Jaipur, the largest city of Rajasthan is an epitome of magnificence and vibrancy. This city was established in 1727 by Jai Singh II, and is India’s first planned city. Jaipur was the capital of former Kachwaha rulers and it so presents itself as a versatile tourist destination. This royal place is rich in heritage, culture and architecture. With splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis; Jaipur turns out to be an ideal tourist destination. It is not just the royal buildings and palaces that this city offers. Other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewellery. These intricate works of art add life and colour to this Pink City’s uniqueness. Also, the serenity of lush gardens and floral array acts as the cherry on the cake of fabulous landscapes. All this make a picturesque view that tends to enthral any visitor.
The best time to visit this place is between October and March. Since the weather is pleasant during these months, that allows one to explore more of this place without getting scorched in the seething heat. This city of Rajputs is well known for its fairs and fests that are held on a grand level. The festivals include kite festival, camel festival, teej, gangaur, elephant festival, to name a few. The city witnesses maximum tourists during these days. To add on to its liveliness, this place has brilliant bazaars filled with bright turbans and ethnic attire, hand-dyed and embroidered textiles, pretty jewellery and delicious food. All these things can draw anyone towards them. Dressed in pink, this royal city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is the apt blend of heritage, palaces, culture and art and the flamboyance of this place can be experienced only by visiting it.
Jaipur Monuments
Jaipur, also known as ‘Pink City’, is the capital of Rajasthan. It was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727 AD. Jaipur is famous for its rich cultural heritage and has today become the most popular tourist destination in India. Here, one gets to see the architectural marvel of ancient forts and monuments that stand tall even to this day. The city has acquired the name, Pink City, because of the extensive use of pink color on the walls during the visit of Prince Wales. Jaipur today attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world.
The city is garlanded by the presence of number of beautiful monuments that echo the splendid history of the city. Magnificent monuments such as Jaigarh Fort, Amer Fort, City Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Gaitore, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Rambagh Palace and Statue Circle etc. are spectacular sights which attract hordes of tourists every year. Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Amer Fort are the three of the oldest forts that provide great visual treat to the visitors. Gaitore is a shrine dedicated to the Maharajas of Jaipur and is known for its exquisite carvings. Situated in the heart of Jaipur is the City Palace. The Statue Circle is a tribute to the founder of Pink city, Maharaja Jai Singh II. With so much heritage on display in the form of monuments, it is no surprise then that tourists coming to this city always feel the urge to come back.
Amber Fort
The Amer Fort is situated in Amer, which is 11 kilometers from Jaipur. Amer, originally, was the capital of the state before Jaipur. It is an old fort, built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. This fort is also very popularly known as the Amer Palace. The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort.
City Palace
Located in the heart of the Pink City Jaipur, the City Palace was where the Maharaja reigned from. This palace also includes the famous ‘Chandra Mahal’ and ‘Mubarak Mahal’, and other buildings which form a part of the palace complex.
Gaitore
Gaitore, one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Jaipur, is a royal cremation ground for the Kachhwaha Rajput kings and the members of the royal family. The word ‘Gaitore’ is believed to be a mispronounced form of the Hindi phrase, ‘Gaye ka Thor’ which means ‘resting place of the departed souls’.
Hawa Mahal
The renowned ‘Palace Of The Winds’, or Hawa Mahal, is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Jaipur city. Located in the heart of Jaipur, this beautiful five-storey palace was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh who belonged to Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty.
Jaigarh Fort
The Jaigarh Fort is a majestic stronghold built by Sawan Jai Singh II. This almost-intact fort is surrounded by huge battlements and is connected to the Amer Fort (also called ‘Amber’ Fort), with subterranean passages. Originally built to protect the Amer Fort and the palace within the complex,
Jantar Mantar
There are plenty of observatories all over the world, but the Jantar Mantar is considered to be one of the largest observatories ever built. Combining religion, science and art, the Jantar Mantar is the name given to a series of five, magnificent structures built in Jaipur, New Delhi, Ujjan, Varanasi and Mathura.
Nahargarh Fort
The Indian state of Rajasthan is famous for its royal heritage. Formed by the union of many princely states ruled mainly by Rajputs, Rajasthan has many forts and palaces. Some of these palaces and forts are associated with important historical events as well.
Statue Circle
Jaipur city offers a number of interesting tourist spots and one among them is the famous Statue Circle. Located at a busy traffic junction, the Statue Circle in Jaipur city has been a central place through which almost half of the city’s population passes while navigating through this Pink City.
