Characterized with imposing monuments and grandiose palaces, Jaipur is a diamond in the rough, exuding a regal, sophisticated atmosphere that may seem at first glance to be awfully out of place at the heart of India's western desert. An ideal springboard to other historic cities like Jaisalmer, the vast citadel is the state capital of Rajasthan.
This walled city dates back to the 18th century, and is known as the country's first planned settlement. Today, Jaipur lures flocks of tourists from all around the world with its spread of elaborate architecture and the ubiquitous pink motif, which earned it the title "the Pink City." It is said that the whole citadel was painted pink as a welcoming gesture to Prince Edward VII of Wales during one of his visits. Cityscape photographers and history enthusiasts are enchanted by the remarkable spread of candy-colored buildings that look sweet enough to eat.
An ideal kick-off to a day in Jaipur can be an elephant ride to the imposing Amber Fort, named so since the city is dedicated to the goddess Amba. Its crown jewel is the Sheesh Mahal, adorned with high-quality tiles from the walls up to the ceiling. This bastion is best seen at a distance at night, when it springs to life with the various play of lights reflected on the fort walls. Another great site is the City Palace, a wide complex of lush gardens and carefully-designed courtyards and buildings covering one-seventh of Jaipur. Another attraction is the Jal Mahal ("water palace") which seemingly floats on Maan-sarovar Lake. There is also the Hawa Mahal ("palace of breezes"), made to enable palace-confined royalty to observe the peasants' lifestyle from afar.
The various temples scattered in Jaipur attract many tourists. The Moti Dungri ("pearl hill") temple, the prime worship place of the locals, sits atop its namesake hill and is believed to be the first building ever constructed in the city. Nearby is the more recent shrine called Lakshmi Narayan.
Jaipur Attractions:
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