Jaipur - The Realm of Royalty

The Royal soil of Legends !!! (Rajwaras)
The land of Rajwaras, JAIPUR, where every niche that tells the tales of the victory and romance of royal Rajputs was first built in 1727 by Maharajah Jai Singhji II of Kachhwaha Rajputana. Nestling at 258 kilometers from Delhi, Jaipur is also known as the Pink City and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The ancient capital of Rajasthan is a part of "The Golden Triangle” that includes Delhi and Agra. The strong forts and palaces of the city depict the real picture of undying zeal that rotates the traditional heritage of India, inthe lifestyle of the Maharajahs.

Like any other northern parts of India, Jaipur has a pleasant temptation that welcomes hundreds of tourists every season. The charm of summers is totally different from that of winters. Make a visit to the magnificent forts and palaces, that gives you a royal touch of ancient times, the comfort and decor cannot be bypassed once you are here in Jaipur.

The entire city is enclosed by a city wall prominently known for its rich architectural and historical legacy, like the city palace complex, Hawa Mahal, and Amber Fort.

The City palace complex gives you an idea of magnificent architecture, art and sculptures work in Jaipur.

The Hawa Mahal (palace of winds) will blow you up with the cold winds, that give you a sense of fresh air conditioned hall during summer heat. The Amber Fort, 11 km from Jaipur is must a see. The interior walls of the fort are excellent mixtures of both the Hindu and Muslim style of ornamentation. Jaipur handicraft Mela (fair) has all if one is looking for some exclusive shopping of traditional artifacts of Rajasthan and hand print textiles. It also surprises you with the huge range of famous sculpture and painting on silk, miniature, cotton, marble and paper.

The Taste of Jaipur !!!
How come Jaipur's royal kitchen can be ignored which is notable for its authentic food. Mishri Mawa and Ghewar are the most demandable tourist delicacies in the Jaipur. The capital is never the less in wide range of other items too such like the Gram flour, which is a major ingredient used to make some of the delicacies like Khata, Gatta Ki Sabzi and Pakodi. Powdered lentils are used for Mangodi, Papad. Bajia and corn are used during the preparations of Rabdi, Kheechdi, and Rotis. Various chutneys are made from locally available spices like turmeric, coriander, mint and garlic. If your want to taste the real Rajasathani flavor then Choki Dhani is the ideal place, presenting the unending courses of Rajasthani delicacies.

The old & Famous Bazaars !!!
Your Rajasthan tour is incomplete, if you do not shop for ancient jewelry, precious stones, textiles and leather wears. Its an integral part of Jaipur too, the bustling bazaars of Jaipur city, some dating back to 18th century, also attract thousands of tourists. Shopping in Jaipur is all about adventure and knowing the value of artistic items. Some of the ornaments, once made for the Kings, are so exclusive and decorative with the original handwork that you will not find else where in India. The jewelry is made by local artisans in traditional way, who are into the business for generations. There are numerous bazaars Johari Bazaar, Khazane Walon ka Rasta, Tripolia Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are quite famous market hubs of Jaipur. The Johari Bazaar is popular for it's jewelry production, and is especially known for precious, semi-precious stones, which are internationally famous for its cutting and polishing. Jaipur is also famous for the leather items like traditional footwear's, leather jooties, belts and bags.

The Handicrafts !!!
Rajasthan handicrafts known worldwide for their expertise, are durable and delicate, which earns dubious popularity as they reach the shops for sale.
The sophisticated skill and handwork adds everlasting charm when these handicrafts are spread on floor surface of your homeVisit Sanganer - 16 km in the south range of Jaipur is a hub of block printing and tie and dye . It includes a unique range of collection starting from painting on silk, miniature, cotton, marble, gem stone, paper and the paintings defining the ancient time of Mughals. textile. For block printing fabrics there are number of shops including the sakshi, which also has the tremendous range of Blue Pottery. About 20 Km from Sanganer is a small village called Bagru, which is also popular for its block printing, particularly of colorful design featuring circular motifs. You can place your order here for the required textile print that can be delivered directly to your residing place.

Festivity is Life, Make It Eternal !!!
Yet a final touch for the tourist amusement, a pure feeling of odyssey with the festivals and fairs in Jaipur, being a tourist one should not leave the Pink City before addressing the unique celebrations of Jaipur like Gangaur, Elephant festival and Sheetala Ashtami. The important festivals are enjoyed with Abir and the beats of drum that create such an impression on mind, which has no boundaries to express. At the time of Gangaur, womens across state celebrate the love between lord Shiva and his bride Parvati (Gauri). The celebration starts with the festival of Holi and continues for another 18 days. The tourists cover miles of distance just to see the wooden images of Goddess Parvati decorated with beautiful costumes and jewels. Now, lets not forget the elephant festival, that adds a amazing feeling in the hearts of tourists when it comes to the catwalk in the row, here you can see each and every activity of herbivorous mammals. These animals are decorated in a royal style, so that being a tourist you can experience the brilliant Rajasthani living. Beside, you can experience a ride over elephants, camels and horses till Amber fort. This memorable Elephant Festival comes in the month of March during famous Holi Festival.

