Jaipur at A Glance
Location: North India in Rajasthan
Famous As: The Pink City of India
Places of Interest: Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amer Palace, Palace
on Wheels
Built in: 1727 A. D.
Rainfall: 31.87 cm
Altitude: 236.53 m.
Temperature: Summer Mean Max. 42.2, Mean Min. 36.6, Winter Mean
Max. 27.5, Mean Min. 15.5
Ideal Time to Visit: October- March
Language: Rajasthani, Hindi, English.
An Over All View Of Jaipur
Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan is given a world wild title as the Pink
City of India due to the pink wash applied to its buildings. Embellished
with capacious avenues and lavish gardens the city was founded by Sawai
Jaisingh II, in 1727 AD. The city of Jaipur is baptized in the glory of past
with its rich history and culture. The past comes alive in its impressive
forts, majestic palaces and in its royal buildings submerged in royal pink
color, where once lived the maharajas. The buzzing bazaars of Jaipur,
distinguished for Rajasthani jewellery, art and fabrics maintain an ageless
feature and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. This charming city
with its quixotic zest drives you to an era of kingship and heritage.
Historic Perspective
Jaipur is girdled by rock mountains crowned with invincible fort and
charming palaces and is encircled by the high wall, 10km. long which is
opened at seven gates.
The city was completely washed in rose pink color in 1876 A D, during the
visit of the Prince of Wales since then the city enjoys the title of 'Pink
City'. Falling under the Golden Triangle, (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) the city is
visited by millions of domestic and foreign tourists.
Brimming with rich traditions, splendid architecture and heritage culture,
this princely state enjoys the legacy of beautiful palaces, colossal forts,
exquisite temples and royal havelis. - standing a testimony to the imperial
grandeur. But what cajoles the most in Jaipur is the simple traditional
lifestyle, festivals and its colorful smiling people.
The city also shoppers stop for its excellent handicrafts work, delicate
gold jewelry, its inlaid work of precious gems and stones, blue pottery,
block prints, tie and dye textiles and miniature painting.
The Charm of Jaipur
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal- 3 km from the center of Jaipur is founded by Maharaja Sawai
Pratap Singh in the year 1799. The mahal is the 5 storied amazing
semi-octagonal monument that consists of 152 windows, latticed balconies
specifically designed for the royal ladies to enjoy the day to day
activities of the street and the royal processions passing by.
Timing 10.00 to 16.30 hrs.
Jantar Mantar (Observatory)
Jantar Mantar 3.5 km was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the
18th century. The observatory was built to study the motion of heavenly
bodies in the sky. The huge sundial that still provides accurate time is the
great attraction of Jantar Mantar.
Timing 9.00 to 16.30 hrs.
City
palace/ Museum
City Palace and the Museum 3.5 km are in the heart of the Jaipur City. The
palace houses some of the magnificent structures and palaces like-
Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public audience), Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private
audience), Mubarak Mahal with its intricate decor and opulent variety of
costumes and textiles of the royal family.
Timing 9.30 to 16.45 hrs. Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 35.00 and for
foreigners Rs.150.00 inclusive of entry to Jaigarh fort.
Amber Fort
Amber Fort 11km from Jaipur is a perfect blend of Hindu and Mughal
architecture splendor. Perched on the hilltop, the fort has a marvelous work
of delicate glass mirrors on the walls and ceiling that reflect the golden
rays of the sun all over the premises. The fascinating royal elephant ride
up to the fort is quite tempting and a real attraction for the tourist.
Visiting timings are 0900-1630hrs.
Jalmahal
A small beautiful palace amidst the Man Sagar Lake with its entire
architectural grandeur, is a great source of tourist attraction. The Palace
was once the regal duck shooting paradise of the royal family have its first
4 floors submerged in the lake and only the top floor is raised above the
water level. The other attraction of the Palace is its bird population, the
lake is a chosen home of a number of migratory and resident birds.
Nahargarh Fort
15 km. from the center of Jaipur, the fort is nestled on the Nahargarh
Hills at a height of 600ft. The Fort was constructed by Sawai Raja Jai Singh
the maharaja of Jaipur in 1734.The colossal walls of the fort surrounds the
magnificent structures like Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra Bhawan. It also
offers some captivating views of the Man Sagar Lake and the city below.
