One of the major tourist destinations of India, Jaipur India is given a world wild title, as the Pink City due to the pink wash applied to its buildings. Travel to Jaipur - the capital city of Rajasthan, it is an abode of extensive boulevard and beautiful gardens.
 | Jaipur India was founded by Sawai Jaisingh II, in 1727 AD, still preserves its glory of rich history and culture. The past comes alive in its impressive forts, majestic palaces and in its royal building which for centuries were the abodes of royal families. Rajasthani jewelry, art and fabrics maintain an ageless feature and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. These exquisite items are of great demand in the international market. Jaipur Tourism with its |
Travel to Jaipur, one of the most treasured destination of Rajasthan. Your Jaipur travel will enable you to explore the forts and palaces of the city. Jaipur travel will involve sightseeing tour to City Palace, Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal.
The city of Jaipur is multifaceted and offers innumerable attractions to people coming from all across the world. It is a pristine jewel in the sands of Rajasthan, the city is well known for its marvelous architecture and town planning. The city offers a perfect mix of culture which needs to experience on your Rajasthan tour.
History Of Jaipur
Jaipur owes its conception, establishment, glory, splendor and history to the learned Sawai Jai Singh, a descendant of the Kachhawa Rajputs who ascended the throne of Amber at the tender age of 11.
Jaipur - the Pink City of Rajasthan derives its name from the light pink haze that hangs like a mist over Old Jaipur city. The soft pink mist emanates from the pink wash on the outer walls of all the buildings, havelis and monuments that dot the entire city.
Planned to perfection by a illustrious Bengali architect of those times, Jaipur was developed on a grid pattern based on the principles of construction mentioned in the "Shilpa Shastra," an ancient Hindu work on architecture.
The original land that served as the Kacchawa Rajput capital was established by Dhula Rai in 1128 A.D. The Kacchawa Rajputs claim their descent from Kush, who was the son of Lord Rama who is believed to be an incarnation of lord Vishnu on Earth.
Dhula Rai married a Chauhan princess and fought many wars in North India, his son Kakil Dev conquered Amber and established the Kacchawa supremacy in this part of Rajasthan. Sawai Jai Singh built Jaipur, as he wanted to shift his capital from Amber for security reasons.
Jaipur of course was christened by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who was known for his great political acumen and statesmanship. Sawai Jai Singh struck several alliances with the Mughals and paved the way for the successful Jaipur economy and general prosperity.
With the decline of the Mughal Empire Jaipur and other Rajasthan states became the targets of continual military attacks from the Marathas, later the British stepped into the picture. In the post independence period, Jaipur was retained as the capital of Rajasthan, India.
Tourist Attraction in Jaipur
The Hawa Mahal or the 'Palace of Winds' :
The construction of Hawa Mahal is credited to Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and dates back to 1799. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was a thoughtful effort to enable the ladies of the royal household to look at the outside world.
| The palace is a fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The construction of Hawa Mahal is credited to Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and dates back to 1799. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was a thoughtful effort to enable the ladies of the royal household to look at the outside world. Hawa Mahal affords a spectacular view of the Pink City of Jaipur. It is a five tier structure that comprises of arches, balconies and perforated screens. There is a lack of embellishment as far as the interior of the |  |
The structure of Hawa Mahal has 953 small casements and each of them is graced by latticed worked pink windows, small balconies, curved roofs and hanging pelmets. They are exquisitely sculptured and carved. These small windows prove very effective in circulating cool air in the hot moths. The structure towers to a height of about 50 feet and is about a foot in width.
Besides affording a spectacular view of the city, Hawa Mahal also offers a panoramic view of the Jantar Mantar.
City Palace :
The City Palace located at the heart of the city best exemplifies the cultural legacy of the royal past. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. While a part of the palace is still occupied by the royal family, there are sections open to visitors.
 | The city palace is an architectural marvel, with ornate gates, arches, balconies and courtyard surrounded by a series of gardens and buildings over a vast expanse. The City Palace complex is the most important landmark in the walled city with its numerous outbuildings, courtyards, impressive gateways and temples. Occupying one-seventh of the walled city area, the palace houses the seven-storeyed Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-i-Am, and Diwan-i-Khas. |
The museum houses a rare collection of arms, carpets costumes, paintings and royal paraphernalia. A notable exhibit is a pair of pure silver in the world. City Palace is still the home of the erstwhile royal family, there are sections open to visitors.
