Jaipur
Jaipur is one of India's newest cities but its brawling bazaars and thronged streets are a far cry away from the towering pinnacles of steel and glass in the Mumbai financial district. Built in 1727 Jaipur was built as the seat of Jal Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs. In 1853 the city was painted pink in honour of the visiting Prince Alfred and since then has been known as the Pink City.
Places to See in Jaipur
Jaipur is filled to bursting point with places to spend your time but as any visit to the Pink City is always too short (you could spend a lifetime there and still not be satisfied) we have pulled together a list of some of the best attractions.
The Temple of the Winds – the Hawa Mahal overlooks one of Jaipur's busiest streets and was built to give women of the court a place to sit to watch the trading in the bazaars. The intricate honeycomb of the pink sandstone screens that grace the front of the five hundred viewing chambers are a testament to the skills of the artisans who built them but some credit must go to the people of Jaipur who are so intriguing that even today you might wish for somewhere to sit and watch them go about their business.
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The Amber Fort – Amber lies seven miles to the north east of Jaipur but is home to one of the city's biggest attractions; Amber Fort. The fort stands out because while its fortifications are harsh and practical the interior is splendid with Hindu and Mughal design.
Jantar Mantar – the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a collection of astrological instruments including a twenty seven metre tall sundial which is theoretically accurate to within two seconds (although it could be as much as thirty seconds either way) and devices for predicting the movements of the planets and other heavenly bodies.
Jaipur Nut Market - Jaipur's hustle and bustle is one of the things which makes it so popular with guests, but at the same time it helps to know where modern city life ends and the bustle of traditional provincial town begins. For a taste of Jaipur's traditional living try visiting Jaleb Chowk where the nut sellers congregate. Here you can see a traditional Indian market with a Rajasthani flavour just a short walk away from the Hawa Mahal.
Jal Mahal – The Water Palace lies halfway between Jaipur and Amber at the bottom of Man Sagar Lake. Built as a hunting retreat for royal duck hunting sorties only one floor of the five storey palace remains above the lake's waterline. When travelling between Jaipur and Amber the shores of Man Sagar make an excellent spot for a short walk and if you like visiting the alternative temples of Jaipur then the Galta, or monkey temple, might be of interest to you.
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