Pink city, city of colors, capital of Rajasthan, the first planned city of India, isn’t Jaipur known to people all across the world for its various shades ? Unlike Christian Grey, all the shades of Jaipur are gorgeous and worth watching 😉 So here you go !
1. Metro
One of the fastest implementations in the Metro sector, Jaipur Metro is the first metro in India to run on Double-storey elevated road and Metro track. The first line of the Jaipur Metro, called Phase 1A, comprising 9.63 kilometres of route from Mansarovar to Chandpole Bazaar, was opened to public by Vasundhara Raje, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, on 3 June 2015, and thus, it became the sixth rapid transit system in India. Now, we proudly call ourselves a Metro city !
World’s largest free literary festival happens in Jaipur ! Every year, everyone, not just in Jaipur, but from all around the world visits the pink city especially for this magnetic festival that keeps getting better every time like the old wine. To get a taste and a glimpse of the literary geniuses from all genres, people swarm in to the Jaipur Literature Festival with a footfall of around 2 lakh in 5 days. Apart from literature, one gets to witness the latest fashion trends, the best eateries, all kinds of cuisines, and a whole new shopping experience at JLF.
Celebrated on 14th Jan every year, Makar Sankranti is a festival that brings out the highest level of zeal and voices especially in the city of Jaipur ! While some men and women gang up at the roof tops and fly their kites as soon as the sun rises, a lot of women are seen passionately cooking the delicious dishes for the day. Friends come together for the day and even strangers meet at the flying get-togethers and are seen having the time of their lives.
Amber (pronounced Amer), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated about 11 kilometres from Jaipur, is the classic fort-palace with a magnificent aura. Along with an elephant ride to the fort , you will see its various shades every evening when an exemplary saga of culture & heritage of Rajasthan comes to life with its Sound & Light Show and now it’s also open for night tourism 🙂
Nahargarh
The highest fort in Jaipur where Aamir Khan shot ‘Pathshaala’ from the famous Rang De Basanti and also the shot from where they all fall down 😉 Nahar meaning Tiger and Garh meaning fort makes this name as Tigers used to roam in the area and people say that you can still spot a leopard or a tiger if you are lucky ! From the top of this fort, Jaipur looks like a twinkling gem at night.
A water palace as it is called in a more English way, Jalmahal rests in the middle of Man Sagar lake like the pearl of its soul. Although it looks beautiful in the day time with birds by the side of lake and flying all the way to the palace to alight on its strong walls, the real magnificence of Jalmahal is witnessed under the blue starry sky at night when the water shimmers and the palace gives a perfect fairy tale feel to the beholder.
Don’t get confused now because we Jaipurites fondly call the Indian flag in Central Park by this name. This fluttering flag is the tallest in India with a height of 206 feet and makes us feel proud every time we pass by it.
6. Museums
Jaipur has some quaint museums to attract everyone. Albert Hall Museum is the oldest one in Rajasthan and is always bustling with curious tourists and guess what? It is now even open for Night Tourism ! The grand City Palace also houses a museum- Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. Both these museums have artifacts, costumes, armors and musical instruments etc. from the eras of different rulers.
When the temperature drops in Jaipur, these special quilts come to rescue 😉 These razai or quilts have the power to keep you warm even in bitter cold. Brightly colored Jaipuri quilts are anything but boring. Buy them in cotton, chenille or silk to grace your home.
8. Jawahar Kala Kendra
If you are a Jaipurite, it has to be one of your favorite places to hang out. Jawahar Kala kendra aka JKK is the cultural hub of the Pink City. It hosts cultural fests, theatre festivals and art exhibitions. Not only this, you can taste Jaipur’s famous dal, bati, churma at Madhuban here 😀 For the lovers of South Indian food, Indian Coffee House of JKK is the coolest place !!
A symbol of Jaipur’s victory , Sarga Suli is a tower located in Aatish Market that was once the highest in Jaipur ! Originally known as Ishar Lat., King Ishwari Singh got it built after defeating Madho Singh. Going to the top gives an amazing 360 degree view of the city and when it’s lit during Diwali, it looks beautiful with all the colors oozing out and spreading on the walled city.
Chokhi Dhani – Chokhi meaning ‘good’ and Dhani meaning ‘village’, is probably the most popular ‘modern’ and visited tourist place in Jaipur. Tourists from across the globe come to Jaipur specially to visit Chokhi Dhani which is like an amusement park designed like a village. It gives you a glimpse of the culture of Rajasthan. You can enjoy camel rides here and dance with Kalbeliya dancers. It has a really huge variety of delectable Rajasthani food on offer. Here the food especially Dal Baati is served with lots of love and ghee just like you are dining at a village 😉
11. Panch Batti
It literally means ‘5 lights’. It is basically a traffic signal that is too busy. Panch batti is a symbol of Jaipur just like its pink walls. You will find big showrooms, classy restaurants and high-end hotels near this point. And this is how it looks on a rainy day 🙂
Baoris aka Stepwells, are one of the most dramatic places seen in a lot of Hindi movies where lots of dance sequences have been shot. The most popular Baori is at Abhaneri near Jaipur. This one is called Chand Baori and is the biggest step-well. Hindi movie fans must have seen the beauty of this Baori in the movie Paheli.
