Jaipur ( The Pink City)

Jaipur ( The Pink City)

About:-

Jaipur is the capital and largest city (in term of size) of the Indian state of Rajasthan in Northern India. It was founded on 18 November 1726 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer after whom the city is named. As of 2011, the city has a population of 3.1 million, making it the tenth most populous city in the country.

Jaipur is also known as the Pink City of India. Located 260 km from the Indian capital New Delhi, Jaipur forms a part of the west Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Agra (240 km). Jaipur is a popular tourist destination in India and serves as a gateway to other tourist destinations in Rajasthan such as Jodhpur (348 km), Jaisalmer (571 km) and Udaipur (421 km)

History:-

The city of Jaipur was founded in 1726 by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amer who ruled from 1688 to 1758. He planned to shift his capital from Amer, 11 km from Jaipur to accommodate the growing population and increasing scarcity of water. Jai Singh consulted several books on architecture and architects while planning the layout of Jaipur. 

Under the architectural guidance of Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur was planned based on the principles of Vastu shastra and Shilpa Shastra. The construction of the city began in 1726 and took four years to complete the major roads, offices and palaces. The city was divided into nine blocks, two of which contained the state buildings and palaces, with the remaining seven allotted to the public. Huge ramparts were built, pierced by seven fortified gates.

Attractions:-  

City Palace:- 

Located in the heart of the Pink City Jaipur, the City Palace was where the Maharaja reigned from. This palace also includes the famous 'Chandra Mahal' and 'Mubarak Mahal', and other buildings which form a part of the palace complex. The palace is located towards the northeast side of central Jaipur and has many courtyards and buildings. The palace was built between 1729 and 1732 AD by Sawai Jai Singh II. 

The architectural styles are largely based on a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European styles. Today, the 'Chandra Mahal' has been turned into a museum which is home to unique handcrafted products, various uniforms of the rulers and many more things pertaining to the royal heritage of the City Palace.

Hawa Mahal:- 

Hawa Mahal, is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Jaipur city. Located in the heart of Jaipur, this beautiful five-storey palace was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh who belonged to Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty. The main architect of this palace built of red and pink sandstone, is Lal Chand Ustad and the palace is believed to have been constructed in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god.

Hawa Mahal, designed as a beehive castle with small windows, has a height of 50 feet from its base. This structure, erected on a thin shield or podium approximately fifty feet high, has walls less than a foot thick.  Hawa Mahal is famous for its windows or 'Jharokhas' which enable free circulation of air within the structure. 

Its entrance is a door which leads to a spacious courtyard surrounded by two-storey buildings on three sides. Of the five storeys of the Mahal, the top three storeys have the thickness of a single room while the bottom storeys have courtyards. The interior of the Hawa Mahal is stark and plain with passages and pillars reaching to the top storey. The monument also has an archeological museum.

Amber Fort:- 

The Amer Fort, situated in Amber, 11 kilometers from Jaipur, is one of the most famous forts of Rajasthan. Amer, originally, was the capital of the state before Jaipur. It is an old fort, built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh.  The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort.  it is beautiful on the inside and boasts of various buildings of prominence like the 'Diwan-i-Aam', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and even the 'Sukh Mahal'. 
The Amer Fort has influences of both Hindu and Muslim architecture. This fort also has the 'Shila Devi' Temple and the 'Ganesh Pol' which is a gate that leads to the private palaces of the kings. The Amer Fort has many pavilions and halls of great interest and other popular attractions.

Jantar Mantar Observatory:- 

If you have any doubts about having to spend your time at an observatory on your tour, reconsider it. Jantar Mantar is not just like any other average observatory; it is ranked amongst the largest observatories of the world. Built during the period of Maharaja Jai Singh II, the astronomical observatory has the largest sundial of the world. Maharaja Jai Singh II had avid interest in various subjects including architecture, astronomy, philosophy and astronomy. 

His keen interest in astronomy led him to construct the country’s largest observatory. The geometric devices available here are used in measuring time, observing constellations and orbits around the biggest star. The astrological instruments attract astronomers and architects from all parts of the world. Whatever your level of interest in space, you will be inspired by Jantar Mantar Observatory.

