Jaipur Travel

History
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is most natural place to begin a discovery of Rajasthans multifaceted attractions. The city actually takes its name from a princely state called Jaipur State that existed sometime during the 12th century. This state was home to the Kachwaha Rajput clan. The state was founded in the year 1097 AD by a man named Dulaha Raya, who came from Gwalior. They drove out the local Meenas and the Bargujar Rajput chiefs and settled over here.

Founder of Jaipur - Maharaja Jai Singh II
Jaipur, the pink city was founded in 1727 AD by Maharaja Jai Singh II who ruled from 1699-1744. Initially his capital was Amber, which lies at a distance of 11kms from Jaipur.
After several battles with Marathas, Jai Singh was keen on the security aspect of the city. Due to this reason, he focused on his scientific and cultural interests to make a brilliant city. Being, a lover of mathematics and science, Jai Singh sought advice from Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a Brahmin scholar of Bengal, to aid him design the city architecture. Vidyadhar referred the ancient Indian literature on astronomy, books of Ptolemy and Euclid, and discussed the plan with the King.
With a strategic plan, the construction of the city started in 1727. It took around 4 years to complete the major palaces, roads and square.

Architecture of Jaipur
Jaipur is rich in its cultural and architectural beauty, which can be traced in the various historical and aesthetic places that reside in the city. This city of victory really wins the hearts of the people with its splendid charisma.
The city was built following the principles of Shilpa Shastra, the Indian Architecture.
The directions of each street and market are east to West and North to South. The Eastern gate is called Suraj (Sun) Pol, while the Western gate is called Chand (Moon) Pol. There are only three gates facing East, West, and North including the Northern gate (known as Zorawar Singh gate) which faces toward the ancestral capital of Amber, while many gates face South.

Although the present city has expanded from outside of its walls, the original planning was within the walls. The gates used to be closed at sunset and opened at sunrise. Almost all Northern Indian towns of that period presented a chaotic picture of narrow twisting lanes, a confusion of run-down forts, temples, palaces, and temporary shacks that bore no resemblance at all to the principles set out in Hindu architectural manuals which call for strict geometric planning.

According to that time, architecture of the town was very advanced and certainly the best in Indian subcontinent. In 1853, when Prince of Wales visited Jaipur, the whole city was painted in Pink color to welcome him. Still, the neat and broadly laid-out avenues, painted in pink provide a magical charm to the city.

About
Jaipur, the fascinating capital of the marvellous state of Rajasthan, is one of the well-planned cities of its time. Jaipur was established by the then Maharaja, Sawai Jai Singh in the year 1927. The graceful architecture of the City that runs across in pink colour has earned Jaipur the title of "The Pink City". Jaipur is predominantly known for its musicians, artisans and craftsmen. Today, it is flocked by masses for its fine jewellery, varied textiles and sumptuous cuisine.

There are innumerable sagas and stories of culture, traditions, practices and valour. This diverse land of rich cultural heritage is a royal treat for tourists all over the world. Some of the most visited tourist destinations include

Hawa Mahal, the palace of winds
Amer Fort, the earliest capital of erstwhile Jaipur state
Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory
City Palace, the residence of erstwhile Maharaja of Jaipur
Nahargarh Fort, the hunting residence of erstwhile Maharajas
Jaigarh Fort, the artillery storehouse of Rajput Rulers

Along with these fascinating places, Jaipur is flocked by people for indulgence in shopping. The famous handicrafts, silver and gold jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones, beads and jewellery, blue pottery products, carpets and textiles are the most preferred ethnic items by visitors. Jaipur has a close proximity with Delhi, the national capital and is well connected to other parts of the country through air, rail and road. Jaipur is one of the fastest growing cities of India with productive investment opportunities like Mahindra World City, World Trade Park, etc.
The growth of the City is also contributed by the rapidly developing social infrastructure with super-specialities hospitals and medical centres, institutions of higher-learning and schools.

Things To Do
Welcome to the 'pink city of India'- Jaipur. This historical and cultural city with its charm and attractions of the yesteryears draws thousands of visitors from round the world. There are many Things to Do in Jaipur. Once you land here, you will never be bored and simply get puzzled in managing your time.

Make a plan for your trip because there are many Things to Do in Jaipur. Check out the famous historical sites here. The forts, palaces, museums, amusement parks and the temples reflect the magnificence of Indian architecture at its best. There are also plenty of restaurants like the Copper Chimney, Dasaprakash, the Palace Café, the Jaipur Darbar and many others that are famous here. Dining in these places is real fun. Things to Do is one of the major forms of entertainment here. The main markets popular among tourists are Jauhari Bazar, Bapu Bazar, Nehru Bazar, Chaura Rasta, Tripolia Bazar and M.I. The city is one of the most important centers in the world for cutting and polishing precious and semi precious stone, diamonds. You can also buy the famous 'Bandhni' and 'Lehariya' saris. Gopalji ka Rasta and Haldion ka Rasta are the two notable lanes in this market for Things to Do. These lanes prides in housing some of he best shops of jewellary and traditional tie and dye fabrics and textiles. Textiles, local perfumes and shoes made of camel skin are famous in Bapu Bazar and Nehur Bazar. Leather footwear such as shoes and 'jutis' are best buys in Ramganj Bazar.

The other notable places for Things to Do in Jaipur are Kishanpol Bazar for tie and dye textiles, Maniharon Ka Rasta or Tripolia Bazar for lac bangles and Subhash Chowk for carpets. Near the Hawa Mahal there are large number of shops dealing in antiques and pseudo-antiques.

How to Reach
By Air : Jaipur Airport is located near Sanganer at a distance of 13 kms from the city of Jaipur. Many domestic airlines connect the city to all the major cities of India including Udaipur and Jodhpur as well. Flights for Delhi and Mumbai run on a regular basis. The airport has been granted the status of an international airport and connects to the foreign cities like Sharjaha and Muscat too.

By Rail : Jaipur Railway Station is a central main station of the state of Rajasthan. The vast rail track of Indian Railways connects Jaipur station with all other cities of India. There are numerous trains which run on a regular basis to and from Jaipur.

By Road : Jaipur is well connected by road to major cities in India. Excellent road network serves people to enjoy a comfortable journey to and from Jaipur. This mode of traveling is quite easy and comparatively cheap. Regular bus services from nearby cities connect Jaipur to the other cities. Deluxe Buses, AC coaches and Government buses are available for the convenience of the passengers.