RAJASTHAN AND JAIPUR

Exploring Jaipur and Its Attractions

On 16th March 2025, my companions, Mr. Gopakumar, Mr. Senthil, and I embarked on a trip to Jaipur. We left by 9 AM on 16th March 2025, as our Indigo flight required early check-in. Additionally, we availed of the wheelchair facility, ensuring a smoother journey. Our flight to Chennai took off 20 minutes ahead of schedule and landed early as well. However, we had a long layover of around 4 hours and 15 minutes at Chennai Airport, as our next flight to Jaipur was scheduled for 17:45.

The food at Chennai Airport was quite expensive. We opted for Bisebelebath, priced at Rs.480, which was both hot and delicious. A cup of coffee cost Rs.150, and samosa was Rs.115 each. These high prices led many passengers, to bring their own food for the journey.

Rajasthan Overview

Rajasthan, a vast state covering around 3,50,000 square kilometers, is home to several fascinating cities, each with its unique appeal:

1.  Jaipur, The Pink City

2.  Jodhpur, The Blue City

3.  Bikaner, The Red City

4.  Jaisalmer, The Golden City

5.  Udaipur, The City of Lakes

6.  Pushkar, The Sacred Oasis

7.  Shekhawati, Known for its Havelis

8.  Mandi, A Historical Gem

9.  Mount Abu, A Hill Station

10.Ajmer, A Muslim Pilgrimage Site

As we had only four days to explore, we focused on Jaipur and its surroundings. Covering all of Rajasthan would require more than 12 days. So we made the most of our limited time in the capital.

Jaipur – The Pink City

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is about 2,500 kilometers from Kanadukathan, and it took us nearly 12 hours and 30 minutes to reach. Despite the flight time being just 3 hours and 15 minutes, the total travel time, including airport waiting, was much longer.

We stayed at Umaid Haveli, a recommended hotel known for its traditional Rajasthan-style architecture. The hotel was comfortable, and the food was consistently good. Being health-conscious, we opted to dine exclusively at the hotel, even though it was slightly pricier. We hired a taxi for our daily excursions, visiting the major attractions in the morning. Lunch, rest and dinner in  the hotel . Breakfast was complimentary.

Jaipur’s Major Attractions

Planned by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. Renowned globally for its colored gems. The capital city of Rajasthan combines the allure of its ancient history with all the advantages of a metropolis. The bustling modern city is one of the three concerns of the golden triangle that includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

The story goes that in 1876, the Prince of Wales visited India on a tour. Since the color pink was symbolic of Hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the entire city pink. The pink that colors the city makes for a marvelous spectacle to behold. Jaipur raises up majestically against the backdrop of the forts.

Jaipur traces back its origin to 1727 when it was established by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amber. He Shifted his capital from Amber to the new city because of the rapidly growing population and an increasing water scarcity. Noted architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya used the established principles of Vastu Shastra to build the city.

Jaipur is filled with historical landmarks, each showcasing a blend of Mughal and Rajasthan architecture. Some of the must-see attractions include:

1.  The City Palace – Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, this palace is a stunning example of Rajasthani architecture.

2.  Jantar Mantar – One of the five astronomical observatories in India, known for its large-scale instruments used to measure time and celestial events.

3.  Hawa Mahal – The iconic "Palace of Winds" with its unique façade featuring 953 small windows.

4.  Jal Mahal – A palace set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, offering a beautiful view.

5.  Amber Fort – A grand fort situated on a hill, surrounded by a 12-kilometer-long wall.

6.  Panna Meena Ka Kund – A historical stepwell used to provide water for Amber Fort.

7.  Albert Museum – A museum showcasing a vast collection of artifacts used by Maharajas, some of which are over 700 years old.

8.  Patrika Gate – A majestic gate with vibrant Rajasthani artwork, the headquarters of an ancient daily newspaper.

Each of these attractions tells the story of Rajasthan’s royal past, with intricate craftsmanship and rich materials used in their construction. These sites made our brief stay in Jaipur unforgettable, and their history and beauty were truly remarkable. Separate articles are required to cover some of them.  Accordingly, articles are written and published in this blog. Please look for them.

Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

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