Jaipur Travel Guide
Travel to Jaipur - Discover the Delights of The Pink City of Jaipur
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Nestled in the rugged Aravalli Hills, Jaipur is the pristine jewel in the crown of the desert state of Rajasthan. Visit and discover that Jaipur is as remarkable for its marvellous architecture of rose-pink buildings as it is for the friendliness of the people who inhabit it.
Once inside the bastions of the old walls of amazing Jaipur the richness and splendour of this travellers’ favourite is immediately apparent. Laid out on a grid pattern the walls of the buildings with their ornate design are painted a deep pink, giving the city its obvious tag.
The city was founded in 1727 by one of the greatest rulers Jai Singh II and is surrounded by hills on three sides being crowned by formidable forts and majestic palaces, mansions and gardens. Jaipur is the only city in the world planned in accordance with 'Shilpa Shastra' - epochal treatise of Hindu architecture, and which is divided into nine rectangular sectors symbolizing nine divisions of universe.
Jaipur is the first. The lovely colourwash we see today was first applied to welcome Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria who visited India in 1883.
Attractions in Jaipur
Jaipur has many former palaces now renovated and saved from crumbling into ruin by being turned into hotels, and they provide the perfect base from which to explore the town and its environs. The major attractions are the City Palace, a wonderful repository of all things regal, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds – symbol of Jaipur – and the Jantar Mantar, Singhji’s superb astronomical observatory.
Outside the city don’t miss exploring the palace at Amber where you can ride an elephants up the long path and through the palace gates to discover the superb interiors of the many rooms and a view to remember, looking down on the tank, or reservoir, below.
Other nearby attractions that should be included on any visit include the royal cenotaphs at Gaitor, Jaigarh and Nahargarh Forts, Galta – a famous pilgrimage spot with temples and Sisodia Palace and Gardens. The nearby towns of Sanganer and Bagru are well known for their superb hand printed fabrics and make for an interesting visit even for the visitor with no interest in textiles.
Activities in Jaipur
A visitor with limited time will need 2 full days to explore Jaipur, but 3 or 4 are better, especially if planning to use public transport. Day 1 allows for a look at the sights within the city, day 2 a visit to Amber and other locations outside the city’s walls.
Relaxing
The sumptuous hotels of Jaipur are world-famous, beautiful places in which to luxuriate after a hard day’s sightseeing. Visit if only to enjoy a meal or a drink on their manicured lawns. If you have more time why not take a yoga or meditation course or learn to play a traditional musical instrument – all are on offer in the city.
Getting Around
The sights within the city are easily accessible on foot, indeed this is one of the great pleasures of a visit to Jaipur. Those outside the walls will need to be accessed by your own transport whether in the form of taxi or, better still, with your own driver-guide: public transport connections in the form of buses are few and far between and distances for auto-rickshaws are really too far to be comfortable.
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