Places to Visit in Kerala | Rohtang Pass | Places to Visit in Goa| Anjuna Beach | Cruise | Places to Visit Rajasthan | Mathura | Lakshadweep Islands | Shopping
Plan Your Tour



JAIPUR

Location : About 336 km from Jodhpur in the north Indian state of Rajasthan
Popular As : Capital City of Rajasthan State, Pink City
Established By : Sawai Jai Singh
Major Attractions : City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Blue Pottery

A Lady in front of Hawa Mahal , Jaipur
A Lady in front of Hawa Mahal , Jaipur


Incredible Journey to see Various Facets of India

FACT FILE
To See : City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Laxmi Narayan Temple.
Famous Festival : Elephant Festival, the festival of colours is held on the day of holi.
Don't Miss : Cultural events, puppet shows and traditional dances at Ravindra Manch, Jawahar Lal Nehru Building and Choki Dhani Village resort.
Getting Around : Amber Fort - 11 km, Nahargarh Fort 13 km, Jaigarh Fort, Samode Palace, Sanganer Village - 20 km.
To Shop : Shop for Precious Gems, Block Printed Fabrics, Tye-Dye Fabrics, Ethnic Lac Jewelery, Brass Figurines and Marble Carvings.
Getting There : Air : Jaipur's Sanganer Airport – 14 km / ½ hr.
Rail : Well connected by Ajmer Shatabdi Express to Delhi. Station is connected to Mumbai, Kolkata, Ajmer.
Road : Route NH 8 – 256 km, 5 hr drive from Delhi.
Inside Tip : Eating out in restaurants having themes of Rajasathani Village life - Apna Gaon and Chokhi Dhani.
Important Distances : Delhi-265 km, Ajmer:205 km via Beawar Agra: 570 km via Ajmer, Jaipur Delhi: 636 km via Ajmer, Jaipur, Alwar Mumbai: 1013 km via Ahmedabad Bikaner: 256 km via Nagaur Jaisalmer: 285 km via Osian, Pokaran Udaipur: 318 km.
Where to Eat : Niro's – Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines, Natraj – Rajasthani Thali, Skylark – Indian, Thai Food, Copper Chimney – Lal Maas, Vegetarian Dishes, Annapurna – Gujarati Thali.
Shopping Destinations : Bapu Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar – Textiles, Local perfumes, Sandals.
Tripolia Bazaar and Chaura Rasta – Textile, Ironware. Simple Watching Firsthand Artists working here.
Saganer Village – Block Printing, Hand Made Paper, Blue Pottery.
Khajanewalon ka Raasta for Marble Cravingas and Maniharon ka Raasta for Lac Bangles.
Staying Options : Rambagh Palace, Mahal Palace, Rajmahal Palace, Narayan Niwas, Alsisar Haveli, Mandawa Haveli, Shahpura House.

Back To Top

Jaipur Tourism - Pink Gate To Colourful Rajasthan

"Elephants, Arab horses, camels from Kutch....are being bought and sold. In this beautiful town built by Rajadhiraj, embroidered cloth from many countries...and jewellery are being transacted. Hundis of lacs and crores of rupees are current here. Thirty two kinds of weights (systems) are all used correctly here."

--- Poet Girdhari, 1739

Incredible Journey to see Various Facets of India

Yes, indeed! Travel to Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan also known as the pink city, is not only the gateway to the state, but is also a perfect launchpad to begin a discovery of Rajasthan's multifaceted attractions. Built of pink stucco in imitation of sandstone, the Pink City of Jaipur with its modernism reflected in urban places and archaic monuments, is a unique synthesis of the traditional and the modern worlds. As one walks through the magnificent Rajput palaces or the bustling trading centres, memories take a smooth trail to the dramatic chapters of bygone era, and thus one can never forget Jaipur. Stoicism is a merely a fantasy in maharajah Sawai Jai Singh's capital. The mind of the traveller that would fit like a genie into a bottle at the City Palace, the multiple facades of the Hawa Mahal looking onto the Johri Bazaar splashing the exotic blue pottery made from crushed quartz, the aerial view of the city from Birla Mandir, a camel on the road with a Rajasthani man on top of it with a colourful turban, is suffice to paint imaginations.

