Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the largest city and the capital of the state of Rajashthan. The city is located amidst beautiful royal architecture and ruins that tell us amazing tales of the brave warriors who reigned here once.
Historical Background
The city of Jaipur was founded by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II. When the original capital, the city of Amber was unable to match the needs of the growing population, the Rajput king decided to shift his capital to Jaipur.
The city is named after its founder and still presents the regal charm of the capital of a powerful empire.
The entire planning of the city was done by Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, based on Vastu Shastra or the science of space. Even to this day, this city is considered to be one of the best planned cities in terms of road construction and layout.
It was divided into six sectors that were separated by broad roads that ran strategically across the city.
The construction of the city along with major palaces took about four years. All the buildings are constructed based on the science of architecture or the Shilpa Shastra.
When Prince Edward of Wales visited the city in 1876, the reigning king Raja Sawai Ram Singh had the entire city painted pink. This is how the city got the name “Pink City.”
Jaipur: The land of architecture, a tourist hub and the perfect holiday destination
Jaipur has many architectural marvels that are considered World Heritage Sites. Besides the palaces, boulevards and forts that that popular in Jaipur, one can also find an excellent observatory, the Jantar Mantar.
Raja Sawai Jai Singh who was a patron of astronomy, mathematics and astrophysics had many astronomical instruments constructed and placed here. The accuracy of these instruments is marvelous considering the limitations that the king may have faced in those times.
Even the building and palaces are based on careful calculations and are examples of impeccable architectural mastery.
Jaipur is part of the golden triangle of Indian tourism that also includes Agra and Delhi. The city attracts tourists from all over the world in thousands.
Given the richness of the city in history and culture, it is no surprise that it is one of the most popular cities in India. For those looking for an aristocratic holiday, there are many palaces that have been converted into resorts to make each guest feel like a king.
Jaipur: Culture
Jaipur is the centre of Rajasthani folk art and culture. In the tours of the palaces and forts, one can view immaculate paintings and works of art. Folk dances including those performed by the lambanis and the local tribes are popular here.
Most resorts and hotels provide traditional entertainment that includes Rajasthani dance and music.
The textile and jewellery industry in Jaipur is buzzing, too. You can find beautiful traditionally dyed fabric and also handmade jewellery that one must purchase during his or her visit here.
HOW TO REACH
AIR -Sanganer air terminal is the closest airport to the city of Jaipur. It is situated a good 10 kilometres from the central city. The airport has flight availability to major cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
Travellers from around the world can take corresponding flights to Jaipur from Mumbai or Delhi air terminal.
TRAIN - The railway station at Jaipur connects with different major urban areas. For an illustrious encounter, one can take the Palace on Wheels.
This train leaves from Delhi and associates with other urban communities in Rajasthan, and is probably the most luxurious trains out there.
ROAD - Jaipur has an excellent network of roads, connecting it with significant Indian urban communities. NH 8, NH 11 and NH 12 are the primary public routes associating Jaipur city with different metropolitan areas.
New Delhi is only 235 KM from this beautiful city, while Agra is just 220 KM from here. Other towns like Ajmer are at 130 KM, Mathura at 196 KM and Gwalior at 250 KM.
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