State
:
Rajasthan
Climate :
Jaipur has very warm summers with temperatures reaching highs of 45°
C. Even the minimum summer temperatures hover at 26°C. Frost on winter
nights is common when winter temperatures falls to 5°C or less, though
the days are warmer at average temperatures of 20°-22°C. The
region receives rainfall with the arrival of the monsoons between July and
September. April, May and June are dry and dusty.
Significance :
This state capital is one of the three corners of Golden Triangle. Jaipur
is a historic city with numerous
Jaipur - The pink city :
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is bordered by hills and decorated with
forts. The houses at Jaipur are pink in color and their fretted windows line
the streets, looking absolutely spell bounding at sunset. An engineer and
scholar Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, designed this extremely well planned city,
according to the ancient Hindu scriptures on architecture, the Shilpa Shasta
(Vastu).
Planned in a grid system having wide straight roads, streets and lanes and
uniform rows of shops on both the side of the main roads. The nine sectors
of the Jaipur represent the nine divisions of the universe, also
sub-dividing the city. Jaipur is protected by a wall consisting seven gates
built for protection against the invading armies and wild animals, outside
in the jungles that surrounded the city.
Jaipur also called the pink city is a visitor's delight. The colorful and
vibrant nature of the city attracts one and all.
History :
Jaipur was established by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743) and was painted
pink by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales, later Edward VII,
visited Jaipur in 1876. The Royal heritage of Jaipur lives in its
architecture and culture. Beautifully sprawled gardens and parks, majestic
monuments and luxurious heritage hotels, once the home of Maharajas,
represent the yesteryears of Rajasthan.
Famous for - Miscellaneous Items :
The forts and palaces of Jaipur are worth visiting, but apart from the
forts and palaces, Jaipur has other things to be proud of. Jaipur is famous
for tie and dye clothing called Bandhini, hand-woven sarees, sculptures out
of marble, engraved brass work, blue pottery, lightweight quilts known as
Jaipuris, semi-precious stones and kundan jewelry and Meenakari work made
from intricate enamel work on gold.
Connectivity :
» By Air - Jaipur can be reached by air from Delhi,
Mumbai, Calcutta and from other tourist destinations of Rajasthan i.e.
Jodhpur and Udaipur.
» By Rail - Jaipur is connected by superfast trains
to Delhi and Mumbai and to the other tourist destinations of Rajasthan i.e.
Jodhpur and Udaipur.
» By Road - Jaipur is connected by road to Delhi
(260 kms), Agra (250 kms), Jodhpur (330 kms), Udaipur (400 kms), Bikaner
(330 kms), Pushkar (145 kms) and is the gateway for tourists travelling
through Rajasthan.
Highlights of the City :
Famous for its royal forts and palaces, the pink city is the perfect place
for those who love to shop! Other major attractions located within the pink
city are the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert Hall Museum, Jantar Mantar,
Amer fort etc.
» Hawa Mahal - The Hawa Mahal, is the highlight of
the city. It is known for its airy and wide windows. It is not a palace
instead it is a sandstone screen and is built in such a manner that it
remains cool and airy even in hot summers. This palace was exclusively built
for the queens to reside comfortably, also veiling the ladies of the court
who could watch the proceedings on the road below without being noticed.
» Jantar Mantar - Jantar Mantar, built by Sawai Jai
Singh, who also built the five observatories in India, is the largest stone
observatory in the world. Its was built to predict the figures related to
the Indian astronomy.
» The City Palace of Jaipur - The perfect blend of
Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture, the City Palace is a majestic
monument. The City Palace owns enchanting balconies, arches and the
entrances. The palace is spread over one-seventh of the area in Jaipur. The
museum at the City Palace has an exclusive collection of Rajasthani
costumes, miniature paintings, carpets and royal equipment.
Fairs-Festivals in Jaipur :
Celebrated after a few days after Holi in February/March on a large scale,
the Gangaur festival is held in the honor of goddess Parvati. This festival
is basically a women festival, married and unmarried women participate in
this festival. Married pray for the long life of their husbands and
unmarried girls pray for getting a good husband. Teej is a widely celebrated
festival in Jaipur during the months of July/August and dedicated to the
goddess Parvati. The festival also celebrates the arrival of the monsoon.
Things to Buy in Jaipur :
Jaipur is famous for its arts and crafts. One can find exquisite gold
jewelry, the multi-coloured 'bandhini' fabrics, handlooms items, precious
stones, blue pottery, carving on wood, stone, block print, tie & dye
textiles and miniature painting, lovely handmade and embroidered clothes
which includes dresses, dress materials, etc, at the colourful bazaars of
Jaipur. The bazaars are not only known for the things available but also for
the dances and street shows.
Shopping Areas in Jaipur :
The main shopping markets in Jaipur are Jauhari Bazar, Nehru Bazar, Bapu
Bazar, Chaura Rasta, Mirza Ismail Road and Tripolia Bazar.
