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Jaipur is considered as the entry point of Rajasthan. Also known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. The city was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II and is named after him. He was not only a great ruler but also a renowned mathematician and astrologer. Vidhydhar Bhattacharya designed Jaipur city and thus pink city is considered as first planned city of India.

Jaipur is famous for its forts, havelis and bazaars. The city has excellent infrastructure facilities with wide roads which intersects at right angle and hotels which makes city as one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India.

The pink city is surrounded by hills on three sides and this makes the city more beautiful. It is famous for its splendid handicrafts, magnificent gold jewelry enameled or inlaid with precious stones, blue pottery, carving on wood, stone & ivory, block print, tie & dye textiles, hand made paper items, superb miniature painting etc.

CLIMATE

The maximum temperature of Jaipur in summer is 40.6°C and minimum is 25.8°C. In winter it is 22.0°C and 8.3°C. The ideal season to visit Jaipur is between Septembers to March.

HOW TO REACH

Being the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is well connected by air, rail and road by almost every city of the country.

PLACES OF INTEREST

HAWA MAHAL

Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singhbuilt it in 1799. It is a splendid work of Rajput architecture. This is a 5 storied semi-octagonal monument, which have 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies. It was originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy the processions on the street below. Now it is a well laid out museum. You can visit here from 10.00 to 16.30 hrs.

JANTAR MANTAR

It is the masterpiece for those who have interest in astrology. It was built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who himself was a renowned astrologer. Jantar Mantar was used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Here a sundial still provides accurate time, which are subject to daily corrections. One can visit here from 9.00 to 16.30 hrs.

CITY PALACE AND S.M.S. II MUSEUM

Situated in the heart of the old City, this palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It has a seven storied Chandra Mahal in the center. Diwan-E-Am is well decorated and has collection of manuscripts. Diwan-E-Khas has a marble pawed gallery. Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and textiles and near by it is Clock Tower. Sileh Khana has a collection of armory and weapons, which shows the bravery of Rajputs. Timing is from 9.30 to 16.45 hrs.

BIRLA PLANETARIUM

It provides a audiovisual education about stars.

JALMAHAL

If you are going to Amer Fort, do not forget to visit Jalmahal as it is on the way. This small palace is situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.

NAHARGARH FORT (15 kms.)

This fort was built in 1734. One can experience the architectural beauties like Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra Bhawan inside this fort. Timing to visit the fort is from 10.00 to 16.00 hrs.

MOTI DOONGARI

It is on a hilltop on the southern horizon.

LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE

Situated just below the Moti doongri, it is famous forits beautiful marble carvings in white marble. It is popularly known as Birla Temple.

AMER FORT (11 kms.)

On the Delhi-Jaipur highway, Amer fort stands admist the wooded hill. The fort is reflected in the still waters of the Maota Lake below. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawah rulers. The construction of the fort was initiated by Raja Man Singh and additions were made later by Sawai Jai Singh.

Inside the palace you will see the Diwan-e-Aam or the Hall of Public Audience, the Diwan-e-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience and the Sukh Niwas. Here a cool breeze blows across channels of water for the purpose of air-conditioning. The private chambers made for the queens can be also seen here. These chambers have windows with latticed screens so that the ladies could watch the proceedings of the royal court.

One can also see the Jai Mandir, having a Sheesh Mahal.

JAIGARH FORT

Jaigarh Fort is one of the few military structures of medieval India. It has palaces, garden, open and covered reservoirs, a granary, an armory, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jain Ban, the largest cannon in the world.

FAIR AND FESTIVALS

GANGAUR

Held every year in the month of March or April, this festival is celebrated by the maidens and married women. It is dedicated to Gauri. A grand procession is taken out from Zanana Deodhi of the City Palace, through Tripolia Bazaar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaugan and converging near Talkatora. This procession goes for two consecutive days.

MAKAR SANKRANTI

Every year on the 14th of January that is on makar sankranti, the devotees take a holy dip in the holy tank at Galtaji. People enjoy the day by flying the kites. Several colorful kites can be seen on the sky of Jaipur on this day.

TEEJ

The festival is dedicated to parvati and is celebrated every year in the month of July and August. A grand colorful procession is taken out from City Palace, similar to the Gangaur procession, for two consecutive days.

SHITLA ASHTAMI

Shitla Ashtami is celebrated every year in the month of March or April. It is celebrated to ward off the dreaded disease of small pox. The fair is held at the Shitla Mata temple in Chaksu (on the Jaipur Kota Road).

SHOPPING

Jaipur is famous world wide for its beautiful blue pottery and Kundan jewelry. People are also interested to purchase Jaipuri razai. The main feature of these quilts is it weigh very little but is quiet warm.

If you are interested in silver jewelry, semiprecious stones and handcrafted footwear, then Jaipur is perfect place. Beautiful miniature handcrafted elephants; horses and camels can be also purchased. Jauhari Bazaar in Jaipur is one of the best places to shop for tie-and-dye items.