The Glorious Past of This Cultural City

Take a tour of Jaipur to knoe the city which is fairly young, less than three centuries old. There are some stories one can hear at Jaipur related to the kinship that existed between the valiant Kacchawahas and the more powerful Mughals, back in Delhi. One of the interesting stories is about the name 'Sawai', and how Jai Singh received the epithet - implying he was a quarter more intelligent than most others - from Emperor Aurangazeb when he was merely 7 1/2 years old. When the juvenile rajah went to visit Aurangazeb, the Moghul asked him holding his hands, " How do you expect to be powerful with your hands tied thus?" Jai Singh was quick-witted, and replied " Just as a bridegroom takes his bride's hands following their betrothal, in a sacred vow to protect her, so you, Sir, have held my hands. What do I fear now that the Mughal himself has taken my hands in his?" Aurangazeb was pleased and immediately bestowed the prince with the hereditary title of 'Sawai', placing the Kacchawaha clan (where only 10 maharajahs have sat on the throne in the past 250 years), a quarter above other Rajput families. Another example of Jai Singh's farsightedness is the way he had made sure, all those years ago, that nobody can ever get lost in Jaipur. In fact, he designed the modern capital with a Bengali Architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, according to ancient 'silpa shastra', to be friendly to all those things that a logical person would dream of - to make money, to live in a city that has its own charm and simultaneously easy to navigate, and like a space enthusiast, sit under the big black sky while counting stars.

Go Pink With Jaipur

Travel to Jaipur, the fascinating city with its romantic charm takes everybody to an epoch of royalty and tradition. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, that overlook the city and surrounding landscapes. Of the nine blocks Jai Singh divided his capital into, he parted two for himself. Within these is housed a voluminous complex of royal residences, the City Palace, in a urbane confluence of Mughal and Rajput styles, a part of it is now converted into a heritage hotel. Have a rendezvous with the 'Rajmata' (royal mother) Gayatri Devi, who still resides here. If one is interested in seeing how the mighty maharajahs lived their life, take a look at the timeless photography of royalty at the Palace Museum. Visit the eminent Hawa Mahal, amidst the bustling Johri Bazaar, which is said to enjoy the coolest breezes in town with its 953 sandstone windows. As with all other Jantar Mantars - magnificent observatories built by Jai Singh around the country, the one in Jaipur was made to avoid the errors that crept in with the use of smaller instruments. The Jaipur observatory with its huge, concrete geometrical shapes and curves, portrays the king's true belief in the importance of astronomy an modern architecture, in today's life. One can also visit the ancient capital of Jaipur state, Amber Fort, an imposing structure atop a mountain. The stunning golden building is most beautiful during dawn and dusk, when the sun rays fall on it's bastions, shinning it like a brilliant amber jewel. One may choose a car or an elephant ride to get to the fort. Encouraging eco-tourism, Rajasthan tourism has created lush landscapes attractions around Jaipur where short treks can be combined with a study of the local flora and fauna. Head for the Jhalana National Park, close to Amber fort and can look out for varied wildlife and alluring rock formations.

Back To Top

The Gratifying Cultural Celebrations

A Decorated Elephant at Amer Fort , Jaipur
A Decorated Elephant at Amer Fort , Jaipur

While on Jaipur India tourism, a scientific mind always encourages religious beliefs, and hence Jaipur has always been a favoured place for cultural events, religious fairs and festivals. The festivals are generally dedicated to one or other incarnations of Shiva and Parvati, like the Gangaur and Teej, and are usually marked by a colourful procession, that wends its way through the heart of the Pink City. Women dress superbly, adorning themselves with gold and silver jewellery, and spend time in groups at swings that are specially erected for the festivals. Visit Jaipur in March and be a part of the 'Elephant Festival'. One will be enthralled by the royal procession of colourfully caparisoned elephants on the streets of Jaipur, the pinkcity of Rajasthan in India.

