Jaipur, the capital of Indian State Rajasthan was founded in 1727 by MahaRaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The pink color of the city was not according to the plan of Jai Singh. In 1853, Jaipur dressed itself in pink to welcome Prince Wales. The color became the integral part of the city and it came to be known as ‘The Pink City’. The color was chosen after several experiments to cut down the intense glare from the reflection of blazing rays of the sun, to this day the buildings are uniformly rose pink.

Jaipur the city of forts and palaces shows the spirit of of the Rajputana and preserves its rich history and culture. Now this city has grown into a modern metropolis and throbbing commercial centre.The fusion of antiquity and modernity ,excellent planning, unique architecture and colorful lifestyle of the city can exite even the most seasoned tourists.

This city is also a renowned handicraft centre and known for produsing  exquisite gold jewellery,blue pottery carvings of wood,stone and ivory,miniature paintings leather articles etc.The city today has emerged as one of the most sought after destinations in the tourist map of the world.

 How to reach:-

By Air  – Jaipur International Air Port

Sanganer Airport located at Jaipur is nearly 10 km from the heart of the city, and taxi charges about Rs 200 from Airport to the city. Jaipur airport is connected to metro cities Mumbai and Delhi. Foreign travelers can take connection flights from Delhi and Mumbai.

By Rail

Jaipur is well connected by many trains to most of the major cities in India. Apart from these trains, a specialty train called “Palace on Wheels” which is covering all tourist destinations in Rajasthan (Alwar, Udaipur, Jaipur, Swami Mdhopur etc) starting from Delhi is also available.

By Road

State buses of Rajasthan Road Transport Corporation connect Jaipur to all cities in Rajasthan. Many deluxe bus services are available between Jaipur and other cities. A/C deluxe bus services are available from Delhi to Jaipur (260 km).

 Major Tourist Attractions-

Amber Fort:-

This fort was built by Maharaja Man Singh in 16nth century.The mighty Amber Fort stands atop a range of craggy hills about 11 km from Jaipur city.The architecture of the fort is a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal styles.The picturesque location of the fort and its reflection in the blue waters of Maota lake is truly marvelous.The entrance of the fort is very steep and can be taken on a elephant back. Almost 5000 tourists visits this place every day.

 Jaigargh Fort:-

This fort is quiet similer to Amber fort.The main attraction of the fort is ‘Jai Ban’ Canon,which is considered to be the worlds biggest canon on wheels.It has 20 feet long barrel,while wheels are 9 feet in diameter .For a single shot from the canon a minimum of 100 kg of gun powder is required.

 City Palace:-

This palace is situated in the heart of Jaipur city.The palace complex was built between 1729- 1732 by Sawai Jai Singh and it covers more than half of the old city.This palace is now converted into museum except for one section where the royal family still lives.This Museum has an array of royal costumes, shawls,Maharaja’s  paijamas , musical instruments like giant sized Tanpura and sarangis,ruby and emerald encrusted sword presented by Queen Victoria to Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh.The other major attractions are two silver vessels,said to be the largest siver vessels in the world,hand written version of Bhagawatgita,series of guns and canons etc.Nakkarkhana-ka-darwaza, the imposing gateway of the City palace is guarded by stone elephants, is monumental.

 Hawa Mahal Palace:-

Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds was built in 1799 for royal ladies to enjoy the procession and day to day activities from the cool confinement of this majestic façade.Today it has become the hallmark of Pink City and most recognizable and photographed monument of Jaipur.

Jal Mahal Palace:-

This palace is situated 6.5 km from Jaipur city on the way to Amber.The palace is placed in the centre of Man Sagar Lake.It is really inspiring to see the first four floors of this palace is submerged under the lake.Only the top floor is directly visible to the visitor.The lake and the palace is simply  a feast to the eyes.

Laxmi Narayan Temple:-

This temple was built in 1904.Worshippers pay their obeisance at the temple and seek blessings of several Hindu deities including Lord Sudarshan, Lord Hagreev, Laxmi Narasinh,Lord Rama,Lord Laxman, Sita, Mahalaxmi, Lord Krishna and Hanuman. This temple receives worshippers and devotees in large numbers every year.

 Galtaji Temple:-

This is a holy pilgrimage centre dedicated to Sun god and natural springs. This temple is one of its kind in this part of the country. To the east of jaipur, this temple is 2.5 km climb from Surajpol.This is a small Sun temple built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of highest peak ,is visible from any spot in Jaipur.

 Govind Devji temple:-

This temple is one of the major tourist attractions of Jaipur. This temple is dedicated to lord Krishna and is one of the oldest temple in the city. This temple is built in such a way that the Maharaja can see the diety from the Chandra Mahal.

Ram Nivas Garden:-

The beautiful garden near Ajmeri Gate was built in 1868 by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh. This park is having a zoo, bird park, playground, gymnasium, etc. and is spread around 4 acres. The zoological garden is one of the oldest gardens in the country. A crocodile breeding farm is also located in this garden.

 Kanak Valley:-

It is formed by Aravali ranges adjoining the town of Amber and stretches towards Jaipur. Travelling deeper into the valley, one comes across numerous water falls, lotus ponds and flowering plants. In the summer the “flame of  forest” burnt into bloom and seems entire forest in aflame. Govindji temple is situated in the Kanak Valley.

Jantar Mantar:-

This open air observatory is set towards the gate way of City Palace Complex. It was built by astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh II in 1728. Some of the instruments used to measure local time, altitude of stars and constellations, Sun’s declination devices such as small Sun dial, Big Sun dial,horizontal Sun dial ,disha yantra,zodiac instrument etc.

Albert Museum:-

This is one of the oldest museums of the state. The museum has an collection of rare articles in its display including textiles, carpets, paintings, decorative shields, potteries, handicraft pieces, wood art, weapons,Egyptian mummy and many more. The museum’s greatest treasure is the Largest Persian garden carpet with running water stream.

 Shopping in Jaipur:-

Jaipur is indeed a shopping paradise. Jaipur offers a shopping experience with its rich treasure of gems, semi-precious stones, kundans, minakari work in emerald Jewellery , textiles and many more things. Any one searching for Lac Jewellery should visit Maniharan ka Rasta or Hari Bazar where jewellery is created and sold. Cutting, polishing and selling of precious stones is done in Suraj Pol Bazar Area. Amar Road and Choura Rasta are the main shopping spots for exotic blue pottery, enamel ware, wollen carpets,etc. Jaipur has a tremendous collection of  Jaipuri Bandhej Sarees available at Johari Bazar and Bapu Bazar.

Other than places of interest in Jaipur there are many more picnic spots in Jaipur such as Sanganer, Bajru, Tonk, Samode and many more. These places of interest are equally unique in their own aspect. Jaipur is a district of colors and meriment,the Jaipur festivals are some of the oldest festivals in the country and still holds the purity of Indian culture and heritage. Now Jaipur has become a seat of economy, tourism and culture over the years.