Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan province. The city was founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Singh, built of pink stucco in imitation of sandstone and is remarkably modern for its wide streets. The city is divided into 6 quarters separated by broad streets. Five quarters lay around the east, south and the west sides of the central palace with a sixth quarter lying to the east.
Jaipur means the city of victory and was build nearly 273 years ago protected by a strong wall that suggests strength. While in Jaipur, one lives in it’s glorious past among the many palaces and nearby forts.
Jaipur is also known as the Pink City. Jaipur's date with the pink color goes back to 1905-06, when Jaipur city was getting ready to welcome the Prince of Wales and needed a fresh coat of paint. But the contractor's inability to come up with any other color except pink led to Jaipur being painted in pink hue. Since then Jaipur has also been known as the Pink City.
Jaipur covers an area of 11117.8 km square. The number of villages it comprises is 2315. Jaipur is situated in the east of Rajasthan, in the north of jaipur lie Sikar, Mehengarh and state of Haryana. In the south are Tonk, Alwar, Dausa, Sawai and Madhopur. In the west, the towns of Nagur and Ajmer are located. The east and north of Jaipur are surrounded by Arawali hills. The main rivers that flow in Jaipur are Ganga and Sabi. There is also a dam called Ramgarh Dam on Ganga River that provides water to the city. A natural lake called Sambhar also flows through Jaipur.
Jaipur neighborhood
Jaipur was the first city in India that was planned according to the principles of modern architecture. The city is surrounded by high walls that divide it into nine sectors, each named after the caste and the people who lived there. The City Palace in located in the center of the Jaipur city. The first royal residence of Maharaja Amber Fort lies 11 km away from the city palace while Samode Palace is one hour drive away from City Palace.
On the way to Amber Fort there is the Fort of Nahagarh built on a hilltop. Just below it is Gaitor, a walled garden that has the marble statues of the Kachchwaha rulers. Further along the Amber Road is Jal Mahal, a lake palace built in 1799. The major attraction of the city lies in its bazaars and the forts that lie within the walls of the old city. In the south of the city, lies the Mirza Ismail (M.I) Road, which runs from west to east. This road is where most of the retail outlets and some of the good restaurants are located. On a walking distance further south are the Albert Hall and Museum.
Getting around
Getting around in Jaipur is not at all difficult as transport of every kind is available from buses to taxis and rickshaws. Also there are cycle-rickshaws but they are too slow and it’s better to take a taxi. The rates for taxis and rickshaws should be talked about before hiring them. Cars with drivers are also available on rent and they can be hired on a daily basis.
When to visit
The months from October to March are best to visit Jaipur as the weather in these months is cooler, while the climate during the months of April, May and June is very hot. From June to September lasts the monsoon season.
