Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. For any first time visitor, Jaipur is an attraction, with rugged hills, forts and battled walls. The city in pink is symbolic of the hospitality that reigned in the Rajput culture. A heart-warming reception by the garlanding in a traditional manner by the caparisoned elephants will entice you at the onset of the trip to the city itself.
Jaipur has a timeless appeal in its colorful bazaars that is a delight for its Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are worth admiring. A trip to the desert in India is not complete without a ride on the Ship of the Desert, Camel. Added to that, the cheerful people in multi hued attires make Jaipur a tourist's paradise.
Jaipur offers myriad shopping bargains. A major gem and jewelry center, it is famous for Kundan work (enamel work on gold). Also there are woolen carpets, cotton rugs, marble statuary, enameled wares, brass ware, hand-block printed Sanganeri and Bagru Cotton fabrics, exotic blue pottery made from crushed quartz, leather footwear and more.
Jaipur has a number of sightseeing spots. On the Delhi-Jaipur highway, one would notice the magnificent Amber Palace. Within this fort lie the famous Jai Mandir and the world renowned Sheesha Mahal, a hall full of mirrors.
Another landmark worth visiting is the abode of the erstwhile royal family, the City palace. The charming palace reveals a combination of the Rajasthan and Mughal styles of architecture.
The signature building of Jaipur is the Hawa Mahal. Built by Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799, the Palace of Winds (as it is literally translated), is an integral part of the City Palace. The Hawa Mahal serves as an extension of the 'Zenana' (women's chambers). This five storied architectural piece is a stunning example of Rajput artistry is made of red and pink sand stone, beautifully outlined with white borders and motif's painted with quick lime. The monument with a spectacular view of Jaipur city with road avenues, intersections and colorful crowds in the market, was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions in the city without being seen by others.
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