13. Temples
Jaipurites are simple God-fearing people and this is proved by the large number of temples in city. Moti Dungri temple and Birla Mandir are full of devotees all the time. The huge Govind Dev temple is a landmark that is especially amazing on Janmashtami. If you want to see temples on hills, head to Galta Devi, Shila Mata at Amer, Khole ke Hanumanji, Choolgiri and Garh Ganesh temples.
We have electronic clocks now but Jaipur had its very own clock way before. Jantar Mantar looks intriguing but is a popular place among tourists and locals alike.
15. S.M.S Stadium & Arjuna Statue
This is the latest jewel in the crown of Pink City. An imposing statue of warrior Arjuna has been erected outside SMS stadium. Even many Jaipurites might not be able to tell you the full form, so popular is the name SMS. It is Sawai Man Singh Stadium where many sports events are organized including international cricket matches. SMS stadium is not limited to sports and witnesses a lot of other activities as well. The statue symbolizes sportsman spirit and is a sight that you simply cannot miss.
16. Vivid Festivals
Teej festival falls during monsoon where women swing on swings decorated with flowers and processions are also taken out from Tripolia Gate to Chaugan Stadium while Gangaur sees large processions of ladies carrying earthen pots with lamps glowing inside on their heads. The seven day festival is especially visible inside the four walled city where people gather to see performances by Rajasthani artists.
17. Hawa Mahal
Created in the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown, with 953 windows, this mesmerizing airy palace is one of a kind !! People come here to experience the wind. You need to walk quite a lot here and the wind feels really good afterwards. The palace is surrounded by shops now that sell everything associated with Jaipur 🙂
Whether it’s the block prints, leheriya, bandhej or Sanganeri prints, you will love each of them. Leheriya and bandhej are mostly bright while the block prints are more subdued and extremely classy.
19. Walled City
We have come halfway discussing the shades of Jaipur, so well, Pink has to be the most prominent one ! The walled city is all pink, whether it’s the walls or shops. In 1876, the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria visited India on a tour. Since pink denotes the color of hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the whole city pink in color to welcome the guests and since then, Jaipur came to be known as the pink city 🙂
The traditional-style shoes from the city are called mojris. They can be worn with all kinds of outfits though. Mojris are mostly made of camel leather. Famous for being peppy and comfortable, you can buy some plain pairs or something that has multiple colors to suit any outfit !!
Once called as the Asia’s most beautiful cinema hall, Raj mandir is the temple for cine-goers. It’s beautiful from outside and royal from inside. The carpeted floor and shining chandeliers make you feel like a royal. Even non-Hindi speakers come here to watch Bollywood movies just to experience the magnanimity of Raj Mandir.
22. Jaivanna
The biggest cannon in the world lies in Jaipur and it goes by the name Jaivanna. It is kept at Jaigarh fort and the gigantic cannon astonishes everyone and reminds us of the old glorious days 🙂
23. Blue Pottery
Blue pottery is associated with Jaipur and you will see a lot of it here. The colors are not limited to just blue and you can sometimes see green, yellow and even brown. The fragile and lively pottery has the power to change the look of any room with its rich look !
24. Jewellery
A lot of to-be brides come to Jaipur to shop for their jewellery. This is proof enough of how exquisite our jewellery is. From Kundan and jadau to Meena work, everything is available here. Silver jewellery and gemstones from the city are also hugely popular and the most visited are the jewellery fairs especially JJS i.e. Jaipur Jewellery Show where visitors from all over the world come to see various types of jewellery displayed.
Built as a tribute to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, Statue Circle is one of the most popular landmarks also seen as a very calm sight in the city. This circle isn’t ordinary and is surrounded by balloon sellers, coffee shops, ice cream stalls and a garden which is always beaming with people having a fun time with family and friends.
26. Lassiwala
This is an iconic shop famous for its lip-smacking lassi. It is always full of people who want to have a taste of this cooling drink.
Jaipur people have strong sweet teeth. Ghevar is the most loved sweet here. All kinds of Indian sweets are made extra yummy in the city but Churma from Jaipur is one of a kind. Food is incomplete without desserts here.
28. Spicy Food – Mirchibada & Pyaaz ki Kachori
Every food item is a little extra spicy in the city full of sweet people. Whether you like kadhi or mirchibade, be sure that it has the power to make your face go red. Make sure to try the famous Sev from the shops on the streets that lead to Amer fort and the spicy Jaipuri treat – Pyaaz Kachori from Rawat !
29. World Trade Park
World Trade Park is the symbol of modern Jaipur. The sprawling blue and silver building houses the biggest fashion brands. It has a stylish food court where youngsters and even the older generation love to hang out.
30. Lakes
Jaipur may not be the city of lakes but our Man Sagar Lake is a popular tourist spot. A palace is situated in the middle of lake and is rightly called Jal Mahal. People come here to just stroll here and soak in the beauty. We also have Chandlai Lake and Ramgarh Lake which need a little more care.
Really very nice