Sheetala Ashtami, another major festival of Rajasthan is celebrated in the honor of Goddess of smallpox, Sheetala Mata, at the village of Chaksu, near Jaipur where special rituals and ceremonies are performed by the devotes to spare there young children from the disastrous disease. The fairs and festivals in Jaipur are real source to explore the true culture and traditions of this capital city.

Getting There !!!
Air : The Sanganer airport of Jaipur is just 15 Km south of town, airlines are well connected to cities like Kota, Aurangabad, Udaipur,Ahmadabad and Mumbai. It takes an hours to reach from Delhi.

Railway : The rail track is well linked to the cities like Kota, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Delhi and Mumbai. The Shatabdi Express, Intercity Express, Bombay Superfast are some of trains from different cities.

Road : Jaipur city is well linked to National Highway No 8. The important distances are Delhi - 258 km, Agra - 232 km, Ahmadabad - 657 km, Calcutta - 1,472 km and Mumbai-1202 km

Local Transport : The most commonly used transport in Jaipur is Tonga, Rickshaw and the local RSTC buses, though you can also hire taxi's from various spots to reach anywhere in the city, but the drivers may ask for more charge

... City Palace Complex

City Palace Complex - Royal Palace Retreat
The City Palace is build in the heart of pink city, hence cover the one-seventh area of the town.
The City Palace Complex is magnificent to look at, their are number of beautiful palaces, gardens, and museums. Some of the beautiful palaces in the City complex consist of Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Badal Mahal, Sh. Govind Dev Temple and City Palace Museum. The gardens are full of lush green belts, colorful flowers and green carpet of grass. Only the part of City Palace is open for public rest of it is the private residence of the present maharaja of Jaipur where the maharani the queen Gayatri Devi still resides, its not difficult to meet any of the royal clans in the palace complex. However, these are some of the experience that you will share once you enter the Jaipur Palace more..

Hawa Mahal -The Palace of Dreams
This splendorous beautiful building come to be known as a palace, but moreover looks like a facade. Due to numerous sandstone windows on its main wall the palace got the name Hawa Mahal (The Palace on Winds), it is said to be used by the royal women of brave Rajputana to watch the everyday life and procession in the city. It was build in the year of 1799, much resembling Lord Krishna to whom it is purely devoted, its tiered shape supposedly resembles his crown. Apart from this, the Hawa Mahel also consist of a small museum, where ancient handicraft and archaeological are kept.

This royal facet was made, keeping in mind the comfort of Rajputs women, who were not much allowed to move out of the royal houses. The Hawa Mehal gives them the clear view of the city, shops and the busy street life down the palace. The dynamic Mahal is escorted by winds, at every corner you experience the fresh air. The Fort looks more beautiful at the time of sun rising, when the beams enter through different sandstone windows. Being a tourist for the first time to Hawa Mehal you can feel yourself as if the motes of dust dancing in the beam of light. The Hawa Mahal monument is a great example of Rajputana architecture. What are you waiting for, just plan your tour and be the first one to experience the Hawa Mehal in the Pink City of Jaipur.

Amber Fort- The Majestic and Imperial Fort
The Amber fort is much older than the history of Jaipur in Rajasthan. It is build 11 km far from the city center, which use to be known as the capital of Jaipur in its great ages, until Jaipur earned the name. Maharaha Man Singh I started the constructed of this colossal fort in the year 1592, later completed by his descendant Jai Singh I. The exterior of Amber Fort is as impressive as its interiors. From outside it leaves an image of Royal Legendary Rajputs, whereas the interiors define the adequate view of complete comfort and intense interest. The Amber Fort is build from the white marbles and Red sandstone that make the Amber Fort to look very Majestic and Imperial. When you sight the fort from Maota Lake just flowing down the fort hills, the fascinating beauty of Amber fort leaves an everlasting picture on your mind. The water reflects the beauty in the basking sun and gives a beautiful illusion of real fort

The other major attraction of the fort is the royal elephant ride up to the Amber Fort. The Elephant will surely help you to see the panoramic vista all around. The Elephant safaris are easily available near the Amber Fort, no prior booking is required for it. The great ages work will surely surprise you to quench each and every corner of the fort, which has got the royal view in itself.

Choki Dhani A Whole Shebang of Rajasthani Village !!!
If you want to feel the flavor of real Rajasthani Village, than do not miss a visit to the Choki Dhani. The villages is out from the stretch and busy urban life, that comprises of 31 rural huts and 34 executive huts that gives you an opportunity to go back in history of Rajasthan. This is one place where the food lovers have easy access to Rajasthani delicacies. Choki Dhani is a perfect place for a traveler where one can experience the rural life under the roof of this village. Staying in the cultural huts, eating memorial food in traditional style, indulging in cultural activities life watching a puppet show, folk dances, churning of fresh butter, camel safari are all a lifetime experience. Here the melodrama never comes to an end leaving you totally engrossed and spellbound.

Tiger Fort (Nahargarh Fort)
Seen from the air, Nahargarh is an awe-inspiring sight in conjunction with the other two forts and the Garh Ganesh temple at one end of the ridge. As you enter the Nahargarh fort, you see before you the spacious and impressive main courtyard, with large ‘dwars’ on both sides embellished with decorative motifs of elephants, warriors on horseback, flowers and birds. Two weather-worn cannon carriages on either side face the ravages of time.