Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan is one of the most colourful cities of India. It is very often referred as Pink City because of the pink colour stone used during ancient time to paint various monuments of city. This city, for long was ruled by the brave and chivalrous Rajput rulers. Jaipur was founded in the year 1727 by Raja Sawai Jai Singh who handed the responsibility of building city to famous Bengali architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. It took eight years to completely build the whole city. This city was built using principles of Shilpa Shastra, the ancient form of Indian architecture.
It has been divided into nine blocks, of which two consists of state buildings and palaces and remaining was alloted to the general public. In order to ensure safety, huge walls were built along the seven strong gates of the city. Jaipur houses several number of architectural brilliant monuments. These monuments today stand together with many new modern buildings like shopping malls and offices. The city also has rich diverse culture and tradition. Today Jaipur is one of the most famous tourists destination of India. Historical monuments and rich culture of city draws large number of tourists to the city.
Places to be Visited in City
Hawa Mahal– It is the most famous monument of city. Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799 it has become the symbolizing factor of Jaipur. This 5 storied building having 152 windows was originally built for royal ladies to watch and enjoy the various processions which passes through the street below. Today it houses a museum which specially feature about Jaipur’s past history and present time.
Jantar Mantar (Observatory)– This magnificent monument was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the eighteenth century. It was used to study the movements of stars and constellations in the sky.
Jaigarh and Nahargarh Fort– These two are the most important forts of city. Jaigarh fort stands atop hill overlooking majestic palaces. Jai Ban which is considered to be the world’s biggest cannon on wheels is positioned in this mesmerizing fort. It was built by during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh.
City Palace– Situated in the old city , it covers almost one seventh part of the area. It is a perfect blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Seven storied Chanda Mahal which is in the centre of City Palace offers a fine view of garden and city.
There are many other tourist spots like Jal Mahal, Central museum, Sisodia Rani Garden and Laxmi Narayan Temple which are always teemed with large number of visitors.
Shopping in Jaipur
Jaipur is a shoppers paradise. There are many markets and bazaars which can be check out while being in the city. Wide range of products ranging from traditional handicrafts, jeweleries to modern attires can be purchased from various markets of city.
Jaipur has high reputation for being the manufacturer of many excellent jewelery products. Different types of immaculately designed jewelery products are exported from Jaipur to rest of the world.
Famous Johari Bazaar is the hub of jewelery product. Two lanes Gopalji ka Rasta and Haldion ka Rasta houses large number of jewelery establishments. Those who want to buy antiques and pseudo-antiques, shops nearby Hawa Mahal are the best place to check out.
There are few other bazaars like Tripolia, Bapu and Nehru where visitors can shop for items like textiles, utensils, local perfumes and shoes. Jaipur is the place to buy traditional carpets, wall hanging and handicrafts. There are many emporiums selling variety of products like jewelery, brass work, woodwork, blue pottery. These goods specially cater to the needs of tourists as they can take it as souvenirs. Those wishing to buy branded and modern items can check out the glitzing shopping malls of city.
Fairs and Festivals of City
This colourful city witnesses innumerable number of fairs and festivals through out the year. These fairs and festivals have become the part and parcel of the life of people here. Even many tourists become part of the celebration by joining local population in their moment of happiness. Some of the important fairs and festivals are Elephant festival, Dussehra, Holi and Gangaur fair.
Elephant festival which is held on the eve of Holi has several attractions including elephant polo. Elephant are fully decorated with bright colour clothes and heavy jeweleries. This festival starts with procession of elephant, horses, camels and folk dancers.
Connectivity
By Air: Jaipur airport located at Sanganer is 13 km away from the city centre. It is the only international airport of state. Direct flights is available to almost every city of India and few international flights also operates. The airport is well equipped with all the basic modern amenities.
By Rail: All the major cities have rail connectivity with Jaipur. From Delhi, there are many trains that connects Jaipur and other parts of Rajasthan. Some of the train are Palace on Wheels, Rajasthan Royal on Wheels and Shatabdi Express.
By Road: Jaipur has got good road connectivity with Delhi and another tourist hot spot Agra. These roads have been maintained properly.
