Jaipur, India Hotels and City Guide

Popularly known as the Pink City , Jaipur, the capital city of the Indian State of Rajasthan, is nestled amidst the Aravallis Mountains . Founded in the 17th century, the city is home to magnificent architecture and careful town planning, colourful bazaars and friendly people. Renowned as one of the most picturesque cities in the world, Jaipur offers a wealth of attractions for the tourist.

Famous for its colourful culture, forts, palaces, and lakes… the city basks in the glory of a rich and eventful past. Jaipur is a planned city which is made all the more attractive by the pink wash that most buildings are periodically given. Besides, it remains the only city in the world that symbolises the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors. It is for these reasons that Jaipur has been included on the popular tourist ‘Golden Triangle' of Delhi-Jaipur-Agra.

Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, almost 300 years ago, during the decline of the Mughal Empire. The city was designed by a Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, using the town planning principles of Shilpa Shastra (a primeval Hindu architectural dissertation). During the rule of Maharaja Man Singh II, the entire city was painted in pink, thereby earning it the name ' Pink City '. Even today, the people living within city limits are bound by law to paint their houses in pink.

Surrounded by serrated hills and featuring magnificent fortresses, elegant buildings and temples, Jaipur is a city, well-worth the visit. Apart from its architectural splendour, the city is also popular for arts and crafts and semi-precious stones. The city of Jaipur is famous for handcrafted gemstone studded silver jewellery and for its lacquer bangles. From chunky tribal jewellery to exclusive and delicate jewellery studded with precious stones, the range available is astounding. Meenakari, the art of enamelling gold or silver, is done in Jaipur. Kundan Jewellery is exclusive both in terms of design and workmanship. ‘Thewa' work in gold on a green or red enamel base is exquisite.

Jaipur City Facts
Jaipur Population: 2,796,000 (Source: UN Population Estimate Revision 2003)
India Population: 1,096,917 (Source: UN Population Estimate Revision 2003)
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone: GMT plus five and a half hours
Language: Hindi, Rajasthani, and English

Hotels in Jaipur, India