Jaipur (India) is the capital of Rajasthan, which is often called the "Pink City". It is inhabited by more than four million people. By some estimates, Jaipur is on the list of twenty-five fast-growing cities in the world. For many tourists, the mysterious and mysterious India is a cherished dream. The Golden Triangle Delhi-Agra-Jaipur is the most popular route of this country.
Historical reference
Rajasthan is the most picturesque region that India (state) is famous for. Jaipur has been its permanent capital since 1727. The state was founded back in 1128. At first, the city of Amber became the capital of the principality. From the XIII to the XVIII century, this principality was an independent state.
The city of Jaipur (India), was founded after six centuries. It was at this time (1727) that Maharaja Singh II laid the first stone of the future capital of the state. In 1818, the Principality of Rajasthan came under the jurisdiction of Britain. Every year it paid a huge tribute to the British. This caused discontent among the local population, and in 1835, and then in 1857 uprisings broke out here, which were accompanied by fierce and bloody clashes between the English soldiers and the indigenous population.
In 1947, the principality as a state became part of independent India, and Jaipur remained its capital.
Description of the city
Jaipur (India) is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, which is famous for its unique temples and palaces. Most of the city’s buildings are built of unusual pink sandstone, which is why this epithet was added to the name of the city.
The old city is surrounded by a huge external wall with seven gates, which at one time performed protective functions: it protected Jaipur from the invaders. The city is located in the eastern part of the state, at an altitude of 431 meters above sea level. The traffic in Jaipur is chaotic and very intense. Rickshaws, elephants, cows and camels move along the streets next to bicycles and cars.
Wide and avenues, divide the city into nine sectors, at certain angles. They correspond to the nine spheres of the universe, and give the city a clear geometric look. In Jaipur, the activities of artists and merchants have evolved since its inception. Near the city walls there are numerous vegetable and fruit shops. Inside the city, on the streets that run perpendicular to the avenues, there are trading stalls with seeds, sweets and spices. And at the Dzhokhari bazaar you can buy the most fashionable saris.
Climatic conditions
The city has a tropical climate. The weather here can be divided into three seasons. From March to the end of June, summer is in Jaipur. The air temperature at this time is on average +35 ° C, but often the air heats up to +45 ° C. It is undesirable to visit the city at this time, because you can leave the hotel only at dusk.
In June, the monsoon season begins, which lasts until September. At this time, there is not a lot of rainfall, so cool rains do not bring, they only add humidity to the air. In October, winter begins, which lasts until March. This is the best time to visit the Pink City. The temperature during this period is from +10 ° C to +20 ° C, which is very comfortable for tourists. There is little rainfall in winter. Cold air from the Himalayas often causes fogs.
Jaipur (India) Attractions
Most of the city's memorable places are located behind the fortress wall. The city palace complex is one of the pearls of this Indian city. The magnificent building is a harmonious combination of palaces, the walls of which are decorated with carved ornaments, parks that delight all guests with extraordinary beauty, spacious and luxurious halls, small and cozy courtyards that attract the coolness of spreading plants.
Palace of the Winds
The most popular and famous building in the city. His image often appears on postage stamps, postcards and calendars. The palace was erected in 1799 from pink sandstone. Its exterior walls are decorated with carved patterns and intricate ornaments.
Initially, this palace was built for the wives of Maharaja. Here they felt completely safe. This building got its name due to the fact that the palace is blown by winds of all directions.
Jantar Matra
The oldest observatory in the world. In addition to her, in India there are four more such structures (in Varanasi, Ujjain, Delhi and Mathura). The observatory was built in 1718, nine years before the foundation of the city. It was intended to monitor the progress of the constellations. This observatory is perfectly preserved.
Astronomical complex made of white marble and pink stone. In his museum you can see ancient devices that consist of stones. It is interesting that even today one can observe celestial bodies on them. In addition, yantras (star schemes) and unique maps of the starry sky are presented here.
