As part of the “Golden Triangle” between Delhi and Agra, Jaipur is famous for its walled “Pink City”, its wealth of havelis, palaces and monuments, and for being an unrivalled centre for Indian handicrafts. The city, now the bustling capital of Rajasthan, was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II. He was fascinated by science and mathematics and the layout of streets was based on a mathematical grid of nine squares representing the ancient Hindu map of the universe, the royal palace placed symbolically at its centre. The city was said to have been painted pink in honour of a visit by Prince Albert in 1853, although, just as with Jodhpur, “the Blue City”, there are several other interpretations! In any case, at sunset, the pink buildings give off a magical glow.
Jaipur is famous for gold, jewelry and gem stones, and also specializes in printed cotton handicrafts, carpets, handloom rugs, embroidered footwear and blue pottery. In fact, Jaipur’s several bazaars, such as those that make up the network of the Pink City, have almost everything you could possibly wish to buy in India. The city also offers opportunities for astrology lessons, horoscope readings and classes in block printing, painting and pottery.
The City Palace is still inhabited by the Royal Family; the complex comprises several palaces of different eras, temples and gardens, as well as a Textile and Costume Museum, an Armory Museum and the Diwan Khana Art Gallery. Others of Jaipur’s famous sights include the 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory with its bemusing but accurate instruments, the 18th century Nahargargh Fort and the Jaigarh Fort. There are also several interesting temples, such as the Birla Mandir temple with its eclectic religious art and the Surya Mandir (Sun Temple) in the Valley of the Monkeys which gives impressive views over the city. A visit to the ancient ruins of the city of Amber is unmissable, an 11km drive from the city.
The spirit of Jaipur is best experienced during one of its festivals. The most high profile include the Elephant Festival in March with its extravagant processions and elephant polo, the Teej Festival heralding the arrival of the monsoon, the Gangaur Fair in April, and Makar Sankranti, the kite flying festival, in January. All in all, the city is one of the cultural hubs of India, with a seemingly endless array of things to see, do and buy.
Practical Information
- Sanganer Airport is 15km south of town: airport buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws take 30 minutes to get to the centre
- Jaipur Train Station is located on Station Rd
- Central Bus Stand, for long distance state and private buses, is on Station Rd
- The Old City is best explored on foot and the New City can be traversed by bus, auto rickshaw and taxi
- Main tourist offices are The Government of India Tourist Office, next to Hotel Khasa Kothi and Tourist Hotel on MI road; there are several other tourist offices around the city
Select a Jaipur Homestay using the links in the top right.