Jaipur Excursions
The city of Jaipur in Rajasthan is a popular tourist destination in India. Apart from the magnificent palaces and marvelous forts, there are numerous other wonderful places also around this Pink City to explore, for the tourists. There is something for everyone who visits this colourful city. The Pink City offers you lots of excitement and you cannot stop gawking at the palatial monuments of the bygone era. There are plenty of interesting places to see near Jaipur city such as Abhaneri, Sanganer, Karauli, Ramgarh, Ranthambore National Park, Bagru, Bairath, Samode, Sambhar, Sariska, National Park and Tonk etc.
The artificial lake at Ramgarh is the most alluring of all. There are also polo grounds and hunting lodge to be seen at Ramgarh. Abhaneri, a small town, known for Harshad Mata Temple and Baoris, or step wells, is also a wonderful site to visit. For art lovers, Sanganer is the one that cannot be given a miss. This village is known for papermaking, blue pottery and textile block printing. Sambhar Lake is yet another interesting place to visit where you get to see the entire salt making practice. Sariska National Park and Ranthambore National Park offer a look at various wild life species and an adventurous ride through the Park. All in all, Jaipur is a destination for everybody who cares for uniqueness, colours and heritage.
Abhaneri
Abhaneri is a small village of the Dausa district in northern Rajasthan; it is located 95km from Jaipur, towards the Jaipur-Agra highway. The present name of the village, ‘Abhaneri’, is believed to be a mispronunciation of ‘Abha Nagri’ or the ‘city of brightness’.
Bagru
Bagru is a small village in Rajastan on Jaipur-Ajmer road located at a distance of 35 kilometers from Jaipur. It’s not for any palace or fort that Bagru is popular; it is the classic wooden block printing of Bagru which is considered unparalleled. The prints which are popularly known as ‘Bagru Prints’ make the village a crafts centre well known in Jaipur and in surrounding areas
Bairath
Bairath, also known as Viratnagar, is a place of historical and mythological significance. Located about 85 km from Jaipur, it is easily accessible by road. Bairath is home to many historically important structures, which belong to Maurya, Mughal and Rajput periods.
Karauli
Karauli, former capital of the erstwhile Karauli state (princely state), is a small town in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The city has around 300 temples and is hence, regarded as one of the holiest cities of the state.
Ramgarh
Known for its artificial lake, Ramgarh is situated at a distance of approximately 35 km from Jaipur city. The lake covers an area of 15.5 sq. km and had once been a major source of water for Jaipur city. Ramgarh Lake is a manmade water body created by forming an embankment on the forested hills.
Ranthambore National Park
Spread across an area of 392 sq kms, Ranthambore National Park is situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest and famous National Parks in India. Once known as the hunting base for Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park today is a major tourist destination.
Sanganer
Sanganer is a small township situated approximately 16 kilometers away from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Known for its famous handmade paper industry and the textile printing industry, Sanganer is very famous for Jain pilgrimage services.
Samode
Samode is a large town, located in the Shekhawati region, in the royal city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. An ideal desert getaway, Samode is located on the way to Shekhawati and is known for the Samode ‘haveli’ (palace), garden and fort.
Sambhar
Sambhar, situated in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is a municipality of Jaipur and is also popularly known as the Salt Lake City. Civilization here goes back a long way, and houses the Sambhar Lake National Park, Sambhar Lake Tiger Reserve and is also home to the largest saline lake in India.
Sariska National Park
Sariska National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the Alwar district of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Located around 107 kilometers away from Jaipur, this national park covers a vast expanse of 800 sq. kilometers area and is managed by the Government of Rajasthan.
Tonk
A small town near the city of Jaipur, Tonk is one of the most interesting places in Rajasthan and is renowned for its old ‘havelis’ and mosques. This elegant town of Jaipur was once ruled by the ‘Pathans’ of Afghanisthan. The ancient town takes pride in its beautiful architectural wonders,
Fairs & Festivals Of Jaipur
Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, other than the vibrant culture and heritage palaces and forts, is immensely famous for the numerous fairs and festivals it holds in its backyard. People rejoice various festivals all through the year along with the exciting and alluring fairs. Every region of Rajasthan has its own form of folk entertainment, songs, traditions, dressing sense, etc. which shows the true Indian diversity. Also, the people of Rajasthan are well known for their warm welcome, delicacies, traditional attires, rituals, culture, etc. Irrespective of caste and creed, people come together and enjoy the festivals and fairs held in the state. In the capital city of Rajasthan, the festivals such as Teej, Diwali, Gangaur, Kite Festival, Elephant Festival, Camel Festival, etc. are celebrated with great fervour and joy. Originating from old traditions, these festivals and fairs are being rejoiced since ages. The lively colours and the means of merriment during these festivals bind the people with harmony and peace. Read to know more about the fairs and festivals held in Jaipur.
