Dominated
by pink sandstone architecture, the royal city of Jaipur is famous as
the Pink city of India. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
Jaipur emerged as one of the strongest Rajput kingdom of Rajasthan. The
city of victory is today the capital city of the state of Rajasthan. It
indeed is a window to experience the rich Rajasthani culture which is
still preserved by the inhabitants of the royal city. The city also
happens to be the first planned city of medieval India and was built by
Shaspati (Hindu priest architect) Vidyadhar Bhattacharya of Bengal. The
walled city is built by Guru Vidyadhar in a grid system. Nine rectangle
shaped city spheres, laid out in broad, spruced up roads comprises the
avant-garde architectural framework of Jaipur. Enveloped by the Aravalli hills the city has a mystic charm which tells the story of the royal bygone era. The city has three major water bodies which fulfill the water requirement of the city as well as provide it with added natural beauty; the Ban Ganga, Banas and the salty Sambhar Lake. The bazaars of Jaipur are a treat to the eye with colorful hues dominating the entire market. Beautiful fabrics, traditional cotton and chiffon saris, leather goods, exquisite furniture, miniature paintings, hand made paper items are all going to leave the visitor spell bounded and make them dig deeper into their pockets.
Jaipur is extensively enriched by beautiful palaces and magnificent forts. The city is undoubtedly an architectural delight with the beautiful Amber fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh fort and palaces like the city palace, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal adorning the city. These stunning palaces and forts embody the true spirit of the Rajputana and are the reminiscence of the chivalric Rajput past and romance.
The city offers a sneak peek in the culture and traditions of the lives of Rajasthani by making one a part of the numerous fairs and festivals which are organized in the city. A visit to the city will also give one ample opportunity to satisfy their taste buds with traditional Rajasthani cuisine. People in love with the rich cultural heritage and continuing traditions with a blend of modernity should surely make a visit to this former Kachhwaha capital.