Pink City - Jaipur

 JAIPUR - PINK CITY

Jaipur is a fascinating capital of Rajasthan and is a very well planned city of its time. It was in the year 1927 that Jaipur was the creation of Maharaja, Sawai Jai Singh. It runs across in pink colour. This is why the city is also known as "The Pink City". Jaipur is the home for artisans, musicians and craftsmen. The city of Jaipur is redolent with ethereal palaces, imposing forts, vibrant people, boisterous bazaars, timeless traditions and centuries of art and culture. All of the cities of Jaipur have a unique character and a different colour. The capital city of Jaipur has the distinction of being pink which is also considered the colour of hospitality.

THE ARCHITECTURE OF JAIPUR

A visitor can be amazed with the mixture and brilliance of Jaipur's architectural heritage. Jaipur’s intricately carved temples, forts, and havelis and even step wells are enough to make Jaipur a wonderland for an architecture buff. The desert of Jaipur is full of extremes and it is here that the Rajput warrior clans reside. These tribal people had ruled Jaipur for the past many years. India's many romantic cities are also home in Jaipur. The Rajputs were excellent builders and have decked the arid Aravali hills with their legacy with many imposing as well as magnificent forts and palaces in the world. Some of the important structures represent the architectural heritage of Jaipur are Dilwara Temples, Jantar Mantar, Lake Palace Hotel, Chittaurgarh Fort, City Palace and also the Jaisalmer havelis. 

FAIR & FESTIVAL OF JAIPUR

Jaipur has a never ending cycle of festivals and fairs throughout the year. All of the festivals and fairs of Jaipur are colourful and also spectacular in the whole of India. The festivals of Jaipur give a vision of the colourful life style of the Jaipuri people. They are also spectacular with their music, folk dances, drama and animal races. The main festivals and fairs of Jaipur are Gangaur, Teej as well as its Desert festival, Pushkar Fair, Elephant Festival and the Camel festival which are now known across the globe.

 

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR JAIPUR

Mount Abu: Mount Abu is the only hill station of Jaipur as well as one of the must see places. In Mount Abu, you will come across many interesting sites surrounding this hill town. Places such as Honeymoon Point, Dilwara Jain Temple, Jaipur House, Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar and Sunset Point are the key attractions of Mount Abu. You can also enjoy a romantic boat ride in the picturesque Nakki Lake.

Jodhpur: It is also referred to as the Blue City of India and is located in the stark of Thar Desert. The beautiful Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum and Mehrangarh Fort are the prime attractions of Jodhpur.

Bikaner: Bikaner is popular all over the world as the Camel City of India and is situated around the Thar Desert. The city of Bikaner is famous for having the finest species of camels. In Bikaner the camel is the main means of transportation. The major attractions of the city include Lalgarh Palace, Junagarh Fort, and also that of the Camel Breeding Farm.

Jaisalmer: It is also known as the Golden City of India and is situated in the midst of Thar Desert. In Jaisalmer, you will be able to explore the golden beauty of the desert and exotic sand dunes. The major attractions are that of the Jain Temples, Golden Fort, Havelis and Desert National Park.

Udaipur: Udaipur is also referred to as the Lake City of India. The popular lakes of Udaipur are the Jaisamand Lake, Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake and that of the Udai Sagar Lake in the city. This is why Udaipur is a very beautiful city in Jaipur. Udaipur is also known as the City of Lake Places and the popular lakes palaces are the Jaipur Monsoon Palace, Lake Palace and Fateh Prakash Palace.

MUST PLACES TO SEE IN JAIPUR

Amber Fort

Amber fort shares a special place in the hearts of the local people. Amber Fort shares an amazing history which resembles to the victory of Sawai Maan Singh and establishment of Mata temple in Amber Fort. The amazing style of architect force people to enjoy and feel the richness of the culture.

Sisodia Rani Garden

Sisodia Rani Garden is a perfect example of beautiful nature filled with the amazing surprises and views of peace. The garden was built by the king Sawai mann singh II for his beloved wife which portrays the untouched scenes of Radha Krishna life in the Hindu mythology.

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is also knows as the palace of winds. This is considered as one piece of architect and smart thinking. Hawa Mahal is a palace with small small windows on the outer which helps the blowing winds in the palace to change their temperature to coolest and does not allow hot winds to blow inside the palace.

Jal Mahal

As the name suggest, Jal Mahal is a palace which is built in the middle of the man Sagar Lake. Jal Mahal shares a special place in the category of amazing architectural ideas involved with the city Jaipur.

Birla Mandir

Birla Mandir is one beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and God Narayan. This beautiful temple is typically made by the pure marbles and furnished with many handicrafts shop and refreshing gardens inside the premises which help in astonishing the beauty of the temple.

