The Heritage Pink City has been the capital of erstwhile Jaipur state since its inception in 1727 AD. Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed Jaipur as per the Hindu treatise, Shilp Shastra. The city was laid with great precision; it could also be called as the first planned city of the country. The entire city being divided into rectangular blocks and surrounded by a peripheral with huge gates guarding it. The capital city of the state Rajasthan, very nearly exemplifies the character of the state and its people. Surrounded by rugged hills on three sides, each crowned by formidable fort and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. In 1876 AD Jaipur dressed itself in pink to welcome Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria and earned the epitaph ‘PINK CITY’. The Pink City rejoices and celebrates the fairs and festivals with pomp and gaiety since time immemorial.
FESTIVALS
These fairs and festivals reflect the rich culture and heritage of the region. Jaipur has a flair for celebrating every occasion.
ELEPHANT FESTIVAL – (March-April) The Elephant enthrall the specters on the day of the Colorful festival of Holi at Chaugan Stadium. Beautifully decorated elephants assemble for royal procession, Elecphant Polo match, races etc. & Rajasthan Folk music & dance performances are part of the festival.
GANGAUR – (March-April) Gangaur is a significant festival of Jaipur, especially meant for the women. Gangaur festival is widely acclaimed and celebrated throughout the state of Rajasthan. The word Gangaur is derived from two words, 'Gan' and 'Gauri' which are synonyms of 'Siva' and his consort 'Parvati' respectively.
TEEJ – (July-August) Teej Festival is one of the most popular festivals of India. Festival of Teej is widely celebrated, but its real charm can be found only in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Teej celebrates the arrival of monsoon, after the scorching sun of summers. Teej is celebrated in the month of 'Shravan' (July-August), according to the Hindu calendar.
MAKAR SAKRANTI – (14 January) Kite Festival is a popular festival of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Kite flying is enjoyed by people of all age-groups. However, 14 January, the day of Makar Sankranti, makes the official day for flying kites in Jaipur. People make most out of the festival by flying kites for the whole day.
JAIPUR TOURISM PLACES –
Jaipur is a reservoir of the architectural wonders embracing the rich legacy of India. The remnants of the bygone era boast of the royalty of Jaipur. There are many forts and monuments in Jaipur that are worth seeing.
These epoch-making monuments of Jaipur are really worth visiting and this article will provide you further information about these relics.
AMBER FORT
Amber Fort is located in Amber (Jaipur), which used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. The Amber Fort looks stunning, all-built in white marble and red sandstone. To add to its charm, Maotha Lake makes its foreground.
CITY PALACE
City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture. City Palace complex covers a huge area, which is divided into a series of gardens, courtyards and buildings. Initially, Raja Jai Singh built the outer wall occupying a huge area. The additional grand buildings were constructed later by the succeeding rulers.
GAITORE
Gaitore is situated on the Jaipur-Amber road, about 15 kms from Jaipur. Gaitore is a royal cremation site of the majestic rulers of Jaipur. There is a cenotaph for each Maharaja, built in his honor. These royal cenotaphs of the Maharajas are commonly known as 'Chhatris'.
HAWA MAHAL
Hawa Mahal is a major landmark and a famous tourist attraction of Jaipur. The Palace offers a beautiful sight to behold. The splendid Rajputana architecture of Hawa Mahal, still speaks the glory of the royal family. However, one can also find a glimpse of Mughal architecture.
JAIGARH FORT
Jaigarh Fort is located on the top of the hill, by the name of Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles). Jaigarh Fort is also known as the 'Victory Fort', located at a comfortable distance of 15kms from Jaipur. Jaigarh Fort is considered as one of the spectacular forts in India.
JANTAR MANTAR
Jantar Mantar at Jaipur is the largest stone observatory in the World and this feature makes it, a special destination for a traveler. Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur.
NAHARGARH FORT
Nahargarh Fort is the first of the three forts built by Maharaja Jai Sawai Singh of Jaipur. The Fort stands at the top of rugged point of the Aravalis and offers a spectacular view of the City. Keeping this fact in mind, the fort was made to serve as a means of supporting the security of Amer.