Sambhar Salt White Lake That Spices Life of Rajasthan

Ask your tarvel guide to take you to the Jaipur bypass, a little before you hit the city and continue on the same highway en route to Ajmer. After a few kilometres, when shades of brown, green and orange erupt and die on the windscreen, and the landscape images, that were with you till now, begins to slow down, pause a little. Look at the dunes of white on the far banks of the lake, shimmering in crimson twilight. There you are beside India's largest salt water lake. A famous salt treasure in Rajputana (another name for Rajasthan), the Sambhar Salt Lake is 90 km north-west of Jaipur - a place where dust and sand embrace each other, where every camel and every tempo carries raw salt. Drive on the sand-smothered lanes, which lead past the sprawling terrain of Sambhar Salts Ltd - dolled up with reddish-pink office buildings, a salt laboratory and even an forsaken salt museum. The spirulina algae that flourishes in the saline waters, attract hundreds of migratory birds which balance themselves nonchantly on one leg or wander cautiously through the waters in their ballerina stances. You can see groups of men and women standing barefoot in the salt pans, scraping the eight-inch-thick layer of salt off the ground or a group of children playing cricket in the sand. View the setting sun at the Shakhambari Mata Temple, nestling in a small rocky jut on the southern bank of Sambhar Lake. As the darkness settles over the lake, twinkling lights of the town, 10 km away, provides a awe-inspiring sight. Driving to the lake can be confusing, so it's a good idea to hire a jeep from Sambhar town (near the New Bus Stand) for a day.

Shop Till You Drop

Bangles at a stall in Jaipur Market
Bangles at a stall in Jaipur Market

Jaipur Travel attractions can be a treasure potpourri for shopping enthusiasts, offering everything that a heart desires and a mind thinks about. Visit the Johri bazaar (jeweller's market), near Hawa Mahal. As a major trading centre for gems and jewelleries, one can count on finding some of the country's best trinkets, here at Jaipur in India. Be sure to check out Jaipur's famed enamel jewellery and vast resources of cut and uncut precious stones. Run into hordes of shops selling traditional skirts, bags, turbans, light quilts, carpets, embroidered shoes (jootis) and other objects d'art at Chhoti Chaupar. One can also buy Jaipur's famous blue pottery at Kripal Singh Shekhawat's studio, on Shiv Marg in Bani Park area, who is credited with reviving the archaic tradition of blue pottery. Freak out at Bapu Bazaar and enjoy the humdrum while savouring the famous spicy 'chhat' (combo of sweet and sore) preparations of this area. Markets are generally open from 10:30 am till 5:30 pm and are closed on Sundays.

Temptations await you when you enter the city of Jaipur and no mortal can resist what this city has in stacks on its sleeves. Taking a stroll on the MI road one can lay hands on jewelery, textiles, brass figurines, marble carvings, miniature paintings and textiles – all under one roof. However, governments emporiums like Hand loom house, Khadi Ghar and Rajasthan Government Handicraft Emporium boasts of authentic handicraft items. Visiting Jadiyon ka Raasta and Haldiyon ka Raasta will bring you in contact with the gem makers and ornament cutters at work. Unparalleled cuts and polishes of diamonds, topazes and emeralds can be best purchased from the Johari market. Complete your shopping expedition at the Sanganeri and Bagru block for brightly coloured Bandhini dress, lacquered brass and minakari.
While shopping during your Jaipur tour hold on your shopping bags and wallets as the choice in Japiur can lure you broke.

Back To Top

Sanganer Sentiments

For fabrics of authentic Sanganeri or Bagru prints, one must visit the Chaupar stalls of Jaipur India, and for those who want to trace these fabrics to their original sources, a tour to Sanganer, near city airport is advisable. Situated at 16 km from the city centre, on Tonk Road, the town of Sanganer exhibits beautiful array of hand printed textiles, exported and admired round the globe. Here one can witness large and small units of block and screen printers engaged in producing some fine fabrics. It is not hard to choose from such a wide display, and one can also order designs of personal interests.

Taste The Tasty

In Old Jaipur, your palate can get tempted at every bent, but this is not the place where you can settle for fruits. Try the 'Gazzak' a winter specialty made by pounding sesame seeds and jaggery. The best place to relish these are at the Laksmi Mishthan Bhandar where you will lose count of the varieties of stacked sweets and savouries. Do not count calories while consuming the traditional Dal Batti Choorma and stuffed Kachouris. But the most sinful and tempting is the Mawa Kachouri that is dipped in sugar syrup. While on a trip to Jaipur, do not forget to experience Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic kitsch eating and entertainment joint, imitating the true interiors of Rajasthan.

