Jaipur, the largest city and capital of Rajasthan, is a mosaic of exquisite palaces, magnificent forts, temples , intriguing havelis and spacious gardens standing testimony to the imperial grandeur of history past. The legacies left by its royalty is what makes Rajasthan a major tourist attraction.
It was also India’s first planned city founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the ruler of Amber. The pink colour of the buildings has earned Jaipur the name of Pink City.
The must sees include the magnificent Amber Fort named after goddess Amba. The upward climb by elephant rides leads you to the massive fort palace complex.
The main sights are the Sheesh Mahal and the palace grounds. Other places to see are the city palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, the Albert Hall,Jai Mahal, the Govind Dev temple and the Monkey temple. Renowned the world over for its art, culture and heritage, Jaipur is a shoppers paradise with beautiful jewelry, fabrics, embroidered leather shoes also known as mojari, blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and other exotic wears.

Amber Fort

11km from the city of Jaipur is this imposing fort was constructed by Raja Man Singh in 1592 AD  The red sandstone and marble depict the blend of Hindu –Muslim architecture.The main entrance faces east and there are four courtyards with magnificent gates and cobbled floors.In one of the courtyards is the Diwan-e-am or hall for public audience.The Sheesh Mahal, which can only be viewed past a rope barrier, is  quite awesome. Other buildings are Sukh Mahal,Shila Devi and Ganesh temples.

The light and sound show in the evening is the highlight of Amber Fort as it transports you back into history.

Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar

Situated in the heart of Jaipur is Bapu Bazaar and at Sanganeri Gate, the Johari Bazaar, both a paradise for shopaholics.The streets of the markets are full of red,green and blue vibrant eye catching colours of Rajasthan. Traditional Rajasthani Bandhej salwar suits,lahenga-cholis,dupattas sarees and scarves tempt your eyes .Footwear made of camel skin ,mojaris,lac jewellery,brassware,ironware,furniture,rugs,carpets,handicraft items like puppets,wall hangings,traditional bedsheets,quilts,metal artefacts,miniature paintings,marble and sandalwood handcrafted gifts and what have you.You can shop till you drop.

City Palace

The awesome City Palace was built by Sawai Jai Singh between 1729 and 1732.The palace comprises the Chandra Mahal, now a museum depicting the cultural heritage of the kingdom,  and Mubarak Mahal. Its architectural style is Rajput,Mughal and European and the royal artefacts on display intriguing.

Hawa Mahal Mandir

Also called the Palace of winds ,Hawa Mahal is an architectural marvel  in red and pink sand stone, an example of Rajput architechture. Maharana Pratap Singh constructed this monument in 1799 AD.The Hawa Mahal has 953 windows and five floors.One has to climb up to the upper floors on slopes so as to ensure one does not slip.The royal women of the Rajput family used to view the happenings in the city from these windows.

Jaigarh fort

Perched on the ‘Cheel ka Teela’ hills and offering a panaromic view of the city,at a height of 500feet is a majestic stronghold built by Sawai Jai Singh in 1726 AD, the Jaigarh Fort.Also called the Victory Fort ,it is the strongest monument in Jaipur,made over an area of 3sq km of red sandstone to protect the Amber Fort to which  it is connected by subterranean passages.            It was an inventory ,a storehouseof  war armours,cannons,arms and ammunitionThe World’s largest cannon on wheels ,Jaivana Cannon is found here.Other attractions are Laxmi Vilas,Lalit Mandir,Aram Mandir and Vilas Mandir.

Panna Meena Ka Kund

Also known as Panna Mian ki Baoli this kund is located on Jaipur-Amer road near the Anokhi Museum.The Panna Meena Ka Kund is an eight storey step-well built in the sixteenth century, as a sort of community gathering area. The architectural arrangements of stairs in a criss-cross design are a highlight of this stepwell.Being smaller this one is more quiet and easy to explore.

Jantar Mantar

India was the pioneer of astronomical studies and a visit to Jantar Mantar (1734 AD), A UNESCO World Heritage site shows you how.This awesome collection of 19 architectural astronomical instruments leaves you bemused.It also has World’s largest stone sun dial.

Galta Mata Mandir

World Biggest Cannon

Jaigarh fort

Jal Mahal

Kanak Vrindavan Garden

Raj Mandir Heritage Cinema

JAIPUR HOTELS

5 STAR LUXURY HERITAGE
OBEROI RAJVILAS
TAJ RAMBAGH PALACE
SUJAN RAJMAHAL PALACE
SAMODE PALACE

5 STAR LUXURY
TRIDENT JAIPUR
TAJ JAI MAHAL PALACE
HIILTON JAIPUR
SAROVAR PREMIERE JAIPUR

4 STAR HERITAGE
ROYAL HERITAGE HAVELI
SHAHPURA HOUSE
ALSISAR HAVELI

4 STAR
REGENTA CENTRAL JAL MAHAL
SAROVAR PORTICO JAIPUR
ZONE BY THE PARK
FORTUNE SELECT METROPOLITAN

3 STAR HERITAGE
UMAID BHAWAN PALACE
WELCOMEHERITAGE TRADITIONAL HAVELI
DEVI NIKETAN HERITAGE HOTEL

3 STAR
HOTEL SHIKHA
HOTEL RED FOX JAIPUR
THE FERN AN ECOTEL HOTEL