Gangaur Festival
Gangaur is the most significant and colourful festival which is celebrated with great zeal all over the Rajasthan and in some parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. However, it is mainly rejoiced by the women and girls. During this auspicious occasion, they worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati or Gauri by making clay idols of them. Married women pray for the well being, long life and welfare of their husbands and unmarried girls worship for a handsome and intelligent life partner. This festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra, between the months of March and April, according to the Gregorian calendar.
Teej Festival
Teej is another important festival which is rejoiced in Jaipur. On this day, women and girls wear new clothes, jewelleries and make designs on their palms and feet with mehndi (henna). They gather in group in a temple and perform special puja, aarti and offer prasad to Goddess Parvati. Women pray for their husbands whereas girls pray for their future husband. Women and girls perform folk dance, sing traditional teej songs and enjoy swinging. These three are the unique features of this festival.
Kite Festival
On 14th January, the festival of Makar Sakranti is celebrated all over India. This festive time is rejoiced for various reasons but the main reason is the transition of the sun from Sagittarius (dhanu rashi), the zodiac sign to Capricorn (makar rashi). According to the Indian astrology, the northward journey of the sun begins on this day. People take holy bath in the Ganga River and then donate things to the needy people. Also, on this day, people enjoy the flying of kites. Complete sky is adorned with beautiful, big and small colourful kites. In Jaipur, it is declared as the state holiday. Various kite competitions are held in Jaipur as well as across the state in which the most famous is International Kite Festival held by the State Government which goes on for three days. Many competitors from all over the world participate in this event.
Elephant Festival
The Elephant Festival is an annual festival which is held every year in the Pink City, Jaipur. This matchless event is organised on the full moon day of Phalgun Purnima which falls in the month of February/March. It is celebrated on the day before the festivals of colours i.e. Holi. From the ancient times, elephants have always been an important part of the Indian society. The Elephant-headed God,
Shopping In Jaipur
India is brimming with a rich cultural heritage. Jaipur is known as the Pink City and is also the capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur is a shoppers’ elysium. You can find many different kinds of handicrafts, jewelry, fabrics and even carpets here. Jaipur represents the rich and vibrant lifestyle and tradition of Rajasthan. It offers the best traditional Rajasthani artwork and textiles from this city are world famous. They have different types of products like tie-n-dye and bandhej sarees, kurtas and dress materials. These products are most popular for their patterns and designs. Jaipur is also famous for its jewelry which is a beautiful combination of traditional and contemporary styles with Thewa and Kundan being the most popular. In Jaipur, there are a great many stores where you can find a lot of different things that cater to the authenticity and the flavors of Rajasthan. Jaipur is a vibrant and beautiful city, filled with bazaars which are hospitable to anyone.
Make sure that you have shopping on your list of things to do when you get to Jaipur. ‘Haldiyon Ka Rasta’, ‘M.I Road’, ‘Bapu Bazar’, ‘Kishanpol Bazar’, etc are some of the main bazaars in Jaipur. These are places where you can find some excellent fabrics and carpets. If you are looking for handicrafts, the marketplace is rich in variety as Jaipur is recognized as the crafts capital of India. For something different, Jaipur is famous for their camel leather also so don’t forget to check out some of that also. And last, but not the least, a pair of ‘jutis’ or ‘mojaris’ from Jaipur would make your trip worth the while. Get one pair or a dozen; you will love it for sure. A trip to Jaipur is incomplete without shopping in this beautiful city! So make sure you factor in enough time for that as well.
Jaipur Fabric and Carpets
The magnificent city of Jaipur is famous for its vibrant and artistically woven fabrics and carpets. Since ages, this city has offered the best traditional designs, and the fabrics are the best in the world. The art of the colorful province of Rajasthan,
Jaipur Handicrafts
For all shopaholics, Jaipur is the perfect destination; a haven actually. The splendid city of Jaipur takes pride in its remarkable handiworks that preserve its ancient art and crafts, which are renowned worldwide.
Jaipur Camel Leather Items
Jaipur is famous for its leather craft industries. Camel leather items like bags, shoes, wallets and sandals have gained international fame for their elegance and designs. You will find the best quality camel leather products in Jaipur. They are available in a large number or designs and styles,
Jaipur Jewelry and Gems
Jaipur is a charming and attractive city, especially for those who love ancient heritage and exquisite jewelry. Jewelry is a very integral and inherent part of Rajasthani culture. To add to the lovely fabrics and vibrant colors, the jewelry here is contemporary, yet conventional.
