JAIPUR

Introduction to Jaipur:  The city of Jaipur is capital to the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, famous for its colorful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes. Jaipur would have been a part of the Thar Desert but for the protection afforded by the Aravali Hills that form a barrier on one side. Jaipur is around 258 km from Delhi, 232 km from Agra, 350 km from Gwalior, 405 km from Udaipur, and 1,202 km from Mumbai.

Like most other north Indian cities, Jaipur too has extreme climate. The summers can be very hot with mercury crossing 45°C, whereas winters are chilly and the temperature can fall below 5°C.

The royal city of Jaipur owes its name to the founder of the city. It was the great warrior king Sawai Jai Singh II (1693–1743) who laid the foundation of the city in 1627. He was one of the few kings of his time having a keen eye for details and a very good scientific mind. The city was well planned, structured, and had one of the best drinking water systems in the medieval world.

Being capital to the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, the city is mirror to every thing that Rajasthan signifies, be its culture, tradition, society, and, most important, the people.The old city of Jaipur has neat and broadly laid-out avenues, all painted pink, and that gives a magical glow to the city, especially in the evenings.

Sightseeing: Jaipur offers a plethora of touristic attractions to the traveller. The City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum with its large collection of woodwork, jewellery, costumes, brassware, and pottery. Another monument near the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen. Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, is perhaps the most beautiful example of Rajasthani forts and gives a grand view of the city down below. Other attractions include the Jaigarh Fort, Birla Mandir, and Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh.

Excursions: Jaipur is also the base for exploring some nearby towns and cities of Rajasthan. Ajmer, situated around 130 km south-west of Jaipur, is a pilgrim town renowned for the tomb of Sufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti. In its vicinity is Pushkar, another pilgrim town famous for the annual camel fair. Kishangarh is renowned for its miniature paintings while Roopangarh houses a fort built by Roop Singh.

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