At first glance, it may seem like you’re looking at Jaipur – and India by extension – through rose-tinted glasses. But it’s not you. Really. It’s the city. It’s naturally pink and does not need any cosmetic crutch to look all dolled up for visitors. There’s a reason why it’s known as the Pink City, and when you look around you, you can guess why!
Jaipur is Rajasthan’s capital city and one part of a triumvirate of cities jointly known as the Golden Triangle. As far as cities go, Jaipur may seem unreal with its pink avenues and buildings giving an illusion of a fantasy land – and it is for most visitors. No wonder then that it was sitting pretty (in pink) at number 7 in travel magazine, Conde Nast Traveller’s list of hot spots in Asia.
Sightseeing in Jaipur
Jaipur has over 3 million people, so there are a variety of things to see and do. The architecture, fantastic food, shopping, palaces, forts, temples, and gardens allow visitors to get immersed in the local culture.
Palaces
Palaces come fort a dime a dozen here. While this is definetley not an expert real estate analysis that will send the real estate markets crashing and have people lining up to buy the next palace on the market, for tourists, Jaipur is bursting at the seams with beautifully designed palaces.
Stunning and distinctive architecture is one of the major attractions here.
City Palace, in the old city area, is a huge complex of wonderful courtyards and lushly manicured gardens. The buildings here are a blend of two types of architecture: Rajasthani and Mughal.
One of the most stunning sights at City Palace is at the Pitam Niwas Chowk (the inner courtyard.) The inner courtyard has four gates, each of which stands for a different season. The Peacock Gate symbolises autumn, the Lotus Gate summer, the Green Gate spring, and the Rose Gate represents winter. Excellent examples of workmanship done at this palace, these gates showcase the intricacy and creative instinct of the constructors of that age.
Right next to the City Palace is the Hawa Mahal, literally tanslated as the Palace of the Winds. Featuring intricate patterns on the windows and screens, the Hawa Mahal, in all of its architectural glory, is one of the most recognised building in Jaipur. An interesting fact about this palace is that upon construction, winds used to flow through its openings, giving it the name ‘Palace of the Winds’. Today though, the palace still stands, but the winds are playing truant.
Forts
If palaces are a common sight, they are rivaled by the number of forts in the city.
On the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking Jaipur, is Nahargarh Fort. Visitors here can enjoy panoramic views while filling up on some food at the café. The best time to visit the fort is just before sunset or at nightfall, when the fort is lit up in beautiful lights.
Situated on Maotha Lake 13 kilometres from Jaipur Amber Fort is not to be missed. This huge gorgeous complex is a standing testimony of the beautifully blended Mughal architecture and Hindu architecture. There are a number of palaces here as well as gardens and temples.
Museums
Repositories of history and culture, the museusm of Jaipur will give you an insight into the city, as it used to be.
South of the Old City area, Albert Hall Museum, the oldest museum in Rajasthan, features a huge collection of woodcarvings, paintings, crafts, and other types of art.
If you don’t go anywhere else, go to Jantar Mantar. This observatory has a number of architectural structures that are used to observe space. These structures, dating to 1734, allowed scientists to measure time, predict eclipses, track stars, among other things.
Adventure
Adventure-seekers, fear not. In Jaipur, you don’t have to go seeking it. It will inevitably find you.
There are a number of short treks originating in the city, including a trip to the Temple of Galtaji. A pilgrim centre, Galtaji is located approximately 10 km outside Jaipur.
The Sun Temple is built on the highest peak visible from Jaipur, but the fun lies deep down, in the gorge in another temple. There are three sacred pools in this almost-derelict place where visitors can swim. Many centuries ago, one pool was for men, the other for women and the third – for holy monkeys!
In the foothills of the Aravalli mountain range is a jungle where visitors can go on an Elephant Safari – the Dera Amer Elephant Safari. Perched on the backs of elephants, you can glimpse the tiny villages and ancient monuments, along with the jungle denizens including antelope, jackals, even panthers (only if you’re lucky enough to spot one).
Nightlife
Nightlife in Jaipur is limited to watching a movie, dining, shopping or getting a drink at a local bar or restaurant.
Chokhi Dhani’, a restaurant near the airport, organides Rajasthani folk performances, but it is far from the main city (30 km) so plan your time well. And consult your hotel for more options.
Shopping
Those looking to languish, indulge and relax, the wide variety of shops in the city is not going to help. It will keep you on your toes dashing from one place to another buying souvenirs of you trip to the Pink City. There are also a number of popular markets – the Gem Palace, Amrapali, and Chameliwala Market. Jaipur is known for its beautiful crafts, which includes jewellery so do look out for these.
Getting There
By plane
Jaipur is well connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Ahemdabad, Kolkata, Udaipur and Jodhpur via a network of domestic airlines in India. For flights to Mumbai you can board Jet Airways or Indian Airlines. Go Air is the latest entrant to fly the Jaipur – Mumbai sector. Jaipur to Delhi sector is also serviced well with daily flights.
By train
There are many trains that connect the city with Delhi and Mumbai, and to the eastern and southern Indian cities.
By bus
Jaipur is very well connected by bus with North India and with some other major Indian cities. The Rajasthan State Transport Corporation (RSTC) runs the state service buses at regular intervals.
Getting Around
Auto rickshaws and rickshaws are definitely an option for a novel experience or to travel small distances, but to see all the places of interest, consider hiring a car. It’s cheap, safe and allows you to do a lot more than any other mode of transportation.