A mere mention of the word ‘Rajasthan’ filled with the images of kings and kingdoms, elaborate architecture, vast history, chivalry, tales of valor, bright colors, mouthwatering sweets and some great artifacts… they all create a sense of nostalgia, A traveler can never get enough of this place and so is with me.
I would like to take you through my journey of ‘Jaipur’ - the capital of the state also known as ‘The Pink City’, India’s first planned city..I’ve managed to cover this Royal land many times but overtime end up experiencing something new. Every spot in Jaipur has a story to narrate and one can see a sense of pride in common people when they describe the city past.
An ideal Jaipur tour should be of four days, in which 3 days can be spent exploring Jaipur and rest one day can be spent visiting Ajmer and Pushkar. One of the best weekend getaways from Delhi.
There is something in the atmosphere of Jaipur that brings joy and delight as soon as you set foot in the city. The pink color of the city brings out a romantic charm that captivates every heart. If you haven’t got a chance to experience the royalties of Jaipur yet, plan your trip right away!
The foundation of the city dates back to the eighteenth century, with credit to the great warrior and astronomer Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The glorious past of Jaipur comes alive in the palaces and forts in the city where once lived the royal clans. The majestic forts and havelis, the beautiful temples, the serene landscapes, and the rich cultural heritage, have made Jaipur an ideal destination for tourists from across the world.
Entire city is fortified and covered by 7 gates. The walls and the gates are still intact, the predominant color used for the buildings is pink (not the pink that we know of but a little rustic). That’s the reason why, Jaipur is known as the Pink City.
Some of the must visit places from the city:
Jaipur has a long list of places to visit still if you read this review you won't require any guide to explore the city I am covering almost all the places one by one with their description and things you need to keep it in mind before going.
1. Birla temple :
1st visited Birla Temple ( clicking photos inside are not allowed) It is situated just below the Moti doongri, known for the intricate marble carvings in white marble.
2. Hawa Mahal:
Jaipur’s (Rajasthan - India) most distinctive landmark, the Hawa Mahal is an extraordinary pink-painted delicately honeycombed hive that rises a dizzying five storeys with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Built in-1799 which is also known as the Palace of Winds, it has 953 windows (Jharokhas) constructed to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city. It was truly fun peeping through the Jharokha, with a knowledge that you can watch everyone, without being watched. Does this sound something out of Sherlock Homes movie??
This is a definite place to get a good picture in Jaipur, only need a couple of minutes here just for some good pictures.
Timing 10.00 am to 4.30 pm and Entry Fee Rs. 10.00. Along this road On the same side there is quite a few markets selling clothes and jewelry and other pretty bits. Our next stop was the City palace which was just walking distance from here.
3. City Palace:
One of the historic architectural heritages of Jaipur city is City Palace which gives a holistic experience to the International and domestic travelers like me.
It is right in the center of old city. This is the palace where the royal family of Jaipur still resides, so half part of the palace is unapproachable. This Palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The vast palace complex occupies a huge part of the (old parts) walled city. The complex is divided into series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and marvelous buildings. A home to several palatial structures like the Chandra mahal- (the Royal family still resides here) and it is not open for visitors. Mubarak Mahal, Sarvato Bhadra, Buggi Khana etc. We enter the palace through jaleb chowk. This area houses various small boutiques and stores housing handicrafts, artifacts, traditional handlooms, rugs etc. Be sure to haggle and bargain. The prices are over-rated!
From Jaleb chowk comes the Mubarak Mahal area. Built by Maharaja Madha singh II in early 20th century, The building was used as a reception hall initially and now houses the textile section of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. The museum houses some of the elaborate costumes once adorned by the erstwhile Royal Family. Some very interesting designs and fabrics! Passing through the Mubarak Mahal we went to ‘Sarvatto Bhadra’. This is a beautiful structure. Truly Splendid and Royal! Sarvatto Bhadra is an impressive raised structure and in earlier days was used for accession ceremonies.
It was the Diwan-e-khas and even today houses props and arms of the bygone era. The Deewan e Khaas is as beautiful as Agra Fort. The display of royalty, antiques, is magnificent. I’ve heard of Light and sound show here which is a must visit event in evening. But we avoided as we were more keen to as we were more keen to see the one @Amer Fort,Jaipur City.
Deewan -E-Khaas is a truly magnificent venue to host a Royal Wedding! Sarvatto Bhadra houses the largest silver vessels in the world, figured in the Guinness Book of World records. Close to the Sarvatto Bhadra is the buggy Khana chowk. The Buggy Khana chowk houses cannons and vintage vehicles. The Palace also houses an eating outlet – The Palace Café! I have had the most mind blowing spaghetti bolognaise @ the café! All in all- The city palace Jaipur is a great place to see Indian heritage and legacy of an era bygone!
