Jaipur welcomes you with striking monuments, bustling bazaars, sumptuous cuisine and affable hospitality. The rich legacy of the royal Rajasthan is palpable in art, architecture, culture, fairs and festivals that also make this state capital such a delight for tourists. Jaipur may be one end of the 'Golden Triangle', connecting it to the national capital of Delhi and the home of the Taj Mahal – Agra, but it's the title of the Pink City that brings it the most glory. One visit to the region featuring a dominant scheme of colour pink, and you would be mesmerised at the timelessness of the area!
Top AttractionsIts architecture breathing life to the arid environs, what is Jaipur if not for its resplendent forts and palaces! An engineering marvel, Jantar Mantar and the magnificent Amer Fort represent the city amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites but you will find the City Palace, the Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal and the Hawa Mahal equally impressive. The celebrated Indian Tigers can be sought on just a few hours of drive from the city in the renowned Ranthambore National Park whereas a camel safari for the exploration of wilderness and local life is readily available from many points in the city.
Shopping in JaipurYou could spend days in the city yet not lay your eyes on all that its vibrant bazaars have to offer. From precious gems and jewellery to hand-crafted clothing, bedding and accessories, from hand-printed paper and pottery to hand-knit textiles and carpets, you might want spend more pounds than you had planned on the eclectic offerings. Though it's always possible to discover a hidden shopping den on your own here, you might want to first check out the Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Chandpole Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar and Kishanpole Bazaar.
Eating Out in JaipurThe lavish preparations, rich flavours and varied cooking methods involved will tell you that Rajasthanis take their food very seriously. Eating out in the capital city, consequently, is a delightful experience often ending with a burst of flavours in the mouth. Some of the popular dishes to keep an eye out for include 'Dal Bati Churma', 'Laal Maas', 'Ker Sangri', 'Gatte ki Sabzi', 'Badam ka Halwa' and 'Ghevar'. One of the best places to eat in Jaipur is Chokhi Dhani, imitating the atmosphere of a fair in a local village and serving lip-smacking Rajasthani food with much affection and in the true spirit of 'Athiti Devo Bhava' (The Guest is Equivalent to God).
Best Time to Visit JaipurThe best time to visit Jaipur is during the months of winter, starting from October and lasting through February. The temperatures are lower around this time and the atmosphere remains buzzing due to festivities surrounding Teej, Dusshera, Diwali and New Year. These festivals are wide windows into the discovery of local culture, customs, traditions, values, art and hospitality of the city. Bibliophiles and literature-devourers may want to plan their visit in January when the city hosts one of the most prestigious literary festivals in the country – the Jaipur Literature Festival.
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