Jaipur was India’s first professionally planned city. Constantly besieged by wide-eyed tourists from all parts of the world, this desert gem is a treasure trove of art, history, and culture. Once upon a time, Jaipur was the royal capital Rajasthan—a metropolis of stylish residences and thriving commerce. Today it still stands as the urban capital of the desert kingdom of Rajasthan.
If you’re visiting India, Jaipur is an unforgettable experience, exuding its royal heritage and extravagant riches alongside modern malls and residences. Popular tourist sites like Hawa Mahal and the City Palace are brilliant examples of the architecture popular in the city’s heyday—a combination of Rajput and Mughal influences. If you’re lucky enough see Jaipur during one of its numerous festivals, you’ll witness the height of this vivacious city’s vibrancy and colour. Festivals are an intrinsic part of the region’s cultural identity, and the four most popular in Jaipur are:
Gangaur – the women’s festival (March/April)
Kite Festival – local kite flying day (January 14)
Teej – monsoon festival (July/August)
Elephant Festival – elephant showcase for Holi (March)
Even if your trip doesn’t correspond with any festival dates, there are numerous activities for the whole family to enjoy. Serious shoppers will delight at a wide variety of artisan goods: silver jewelry, precious & semi precious stones, quilts, lacquered brass work, leather footwear, miniature carvings, paintings, and a variety of pottery are just a few of the commodities available for purchase.
Despite being a desert location, Jaipur surprisingly contains a number of beautiful, historic gardens. Tourist attractions like Albert Hall, the museum of dolls, and the Birla Planetarium round out the numerous attractions of this beautiful sixteenth century city. About 11 kilometers outside Jaipur stands the historic Amber Fort—the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan and the original capital city.
Numerous tours are available to help you take in this splendor of this city. While hurtling through colorful, chaotic streets is an intrinsic part of experiencing Indian culture, it’s nice to know different options are available when you need a refuge from the noise and crowds. One of the most compelling new tours is available from Hot Air Balloon Safari, which offers Jaipur tours, from the comfortable privacy of a hot air balloon.
Continue reading here: Jaipur – One of the Most Fascinating Tourist Places in India




