JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN

Jaipur (population 1.8 million), the colourful capital of richly colourful Rajasthan, is a highly distinctive planned city. Its special charm lies within the pink wash that most buildings are periodically given. Jaipur houses some fine museums in the atmospheric Old City with its bazaars, palaces, and havelis, as well as a couple of forts and Amber nearby which are well worth exploring.
Probably the best-known sight in Jaipur is Hawa Mahal, also known as "The Palace of the Winds". The five-storied pyramidal building with overhanging latticed balconies is unique in conception and the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The top of the palace affords a beautiful view of the city.
Other sights of Jaipur include:

• City Palace
• Jantar Mantar (astronomical observatory)
• The temples of Royal Gaitor (they served as the burial ground for some of the great Kings of Jaipur and their sons over the years)
• Jal Mahal (a small palace set in the middle of a small lake)
• Amber Fort (a bit outside of Jaipur; here the Jaipur royal house held court for seven centuries)

When being in Jaipur one should not miss out the great markets and bazaars there; the range of handicraft and jewellery offered make Jaipur, virtually, a treasure trove for a shopper!

What Jaipur distinguishes from most of the other Indian cities is the extreme bustling life on the streets. Elephants and camels are running or better say creeping around, adding another interesting part to the already omnipresent daily traffic chaos.

Jaipur, that's for sure, is deservedly included on the popular tourist "Golden Triangle" of Delhi-Jaipur-Agra.

To learn more about my weekend trip to Jaipur, read the Online Diary entry of April 14 - 15, 2001.

Below you find some pictures of my trip to Jaipur.

Delhi | K-97 | Office | Agra | Himachal Pradesh | Jaipur
Rishikesh and the River Ganga | Jodhpur | Kasauli and Shimla

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