Amber Fort: The Amber Fort is situated at a distance of 11 km from the city of Jaipur. It is a fort which is situated on a cliff besides the Jaipur Delhi Highway. The architecture of the fort is an amalgamation of the Rajput as well as the Mughal schools of architecture. This type of architecture beautifully combines white marble and red stone. The Maota Lake provides the mighty structure a magnificent view. The lovely palaces and the sturdy ramparts make Amber Fort to be a prime attraction of the state.

 Albert Hall Museum: It is also known as the Central Museum and is situated in the beautiful lawns of the Ram Niwas Bagh in Jaipur. The Albert Hall Museum is amongst the oldest museums. This museum has been modeled on the lines of the Albert Museum of London. It depicts the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.

Galta Temple: The pink city of Jaipur is also the home of many shrines which are the major tourist attractions throughout the year. The Galta Temple of Jaipur is one of them. This temple is located amidst beautiful surroundings. It is also referred to as the Monkey Temple. The Galta Temple is nestled on the crowns of a mountain and is located near the Sisodia Rani-ka Bagh. Legend tells us that the Galta Temple was a part of the penance rituals of the God man Galava.

The City Palace: The City Palace is a beautiful example of the architecture which was prevalent in Jaipur. It was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The City Palace has beautifully caved magnificent pillars, marble interiors; inlaid ornamentations and jali or lattice work make the palace to be a very popular tourist attraction. The two main entrances to the City Palace are that of Jaleb Chowk and Tripolia Gate.

WHAT TO EAT IN JAIPUR

Jaipur’s cuisine of is mainly vegetarian and it provides a wide variety of mouth watering dishes. All of the dishes have high spice content when compared with the other Indian cuisines. However, the food is absolutely scrumptious. In order to cook most of the dishes the Jaipuri's use ghee for cooking. Jaipuri food is popular all over the world for its spicy curries and delicious sweets.

Popular Jaipuri dishes:

·        Bail-Gatte

·        Balusahi

·        Beans ki sabji

·        Besan-Chakki

·        Chaavadi

·        Churma

·        Dal-Bati

·        Dhungari Hui Chaach

·        Gajar ki sabji

·        Ghevar

·        Googri

·        Guwar fali ki saag

·        Jhajariya

·        Karela ki sabji

·        Keri ki sabji

·        Khaddi

·        Kicha ki sabji

·        Kikoda ki sabji

·        Laapasi

·        Makki ki raab

·        Matar ki sabji

·        Moranga ki sabji

·        Nukhti

·        Panchkoota

·        Popular Jaipuri curries:

·        Raabdi

·        Tarfini

SWEETS OF JAIPUR:The people of Jaipur have a sweet tooth and this is why the sweets are relished and savoured by all.

A famous sweet item in Jaipur is the Dal Bati Churma. For breakfast, the people of Jaipur eat Jalebi with Kachoudi. The other popular sweet dishes of Jaipur are gulab sakri, gilebdar petha  and Mishri mawa that are mostly prepared with mawa & sugar.

The best time to visit Jaipur during the period of November to February.   

THINGS TO KEEP IN BAG WHILE TRAVELING TO JAIPUR

Medicines:You may be having certain medicines that you will have to take daily. You should remember to carry these along with a copy of prescription. You should also carry medicines for common problems like fever, cold, headache, etc.

Clothes:

The clothes :which you will have to take to Jaipur will be based on the season when you’re travelling. If you’re going in the summer then pack only light clothes. If you’re travelling in winter take warm clothes. You should also not forget to keep an empty bag to put dirty clothes. To wear, you should carry some comfortable pair of shoes, sandals or floaters and ones which are light to carry in the bag.

Eatables:You should also not forget to pack some packed eatables like biscuits, chocolates, candies and wafers. You will find these foods to be e of great help if you happen to get stuck at an isolated place or when hunger attacks at odd hours. You should also remember to carry a water bottle.

Identity Proof:It has nowadays become necessary to carry some sort of identity proof while on a vacation. There are many hotels and places where you cannot rent a room if you don’t have one. Also in case of any mishap or any other contingency it would be of a great help to travelers and their family.

The identity proof which you carry should have your photo, name, address and of the place where you wish to stay on vacation.

Toiletries:You should also remember to carry toiletries such as tooth paste, tooth brush, soap, face wash, shampoo, shaving kit, body lotion, deodorants, etc.  Based on the climate of the area, you should carry sunscreen lotions, or cold creams that should also be taken along accordingly.

Money and Cards:You should take some loose change in the form of cash and your credit/debit card.

Camera:If you wish to capture the memories of your vacation lifelong, you should carry a reliable and excellent camera to capture images and videos of the entire journey to cherish the moments later on.

 Miscellaneous –  

•  Bug Repellent
•  Chargers / Batteries
•   Extra Bags Nail Cutter
•   Paper and Pencil/Pen
•   Sleeping Bag
• Spectacles or contact lenses

Don’t forget to keep tickets and other important documents related to reservation of travel and accommodation.

A word of caution- You should pack only those items which you can carry yourself if there are no porters available to help you.

Happy Holidays!!