A trip to Jaipur was tantamount to a journey back in time to the era of raja-maharajas. This princely city is one of the most famous tourist destinations of Rajasthan. It boasts of rich history and culture which beautifully reflects in its attractions. It is frequented by many tourists throughout the year. Most of the city is painted in pink which gives this city the title ‘Pink City’. This city boasts of amazing attractions like stunning palaces, majestic forts, monuments, heritage hotels, gardens, handicrafts, cuisine and precious and semi-precious stone.

One of the striking features about Jaipur is that it was constructed on the principles of Vastu Shastra. Which is a traditional Hindu system of design based on directional alignments. This royal destination is also a part of the famous Golden Triangle Tour of India. The other two destinations covered under this tour are Agra and Delhi. Jaipur was established in the year 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II. He built this city in the form of a nine-part Mandala known as the Pithapada. Here nine signifies the nine planets of the ancient astrological zodiac.

Attractions of Jaipur

Jaipur Palaces

The palace of Jaipur are renowned the world over for their architectural beauty, stunning interiors and glorious history. Most of the palaces of the city have been converted into heritage hotels to offer royalty to tourists. The palaces house the museums where a wide variety of royal belongings are on display. The City palace and Hawa Mahal are the most famous palaces of Jaipur.

Jaipur Forts

Testimony to the glorious history of the city, the forts are amazing attractions. Amber Fort is a must-visit destination of jaipur. Built in 1592, this fort boasts of exquisite carvings, huge courtyards, beautiful mosaic work and mirror work. The fort is located on a hill and can be reached by an elephant ride.

Jaipur Wildlife

Located just a few kilometres from Jaipur is the famous Ranthambore National Park. This park is famous for its tigers and a wide variety of other wildlife. Several bird species are also spotted here. The park also has a historic fort called Ranthambore Fort.

Jaipur tour is incomplete without going on a shopping spree in its colourful markets. The famous handicrafts of Jaipur are blue pottery, embroidered juttis, tie and dye fabric, precious and semi-precious stones, silver jewellery, miniature paintings and leather crafts.

Rajasthan Rocks! Well, this is the first phrase that races through my travel-obsessed-mind when someone talks about this royal destination of India. I get attracted to this destination just like iron filings towards a magnet. For experiencing the age old royal charm of culture and hospitality I and my friends hit the most princely city Jaipur

Amber Fort, Japiur

. As most of the buildings here are painted in pink(the royal color) Jaipur is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’. It occupies a prized place on the itinerary of the most famous tour of India, the Golden Triangle Tour.

We were booked in the heritage hotel, Alsisar Haveli. More than five centuries old, this hotel really gives a royal touch to your stay. It is located in the heart of Jaipur . As we entered the hotel I felt as if we have been transported to the era of raja-maharajas. Its interiors reflected the grandeur of the old days very beautifully. The fort overlooks the Maotha Lake.

The first attraction we explored was the majestic Amber Fort. This fort palace is a classic architectural masterpiece. Its foundation was laid by Man Singh I in the year 1592 and it was completed by his descendant Jai Singh I. It is a perfect amalgamation of Mughal and Rajpur styles of architecture. Its an interesting 20 minutes climb uphill. Tourists can go for an Elephant ride or a Jeep ride to reach the fort. One can also go on foot.

We opted for an elephant ride as what can be more interesting and royal than visiting the fort on an elephant’s back like a king. The fort offers a bird’s eye view of the city, which is a sight to behold. The huge doors of the fort were decorated with locks of interesting designs.

Some of the attractions of the fort, which I personally liked very much were:

Diwan-e-aam or Hall of Public audience:

This structure was the place where the king would listen to the problems and issues of the general public. It is made of marble and red sandstone. The forty pillars inside this apartment are exquisitely carved.

Shila Mata Temple:

Built in honor of Goddess Kali, the goddess of victory, the temple has a beautiful black marble idol of the goddess. The silver gates of the temple are adorned with the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

Ganesh Pol :

The Ganesh Pol is amazingly painted with vegetable colors using rajasthani motifs. And the striking feature of the gate is the beautifully carved statue of Lord Ganesha.

Diwan-e-khas:

It is an arresting apartment with stunning mirror work and exquisite carvings. The fabulous colored glass murals of depicting Lord Krishna and Radha is truly uplifting.

Zenana or Women’s apartment:

It is the private chamber made to facilitate the royal ladies to watch the proceedings of the royal court without themselves been seen. It is decorated with mesmerizing paintings of Krishna Leela scenes.