every tourist spot which offer bargain prices. Also famous for marble statues, blue pottery and the Rajasthani shoes. The carvings, portraits and busts produced in Jaipur are held in high esteem by the tourists.
The mainmarkets of Jaipur, from where you can buy some useful items are along Jauhari Bazar, Bapu Bazar, Nehru Bazar, Chaura Rasta, Tripolia Bazar and M.I. Raod. Shops specialising in precious and semi precious stones, ornaments and jewellery are to be found on and along Jauhari Bazar.
Recommended shops
Govt. Emporium : Handloom House, Rituraj Building, M.I. Road.
Khadi Ghar , M.I. Road Rajasthan Handloom Project Board, Chomu House and at
M.I. Road. Rajasthanli, Rajasthan Government Handicraft Emporium, Ajmeri Gate,
M.I. Road
Best Month to Visit
The best time to visit the city is in between October to March.
Travelling in the City
State transport buses, private buses, taxies, auto rikshaws are available for travelling within the city.
How to Get there
The city is easily accessible by air, rail & road.
Air : The city has its own airport at Sanganar and is well
connected with other major cities of India by regular flights.
Rail : Indian Railway connects it with other major cities
by a number of trains like Pink City Exp, Shatabdi Exp. Also the heritage
train the "Palace on Wheels" covers the city.
Road : Rajasthan State Transport Corporation (RSTC) has bus
services to all the major destinations of north India.
More Rajasthan Destinations :
