Jaipur is also known as the Pink City due to the preponderance of pink architectural styles in the city.
In 1876, Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales went on a tour to India. Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the whole city pink to welcome visitors, as pink is the color of hospitality. Since then, the locals have faithfully adhered to the custom, which now mandates that they preserve this pink color.
According to several tourists, the city’s irresistible romantic allure is a direct result of its colorful and cheerful color scheme.
The capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan is Jaipur, which goes by several names than just Pink City. This imperial metropolis of the ancient Rajputana, named after its founder Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693–1743), is among the most magnificent destinations in all of India.
Jaipur is a well-known destination on the Golden Triangle trip, which is a popular tourist circuit in India. Hill forts, which are among India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as magnificent palaces and a great deal of interesting architecture, dot the city, which is encircled by the Aravalis. Tours to Jaipur are ideal for those who like learning about the city’s rich history, experiencing its vibrant culture, and being showered with royal hospitality.
History
The renowned astronomer and warrior Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693–1744) is the creator of Jaipur. After his father, Maharaja Bishan Singh, passed away when he was eleven years old, he ascended to the throne. Proper education for Jai Singh was a priority for the Maharaja when he heard rumors that his son would become a great leader. In the fields of art, science, philosophy, and military affairs, he received instruction from the greatest experts. His intelligence and academic credentials were complementary. Emperor Aurangzeb called Jai Singh to court when he was fifteen years old. By going to battle with the Marathas in the Deccan, Jai Singh had broken the deal. After welcoming Jai Singh with a handshake, Aurangzeb immediately sought an explanation.
At the age of fifteen, Jai Singh responded that the emperor’s hand extension was a sign that he would defend his country and himself. All of Jai Singh’s offspring continued to wear the title of Sawai, which means “one and a quarter,” bestowed to him by Aurangzeb in recognition of his response. The Jai Sing family tree begins with the 12th-century Kushawaha Rajput dynasty. The Mewar (Udaipur) and Marwar (Jodhpur) kingdoms were ruled by them, and their influence extended to modern-day Jaipur, where they constructed the beautiful Amber Fort. The Kucchwahas saw the Mughals’ imperial strength at its height and decided to join forces with them. When Jai Singh backed Aurangzeb’s son shortly after assuming power, it caused some unease. After Aazam Shah’s brother Bahadur Shah defeated him in the succession fight, Vijay Singh was installed as king of Jaipur, and Jai Singh was removed. Refusing to accept defeat lying down, Jai Singh rallied other Rajput kingdoms to fight the Mughals and re-established his rule. The kingdom flourished and extended its frontiers as the dust cleared, and peace prevailed.
A second water source for the expanding metropolis was the Ramgarh lake, which Maharaja Ram Singh constructed. The city’s population expanded outside its limits throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. During the reign of Man Singh II, Maharaja of Jaipur, who came to power in 1922, many public structures, including the secretariat, schools, hospitals, and others, were constructed. Jaipur became part of the larger Rajasthan Union alongside the states of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner after independence. In addition to being named Rajapramukh, Man Singh II was also made governor of the newly formed region. Jaipur succeeded Jodhpur as the capital of Rajasthan in 1956 after the title had been revoked.
As the years have passed, Jaipur city has grown into a treasure trove of interesting attractions. Three forts: Amer, Jaigarh, and Nahargarh, stand atop the hills. Located in the very center of town, the stunning City Palace serves as both a home for the royal family and a top-tier museum in Rajasthan. The royal observatory, Jantar Mantra, is a World Heritage Site according to UNESCO. The magnificent red sandstone palace, with most of its surface underwater, is an iconic landmark in the city that seems to float in the center of Man Sagar Lake. As a memorial to the illustrious reign of the royal family, the Hawa Mahal has become a famous sight in the city.
The Architecture
Amber, located eleven kilometers outside of Jaipur, was the capital of Jai Singh. When the population in Amber began to outstrip the available water, he eventually moved it to Jaipur. Being India’s first entirely planned city is an honor bestowed upon Jaipur. Markets, canals, parks, and neighborhoods are all well laid out.
Buildings in the city were overseen by Maharaja Jai Singh, who ensured that they adhered to traditional Rajput architectural style. The planning of this metropolis was informed by research into a number of archival sources and old texts. The unique sandstone that is abundant in Rajasthan was used to construct almost all of Jaipur’s structures.
