Know as the Pink City, Jaipur is the largest and capital city of the state of Rajasthan. Owing to its rich heritage, buzzing markets and magnificent architecture, this historical city draws thousands of tourists every year from parts of India and the world. The city forms the famous Golden Triangle of India with other two major cities, namely Delhi and Agra that are also noted tourist destinations.
Ornate palaces, tranquil temples, charming gardens and splendid forts within and around the city are standing testament of city’s glorious past. Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Govind Devji Temple, Ram Niwas Bagh, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh and Jal Mahal are few such man-made marvels. Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, speaks of the astronomical mastery of the locals in the 18th century. The City Palace and Hawa Mahal likewise are standing testaments to the architectural skills of Indian artisans and masons.
The Jawahar Kala Kendra, Ravindra Manch, Albert Hall Museum and Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum are some noted treasure chests of information, related to the city’s royal history and vibrant culture. Even when it comes to art and craft, the city has had a long, prosperous history. Some crafts like block printing, stone carving, Tarkashi, Zardozi, silver jewellery, Meenakari, blue pottery and leatherwork are well preserved till date in their original forms in Jaipur. Kathputli, a play-based puppet dance show and Ghoomar, a famous folk dance, pay ode to the rich culture of Rajasthan. Jaipur is also a good place to sample Rajasthani specialities like Dal Baati Churma, Pyaaz Ki Kachori, Gatte Ki Sabzi and Laal Maas.
Numerous annual events, such as the Elephant Festival, Donkey Fair, Kite Festival and Sheetla Mata Fair keep the city lively. The famous Jaipur Literature Festival, which takes place in the month of January, each year, features eminent authors, poets, essayists and playwrights from across the globe. While in Jaipur you could experience Hot Air Ballooning. The spirit of Jaipur is enlivened by its buzzing streets and markets that are frequented by locals as well as travellers from within India and overseas. Johari Bazar is perfect to buy fine traditional jewellery whereas Ramganj Bazar is an apt venue to purchase embroidered leather shoes, locally known as jutis. Similarly, Khajano Ka Rasta is known for marble carving while Mirza Ismail Road can be visited for artefacts, handicraft items and blue pottery.
History
On 18th November, 1727, Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who ruled the region from 1699 to 1743. When he came here, he named the city after himself. In the beginning, his capital was in Amber, a city situated about 11 km from Jaipur. But, with an increasing need to accommodate the growing population and to overcome the problem of water scarcity, the capital was shifted to Jaipur.
The city is considered to be one of the first planned cities in India. Jai Sigh II consulted Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a noted architect of that time, while planning the layout of the new city. The construction of Jaipur began in 1727, and within the next four years, the important palaces, squares and roads had been completed. The city was thereafter divided into nine blocks, wherein two were limited to palaces and state buildings while the rest seven were for public use. Since Jai Singh considered the security of his capital and people important, mighty fortification walls were built along the seven strong gates surrounding the city. In fact, the architecture of the city was regarded as the best in the Indian subcontinent at that time by many historians in their written accounts.
When Edward VII, the Prince of Wales, and Queen Victoria visited Jaipur in 1876, the city was painted in pink to greet them, which further led to the entitlement of Jaipur as the Pink City. Even in the present times, Jai Singh’s painstaking efforts to design the city are clearly reflected in the architectural magnificence of the buildings and broad roads that intersect at right angles, especially in the City Palace area.
Geography
The city is located on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert, an arid region which lies in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent. At a height of 1417 feet above sea level, Jaipur is bounded by the Aravali Hills on two sides. Districts that surround the city include Sikar and Mahendragarh in the north, Tonk in the south, Nagaur and Ajmer in the west and Alwar, Dausa and Sawai Madhopur in the east. The city has an area of nearly 645 sq km.
Jaipur is split into six sectors or urban quarters. The Central Palace quarter houses the world-renowned Hawa Mahal, City Palace, a small lake and royal gardens. This quarter is surrounded in the east, south, and west by five quarters while the sixth one is part of east Jaipur.
Weather
The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, and the weather remains relatively hot round the year. Jaipur observes rainfall during the months of monsoon, i.e. from June to September, measuring about 650 mm, annually. The summer continues from April to July, wherein the average daily temperate is around 30 degree Celsius. During winters that last from November to February, the city experiences pleasant weather with an average temperature ranging from 15–18 degree C. However, cold waves hit the region often and lower the temperature to around 5 degree Celsius.
How to reach
Located in the town of Sanganer, Jaipur International Airport is the main air transit point that serves the city of Jaipur. Direct flights are available to and from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Udaipur as well as international destinations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Muscat.
As far as the railway network is concerned, the city is well connected to important towns and cities across the state and rest of the country. The luxurious tourist train, Palace on Wheels, which starts and ends in New Delhi, covers famous tourist destinations in Rajasthan including Jaipur.
Through highways, Jaipur is linked to major cities in Rajasthan. National Highway 8 links Delhi and Mumbai to Jaipur, whereas National Highway 11 links Agra and Bikaner with the Pink City. Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) offers bus services to all parts of the state as well as Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
Getting Around
Taxis and auto-rickshaw are the two most convenient options available to explore the city. A cycle-rickshaw, a relatively cheaper option, can also be picked to cover short distances within Jaipur.
Besides, city bus services are operated by Jaipur City Transport Services Limited (JCTSL) and RSRTC. Vaishali Nagar, Vidhyadhar Nagar and Sanganer are three major bus depots that serve the city.
Relatively new and with its major phases still under construction, Jaipur Metro currently serves important localities and landmarks like Civil Lines, Jaipur Junction Railway Station, Chandipol and Mansarovar.
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