JAIPUR THE CITY OF ROYAL

Location: Rajasthan 
Famous as: The Pink City 
Ideal time to visit: October- March 
Main Attractions: Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amer Palace, Palace on Wheels


About Jaipur
A traveller's journey to the land of the maharajahs, Rajasthan, begins from the city of the maharajahs - Jaipur, the capital city of the state of Rajasthan. It was back in the year 1727 when Maharaja Jai Singh, after whom the city is named, laid the foundation of Jaipur city. Known all around the world as the pink city, Jaipur forms the much popular tourist circuit ofGolden Triangle along with the cities of Delhi and Agra. The old city of Jaipur is enclosed within seven gates, the most important of which are Chandpol, Jaipuri and Sanganeri. The city of Jaipur attracts a good number of both domestic and foreign travellers. Being at an easy striking distance of Delhi, Jaipur has become a major hub for tourists visiting northern India.

Major Tourist Attractions in Jaipur
The architectural heritage of Jaipur is the biggest attraction for travellers. If you are a history freak and would like to explore the elements of the Mughal and Rajpur archotecture, Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan is the right place to head towards. Given below are some of the most visited tourist attractions in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

City Palace
The palace is a magnificent blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The part of the Palace is still used by the royal family as a residence and the rest portion is converted into a museum. The palace consists of several structures like Badal Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple, Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal and City Palace Museum. The palace also consists of an art gallery with a superior collection of miniature paintings, carpets and royal belongings. The palace is 3.5km.from Jaipur. The best time to make a visit is from October to March. 
Visit Timings : 9.30 - 16:30hrs. 

Hawa Mahal
Sawai Pratap Singh built the Palace of Winds in 1799. Lal Chand Ustad designed this impressive multi layered five-storey structure. It provides some excellent views of the colorful city. The Hawa Mahal was designed for the ladies of the royal house to watch the enchanting life on the street without being observed. 
Visit Timings : 9hrs-17hrs.

Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar a stone observatory was built by Sawai Jai Singh between 1728 and 1734. It was built to measure the local time, altitude, the declination of stars, planets and to determine eclipses. Jantar Mantar is a grand celebration of astronomical science and each instrument here serves a particular function and gives an accurate reading. 

Jal Mahal
Sawai Pratap Singh built the Mahal in 1799 A.D for royal duck shooting parties. This red sandstone palace is located 6.5 kms from Jaipur on the road to Amber is one of the delightful site at the center of the Man Sagar Lake. First four floors of the structure are submerged in water, only the top floor remains outside. It is also a home to large number of migratory birds arrive at the lake during winters. 

Ram Niwas Garden
Located just outside the walled city is the sprawling Ram Niwas Garden. The garden houses the majestic Albert Hall Museum opened in 1887 AD, this impressive building displays a rich collection of paintings, carpets, ivory, stone and metal sculpture among other objects. Visiting timings are 1000-1600hrs

Excursion from Jaipur
During your trip to Jaipur, you can easily enjoy excursions from Jaipur. Don't miss to visit the following tourist spots around Jaipur while you are here and do not mind moving away a few kilometres.

Amber Fort
Amber fort lies at a distance of 11km from Jaipur is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Raja Man Singh built it in the 16th century. The fort crowns on top of the hillside, the walls and ceiling of the fort are engrave with ravishing glass mirrors that helps in splashing the sun rays all over the premises. Amber is also known for the marvelous Sheesh Mahal, Jai Mandir, Diwan-i-Aam, Sikh Niwas and the small Kali.

Jaigarh
Jaigarh, or the Fort of Victory, is a rugged fort built in 1726. The world's largest cannon on wheels is preserved here. The spacious parkotas (wallls) watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh are main source of attraction. The fort slso houses a museum, which displays a collection of weapons and cannons, used by the Rajput rulers. There is an excellent view of the Amer Palace from the fort. It is 11km. from Jaipur and visiting timings are 0900-1630hrs.

Bairath
The remnant of Buddhist temple 86km from Jaipur lies at Bairath. A mint constructed by Akbar, a charming Mughal garden and an unprecedented monument with carved and painted walls built by Jahangir. 

Sanganer
Sanganer 40km. from Jaipur, is known for its textile block printing, papermaking and Jaipur blue pottery, besides several temples and an old palace. This small town attracts lot of tourist from all over the world.

Popular Shopping Centres in Jaipur
Jaipur is a shopper's paradise. It is famous for leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye sheets, scarves and other exotic wares. Jaipur's craft, especially lacquer bangles are famous all over the world. Main shopping areas in Jaipur include Jaipur Handicrafts, Aravali Bazaar, Johari Bazaar, Mirza Ismail Road and Bapu Bazaar. 

Famous Festivals in Jaipur
Kite festival
Held annually in January, it is the festival of kites with lights in them and fireworks that brighten the night sky.

Elephant festival
The festival is celebrated in the month of March. It is a festival of colors, and various elephant sports. 

Gangaur Fair
Gangaur festival is a unique festival held in April and is celebrated in honor of goddess Guar.

Teej festival
Comes in the month of August essentially a woman festival, it marks the coming of monsoon.

