November 18 is marked as the Jaipur Foundation Day, and today we are celebrating Jaipur’s 293rd birthday. On this auspicious occasion, Jaipur Beat is sharing some interesting facts about the capital of Rajasthan.
1. The city was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber who ruled from 1699 to 1743.
2. Jaipur gets its name from its founder Maharaja Jai Singh II, the great warrior and astronomer.
3. Vastu Shastra has guided the building of Jaipur.
4. Hawa Mahal is in the shape of a crown of Lord Krishna with 953 jharokhas or windows.
5. It was one of the earliest planned cities of India, designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya.
6. The pink colour denotes the colour of hospitality, as it was used to welcome the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, in 1876.
7. Jantar Mantar also features the world’s largest stone sundial, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
8. Constructed in the year 1876, Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum of Jaipur.
9. Known for its architectural marvels and vibrant culture, Jaipur made its entry into the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
10. Jaipur houses 22 stepwells, out of which some are the largest and deepest in the world.
You can take Jaipurites out of Jaipur, but not Jaipur out of the Jaipurites. Isn’t it?
While Jaipur is always filled with number of places that are world-class, it is time to travel local and appreciate the value of our home now.
The closed country borders, lockdown, and the safety reasons are now making us appreciate the treasure of our city Jaipur.
Here are our top picks-
Amer Fort
The famous Amer Fort is one of the most visited forts in Rajasthan and is a marvellous blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The fascinating beauty of Amer Fort at night is definitely an attraction.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is considered to be one of the largest astronomical observatories out of all the 5 in the entire nation. Recognized as the world heritage site by UNESCO, Jantar Mantaris a treat for people who have a lot of interest in astronomy and architecture.
Hawa Mahal
Carved out of red and pink sandstone, this marvelous piece of architecture is recognized as the tallest building in the world built without a foundation. It is ourown Taj Mahalthat is in the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown.
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal is a five storied structure built with stones and walls thick enough that no water seeps in. You can watch, behold the sight and, capture its beauty only from a distance.
Albert Hall
Opened as a concert hall in 1876, Albert Hall was then turned into a Museum to promote the local artisans’ work. Soon after that, the museum gained its popularity not only for its exquisite collection but also for its splendid architecture.
Walled City
No matter what transport you choose to reach the walled city, but once you step out of it, a gush of local air filters through you and gives you the major feels of the city. Stroll through with a heart full of patience and excitement because the markets of Jaipur are truly engaging.
City Palace
Based on a fusion of the Vastu Shastra of the Indian architecture, combining Mughal, Rajput and European styles, City Palace was built by the founder of Jaipur- Sawai Jai Singh II. The most attractive part of the Palace is its four gates that represents thefour seasons of the year.
World Trade Park
World Trade Park gives us a moment of pride for being one of the largest malls in the country with 11 floors. This place looks no less than an English house, or a cathedral from inside.
Nahargarh
A blend of Indian and European style of architecture, Nahargarh Fort was built as a retreat on the hilltop at that time. Providing a stupendous view of the city, Nahargarh Fort was built strategically to provide protection to the royal family of Jaipur.
Jaigarh Fort
Providing a great view of the entire Aravalli range, Jaigarh Fort is known for holding the largest canon on wheels in the world. It is situated at a distance of 15 km from the main Jaipur city and is popularly known for not being conquered by anyone in the battles that it has witnessed.
Galta Kund
Within the unfolding lanes of Jaipur you’ll find the most fascinating and intriguing among them all is Galta Ji- the magnificent campus of temples. It’s not just one temple but a marvelous cluster of numerous beautiful temples spread amid the boundaries of Aravali Hills.
Birla Mandir
Situated on the foothills of Moti Doongri Fort, Birla Mandir also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple is a proud architectural landmark of Jaipur. Unlike other traditional Hindu temples, Birla Mandir is built with a modern approach in pure white marble.
ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Sri Giridhari Dauji Temple is situated in Dholai village, south of Jaipur City. It is one of the famous & most visited temples in Jaipur. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram which are very beautifully decorated.
