About Jaipur:
Jaipur was built in the eighteenth century as India’s first everplanned city. The time and dedication spent on the span of this glorious area certainly paid off, as each update and change that went delicately into making the “Pink City” has brought it to its world renowned fame today. It was given the nickname of Pink City due to the colorful, spirited and vivacious buildings, which were painted pink in order to imitate the red colored sandstone architecture in the Mughal cities.
Jaipur is devoted to remaining interactive yet doesn’t conform to modern day businesses, as this city is tied tightly to its heritage. Visiting Jaipur, you’ll find yourself immersed within the routine culture and people.
Bazaars are a highly popular business market, as well as a pleasurable day spent exploring the huge variety it has to offer. With their simmering aromas and scents of tea and spices, your nose will have a field day, and your eyes will be overwhelmed with the busy action all around you. Take in the excitement and exoticness of watching snake charmers celebrating their talent and rising these majestic creatures out of their wicker baskets, right in front of you!
Feel your own colorful spirits light up and embrace the radiant joy of Jaipur.
Places To visit In Jaipur
Albert Hall Museum
This sandstone and marble building is known for its architecture and was built in the late 19th century. Folk art, miniature paintings and traditional costumes are on display. Photography is not allowed.
Amer Fort and Palace
Perched on a hill near Maota Lake is this magnificent fortress. Although the fort is in ruins, the interior palaces, gardens and temples retain much of their pristine beauty. The art and architecture have both Rajput and Moghul influences. You enter the palace complex by walking or riding an elephant up a sloping incline to the Singh Pole gate and Jaleb Chowk, the preliminary courtyard. One exits the palace by the gate near the temple.
City Palace
This complex of pavilions, courtyards and chambers was built by Jai Singh II in 1727, with additions done by later Maharajas. The Muhbarak Mahal is housed inside this complex and is now a museum which has some of the royals’ finest brocades, silks, and hand-blocked garments and robes, which were made in the 17th century. The armory in the northwest corner of the courtyard has one of India’s best collections of arms and weapons. Some of the paints on the stunning, 18th century ceiling are said to be made of crushed semi-precious stones. In the inner courtyard, through the gateway guarded by two stone elephants, is an art gallery located in the Diwan-i-Am. Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) is still the official residence of the present Maharaja. The ground floor of this building has gorgeous chandeliers and murals. Photography is not allowed in the gallery area and there is a Rs. 500 fine for using a video camera without a special ticket (this should be purchased with your admission ticket).
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
This building was built by Maharja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 and was used so that the women of the court could discretely get some fresh air and watch activities on the street below. Each storey has semi-octagonal overhanging windows and each has a perforated screen. The wind easily passes through this 5-storey building and works like a cooler. The building’s façade has a delicate honeycomb design with close to 1,000 windows and is made in pink sandstone.
Jaigarh Fort
Originally the royal treasury, Jaigarh Fort is the middle fort of Jaipur’s three, both in position and altitude. It is located 7 km from Jaipur. It also provides a fantastic view of the city from the watchtower. An important tourist attraction is the world’s largest wheeled canon, which is located inside the fort. Guides are also available at the entrance, an English-speaking person will charge about Rs. 100.
Jawahar Kala Kendra
This is a centre for arts and crafts that was founded by the State Government. It is also becoming a venue for theatrical and musical performances. You can come here to collect information on cultural events.
Kanak Vrindavan Gardens
Located just below the majestic Amer and Nahargarh Forts is this set of picturesque temples and gardens. From this point one can have a fabulous view of the Jai Mahal Palace in Man Sagar Lake. The gardens also make a wonderful picnic spot.
Nahagarh Fort
In 1734, Sawai Jai Singh built this beautiful fortress. You can get a breathtaking view of Jaipur from Nahagarh Fort’s scenic hilltop location. Canons placed behind the walls recall the days when artillery was positioned against potential attackers below. This is also a great place for a picnic! The Palace of Nine Queens within the fort is also worth a short visit. It is located 10 km from Jaipur and off of Amer Road.
Sisodia Rani ka Bagh
Located 8 km east of Jaipur and is on the road to Bharatpur. This palace was built for the “ranis”, or Sisodia Rajput queens, of Sawai Jai Singh II. It was built in 1779 and to this day it looks lovely against the backdrop of the hills. Its terraced garden has beautiful fountains, and the palace itself is furnished with murals illustrating hunting scenes and the romantic legend of Krishna and Radha. From the terrace, you can see dancing peacocks and plenty of monkeys.
Jantar Mantar
Built in 1726 of masonry, marble and brass, this building is equipped with solar instruments called “yantras”, which look like large, abstract sculptures and are remarkably precise in measuring celestial data. If you don’t have a guide with you, try and recruit one to explain how these devices work as they are fascinating and somewhat complicated. Avoid the observatory at noon, as it can be very hot.
Shopping in Jaipur
Offering renowned items, the markets of Jaipur are dedicated to providing handcrafted skill and use of vibrant colors and materials. These treasured goods are more than souvenirs, but a piece of this city’s rich history.
Directed mainly to supplying valuable arts and crafts in the form of utensils, artifacts, jewels, paintings and quilts, the bazaars capture the real essence and experience of shopping in Jaipur. Shopkeepers greet you with enthusiasm and vast knowledge on whatever you are looking for; highly informed about fashion, shoes, block prints, carpets, antiques and more.
Popular Shopping Areas, Stores and Bazaars in Jaipur: Jaipur is famous for its precious and semi-precious stones crafted into desirable gem stone jewellery. Blue pottery, viewed as an exquisite rarity, is another great find that awaits eager shoppers at the recognized Kripal Kumbh and Neerja International, among the list of many admired shops:
Bapu Bazaar
Lined with saris and fabrics, Bapu Bazaar is also known for being a good place to find trinkets and perfumes.
Johari and Siredeori
Offering high quality gold, silver, and “meenakari,” a Jaipur specialty of glazed enamel work.
Sireh Deori Bazaar
Selling fabrics, quilts, footwear, jewellery, artifacts, and traditional Rajasthani puppets.
Kishanpol Bazaar
The famous use of textiles and bandhani (tie-dye) creations are available for purchase here.
Amber Road
Sold along Amber Road are artistic idols and paintings. Devoted painters will graciously design a piece for you and give a tour of their showrooms.
Johari Bazaar
Selling traditional bandhini and Sanganeri fabrics as well as various cultural jewelleries.
Regarded as “shopping heaven,” Jaipur is the place to come for both presents and items that’ll add value to your collections. The talent and creativity make these stores and items long sought after – a visit to Jaipur provides you with one of a kind, original showpieces that will last a lifetime.