The Pink City
Jaipur was once the hub of Rajasthan’s royal families, and it carries traces of their aristocratic traditions and grandeur to this day.It is widely known as ‘The Pink City’, due to a plethora of rose-tinted architectural structures built of sandstone and found predominantly in the old part of the city.
Quick Facts
- Founded in 1727, Jaipur has been hailed as one of the best planned cities of its time
- The city was originally constructed according to Indian Vastu Shastra (a system of architectural design that is believed to enhance the comfort and prosperity of inhabitants)
- Jaipur is the largest exporter of gold, diamond and stone jewellery in Asia. It is also the only city in the world to have facilities for finishing of Tanzanite (also called ‘blue diamond’)
Popular Attractions
- Amber Fort dates back to the 16th century and is known for its blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. The Sheesh Mahal or Hall of Mirrors can be found inside the fort. Amber Fort lies within the confines of the Jaigarh Fort on a hill near the Maotha lake. Jeep facilities and elephants are available to take tourists up the hill to the fort
- Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was also used as one of the locations for the filming of the movie The Fall
- Hawa Mahal or ′Palace of Winds′ was built with the intention of allowing the women of the palace to see processions and other happenings ion the street from a discrete stance. ‘Watch without being watched’ was the idea behind the sandstone façade with hundreds of viewing windows. Overlooking the street in one of the busiest parts of the city, the structure has the appearance of a bee-hive and is in fact a part of the City Palace
The “India Kosher Travel” Experience
- Jaipur is a shopper’s delight, with places like Jauhari Bazaar offering an array of unique Rajasthani apparel, jewelry and handicrafts in various hues
- Polo may not be the most popular sport in India, but Rambagh Polo Ground in Jaipur plays host to many big games, drawing people in thousands
- A Hot balloon ride is the best bet for an aerial view of Jaipur city. The ride also gives you a peek at the Aravalli mountains and some desert regions