The popular name of Jaipur is ‘Pink City’.
Jaipur is an example of the regal grandeur, that has always been associated
with the state of Rajasthan. Jaipur, with its luxurious palaces, enormous
forts, and holy temples, not only has Jaipur gracefully preserved but also
confidently shows its royal origins for tourists to see and experience.
Below is a quick glimpse of Jaipur:
Places to See in Jaipur
Hawa Mahal: The red and pink sandstone façade of the Hawa
Mahal, or Palace of Winds, is known as Jaipur's most iconic landmark. The women
of the royal house will secretly watch the events on the street through the
palace's latticework openings, concealed from public view. The pyramidal style
of Hawa Mahal rises five storeys from the ground and is a fine example of
Mughal architecture.
Nahargarh Fort: Nahargarh Fort, perched on the crest of the
Aravalli Hills, is a towering structure. Madhavendra Bhawan, the main palace
within the fort, was designed as a summer palace for the royal family. There
are also nine additional double-story living spaces inside the fort. The royal
frescos and marble engravings can still be seen on the interior walls, which
are an example of Indo-European architectural design.The views of Jaipur city is
awesome from Nahagarh Fort.
Amber Fort: Amber Fort's allure is undeniable. This 15th
century fort, perched on a hilltop, is impressive in both scale and
architecture. It is reached through imposing ramparts and cobblestone pathways
that lead to its gates. The golden frontage is complemented by elaborate
interiors, which are designed in Mughal style. Expansive
chambers with hand-painted and mirrorworked ceilings and walls lead through
ornate archways. The Diwan-e-Aam, or ‘Hall of Public Audience,' the
Diwan-e-Khas, or ‘Hall of Private Audience,' and the Sheesh Mahal, or ‘Mirror
Palace,' are all located inside the fort. The splendour of Amber Fort is
enhanced during the evening Light and Sound Display, which is must-see.
Jantar Mantar: Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observation
site that dates to the 18th century and is a monument to a bygone era's
scholarly brilliance. The largest sundial in the world is among the 20
instruments located at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
City Palace: The City Palace, which was built by Maharaja
Sawai Jai Singh, is a traditional Rajput-style structure with layers of
chambers and halls. Visitors have access to other parts of the palace complex,
including Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, and Maharani Palace, even though a
portion of the palace remains the residence of the royal family of Jaipur. The
City Palace also has a temple and a museum with a fine collection of artefacts.
Things to Do in Jaipur
Visit an Elephant Camp: Dera Amer, a 160-acre forest and wilderness camp
located behind Amber Fort, is privately owned. Visitors will ride elephants
through the Aravali forest, which is a natural habitat for elephants, camels,
and other domesticated animals. They can even watch how they are cared for and
even attempt to bathe these gentle giants.
Shop for Local Handicrafts: The Jaipur bazaars are brimming with items to
purchase. Clothes, shoes, home furnishings, handicrafts, spices, jewellery, and
pottery...you won't be able to find something you don't like. Baapu Bazaar and
Johari Bazaar are two of the city's most popular marketplaces. Keep your wallet
close at hand!
Watch a Polo Match: Polo, the "king's game," is still
commonly played and patronised by the upper crust of society in Jaipur. Though
invitations to exclusive polo matches are uncommon, you can watch a match for
free at one of the city's polo clubs, such as Ramgarh Resort & Polo Complex
or Jaipur Polo Club.
Block Printing at Anokhi Museum of
Hand Printing: The Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing
was established to preserve the centuries-old art of hand block printing. This
intricate craft is still practised by a significant portion of Jaipur's artisan
community. You will learn about this endangered trade and watch block printing
artisans at work at the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing. Visitors may also shop
for handcrafted items produced in the region.
What to Eat
Ghewar: Ghewar is a typical Rajasthani sweet with a
circular shape that is popular with both locals and tourists. It's pistachio
and almond-studded and deep-fried. LMB in Johari Bazaar is a well-known eatery
where you can try this delicacy.
Kachori: Kachori is a fried snack that comes in sweet
or savoury varieties. Pick up a box of Rawat Ki Kachori's popular pyaaz kachori
while in Jaipur and enjoy it with a hot cup of tea!
Daal Baati: Daal baati is a popular Rajasthani dish that
consists of daal served with hard wheat rolls (baati). Most local eateries in
Jaipur have it on their menu, seasoned with ghee and served hot.
Lal Maas: Lal maas is a lamb dish that dates back to royal times and is literally translated as "red meat." The gravy's flavour is improved by cooking it on a low heat for several hours, doused in spices, yoghurt, and chilies.
When to Go:
Summer, monsoons, and winter are the
three distinct seasons that Jaipur experiences.
October to March: Since the summer heat has subsided, these are
unquestionably the best months to visit Jaipur. The months of December and
January are the coldest and driest of the year. The weather warms up in
February and stays good until March, making it perfect for a vacation!
July to September: Although it is still hot in Jaipur during these
months, the monsoons carry with them high humidity levels.
April to June: Summers in Jaipur can be brutal, with temperatures
reaching 40°C in the hottest months of May and June.
How to reach Jaipur:
By Air: Sanganer, about 12 kilometres from the city
centre, is where Jaipur International Airport is located. Flights from all over
India, as well as international destinations such as Dubai, Muscat, and Abu
Dhabi, serve the airport.
By Road: From nearby cities and towns, the Rajasthan State
Road Transport Corporation operates a fleet of air-conditioned and
non-air-conditioned buses. If you're heading to Jaipur, you'll find that the
national highways connecting Delhi and Gujarat make for a fun journey.
By Train: The city's largest railway station is Jaipur
Junction. It has direct trains from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata, and Chennai. Choose the ‘Palace on Wheels' for a truly luxurious
experience.
Getting Around:
In Jaipur, both public and private
transportation is readily accessible. Choose from bike rickshaws, local buses,
and air-conditioned radio cabs. The Jaipur Metro, the first phase of the rapid
transit system, runs from Mansarovar to Chandpole Bazaar and covers 9.6
kilometres.
What to Pack:
• Lightweight cotton apparel for
summer, as temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius.
• A decent pair of walking shoes,
sunscreen, shades, a sunhat, and mosquito repellent are all must-haves.
• A winter jacket, as temperatures
will drop to 4°C on cold winter nights.
Experience
the royal way of life in Jaipur, where the people's hospitality is as warm as
the cityscape's blush hues!
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