Timing 9.30 am to 4.45 pm and Entry Fee Rs. 35.00.
4. Jantar Mantar:
It is definitely an astronomical marvel. It was built by Sawai Jai Singh II, who himself took a keen interest in the movement of sun, moon, and planets. It is the best-preserved observatory. It contains the equipment’s used by the royalty to study the planetary positions. One can also view Hawa Mahal from here. The Samrat Yantra’s or in other words the giant Sundial, its shadow can easily tell the time of the day.
5. Jal Mahal – the magical Water Palace out of fairytale
It is on the way to Amer fort - A magical palace floating in the middle of the Man Sagar lake is like a dream palace straight out of a fairy tale with an excellent taste of intricate craftsmanship and the ethnic themes using the sandstone on the lines of Rajput and Mughal architecture, all over highlight the beauty that is simply beyond description with the lake’s rippling waves and lapping that adds to the fabulous combination.
6. Amer Fort:
Located just 11 Kilometers in the periphery of the ‘Pink City’ Jaipur ,The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces.The solemn dignity of it red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold.
Standing at a height, looking at the remnants of past, the walls that hold royalty and charisma of Rajputs. Amber Fort has always enchanted my senses. It is located in Amber (Jaipur), which used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727.
This Fort looks stunning, all-built in white marble and red sandstone. To add to its charm, Maotha Lake makes its foreground. The crystal mirror image of the Fort, on the still waters of the lake, seems to be a beautiful illusion. Amber Fort is usually pronounced as Amer Fort. In 1592, construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I. However, the Amber Fort took its present form during the reign of Raja Jai Singh I.. It is a breathtaking specimen of architecture and sheer audacity of human endeavor.
it has great history hidden in its architecture. It is built over a span of almost 130 years and has a combination of Rajput and Mugali art to its décor. The location of the fort also contributes to its beauty, The option of elephant and camel safari is there to explore the vast expanse of this fortress is also available. You can also take the car up the hill (there is parking on top) and enter from the back gate or you can go up the main entrance of the fort on Elephant Back. This fort was depicted in many Bollywood movies as well like ‘Jodha Akbar’ as well as ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’ and both the movies show entry through the main entrance either on Horseback of elephant back. If you take the car route, when you get off make sure you are not eating anything as there are monkeys all around who will come and snatch anything edible from your hand. Last option is you can catch a Jeep also from the bottom of the fort to the top. This will cost you Rs. 230(now it must be more) and the Jeep will wait up for you while you finish looking around the fort.
There are quite a few attractions which are worth a visit during a field trip to Amber Fort. The interiors of the fort are characterized by intricate carvings, glass ceilings and use of precious stone. The fort has a total of 4 sections, each having separate premises.
A major attraction inside the fortress happens to be the Shila Devi Temple just before the entrance to the Palace. This ancient temple of goddess Kali is famous for its silver lions and silver gates as part of adornment. Just as one enters the palace, one can behold remarkably constructed Diwan-E-Aam or the hall of public audience of the Maharaja. Besides these other important structure include the Jai Mahal or the Palace of Victory and Sukh Niwas or the pleasure residence of the maharajas.
Visiting Amber Fort may well take near half day of your time. The palace is huge and there’s so much to see and tuck away in memory and camera that you’ll always be on your feet. Then there are government shops selling handicraft items for those looking to collect memorabilia of their journey. Except for the splendid architecture, there’s nothing much to explore here at Amber Fort.
Amber fort offers a plenty of point of views to be explored and captured by photographers. Even if you are not a pro, a camera is a must to capture some great shot of this majestic fort.
There is a coffee shop on your way out (Cafe Coffee Day) and they have lovely outside seating. It is a great experience to sit in the warm winter sun and enjoy your cup of coffee. The Souvenir guys selling their wares are typical tourist rip offs and don't bother shopping there. The Paid washrooms are pretty clean by Indian Public Washroom standards and are well maintained.
It is recommended to get a good local guide to tell you about the history. Some of their stories seem to be fabricated, but it is fun nonetheless. A guide will ask you for around Rs. 200-500 for a guided tour around the fort and he will take you around all the important parts of the fort in 90 minutes. If you are an avid photographer, it will take another hour for you to look around and take lots of pictures. All in all, it is a half day program. Do try to get here early in the morning to avoid the crowds and also make best use of the light.
