Exploring "Pink City"
- Mona Joshi
- Feb 18, 2019
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 10, 2019
Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan state, well known for its royal cultural heritage, history, art, jewellery, textile, city of great warriors and of-course magnificent forts and palaces.
How to reach
Jaipur is well-connected by air, rail and road. Closest airport is the Sanganer Airport that lies just 12 km from the city center. Volvo and deluxe buses are also connecting Jaipur from major cities like Delhi, Ajmer, Udaipur, Kota etc at regular intervals.
Since it was a weekend trip, so we decided to go by car. Now i think that was a wise decision, there is so much to explore in Jaipur. Well we have started at 5:00 am from Delhi and reached Jaipur around 10:30 am. Distance form national capital is 281 km approx, 5 h ride via NH48. you can also enjoy the sceneric beauty, morning breeze and beautiful sunrise during travelling via road.
Why it is called Pink City?
We think its due to the dominant color scheme of its buildings. You will find the uniform color and architecture when you will cross Kishanpole market, every street is painted Pink. Also our local guide "Vishnu" told us the story behind this. Pink denotes the color of hospitality. In 1876, when Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria was on India tour, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the whole city pink in color to welcome the guests. The tradition has been sincerely followed by the residents to maintain the pink color.
Pinkness of city makes it a vibrant and visual delight. you will also find various shades of Pink here.
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Our stay:
When in Rome do like Romans do, so we experienced another shade of pink, at Pink pearl resort, located 16 kms from the city center on Jaipur Ajmer Expressway. It is not only the resort but it is one of the biggest and best water park in Jaipur as well. We have visited in January, and during winter water park was under annual maintenance so we wont be able to enjoy it. Generally water park open daily 10 am to 6 pm.
10 Things to do in Jaipur
1. Forts calling
The glory of Jaipur lies in its palaces and forts. Let's explore the beauty of forts with us.
a. Amer fort
One of the beautiful and magnificent fort. Located on high hill, Amer town, approximately 11 km away from city. The fort was originally built by Meenas and later on ruled by Raja Man singh. Amer Fort is known for its artistic style elements, mini-museums and lakeside gardens located inside the fort. The Sheesh Mahal (‘Hall of Mirrors’) is the most beautiful part of this palace.
Entry fee : Rs.100 for Indians/per person, 550 for foreign tourist.
Visiting hours : 10 am -5 pm (Daily)
Photography : Allowed
Also there is an interesting history behind Sheesh Mahal. During ancient days the queen was not allowed to sleep in open air but she loved to see the stars while sleeping, so the sheesh mahal was build. The placement of ceiling glass is wonderful., because of this if someone burns two candles, then the reflection converts that small light into thousand of stars .
b. Nahargarh fort
Along with Amer fort and Jaigarh fort , Nahargarh once formed a strong defense ring for the city. The fort was constructed as a place of retreat on the summit of the ridge above the city. Walls extended over the surrounding hills, forming fortifications that connected this fort to Jaigarh, the fort was named as Nahargarh after the spirt of a Rathore, Nahar Singh. According to local believe paranormal activities noticed here.
Entry fee : Rs.50 for Indians/per person, 200 for foreign tourist.
Visiting hours : 10 am -5:30 pm (Daily)
Photography : Allowed
c. Jaigarh fort
Situated on Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the Aravalli range. 15 km away from city, 5 km away from Amer fort. interesting thing is that you can drive your car into fort, that's amazing and adventurous. Parking area is inside the fort.
The fort was built by Jai Singh II in 1726 to protect the Amer Fort and its palace complex and was named after him. Aarmoury chamber is also a attraction point here , you can find here a wide display of swords, shields, guns, muskets and also a 50 kilograms (110 lb) cannonball.
Entry fee : Rs.35 for Indians/per person, 85 for foreign tourist.
Visiting hours : 9 am -4:30 pm (Daily)
Photography : Allowed
2. Palace of wind : Hawa mahal
As the name indicates, its a 5 story building with so many small windows called "Jharokhas". Famous landmark and situated at the heart of City. Its kind off beehive like structure and made of red and pink sand stone lined with white color. Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh for the royal women to enjoy the events and festivals in the street, as Rajput women were not allowed to appear in public places. Although we didn't get chance to go inside it but didn't miss the chance to get clicked in front of it.