Dera Amer Elephant Safari:-

Being in Jaipur, you would not want to miss elephant safari. If you are keen to engage the adventurous spirit in you, the hills behind Amer fort is the right place. This is where Dera Amer is situated and it is the foothills of Aravali Range. You will enjoy the elephant safari in the serene atmosphere. 

The ride will take you through fields, fortress and to the camp in the middle of Aravali forests. The picturesque landscape and the stunning beauty of the forest will elevate your spirits. If you love to experience your adrenaline rush, you need to opt for night safari. Whichever time you choose, you will be provided excellent meals that would keep your taste buds engaged. 

NAHARGARH FORT:-

Nahargarh Fort  was built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, founder of Jaipur, on the Aravalli hills, as a retreat place. Nahargarh Fort is connected to the Jaigarh Fort through its fortifications. It is believed that the construction of this fort was obstructed by the spirit of a Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia. However, the spirit was pacified when a temple dedicated to him was built inside the fort. Sawai Ram Singh renovated this fort in 1868.

SAMBHAR SALT LAKE:-

The Sambhar Salt Lake, India's largest inland salt lake, a bowl shape lake encircles historical Sambhar Lake Town located 96 km south west of the city of Jaipur (Northwest India) and 64 km north east of Ajmer along National Highway 8 in Rajasthan.

The Sambhar Lake is known for the production of brine/salt and also houses one of the largest salt manufacturing units in the country. Apart from this unit, tourists also flock the Sambhar lake to get a glimpse of the fames 'Shakambari Devi' temple and for bird-watching. Flamingoes, pelicans and the waterfowls are commonly sighted at the Sambhar Lake.

The best time to visit Sambhar Wildlife Sanctuary and the lake is from October to March. Avoid travelling to Sambhar from June to September, as this is the monsoon season and neither would you find much wildlife then, nor would you be able to witness much of salt production.

More Attractions:-

• Central Museum
• Philatelic Bureau & Museum
• Shree Sanjay Sharma Museum
• Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple
• Jal Mahal
• Sisodia Rani Palace Garden
• Modern Art Gallery
• Iswari Minar Swarga Sal
• Cenotaphs of the Maharanis of Jaipur
• Royal Gaitor
• SRC Museum of Indology
• Sisodia Rani Palace
• Hathroi Fort
• Moti Dungri
• Tripolia Gate
• Govind Devji Temple
• Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II Museum
• Galta
• Surya Mandir

FAIR & FESTIVAL:-

THE ELEPHANT FESTIVAL :-

The Elephant Festival is an annual festival which is held every year in the Pink City, Jaipur. This matchless event is organised on the full moon day of Phalgun Purnima which falls in the month of February/March. It is celebrated on the day before the festivals of colours i.e. Holi. 
From the ancient times, elephants have always been an important part of the Indian society. The Elephant-headed God, Ganesha, believed to be the remover of obstacles and foremost to all the gods, is revered and devotedly worshipped in all the parts of India. They are also one of the most important parts of religious events, marriage ceremonies, processions, etc. and in the historic time, they were a significant part of the battlefield.

For this festival, elephants are nicely groomed and clothed with colourful and embroidered velvets rugs and parasols and other heavy ornaments like huge elephant jewellery and anklets decked with bells. Intricate traditional Indian motifs are then painted on their bodies. Ear danglers and coloured brocade scarves adorn their ears and necks respectively. Their tusks too get jewelled up by adorning them with gold and silver bracelets and rings; while foreheads are beautified with royal looking head-plates. All this is done by their Mahouts (keepers/riders) after they are done giving their elephants a bath. Moreover, the Mahouts too bask into the sunshine of the festivities by perking up themselves in brocade jackets and royal turbans.

This festival begins with the huge and enthralling procession of the royal elephants painted with different shades of colours, embellished with heavy silver ornaments, and embroidered clothes. The elephants enter the ground with their mahouts, thumping to the sound of nagadas and loud blows of bankiya, a musical instrument. The participant elephants are all females. Elephant polo, Elephant race, the tug-of-war between Elephant and 19 men and women are the special features of this grand festival. 

There are live performances of dancers and musicians too. In addition to this, in the procession there are chariots, lancers on horses, camels, and palanquins. This festival is enjoyed by a huge number of crowds including the visitors from different parts of India as well as abroad. This festival, organised by Rajasthan Tourism and has now become an important part of its' annual events calendar. 
In previous time, this festival was held at the Chaugan Stadium located in the old city area of Jaipur but due to the increase in crowds and fame, its venue got changed in 2011 and has been shifted to Jaipur Polo Ground which is opposite to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

GANGAUR FESTIVAL:-

Gangaur is one of the most vivid festivals rejoiced with great enthusiasm and happiness all over the Indian state of Rajasthan. In the word Gangaur, 'Gan' is the synonym for Lord Shiva whereas 'Gaur' stands for Gauri or Goddess Parvati. But mainly, this festival is held in the honour of Goddess Parvati as she is regarded as the epitome of marital love, strength, courage, power and excellence. 
During the festivities, married women worship Goddess Parvati for the long life, well being and wealth of their husbands while the girls pray for getting a smart and an understanding life partner. 
The festival is rejoiced in the month of Chaitra, the first month of the Hindu calendar and falls in between March and April, according to Gregorian calendar. It begins on the very first day Chaitra month, the day after Holi and is celebrated for 18 days. Also, it marks the end of winter season and the coming of spring season.

KITE FESTIVAL JAIPUR :-

A prominent one out of the festivals of Rajasthan is the Kite Festival.  The colourful kites hovering over whole of Rajasthan brighten up the skies.  

Kite festival of Jaipur is observed on the day of Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan. Celebrated on 14th of January to mark the transition of the sun from dhanu rashi (Sagittarius) to makara rashi (Capricorn), the day is considered auspicious. It is said that Uttarayan or northward journey of the sun begins on the day of Makar Sankranti.

Kites of every shade of indigo, ochre, red, blue, yellow, green, fushcia, indigo, ochre, pink, orange against the blue January sky is a dazzling sight. From dawn to dusk, people of all ages fly kites rejoicing in the spirit of the day. Crowded rooftops, fun-loving rivalry to outdo each other, and delicious feast are the hall-marks of the day. People are seen indulging in the appetizing flavors of sweets prepared specially for the day.

Hotels In Jaipur:-

• Jai Mahal Palace
• The Oberoi Rajvilas
• Rambagh Palace
• ITC Rajputana, Jaipur
• Jaipur Marriott Hotel
• Hilton Jaipur
• The Lalit Jaipur
• The Raj Palace Grand Heritage Hotel
• Ramada Jaipur
• The Shiv Vila
• Trident, Jaipur
• Lebua Resort Jaipur 
• Crowne Plaza Jaipur Tonk Road
• Taj SMS Hotel
• Shakun Hotels and Resorts

Transport:-

By Air:- 

Air travel to Jaipur is the most convenient way to reach the city. The Jaipur airport is located at Sanganer, which is 12 kilometres from the heart of the city. It has both international and domestic terminal and is well connected to most of the cities across the globe with a number of airlines operating on a regular basis.  

Popular carriers like Jet Airways, SpiceJet, Air India, IndiGo, Oman Air have daily flights to Jaipur. Now, flights to international cities like Kuala Lumpur, Sharjah and Dubai are also connected from this airport.

By Bus:- 

Taking a bus to Jaipur is a pocket friendly and very convenient idea. The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) runs regular and  deluxe buses between Jaipur and other cities within the state.  

There is a regular service of buses from not just Delhi but other cities like Kota, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Vadodara and Ajmer. Their fare too is very reasonable and you can easily travel in these buses with your families.

By Train:- 

You can travel to Jaipur by trains such as Shatabdi Express which is air-conditioned, very comfortable and connects Jaipur to many important Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jammu, Jaisalmer, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Haridwar, Bhopal, Lucknow, Patna, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Goa.

Road/Self Drive:-  

A road trip to Jaipur is a lot of fun. The Delhi-Jaipur National Highway offers a smooth ride (260 kilometres) with plenty of restaurants and amenities on the way. The road leading to Jaipur is well-connected by National Highways 8, 11 and 12.