The Blushing City of Jaipur

Pink is the colour of hospitality, and hospitality is indeed, in the very fabric of the city of Jaipur, the largest city in the state of Rajasthan and also its capital. It was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, in 1727, after whom, the city holds its name. It is included in the Golden Triangle along with Delhi and Agra. The city of Jaipur mesmerises and enthrals the visitor with its beautiful forts and warming hospitality.

Pink City Jaipur

History:Jaipur is India’s first planned city planned according to Vastu Shastra(Vedic instructions on directions and construction) by a Bengali architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, in 1727. The city is very unique in its planning. It is intriguing to realize that every street is directed East-to-West or North-to-South. The eastern gate of the city is called Suraj (Sun) Pol and the western gate is called Chand(Moon) Pol.  The city is marvelous in its appearance. Despite of being a pre-modern city, its vibrancy induces a sense of awe and admiration.

Apart from the beautiful forts, Jaipur is also famous for its art and crafts and culture. Jaipur is a peculiar blend of rudimentary culture of the bygone eras and the pounding pulse of western and technological advancements. The city is both antique and brand-new. Though, this comparison sounds paradoxical, the exact realization is abundantly evident in every nook and corner and in the very ethos of this Pink city of India.  The ancient rulers propagated and fortified the exchange of different ideas. Artisans were invited from different corners of the nation and abroad.

Fascinations- Jaipur is famous for jewellery, handicrafts, embroidery, antiques, carpets, leather work and beautiful works of metal. Different lanes in Jaipur intrigue and pique the interests of visitors. From  lanes like Jhalaniyon ka Rasta, Thatheron ka Rasta, Khajanewalon ka Rasta, Haldiyo ka Rasta and  Mahiharon ka Rasta to its different markets like Nehru Bazaar, Kishanpol Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Sanganer Bazaar, Ramganj Bazaar and Johari Bazaar and constantly visited and hoarded three sixty five days in a year.  People coming from different parts of the world are spell bound by the fine works and soothing lush greenery of this place. 

Hypnotizing sites-

Maharaja sawai Jai Singh has adorned the city with many beautiful forts. Every place is awe-inspiring and needless to say, hypnotizing.

• Hawa Mahal- Hawa Mahal is one of the most popular sites in Jaipur and India. This fascinating landmark was built on the orders of Sawai Pratap Singh in the eighteenth century. It has been designed in a splendid manner. Multi0niched five storey high backside of the complex is visible from Sireh Deorhi Bazaar. It is said that this monument was built with several windows and openings to facilitate the women in witnessing various processions passing through that bazaar. The present day Hawa Mahal has a museum depicting “Jaipur-past and present”.
  

  Hawa Mahal

• The City Palace-  Design and structure of The City Palace is a perfect blend of Rajputana and Mughal architecture styles. The front wall was built by Sawai Jai Singh and additions were built up later, in the 20^th century. Many buildings, well planned gardens and lavish courtyards are a part of the complex. In the honor of the august visitors and dignitaries, the Mubarak Mahal was built.  Sawai Man sigh museum, today, is an enthralling glance into the lives of royalties. It has myriad of royal costumes, maharaja’s pyjamas, chogas, jamawars, kamarbands, Benaras silk sarees and an array of musical instruments.

  The Maharani’s palace is another delight to the beholder. It is now a museum exhibiting different artilleries.  The great variety of guns, katars, churis, Persian and Rajput swords provide a thrilling experience.

  Diwan-e-Khaas is armed between the art gallery and the armory.  The two sterling silver vessel are a stupendous site. These vessels with capacity of 9000 litres each are listed in the Guinness book of Records.

  Chandra Mahal is the only part of the palace that was inhabited by the royal family.

  

  City Palace

• Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is another beautiful landmark that stands firm on the land of Jaipur.  It is built in stone and marble with scientifically designed settings and shapes and is one of the highest points of medieval Indian astronomy.
  

  Jantar Mantar

• Nahargarh fort-  This fort is like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai singh’s beautiful capital, ensconced 15 km from Jaipur beyond the hills of Jaigarh.

• Jal Mahal- It was built by Sawai Pratap Singh in the midst of Man Sagar lake. It receives the visit of many migratory birds during winter. Placed amidst the blue rippling water, this Mahal is an enchanting and mesmerizing experience. It will leave at the want of words.
  

  Jal Mahal

Other must-visit places in Jaipur  and its vicinity are Govindji Temple, Albert Hall, Dolls Museum,  Vijaydhar Garden, Statue circle, Gaitore, Sisodia Rani garden, Birla Planetarium, Jaigarh fort and Laxmi-Narayan temple.

It is a real delight to visit this city. To many a visitors, the feeling is ecstatic and the overall experience inexplicable. Words fail to explain the serenity, beauty, grandeur and lavishness of these forts and the elegance of the intricate designs of artwork available in this lovely Pink city of Jaipur.

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