Jaigarh Fort :
Jaigarh Fort is one of the few intact forts in the state of Rajasthan. The fort located some 15 kms from the city centre of Jaipur is one great attraction for the tourists.
| Jaigarh Fort was built by Sawai Jai Singh in the year 1726. It was built primarily to enhance the defense of the Amber and the newly built city, at that time - Jaipur. It is because of this that the fort stands established towards the boundary of the city.Military genius is quite evident from the construction of the fort. For many years the fort served as the royal treasury. The fort looks more or less like Amber Fort. It stands rooted on a cliff top and hence offers surveillance of larger land area. Huge battlement can be |  |
The fort looks beautiful at this height, with rich blue sky in the background and stretched out hills scattered here and there. There are watch towers that provide stunning views of the city deep down. The fort gives a feeling of a very strong and adamant protector that is at all times on vigil.
The architectural brilliance is one prime reason for its immense popularity. Jaigarh Fort was essentially built as a massive military gear. Enormous gateways, battlements, loopholes for guns and its strong walls are worth the praise. Explore the remnants of the past. The fort displays a remarkable collection of coins, puppets, portraits of the kings, granary, well-planned cannon foundry, artillery base and several temples. The tower that kept a watch as far as the eye could take for any potential threat to the state takes you back in time.
The museum in the fort complex displays armory gear used during medieval times. There are swords, shields, muskets, photographs of some dignitaries and more.
Albert Hall :
Central Museum or the Albert Hall lies in the Ram Niwas Garden. It is a vast and verdant garden housing a zoo, a greenhouse, an aviary, a museum and a sports ground. Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II built it in 1868 as a relief project for his famine struck subjects.
 | The Albert Hall has been modeled on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and is afine example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The hall was named after Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria’s husband. Albert’s son the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) laid the foundation stone in 1876. It was designed and devised by Colonel Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob (1841-1917). The Albert Hall has been converted into Central Museum which proudly displays Rajasthani art & culture & |
It now houses an exquisite collection of metal ware, decorative wares, miniature portraits, sculptures, paintings, natural history specimen, an Egyptian mummy among various other objetart. Rajasthani village life is also displayed through costumes, pottery, brassware and woodwork.
The Durbar Hall, usually locked, houses several stunning carpets including the magnificent Persian Garden Carpet, one of India’s finest art treasures. It was made in Kerman, Persia in 1632 and represented the garden of paradise based on a quadrangular design.
The museum also has some melancholic specimens on display like a horse skeleton, a human skeleton, and a stuffed cobra. Sometime back the Ravindra Manch with an auditorium, a modern gallery and an open-air theatre has been added to the museum to promote cultural events.
Jantar Mantar :
Between 1727 and 1734 Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five astronomical observatories in west central India. The observatories, or "Jantar Mantar" as they are commonly known, include multiple buildings of unique form, each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement.
These structures with their striking combinations of geometric forms at large scale have captivated the attention of architects, artists, and art historians world wide, yet remain largely unknown to the general public.Jai Singh named his observatory Jantar Mantar, which is actually pronounced, as 'Yantra Mantra', yantra for instrument and mantra for formula.
Each instrument Built of local stone and marble and carries an astronomical scale, generally marked on the marble inner lining; bronze tablets, all extraordinarily accurate, were also employed. Thoroughly restored in 1901, the Jantar Mantar was declared a national monument in 1948.
Amber Fort :
The Kachchawahas ruled from Amber, 11 km from Jaipur, for seven centuries. With a history so old, it is not unexpected that there is a lot of the past that can be traced in its archaeological history. While many of the early structures have either disappeared or ruined, those dating from the16th century on are in a remarkable state of preservation.
Amber fort is surrounded by chaotic masses of hills of various heights. The adjoining hilly terrain is full of forest and provides ample opportunity of defense. The ascent to the fort leads to the first gate thrown across this way.
| Amber fort was built in red sandstone and white marble. The palace complex has some very interesting apartments, the likes of which are not to be found anywhere else in the country. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas, Ganesh Pol are some of the prominent areas of interest. On one bastion of this fort called ‘Deewa Burj’ a high tower stands which was previously used as search light house, indicating location of the Fort. |  |
Near the Fort, there lies a group of temples among which the Jagat Siromani temple is noted for its exquisite carving and architecture. A museum, garden and Maota Lake below the fort are other pieces of interest at Amber Fort.
One thing you would definitely notice about Amber Fort is the elephant ride up the fort which is considered the major tourist attraction. Also the elephant festival in the month of march is held at the fort and near by locations which is another great time to visit this fort.
The old township of Amber that lies at the foothills of the palace is no less interesting and has an old world charm, a character of its own. Jagat Siromani temple, Narsingh temple, Panna Mian ki Baodi are some of the places of interest. The cobbled streets and the ruins of old havelies give the place an old world.
Nahargarh Fort :
Gracing the rugged ridge of the Aravalli Hills is the Nahargarh Fort build by Sawai Raja Jai Singh in the second quarter of the eighteenth century. Jaipur was the capital and the need to boost its defense was a necessity. This explains the presence of the Nahargarh Fort.
 | The Fort underwent many alterations and modifications during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II. They built a series of interconnected rooms with cplorful corridors and hallways. Here Hawa Mandir and Madhevendra Bhawan geet etched in your memory. The Nahargarh is a brilliant specimen of fort architecture. There is a popular legend associated with the construction of the Nahargarh Fort. While it was still under |
Finally a "tantrik" was called to appease the spirit which agreed to leave but only on the condition that the fort will be named after him. This is how the Nahargarh Fort got its name.
Govind Dev Ji Temple :
A Part of City Palace complex, this Krishna Temple is highly revered by the erstwhile royal family. The image brought from Vrindavan, is housed within the sanctum of this spire less temple, the patron deity of the royal family is very religiously worshipped by most of the Hindus in the city and near by areas.
The Great Grand Son of Lord Shri Krishna asked his Grand Mother as to how Lord Shri Krishna looked like. Then he made an image as per the description given by her. She however, said that not all but the Feet of that image looked like those of Lord Shri Krishna. He made another image, yet she said that the Chest looked like that of Lord Shri Krishna. Thereafter, He
| made the Third Image and looking at the same she felt Blush and Nodded that yes that was what Lord Shri Krishna Looked Like!!! The First One was known with the Name Lord "Madan Mohanji". The Second One got recognition as Lord "Gopi Nathji". And the Third One, The Divine Majestic Holy Image is Lord "Govind Devji". A large number of tourists and devotees visit this temple of special importance. Janmashtmi, the birthday |  |
Sisodia Rani Bagh :
Constructed by Raja Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, in 1728, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh was built as a gift by the imperial groom to his Sisodia Queen from Udaipur who was a Sisodia descendant.
 | Situated at a distance of 10 kilometers from the main Jaipur city, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh lies on the Jaipur-Agra highway. Adorned in typical Mughal style, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh is a multi-tiered garden that is a storehouse of elegantly painted pavilions, several watercourses and fragile water fountains. It mainly depicts the theme based on the legends of eternal lovers - Lord Krishna and his soul love Radha. The gardens plea to the visual and aesthetic tastes of the visitor with its multi-tiered gardens, |
The royal maidens and ladies of Jaipur used it as a well-liked and private summer move away in the 17th and the 18th century. It is one of the largest and most well designed gardens situated in the southeastern corner of the walled city.
Bm Birla Planetarium :
The Birla Planetarium is at the BM Birla Science & Technology Center, near Statue Circle. The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual educational and entertainment with its modern computerised projections system.
Galta Ji :
Galta is a pretty little pilgrim spot located just beyond Sisodia Rani-ka Bagh on Agra Road. This is the sacred spot where one sage Galav is supposed to have lived and meditated. As such the place is much known for its pilgrimage holidays and is visited mainly for its temples.
