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JAIPUR
Founded in AD 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City with broad avenues and spacious gardens. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.

Once the capital city of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodhaji - chief of the Rathore Clan of Rajputs who claimed descent from Lord Rama. A major trade centre of 16th century, the city, today, has grown to become the second largest city of Rajasthan, retaining the medieval splendour.

	Jaipur's Sanganer Airport is 15 km from downtown, a drive to 30 minutes from most hotels. Jaipur is well connected by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways with Ahmedabad, Delhi, Goa, Jodhpur, Kolkata, Mumbai and  Udaipur.
	An excellent connection from Delhi is Shatabdi Express which provides a fast, air-conditioned rail service. Other connection to Jaipur are from Delhi, Agra, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Udaipur, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Secunderabad.
	Good motorable roads connect Jaipur with Delhi, Agra, Bikaner, Udaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer and Mumbai.

Some important road distances from Jaipur

City Palace

The City Palace is a historic landmark. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold and colored stones. Two elephants carved in marble guard the entrance, where retainers whose families have served generations of rulers are at hand to serve as guides. The palace interior houses a Museum containing select collection of various types of Rajasthani dresses, a fascinating armoury of Mughal and Rajput  weapons, swords of all shapes and sizes, with chased handles, some of them inlaid, enamelled, encrusted with jewels and encased in bold and magnificent scabbards.

It  also has an Art Gallery with a fine collection of paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalla and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh-II for his study of planets and their movements.

Hawa Mahal, built by the poet-king Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal is the most strikingly designed monument in Jaipur. What is seen from the Sireh Deorhi Bazaar is the multiniched five-storey high backside of the complex. It was conceived to provide adequate vantage position behind delicate stone-carved jali screens to the palace women for watching the royal processions passing through the bazaar below.

Jantar Mantar is one of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Constructed with stone and marble its complex instruments whose setting and shapes are precisely and scientifically designed represent the high-points of Medieval Indian astronomy. The two Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes are unique in their isolation. This is the largest of five observatories founded by Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of the country.

AMBER FORT

Amber Fort the ancient capital of the State until 1728. Visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jai Mahal and Temple of Kali. Ascend on Elephant back, the hill, on which the fort is situated. 

Govind Devji Temple The most popular spireless temple of Jaipur dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located in the central pavilion of the Jai Niwas Garden to the north of Chandra Mahal. the image of the patron deity - Govind Devji, originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh II as his family deity. 

Samod (40 km) The beautiful Samode Palace has been rebuilt and renovated and provides a fine example of the Rajput haveli architecture and is an ideal spot for outings.

Sanganer (12 km) Located on the Tonk Road. In addition to its ruined palaces, Sanganer has exquistely carved Jain temples. The town is entered through the ruins of two tripolias (Triple gateways). The town is an important centre for crafts industry and produces some of the finest hand printed textiles from units of block and screen printer. This textile is popular all over the country and abroad

Nahargarh A sentinel to the Pink City is Nahargarh Fort, situated beyond the hills of Jaigarh. Although much of it is in ruins, the lovely building added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Swai Madho Singh II provides interest to the fort.

Teej (July-August) is probably the best known, and marks the onset of the monsoon. Women in full festive dresses symbolically play on flower-decorated swings.

Gangaur Festival (March-April) is another festival concentrating on women when they pray of Goddess Parvati, and a procession in full regalia is taken out through the city.

Elephant Festival (March) Playing holi on these majestic mammals is a unique sight during the festival.

Jaipur offers one-of-a-kind shopping experience with its rich treasure of bewitching jewellery, beautiful gems semi precious stones, Kundan and Minakari work (enamel work on gold). Beautiful cotton fabrics including sanganeri prints, tie-and-dye and fine kota 'doria' saris are the best buys for women. The exotic blue pottery, enamel ware and brass ware, make excellent souvenirs and gift items. 

The city is also famous for woollen carpets and cotton rugs. Equally popular are the leather footwear, especially the embroidered 'Jutis'.

The famous shopping spots are Rajasthani, Johri Bazaar, MI Road, Nehru Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Chaupar Stalls. The markets generally remain closed on Sundays.

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