The word Rajasthan is derived from the words “Raja” which means king and “sthan” which means land, hence Rajasthan means ‘the land of kings’. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a city that exudes royalty and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the state. The city was designed by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century, who built royal palaces, gardens, and pavilions that occupy almost a quarter of its footprint. The streets of Jaipur were also designed to serve as parade routes, and a busy craft bazaar flourished, selling wares almost exclusively to decorate royal buildings.
Jaipur has always been a city of royal celebrations. In 1876, the entire city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, and this tradition continued when Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana visited the city. Today, Jaipur’s prolific royal architecture is fiercely protected, and it’s worth taking a stroll through the side streets where artisans, traders, and shopkeepers keep the city ticking.
Jaipur is one of the most vibrant cities in Rajasthan, with many things to see and do. One of the most interesting things to do is to walk through the streets of Jaipur’s Old Bazaars. Every surface of Jaipur’s 18th-century City Palace is adorned with carvings, silverwork, or opulent textiles. Most of the decoration was created in Jaipur’s Old Bazaars, and similar pieces of work are still made there today, using traditional techniques. You can see the craftsmen at work and try some of the area’s culinary delights, such as freshly fried aloo tikki (potato cakes) and samosas.
Another unique experience is to cook with a local family at the DeraMandawa heritage hotel, which was converted from the ancestral home of the Mandawa family. You can attend their private temple for puja (prayers) each evening, take a cooking lesson with your hosts, and help prepare regional dishes such as Aamras ki Kadhi.
A tour of the village of Bagru, a 40-minute drive from Jaipur, is also a must-do experience. The village is renowned for its intricately block-printed textiles, and you can learn the printing, washing, and dyeing process from a local guide. You will see the great swathes of fabric drying in the sun, logs of teak finely carved into printing blocks, and natural dyes mixed in preparation.
Jaipur’s Mughal treasures are also worth exploring. The Jantar Mantar is an observatory complex built by the ruling family of Jaipur, led by Maharaja Jai Singh, who carefully planned their 18th-century city. The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, was built alongside the main road into the city, allowing the royal women to observe parades entering Jaipur unseen behind latticed screens. The City Palace, to the east of the modern city, houses a textile museum that celebrates the region’s rich artisanal skills, as well as an armoury and art gallery.
Finally, a visit to the Amber Fort is a must-do experience. The fort is Rajasthan’s original capital and sits 11 km (7 miles) from Jaipur. The best way to get to the palace is by walking up, zig-zagging past market stalls and street vendors, arriving into the main courtyard through the Suraju Pole (sun gate). A labyrinth of corridors, galleries, temples, and royal quarters surrounds three further courtyards. The Sheesh Mahal, meaning ‘mirror palace’, is the most ornate room, covered in thousands of mirrors and semi-precious stones.
The best time to visit Jaipur is from October to March when the weather is warm, dry, and sunny, although mist and fog may grace the early mornings in December and January. April and May offer good-value rates for hotels but have a more humid climate. From June, temperatures can reach up to 45°C (113°F), making travel uncomfortable.
There are also many festivals and events that take place in Jaipur throughout the year. The Hindu festival of Holi is celebrated enthusiastically in March, where paint is thrown during vibrant street parties. Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, occurs in late October or early November when thousands of oil lamps are lit across Jaipur as families meet to exchange gifts. The Jaipur Literature Festival takes place towards the end of January each year and attracts Nobel laureates as well as local writers, offering a varied program of events including talks and readings.
In conclusion, Jaipur is a city of rich cultural heritage, royal architecture, and vibrant celebrations. Visitors can explore the streets of Jaipur’s Old Bazaars, learn to cook with a local family, visit the village of Bagru to learn block printing, take a guided tour of Jaipur’s Mughal treasures, and visit the Amber Fort. With many festivals and events taking place throughout the year, there is always something to see and do in Jaipur.
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