The first planned city of India, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan is a sheer reflection of the glorious past of the mighty Rajputs. Painted in Pink, there’s much more to Rajasthan’s capital than its pink-red tinged building and historic splendor. Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is complete with old-world charm surrounded by colourful markets and chaotic streets. The historical constructions of Jaipur are undoubtedly among the best architectural examples of India. It’s easy to lose sight of an Old City created by farsighted 18th century maharajas as the country’s first urban grid. And the facades of this so-called Pink City (it was painted as such for a British royal visit) are less reminiscent of cupcake frosting than of baked salmon. Yet even the laziest of explorers will soon discover enough curiosities to last a lifetime!

A city that is widely known for its vibrant colours and ethnicity, Jaipur is the looking glass into the royal history of India. The heroic chronicles of the Rajputs and the traditional lifestyle of locals attracts tourists from different corners of the world round the years. Jaipur holds the royal pages of India’s historical chapters and one can feel its essence from the massive forts and palatial buildings. Today, Jaipur is known as the city that has perfectly blended tradition with modernity. While having forts and palaces, the city has flourished with industries, shopping malls and multiplexes, thereby becoming one of the best travel destinations in India. The regal cuisine, unrivaled architecture, and raw natural beauty of the Rajasthan countryside would be enough to make Jaipur into a world class destination. Yet, there is so much more to this city. Jaipur is packed with spellbinding festivals, richly decorated elephants casually going about their work, enchanting cultural insights, and a labyrinth of colourful dream palaces at every turn.

A romantic pink hue pervades everything in Jaipur, hence the nickname “Pink City”. Here you can see the exotic cityscape completely washed in a soft, glowing shade of blush that deepens as the sun sets each evening. Pedestrians from all walks of life, seemingly from a mix of centuries, weave through the boulevards and bazaars amid a cavalcade of rickshaws and motorbikes, three-wheeled trucks and elephants, all buzzing with a vibrant exuberance. Jaipur is a fine representation of the regal grandiose that has always distinguished the state of Rajasthan. Home to opulent palaces, towering forts and holy temples, not only has Jaipur gracefully retained its royal roots but it proudly displays them for visitors to see and experience

ARCHITECTURAL SITES AND SIGHTS

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal, the romantic pink sandstone fortress cascading over the streets of Jaipur, was originally built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 as a vantage point for the ladies of the royal household. From behind the dark shadowed windows of Hawa Mahal, high above the streets, the women could observe the city below without being observed themselves.
Today, the structure still stands as proudly as ever. The landmark “honeycomb” facade reaches five stories high and is made up of 152 windows nestled into rounded latticed balconies, exemplifying the strong yet delicate Rajput architecture in all its splendour. When the sun drops down toward the horizon, a small beam of sunlight can sometimes be seen shining through a top story window. For visitors looking to learn about the history of this building, a visit to the Hawa Mahal Museum, just behind the monument, is a must. It displays relics, artifacts, statues, and other historical memorabilia that commemorate Rajasthan’s royal history.

City Palace

Located just behind the Hawa Mahal is Jaipur’s famous City Palace, the centerpiece of the city and the heart of founder Jai Singh II’s reign. The City Palace includes Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal as well as a number of other structures. Built with highly trained architectural care, City Palace combines Rajput, Mogul and European styles and is another stunning example of Jaipur’s royal influences. Concentric zones to fortify the inner dwellings of the palace, as well as the period-appropriate asymmetric design, make it an architectural marvel. Today, part of the City Palace is home to the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, which showcases historical relics and art from the city and the region.

Jantar Mantar

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II not only envisioned and executed the highly organised city of Jaipur, he was also responsible for the development of five astronomical observatories throughout west central India. Jantar Mantar is one such observatory located in the heart of Jaipur. The large-scale geometric formations are the stars of this historical structure, jutting out independently with staircases that lead to nowhere and in what would appear to be a random manner. The observatory is a wonder to architects and artists alike, and today, it is presented to audiences as an all-encompassing experience, complete with time-lapse sequences, drawings and 3D models to showcase this historical site.

Ishwar Lat

Ishwar Lat, which translates to “heaven piercing minaret”, is a monument near the centre of Jaipur that offers the best view of the city. Ishwar Lat was constructed by Jai Singh II in 1749 to commemorate a great victory. However, local legend has it that he built this monument because it gave him a perfect vantage point to see the Prime Minister’s daughter, with whom he had fallen in love. For current day visitors, this is a perfect spot to catch the beginnings of a sunset or bring a small packed lunch and soak in the sights of Jaipur and the surrounding areas.

EXCURSIONS

Amber Fort

One such Rajput palace is located only about 11 kilometres from the centre of Jaipur. The sand-coloured walls of Amber Fort fade into the surrounding hillside in a nearly perfect disguise. This was the original capital of Rajasthan before Maharaja Jai Singh II relocated during his reign to the City Palace. Constructed using breathtaking red sandstone and marble, this structure was built roughly 200 years before Jaipur was established. Today, you can hop on the back of an elephant decorated in bright colours and patterns. Rajput kings considered elephants their premier symbols of power. These animals have long been revered by locals and are often richly costumed with paints, fabrics, and jewels. You will sway gently in your high perch as your elephant lumbers majestically up the stone w alkway to the hilltop’s main entrance. This is arguably the most popular sight in the area surrounding Jaipur, so be prepared to meet people from all over the world.

Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort is another very popular destination on the outskirts of Jaipur city. Jaigarh was built in 1726 to protect the city of Jaipur. A true fortress, this fort lacks the intricacies of the fort-palace architecture found elsewhere in Jaipur. Fortunately, this fort never served in any serious conflicts and thus has remained essentially intact in its original structure. It offers visitors a breath-taking view over the surrounding mountainous landscape.

Nahargarh Fort

It is the first of the three forts built by Maharaja Jai Sawai Singh of Jaipur during 18th century. The fort stands at the top of the rugged point of the Aravalis and offers a spectacular view of the city. Keeping this fact in mind, the fort was made to serve as a means of supporting the security of Amer. There are numerous buildings situated inside the Nahargarh Fort and amongst them, Madhavendra Bhawan appeals the most. Another major attraction of the fort is that, it provides an eye catching view of the Man Sagar Lake and the suburbs. The geometrically designed Nahargarh Fort looks at its best in the night, when it is dazzling lit. Nahargarh Fort forms a remarkable backdrop of Jaipur and offers a glittering view of the city lights.

Galtaji Temple

Just ten kilometres outside of Jaipur, Galtaji Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a Hindu site with natural springs where pilgrims can immerse themselves to wash away their sins. The temple is also home to tribes of monkeys who gleefully congregate to enjoy the temple’s fine spring water. This other-worldly temple affords not-to-be-missed views of Jaipur. Galtaji Temple owes its stately elegance to the architects serving under Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who built much of what is most impressive about the palaces of Jaipur.

WILDLIFE

Jaipur not only has the package of incredible historical monuments, but also offers an outstanding collection of wildlife.

Ranthambore National Park

It is located in the eastern part of Rajasthan at a distance of 130km from Jaipur, is an eye treat for the lovers of wildlife. The park has dense deciduous forests, which used to make the jungles. Apart from tigers, the sabctuary boasts of a great variety of flora and fauna, aquatic plants, species of birds, reptiles and mammals. It makes home for both resident and migratory birds. Some area of park are open for tourists to travel around and explore flora and fauna.

Sariska National Park

It is another significant wildlife sanctuary, located at a distance of 107km from Jaipur. The park, bigger than Ranthambore, possesses historical monuments and temples, which depict the legacy of Maharajas of Alwar. Though, the sanctuary does not have many tigers, yet many wild animals dwell on the grounds. Apart from other carnivores and herbivores, many different species of birds and Great Indian horned Owls. On the edge of the sanctuary, Siliserh Lake is inhabited by crocodiles.

FESTIVALS

Elephant Festival

Probably the most well-known of Jaipur’s festivals is the Elephant Festival. Every year in February or March (according to a lunar calendar date), the Elephant Festival is celebrated on the eve of the India-wide Festival of Colours, or Holi. Elephant polo and elephant tug of war are just a couple of the activities that take place during this festival. Dancing, celebrations of astronomical shifts, the marriage procession of the gods, and intricately decorated elephants marching through the streets–this is a glimpse of Jaipur as the world’s greatest city for festivals. Jaipur’s community brings together over six and a half million people with a very diverse array of backgrounds. When the festivals burst forth into the streets Jaipur, everything comes to a halt and the city takes on an entirely original character to match each celebration.

Kite Festival

A festival that embraces the whole city of Jaipur is the Kite Festival, held every January 14. This has become a full government holiday, so the entire population of Jaipur and surrounding suburbs is free to pour into the streets and let their kites fly. The Kite Festival brings the contrast of bright, bold colours to this city that’s has become so well known as being monochrome pink. Truly, this is massive display of vitality that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.

Teej

During the monsoon months of late July and early August, this joyful festival brightens up Jaipur’s streets with its parades of colour and sound. Teej Festival is celebrated throughout Rajasthan, but it’s most pronounced in Jaipur. With the focus on the story of reunited gods Shiva and Parvati after 100 years of separation, the celebration commemorates marriage, especially married women. Women dress in their finest clothes to celebrate the goddess, animals are adorned with coloured paint and jewels, music fills the air and dancers take to the streets. The entire city of Jaipur gives itself over to two days of ecstatic festival bliss.

Gangaur

The goddess of abundance, Gauri, is celebrated in the springtime throughout the state of Rajasthan for Gangaur Fair. Young girls pray for an esteemed future spouse while married women pray for the well-being and long lives of their husbands. When this festival takes over the streets, the people gather to witness a particularly pious procession that includes songs and manifestations of the gods Shiva and Parvati. This festival is uniquely emotional as an exhibition of the truly devoted.

Jaipur is a magical city displaying a vibrant array of colours amid its rosy ancient palaces. A city painted pink would look unnatural in many places, but here on the edge of the desert, at an immense distance from the Western world both geographically and philosophically, Jaipur feels eternally serene. Festivals with loud colors clashing and spinning and all hues of kites flying overhead–these are what make Jaipur the bright, colorful, intensely alive city that it is.