The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is color washed  pink-the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture.

This Beautiful city along with Agra and Delhi form what is known as the Golden Triangle of Indian tourist circuit. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall.

A young Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya formalised the city's plans in a grid system. The wide straight avenues. Roads, streets, lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of main bazaars were arranged in nine rectangular city sectors (Chokris), in accordance with the principles of town planning set down in the 'Shilpa Shastra'- and epochal treatise on the Hindu architecture.

There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur's colorful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to the pink city a memorable one.

The City Palace : In the heart of the old city is former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and colored stones. 

Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers serve as guides. The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs. The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic,Persian,Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail. 

Jantar Mantar: A stone observatory. Largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments,whose setting and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy.

The most striking of these are the Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes.

Govind Devji Temple: The most popular temple of Jaipur dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located in the central pavilion of the Jai Niwas Garden to the north of Chandra Mahal. The image of the patron deity-Govind Devji,originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh II as his family deity.

Hawa Mahal: Built in 1799 A.D. the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is a major Rajput landmark. This five storey building along the main street of the old city is in pink splendor with semioctagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows. The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.

Swargasuli (Isar Lat): The highest tower dominating the skyline of the western side of the Tripolia Bazaar. It was built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in 1749 A.D. to commemorate a grand victory.

Sisodia Rani Garden: It has tiered multilevel gardens with fountains, water channel and painted pavilions and suites of living rooms.

BM Birla Planetarium (Time 12.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.): The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual education and entertainment with its modern computerized projection system. For school groups concessions are available. Closed on last Wednesday of every month.

Galtaji: An ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills.Temples ,pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and reservoirs) along with lush landscape make it a delightful spot. The small temple of the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak is visible from all parts of the city.

Old City: Once a settlement of nobles,craftsmen and common folks, the city of Amer is now in ruins. The remanants of its rich past are the beautifully carved and planned Jagat Shiromani Temple, a Krishna temple associated with Meerabai, an ancient temple of Narsinghji and a magnificent step-well,Panna Mian-ka-kund.

Jaigarh: One of the few military structures of medieval India, retaining its ancient splendour in palaces,gardens , reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a well planned cannon foundary, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban,one of the largest in the country are preserved here. The extensive parkotas (wallls), watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh dominate the western skyline.

Amer: Former capital of the Kachhwaha rulers of the old state of Dhundhar for seven centuries. Very little of the early structures survive now.

Amer Palace and Shila Mata Temple: A beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions,gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh,Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries still stand in magnificent state. The palace complex emerges dramatically from the placid waters of the Maotha Lake and is approachable only through a steep path. Tourists often ride on the elephant back to the Singh pol and the Jalebi Chowk.Two flights of stairs rise from on end of the chowk, one leading to the Shila Mata Temple and other to the palace complex. The image of the patron of goddess,worshipped by thousands of deovtees, was brought from Jessore in East Bengal (now in Bangladesh) by Raja Man Singh, to be installed here.

A spectacular pillared hall -Diwan-e-Aam and a double storeyed painted gateway. Ganesh Pole dominate the from courtyard, An elegant tiny garden in Charbagh style beyond th corridors, has Sukh Niws to its right and Jas Mandir to its left. The latter combines the Mughal and Rajput architecture seen in its beautiful interior with intricately carved Jali screens,delicate mirror and stucco work and painted and carved dadoes. The well proportioned Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Maotha Lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provides a spectacular view of the palaces above.

Ram Niwas Bagh: A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarlum , a museum and popular sport ground. It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II in the 1868 A.D. as a famine relief project. The Albert Hall-fine example of Indo Sarcenic style of architecture designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, was opened later with an exquisite collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative wares, natural history specimen, and Egyptian mummy and the celebrated Persian carpet.

Jain Temple: The exquisite jain temple on the Agra road has some of the most beautiful 19th century paintings in Jaipur style on its walls.

Moti Doongari and Lakshmi Narayan Temple: Moti Doongari is a privately owned hilltop fort built like a scottish castle. The Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the marvellous Lakshmi Narayan Temple built in marbles a few years back,are also noteworthy.

Statue Circle: The full-length exquisitely carve statue of Swai Jai Singh in white marble in the centre of the circle was erected under the newly planned scheme area to pay homage to the founder of Jaipur.

The Kanak Vrindavan Complex of fine temples and gardens has been recently renovated to their pristine perfection. To the west of this road is the royal crematorium at Gaitore in a narrow valley with some spectacular cenotaphs of all the Jaipur rulers except Swai Ishwari Singh who was cremated outside the Jai Niwas Garden. Most imposing is the 'chattri' of Sawai Jai Singh II with the intricate carvings and a graceful shape.

Ghat ki Guni: Beautifully landscaped gardens, laid out in the 18th and 19th century by king and courtiers dot the narrow gorge in the south eastern corner of the walled city, along the road to Agra. 