The city’s rich scientific past is just as well-known as its architectural heritage. Science and mathematics were also very important to Maharaja Jai Singh. This is why, while planning the city, he sought the advice of Bengali scholar Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. Expert counsel was given by the scholar after consulting literature on ancient Ptolemy, astronomy, and Euclid.
It took four years to construct the city according to the principles of Shilpa Shastra, an Indian architectural science. Among the many cultural institutions and landmarks in the city are the world-renowned planetarium, the stunning city palace, and many temples.
Host to the World’s Largest Free Literary Festival
The Jaipur Literature Festival has been going strong since 2006 and attracts readers and writers from all around the globe. Thousands of artists from many nations are on display, ranging from authors and directors to lyricists and novelists. From January 25th to the 29th, 2018, this magnificent event had its most recent iteration. There is no better venue than this literary festival if you are seeking intellectual illumination and an appreciation of literature’s aesthetic value.
Expensive hotels
Jaipur, often hailed as one of India’s most regal and opulent towns, is no stranger to opulent hotels. Pink City is home to some of the world’s most renowned hotels, nevertheless. The Raj Palace, The Oberoi, ITC Rajputana, Trident, and many other magnificent hotels line the area, which is a major draw for visitors all year round and a popular spot for weddings and other special occasions.
Golden Tourism Triangle
The Indian towns of Jaipur, Delhi, and Agra make up what is known as the Golden Tourism Triangle. This confirms Jaipur’s status as a top tourist destination in India. The country exudes an air befitting a king or queen, after all.
Food
Dal Batti Churma
If you ever find yourself in Jaipur, you must have Dal Batti Churma, the city’s most renowned dish. This nutritious dish is a trademark of Rajasthan. Batti, a packed ring of baked flour that is cooked in an oven or over charcoal, goes well with lentil curry, also known as Dal. Churma, a sweet dessert prepared with wheat, ghee, sugar, or jaggery, is offered as an accompaniment to this meal.
Mawa Kachori
Another popular Rajasthani dish, Mawa Kachori is sure to please any palate. Mawa and sugar syrup are fillings for the kachoris. You must not miss this irresistible treat; it is addicting. This well-known street cuisine is available at both large and small restaurants in Jaipur. When you’re in Jaipur, you can’t miss the Mawa Kachori at any of the candy stores.
Ghewar
As with other irresistible Rajasthani desserts, ghewar will have you begging for more. Teej and Gangaur are two occasions when this deep-fried sweet delicacy is at its peak popularity. Different variants of this dish are available, including desi ghee Ghewar, plain Ghewar, and Mawa Ghewar. Ghewar, like all the other Rajasthani sweets, is available at every Jaipur sweet store.
Mirchi Bada
Mirchi Bada, along with kachoris and samosas, is among the most beloved delicacies in Rajasthan. Some street delicacies, like this one, are so hot and spicy that they make you fall in love with them. The big green chilies used in this appetizer are dipped in gram flour or besan and deep-fried till they become a beautiful golden brown. On improvised handcarts, you may find this food sold by both well-known restaurants and street sellers.
Rajasthani Subji
The Rajasthani Subji is a must-see attraction in Jaipur. The traditional cuisine of Jaipur includes the world-famous Rajasthani curry, as well as Mangori, Ker Sangari, Pakodi, and Gatte ki Subji. The people of Rajasthan rely on these foods as staples in their everyday diet.
Culture
Handcrafted silver jewelry, Kundan and Meenakari embroidery, ivory sculptures, woodwork, leather items, etc., are all part of Jaipur’s traditional jewelry. Similar to other Rajasthani products, they are a huge hit with international visitors. Blue ceramics, tiny paintings, and traditional garments adorned with bandhani, zari, and zardozi vividly portray the wealth of Jaipur culture.
The concentration of talented artists and craftspeople in Jaipur is a key factor in the city’s thriving cultural scene. It is intriguing to see that the lifestyles of the Mughals and the Rajputs evolved in response to invitations extended to artists by their respective kings. Since then, many skilled craftspeople have decided to make Jaipur their permanent home.