Raj Mandir
Lesser of a movie theatre and more of a tourist destination, this is the most beautiful theatre of Asia and we have all taken our relatives from far off cities to this place during vacations.
Jawahar Kala Kendra
Like the rest of Jaipur’ wisely chalked out architecture and planning, Jawahar Kala Kendra boasts of an architecture that spellbinds a beholder at just one glance.
Jawahar Circle
A tall pink structure surrounded by a gamut of trees and lush gardens, that structure is Jawahar Circle – the biggest circular park in Asia. The entrance of Jawahar Circle is through the Patrika gate, which has been designed beautifully.
Nahargarh Biological Park
For reference: Nature Wanderers
Who would have thought that Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan will offer you a lion safari? But this edition in adventure activities is the Nahargarh Biological Park exclusively for Lion Safari. The zone of the lion safari lies in the Aravali foothills with hillocks that offer panoramic landscape.
Birla Planetarium
Birla Planetarium in Jaipur is one of the main attractions in the itinerary of travellers and was inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Birla Planetarium takes you to the lesser known world of galaxy and stars.
Amrapali Museum
Amrapali is a globally renowned, coveted luxury jewellery brand. The heritage jewellery house launched its very own museum in Jaipur. It displays traditional silver jewelled arts of India reflecting the ‘everyday’ life of the people of India.
We are sure some of you must have not visited to any one of the above listed places. But as everyone says better late than ever so do visit these treasures of our very own Pink City once the lockdown ends.
Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak we are still travelling to Jaipur’s most iconic places. Are you? And no, we haven’t stepped out of our home also we can take you along with us. You ask how?
Now that everything has become virtual, why not travel to these places virtually!
Hop on people, cause we are about to embark on an adventurous journey to Jaipur’s 5 iconic places that would take you back to your good old memories.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal, a monument, a memory, a landmark, the pride of Jaipur; a place you just cannot miss going to! Looking out of those windows of the wind palace your eyes stumble upon the shops on the busy streets and people walking by everything looked so lively.
Amer Fort
As regal as can be, Jaipur’s magnificent Amer Fort rightly personifies the city’s Rajputana culture. This place vibrates with its legendary past and not to forget the Sound and Light show which is an exemplary saga of culture & heritage of Rajasthan.
Jal Mahal
On a beautiful day, when you think about hanging out with family/friends, the one spot that you always think of is Jal mahal palace! This Water Palace is definitely the most loved place to witness the glorious sunset with your loved ones.
Nahargarh
Another iconic place of Jaipur and is loved by everyone even the directors of Rang De Basanti, Nahargarh. The view from Nahargarh Fort, which stands out on the hills of Aravali, is out of this world especially during night. It is definitely a rare sight that is worth visiting for!
Albert Hall
Standing tall in the midst of Ram Niwas gardens, the front face of the Albert Hall is every spectator’s delight. In the evening the museum is covered in vividcolours which add to the charm and magic of the Albert Hall Museum. However, the most amazing sight is when a large kit of pigeons rests there and flies away giving an unforgettable picturesque view!!
There’s one thing, which will always be synonymous with Jaipur is its jewellery, for sure. Unarguably, Jaipur’s quintessential jewellery is widely acclaimed not just for its superior craftsmanship but also for emotions that each creation is able to garner.
Jaipur Jewellery Show popularly known as JJS, the largest Jewellery Show in North India, has been proactively promoting various precious stones and Jewellery items through a unique theme every year since 2004.
The opulent jewellery show has begun at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre, Sitapura yesterday and Jaipur Beat decided to bring the first-hand experience of the jewellery show for our dear followers. The magnificence has been at the 16th edition of the grand show with the theme “inspire to create a fashion statement” and best of the best brands and the biggest ones have displayed their gleaming sets of inspiring jewels at the exhibition. Every jewellery brand has put their heart and soul into the thematic description of their booth with floral to contemporary, colours and themes. While some brands kept it simple, the other ones have exhibited their jewels with the entire extravaganza, claiming the nominations and winning Best Booth Award.