Others: Beautiful memorials to the queens,Maharani-ki-chattri are near the Ramgarh road crossing on the Amber Raod. The Island Palace,Jal Mahal built by Sawai Jai SinghI, is a fascinating spot at the centre of the Man Sagar Lake.

Excursions

Samode (40 km, north west): The beautiful Samode Palace, has been rebuilt and renovated and provides a fine example of the Rajput haveli architecture and is an ideal spot for outings. 

Bagru (35 km) : On the Ajmer Raod, the ground level fort is still in good shape. It is noted for its hand printed handloom industry using simple techniques. The designs of these handloom are less complicated and are in earth hues.

Sanganer (12 km): Located on the Tonk road,. In addition to its ruined palaces, Sanganer has exquisitely carved Jain temples. The town is entered through the ruins of two tripolias (Triple gateways) The town is an important centre for crafts industry and produces some of the finest hand printed textiles from units of block and screen printers. This textile is popular all over the country and abroad.

Samoda : Located about 50 km north of Jaipur. Its a small village famous for its palace with its exquisite Diwan-i-khas. Daily bus service (Fare Rs 15) from Jaipur. Accommodation : Samoda Palace (Tel : 01423/4114); tented accommodation at Samoda Bagh, about 3 km away.

Ramgarh Lake (32 km. North east): A huge artificial lake created by constructing a high bund amidst tree covered hills. White the temple of Jamwa Mata and the ruins of the old fort are some of its antiquities, its beautiful landscape,especially during monsoons,makes it an idyllic picnic spot.

Bairath (86 km on the Shahpura-Alwar Road): An important historical place with the excavated remains of a circular Buddhist temple-unique in Rajasthan and the earliest known temple in India. Bairath also has relics of the Mauryan,Mughal and Rajput periods.

A mint constructed by Akbar, a beautiful Mughal garden and a remarkable monument with painted chhatris and walls built by Jahangir are other attractions.

Abhaneri (128 km north east off the Agra road near Bandikui): A famous 7th -8th century A.D. temple of Harshad Mata and the step-well known as Chanda Baodi are of interest. Two jain temples are also present, which were built at a later period.

Sambhar (94 km.west): The largest inland salt lake of India known for the holy Devayani Tank, the palace and the Naliasar nearby.

Jaisinghpura Khor (12 km off the Amer Raod): One of the settlement of the Meena tribe, it has a formidable fort, a jain temple and a step-well amid lush surroundings.

Madhogarh-Tunga (40 km. On the Bassi-Lalsot Agra Road): Tunga was witness to a historic battle fought between the Jaipur forces and Marathas. The fort is nestled amidst beautiful mango orchards.

Nahargarh - Tiger Fort ( Around 10 km from Jaipur) : Stay at the fort costs around RS 500. Contact Tourist Reception Centre, Jaipur (Tel : 0141 365250 for reservation).

Kishangarh : Located on Jaipur-Ajmer Road. This place is famous for its miniature paintings. Not much accommodation facility. Stay at Ajmer instead, which is just around an houre drive - about 30 km.

Roopangarh : Lies on NH8, about 25 km from Ajmer. Its fort has been converted into a heritage hotel. Staying option available . For bookings : Tel 011 3351301 -Delhi, Kishangarh : Tel 01463 42001, Roopan garh Fort : Tel 01463 7217.

Karauli :Famous for its Krishna Temples, the place is about 185 km South East of Jaipur. Daily bus service (Fare Rs 50) from Jaipur. Accommodation : Bhanwas Vilas Palace - Tel 07464 20024.

Bharatpur : Renowned for its World Heritage - listed bird sanctuary, the kedadeo Ghana National Park. Favourite with bird watchers.

Access

Jaipur is 262 kms from Delhi and is well connected by road, rail and air. A big fleet of deluxe and air conditioned buses is operated by the Rajasthan Roadways between Delhi and Jaipur. A special luxury train, the Palace on Wheels starts from Delhi on a round trip of Rajasthan

Airways

Air service is available from quite a number of centres in India. Some of them along with flight duration's (approx) are:

• Delhi : 45 minutes
• Udaipur : 1 hr 45 minutes
• Jodhpur : 45 minutes
• Aurangabad : 2 hr 15 minutes
• Mumbai : 1 hr 3- minutes

Charges (Fares) for certain destinations in US$ (approx) are as :

• Delhi-Jaipur : US$ 60 - Daily Service
• Mumbai : US$ 150 - Daily Service
• Udaipur : US$ 75 - Daily Service
• Aurangabad : US$125 - Daily Service

Weekly services are also available for Mumbai. Ahmedabad (US$ 100), Calcutta (US$ 200) and Jaisalmer (US$ 115).

Bookings can be made through travel agents/agency also.

Sanganes Airport of Jaipur is around 15 Km from the downtown and is about half an hours drive, costing about Rs 275 (taxi) to RS 150 (auto-rickshaw).