Fort Opening Timings (Hrs.): 8.00-17.30 Entry Fee (In Indian Rupees): Indian : 125 Foreigner : 300
Light and sound show @ Amer fort:
At the outset, let me also inform you that the best part of the fort is the Sound and Light Show which happens every evening. Please do check the timings online before going as it keeps changing time to time. We reached Kesar Kiyari Complex at around 7 o clock in the evening. We missed one show, as it was on air, and was in English. We booked the second show, that was in hindi, at 7.30 we moved towards the theatre. Cameras are not allowed, ok done. Also they provided cotton swabs for small kids, in case they find the music too loud. That was a thoughtful gesture.
Ambience : Simple iron benches are kept, no reservation of seats. Sit anywhere, the show will be equally charismatic. The open sky, a canopy of stars above, pleasant cool atmosphere, the cold breeze, was stimulating the senses. Once we all were seated, it started or can I say the magic began. The fort personified. It stood like a person, who told us his life, the phases, good, bad and the ugly. The festivals and celebrations, the coup, the Jauhar (when the ladies of defeated army, jump in fire instead of becoming victims of enemy). The saga of royalty and richness; Rajputs, Mughals.
The script and lyrics are written by Gulzar Sir. This magic of words comes to life, when Mr Amitabh Bachchan gives them his voice. I can still hear the Song “Padharo Mhare des” sometimes in centrestage and sometimes in the backdrop, sung by Shubha Mudgal and Ustad Sultan Khan. The echo of words, wonderful use of surround sound, makes your head turn, to see, the fire from a cannon, or a bird flying above your head, or a dancing festival in Deewan-E-Khaas or a sentry sending some message from one Minar to other. The lights danced, they became flares of fire, colours of holi, leheriya pattern, simply a riot of colours, which were speaking the folklores.
One hour show, where the time stands still but at the same it flies. I saw Amber from a totally different perspective that day. Definitely worth watching. Full marks to the government of Rajasthan (tourism department) for putting up a world class show which we can be really proud of, I could hear the foreigners cooing in delight at the end of the show.
What Time: Summer: 7.30 p.m (English), 8.30 p.m. (Hindi). Winter: 6.30 p.m. (English), 7.30 p.m. (Hindi).
Cost: 250 rupees in English, 100 rupees in Hindi.(new rates need to be checked online)
Where to Get Tickets: From various locations including Amber Fort and Kesar Kyari, Jantar Mantar and Albert Hall.
Reaching here : You can reach the fort by a car or local buses. The Fort is located right on National Highway 8 and around 25 minutes drive from the main Jaipur markets
7. Jaigarh Fort
It’s on a hilltop, has world’s biggest cannon on wheels- popularly known as ‘Cheel ka Teela’ (Hill of Eagles) of the Aravalli range; it overlooks the Amber Fort and the Maota Lake, near Amber in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The fort was built by Jai Singh II in 1726 to protect the Amber Fort and its palace complex and was named after him.
Timing 10.00 am to 4.45 pm and Entry Fee Rs. 15.00.
8. Nahargarh Fort
Cresting a hill for about 600 ft. above the city. The walls of the fort run along the ridge and within are architectural beauties like Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra Bhawan. Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defense ring for the city. The fort was originally named Sudarshangarh, but it became known as Nahargarh, which means 'abode of tigers'. The popular belief is that Nahar here stands for Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed construction of the fort. Nahar's spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, which thus became known by his name.
Timing 10.00am to 4.00 pm and Entry Fee Rs. 15.00
9. Albert Museum
This graceful building was built by Prince Albert(also known as Albert Hall). It has a rare collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces. Timing 10.00 am to 4.30 pm and Entry Fee Rs. 5.00
10. Chokhi Dhani Village
Situated at the outskirts of Jaipur, this is a representation of the culture, traditions and lifestyle of village life in Rajasthan. It comprises of a 5 star ethnic village theme resort with 100 cottages, multicuisine restaurants, banquet halls, spa, barbeque and a Sheesha (Hukkah) lounge and many more themes. Developed in 1989, this 22 acre village is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaipur. Here you will get to see Puppet shows, Camel ride, Elephant ride, Henna art, Garbha, Gujrati/Rajasthani delicacies, Games, Handicrafts, Historical shows and many more at a nominal charge.
11. Try and visit ‘Rajmandir cinema’ one of the oldest cinema theatres in India. It is more like an opera house than movie theatre. Seeing a cheesy Bollywood film with the boisterous crowd is a great experience. Splurge and stay in the Diamond section, in the balcony its worth every penny of your time.
Where to stay
You can find all types of hotels from 1 star to 5 star on various hotel booking sites depending on your budget. You can stay to some of the well budget and facilities hotels like 66-Residency, Ginger hotels, Oyo services, Treebo, Ace Hotel, Amer City and Aroma City hotel. These hotels are packed with impressive services and relaxing rooms, this boarding house gives a homely feel and comfort. Though if you don’t have a budget problem and really experience Royalty than pick something like Rambagh Palace, ITC Rajputana or Taj Mahal Palace or even Chowkhi Dhani (not for luxury but for experience). Please read reviews and rates on TripAdvisor hotel.com agoda.com Booking.com or Tripoto for best deals.
