Jaipur - Fact File
Location : Rajasthan, India.
Area : 64.57 sq. kms
Population : 23,24,319
Main Languages : Hindi, English and Rajasthani.
Known As : Pink City.
Major Attractions : City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Central Museum, Amber Fort, Govindji Temple.
Climate : Extreme climate, Maximum temp : 45°C, Minimum temp : 5°C .
Ideal Time to Visit : October to February.



Jaipur - the dream land
Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan is a dream land built with red and pink sand stone. The city is famous for its rich history and culture, splendid forts and palaces, golden sand, exquisite temples, marvellous gardens and warm people. Situated amidst the 431 m high Aravalli hill, Jaipur (city of victory) is popularly known as the 'Pink City.' The origin of this charming city can be traced back to the 18th century. Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. For the easy administration, Jai Singh II transferred his capital to the plains that is Jaipur. The king started to build this new city with his companion Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, a Bengali architect. The architecture of Jaipur is a harmonious blend of Mughal and Jain styles. In the year 1734, the city was named Jaipur. Jai Singh ruled for 43 years and after his death there was a great chaos for the heir. Jaipur was attacked many times and captured by Maratha, Jaat and British. The city became the capital of the Rajasthan state in 1956.

Jaipur is considered one of the best planned cities in India. Inspite of growing into a bustling city, Jaipur still retains its character and glorious history. A beautiful fusion of yesteryears and modernity Jaipur today epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. Jaipur is also home to beautiful handicrafts, textile prints, delicate jewellery, semi precious and precious gems and stones. With is rich and colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour and bravery, Jaipur has now become on the most important heritage cities in India.

Attractions of Jaipur
The old city 'walled city' is located in the north-east of Jaipur, while the new city is located to the south and west. Johari Bazaar is the main shopping cetre in the old city, Mirza Isamial Road is the main shopping area of the new city. Jaipur's tourist attractions are mainly situated in the old city.

Monuments : The princely state of Jaipur is ruled by many rulers who had built a number of magnificent forts and palaces. Some of the most famous monuments are City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Amber Fort etc.

Temples : Jaipur is home to many temples such as Birla Temple, Govind Devji Temple and Jagat Shiromani Temple. The Birla Mandir is an architectural wonder that is located in the South-Eastern side of the city. Built in 1985 by the Birla family, the enshrined deity of the temple is Lakshmi- Narayan. Govind Devji Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and located in the centre of Jai Niwas Garden. Jagat Shiromani temple is also dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its exquisite carvings.

Gardens : Jaipur boasts of a number of gardens which houses animals, birds, trees and shrubs. The popular gardens are Zoological Garden, Sisodia Rani Palace Garden and Vidhyadhar Garden. The Zoological garden is situated within the Ram Niwas Garden. It has animals, birds and a crocodile breeding farm. Just 8 kms east of Jaipur, Sisodia Rani Palace Garden is most popular of all the gardens. Vidhyadhar Garden is located 7 kms east of Jaipur, which is considered amongst the best-preserved gardens.

Shopping : Jaipur is famous all over the country for precious and semi precious stones. Miniatures, clothes, marble statues, jewellery and textile prints are other specialties of Jaipur. Johari Bazaar or the Jeweller's market, Badi Chaupar and M.I. Road are the main shopping areas.

Food : People of Jaipur like the Rajasthani food which is the combination of dal, bati and churma. Beside spicy flavours, sweets, mishri mawa and ghevar are also favourite food of Jaipur. A number of restaurants in Jaipur serving local Rajasthani cuisine as well as Indian , Continental and Chinese cuisine.

Entertainment Options : Cinema theatres are the best entertainment option in Jaipur. Another entertainment option is the occasional cultural programmes organized in the city.

Accommodation
Jaipur is the city where plenty of accommodation options are available. The palaces of the city are now converted into a heritage hotel, which provide a comfortable stay combined with a royal experience. Most popular hotels of the city are Jai Mahal Palace (5 Star), Welcome Hotel Rajputana Palace Sheraton (5 Star), The Rambagh Palace Hotel (5 Star), Hotel Jaipur Palace (5 Star), Hotel Clarks Amer (5 Star), Country Inn & Suites by Carlson (5 Star), Hotel Mansingh (5 Star), Hotel Jaipur Ashok (4 Star) etc.

How to Reach Jaipur
By Air : Sanganer Airport (11 kms) is the only airport of the city. The airport is linked to major cities of India. Domestic airlines operate directs flights from Jaipur to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad etc.

By Rail : Jaipur railhead has trains from all over the India. Many express trains run from Delhi and other towns of India to Jaipur. Apart from the regular trains, there is a special train "Palace on Wheels". Starting from Delhi this train is available for taking a round the Rajasthan trip, covering the destinations Jaipur, Alwar, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur etc.

By Road : Jaipur is connected by good roads with important places of Rajasthan and other states. Buses are available to and from Jodhpur, Udaipur, Delhi, Agra etc.

Local transportation : Taxis, buses, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are the various modes of local transportation.