Dazzling colours glimmer through the haze. Cars and tuk tuks cause misshapen chaos, hooting incessantly in the heat. The aromas of spices waft through the air, tempting wandering crowds. Jaipur is cloaked in wonder. Known as the Pink City, this is a realm of culture and heritage.
GO: The capital of Rajasthan in northern India, Jaipur was the country’s first planned city. Its construction in the 18th century was guided by ancient Sanskrit concepts.
SEE: In 1876, it’s said that the maharajah ordered all buildings in Jaipur to be painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales. One year later, it was made law. Roam this metropolis on foot to discover the blush, rose, and orange-hued structures that adorn the streets.
Turn your gaze to the Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds. One of Jaipur's most breathtaking landmarks, it was constructed with pink and red sandstone. Embellished with intricate tiers and 953 white-netted windows, the Rajasthan design embodies the history that reigns in this city.
DO: Eleven kilometres from Jaipur's city centre, visit the mighty Amer Fort. Crafted from sandstone and marble, this bastion housed the royals of old. Peruse its cobblestone paths and courtyards to admire the merging of Hindu and Muslim styles.
Not all of Jaipur's buildings stand above the ground. At Man Sagar Lake, a fortress is submerged in water. Jal Mahal, also known as the Water Palace, provides a serene atmosphere in the midst of a seemingly disordered city. Four levels of this five-storey palace lie beneath the lake. Its golden shell contrasts the sapphire waters, while lush foliage sprouts from within the walls.
Along the streets of Jaipur, thousands of artisans work in the open air. Rulers once invited crafters from Persia to create extravagant art. Today, visitors can witness the trade in action. From striking fabrics, textiles, and rugs to elegant pottery, quilts, and sarees, discover the preservation of ancient techniques.
Dive into the depths of tradition and antiquity in this land of royalty. Unleash your senses and experience the unexpected. In Jaipur, awe is palpable.
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