3. Jal Mahal
Also known as Water Palace, located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. The palace looks beautiful in the evenings, Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed inside the palace at present. You will found lots of food stuff stalls on the roadside so pick something and enjoy the evening with your loved ones.
4. City Palace
Palace complex, includes chandra mahal and mubarak mahal. The Chandra Mahal palace now houses a museum, but the greatest part of it is still a royal residence. you will also find folk dancers inside the palace compound.
Walking in we came into Diwan-e-Am (Sabha Niwas),major attraction. It is the hall of Public Audience, an enchanting chamber. This chamber, functioning now as an art gallery, exhibits paintings of Rajastahni, Mughal and Persian art, ancient texts, carpets, royal dresses.
you will found two huge sterling silver vessels of 1.6 metres (5.2 ft) height in Diwan-e-khas called Gangajali. Each vessel with capacity of 4091 liters (900 gallon) and weighing 345 kilograms. It hold the Guinness world record as the world's largest sterling silver vessels. These vessels were specially made by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II, to carry the water of the Ganges to drink on his trip to England in 1901.
5. Jantar Mantar
An astronomical observatory used to measure the distances and positions of celestial objects. India has a total of five such observatories the largest of which is in Jaipur. It consists of 19 large instruments each serving a very specific purpose. Major attraction is Vrihat Samrat Yantra which is the largest sundial in the country.
Jantar-Mantar was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It is located in heart of city and is walking distance from the city palace. you can buy tickets at entrance. Local guide or audio guides are also available there to make your experience interesting.
Entry fee : Rs.50 for Indians/per person, 200 for foreign tourist.
Visiting hours : 9 am -5:00 pm
Photography : Allowed
6. Albert hall museum
Egyptian mummy is main attraction point here. Also this museum is having rich collection of metal sculptures, stone, jewellery, music instruments coins etc.
Entry fee : Rs.20 for Indians/per person, 150 for foreign tourist.
Visiting hours: 9 am-5:30 pm, 7pm-10 pm (closed on Tuesday)
7. Be religious at Birla Temple
Also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple, located 4.5 km away from City center. It is an perfect example of architectural excellence. White marble temple looks breathtaking beautiful during night.
The temple has three eye-catching domes representing the different approach of Hindu religion. The walls are etched with scenes from Hindu mythology. Lavish sculptures, imbibed from the mythological themes and are quite a mesmerizing sight.
Entry fee : Nil
Visiting hours : 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM(Daily)
Photography : Not allowed
8. Johri Bazaar
Wait, don't forget to take the token of love from Pink city to your loved once. I cant resist myself buying lac bangles, Jaipuri saree, Jaipuri kurti , stone neckless, footware and typical Rajasthani turban. Hope you have noticed me wearing it all the time in pictures. you will find precious gemstones at Johari bazaar. If you wish to buy lac jewellery than Tripolia bazaar is right place for it. Also go for Rajasthani jootis, these can go with many outfits like salwar kameez, lahenga and gives you royal feel. you can also explore Bapu bazaar for leather items ans Nehru bazaar for blue pottery.
9. Rajasthani culture at a glance: Chokhi Dhani
If you are looking for Rajasthani culture at a glance, than this is must visit place for you. Electrifying ambiance of chokhi dhani village will make you feel awesome. Smell of mud, puppet shows, folk performances, camel ride, bullock cart ride, elephant ride, boating, open air Rajasthani cuisines will make your day.
Only cons : Since this place is very popular, so unstoppable crowd.
10. Madhavendra Palace
During the region of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II (1835-1880 A.D.) and Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II (1880-1922 A.D.) marvelous residential palace were constructed. The main palace of king known as "Madhavendra Bhawan", exists within the fort. The two storied palace is divided into nine similar apartments. This palace is an example of beautiful combination of Indian and European style of architecture.
A vibrant city, i must say.
So what are you waiting for ??
Best time to visit: October to March
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