Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is popularly known as the Pink City because of the colour of the stones used in the walled city. The city is an epitome of magnificence and renowned for its remarkable heritage, culture and architecture. Jaipur’s past comes alive in its splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, lovely havelis, sacred temples, broad avenues, spacious gardens and colourful bazaars. Jaipur was founded in AD 1727 by Sawai Jaisingh II. It is the first planned city of the country with wide straight broad avenues, roads, streets and lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of the main bazaars. The city is planned according to the 'vastushastra'. It was planned by a Bengali architect named Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya. The city itself is an attractive creation laid according to the nine-grid pattern. Jaipur is part of the Golden Triangle along with other two cities of Delhi and Agra. Jaipur is 260 km from Delhi and 240 km from Agra.
Even though today Jaipur is a bustling business centre but one can see rustic old world charm still alive in the city. The city is also known for its intricate handicraft items and exquisite jewellery. Embroidered leather footwear is a specialty and it is famed for blue pottery. The cultural prosperity of Jaipur is visible in its local festivals and fairs like Kite festival, Elephant festival, Teej festival, Gangaur festival and many others. Jaipur by virtue of its location and due to its architectural beauty has become a major tourist attraction among both Indian and foreign tourists.
Sightseeing of Jaipur in Rajasthan
The City Palace
City Palace situated in the heart of the old City is an important historic landmark in Jaipur. This impressive structure which occupies the 1/7th area of the city is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II and encloses a number of magnificent structures within its enclosures like Chandra mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Shri Govind Dev’s Temple, Maharani’s Palace and Sileh-Khana. Maharani’s palace has been converted into a museum which has an excellent collection of the Rajput weaponry that date back to even 15th century like the deadly Rajput scissor-action daggers , protective chain armours, pistols, jewelled and ivory handled swords, a belt sword, small and assorted cannons, guns, poison tipped blades and gun powder pouches. Diwan-e-aam is now transformed into an art gallery with a fine collection of paintings. Chandra Mahal is a seven-storied citadel where the present Maharaja of Jaipur resides. The ground and first floor of the Chandra Mahal form the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. Govindji Temple located inside the city palace is a temple of Lord Krishna known for its architectural beauty.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar was built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and it is placed adjacent to the city palace. It is the biggest out of the five astronomical observatories built by the Maharaja. It is awarded as the largest stone observatory in the world and has been listed among the UNESCO world heritage sites. Jantar Mantar possesses 14 astronomical instruments used for tracking the stars and their orbits, measuring time and predicting eclipses.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal was built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. This 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal building that has more than 950 windows is a classic example of Rajput architecture. Hawa mahal overlooking the busy bazaar street is built up of red sand stones. It was built for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions and everyday life activities occurring on the streets without being seen. The monument also has an archaeological museum.
Amber Fort
Amber Fort is about 11km from the city of Jaipur on the Delhi- Jaipur Highway. This fort which is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture was the old capital of the Kachhwahas. This complex houses many palaces, halls, pavilions and gardens. It was built by Raja Man Singh and later additional extensions were built by Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh II. The main entry to the fort is through the 'Suraj Pol' or Sun Gate. Sila Devi Temple, Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas and Kesar Kyari are accommodated with in the fort.
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort is 15 kilometres from Jaipur. The fort offers a panoramic view of the city. Built in 1734 by Sawai Ram Singh II this palace exhibits an amalgamation of Indian and European architecture. It was renovated in 1880 by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh. The interiors of the fort are adorned with murals and beautiful designs. It also houses the Madhavendra Bhavan which was used by the royal family during the summer season.
Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort is situated 15km from the main city of Jaipur. It is perched up on the top of the hill called ‘Cheel ka Tilla’. This impregnable fort whose lofty walls are spread over three kilometres was built for the defence purpose. The world’s biggest cannon on wheels called the Jai Ban is positioned here which was built during reign of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh. The fort encompasses Diya Burj,Vijay Garh and the palace complex. The fort also has a granary, a well-planned canon foundry and several temples. It is one of the few well preserved military structures of the medieval India. This fort commands a panoramic view of the entire hinterland.
