Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. The city was founded in the 18th century and the name Jaipur came from its founder Maharaja JaiSingh II.
It is also known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the city’s buildings are painted in terracotta-pink. Actually there’s a bit of a history to this which we will talk about later in the post. Jaipur is also considered to be the first planned city of India. The city is also famous for its heritage architecture, forts and temples. The heritage sites and forts of Jaipur gazes the beautiful fusion of the Mughal and Rajput architectures.
Jaipur is one of the prime tourist attraction in North India. It hosts many luxurious 5 star properties within the city and some serene resorts in the outskirts. Traveling to Jaipur, the itinerary needs to be of 3nights and 4 days so as to explore the unmissable(s) of the city.
The reason why Jaipur is called ‘Pink City’ is because in 1876 the Maharaja of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh painted the whole city in this distinct pink color. Reason behind doing this was, to greet the royal guests Prince Albert and Queen Victoria upon their arrival. The color pink is said to be the color of hospitality. It is also said that the Maharaja’s wife loved the shades of pink on the walls of the building thus convincing the Maharaja to pass the law that any building in the city must be painted in the same color scheme and should be maintained ever after. This law was passed in 1877 and it still is in effect. During this reign, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh was one of the powerful and wealthiest men in India.
The Pink City or Old Jaipur has 7 entry gates, namely;
- Chandpole
- Surajpole
- Ajmeri gate
- New gate
- Sanganeri gate
- Ghat gate
- Samrat gate
- Zorawar Singh Gate
The iconic ‘Hawa Mahal’ too is in the pink city of Jaipur.
Another step that Maharaja took to make sure Lord Albert visits Jaipur is he commissioned a concert hall and naming it after him, “Albert Hall“. The lavish concert hall, built to honour Lord Albert is situated in Ram Niwas Public gardens. Maharaja built this place as a town hall but was later changed to the Art Museum by his successor Madho Singh II. Albert Hall is now known as “Albert Hall Museum” or “Government Central Museum“.
The other places that reflect deep history of Rajasthan and architectural fusion (Rajput and Mughal) would be;
- Amber Fort
- Nahargarh Fort
- Jaigarh Fort
- Jal Mahal
- City Palace
Other than the above, unmissable places to visit would be;
- Birla Mandir
- Monkey Temple / Galta Temple
There are always some Gems and Hidden Gems;
- Elphantastic
- Chokhi dhani
- Rawat Mishthan Bhandar
- Tapri
The city is not limited to the above mentioned attractions only, its vastly enriched with much more facts, history and heritage of Rajasthan, India.
Amazing and insightful post. Jaipur is the beautiful place to visit and enjoy. The palaces looks so royal and spacious.
Great thoughts.
Jaipur has been my favorite city for ages now. Your post brought back so many memories. Thank you so much for that.
Jaipur looks so beautiful definitely will plan to visit …ty for guiding through ur post definitely will check out.
Rajasthan and Jaipur is in my travel bucket list and I am so much attract by its culture,craft,architecture and beautiful view of Jaipur
Jaipur is so bright and it has very good destinations to explore. I had amazing time last vacation
Oh, how many times I have been to Jaipur but I never get bored of this place. It’s always fresh and welcoming. Thanks for this beautiful article
Jaipur is best visited in which season? I have been meaning to go there. I loved how you explained why the city is pink. I never knew pink is the colour of hospitality
I love Pink City! And I loved watching it once again through vintage pictures. Been there thrice and never gets bored. Thanks for sharing a word about this beauty!
Jaipur is an enchanting place where heritage and contemporary brush shoulders. The city has so much to offer, absolutely love Amer Fort and the food of Jaipur.
Pink city is one of my most favorite cities in India. Excellent pictures and a great trip!
It was nice learning about the lil information on maharaja. I am yet to see jaipur the pink city. So beautiful!
I went to Jaipur for the 1st time this Jan for a wedding:) I loved the palaces… shopping is great as well… love the grandeur and heritage the city offers. it’s so colourful
Jaipur looks beautiful through your lens. I have never been there but would love to visit it soon.
Pink city never fails to amaze me . Right from food to dance forms to shopping option , it’s an goto gateway from Delhi ..
I have always been eager to visit Jaipur. It is one of the best cities in India known for its tradition and culture.
Jaipur is such a lovely place. It has something to offer everyone. I love visiting Jaipur.
Jaipur is indeed a very beautiful place for visiting. I have been there once its a amazing place to travel.
Wow, your article really makes me want to revisit Jaipur at the earliest. I didn’t know Old Jaipur has as many as 7 entry gates. I would love to visit it real soon. Some great pictures there too
I have heard so much about jaipur… But I had absolutely no idea about why all the buildings are coloured pink… Loved reading this post!
Pink city is one of my go to destination from Gurgaon on a long weekend. Nicely captured the essence of Jaipur .
Jaipur is my naani’ place is.. Like every bit of it… Luxury n royalty at its best
I love the beauty of this Pink City. It has beautiful architecture and streets. Jaipur has been on my wishlist now.
I would really like to visit the city someday..hope I visit India soon