Pink City. Review on Jaipur

One of the most vibrant and colorful cities of India is Jaipur. Famous for its strikingly beautiful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes the city basks in the glory of a rich and eventful past. Jaipur is city which is made all the more attractive by the pink wash that most buildings are periodically given.

I have visited Jaipur more than 15 times and I still love to go there, because if I go there I freak out like a free bird. It’s not that I am not a free bird now.

Well Jaipur, was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. He took special interest in the designing and execution works of Jaipur. It is 1202 km from Mumbai. One can reach Jaipur by Road, Air or by Train.

The city is best explored on foot and the adventurous visitor willing to go into the inner lanes can discover a whole new world.

Jaipur has so many attractive places, well I am going to mention few of them below: -

The City Palace complex is the most important landmark with its numerous outbuildings, courtyards, impressive gateways and temples.

Jantar Mantar A collection of complex astronomical instruments, chisseled out of stone most of which continue to provide fairly accurate information to this day is the highlight of this observatory.

Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is a remarkable structure which overlooks one of the main streets and also provides some excellent views of the city. Ladies of the court would found it convenient to watch the activities on the streets below without being observed by others.

Ram Niwas Garden opened in 1887, this impressive building displays a rich collection of paintings, carpets, ivory, stone and metal sculpture among other objects.

Rambagh Palace this is my favorite place in Jaipur I just love to see the peacocks in the vast garden and run behind them to take pictures and touch them. Once it was the garden retreat of the royal families. Now it is one of the leading heritage hotels of India run by the “Taj Group of Hotels,” the palace has wide terraces, spacious corridors, and banquet rooms that are brushed by the fragrance of the lush gardens. Rooms give the impression of imperial legacy. Its Chinese room with red and gold tapestry and antique is unique. Equally interesting is the enclosed swimming pool located outside the palace, and inside the garden complex.

Amer Fort is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. It sprawls on the hillside built in red sandstone and white marble, the palace complex has some very interesting apartments, the likes of which are not to be found anywhere else in the country.

And few more forts like Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort etc.

Jaipur is a shopper's paradise. It is the place to shop until you drop. Jaipur is one of the few places where the shoppers may actually watch the skilled artisans producing the articles they want to buy.

The main markets in Jaipur are Jauhari Bazaar, Badi Chaupar and M. I. Road Shops specializing in precious and semi-precious stones, bandhej (tie and dye), and block printed textiles, are to be found on and along Jauhari Bazaar. The larger establishments for Block Printed Textiles are at Sanganer. The narrow Khajanewalon-ka-Rasta off Chandpole Bazaar is the main center of stone carving. Shops dealing in marble statuary are found here. Maniharon-ka-Rasta in the Tripolia Bazaar area specializes in lac bangles and Ramganj Bazaar, in traditional chappals and jutis (leather footwear). The Hawa Mahal area is full with shops dealing in antiques and pseudo-antiques. Some shops opposite Hawa Mahal have the famous for feather soft Jaipur Razai (quilts) weighing only a few hundred grams. Blue potteries, durries, carpets, brassware and other items of handicrafts are best displayed at the Rajasthali emporium in M. I. Road.

Jaipur is especially well known for precious stones, which seem cheaper here than elsewhere in India, and is even better known for semiprecious gems. There are many shops which offer bargain prices, but you do need to know your gems. You will have to bargain hard.

The visitor with a sweet tooth can indulge in traditional sweet-meats available in shops that can be found everywhere. The LMB Hotel is one of the most famous dealers of traditional sweets.

The climate remains pleasant between March to Septembers.