Jaipur – The Pink City

Jaipur, also known as the “Pink City,” is a must-see destination in Rajasthan, India. Known for its rich history and stunning architecture, Jaipur offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culture. Jaipur is a vibrant city that offers a rich cultural experience. From the stunning Amber Fort to the colorful bazaars and delicious local cuisine, there is something for everyone in this city. You would need minimum 2 days to see the main attractions and reserve some time for Jaipur shopping if you are into arts, crafts and apparel shopping.

Top Attractions to see in 2 days

AMBER FORT

Amber Fort, also known as Amber Palace, is a magnificent fortification located in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. This beautiful fortress is an exemplary masterpiece of Rajput architecture and is widely recognized for its intricate designs and carvings. The fort is built with a combination of red sandstone and white marble, and is situated on a hilltop that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The palace complex of Amber Fort comprises of various halls and chambers, each with its unique architectural style and historical significance. The Diwan-i-Khas, also known as the Hall of Private Audience, was used by the Rajput kings to hold private meetings with their ministers. The Diwan-i-Aam, or the Hall of Public Audience, was the place where the kings would hold public meetings and hear the grievances of their subjects.

One of the most famous and spectacular parts of the palace is the Sheesh Mahal, a hall of mirrors. The walls and ceilings of this chamber are covered with tiny mirrors that reflect the light, creating a mesmerizing effect. The Sukh Niwas, or the pleasure palace, is another interesting feature of the fort. It comprises of air-conditioning system which was a revolutionary technology in ancient times, used to keep the palace cool during the hot summer months.

The fort can be accessed by foot or by taking an elephant ride to the top. It is a popular tourist destination and is considered one of the most beautiful forts in India. The fort is open to visitors all year round, and it is highly recommended to visit the palace during the evening, when it is beautifully illuminated. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a testament to its historical and architectural significance.

To reach Amber Fort from Jaipur city, it takes around 20-30 minutes by car and roughly 1 hour by public transportation. To fully explore and appreciate the fort, it is recommended to set aside at least 2-3 hours. This will give visitors enough time to take in the stunning architecture, admire the intricate carvings and designs, and explore the various chambers and halls within the palace complex.

HAWAA MAHAL

Hawa Mahal, also known as “Palace of Winds,” is a stunning architectural masterpiece located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the palace was designed for the royal ladies of the court to watch the daily life and processions of the city. The palace is made of pink and red sandstone and is a five-story, pyramidal-shaped structure with a unique honeycomb-like design. The palace has 953 small windows, or jharokhas, which are decorated with intricate lattice work and provide a cooling breeze through the palace.

The Hawa Mahal is an important example of Rajputana architecture and is an excellent example of the fusion of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. The palace is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, with a mix of Islamic and Hindu elements. The palace is also one of the most photographed buildings in Jaipur and is a popular tourist destination.

The palace has five stories and is divided into various chambers, halls, and courtyards. The palace is built on a raised platform and is accessed through a double-storied arched gateway. The palace is surrounded by a garden and has a small temple in the courtyard. The palace was also used as a place for the royal ladies to relax and enjoy the cool breeze during the hot summers.

Hawa Mahal is an important tourist destination in Jaipur. It is open to visitors from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily. Visitors can also take guided tours of the palace to learn about its history and architecture. The palace is also a popular spot for photography and is best visited during the early morning or late afternoon to get the best light. The palace is well-maintained and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Jaipur.

City Palace

City Palace Jaipur is a palace complex located in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who ruled Jaipur from 1699 to 1744. The palace complex is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture and is spread over an area of about 37 acres.

The palace complex comprises of several buildings, courtyards, and gardens. The main entrance to the palace is through the Tripolia gate, which is a triple arched gate made of marble. The palace complex also has a museum, which houses a collection of weapons, manuscripts, and royal attire. The palace also has a beautiful peacock courtyard, which is decorated with intricate tile work.

One of the main attractions of the City Palace is the Chandra Mahal, which is a seven-story palace. The palace has been converted into a museum and is open to visitors. The top floor of the Chandra Mahal offers a stunning view of the city of Jaipur. Another important attraction is the Mubarak Mahal, which was built as a reception hall for the royal guests. The palace has a beautiful facade, with intricate carvings and a central dome. City Palace Jaipur is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Rajasthani and Mughal architecture and history. The palace complex offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Rajput kings and their courtiers.

Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal, also known as the “Water Palace,” is a beautiful palace located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The palace was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and was used as a hunting and leisure palace for the royal family. The palace is four-stories high, with the first three floors being underwater when the lake is full. The architecture of the palace is a combination of Rajput and Mughal styles, with intricate carvings and designs on the red sandstone walls. The palace is surrounded by lush greenery and the reflections of the palace on the water adds to its beauty. Jal Mahal is a popular tourist spot and can be reached by boat. Visitors can also take a walk around the lake and enjoy the picturesque views of the palace.

Shopping – Where and what to buy

Jaipur is a popular destination for shopping in India. Some must-visit shopping places in Jaipur include:

1. Johari Bazaar: This market is known for its traditional jewelry, including precious and semi-precious stones, gold, and silver.
2. Bapu Bazaar: This market is known for its textiles, including traditional Rajasthani fabrics such as block-printed cotton, tie-dye fabrics, and handloom saris.
3. Nehru Bazaar: This market is known for its handicrafts, including wooden and marble carvings, lac bangles, and traditional paintings.
4. Kishanpole Bazaar: This market is known for its traditional Rajasthani clothing and fabrics, including bandhini and leheriya.

When shopping in Jaipur, some must-try items to buy include:

1. Traditional Rajasthani jewelry: Jaipur is famous for its precious and semi-precious stone jewelry, including emeralds, rubies, and sapphires.
2. Textiles: Jaipur is known for its traditional fabrics such as block-printed cotton, tie-dye fabrics, and handloom saris.
3. Handicrafts: Jaipur is known for its traditional wooden and marble carvings, lac bangles, and traditional paintings.
4. Traditional Rajasthani clothing: Jaipur is known for its traditional clothing such as bandhini and leheriya.
5. Blue Pottery: Jaipur is also famous for its Blue Pottery which is a unique type of ceramics, it is famous for its intricate designs and patterns.

For a taste of local cuisine, head to Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort where you can experience a traditional Rajasthani dinner with live music and dance performances. Check out my blog coverage about Chokhi Dhani in detail!.