Temples in Jaipur
Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, was founded on 18 November 1727, by Raja Sawai Singh II. It is one of the planned cities of India and is a principal tourist destination. It is filled with ancient forts and monuments that boast of its glorious past. A large number of temples and other religious places reflect the spiritual value of the dynasties of the past, who built them. Apart from the forts and temples, a good number of gardens also enhance the effervescent beauty of Jaipur.
The presence of numerous temples has yielded Jaipur the nickname, ‘Chhoti Kashi’ or ‘Mini Kashi’. Some of the prominent temples in Jaipur are Govind Dev Ji, Birla Temple, Shila Devi Temple, Galtaji, Jagat Shrimoni Temple and Shri Kali Temple. These temples echo the magnificence of the Rajput rulers who once governed the city of Jaipur. Every year, Jaipur attracts visitors from all over the country and world. The splendid architecture of these temples is simply awe-inspiring and their religious significance is worth a visit. Each of the temples is unique in its own way. No wonder then people of all castes and races visit this city to get a glimpse of its temples and return home with fond memories of the architecture and the legends thereto.
Galtaji
A pre-historic Hindu pilgrimage site, the Galtaji Temple, is located only 10km away from Jaipur. One of the jewels of Jaipur, the temple complex encompasses natural fresh water springs and 7 holy ‘kunds’ or water tanks. Among these kunds, the ‘Galta Kund’, is the holiest one and is believed to never get dry.
Birla Temple
The Birla Temple, originally known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, and is situated below the Moti Dungri Fort in Jaipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, this temple is a proud architectural landmark of Jaipur. Built in pure white marble, the Birla Temple is unlike the traditional ancient Hindu temples, and is built with a modern approach.
Govind Dev Ji Temple
The temple of Govind Dev Ji is one of the most sacred and famous tourist destinations in India. It is located in the City Palace complex, in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The deity, Govind Dev Ji, is none other than Lord Shri Krishna himself. It is believed that the image in this temple looks exactly how Lord Krishna looked during his incarnation on earth.
Moti Dungri
The Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple was constructed by Seth Jai Ram Paliwal in the early eighteenth century, and continues to be one the most popular tourist destinations in Jaipur. Situated in the heart of Jaipur, the Moti Dungri temple is perched on a small hill, and is surrounded by an exotic palace. In the recent past,
Gardens In Jaipur
One might consider Jaipur, a city located near the Thar Desert, as barren but that is not the case. Jaipur, the Pink City, is not only famous for forts, temples and monuments but also for gardens which further enhance its value on the tourism map. Jaipur has plenty of gardens, both natural and artificial, and the government has taken ample measures to preserve it. When the Kachhwaha Rajput king, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II planned the city, he gave special importance to the gardens in the city. Most of the gardens were dedicated to the queens, as in the case of Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh which was constructed for his second wife. Other prominent gardens in the city are Kanak Vrindavan Valley and Vidyadhar Garden.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, the largest garden in Jaipur, is known for its fountains, painted pavilions and trees. Located 6km away from the city, this beautiful garden was constructed in 1728 AD. Kanak Vrindavan Valley, another prominent garden of the city, is located on the Nahargarh Hills. This well-planned garden has a temple made of stone and marble. Vidyadhar Garden is another beautiful garden which is dedicated to Vidyadhar, the main architect of the city of Jaipur. Built even before the foundation for Jaipur was laid, this garden is known for temples, waterfalls, flower beds and ponds. Other gardens in Jaipur which are worth visiting are Ram Niwas Bagh, and Zoological Garden. The serene atmosphere and beautiful flower beds make these gardens most popular tourist spots in the city.
Kanak Vrindavan Valley
The Kanak Vrindavan Valley is an exotic place in Jaipur, and is located on the way to the Amer Fort. Nuzzled at the bottom of the Nahargarh hill, the garden complex is surrounded by popular tourist spots such as the Amer Palace, Jaigarh fort and blankets of lush greenery
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh is situated at a distance of 10 km from Jaipur city and lies on Jaipur-Agra highway. This royal garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728 for his second queen Sisodia. Sisodia Rani Garden is adorned with beautiful wall paintings of Radha-Krishna love story.
Vidyadhar Garden
The Vidyadhar garden is a pristine garden located in the heart of Jaipur. One of Jaipur’s best-preserved gardens, this picturesque garden is aesthetically designed and was built in the memory of Jaipur’s chief Architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya.
Kafila Tours & Travels 