The distinctive culture of Jaipur exemplifies a comprehensive perspective of Rajasthan and, more broadly, India’s rich cultural heritage.
How to reach
By air
Air travel to and from Jaipur is convenient both inside India and abroad. There are flights to and from the Jaipur International Airport from many cities in India and beyond, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Bangkok, and even Jodhpur and Udaipur, two of Rajasthan’s most popular tourist spots.
By rail
The other popular tourist spots in Rajasthan, such as Jodhpur and Udaipur, as well as Delhi and Mumbai, may be reached via the superfast trains that stop in Jaipur. Several of India’s most prestigious luxury trains actually make a stop in Jaipur.
By road
As the starting point for touristic journeys across Rajasthan, Jaipur is well-connected by road to Delhi (250 km), Agra (250 km), Jodhpur (330 km), Udaipur (400 km), Bikaner (330 km), and Pushkar (145 km). Jaipur is a popular intermediate stop on the Golden Triangle tourism circuit in India because of its convenient road access.
Best places to stay in Jaipur
Shahpura House
A great place to stay in Jaipur at a reasonable price is the heritage-style Shahpura House. Located very close to the city center, the accommodation options recreate the style of the erstwhile royalty of Rajasthan and are furnished with elegant colonial furniture. There is a great rooftop restaurant where you can dine al fresco and a little outdoor pool as part of the facilities.
Alsisar haveli
Originally built as a residence for a merchant, the Alsisar Haveli is now a beautifully restored heritage hotel. The opulent mansion’s owners live in close proximity to the heart of the city. Elegantly designed in a colonial style, the rooms and suites are arranged around a central courtyard. Here you may find a restaurant, a bar, and an outdoor pool. You won’t find a more pleasant spot to stay in Jaipur than this.
Radisson Jaipur city center
The Radisson Jaipur City Centre is a city center hotel that sits over a contemporary commercial center. With contemporary decor and thoughtful touches like minibars, color TVs, and tea/coffee makers, each of the 100 rooms offers a comfortable stay. There is Wi-Fi accessible. In addition to a nightclub and disco, the recreational amenities include a health club, spa, and swimming pool.
Jai mahal palace
The Jai Mahal Palace, which was formerly the home of Jaipur’s prime minister, is situated on lavishly manicured grounds spanning many acres. After undergoing renovations and upgrades, the hotel is now operated by the Taj Group and is classified as a Deluxe. Almost every accommodation has a stunning view of the pool or Mughal gardens. The Jai Mahal Palace is among the best hotels in Jaipur due to its contemporary facilities and excellent service.
The Oberoi rajvilas
The Oberoi Rajvilas, immersed in 32 acres of verdant gardens, lakes, and fountains, offer an ideal glimpse into Jaipur’s imperial treasures. A deep white Italian marble bathtub with a view of the guest’s own walled ornamental garden and a majestic teak four-poster bed are hallmarks of the Deluxe rooms and villas. Every contemporary convenience is provided at this five-star hotel. Guests may enjoy a private bar, satellite TV with CD and DVD player, direct dial phone, data connection, in-room dining available at any hour of the day or night, same-day laundry and dry cleaning, and butler service.
Best shopping
Johari bazaar palace
One of the most famous places to shop in Jaipur is this. Jewellery is a specialty of the market, and the name Johari means jeweler. Shoppers may expect to discover traditional Rajasthani jewelry made from gold and precious stones as well as a range of traditional Indian clothes.
Bapu bazaar
Mojari, a famous local shoe made of camel leather, can be purchased at Bapu Bazar. In addition to classic Indian garments like sarees and lehengas, customers may discover a wide selection of Rajasthani textiles and arts & crafts.
Tripolia Bazar
One of Jaipur’s most famous and bustling marketplaces is Tripolia Bazar. Bangles and colorful materials may be found here. A wide selection of high-quality carpets and rugs are also available.
Chandpole Bazar
This market in the middle of the Pink City is 300 years old, so it’s worth a visit if you’re furnishing a dream house. Hundreds of sellers set up shop in this market, which is famous for its elaborately carved marble sculptures.
Nehru Bazar
The juttis, a classic North Indian shoe type, are the main attraction among the many beautiful garments and fabrics found here. The juttis, a specialty of Jaipur, may be found in Nehru Bazar.