Founded by Sawai Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City. The walled city of Jaipur is a perfect encapsulation of all that’s great about Rajasthan, and also the perfect appetiser if you are exploring further into Rajasthan for your adventures. With broad avenues and spacious gardens, the city is steeped in history and culture. The past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are a treasure trove for the shoppers.
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II’s lavish capital was founded in 1727. Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India, its grid plan based on Vedic architecture principles. The streets feature continuous colonnaded rows of shops that intersect at large public squares. Markets, shops, residences and temples built along the main streets all have uniform facades. The story goes that in 1876, the Prince of Wales was visiting India, and since the colour pink was symbolic of hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the entire city pink to welcome the Prince.
Renowned globally for its coloured gems, Jaipur rises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts-Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Garh Ganesh Temple. The bustling modern city is one of the three corners of the golden triangle that includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
With its forts, palaces, historic markets, luxurious hotels and the Jhalana Leopard Reserve (with the world’s highest density of leopards) at its very doorstep, Jaipur will not disappoint.
