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Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan in India. Tourists call it the pink city for its unique architecture. The fact is that all the buildings of the old quarter of the city are painted in pink or terracotta colors. It is believed that the buildings are lined with pink stones, but the Indians themselves believe in a different story about the emergence of the pink city. Jaipurians speak Hindi, Rajasthani, Sindhi or Punjabi. The local currency is Indian rupees or American dollars.
After many years, power changed, the population grew to 4 million, but the architecture of the old center remained untouched. Indians honor the history of the city and the memory of the Maharajas, numerous palaces and other attractions. And when a tourist gets into this fabulous city, it is as if charged with this energy. The foreigner, who first appeared in Jaipur, is inspired by fabulous views and begins to relate to this culture with trepidation. “It's better to see once than hear a hundred times” - yes, it's about Jaipur.
Attractions in Jaipur: -
City Palace: - City Palace is a palace complex built in the middle of the 18th century. Every tourist who comes to Jaipur should visit this place. The palaces included in this complex are surrounded by a fence, and the entrance is only on one side. In fact, the gate is an arch 15 meters high. The length of the gate reaches 10 meters. The most beautiful in this arch are unusual carvings, ornaments, and decorations. The Indians believe that this gate is a separate architectural monument.
Well Chand Baori: - Chand Baori is a well of steps. This is the oldest building of 3,500 symmetrically arranged steps. Only in this way the ancient architects imagined the extraction of groundwater. This well was built by Raja Chandra (Chapman dynasty, VIII-IX centuries). But some historians believe that this structure was created before our era. The depth of the building is about 20 meters, it is rectangular in shape, and its walls have terraces on itself (here tourists gather).
Hawa Mahal Palace: - Hawa Mahal was built in 1799. The initiator of the construction was Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, but he was ready to visit during the reign of Sawai Pratap Singh. This is a pyramidal building (5 floors) with a height of 15 meters. The peculiarity of the palace is a huge number of rooms, each of which has its own balcony, decorated with a small dome.
Jal Mahal Palace: - Jal Mahal is the most unusual palace of Jaipur, located right on the water. It was built as a summer residence for the Rajas in a valley among green mountains. But once in India, there was a terrible drought, which could destroy all life. The ruler established a dam near the palace to form a foundation pit. The deepening was filled with water, and city residents were able to water their gardens and fields. So, people were saved from starvation, but the lower floors of the palace went into the water forever. That is why no roads lead to this palace, and there is no gap between the facade and the water.
Birla Mandir Temple: - Birla Mandir is a temple built in the first half of the 18th century in honor of the gods Lakshmi and Vishnu (the second name of the attraction is Lakshmi Narayan Temple). Birla Mandir consists of several temples and a garden. The territory of the complex is decorated with statues that personify deities (in the form of scenes from mythology).
Observatory Jantar Mantar: - Jantar Mantar is an observatory built by the same maharaja. Sawai Jai was known as an astronomer-scientist, he could not build a "star" place in the newly built city. In total, he built 5 observatories in India, but it is Jantar Mantar that is the largest, it is in perfect condition that has survived to this day.
Choki Dhani Village: - The young folk village of Choki Dhani was founded in 1989. This small settlement is called the mirror of Rajasthan culture. The village occupies only 10 acres, it is built up with huts that were many years ago. Since Jaipur does not reveal to the tourists all the folklore, they should enjoy the culture in Choki Dhani. Every evening, the villagers organize festivities, dipping the guests of Rajasthan into the cultural heritage. National dances, music and arts and crafts - for all this come here.
Amber Fort: - The most famous fortress of Jaipur is Amber Fort (Amer). Due to the scale and grandeur of the fortress, the city has never been captured by enemies. The Kacchwa Rajputs ruled Madhya Pradesh for over 800 years. They participated in wars and robbed everything they could. It was they who, at the expense of the loot, began to build a fortress (led by Man Singh). Great Jai completed the construction, but he himself moved down to the plain of Jaipur. The fort played an important role in the history of the city and state, but it did not fit into the city development strategy that the Maharaj developed. So, the fort remained untouched, and now it is a historical monument - a favorite place of thousands of tourists.