Timing 10.00 to 16.00 hrs.
Sisodia Rani ka Bagh
Sisodia Palace and Garden- 8 km, was the favorite pass time of the royal
ladies. The garden embellished with enchanting fountains, blue lakes and
stone sculptures, is indeed a captivating sight that bestow the artistic
sense of the Rajasthani architecture.
Jai Garh
Surrounded by water on all sides, Jai Garh palace of Jaipur is crowned on a
hill that gives a brilliant view of Amber Fort below. The world's biggest
cannon on wheels is conserved here.
Festivities of Jaipur
Elephant Festival: (March-April) the festivity is marked by the
royal processions of charming elephants arrayed with kaleidoscopic dresses
and jewelry accompanied by many games like elephant polo match and races.
Rajasthan Folk music and dance performances are part of the festival.
Makar
Sankranti: (14th of January) every year the festival is celebrated with
same enthusiasm and fun, is also known as a kite flying festival as one can
cherished hundred's of colorful kites flying in the sky. A kite flying
competition is also organized on Makar Sankranti, enthusiast from all over
India arrive to show their talent.
Gangaur Festival: (March-April) it is festival celebrated by the
married women and young girls with great excitement. The festival is
dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva and is supported by
glorious procession.
Teej Festival: (July-August) the festival falls usually during
monsoon season. The women and young girls sing songs of rain and love while
taking long swings tired on the high trees by long ropes. The arrival of
rain made the sight more beautiful and captivating. The festival is
dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
Palace on Wheels A Fairytale Journey
It's just thrilling to make a tour with Palace on Wheel. Rajasthan offers a
luxurious ride with its imperial decor and services to explore the treasures
of beautiful Rajasthan. The royal journey on Palace on Wheel will take you
to the unrevealed zone of desert to relish the sight of colossal forts and
palaces that are queer in their elegance and charm.
The train makes the trip to the cities of Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur,
Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Alwar, and Bharatpur, Agra- the city of the Taj Mahal
and Delhi.
Excursions
Ramgarh lake: This artificial lake located amidst the sylvan hills
is an idyllic picnic spot. It is 32kms away towards the northeast of Jaipur.
Jaipur tourism also facilitates excursions to Agra- 570 km via Ajmer,
Jaipur, a home to marvel of splendor the Taj, Khajuraho, the abode of the
erotic sculptures, Bharatpur-174km is one of the finest bird sanctuaries of
Asia and Delhi- 636 km via Ajmer, Jaipur, Alwar, the capital city of India
with its immense culture and architecture.
Ranthambore
- 180km is a natural habitat of the great Indian Tiger and the wildlife
sanctuary of Sariska once the royal hunting lodge of maharajas has been
converted into a hotel. Sariska's wildlife includes the tiger, panther, deer
and antelope forms excellent excursion from Jaipur.
Another excursion from Jaipur is Ajmer and Pushkar. Ajmer is famous for its
mosque of Muslim saint. Pushkar is catapulted into popularity in the month
of November for 10 days as India's most splendid camel fair takes place
here. For the thousands of tourists, who visit Pushkar, accommodation is in
the form of tents that is again a great source of attraction.
Jaipur A Shopping Hub For Tourist
Jaipur is a celestial home for shop lovers. It offers precious and semi
precious jewelry. Clock Tower and Sardar Market are famous for hand block
printed textiles, enameled blue pottery, tie and dye works. MI Road. Khadi
Ghar, MI Road Rajasthan Handloom Project Board, at Rajasthanli, Rajasthan
Government Handicraft Emporium- Ajmeri Gate, MI Road are main shopping
markets in Jaipur.
Getting Around
Air: Jaipur has its own airport and a number of domestic flights
connect it with other important Indian cities. Indian Airlines connects
Jaipur with Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Varanasi and Ahmedabad.
Rail: Indian Railways connects the city to Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad,
Bikaner, Ajmer, Udaipur, and Sawai Madhopur.
Road: Good network of luxurious fleet connects Jaipur to all the
major cities of India. Delhi- 258 km, Agra- 236 km, Bikaner- 321 km,
Udaipur- 405 km, Ajmer- 131 km, Jodhpur- 316 km, Bharatpur- 176 kmand
Jaisalmer 638 km Tourist taxis and RTDC buses also runs regularly.
