Jaipur, The Pink city of Rajasthan
Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City, thanks to the color of the buildings in the city. The city, built in 1727 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, followed a grid system, which made it the only planned city of its time. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. The city is built in the 'Gopura Chalisa', which means the town square, which comprises of 6 square piers, 6 square gates and 6 square temples. The outermost square 'Meena Bazaar' at the end of Meena Road represents an ideal town square. The design of Jaipur is similar to that of Varanasi in India. Due to this fact however, there are many other places in India using the same name, including Jaipur district in Gujarat. Other sources claim the city is named after the pink-flowering peepal tree.
The city is laid out in a 9 ha grid system, with the main roads running north to south and east to west. The oldest road in Jaipur, known as Hathi Pol , is lined with the most premium of the walled mansions that overlook it. The famous Pink City Palace overlooking "Hati Pol" on Rajasthan's most important street, provides an example of upscale living of wealthy people in Jaipur during colonial period . There are also many palace gates on different roads of Jaipur which all were used for ceremonial purposes by rulers.
Main Sites to see during your visit:
Amber Fort, high above the city, the towers and domes of the Amber Fort are reminiscent of scenes from some fairy tale. The palace itself is within the enormous fort complex and is replete with halls, gardens, pavilions, and temples.
The Hall of Mirrors is not to be missed where one lit matchstick can illuminate the entire room. You will ascent the fort on elegantly draped elephants.
Also visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five - storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.
The early morning experience the spiritual side of the locals by visiting colourful temples and discover some of the architectural wonders of this fascinating area of Jaipur. The walk has been carefully designed to offer a rewarding and enriching experience. Uncovering some of the best kept secrets of the walled city of Jaipur the city take pride in sharing a warm association with the resident artisans, shop owners, temple priests and local citizens.
This association makes the walking tours more engaging; here one have a genuinely interactive experience getting to meet the residents and gain an insight into their traditional way of life. Chand Pol’ gate, one of the original seven gateways into the old walled city of Jaipur, is the point at which this 2 and a half hour walk begins.
In the evening, try for another walking tour. From its creation in 1727, the royal families and nobles of Jaipur patronized the craftsmen and artisans of the city. These traditions continue to this day and as a result many people consider modern day Jaipur as the craft capital of India. Traditional methods are still used to produce many valuable and highly prized items. Using skills passed down through generations, artisans and master craftsmen can be seen in the areas of Ghat Darwaza and Vishveshwar ji.
On this fascinating early evening walk mingle and talk with the locals whilst observing some of the regions culinary delights: pakoras, aloo tiki, samosa and sweets from some of the city’s most popular street food vendors. Observe local artisans in their workshops; jewelers and silversmiths, gold and silver foil makers. The iconic Hawa Mahal also called the Palace of the winds is the meeting - point at which this two-and-a-half-hour walk begins. Here you also have the option of seeing and trying the art of Henna painting.
The Best tours to Include Jaipur is The Golden Triangle tour (favourite among first timers to India), Incredible Rajasthan tour (includes Delhi as Gateway, Agra for Taj Mahal and other Rajasthan cities like Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer), and lots of more other itineraries. Please ask for the best itinerary and quote which will be hand crafted according to your interest and convenience and will be a private tour.
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