Fort Jaigarh: - Fort Jaigarh is a fortress located very close to Amber (about 11 kilometers). According to the design of the architects, the commander-in-chief should be able to take cover in case of an attack. Therefore, Jaigarh and Amber are interconnected by underground passages and manholes. In fact, Amber and Jaigarh are 2 parts of the same defensive system. In Amber parades and other important events of the military took place, and Jaigarh had to fulfill the function of a secret bunker.
Fort Bhangarh: - Fort Bhangarh is another fortress of Jaipur. Only ruins have survived to this day, and locals call this fort a ghost town. In 1613, this fort was erected by Bhan Singh. According to the plan of the ruler, his grandson was to live in the city. And in 1720, the fortress was captured by Jai. But after 60 years, a famine came to Bhangarh, the inhabitants left their homes forever, and the fort was empty forever. This is just one version of why the fort turned into ruins.
Fort Nahargarh: - Located 6 km from the City Palace. It is the highest and most underestimated fort of Jaipur. There are very few tourists, both foreign and local. You can get to it on foot from the city center, but the climb is difficult and tiring - a narrow winding road leads to the fort, and there is no hint of shade. Part of the building is already abandoned; it is not so looked after as Amber Fort. However, this has its own charm. The fort has a local restaurant.
Wildlife in Jaipur: -
Ranthambore National Park: - Ranthambore National Park is in the state of Rajasthan and is considered the best tiger reserve. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world where tigers are easy to observe in natural conditions, especially when the forest dries, and they are most easily noticed.
Foods in Jaipur: -
Rajasthan cuisine is considered one of the most interesting in the country. It was formed in desert conditions, where there was a constant lack of water and a small selection of products. For the most part, the cuisine is vegetarian, but you can also find meat if you wish.
There are no problems with cafes and restaurants. Everything, like everywhere else in India: a huge selection of street food is not for the faint of heart, local cafes, family restaurants with air conditioning, luxury and expensive establishments.
Shopping in Jaipur: -
There will be a shopaholic, take a walk in Jaipur. The entire old part of the city is a continuous eastern bazaar, and on the outskirts, there are such modern shopping centers that you forget that you are in India. Jaipur is considered the Indian capital of jewelry, and the textile industry is also developed here. These are the two main areas in which one should focus on shopping. There is also a huge number of decor items and other trinkets with a severe touch of "antique".
Festivals in Jaipur: -
Elephant Festival: - The brightest and most magnificent holiday of Jaipur will be held in March. On this day, the Pink City praises the most revered Indian animals. The folk festival is dedicated to elephants who are given a special place in Hinduism. The Jaipur Elephant Festival takes place on the Holi celebration day (festival of colors). The celebration opens with a festive elephant parade.
Kite festival: - Another beautiful and vibrant Indian holiday. On this day, people fly a huge number of kites from the roofs of houses and see who is flying higher in the sky. Competitions are also held. In the evening, all citizens expect a salute. The holiday takes place on January 13 and 14.
Teej Fair: - It takes place in August. This holiday marks the arrival of the monsoons, and it is dedicated to the divine couple Shiva and Parvati. On a special scale, the Tij is celebrated in Jaipur. On this day, a long procession with an orchestra, elephants, and camels takes place in the city.
Best Time to Visit Jaipur: -
Rajasthan is one of the driest and hottest states in India. The vast part of it is occupied by the Thar desert, hence the climate is hot and dry. The northwestern part is especially sandy, there is little rainfall. Plan to visit Jaipur from October and to March, it is comfortable.
How to Reach Jaipur: -
By Air: - From Delhi, you can transfer to another plane to Jaipur, since the choice allows you to find the best option for the price and time. Between two Indian cities, airlines operate. In Jaipur, passengers fly to the international airport from other countries: Thailand (Bangkok), Singapore, Oman (Muscat), United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah).
By Train: - The train is a convenient, cheap and quick option to get from Delhi to Jaipur. Every day, more than a dozen trains pass along this route.
By road: - Bus service is developed no worse. You can get to Jaipur by bus from anywhere. For short distances (4-6 hours).