Jaipur Travel (Airport/Railway/Road) Information
Air: Through Sanganer Airport, the city of Jaipur is well connected to all the major cities, that include Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Udaipur. Indian Airlines flights have also started to Dubai from Jaipur. 

Train: Jaipur is on the Broad Gauge and hence connected to all the metro cities of India. There are daily trains from Delhi in morning Shatabdhi Exp. Luxurious Palace on Wheel train starts on every Wednesday from Delhi. 

Road: Comfortable deluxe and air-conditioned buses are run by Rajasthan Roadways from Delhi (India Gate) to Jaipur. The roads are very good, and it takes around 5-6 hrs from Delhi

Best Backpacking Countries

Ready to pack your bags and head out to see the world, but don't know exactly where to go? Get inspired with our picks for the best countries for intrepid travelers on a budget.

India

Increase your backpacker cred by touring this equally colorful and chaotic country. For all its frustrations, India provides far more soul-stirring moments, like seeing the peaceful birthplace of yoga, in Rishikesh; the spiritually cleansing Ganges River and the grandest monument to love, the Taj Mahal.

Chile

While Chile is more expensive than other countries in South America, it is full of dramatic and vastly different landscapes to explore. In northern Chile lies the otherworldly salt flats and driest desert in the world, the Atacama. In southern Chile the massive glacier peaks tower over Patagonia. And for a trip of a lifetime, fly to remote Easter Island from the lively capital Santiago in just 6 hours.

Australia

Australians are known for their “walkabouts,” the rite of passage for young Aussies to travel the world after they finish school. While young Aussies roam the world, they’re leaving an amazing country behind for tourists to enjoy their own “walkabout.” Down Under lures backpackers with the Great Barrier Reef, the rugged Outback and the youthful cities of Sydney and Melbourne.

Peru

Seeing the breathtaking Machu Picchu should be on everyone’s bucket list. Trekking the Inca Trail is the ultimate way to see the famous ruins, named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. This incredible 30-mile hike takes 4 days to complete as you trek high up into the Andes in search of the Lost City of Machu Picchu. Share your stories from the trail with other travelers in the nearby town of Cusco, a backpacker’s favorite pit stop filled with fun hostels.

Vietnam

Every tour of Asia should include Vietnam, a dynamic country changing by the minute. If you’re after stunning views, the jade green waters and limestone islands and caves of Halong Bay will dazzle you. For a taste of bustling city life, tour Ho Chi Minh City, with its mouthwatering street food and fascinating museums.

Cambodia

One of the most awe-inspiring sights on earth, Angkor Wat alone is worth a visit to Cambodia. The largest religious architectural site in the world, this complex of over 100 stone temples was known as “Heaven on Earth” by the Khmer kings who built it over the course of 6 centuries. Ancient temples aren’t all Cambodia has to offer, either; don’t miss seeing Phnom Penh, now one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia, with its bustling outdoor markets, exotic street food and lively nightlife.

Ireland

Getting around the Emerald Isle is cheap and easy -- a perfect combination for budget travelers. Travel by bus or rent a car to discover all the natural beauty -- from the Cliffs of Moher to Giant's Causeway -- that’s packed into this little island country. Travel to the remote Aran Islands to see traditional Gaelic language and culture still thrive. Or hit youthful and lively Galway to hear live Irish music in friendly pubs.

Thailand

This backpacker’s paradise rose tremendously in popularity after was filmed in Thailand’s Maya Bay in 1999. In the film, young backpackers search for a hidden paradise, inaccessible to tourists. Even though it’s hard to escape the tourists in Thailand, there’s still plenty here for the intrepid traveler to discover. From island hopping to elephant riding and jungle trekking, there’s no shortage of adventures to have here. And Thai food alone is worth a visit. Spicy and cheap, it’s perfect for the adventurous foodie.

Greece

A budget traveler’s dream, this Mediterranean hot spot offers ancient ruins and affordable islands to explore. Tour ancient wonders like the Acropolis and the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Then soak up Greek culture with a tour of the islands, from party-beach Mykonos to sparsely populated Gavdos.

New Zealand

If you’re an adventure junkie or simply an outdoors lover, this country is sure to wow you. Cross off a bucket list challenge in South Island’s Queenstown, the mecca for nearly all adventure activities and the birthplace of bungee jumping. If you want to see the spectacular scenery with both feet on the ground, trek through New Zealand's Fiordland National Park on the 33-mile Milford Track.

Turkey

If you want to backpack in a less tourist-trodden country, this Middle Eastern gem is a great option. Spend a few days marveling at the mosques in Istanbul (which happens to be a major flight hub for scoring cheap airfare). Once you get outside of Istanbul, prices drop tremendously. So you’ll be able to get the most bang for your buck as you crisscross the country, touring the underground caves and rock houses of otherworldly Cappadocia and the ancient ruins of Ephesus.

Southwest USA

There’s no reason to leave the good ole US of A in search of adventure. Southwest’s Four Corners region -- Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona -- offers incredible hiking and jaw-dropping scenery. While the Grand Canyon is a must-see, don’t miss other natural wonders, too, like Utah’s Monument Valley, Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns.