Jaipur: Discover the Charm of Pink City

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a vibrant city steeped in history, culture, and architecture. Known as the Pink City, it is a treasure trove of forts, palaces, temples, and bustling markets. As you step into this charming city, you’ll be enchanted by the warm hospitality, rich heritage, and breathtaking beauty.

History and making of Jaipur: The Pink-City

• Founded in 1727 by Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh II, who ruled the State from 1699 to 1744
• Jai Singh was a lover of science and mathematics, and sought to design a city that would be a haven for these pursuits
• He consulted several books on architecture and architects, including Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a scholar from Bengal
• The city was designed with security in mind, as northern India was under threat from foreign invasion
• The city was divided into nine blocks, with two blocks for state buildings and palaces, and seven blocks for the public
• The city was built following the principles of Vastu Shastra, with huge fortification walls and seven strong gates
• It took around four years to complete the major palaces, roads, and squares
• The city was painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria, earning it the nickname the “Pink City”
• The city grew rapidly in the 19th century, with a population of 160,000 by 1900
• Jaipur became the capital of the newly formed state of Rajasthan in 1949, after Indian independence in 1947
• Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a gateway to other tourist destinations in Rajasthan, with two World Heritage sites (Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar).

Getting to Jaipur is easy, with various options available. The Jaipur International Airport (JAI) receives flights from major cities worldwide, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Dubai. The railway station (JP) is a significant hub for trains from across India, including the famous Palace on Wheels. By road, Jaipur is accessible from nearby cities like Delhi (280 km), Agra (240 km), and Jodhpur (330 km).

Unique facts about Jaipur:

• Jaipur is surrounded by a wall with eight gates, and its interior was built on a 3×3 grid system, making it easy to navigate and almost impossible to get lost.
• It has eight gates that protect it from invaders and natural calamities.
• It is home to a Maharaja, Padmanabh Singh, who was crowned at the age of 13 and is an accomplished polo player.
• The Raj Mahal Palace hotel in Jaipur has the most expensive hotel room in the world, with a tariff of $50,000 per night.
• It is the first planned city in India and was built in just four years.
• The city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria in 1876.
• It hosts the world’s largest free literary festival, the Jaipur Literature Festival.
• The city is home to the largest circular park in Asia, the Jawahar Circle.
• Jaipur is home to three forts: Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, and Nahargarh Fort.
• Jaipur is home to many temples, but the Galtaji Monkey Temple is famous for its high concentration of monkeys.
• It is known as a hub of gemstone manufacturing, trading, cutting and jewelry.
• The Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur has one of six Egyptian mummies in India.
• Jaipur is home to handmade block printing.
• Jaipur is home to Hawa Mahal and Sheesh Mahal, two mirror palaces.
• Jaipur is home to Jaiwana Cannon, the world’s heaviest and biggest cannon on wheels.

It is a home to numerous historical and cultural attractions.

Must-visit places include:

• Amber Fort: A majestic fort with stunning architecture and history, located 11 km from Jaipur. Take an elephant ride to the fort entrance and explore the beautiful palaces, temples, and gardens.
• City Palace: A royal palace turned museum, showcasing art and artifacts, located in the heart of Jaipur. Explore the impressive architecture, gardens, and museums.
• Hawa Mahal: A beautiful palace with intricate latticework and architecture, located in the old city. Take in the stunning views of the city from the rooftop.
• Jantar Mantar: An ancient astronomical observatory, located near City Palace. Marvel at the impressive sundials and astronomical instruments.
• Nahargarh Fort: A historic fort with panoramic views of the city, located 15 km from Jaipur. Enjoy the stunning sunset views and explore the fort’s architecture.

Here are some popular tourist spots in Jaipur:

1. Jal Mahal: A stunning palace in the middle of a lake.
2. Albert Hall Museum: A museum showcasing art, artifacts, and history.
3. Birla Mandir: A beautiful Hindu temple with stunning architecture.
4. Jaipur Zoo: A zoo with a variety of animals and birds.
5. Ram Niwas Garden: A beautiful garden with stunning architecture and history.
6. Dolls Museum: A museum showcasing a collection of dolls from around the world.
7. Jaipur Wax Museum: A museum with life-like wax statues of famous personalities.
8. Chokhi Dhani: A cultural village with traditional food, music, and dance.
9. Elefantastic: An elephant sanctuary with elephant rides and interactions.
10. Jaipur City Wall: A historic wall with stunning architecture and views.

These are just a few of the many tourist spots in the city. The Pink-city has a lot to offer, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It is must visit place with your friends and family. Since, it is a hub for local artisans to showcase their art, it provides you with excellent products at affordable rates.

Things to Do at Pink-City

In addition to exploring the historical attractions, Pink-city offers a range of activities to enhance your experience. Some of the things to do include:

• Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take a hot air balloon ride over the city for a breathtaking view of Jaipur’s landscape.
• Shopping: Explore the local markets, like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, and shop for handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
• Food: Enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine, like dal baati churma and laal maans, at local restaurants.
• Elephant Sanctuary: Visit the elephant sanctuary and interact with these gentle giants.
• Cooking Class: Take a cooking class and learn traditional recipes from local chefs.

Festivals and Events

Jaipur celebrates various festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. Some of the notable festivals and events include:

• Jaipur Literature Festival (January): A celebration of literature and music.
• Jaipur International Film Festival (January): A showcase of international and Indian cinema.
• Gangaur Festival (March-April): A colorful celebration of the goddess Gauri.
• Teej Festival (July-August): A celebration of the monsoon season with music, dance, and festivities.

What are the best places to shop in Jaipur:

• Johari Bazaar: Jewelry
• Tripolia Bazaar: Bangles
• Chandpole Bazaar: Handicrafts
• Kishanpole Bazaar: Textiles
• Nehru Bazaar: Traditional Jootis
• Sireh Deori Bazaar: Street Shopping
• Bapu Bazaar: Jaipuri Items
• Mirza Ismail Road (MI Road): Pottery
• Tibbati Market: Local Souvenirs
• Anokhi: Colorful Garments
• Gaurav Tower: Local Products
• The Gem Palace: Antique Charms
• Kripal Kumbh: Blue Pottery
• Aravali Bazaar: Home Decor Items
• Purohit Ji Ka Katla: Wedding Items
• Teatro Dhora: Multi-Brand Store
• Jaipur Pink: Designer Souvenir Store

Famous Prints, Fabrics, and Bangles of the Pink City:

• Lac bangles: Vibrant and auspicious, these bangles are manifestations of resin crafted by the artisans in Jaipur.
• Bandhani: Also known as bandhej or piliya, this is one of the oldest forms of fashion textile. Women in Rajasthan wear bandhej as a symbol of luck.
• Lehariya: This fabric is worn by women in Rajasthan to celebrate the rainy season. It is made by dyeing fabric, tying and folding it in a way that creates a striped pattern once it is opened.

Where to Eat in the Pink City:

• Chawla’s and Nand’s: Golgappa, a spicy wonder also known as puchka and paani-puri.
• Rawat Mishthan Bhandar: Pyaaz Kachori, a high-calorie-but-higher-on-taste kachori.
• Gulab Ji Chaiwala: Masala Chai, a must-visit tea-lover’s spot.
• Masala Chowk: A one-stop place to end all of the street food cravings.
• Al Bake: Kaathi Roll, a crowded place famous for its Kaathi Rolls.
• Pandit’s: Pav Bhaji, a mouth-watering butter-laden pav bhaji.
• Sanjay’s: Omelette, a place that serves 20 different varieties of omelettes.
• Sethi Bar-Be-Que: Chicken Tikka, a non-vegetarian spot famous for its chicken dishes.
• Lassiwala: Lassi, a popular spot for lassi served in earthen pots.
• Falahaar: Shrikhand, a small food joint located in Saraogi Mansion.

Where to enjoy night life in Jaipur:

• F Bar and Lounge: This rooftop bar offers a lively atmosphere, poolside seating, and live performances.
• Club Naila: This open-space lounge is located in the Naila Bagh Palace and offers themed parties and moonlight parties.
• Bar Palladio: This bar is known for its extravagant interior decor and rich Italian menu.
• House of People: This rooftop lounge offers live music, hookah, and DJ nights.
• Blackout Club and Terrace: This dance club offers a rooftop lounge and terrace with a range of drinks and dishes.
• Ta Blu: This bar offers live music performances, a spacious bar, and a romantic ambiance.
• Skyfall by Replay: This rooftop lounge is known for its live music, food, and drinks, as well as its uptown decor.
• WTF: This pub offers a cool ambiance, cocktails, and fun activities like snooker and ice hockey.
• Beerlicious: This beer hub offers a wide range of beers from around the world, as well as delicious appetizers.
• Jaipur Bar Stock Exchange: This bar offers an innovative concept of fluctuating drink prices, as well as live music performances and theme nights.

In conclusion, Jaipur is a perfect gateway to experience the rich cultural heritage and beauty of Rajasthan. With its stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and warm hospitality, this city promises an unforgettable journey. So pack your bags and discover the Pink City!

You can also explore about Jodhpur: Discover the Charm of Blue City