The Temple of Galtaji, which lies in a picturesque gorge amid low hills, has a huge complex. This one is also built of pink
| stone, with a profusion of pavilions having rounded roofs. The walls and pillars have exquisite carvings and paintings. The whole complex is so beautiful that it is more of a visual treat than a place for worship. The temple, however, has a large daily attendance. Galtaji Temple is a prehistoric pilgrimage location, in a lush green landscape of nature. The location of |  |
Birla Temple :
A small palace, this is a replica of a Scottish castle, and perches on a hilltop. Once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son who was confined here, it was also for a while home to Maharani Gayatri Devi. Entry is prohibited.
 | At the foot of Moti Dungri fort is the Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple. This temple forms one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night. The enormous temple was built during the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries, one of the business tycoons of India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Due to this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan |
Birla Mandir is constructed in the finest quality of white marble. The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night. Stained glass widows depict the scenes from Hindu scriptures.
The Laxmi Narayan Mandir is a modern architectural marvel, surrounded by lush green gardens. The fascinating exteriors of the temple are carved splendidly with beautiful sculptures based of mythological themes, while the interiors have a large marble panel portraying mythological events.
he Birla Temple has a museum too, which showcases the ancestral valuables of the Birla family. Birla Mandir / Laxmi Narayan Temple is a masterpiece of art and tourists should not miss this architectural spiritual heritage on their trip to Jaipur.
Kanak Valley :
Not so old but definitely an exquisitely land scaped gardens with beautifully carved temple in beige stone, which is a vast complex with terrace sites all around and intricately carved marble columns and lattices, Located in the foothills of Nahargarh hills on the way towards Amer.
his complex is a popular spot for picnic and film shoots. It should be definitely visited on the way to the three garland forts of Jaipur- Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Amber. The greenery after the monsoons give this whole place a feel of heavenly sensation, with Jal Mahal in the background.
Jain Temple :
The most beautiful temple in Sanganer is the ancient Shri Digamber Jain temple. The temple has fine carvings as those of the magnificent Delwara temples of Mount Abu. Built in various phases with sky-high shikharas (spires), the temple
 | represents an old style of architecture. The last phase was probably built in the 10th century. The beautiful nij-mandir (inner temple) is a stone shrine with three pinnacles. In the centre is an idol of Parshwanath with 7 serpent hoods. All around it, are carvings of lotuses, creepers and elephants pouring water from pitchers held in their trunks. But the main idol is that of Adinath, installed in the shrine behind this. |
How To Reach
Fly Away: The Jaipur Airport also known as Sanganer Airport is well connected with all the major cities of India like Delhi,Mumbai,Kolkata,Chennai. There are direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Ahmedabad. The airport is at a distance of 15km from the city. The Domestic Airlines all, operate here and there is one international flight to Dubai.
On Tracks: You have the trains like the Pink City Express which leaves Delhi at 6 a.m. and reaches Jaipur at 11 am and also Chetak Express, Jaipur-Delhi Services. Further special trains like the Shatabdi Express and Intercity Express also ply regularly to Jaipur .If you want to travel in luxury then Palace on Wheels is the right choice for you.
On Wheels: Jaipur has good Road Network of Jaipur connecting it to all parts of India. Delhi-Jaipur national highway is an excellent roadway. There are national highways NH8 AND NH11 passing through Jaipur. It takes five hours to reach Jaipur from Delhi. Presence of good bus services from Delhi, Agra and other important north Indian cities to Jaipur has made the city a convenient tourist destination. In Jaipur you have regular bus service of AC and Deluxe Coaches.
Shopping In Jaipur
Your Jaipur travel is incomplete if you don't enroll yourself in shopping expedition. There are number of shopping bazaars from where you can shop the best of products. Tripolia Bazaar, Johari Bazaar, Kishanpol Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar are some of the famous market places of Jaipur.
All these bazaars are famous for something or other. Nehru Bazaar is quite famous for Mojri footwear, Tripolia Bazaar is quite famous for ironware and brassware, Bapu Bazar for textiles, perfumes and camel skin shoes and M.I Road for emporiums that offer anything from jewellery, brass work, textiles, blue pottery to excellent quality wood work.
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