Jaipur

Jaipur, the Pink City and vibrant capital of Rajasthan offers a unique desert experience, amidst barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. Famous for its unusual rose-colored sandstone structures, this Eighteenth Century princely establishment is a living testimony to the outstanding talents and skills of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh-II. Dotted with an array of beautiful palaces, havelis and forts, the city was the first planned city of its time and established a prominent place in tourist itineraries as the third corner of India’s most fascinating ‘golden triangle’ today.

This exotic desert city is a rare feast for the eyes and the site of vegetable laden camel carts threading their way through congested streets packed with cars, rickshaws, bicycles, and pedestrians coupled with traditionally attired Rajasthanis is a rare delight. The city owes its often-used name ‘Pink City’ due to the illustrious pink color that symbolizes ‘welcome’. The color was selected after several experiments to avoid the glare from the reflection of the glowing rays of the sun.

Jaipur boasts of three magnificent forts- The Nahargarh Fort, Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort. Rugged exteriors and tasteful interiors along with picturesque settings, intricate stone carvings, beautiful paintings, graceful latticework and artistically planned gardens are characteristics of mostly all the forts. The forts also reflect influences of Mughal and Colonial splendors along with fierce culture and traditions that very much reverberate through every nook and corner of these magnificent buildings. Palaces like the Jal Mahal (Water Palace), Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Amber Palace are some of the important attractions worth visiting. Other attractions include the Govind Deo Ji Ka Mandir, Galtaji Temple and Kalki Temple.