Jaipur

About Jaipur

Step into Jaipur and you'll find yourself transported to an era of maharajas, grand palaces, and legendary fortresses. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, this meticulously planned city was painted terracotta pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales, earning its enduring nickname as the Pink City. Today, the tradition continues with buildings in the old city maintaining their distinctive rose-colored facades, creating one of the most photogenic urban landscapes in India. As the capital of Rajasthan and a cornerstone of India's famous Golden Triangle tourist circuit alongside Delhi and Agra, Jaipur offers an intoxicating blend of architectural grandeur and living heritage. The city sprawls from the rugged Aravalli Hills, where imposing forts keep watch over the plains below, down to bustling bazaars where artisans practice crafts unchanged for centuries. Here, blue pottery makers, block printers, and jewelry craftsmen work in narrow lanes while elephants still occasionally parade through palace courtyards, connecting modern India with its royal past. The city's architectural legacy is staggering. The Amber Fort, perched high on a hillside, showcases the pinnacle of Rajput military architecture with its intricate mirror work and sprawling courtyards. The City Palace complex remains partially occupied by the royal family, offering visitors a rare glimpse into princely India. The Hawa Mahal, with its 953 delicate windows, stands as perhaps the most photographed building in Rajasthan. Meanwhile, Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory, demonstrates the scientific sophistication of its royal patron with instruments so precise they're still used for research today. Beyond monuments, Jaipur pulses with vibrant street life. In Johari Bazaar, gem traders continue an ancient tradition that made Jaipur famous for jewelry. Bapu Bazaar overflows with textiles in colors that seem to capture the Rajasthani desert sunset. Traditional food stalls serve pyaaz kachori and mirchi vada to office workers and tourists alike, while heritage restaurants in converted havelis offer royal Rajasthani thalis that take hours to properly enjoy. The city knows how to balance preservation with progress. World-class hotels occupy former palaces, like the Rambagh Palace, where you can dine in the same halls once graced by maharajas. The Jaipur Literature Festival has become Asia's premier literary event, drawing authors and readers from around the world. Meanwhile, the old city's artisan quarters buzz with young designers reimagining traditional crafts for contemporary tastes, ensuring that Jaipur's heritage remains vital rather than merely historical.