The Jaipuri chhatri displayed at theevent exudes the essence of our Pink City in true sense. One thing that’s catching the attention, this year, is the artwork of Jaipur’s landmark building, Hawa Mahal. The windows of Hawa Mahal are equipped with augmented reality mirrors wherein you can take the look and feel of the displayed jewellery without getting it out of the showcase.
Brands like Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers, Ghatiwala Jewellers, Exquisite, Savio, Agarwal &Co, Kalajee Jewellers, Adiyogi Jewellers, RK Gems, Narayandas and many more are displaying their most scintillating set of jewels. Your wedding shopping needs for this year are all sorted with an array of the most royal jewels being showcased at the exhibition.
Different variety of gems and jewels like diamond jewellery, jadau jewellery, gemstones and polki jewellery is being showcased at the event. Some unique artifacts and jewels are also on the display for art collectors.
Musical evening and awards night yesterday had the starlet Vaani Kapoor, who presented the awards to the winning jewelers and Kiku Sharda tickled the audiences’ bones with his standup comedy acts.
So if you fancy gems and jewels, the 16th edition of the Jaipur Jewellery Show is the place to get drenched in the glamour of jewellery from all over the world.
Date: 20th-23rd December 2019 Venue: JECC, Sitapura
Jaipur – A Jewellery Destination
The gems and jewellery industry of Jaipur have come a long way, from being known as the cutting and polishing centre of precious and semi-precious gems, colored and diamond jewellery, for the art of meenakari, for amazing Jadau Jewellery , Jaipur Jewellery is always in high demand at national and international markets.
It’s probably the only city in the world that hosts two grand jewellery shows. Both the shows that are known as Decemeber Show and April Show dazzle the Pink City with its charm.
After the December Show, the April Show– Jewellers Association Show (JAS’2020) is all set with the theme “A Majestic Fusion of Gems and Jewellery”. After the ongoing December show, brace yourself for another grand extravaganza of gems and jewels from 10th -13th April 2020 at the JECC, Sitapura!
Here’s a glimpse of the grand celebration of life and luxury that took place at Jewellers Association Show 2019. The colours and talents of last year are all set to notch up the madness again in 2020!
Jaipur experience all the season in their extremes. With the temperature being 46 degrees Celsius the heat is unbearable. But we, Jaipurites know how to enjoy the best of both worlds, no matter how extreme it gets. Summers in Jaipur is the warmest times usually extending from April till July. But summer is also that time of the year when we can socialize, unwind and relax cause summertime is vacation time. Most of the schools are on break and colleges are mostly inactive. Therefore, as soon as summer approaches we all start making plans for the vacations, deciding the next spot we want to visit, relishing over all things cool or having a water gun fight with your pals. Ah, summer is fun. But we all know Jaipur can get all heated up during summers and if you staying in the city like us then Jaipur Beat will help you beat this heat with these cool escapes.
1. Pool Parties
A pool party is always a good idea in summers, the best place to chill around with your family and friends. Splashing water all over the place and dancing to your favourite beats. Pink City has quite a few options for all the party-loving Jaipurites.
2. World Trade Park a.k.a my second home
Experiencing an electricity cut, worry not. “World Trade Park hai na yarr…” you can go there chill or hang out with your squad, have food at the court and enjoy the window shopping in the air-conditioned malls for as long as you want.
3. Water Park
Water Parks are an entertaining place to enjoy your break with your family and friends, you can have fun on exciting rides and slides. Pink Pearl is one the most popular water park in Jaipur and even has India’s first water Disco, though in recent times more water parks have come up in the Pink City which means more fun, you can spend your weekends with your family and friends at a water park and relax.
4. Hawa Mahal
OK! So this is one of my favourites from my childhood. Jaipur is known for its heritage all over the world. Thousands of people visit it around the year. Hawa Mahal is the spot you cannot afford to miss be you’re a tourist or a localite. Here’s why, Hawa Mahal’s architectural feature allows cool air from the Venturi effect to pass through, thus making the whole area more pleasant during the high temperatures in summer.
5. Jal Mahal
Talking about heritage with cool escapes, you cannot skip the list without Jal Mahal. Walking past the ‘Paal’ of Jal Mahal is how you want your day to end as it not only furnishes the cool breeze but also provides a picturesque sight.
6. Staying home and lazing around
Since its summer you get a chance to stick to your lazy bed/sofa and play games on your mobiles and laptops as your parents would be scared to send you outside due to the loo. And the best part is you can stay in your pyjamas the whole day, cause no leaving home.
7. Relish over ice cream/cold drinks
Who can say no to ice cream/cold drinks in summers? What are you even talking about, I survive on ice cream/cold drinks in summer.
Ice cream parlours in Jaipur serves many inviting flavours. Jal Mahal Ice Cream Parlor has some refreshing options on their menu that will make your taste buds go gaga with joy.
8. The perfect excuse to run through sprinklers in the garden
Remember when you were a kid and use to play with water balloons, relive those moments, let the child inside you jump out and run through the water sprinklers till you are drenched. It’s one of the best things about summers.
हिंदी एकमात्र ऐसी भाषा है जो हम जयपुर वासियों को जोड़कर रखती है| ऑटोवाला हो या कैब ड्राइवर, स्विग्गी वाला हो या जोमाटो वाला, चाय की थड़ी वाला हो या 5 स्टार रेस्टोरेंट वाला, सब के जब्बान पर बस हिंदी ही है| तो क्यों न हम आज का दिन हिंदी के उन शब्दों के नाम करदें जिनसे यहाँ पर घूमने आने वाले अनेक पर्यटक भी वाकिफ है|
Parkota (परकोटा)
Kyunki Jaipur wale apni walled city ko parkota ke naam se bulate hai!
Rasta (रास्ता )
Yaha har ek raste ki apni alag khasiyat hai. Chaura Rasta- Stationary lovers, maniharon ka Rasta- lac bangles, Haldiyon ka Rasta- kite market, and the list goes on.
No matter what transport you choose to reach the walled city market, but once you step out of it, a gush of local air filters through you and gives you the major feels of the city. From the street vendors all around trying to sell you ethnic jewellery, clothes, toys, bed sheets, handkerchiefs, edibles and what not, to the truly colourful shops loaded with Jaipuri jootis, block print and leather handbags, wedding outfits, vibrant Jaipuri lehengas and much more- the markets of Jaipur are truly engaging.
Stroll through with a heart full of patience and excitement and you’ll surely find yourself drooling over the local delicacies including the famous Kachoris, Samosas, Mirchi vadas retrieved from the piping hot oil and put on little paper serving plates.
Moreover, after you have had a long day of discovering the lanes of the walled city market, you can finally binge on the Rajasthani delicacies for dinner like Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki sabzi, Laal Maas, and Ker Sangri.
Further, while you stand right in front of the Palace of Winds, the legendary Hawa Mahal, you’ll realise that there actually are 953 windows in it. Located in the midst of the market and surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city, the place has an enchanting significance to it, which would surely lure you into seeing it inside out.
You can further explore the local culture and the colours of Jaipur with the local market that offers Jaipuri leather items, junk jewellery, Jaipuri block print dresses and bedsheets, quilts, handicrafts including blue pottery items and traditional kathputlis, mirror work items, and much more.
On the other hand, you may dive into Hindu spirituality with temples like the renowned Hanuman temple, the Govind Dev Ji temple and Garbh Griha.
Next, when you have crossed through the booming traffic, the metro construction taking place at Badi Chaupad and the loud yet prismatic market, you are finally ready to enter the gates of the truly magnificent City Palace of Jaipur, which was once the abode of the royal Rajput rulers. For years and years, Jaipur has celebrated its legacy of having inherited this beautiful monument that presents itself as Jaipur’s crown.
Witnessing the grandeur of living and lifestyle of Jaipur’s royals at the City Palace Museum, you’ll be taken back in time with the treasures of the bygone era. From the enticing Chandra Mahal to the mesmerizing Peacock Gate, Lotus Gate, Green Gate and Rose Gate; City Palace just never fail to bewitch you with its beauty.
While you take away Jaipuri clothes, quilts, jooties and jewellery as souvenirs for your loved ones away with you, the most beautiful things you take along would still be the sights of the vivid liveliness of the city.
