Jaipur Tourism
State : Rajasthan
Area : 200.4 sq km
Language :Hindi, Urdu and English
Temperature :22°C - 45°C (Summers), 8.3°C
- 22°C (Winters)
Best Season : October to March
Set amidst the rugged hills of the Aravallis, Jaipur is the perfect gem
in the
desert of Rajasthan. It is as renowned for its
marvelous architecture and township as it is for its spirited inhabitants.
Holidays In Jaipur India
This pink city (so called because of the pink colored buildings in the
old city) offers myriad colours for you—in the vibrant traditional
skirts of the Rajasthani women, in the bright turbans of the men folk,
in the long rows of shops selling traditional handicrafts, ornaments and
silverware.
One of the most romantic cities on the offer, its olde
worlde charm transports you to an exotic period drama. Its 18th century
bazaarslook as they did 200 years ago . King Sawai Jai Singh II
established this fairy-tale city in the 1720s. A warrior, a statesman,
mathematician, astronomer, the architect in him reflects itself in the
meticulous planning of the city, with its broad open lanes and rectangular
road intersections.
A shoppers paradise, the old city houses a number of markets which are
not to be missed, including the Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Tripolia and
Chandpol Bazaar. Here, you must buy
cotton fabrics, camel skin juttis
and ittars.
It also has a number of landmarks including the Hawa Mahal, the Jantar
Mantar, Sheesh Mahal, and several Forts, which speak tales of the bravery
of kings and rulers.
You will experience within this city a unique synthesis of culture and
live the memoirs of history. It is simply the ultimate beginning of your
exploration of the mystic that is Rajasthan.
Facts at a Glance
History
The historic city of Jaipur or "The City of Victory" was founded
in 1727 A.D. by the great Kachhawah ruler Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh II (1700
- 1747 A.D.), and named after him. The monarch was not only a great builder,
but also a poet and an astronomer. Under his guidance, the city was designed
by his talented architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, who gave shape to the
creative aspirations of Sawai Jai Singh in the form of the dream city
of Jaipur.
The city is rectangular in shape and divided into nine
blocks on the basis of principles laid down in the "Shilpa Shastra",
the ancient Indian treatise on architecture. Built on the pattern of a
grid, the city has wide straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes and
uniform rows of shops on either side at the main bazaar, all arranged
in nine rectangular city sectors (Chokris). The principal monuments of
Jaipur are concentrated in the centrally situated Palace area (Chokri
Sarhad) in and around the City Palace. In course of time, the sunset-pink
tinge of its walls, buildings and temples gave it the name Pink City.
Festivals
Jaipur, the city of fairs and festivals, lights, garlands, special welcome
gates and shobhayaatras forever adorn the city. The year begins with the
celebration of the festival of Makar Sankranti (January 14). Jaipurites
are experts in kite flying. On this day, kites are flown by all, irrespective
of age. It is indeed a treat to watch multicolored kites illuminate the
skyline of this pink city. March-April witnesses the advent of Gangaur,
dedicated to Gauri, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati and the consort
of Lord Shiva. This festival, which is celebrated with pomp and gaiety,
symbolizes bliss and marital happiness. If you are around to see this
festival, you will see on the 17th day following Holi a grand procession
taken out of the City Palace and Goddess Gauri carried in an elaborate
palanquin led by colorfully attired elephants, camels and horses. Dancers,
musicians, drumbeaters, bandsmen, and battle dressed chariots accompany
the procession.
Another festival exclusively for women and dedicated to Goddess Parvati
is Teej. Celebrated in August, the women dress in bright costumes and
flock to the swings hung from trees. This festival marks the departure
of Parvati from her parental home to return to her husband Lord Shiva,
and is accompanied by elephants, camels and dancers joining the procession.
Another of the main festivals which is celebrated with great show is the
festival of ligh
ts, Deepawali, in October-November. The entire city is
bathed in lights and crackers, so much so that the entire city will remind
you of a glittering palace in the sky.
One festival you must watch out for is the Elephant Festival in March.
The mighty animals stride majestically, displaying their decorated trunks
and tusks. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels
and horses, followed by folk dancers. The God worshipped on this occasion
is Ganesh, the elephant son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
