Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the pink city because of the pink colored buildings in its old city. It sits on a dry lakebed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmonted by forts and crenelated walls. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes.


Vegetable laden camel carts thread their way through streets jam packed with cars, rickshaws, bycycles and pedestrians frantically dodging the crazy traffic. Traditionally dressed Rajput men sporting bright turbans and swashbuckling moustaches discuss village politics outside restaurants serving spaghetti and American ice cream sodas. Jaipur has long outstripped the confines of its city walls and is today amongst the most tumultuous and polluted places in Rajasthan. Despite this, it seldom disappoints first time visitors.


Places to See

• Amer Fort
  At a short distance of 11 kms . from Jaipur, the Amer Fort complex stands amidst wooded hills overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur highway, with its forbidding ramparts reflected in the still waters of the Maota Lake below. One of the finest examples of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of the Kachhawah rulers. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh and additions were made later by Sawai Jai Singh.
• Jaigarh Fort
  The western skyline is dominated by the extensive walls, watch towers and gatewasys of the Jaigarh Fort. It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved almost intact, containing palaces, agrdens open and covered reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted acnnon-the Jain Ban, the largest cannon in the world.
• Nahargarh Fort
  Perched atop a pricturesque hill, the Nahargarh Fort offers a breathtaking view of the city below. Initially built by Sawai Jain Singh in 1734 A.D. It was enlarged and given its present shape by Sawai Madho Singh in1885 A.D. Decorative motifs in some of the rooms are delightful.
• City Palace
  The City Palce is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture. The City Palace complex houses several palatial structures. The first building in it is Mubarak Mahal, built by Kaharaja Madho Singh. It has a beautifully carved marble gate with heavy brass doors on either side of this gate. Beyond this gate lies the Diwan -e-Khas, or the "Hall of Private Audience".
• Govind Devji Temple
  To the north of Chandra Mahal in the midst of the sprawling Jai Niwas Garden is the spireless temple of Lord Krishna. The idol wsa brought from Vrindavan and installed here by Sawai Jai Singh II as the tutelary deity. Today, the temple attracts devotees, from all over the country.

Fairs & Festivals

• Elephant Festival
  14 March, 2006, the elephant enthrall the spectators on the day of the Colourful festival of Holi at Chaugan stadium. Beautifully decorated elephants assemble for royal procession, Elephant polo match, races etc. & Rajasthan Folk music & dance performances are part of the festival.
• Teej
  28-29 July, 2006, festival marking the advent of monsoon, swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls sing songs of love and about the rain. The festival is dedicated to parvati, commemorating the day when she was united with Lord Shiva, A magnificent procession is taken out from City Palace, similar to the Gangaur procession, for two consecutive days.
• Gangaur
  1-2 April, 2006, this festival is celebrated by the maidens and married women, and is dedicated to Gauri, the incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. A Colourful procession is taken out from Zanana Deodhi of the City Palace, passing through Tripolia Bazar, Gangauri Bazar, Chaugan and converging near Talkatora for two consecutive days.

How to reach

• Air
  Jaipur Airport, Sanganer is at a distance of around 11km from the city center. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and domestivc carriers operate regular flighta to and from Jaipur. There are direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, and some other cities from Jaipur.
• Rail
  The train service to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country. An excellent connection from Delhi is Shatabadi Express that provides a fast, air-conditioned rail service. Other direct connections to Jaipur are from Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Secunderabad, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta.
• Road
  Jaipur is well connected by road to various parts of India. Delhi-Jaipur national highway is one of the finest roads in India. Rajasthan roadways runs excellent regular service of AC and Deluxe Coaches from Delhi.