Hawa Mahal, a monument, a memory, a landmark, the pride of Jaipur; a place you just cannot miss going to while in Jaipur.
Looking out of those windows of the wind palace or the Hawa Mahal, your eyes stumble upon the shops on the nearby lanes of the roads. No matter how much you try to ignore, you are simply drawn to the shops and find yourself in the rich market commonly known as the Hawa Mahal Market.
With hundreds of shops lined one after the other, you just go on an unintentional shopping spree.
The most distinctive product available in the market, goat leather bags. While some claim the bags to be genuine camel lather, most of them are made up of goat leather. From handy little slings to travel bags, a variety of bags in all size and shapes to suit your needs the best is available in the market.
The market has a special treat for those who love Jaipur’s infamous hand block printing. You find a number of sellers with boxes full of blocks meant for the sole purpose of printing. Go ahead and get your hands on beautifully carved blocks and experiment with printing on your own.
Remember those Jaipuri Razaiyan you’ve heard of? Well, this is the perfect place to get one for yourself. The 250 years old Kadarbaksh Razaiyan has in-house for you exquisite razayian with beautiful hand block prints of different patterns.
The market has a lot many shops to offer you kurtis with Sanganeri prints. One of the most famous of them is Gulab Chand. If you like dressing up your little girl you must pay a visit to Hawa Mahal Market, sets of lehenga cholis in the markets appropriate to fit even little girls of age 3-4.
How many times we have heard the words “Incredible India?” Little souvenirs at Hawa Mahal Market show us how incredible we truly are.
To serve your hungry tummies in the middle of your shopping spree, a lot of chatwalas can be found while strolling through the market. Or you can have a seat at Wind View Caféright opposite the Hawa Mahal.
The next time you plan on visiting Hawa Mahal, make sure you have some extra time to spare in the Hawa Mahal Bazaar, the market clearly has a lot to offer.
Night tourism in Jaipur has added a distinctive identity to this captivating city. It began from the year 2015 so that the tourists and the locals get a whiff of the state’s hidden story. Till date, this night tourism has attracted footfall of about 12.2 lakhs as against the total expenditure of Rs. 4.27 crores made for the installation of lighting fixtures.
Here, are 4 places where you can get the faint smell at night and get a spectacular and mesmerizing view of the Pink city.
Amber Fort
Amber Fort, the 16th-century monument turns even more enchanting during ‘Amber by Night’ – an initiative by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan. The different hues of light give a new perspective to the elegance of the fort.
Hawa Mahal
When the 953 jharokas of Hawa Mahal aka Palace of Winds are lit up in varied hues at night, the drive around the walled city becomes an illuminated memory forever.
Vidhyadhar Garden
The newest addition to night tourism in the city is a 350-year-old Vidhyadar Ka Bagh which has been revamped with lush green garden, beautiful fountains, sparkling with yellow and blue lights, recalled as Vidhyadhar garden. It was built in the fond memory of Jaipur’s chief architect, Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya. Nestled in the lap of a valley, the garden offers a panoramic view of the city.
Albert Hall
Albert Hall – one of the oldest museum of Rajasthan, looks even more enthralling as you pass by it at night. To let the people soak in the beauty of these monuments, the Department of Archeology and Museum also holds cultural programmes hosting renowned artists from Rajasthan and nearby places, like Kathak performance at Albert Hall under the full moonlight (poornima).
Meanwhile, preparations are being made for illuminating other places like Sanganeri gate, New gate, Tripolia gate, Chandpole have also been taken up in the project where external theme based lighting will be done. The project also involves façade lighting of three main bazaars of the city, namely Chaura Rasta, Tripolia Bazaar and Johri Bazaar.
These lit up monuments, gates and gardens just add to a visitors list and behold their own beauty amidst the darkest hour of the night. Don’t forget to get a glimpse of these places as you drive through them 😉
Amber Fort, the 16th-century monument turns even more enchanting during ‘Amber by Night’ – an initiative by the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan. The different hues of light give a new perspective to the elegance of the fort.
