Welcome to Jaipur. The jewel of Rajasthan, also goes by the name of Pink City. A regular stopping point for many tourists passing through India.
There a lot of stuff to see and do in Jaipur, regardless of the season. But Springtime may be the most accommodating here. Hot desert climate is sure to make your strolls down Jaipur a very memorable experience, for seasoned travelers and for college students alike.
Jaipur was said to be founded in 1727 CE by Rajput King Jai Singh II. It is one of few cities that has a distinct geometric layout. Vastu Shilpa Shastras (ancient architectural teachings) influenced the structural arrangement of the city.
If you ever find yourself in Jaipur, you’re in for a treat. There’s a lot of stuff to do here hence visit Jaipur, so let’s jump right in!
The Architecture of Jaipur
Since the layout is so unique, Jaipur is filled to the brim with architectural wonders ready to be explored.
Probably the most interesting detail about the city’s engineering is its forts.
Here’s a brief rundown of stuff Jaipur has in store for keen architecture fans out there.
Hawa Mahal (also known as Palace of Winds) is built out of pink and red sandstone, which gives it a distinct appearance, especially in spring. An unusual pyramidal shape is its visual centerpiece, and construction was completed at the tail end of the 18th century. It stands tall and puts similar structures to shame with its bravado.
The City Palace is another essential part of Jaipur’s identity. It consists of two separate palaces – Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Built between 1729 and 1732, its historical significance also comes from the fact that it was the former seat of Jaipur’s Maharaja.
Jal Mahal (otherwise known as the Water Palace)is almost peerless in its beauty. Located right in the middle Man Sagar Lake, it looks as if the structure is floating a few inches off the water’s surface. Hills around Man Sagar are populated with forts and temples; an astonishing sight to witness.
Jaigarh Fort is also an essential place to visit. Built by 1726, out of red sandstone, it’s a defensive fortification. The sole reason for its existence – protection of Amber Fort (our next entry).
In general, Jaigarh and Amber can be considered a single structure, since underground passageways connect them.
Amber (Amer) Fort shares the same crude design as Jaigarh, but it was built much earlier with rough estimates suggesting it was complete at the end of 16th century. Interiors are particularly lush, filled with fountains and greenery.
Other worthwhile sightseeing attractions: Ranthambore National Park, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Sarga Suli Tower, Ram Niwas Garden & Albert Hall.
Local Jewelry & Crafts
Jaipur is a haven for casual shopping; there are countless marketplaces offering clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, and food among others. The central trading hub in Jaipur is Johari Bazaar, located in the old part of town.
If Johari Bazaar isn’t quite to your liking, feel free to give Nehru and Bapu bazaars a go.
Local jewelry industry is booming and dates way back to early 18th century, as well.
Pair that with the fact that most artisans here employ efficient cutting techniques, you’ve got yourself one of the best places to buy precious green gemstones.
And it’s not exclusively emeralds, other precious stones like rubies, diamonds are also prevalent.
You can easily get beautiful jewelry for yourself and your loved ones for a fraction of the cost.
Also, rugs. There are a lot of good rugs.
Whenever you need to buy custom essay online, look up the capital of Cambodia, or find a new knock-knock joke, you use search engines.
But when you need to buy a rug, you go to Jaipur. It’s like rug heaven here.
Festival and Events in Jaipur
Festival Calendar is is full of stuff to do in Spring.
Gangaur is a romantic festival of Rajasthani people (as well as Gujarat, West Bengal, and Madya Pradesh). It is dedicated to the worship of Gauri (or Parvati), the goddess of fertility.
The holiday takes its roots the legend surrounding Shiva and Gauri. Or their marriage, rather. Festivities usually begin at the City Palace.
If you want a slice of authentic India, try catching it during a time of great festivities. Gangaur starts a day after Holi and runs for a total of 18 days.
Elephant Festivaltakes place during Holi, the spring festival of color. As evident from the name of the festival, Elephants are pivotal to these proceedings. It begins with a procession of elephants – painted in vibrant colors, loaded with heavy jewelry, and saddles. Then followed by numerous activities like elephant polo and elephant dancing. The holiday is sure to be entertaining.
FOOD in Jaipur
There’s no better way to experience Jaipur’s authentic cuisine and street food than in Jaipur itself. You just can’t afford to miss out on some of its well-known dishes:
Dal Bathi Churma – a staple of Rajasthani food, arguably the most popular local dish. It’s three dishes in one, basically. A famous delicacy.
Ghevar – It is a typical dish of Gangaur, as well. It is a donut-shaped cake, made out of flour and glazed with syrup.
There’s also Pyaz ki Kachori, Ker Sangri, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Mava Kachori, Gajak, and Kulfi. All tasty in their own right.
Visiting Jaipur will be an enchanting experience. Seeing the city glisten in sun-drenched colors, soaking in the culture while gobbling down on tasty food. Terrific.
About the Author
Robert Everett: I am a freelance writer currently based in Chicago. Solving students career and university problems. Having an interest in marketing and business.
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