The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is not only the gateway to the state; it is also the most natural place to begin a discovery of Rajasthan – the most colourful state in India. Located about 260 km south west of Delhi, Jaipur is part of the Golden Triangle Tourist circuit that includes Delhi and Agra. With its myriad colours, ancient palaces, forts and a flourishing art and craft industry Jaipur truly has a regal air about it. Founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur was probably the first planned city in the country at that time.
About three centuries later, this beautifully planned city by an astronomer king still charms a traveller to Jaipur. Its bustling bazaars wear 200 years of grace and elegance on their sleeves with pride, its neatly laid-out streets are easy t
+ more about JaipurThe capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is not only the gateway to the state; it is also the most natural place to begin a discovery of Rajasthan – the most colourful state in India. Located about 260 km south west of Delhi, Jaipur is part of the Golden Triangle Tourist circuit that includes Delhi and Agra. With its myriad colours, ancient palaces, forts and a flourishing art and craft industry Jaipur truly has a regal air about it. Founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur was probably the first planned city in the country at that time.
About three centuries later, this beautifully planned city by an astronomer king still charms a traveller to Jaipur. Its bustling bazaars wear 200 years of grace and elegance on their sleeves with pride, its neatly laid-out streets are easy to navigate and the uniform pink adds to the aura of the city. Then there are forts and palaces that have withstood the test of time. Many a forts and palaces in Jaipur have been converted into heritage hotels. These heritage hotels present a wonderful opportunity to travellers to experience the architectural heritage from closed quarters.
Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a Brahmin scholar of Bengal planned the city architecture. It took around four years to complete the roads, square and major palaces of the city. The city was built following the principles of Vastu Shastra, the Indian Architecture. The city was divided into nine blocks, of which two consist the state buildings and palaces, with the remaining seven allotted to the public. Huge fortification walls were made along with seven strong gates.
It is said that in 1876 to welcome the then Prince of Wales all buildings in the city were freshly painted pink to match the sandstone they were made of. Since then, Jaipur has more famously been referred to as the Pink City.
Besides history and heritage, Jaipur is an exciting shopping destination. Its bustling bazaars are concentrated in the old city, divided into rectangles intersected by broad avenues. You can make your through the Chandpol Bazaar, Khazane Walon ka Raasta (for marble work), Kishanpol Bazaar and to Rangwalon ki Gali (for tie-and-dye work). Those want have a bird’s eye view of the city can opt for hot air balloon flight.
Today, Jaipur has expanded beyond its old walls to accommodate its burgeoning population and business. Camel carts and turbaned men alongside swanky malls and world class hotels are a part of the city’s present and future. To the globe trotter, the city offers everything from royalty, colourful festivals, crafts, beautiful sights, adventure and luxury.
Catering to a large number and variety of tourists each year the city offers a range of accommodations including heritage hotels for those wishing to immerse themselves in the regal air completely.
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