The Golden Triangle Tour (Part 3: Jaipur): Pink City of India

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan is the gem in the crown of royal Rajasthan. It is the best showcase of the royal grandeur that Rajasthan is famed for all over India and the world.

The city of Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who ruled from 1699–1744; initially his capital was Amber, which lies at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur. He felt the need of shifting his capital city with the increase in population and growing scarcity of water. The King consulted several books on architecture and architects before making the layout of Jaipur. Finally under the architectural guidance of Vidyadhar Bhattacharya Jaipur came into existence on the classical basis of principles of Vastu Shastra and similar classical treatise.

Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist destination in Rajasthan and the last city on the golden triangle tour. Jaipur city is popularly called as the Pink City because of pink painted buildings. The city is dotted with various attractions in form of royal palaces, forts & fortresses and havelis.

The major places of interest in Jaipur are:

City Palace complex

It is unique and arresting complex of several palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples. The most visited structures in the complex are the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Maharani’s Palace and the City Palace Museum. The architecture inside the complex is an excellent example of Rajput and Mughal architecture.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is the most famous place to visit in Jaipur housing the collection of architectural astronomical instruments.

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is also called as ‘Palace of Wind’ or ‘Palace of Breeze’. Its unique five-story has 953 small windows called jharokhas decorated with intricate lattice work. It is particularly striking when viewed early in the morning, lit with the golden light of sunrise.

Amber Fort

Amber Fort is located atop a hill which is 11 Km away from Jaipur. Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim elements. The Fort imposes rugged structure from outside ornate and lavish interior.

Jalmahal

Jalmahal is 6 kms on the way to Amber, this small palace is set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. A paved causeway leads upto the beautiful water palace.

Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort is15 kms from Jaipur, standing on a hilltop, overlooking the palaces and city of Amer. The world’s biggest cannon on wheels- the Jai Ban is positioned here.

Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the pink city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The view of the city from the fort is breath taking. Along with Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort it formed a strong defence ring for the city. During the Sepoy revolt of 1857, Nahargarh served as a refuge for Europeans fleeing from the havoc created by mutineers in neighboring states.

Central Museum (Albert Hall)

Central Museum is situated in the Ram Niwas Garden. This graceful building was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert (also known as Albert Hall). It has a rare collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces.

Birla Planetarium

Birla Planetarium offers unique audio-visual education about stars and entertainment with its modern computerised projection system.

Laxmi Narayan Temple

Laxmi Narayan Temple is situated just below the Moti doongri, known for the intricate marble carvings in white marble, popularly known as Birla Temple.

Kanak Vrindavan

Kanak Vrindavan is6.5 Kms from Jaipur on the way to Amer. This newly restored temple and garden, near Jal Mahal, has beautiful gardens and is popular picnic place. This is also beautiful location for film shooting.

We recommend to travelers to book homestays in Jaipur….Please contact us to make special packages for you like Golden Triangle Tour with Udaipur and Pushkar or Golden Triangle Tour with Amristar.

After having your fill of the royal Jaipur, the golden triangle tour is complete and it’s time to head back to where you began….Delhi!!

(Photo Courtesy: Poojan Mitra; Rajasthan Tourism; Dr S N Prasad; Kwok Kit Li)