Tourists can see elegant puppet shows - articulate fingers of the charmer playing with the emotions of the wooden toys - traditional folk performances and can savour the true taste of Rajasthani food. In a race of popularity, the first runner-up position should always go to Apna Gaon. Situated on the Jaipur-Sikar road, Apna Gaon has perfectly recreated the authentic village life of Rajasthan. Most delicacies served here are made from vegetables grown on the same farm. Perched on the 14th floor of Om Tower (200 ft above ground), the Om Revolving Shakahar Restaurant, is the latest and perhaps the most talked about landmark in the city. Situated on the junction of Church Road and M.I. Road, this eating joint provides a panoramic view of the Pink City from every corner. The floor takes around 45 to 60 minutes to go one circle, and hence provides the guests ample time to enjoy the vista outside. Enjoy the multi-cuisine buffet dinner while listening to live 'ghazals' and melodious music collections.

Traditional  Dance at Choki Dhani , Jaipur
Traditional Rajasthani Dance at Choki Dhani , Jaipur

Incredible Journey to see Various Facets of India

Princely Games

If you have traveller's luck, you might see a polo match on your Jaipur trip. But the other side of the coin is even darker, it is unlikely that you will ever enjoy polo anywhere else again. The Rajputs of Jaipur were so dedicated polo players, that the last maharajah of the state literally died with his spurs on, on a polo field. Try to send in a special request while planning a trip to Rajasthan, especially if you are a group of polo-playing members. One can also enjoy a round of golf on the 18-hole golf course in Jaipur. A morning trip on the greens is revitalizing if the arena is surrounded by picturesque surroundings, a palace next door with peacocks on the walls. If you have the opportunity to visit Jaipur in January, don't forget to watch the Vintage Car Rally. Though a recent addition, but the rally has become an important event in the Rajasthani calender, and invites prestigious entries from all over the state.

Back To Top

The Royal Retreat - Palace on Wheels

Jaipur tourism highlights one of the world's eminent luxurious trains, the Palace on Wheels is famous as much for the regal ambiance of the train and the comforts provided on board, as for the sovereign holiday destinations in Rajasthan, it travels everyday. The train offers a life-time travelling experience with luxurious coupes, lavish interiors, superb dining facilities and wall-to-wall carpets. The memorable itinerary starts from the Delhi Cantonment station and returns back to the capital after snaking through Jaipur - Chittaurgarh - Udaipur - Ranthambhore - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Bharatpur and Agra, in order. The tariff includes travel, catering, sightseeing, entrance fee at parks and monuments, camel ride, laundry and other items of personal use.

Jaipur City Tours

Rajasthan Tourist Development Corporation (RTDC) operates daily sightseeing trips, from its office at the railway junction, with additional pick-up joints dotted all over the city. A list of the tariff and destinations covered can be obtained from the Tourist Information Bureau at the station. Remember, these tours do not make any shopping halts and the tariff does not include entrance fee to the monuments. A full-day tour of Rajasthan includes tourist places like Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort and Palace, Jaigarh fort, Gaitore Maharajah Cenotaphs and the Birla Temple.

To The City

Jaipur, the pink city of Rajasthan is well connected to Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Kolkata by air routes, and numerous flights of Indian Airlines (office is at Nehru Place Complex, Tonk Road) and Jet Airways (Umain Nagar House, M.I.Road) fly between these destinations regularly. Jagson Airlines is a new entrant on the circuit, linking the Pink City to Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Rajkot. The Sanganer Airport is about 16 km from the city centre, and one can hire taxis, on pre-paid basis, to go to the airport. Auto-rickshaws, a cheaper mode of transport, are also available from the main road, just outside the airport, 50 mt from arrival hall and takes about 30 minutes to transfer to downtown. Radio taxis and tourist cabs are available for short and long trips, in and around Jaipur.

The Jaipur Railway Station is in the heart of town and welcomes trains everyday from all major tourist destinations of Rajasthan. The Shatabdi Express from Delhi, which takes around four-and-a-half hours to travel to Jaipur, is an excellent rail option. The reservation office is fully computerised (call 131 for railway inquiries and 135 for reservation related information). The reservation counters are open from 8 am to 8 pm, from Monday to Saturday, with a brief lunch break at 2 pm. Remember, on Sundays the counter is open till 2 pm only. There is also a pre-paid auto-rickshaw counter, at the corner of the junction.

The National Highway 8 is the connecting link between the Pink City and the National Capital. The entire highway is a four-lane double carriage-way and one can fly on the roads while gazing at the lush landscapes dotted around. Jaipur is around 260 km from Delhi, and it takes around four-five hours to cover the entire distance. Take a short break at any of those road side restaurants (dhabas) at Manesar or Dharuhera for mild refreshments. Both provide ample parking facilities, clean toilets, hygienic dining and shopping outlets. Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation has started another bus service recently, Volvo, air-conditioned deluxe coaches to Delhi, also providing sleeping facilities. One can also avail the Pink Line bus services, operated by Rajasthan Roadways and takes around 5-6 hours to travel to Delhi, from the central bus stand at Sindhi Camp.

One can travel to Agra (230 km) along National Highway 11 via Dausa, Bharatpur and Fatehpur Sikri. The route is a two lane highway with fairly good surface, and medium to light traffic. One can also stop at Bharatpur, to visit the famous Keoladeo Ghana Sanctuary while moving towards the beautiful mausoleum of Taj Mahal. Travel south on NH 12 to reach Sawai Madhopur (162 km), for the Ranthambhor Tiger Reserve.

Back To Top

Click Here



Top 5 Reasons To Visit Jaipur


Lake Palace - Jaipur

The Passion of Pink In Jaipur
Plan a holiday tour to Jaipur - Sawai Jai Singh's capital and savour the true essence of Rajasthan in a nutshell.Let yourself vapourise in the colourful merriment in the capital of Rajasthan.


The Mansions of Maharajahs
Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort...and the list is endless. The Pink City of Rajasthan surely holds anything and everything to enchant its visitors. Visit the colossal forts and ambrosial palaces - a perfect blend of Indian, Mughal and of course European architecture, that make the perfect travel attractions in Rajasthan.


Take Home The Blues
Known for its exquisite blue potteries, Jaipur India tour will be a shopper's delight. Visit the intricate bazaars and pick up traditional skirts, bags, turbans, light quilts, carpets, embroidered shoes (jootis) and other alluring objects d'art for your dear ones. Get a few pieces of Sanganeri garments, embroidered and adorned only for you.


Jaipur For Your Taste Buds
Jaipur in Rajasthan, offers a grand array of culinary delight all its visitors. Start from the mouth-watering daal-baati-churma preparation, but don't forget to savour the famous spicy 'chhat' (combo of sweet and sore) preparations at Bapu Bazaar.


The Outdoors In Jaipur
While on Jaipur tourism in India, indulge yourself in some princely games and enjoy your hearts out while for a holiday vacation in Jaipur. Watch a polo match, the splendid Vintage Car Rally or enjoy a round of polo on the greens of the Pink City, but whatever you do, you will never be short of the Rajput charm that lingers in its atmosphere.


Best Selling Yatras (Tours)

» Exotic Rajasthan & The Taj

Taj Mahal , agra A memorable journey to the Monument of Love through the pristine sands and beautiful gateways of Rajasthan.
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Ask For the Price / Customize This Tour

» Heritage Rajasthan Tour

Rajasthan Welcome A journey to the heart of Rajasthan. Heritages that are equally antique and interesting will take you to the forgotten chapters of hisory.
Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights
Ask For the Price / Customize This Tour

» Wildlife Safari Tour

Wildlife - Rajasthan An exotic safari to the dark jungles of India, where you can have a spine-chilling experience of seeing tigers hunt before your peeled eyes!
Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
Ask For the Price / Customize This Tour

Get More Tours...

You May Also Like to See

Taj Mahal - Agra

Taj Mahal - White Wonder
Sheer poetry in stone in an amalgamation with a desire to have one more glance makes Taj a real Monument of Love

India Gate - Delhi

Delhi - Eternal Capital
All roads lead to Delhi, the melting pot of Indian diversityand an impeccable blend of beauty and belief

Sikri Mosque - Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri - City of Victory
A city that gave birth to an Emperor, Fatehpur Sikri is indeed an euphonic melody in stone.

The Ganga River - Varanasi

Varanasi - Out of The World
The only city in the world that is inhabited for 4000 years, Varanasi, is known for its magnificent Ghats on river Ganges.

Khajuraho Temple - Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh - Centre of Attraction
Home of Hindustani classical music, Tiger State, and lying at the heart of erotic India is the temples of Khajuraho.



 
Read in Your Language:EspañolFrançaisDeutschItalianoPortuguês
Subscribe  Follow:TwitterFacebookMyspace