Jaipur was the first professionally planned city in India. Constantly besieged by wide-eyed tourists from around the world, this gem of the desert is a treasure trove of art, history, and culture. Jaipur was once the royal capital of Rajasthan, a metropolis of elegant residences and thriving commerce. Today it remains the urban capital of the desert kingdom of Rajasthan.
If you
visit India, Jaipur is an unforgettable experience, oozing its royal heritage
and extravagant riches along with modern malls and residences. Famous tourist
sites like Hawa Mahal and the City Palace are shining examples of popular
architecture in the city's heyday, a combination of Rajput and Mughal
influences. If you are lucky enough to see Jaipur during one of its many
festivals, you will witness the pinnacle of vibrancy and color in this vibrant
city. Festivals are an intrinsic part of the cultural identity of the region
and the four most popular in Jaipur are:
•
Gangaur - the women's festival (March / April)
• Kite
Festival: Kite Flying Day (January 14)
• Teej -
monsoon festival (July / August)
•
Elephant Festival: showcase of elephants for Holi (March)
Even if
your trip doesn't coincide with any festival dates, there are plenty of
activities for the whole family. Serious shoppers will appreciate a wide
variety of handmade products: silver jewelry, precious and semi-precious
stones, quilts, lacquered brass work, leather footwear, miniature sculptures,
paintings and a variety of ceramics are just a few of the products available. for
purchase.
Despite
being a desert place, Jaipur
surprisingly contains a number of beautiful historical gardens. Tourist
attractions such as Albert Hall, the Doll Museum and the Birla Planetarium
complement the many attractions of this beautiful 16th century city. About 11
kilometers from Jaipur is the historic Amber Fort, the former citadel of the
ruling Kachhawa clan and the original capital.
Numerous
tours are available to help you enjoy this splendor of this city. While
navigating colorful and chaotic streets is an intrinsic part of the Indian
culture experience, it is good to know that there are several options available
when you need a refuge from the noise and crowds. One of the most exciting new
tours is available at Sky Waltz Balloon Safari, which offers tours of Jaipur,
from the comfortable privacy of a hot air balloon.