
Palace of the Winds, Jaipur
Situated 190 miles (300km) southwest of Delhi, Jaipur is an
essential stop on any tour of Rajasthan. The old, walled section of
the city is known as the Pink City: it was painted red (a lucky
colour in Hindu culture) to welcome England's Prince Alfred in
1853, and the fading old buildings still retain traces of this hue.
Jaipur is one of India's newer cities, founded in 1727, and was the
creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who
decided when Mogul power was on the decline to move from his
outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on
the plains further south.
The Pink City was built in only eight years. Much of it was
designed by Jai himself, including the City Palace and the Jantar
Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory with massive
instruments used to predict the monsoon and to identify the
movements of the stars. Most impressive is a 27 metre-high sundial
that is accurate to within two minutes. All seven gates into the
old city remain, one of which leads into Johari Bazaar - the
famously frenetic jewellers' market, boasting the best selection of
precious stones in India.
Jaipur is now a thriving commercial city, home to about two
million people. Although some visitors are put off by the
over-zealous traders and the insane traffic, most are enthralled
and enchanted by this welcoming, exciting city. There is no better
place in India to shop than in Rajasthan's capital - you'll find
everything in its shop-lined streets, from jewellery to silks to
perfumes and stationery. Just be prepared to bargain hard for a
good deal.
Attractions

Amber Fort
Amber Palace
Situated on the crest of a hill seven miles (11km) north of
Jaipur is Amber, capital of the Kuchwaha Rajputs from 1037 to 1728.
The city-palace is protected by towering outer walls, and a further
wall runs for miles along the hills surrounding...
see full detailsGalta Monkey Temple (Galtaji)
Situated between two granite cliffs, this temple is part of a
much larger temple complex. The complex has three sacred pools
which the monkeys enjoy swimming in. This Hindi temple is slightly
dilapidated but definitely still worth the trip out of the city...
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City Palace © Ekabhishek
Jaipur City Palace
The magnificent City Palace is in the centre of the Pink City of
Jaipur, enclosed by high walls and set amidst fine gardens and
courtyards. Since Jai Singh built it in 1728, it has been the
principal residence for the Maharajas of Jaipur...
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Palace of the Winds, Jaipur
Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal)
The Palace of the Winds is Jaipur's most acclaimed attraction.
Built in 1799, it is situated on the edge of the City Palace
complex overlooking one of the city's bustling main streets, and
was constructed to offer the women of the court a...
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Events
Pushkar Camel Fair
In November each year, a Camel Fair is held in the beautiful
Rajasthani town of Pushkar. The Pushkar Camel Fair is a festive
event: farmers and herders from across India gather to sell camels,
horses, and cattle. Amidst the camel races and auctions...
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