Gaitore
Gaitore is 15km from the city of Jaipur. This was the final resting place for the maharajas of Jaipur and consists of umbrella shaped cenotaphs called chhatris.
Albert Hall (Central Museum)
It is situated in the beautiful garden of Jaipur city, Ram Niwas Bagh. It was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh in the year 1886. This building was designed by Colonel Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob and it displays Indo-Saracen style of architecture. The museum has an excellent collection of artefacts like metal ware, miniature portraits, carpets, decorative wares paintings, Persian golden carpet, sculptures, an Egyptian mummy and many natural history samplings.
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal is situated about 6kms from Jaipur. Jal Mahal was built by Sawai Pratap Shing in 1799 A.D This small palace is set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. The five-storey structure is built in Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles and is constructed using red sandstone.
Statue Circle
Statue Circle is located at a busy traffic junction in the city. And it is the most famous circle of the city. It was built as a tribute to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who was the founder of the city.
Dolls Museum
It is situated on Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and is renowned for its wide collection of beautiful dolls from all over the world.
Moti Doongri
Moti Doongri means pearl hill because it resembles a pearl drop. A palace is perched on a hill top and is built in the model of a Scottish castle. It was once the residence of Sawai Man Singh II. It is still the private property of the royal family and not opened to public. A famous lord ganesh temple is also located on the hill top.
Galtaji
Galtaji is it is an ancient pilgrimage centre about 10km from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Agra highway. The temple complex encompasses natural fresh water springs and many holy 'kunds' or water tanks out of which Galta Kund' is considered as the holiest. Thousands of people take holy dip in the tanks. The complex built in red stone houses many temples and pavilions . The main landmark here is the famous Galtaji Temple dedicated to Sun-God. The walls of this temple are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings.
Birla Temple
Birla Temple is located at the foothills of the Moti Dungri Fort. The temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi was built by the Birla family. It is also widely known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple complex. This temple is built of white marble and also houses numerous other Hindu deities.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh was built by Sawai Jai Singh in 1728. This garden is inspired by both Mughal and traditional Indian architecture and represents the divine love of Sawai Jaya Singh’s towards his Queen. Dotted with fascinating flowerbeds, fountains, watercourses, painted pavilions, several galleries and beautiful murals depicting scenes from the life of lord Krishna this garden mesmerises the visitors with its eternal charm and tranquillity.
Vidyadhar Garden
Vidyadhar Garden is situated at a distance of 8 km in the east of Jaipur. It is named after Vidyadhar Bhatacharjee, the architect of Jaipur. Various fountains, pavilions, lakes and galleries inside the garden add to the beauty of this splendid garden.
Kanak Vrindavan Valley
Kanak Vrindavan Valley situated at the foot of Nahargarh hills was built approximately 280 years ago by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur. Is said to resemble mythological Vrindavan the abode of Lord Krishna. The king had consecrated an idol of Lord Krishna in the 'Shri Govind Deoji' complex within the garden. The series of fountains, numerous shady trees, verdant lawns and green scenery of the garden attracts many tourists.
Places to visit around Jaipur
Bairath
Bairath, also known as Viratnagar is located about 85 km from Jaipur. It is a place of great historical and mythological significance. Bairath is said to have existed from the times of Mahabharata. Many structures excavated here belong to Mauraya, Mughal and Rajput periods. A circular Buddhist temple which is believed to be the first structural temple was excavated from this region. The Virata nagar Museum in Bairath has a wide collection of artefacts that narrate the story of its vibrant past. Bairath is also known for Banganga Fair, celebrated annually at a place nearly 11 kms from the township of Bairath. This fair is held on the full moon day of Vaishakh in April - May.
Tonk
It is located in Tonk district of Rajasthan, 96kms from Jaipur. This small town is famous for its mosques and Havelis. Known as 'Lucknow of Rajasthan' Tonk was once ruled by the 'Pathans' of Afghanistan. That main attraction here is a fabulous hall called, the Sunehri Kothi. It is also known as the Golden Mansion or the Mansion of Gold. The interiors are adorned with mirrors, gilt, stucco and stained glass. Tonk also has an Arabian and Persian Research Institute. Jama Masjid built in Mughal architectural style is another attraction in Tonk.
