Jaipur is the Capital city of the Indian state of Rajasthan, popularly known as the land of the Kings. It was established by King Jai Singh II in 1727 when he decided to shift his capital from his old City Amber to Jaipur city because of the rapidly growing population and the scarcity of water.
In 1876 The prince of whales visited Jaipur on his India tour, the Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the entire city in Pink to welcome him as the Color pink was associated with hospitality.
Jaipur is a beautiful travel destination offering a royal experience through its majestic forts, royal palaces, lakes, beautiful buildings, gastronomy, colorful bazaars, vibrant culture and world class hospitality. Jaipur is one of the city along with Delhi and Agra visited in the most popular Golden Triangle tour.
HOW TO ARRIVE JAIPUR
By Road: The most popular way of reaching Jaipur from Delhi and Agra is by road as it takes only 4-5 hours.
By Plane: Jaipur city has its own airport receives direct flights from Singapore, Bangkok, Sharjah, Muscat and Dubai. Also has daily air link with many Indian cities such as Jodhpur, Udaipur, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Goa, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Pune.
By Train: Indian railways connects Jaipur from all over the country. A number of daily train connects Jaipur to Delhi, Ahmedabad, Agra, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Haridwar and many other cities.
PLACES TO VISIT IN JAIPUR
1 AMER FORT TRAVEL GUIDE
The historic Amber or Amer fort is located some 11 km from Jaipur city sitting on a high hill. This massive fort palace complex built in hybrid Rajput and Mughal style dates back to raja Man Singh and was the royal palace from 1600- 1727.
You can choose to get to the top of the hill to the palace by jeep, the touristy way is to ride on the back of an Elephant (Better arrive early in the morning to get an elephant) or if you like walk take road that the Elephant walk on. The main sights within the fort include the Sheesh Mahal, adorned with thousands of Mirror tiles, Royal Rooms that are decorated with Latticed screen, compartments of wives and concubines, Sukh Niwas hall made of sandalwood and ivory.
Timings: 09.00 a.m. – 17.00 p.m.
2 PANNA MENNA KA KUND STEPWEELL
16TH Century yellow colored beautiful stepwell lies in the shadow of Amer fort. Once served as the resting place for traveler’s, business people and saints as the temperature inside the stepwell is significantly cooler. The best part there is no entrance fees to visit.
3 JAIGARH FORT TRAVEL GUIDE
1 KM Uphill walk from Amer fort or take an auto rickshaw. This was considered one of the strongest forts and it is best known for spectacular views over the Amer forts, hills around and for the World’s largest cannon Jaivana.
Open all days from 09.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m.
4 NAHARGARH FORT TRAVEL GUIDE
Located on the Aravali Ranges built as a defensive fort is a majestic fort overlooking Jaipur. This is a popular local hangout spot offers some stunning viewpoint of the city. It is also home to Jaipur’s wax museum, the best time to visit is sunset.
Open all days from 09.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m.
5 JAL MAHAL TRAVEL GUIDE
Jal Mahal (Palace of Water) Located on the way to Amer it is a enroute visiting place situated in the middle of Mansagar lake. It was built by Maharaja jai Singh II in the 18th century, as a hunting lodge and summer retreat. Free to view and photograph.
6 CITY PALACE TRAVEL GUIDE
Located in the city center Jaleb chowk, near Jantar Mantar. It is the residence of Jaipur royal family and built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The palace is divided in courtyards, garden and buildings. The main places inside the city palace are Chandra Mahal the residence, Mubarak mahal a textile museum, hall of private audience housing the two largest silver vessels in the world and the Ridhi Sighi Pol depicting the four seasons with four colorful small doorways decorated with motifs.
The city palace is open from 09.30 a.m. to 17.00 p.m and 19.00 p.m. to 21.00 p.m. for night viewing.
7 JANTAR MANTAR SOLAR OBSERVATORY TRAVEL GUIDE
Located next to City Palace, This UNESCO World heritage site is ranked amongst the largest observatories in the world and home to largest Sundial of the world. Built during the period of Maharaja Jai Singh II, a famous astronomer and is the largest of five astronomical observatories built by him. The Observatory consist of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses tracking stars in their orbits and determining the celestial altitude etc.
Open all days 09.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m. … Best visiting experience is during the sunshine avoid during cloudy weather.
8 HAWA MAHAL TRAVEL GUIDE
Hawa Mahal also called palace of winds, it is one of the most photographed buildings in Jaipur and sight to behold. This 5 story beautiful wall has 953 decoratively carved windows specially designed for royal ladies to watch the events on the street below without anyone seeing them. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Singh as the extension of women’s chamber part of City Palace. The best view of the wall is seen from the street, which is free. If you have composite ticket than this is included.
9 PINK CITY BAZAARS TRAVEL GUIDE
This is simply shopper’s paradise and one of the best bazaars in the world. The bazar is divided in four section Johari Bazaar is known for precious gemstones, Bapu Bazaar for textile, Nehru bazaar for traditional Jootis, kishanpole for wooden sculptures and Tripolia Bazzar.
Open all days 10.00 a.m to 20.00 p.m … Some shops are closed on Sundays.
10 GALTA JI MONKEY TEMPLE TRAVEL GUIDE
Located 10 km outskirts of Jaipur, the temple is an ancient pilgrimage site. The temple is surrounded by the hills, natural springs, ancient architecture, wall paintings, carvings, naughty and friendly monkeys.
11 ALBERT HALL MUSEUM TRAVEL GUIDE
Situated outside the city wall opposite new gate in Ram Niwas garden. The Albert hall museum in Jaipur is the oldest museum of the state and fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Great place to experience history with art.
Open all days 09.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m.
12 BIRLA TEMPLE TRAVEL GUIDE
It is located 6 kms from city center below the Moti Dungri fort also popularly known as Laxmi Naryan temple. The temple is made up of pure marble with a modern style. Other than the beautifully designed idols of the deities one can find ancient quotes, Hindu symbols, delicate carvings, different legends, historic achievers, spiritual saints and philosophers.
13 RAJ MANDIR
Perfect setting to watch a Bollywood movie , Located on Bhagwant das road, popular to give the feel like you’re are the guest of a royal palace. Spiral staircase, antique chandelier and a ceiling that changes color.
Entrance fees for the foreigners including City Palace , Jantar Mantar and Amer fort is Rs 1540 per person for all three monuments.
WHERE TO STAY IN JAIPUR
Jaipur has something for everyone when it comes to accommodation budget ranging from luxurious authentic palaces hotels to backpacker hostels, to budget 03 star, 04 star, 05 star and heritage hotels. The bani park area is the most central and convenient.
WHAT TO EAT IN JAIPUR?
PYAZ KACHORI deep fried pastry stuffed with onions is one of the favorite snack of the city and the state.
KER SANGRI DESERT BEAN AND BAJRE KI ROTI PEARL MILLET BREAD
Vegetable grown in the desert is known as ker Sangri and Roti is the bread made up of local pearl millet.
GATTE KI SABZI
A traditional dish of rajasthan made of gram flour.
LAAL MAAS goat curry with yogurt and spices