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Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, the desert state of India, is one of the most popular destinations on a tourist's itinerary. It lies 260 km south west of Delhi and 240 km west of Agra and forms the apex of the most popular tourism circuit of India the famous 'golden triangle circuit' of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It a bustling business centre with all the trapping of modern metropolis but yet a very strong ethnic age-old charm that never fails to enthrall a traveler. Stunning backdrop of ancient forts of Nahargarh, Amer, Jaigarh and Moti Dungri are dramatic testimonials of the valour and romance of a bygone era. The magnificent forts, opulent havelis and colourful bazaars make Jaipur one of the most popular tourist destination among tourists. It's proximity to Agra, the City of Taj, further adds to its appeal. Jaipur has some of the India's best hotels(including the Oberoi's Raj Vilas, rated as the 11th best luxury hotel of the world), which enhances its scenic and architecture splendour. Jaipur has a very rich history to fall back upon. It is part of the 'Land of Warriors', where honour and bravery and loyality were legendery. Even today, one can find proud weather beaten faces with huge colourful turbans, fierce moustaches(which often run more than a couple of feet in length) and faces that spontaneously break into heart-warming smiles. A city like Jaipur, where modernity and tradition coexist so harmoniously is truly rare. Perhaps this is what makes it an must see destination for tourists who flock to Jaipur in hordes, year after year.The city of Jaipur was founded in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in Rajasthan who was looking for a safe place to shift the increasing population of Amber and found this place next to Amber to build the city. And hence the name Jaipur, on the name of the king who built it. He commissioned Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a renowned architect from Bengal for building the city. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city strictly according to Shilpa Shastra, an ancient treatise on architecture. Thus Jaipur is considered as the first planned city of modern India.  Jaipur is also popularily known as the Pink City. There is an interesting anecdote which explains the genesis of this name. It was in 1883 AD, and Jaipur city was getting ready to welcome the Prince of Wales for which the city needed immediately a fresh coat of paint. But the contractor's inability to provide any other color except the pink due to requirement for such a large quantity in such a short notice to give a uniform colour to the entire city saw Jaipur washed in a sublime pink hue. Since then Jaipur is also known as the Pink City Another fascinating aspect of tour to Jaipur is its art and craft and handicraft items which make for wonderful souvenirs. Jaipur is also very popular for its semi-precious stones, miniature paintings, silver jewellery and items made of lac. The best time to visit Jaipur or, for that matter, any place in rajasthan is at the time of their festivals. This is when the already vibrant and lively cities of Rajathan really explode into a dazzling display of colours and vivacity. The lively spirit of fanfare, festivity and celebration of the people more than adequately match the colourful and intricately carved monuments.  Jaipur is the pristine jewel in the desert sands of Rajasthan, nestled in the rugged hills of the Aravalis. It is as remarkable for its marvellous architecture and town planning as it is for the lively spirit of the people who inhabit it. The city presents a unique synthesis of culture that has to be experienced in order to be appreciated.
Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides, crowned by formidable forts and majestic palaces, beautiful havelis (mansions) and charming gardens. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is sub-divided in to nine rectangular sectors symbolizing nine divisions of universe. 
FORTS & MONUMENTS Hawa Mahal -This is the face of Jaipur. It was built in 1799 by Pratap Singh. The Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women. The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is now a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures of sandstone, plastered pink, is encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. 
City Palace is another beautiful tourist attraction, which is a classic example of amalgamation of Indian and Mughal architecture. It sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. Jantar Mantar -This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a enthusiastic patron of astrology, in different parts of the country.This observatory consisting of huge astronomical instruments which are still in use. Amber Fort Palace -The most famous of the forts of Jaipur, it houses one of the largest canons in the world. It is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.  Moti Dungri --This is an exotic palace right in the middle of Jaipur atop a small hill, Moti Dungri, meaning pearl hill, because it looks hill a drop of pearl. It is a replica of Scottish castle and was once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son. Gaitore--It is the final resting place of the Maharajas of Jaipur and is located just off the Jaipur - Amber Road. Situated in a narrow valley the cenotaphs of the former Maharajas are chhatris made in typical Rajput architecture. The chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh II is of special mention for its carvings that are simply breathtaking. Jal Mahal--It is also known as Water Palace, as it was located in the center of a small lake. It was built in the mid 18th century by Madho Singh I, and was developed as a pleasure spot. It was also used for the royal duck shooting parties. A causeway leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, opposite the cenotaphs. MUSEUMS
Albert Hall-It is an exquisitely built structure situated in the middle of the Ram Niwas garden right in th center of the city. It was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect who designed many palaces in Rajasthan. It was declared opene in 1887 AD. It has a very rich collection of Art- de- fact like paintings, carpet, ivory, stone and metal sculptures and colourful crystal works etc and is strongly recommended for a dekko. TEMPLESGovind Dev Ji Temple--This Krishna temple is a part of the City Palace complex and has be Birla Lakshmi-Narayan Temple --Birla Mandir or the Lakshmi - Narayan Temple, situated just below the Moti Dungri. This is a beautiful modern temple built of pure white marble, dominating the skyline of south Jaipur. PARKS & GARDENSSisodia Rani ka Bagh --
Vidyadhar Gardens --Located near the Sisodia Gardens,it is a beautiful vineyard, which unfolds itself in the valley. It is named after Vidyadhar Bhatacharjee the architect of Jaipur. Galtaji --It is a very venerated ancient pilgrimage centre lying beyond the Vidhyadhar gardens. Temples, pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and water tanks) 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 a visible city landmark. . ENTERTAINMENT Ravindra Rang Manch (theatre) --Another piece of attraction near the Albert Hall, is the Ravindra Rang Manch (theatre) with a modern art gallery and a performing art theatre both indoors and open air. Recently added joints of interest are streets dotted with food stalls, which promises a delicious variety of Indian fast food certainly relished by the tourists. . Chokhi Dhani --An ethnic village resort, which gives you a run down on Rajasthani life style with a blend of rustic environment and modern amenities, making it an important destination in Pink City. Chokhi Dhani gives the impression of a typical Rajasthani village and is perfect for both the business person or leisure traveller visiting the area. TopAjmer Ajmer is an oasis wrapped in the green hills, located 70 km south west of Jaipur. The city was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan in the 7th Century AD. He constructed a hill fo rt "Ajaimeur" or the invincible hill. It continued to be a major centre of the Chauhan power till 1193 AD When Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri. Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage centre for the Hindus as well as Muslims. It is world renowned for the Dargah Sharif-tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, which is equally revered by the Hindus and Muslims. It is a also a centre of culture and education. The British chose Ajmer for its prestigious Mayo College, a school exclusively for the Indian nobility. Ajmer is also the base for visiting Pushkar (11 km.), the abode of Lord Brahma, also the only Brhma temple in the world along a picturesque lake. The Pushkar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus. During the month of Kartik (Oct./Nov.), devotes throng in large numbers here to take a dip in the sacred lake. Top |
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en highly preserved by the erstwhile royal family. Sawai Jai Singh installed the image of GOVIND DEV JI (an incarnation of lord Krishna) after it was brought from Vrindavan.
Sawai Jai Singh built it in 1728. The garden is laid in Mughal style and it depicts the legends of Radha and Krishna. The garden is located 8 km from Jaipur on the Jaipur - Agra road. It consists of tiered multi-level gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavilions. Sawai Jai Singh built it for his Sisodia Queen from Udaipur. The palace house has several galleries, pavilions and beautiful murals depicting scenes from the life of lord Krishna.