Markets where to shop and what?
The city is well famous market for Lac Work, Meenakari, Metal Work, Marble Work, Paintings, Leather Work, Gemstones, Carpets, Wood Work, Jewelry.
1. M.I Road - famous for selling old silver jewellery and artefacts, antiques, handicraft and apparel.
2. Johri Bazar - best for sarees and lehangas in colourful bhandhej, or glittering gemstone jewellery.
3. Bapu & Nehru Bazar – best known for evening shopping - The streets are lively and well-lit bazaars are filled with bright turbans and ethnic attire, hand-dyed and embroidered textiles, pretty jewelry and delicious food - well known for Jaipuri stuff - salwar suits, bedsheets, Jaipuri Juttis(shoes), cushions and readymade suits.
4. Badi Chaupar - famous mojaris, handicraft, antiques, Rajasthani furniture, salwar suits and Jaipuri print dress material.
What to eat?
The rich Rajasthani culture have also reflects from its tasty and mouthwatering food. The food which one must eat while visiting Jaipur are Dal Batti Churma, Mawa Kachori, Ghewar, Mirchi Bada, Rajasthani Subji - Gatte ki subji, Rajasthani curry, Mangori, Pakodi and Ker Sangari, Bajre Ki Roti, Makki Ki Roti, Jau-Channa Ki Roti, Besan Ki Roti, Cheelra, Paratha, Puri, Methi Puri, Rumali Roti… the list is endless.
Some advice - Amazing street food is also present, do enjoy that. The food of Jaipur is yummy but it might be oily and too spicy for some. The food is not very expensive, one can eat a good meal in Rs 150/- easily.
How To Reach
If you are planning to travel by train then Jaipur is well connected city from all the parts of India by rail network as well as roadways. It also has International Airport(JAI) in Sanganer just 10 km away from Jaipur railway station. The city is well connected internally by city buses, local cabs (Ola/ Uber are available), autos rikshaws.
Its just 260km from Delhi so can drive down easily in your own car.
Some quick tips and facts:
A word of caution is that many travel packages will tell you that you can cover all the three forts in one day, but practically it is very difficult. No doubt that the forts are located very near to each other but covering one fort requires at least 3 hours and a lot of stamina.
The best time to visit Jaipur is in winter from October to March (are mild and pleasant), after that it gets very hot. It has a hot semi-arid climate, and temperatures remain high throughout the year. From April to July, temperatures go beyond 30 °C. During the monsoon, the city gets some respite.
Advice: Also would suggest doing good research before visiting any spot so that one knows a bit of History about the place in advance. It would be good if one can hire a guide for Jantar Mantar and Amer Fort.
As for the culture, Jaipur’s rich heritage is reflected in its cuisine, attire and festivals. The streets bustle with men and women wearing colourful turbans and ghagra-choli.
Their main language is Rajasthani (Maarwadi) though Hindi and English are widely spoken.
‘Ghoomar’ is the main folk dance of Jaipur, performed by women in voluminous skirts.
Jaipur’s economy is dependent on Tourism followed by gems, jewelry, IT, ITES, crude oil, pharma, telecom, banking, ball bearings, edible oil, electronic items, general engineering and manufacturing and ready-made garments.
Jaipur is also known for its fine range of ceramics, pottery, durries, dyeing and printing, hand-made paper, handicraft items, brass and lacquer work, enamel work, woolen and silk carpets.
Conclusion
Here I conclude my review hope I have covered all the points one must do while visiting Jaipur. Many more reviews to come as I want to review each and every place in India so that people visit them and explore how beautiful India and its rich heritage and culture.
Jaipur sprawls out at the foot of Kalikoh hill crowned by the magnificent Amber fort. Tradition and modernity rub shoulders here. Turbaned men with curling mustachios, bejeweled Women in multi colored, swirling skirts and youngsters in jeans jostle in its colorful streets. Opulent palaces, Chaupars(big squares), astronomical observatories, temples and bazaars, vie with one another and give the city its distinctiveness. it is a SAWAI(one and a quarter, extra-ordinary)CITY.
The relic of dynasty is the main reason of popularity of Jaipur. Yes it is the city which watch in day and night. because it have different attitude in day and night . This is also known as pink city because the old building and new building are painted in pink color.
So pack your bags…get set go and appreciate the way of life of Pink City. people are so cultivated and has the love for facilitating their visitor and I guarantee you will be back with sack brimming with grin and recollections😊
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