Cities in India

Jaipur

Population                     : 1.7 million
Main Languages            : Rajasthani, Hindi
Telephone area code    : 0141
Best time to visit          : October to March

The capital city of the state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is color washed pink – the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture.

The city owes its name, foundation and careful planning to the great warrior, astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1699-1744). Built in 1727, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. The ancient heart of the Pink city still beats in its fairy tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall.

City Palace, is located in the heart of the old city is the former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of Mughals and Rajputs. The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail.

Places of Interest
Jantar Mantar, is the largest of Jai Singh’s five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments whose setting and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medival Indian astronomy.

Hawa Mahal, was built in 1799 AD, the Palace of Winds is a five storey building along the main street of old city. The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life and royal processions of the city.

Govind Devji Temple is the most popular spireless temple of Jaipur dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Amber, is situated about 11 km out of Jaipur, Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur state. The construction was started in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, a Rajput commander of Akbar’s army. It was completed by the Jain Singhs before the move to Jaipur on the plains below. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture.

It has an imposing stareway which leads to Diwan-I-Am, or Hall of Public Audiences, with a double row of columns and latticed galleries above. Jai Mandir or Hall of victory, is noted for its inlaid panels and glittering mirror ceiling. The Sukh Niwas  or Hall of Pleasure with an ivory inlaid sandalwood door.

Other places to be visited are the Nahargarh fort, built in 1734 and extended in 1834; Jaigarh fort,  built in 1726 is one of the few military structures of medieval India. It has a giant mounted Canan – The Jai Ban, one of the largest in the country preserved here.

HOW TO REACH
By Air
Daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur & Jodhpur.

By Train
Delhi-Jaipur, Shatabdi Express (4 hrs).

By Road
260 kms (05 hrs) from Delhi.