Karauli
Karauli is at a distance of about 180 kilometres. This place is well known for its huge number of temple. The most famous among the lot is the Madan Mohanji Temple where Lord Krishna is presiding deity. Apart from this the 600 year old fort, Mahavir Jain temple, the Kaila Devi Temple, Kaila Devi Sanctuary are the other attractions.
Sambhar
Sambhar is 94 kilometres to the west of Jaipur. It is famous for the country's largest inland salt Lake It was the first capital of the Chauhan dynasty. Holy Devyani tank and the palace are the other attractions here.
Bagru
Bagru is 35 kilometres away from Jaipur. The place is popular for its typical wooden prints particularly known as Bagru prints.
Sanganer
Sanganer is 16 km from Jaipur and is very famous for Jain pilgrimage centres. The most prominent one being the 'Shri Digambar Jain Temple'. Sanganer is also known for its famous handmade papers industry and the textile printing industry. It produces some of the finest hand printed textiles from units of block and screen printers
Abhaneri
Abhaneri at is located 95km from Jaipur on Jaipur-Agra road. The place is renowned for 'Chand Baori' (step well) and Harshat Mata Temple and early medieval monuments. Chand Baori is a step well created for rainwater harvesting. This huge well is adorned with delicate and intricate carvings. Harshat Mata Temple which is considered to be the goddess of joy and happiness displays amazing medieval architecture.
Ramgarh
Ramgarh is 32 kilometres from Jaipur. This place is famous for its huge artificial lake. The lake spread over an area of about 20 square kilometres is created by forming an embankment amidst the hills. This place is a popular picnic spot during the monsoon season. Many resident and migratory birds can be seen around this lake.
Samode
Samode is at a distance of 42kms from the city. Samode Palace is the major attraction here. Samode haveli is built in 'fort' style and encompasses the 'Durbar Hall', the 'Sultan Mahal' and a small temple, and the 'Sheesh Mahal'. It has now been converted into a heritage hotel. Fort of Sheogarh is also another popular tourist attraction in the Samode district.
Sariska Wildlife National Park
Sariska National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located at a distance of 107 km from Jaipur. Sariska Tiger Reserve Park covers a vast expanse of 800 sq. kilometres area. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1955. It came under the Project Tiger in 1979 and became a national park in 1982. The park is home to many wild animals like leopards, Sambhar, deer, hyenas, crocodiles, boars, royal Bengal Tigers etc. Among the bird species peafowl, harbours quail, sand grouse, golden- backed woodpeckers and crested serpent eagles etc. can be seen here. Sariska is also known for its historical sites such as the Kankawadi Fort Bhangarh Fort, Pratapgarh Fort and Ajabgarh Fort. The 'Nilkanth Temple', both built by the local Bargujars, and the Sariska Palace are also worth a visit.
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is located at 130 kms from Jaipur. It is situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. The park is spread across an area of 392 sq. kms. It is one of the biggest and most famous tiger reserves in India. Set amidst the Aravali and Vindhya ranges of mountain this place used to be the hunting base for Maharajas of Jaipur. Different kinds of plants, birds, mammals and reptiles are found here. The park is also considered as a heritage site.
How to reach Jaipur
Jaipur Airport is located near Sanganer at a distance of 13 kms from the city of Jaipur. Jaipur is well connected by air to Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Aurangabad, Goa, Guwahati, Kolkata, Udaipur, Jodhpur, etc. The airport has been granted an International Status and there are flights to foreign cities like Kuwait, Sharjah, Bahrain, Muscat, Peshawar, Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Dubai. Jaipur Station is a major railhead and the city is well connected by many trains to most of the major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Howrah, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Indore. Apart from these trains, a train called "Palace on Wheels" that starts from Delhi is also available which covers all tourist destinations in Rajasthan. Jaipur is well connected by an excellent network of roads to all the major cities of India.
Where to Stay in Jaipur
Jaipur has a huge range of accommodation options that tourist can choose from according to their budget. The hotels range from heritage hotels and premium 5-star heritage hotels to mid -range and budget hotels.