Jaipur

Jaipur, the frenetic capital of Rajasthan, was planned by and named after the great warrior king, Maharaja Jai Singh II. It has been dubbed the "Pink City" thanks to its sea of pinkish-colored buildings, predominately found in the old city. Apart from its royal legacies, which include the City Palace complex and several forts, Jaipur is renowned for its sensational shopping with a splendid array of modern boutiques and medieval-flavored bazaars.

How to Get There
Jaipur can be reached by plane, bus, and train. There are flights from a number of Indian cities including Jodhpur, Udaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmadabad. Scores of state-run and privately operated buses frequently travel here from numerous centers; the main hub is the bus terminal on Station Road. The train network is also extensive, with services from most major Rajasthani towns as well as from Delhi, Agra, and Ahmadabad. Many visitors to Rajasthan hire a private taxi to tour the state, which is an especially good value if there are a few of you to split the cost.

How to Get Around
There are loads of taxis and autorickshaws to get you around the city, as well as a smaller number of cycle rickshaws. Avoid the packed local buses.

Attractions
Jaipur is a city of vibrant festivals such as Teej. Taking place every August (consult the tourist office for exact dates, as they're variable), Teej celebrates the onset of the monsoon and also pays homage to the goddess, Parvati (Lord Shiva's wife). During this happy festival, women wear bright traditional outfits, and the city hosts various cultural displays.

Exhibiting a mélange of classic Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, the large City Palace (still partly occupied by the current 'royals') is made up of a series of buildings and courtyards interspersed by patches of garden. Items that can be seen here include ornate regal costumes, elaborate weapons, and devotional paintings.

The terra-cotta-colored Hawa Mahal ('Palace of the Winds') was built in 1799 to allow princesses, and other noble women, to watch (without being watched!) the street life below as well as any public parades. The five-story sandstone facade has more than 350 viewing windows and is one of Rajasthan's most photographed sites.

The rather odd-looking structures of Jantar Mantar, an observatory constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1728, were created to measure time and chart the stars. The sundial is particularly impressive.

Located around six miles (ten kilometers) north of the city is the erstwhile capital of the Jaipur area, Amber. The Amber Fort dates back to the late 16th century and sprawls along a rocky hill. Its Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) contains some particularly striking inlaid panels and mirrored ceilings. Today Amber Fort is a major tourist site with jeeps and elephants shuttling visitors up and down the hill.

Jaipur has some fabulous shopping with bazaars selling everything from sparkling gems to embroidered jootis (pointy-toed shoes). There are also some contemporary boutiques such as Anokhi, which sell gorgeous block-printed textiles such as tablecloths, scarves, and clothing. 2 Tilak Marg.

Around ten miles (16 kilometers) from Jaipur is the village of Sanganer, best-known for its production of block-printed fabrics (bedspreads, cushion covers, and scarves) and handmade paper (including diaries, photo frames/albums, and gift boxes). Take a walk to the river to feast your eyes upon the many colorful rows of drying fabrics, gently flapping in the breeze like big butterflies. One of Sanganer's (indeed India's) largest handmade paper outlets is Salim's Paper; they're eco-friendly, using fabric scraps (not trees) to manufacture their products. Gramodyog Road, Sanganer; tel. +91 (0)141 273 0222.

Places to Eat
Rajasthan's capital has no shortage of places to eat—the ones mentioned below are just a few of the many excellent possibilities.

Feeding locals and visitors since 1949, Niro's has carved itself a glowing reputation for its Indian, continental, and Chinese fare. It can fill up fast in the evenings (especially on weekends) so try to get here early to avoid possible waits. Mirza Ismail Road.

If you're keen to sample south Indian food, make a beeline for Dasaprakash Restaurant, which cooks up commendable southern specialties including a tempting variety of dosas (type of crispy crepe), as well as spongy idlis (savory, steamed, sourdough rice cake) and a selection of vegetarian curries. Mirza Ismail Road; tel. +91 (0)141 237 1313.

To gaze upon the city as you dine, try Om. At 184 feet (56 meters), the views at this revolving restaurant are suitably panoramic. The food is good too, with tasty vegetarian dishes including some sterling Rajasthani specialties. Om is open daily for lunch and dinner. Church Road (just off Mirza Ismail Road); tel. +91 (0)141 236 6683.

Places to Stay
Jaipur is full of hotels and guesthouses to suit all tastes and pockets. Advance reservations are a good idea during the peak tourist season (November to March).

More than 150 years old, the beautifully restored Samode Haveli was once an Indian aristocrat's private residence. Located a little out of the city center, this enchanting hotel has 29 rooms—the standard rooms are suitably plush but no match to the dazzling suites. Amenities include a restaurant and swimming pool. Gangapole; tel. +91 (0)141 263 2407.

A recommended mid-priced place is the family-run Madhuban, located in the quiet and classy suburb of Bani Park. The rooms are attractively furnished, many with fine antique pieces and four-poster beds. There's a good restaurant, small swimming pool, and relaxing garden area. The Madhuban's amiable owner is a good source of local information. D-237 Bihari Marg, Bani Park; tel. +91 (0)141 220 0033.

One of the city's most popular budget offerings is the well-run Hotel Pearl Palace, which has modern, comfortable rooms (some with balconies). The rooftop terrace has views of the small Hathroi Fort, and there's a good multi-cuisine restaurant on-site. Hari Kishan Somani Marg, off Ajmer Road; tel. +91 (0)141 237 3700.

General Tips
Jaipur has one of India's most spectacular cinemas, the Raj Mandir, which is the perfect place to experience your very first Bollywood blockbuster.

For More Information
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation RTDC Hotel compound, Mirza Ismail Road; tel. +91 (0)141 237 5466.
Rajasthan Tourism
India Tourism Hotel Khasa Kothi, Mirza Ismail Road.