RAJASTHAN
Overview
Jaipur also known as the ‘Pink City’ is the capital and largest city in Rajasthan State and is situated about 170 miles southwest of Delhi. The city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja (King) Sawai Jai Singh II who planned the layout based on the principles of Vastu and Shilpa Shastras (sacred scriptures) based on the concept of scientifically combining the five basic elements – earth, water, fire, air, and sky – to create a pleasant setting.
The architecture of the city was heavily influenced by the 17th-century architectural renaissance during Mughal rule in Northern India hence much of it resembles architectural styles from around the Muslim world.
During the rule of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh I, the city was painted pink in 1876 to welcome HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VII, Emperor of India. Many of the avenues remain painted pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance. UNESCO inscribed Jaipur as the "Pink City of India" among its World Heritage Sites. The city is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites ‘Amer Fort’ and ‘Jantar Mantar’.
Things to see and do in Jaipur
AMBER FORT
If we go by the popular legend that is etched to the name Amber, it is believed that Amer got its name from Amba, Goddess Durga (a Hindu Goddess) who was the prime deity worshipped by Meenas, a clan that ruled most of what is now eastern Rajasthan. As per another mythology, it is said that Ambikeshwar Temple is the place where the name originated from where Lord Siva is known as Ambikeshwar.
Amber Palace, Amber Fort, Amer Palace, and Amer Fort are all different names referring to the same place.
Rajasthan’s original capital was in Amber until 1727 when it was moved seven miles southwest to Jaipur because of Amber’s dwindling water supplies and expanding population.
Amber Fort/Palace, cradled on the top of a hill overlooking Maota Lake is one of the most magnificent palaces in India. This majestic building with its maze-like passages and serpentine staircases is a masterpiece with significant importance in North Indian history the finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
The palace was constructed in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput (In today’s Rajasthan) commander of the Moghul Emperor Akbar's army. Later it was expanded and renovated by Raja Jai Sigh I.
Within the vicinity of the Amber Fort, there are 4 courtyards. There are various other buildings within these courtyards, Palace of Man Singh I, Garden, Tripolia Gate, Lion Gate, Diwan-I-Aam, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Mahal, etc. The fortified courtyard The Zenana (ladies’ courtyard) was the private quarters of the Maharaja’s wives and concubines.
Women of the royal court were banned from the courtyard but allowed to watch the goings-on from veiled windows above.
A labyrinth of corridors, galleries, temples, and royal quarters surrounds three further courtyards. The Sheesh Mahal (meaning ‘mirror palace’) is the most flamboyant room, covered in thousands of mirrors and semi-precious stones. A single candlelight lights up the entire room. Jaipur trip is incomplete without visiting the light show at this grand palace.
The best way to get to the palace is by walking up past market stalls and street vendors and arriving at the main courtyard through the Suraju Pole (sun gate). If needed there are jeeps to take you up the hill.
HAWA MAHAL
The massive edifice of Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. A structure made of red and pink sandstone and has a pyramidal structure that almost resembles a crown. It has been enhanced with 953 tiny windows, also known as 'Jharokhas' that allow cool wind to enter the palace and hence keep the palace comfortable during the hot summer months. The tiny windows also allowed the women of the royal house to observe the festivities on the streets whilst being unseen from the outside as was the custom of the land.
From within, the Hawa Mahal Palace is based on five floors each of which has a uniquely decorated chamber. A charming fountain welcomes you inside the main palace, from thereon you can make your way up to the different floors. The top of the palace offers a brilliant view of the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and the ever-busy Siredeori Bazar. There is a small museum as well which holds some rich relics and miniature paintings.
CITY PALACE
This magnificent City Palace in a vast complex situated in the old part of Jaipur was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during the years 1729 to 1732 and it was once the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur.
The palace is divided into a series of courtyards, buildings, and gardens including the Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal. The museum showcases various unique handcrafted products and other things that belong to the royal heritage of the City Palace.
The facade itself is designed with acute and detailed handiwork and showcases a blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh II, however, the palace itself has been subjected to various changes over time, with some of them even belonging to the early 20th century. The City Palace has three gates out of which Virendra Pol and Udai Pol are open to the public.
JANTAR MANTAR
An observatory complex was built in the early 18th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will need an experienced guide to talk you through the array of large-scale instruments, which includes the largest sundial ever built. Made from brick and smooth plaster, their crisp, sculptural geometric shapes look decidedly modern.
JAIPUR OLD BAZAR
Explore some of the oldest streets of Jaipur with a local guide you will see craftsmen busy with silverwork, carvings, and intricate embroidery designs created with gold and silver thread are a particular specialty of the region.
Sample some of the area’s culinary delights popular with local shoppers, the guide is there to take you to vendors who are reputed by the locals and help you choose your fancy whether it’s spicy or sweet. Try Barfi (a sweet made with cashew nuts and milk) covered in edible silver leaf a must-sweet for festivities in northern states in India.
COOK WITH A LOCAL FAMILY
Learn to cook some popular Rajasthan cuisine in a Rajasthan family setting at ‘Dera Mandawa’, this ancestral home now converted into a boutique hotel and run by the descendants who still live here.
Lessons begin with a visit to the nearby local market to learn how the spices on display and there are plenty of it are prepared and blended in cooking to give a delicate balance of tastes. In the kitchen, you’ll help prepare a variety of Rajasthan speciality dishes. You will then dine together with the family, enjoying your creations alongside a selection of homemade chutneys and pickles.
LEARN BLOCK PRINTING
The village of Bagru, a 40-minute drive southwest of Jaipur is renowned for its intricately block-printed textiles. On a tour with a local guide, you will be taught the printing, washing, and dyeing process.
When in the village you will see immediately the great bundles of fabric drying in the sun. Logs of teak are finely carved into printing blocks while natural dyes are mixed in preparation. The hand-printing process itself is a precise skill, the artists honing rhythmical movements to create the same pattern over long tables.