Railways

Shatabdi Express and Pink City Express are two very good trains from Delhi. Trains are available to and from following places as well : Ahmedabad, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Lucknow, Secunderabad and Udaipur, along with big centres like Mumbai and Calcutta (Railway enquiry, Tel : 131 and Reservation, Tel: 135 0141/201401 ). Counter No 769 (at Jaipur)

Major Trains from Jaipur

Roadways

The Pink City forms the third tip of the golden tourist triangle with Agra and Delhi. Located on NH 11 (Agra-Bikaner).

Bus

State Transport Corporations of Rajasthan and adjoining states (viz, Delhi, Gujarat, UP) run buses to and from various centres. Some important road distances (about) are as follows:

• Agra : 230 km
• Ajmer : 130 km
• Alwar : 145 km
• Bharatpur : 175 km
• Bikaner : 320 km
• Delhi : 260 km
• Jaisalmer : 655 km
• Jodhpur : 335 km
• Nathdwara : 355 km
• Sariska : 110 km
• Udaipur : 375 km

Deluxe bus services for some important destinations are available. Approximately Fares are as:

• Ajmer : RS 65
• Bharatpur : RS 90
• Bikaner : RS 170
• Bundi : RS 110
• Chittorgarh : RS 155
• Delhi : RS 200
• Jaisalmer : RS 290
• Jhunjhunu : RS 90
• Jodhpur : RS 170
• Kota : RS 125
• Mt Abu : RS 250
• Udaipur : RS 200

Rajasthan State Transport Corporation's main bus stand is on Station Road. Left luggage service is also available there. Deluxe buses should be booked in advance.

Enquiry Nos are : 0141 206143 (Express Bus) | 0141 205621 (Deluxe Bus)

Round the Clock service available at the Sindhi Camp Bus Stand

Enquiry Nos are: 0141 205621 (Deluxe) / 206055 (Express) / 564016 (Narain Singh Circle)

Taxi

Taxi Service provided by many travel agencies including Sita World Travel, Station Road (0141 203626), Fare : RS 4.50 per km (non ac) and RS 7.50 (ac). Self drive rental cars come for around RS 2000 a day. Make enquiry at Hertz (Tel : 0141 635000)

Accommodation

Rambagh Palace | Jai Mahal Palace | Chokhi Dhani | Ramgarh Lodge | Oberoi Rajvilas
Samode Palace | Samode Haveli | Alsisar Haveli | Mandawa Haveli | Country Inn & Suites | More Hotels & Resort in Jaipur >>>

Food

Do try local delicacies like Dal Bati Choorma (Veg)

Angan : Holiday Inn for continental and Mughalai cuisine

Aravali : Jaipur Ashok for vegetarian Indian and continental dishes

Chankya : MI Road, for north Indian as well as continental dishes

Chandralok : MI Road famous for Rajasthani cuisine.

Chandravanshi Pavillion : Multi cuisine

Bake Hut : Famous for its sweet treats, very reasonable price.

Venus Bakery : Subhash Marg, do try its pastries.

Hot Breads : MI Road for fresh bread and pastries

Niro's : MI Road, multi cuisine.

Lassiwala : Opposite Niro's on MI Road, Creamy lassi for RS 15-25.

Gulab Mahal : Jal Mahal Palace. Multi cuisine.

Jal Mahal : Rajputana Palace Sheraton. Multi cuisine

Mahal : Jaipur Palace. Multi cuisine.

Gauri : Gangas Tourist Bungalow for south Indian and Chinese dishes.

LMB : Johari Bazaar for sweets and veg dishes without onion and garlic.

Swaad : MI Road for Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine.

Four Seasons : Subhash Marg, multi cuisine veg restaurant with moderate prices.

Indian Coffee House : MI Road for cheap south Indian food.

Polo Bar : Rambagh Palace. For beer and good cocktails with snacks.

Shivir : Hotel Man Singh for vegetarian, mughalai and tandoori cuisine.

Shopping

Jaipur is famed for its handicrafts, gems and jewellery, exquisitely carved furniture and precious and semi precious stores. Do not miss to bargain.

Following points are worth attempting:

• Rajastha Emporium : MI Road for handicrafts
• Rajasthan Handloom House : MI Road for textile
• Anokhi Showroom : Tilak Marg for textiles, especially block printed fabrics, table cloths, bed covers etc.
• Kripal Kumbh : Shiva Marg, Bani Park. For Jaipur's blue pottery
• Neeraj : Bhawani Singh Road for blue pottery.
• Charmica : MI Road for good quality jootis (traditional Rajasthani shoes)
• Juneja Art Gallery : MI Road for contemporary paintings.

Some other important centres are :

For Jewellery :

Bhuramal Rajmal Surana - Johari Bazar
Gem Palace - MI Road
Jewels Emporium - MI Road

For Paintings :

Art Fair - MI Road
Paradisco Casa Gem - Opp Hawa Mahal

For Fabrics :

Khadi Ghar - MI Road
Handloom House - MI Road

Climate Conditions