Jaipur Holidays

A flamboyant showcase of Rajasthani architecture and a firm favourite on tourist itineraries as the third corner of India’s ‘golden triangle’, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the ‘pink city’.

Jaipur was chosen by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743) for his capital. A skilled astronomer and visionary, he worked with superb Bengali architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya to complete design and construction of Jaipur in less than eight years.

The 18th century Jantar Mantar is the largest and best preserved of five observatories built by the astronomer prince. The observatory complex is fascinating. Jai Singh II had the huge stone structures built to measure time, chart the declination of celestial bodies and predict eclipses.

Other must-sees within the city include the City Palace Complex. The palace is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The son of the last maharaja and his family still reside in a wing of the palace. Also of interest is the Palace of the Winds (known as Hawa Mahal), whose facade is adorned with elaborate, perforated screens.

The Old City, the actual Pink City, is a great place to wander around. In 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh had the whole city painted pink, traditionally a colour associated with hospitality to welcome the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII).