Known as the “Pink City” because of the colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled, Jaipur’s bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and other exotic wares.
Which places to Visit?
City Palace, Jaipur
Situated in the heart of the old city, it occupies about one seventh of the old city area. One of the best tourist spots in the city, the City Palace is a vast complex and includes various buildings, courtyards and gardens. The palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Two of the main palaces in the complex are the Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal. The architecture is a fusion of Indian, Mughal, Rajput and even European styles and you can see the grandeur of the fusion in every nook and corner of the palace.
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark, the Hawa Mahal is an extraordinary pink-painted delicately honeycombed hive that rises a dizzying five storeys. A symbol of the splendid Rajput style architecture, Hawa Mahal is five storied and the main feature is the 953 small windows, or jharokhas that are intricately designed. Hawa Mahal will surely leave you speechless with its sheer magnificence and beauty.
Jantar Mantar Observatory, Jaipur
A set of 14 massive astronomical instruments that now stand as a structure of brilliance in architecture, the Jantar Mantar Observatory in Jaipur is an attraction of its own kind. Built for measuring the heavens, the name is derived from the Sanskrit “yanta mantr”, meaning “instrument of calculation”, and in 2010 it was added to India’s list of Unesco World Heritage Sites.
Amer Fort, Jaipur
Amer Fort or Amber Fort is one of the best tourist destinations not just in Jaipur City but the whole of Rajasthan. Amer and the Jaigarh Fort are regarded as a single structure and a subterranean passage connects the two forts. With its amazing architecture that combines Mughal and Hindu styles, the fort built in red sandstone and marble, is a sight to watch and walk through with its high ramparts, many gates, cobbled paths and splendid view. The Maota Lake looks splendid from the fort.
Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
Nahargarh Fort is one such majestic and magnificent fort, situated in the Aravalli mountain ranges in Jaipur. Nahargarh means ‘abode of tigers’ and was named so after the tigers which were believed to have roamed around the hills. Nahargarh Fort was also believed to be haunted and it is said that the spirit of a prince named Nahar Singh Bhomia roamed about the place and hindered the construction of the fort. This Fort is also a popular film shooting location. Some of the films shot here include Rang De Basanti, Jodha Akbar, among others.
Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur
If you wish to see a hardcore fortress, Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur is the place to visit. One of the three hill-top forts in Jaipur, it is truly a marvel of engineering. Jaigarh also means Victory Fort. This fort is located on the Cheel ka Teela Hill amidst the Aravalli range and has diverse complexes within its premises including the palace complex, a museum, armoury, temples and so on. Visit the fort to admire its magnificent architecture, to walk through its history and to just surround you with royal charm and strength.
Jal Mahal, Jaipur
With the numerous architectural wonders that the city of Jaipur is home to, Jal Mahal situated in the middle of Lake Man Sagar is no exception. It has been one of the most popular tourist destinations of Jaipur, what with it being the most photographed spot of the city, and romantic boating trips across the lake will give a visitor the spectacular view of Jal Mahal in all its magnificent glory.
Birla Mandir, Jaipur
Birla Mandir in Jaipur is a marvellous structure that speaks of beauty in every possible way. Built of marble this beautiful temple is visited by thousands of devotees every day. This temple is surrounded by lush gardens on all sides and is a treat for the eyes to see such colourful flowers all in one place. The temple has three domes and has beautiful drawings and carvings all around. The walls are covered with quotes and sayings from well-known preachers and holy men. The walls of this temple have a lot to offer to the people who believe in mythology and the preaching of our wise ancestors.
Galta Fort, Jaipur
Galta Fort, Jaipur is a very famous temple and a highly-regarded pilgrimage for the Hindus. This beautiful temple built out of pink rocks and wonderfully sculpted by to notch artisans is one of the best places to visit in the pink city. This temple is known for the positive energy that people feel here, healing and motivating them during their visit here.
Pink City Bazaars, Jaipur
If you’re a shopaholic, then don’t look anywhere else for a shopper’s paradise! The unique beauty and the traditional touch on the things will leave you smitten in no time. Jaipur is known for a lot of things: Rajasthani food, architecture, culture and traditions, royal Rajputs and what not. The Pink City, as it is fondly known, Jaipur can easily become your favourite shopping destination in India, and for good reason. The Bazaars of Jaipur are so indulgent and fantastic that you can see them evolving through the years and how visitors and locals alike have been taken by surprise every single time.
Sisodia Rani Palace and Garden, Jaipur
Sisodia Rani Palace and Garden, is one of the most pleasant Mughal garden of Jaipur. The place is decorated with multi-layered palace, springs, fountains and flower beds. One of most unique features of this garden are beautiful mural paintings of Radha-Krishna depicted on the walls of the garden. Apart from the architecture and floral beauties, the garden is frequented by the peacocks of the pink city.
Which Shopping Destinations to Visit?
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- Mirza Ismail Road (MI Road)
- Nehru Bazaar
- Johri Bazaar
- Chandpole Bazaar
- Tripolia Bazaar
The best season to visit Jaipur is from November to February. During this season the temperatures will at their lowest. From April until the monsoon (July), temperatures can reach an unbearable 42 C and combined with the pollution and dust makes sightseeing almost impossible.
What to eat in Jaipur ?
A trip to Jaipur is not complete without digging into authentic Rajasthani food. Whether you’re craving dal bati churma, laal maas, kachoris or ghevar, Jaipur is foodie’s paradise. If you’re new to this cuisine you can’t return without trying dal bati churma, the flagship dish of Rajasthani cuisine.
