Jaipur

One of the three points of Rajasthan’s famous “Golden Triangle”, Jaipur is a deservedly popular destination for travellers. 

A pleasant city with much to offer, Jaipur is famed for its powerful clan of Maharajahs.  The most famous, Jai Singh, founded the city in 1727 and named it after himself.  An exceptionally intelligent man, he built the Jantar Mantar Observatory, using very advanced science for the time. 

Other highlights of Jaipur include the City Palace museum, also designed by Jai Singh.  The Palace of Winds is a wonderful example of Rajasthani architecture.  Its cupolas and curved windows reveal are merely a front and the Palace was used only as a façade behind which the royal women could observe festivals and processions in the streets of Jaipur without breaking the strict Purdah which they observed at all times.

A little out of Jaipur is the magnificent Amber Fort, one of Jaipur’s most popular sights.  Situated on a rocky hilltop overlooking the surrounding scenery, Amber is an imposing sight.  Originally built by the Kuchwaha clan who ruled from there for seven centuries, the Fort is a mix of architectural styles and filled with beautiful arched Mughal doorways, open courtyards and mosaic walls. 

The city itself is also home to some colonial era history with the Albert Hall and various other British-designed buildings.  Wonderful for shopping, travellers may wish to purchase silver jewellery, blockprint and tie-dye cloth, blue pottery and carpets as a memento of this lovely city.