Amber (fortress)
Jaipur (India) has attractions outside the city. One of the most famous of them is Amber Fortress. It is located on the hills, two kilometers from the city. They began to build the fortress in 1600, long before the construction of the city itself. Its construction lasted almost a hundred years and ended almost simultaneously with the completion of Jaipur.
Amber is a vivid example of a rather rare combination in the construction of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. The fortress is made of red sandstone, which was brought from the east of India and white marble. The highest point of this fortress is the Shish-Mahal tower, which rises above the Mirror Palace.
The fortress is surrounded by lush gardens. Inside there is the Shila Mata Temple, which was built so that the garrison of the fortress had the opportunity to attend various religious holidays.
Galtaji Temple Complex
Jaipur (India) has on its territory a unique temple complex, which is known outside the country due to ancient temples built of pink sandstone. The temple complex received the sacred status thanks to the healing springs that fill the temple pools.
Judging by legend, these places in ancient times lacked water. For hundreds of years, the sage Galois prayed for help from heaven, and higher powers have mercy and blessed this earth with sources. Local residents, in gratitude to Galois, built a temple to constantly remember his merits.
The walls of the temple are decorated with exquisite paintings and the finest carvings. There are many plots here - to consider all of them will not be enough for a few days. In fairness, it should be noted that they do not come here to contemplate the beauties of this building. The main purpose of the pilgrimage is to plunge into the waters of holy sources.
Previously, there were several ablution pools in the complex, but today there are only two. Interestingly, one of them is intended exclusively for monkeys, of which there are more than five thousand. These animals really bathe in it, splash amusingly and dive. The second pool (with a waterfall) is reserved for pilgrims.
Local residents sometimes call Galtadzhi “the Monkey Palace” and, I must say, justifiably: the macaques here feel like real masters. They behave peacefully, but do not forget that these are wild animals, and this is their territory, so we do not recommend enclosing them in an embrace and trying to make friends.
Hotels in Jaipur (India)
There are plenty of accommodation options in this Indian city. Only hotels here are more than six hundred. There are very budget offers here, there are absolutely chic establishments - including the former Maharaj residences. You can choose between a luxury and a super-economy class hotel. It is important to book a room on time, as the flow of tourists during the season is large.
Often travelers are interested in the question "How to find a travel companion in Jaipur (India)?". Everything is very simple: contact a travel agency working in this area and you will be offered a group in which you will be interested in spending time in this amazing country.
HR Palace
The hotel is located in the city center, ten minutes from the Hawa Mahal Palace. It offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices. They are beautifully decorated and equipped with air conditioning, cable TV and a seating area with modern furniture.
Each room has a private bathroom with toiletries and amenities. Guests can relax in the garden while admiring the hotel's refined colonial style .
Treebo aroma residency
The hotel is 200 meters from Bani Park. Guests are welcomed at the 24-hour reception. A kilometer from the hotel is the bus station. The city's international airport is 12 km away. According to vacationers, this hotel has the best quality-price ratio in Jaipur.
Family Hotel Krishna Palace
Jampur (India), the photo of which we presented in this article, is famous for real masterpieces of architecture. For example, this hotel was built 80 years ago. It looks more like a magnificent palace. Guests are welcomed free of charge by hotel workers from the train station and city bus terminal.
The luxurious rooms are equipped with all necessary appliances, modern furniture, a work desk and an LCD TV. The tour desk can arrange trips and excursions. Guests have access to laundry facilities, while cooking classes and yoga classes are available.
Reviews
For many tourists who commented on the trip, Jaipur (India), whose photo adorns the pages of travel brochures for travel agencies, was a long-held dream. And, I must say, the city did not disappoint them: with words it is difficult to convey the atmosphere of magic that reigns here. Jaipur is unusually beautiful, although at times luxury and poverty contrast here sharply.
There are many attractions in Jaipur that take at least a week to explore. There are no problems with accommodation: there are many hotels for every taste, but it is more advisable to book them before the trip. The rooms are comfortable, the hotel service is quite decent. Many travelers plan to visit this city again in order to learn more about local attractions.