KANAK VRINDAVAN
Kanak Vrindavan Valley is an exotic place in the desert lands of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Kanak Vrindavan is situated in the bottom of Nahargarh hills adjoining the exAmber Fort, on Jaipur-Amber Road. According to past records, the beautiful green valley was labeled as Kanak Vrindavan Valley by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, almost 280-years ago. The valley seemed like a mythological Vrindavan (Land of Lord Krishna) to the King, consequently he installed an idol of Shri Govind Deoji in the complex.
SISODIA RANI GARDEN
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh is a beautiful garden, located at a distance of 10 kms from Jaipur, on Jaipur-Agra Highway. Sisodia Bagh gets a prime attraction in the charming city of Jaipur. The Garden appeals more to the beholder, since it stands as a symbol of love. In 1728, Sisodia Rani Garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, with an intention to gift the garden, to his Sisodia Queen from Udaipur. As the name suggests, the Garden was named after the queen, who was adorable to the King.
BIRLA TEMPLE
Birla Temple forms one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night. Birla Mandir, in pure white marble, dominates the skyline of southern part of Jaipur. The enormous temple was built during the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries, one of the business tycoons of India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Due to this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple.
GOVIND DEV JI TEMPLE
Govind Dev Ji Temple is one amongst the major tourist attractions of Jaipur. The Temple represents the royal past of Jaipur. The Temple is dedicated to Govind Dev Ji (Other name of Lord Krishna). Govind Devji Temple of Jaipur is situated in the City Palace complex, between the Chandra Mahal and Badal Mahal. Govind Dev Ji is the principal deity of Amber's Kachawaha Dynasty. In the earlier times, the idol of the lord used to reside in the temple of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.
GALTA JI TEMPLE
Galtaji is a holy pilgrimage of India, located 10 kms away from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The vast complex of Galta Ji has several temples in it. The Temple of Galtaji is famous for its natural water springs. Set amidst the beautiful landscape, Galtaji Temple offers a picturesque view of the city. Galtaji is considered holy place, as Saint Galav spent his life meditating here. However, the temple was built mach later by Diwan Rao Kriparam, a courtier of Sawai Jai Singh II, in the 18th Century. The outstanding structure of the Temple looks more like a mansion or Haveli.
STATUE CIRCLE
Statue Circle forms a major landmark of Jaipur. It is situated on a busy crossing of the city. Statue Circle has got its name from the statue, which it portrays. Statue Circle comprises the statue of King Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur.
SHOPPING IN JAIPUR - Jaipur is a city of vibrant colors and markets (bazaars) of Jaipur verify this fact. Jaipur's colorful markets offer a great break to stop and shop on you tour. Usually tourists include shopping and visiting the lively markets of Jaipur in their itinerary. While moving through the markets, you will come across the vivacious culture of this region. Jaipur is the perfect place to shop for Handicrafts, antiques, jewelry, gems, pottery, carpets, textiles, metalwork and leather ware.
FABRICS & CARPETS
Jaipur is considered as the best city to shop in Rajasthan, India. This majestic city offers you the best of traditional Rajasthan. Jaipur is famous for its bright colored fabric and textile. Tripolia Bazaar, Kishanpol bazaar, Bapu and Nehru Bazaar are the various markets of Jaipur, where you can find fabrics and carpets.
HANDICRAFTS
Handicrafts of Jaipur are well-known throughout the world for their distinctive quality and exclusive variety. Due to this fact, Jaipur is also recognized as crafts capital of India. The Royal Family of Jaipur patronized the craftsmen and artisans, which led to the flourishing of arts and crafts in Rajasthan. If you are an art lover, Markets of Jaipur offer rich and assorted handicrafts of interest.
CAMEL LEATHER ITEMS
Rajasthan is famous for its leather craft industry. Many a people of different places in Rajasthan are engaged in the same industry. Leather items like Jutis, Mojaris (slippers), Bags, Sandals, Shoes and Purses made in Jaipur catch the due attention of the tourists.
JEWELLERY & GEMS
Rajasthan is famous for its traditional jewellery since innumerable years. When talking about Rajasthan, Jaipur is always the centre of attraction. From centuries, this royal land has been flourished with precious stones and jewelry. Jaipur is renowned for its exclusive designs and splendid jewelry.
