Referred to as the Pink City of India – Jaipur has royalty in every aspect. A city of Rajputs, a home to 2 major UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Jaipur is both historically fascinating and aesthetically striking. It is the heart of Rajasthan, one of India’s most flamboyant states. Between rugged hills and besieged walls are a city bursting with colorful streets, chaotic bazaars and touristy buzz. In the midst of this mayhem, Jaipur’s fairy-tale grandeur is calm evoking. It is one of the few places where one can delve deep down the layers of time and learn in detail about the history of the country. Considering the beauty it harbors, it is no wonder the travel experiences gained within the boundaries of Jaipur are always perennial. Let’s move on and learn some interesting facts about Jaipur.
- Famous As Pink City
- The First Planned City of India
- Home To Famous Jantar Mantar
- Hawa Mahal – A Building Without Any Foundation
- Host to World’s Largest Free Literary Festival
- Home To The Most Expensive Hotel Suites
- A Part Of The Golden Tourism Triangle
- Biggest Circular Park In Asia Developed On A Highway Traffic Circle
1. Jaipur – The Pink City
We all know that Jaipur is called the Pink City. But have you ever thought about how and why this name was given to it?
Well, in 1876, the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria visited India on a tour. Since pink denotes the color of hospitality, so Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the whole city pink in color to welcome the guests. Since then the tradition has been sincerely followed by the residents who are now, by law, compelled to maintain this pink color. It is believed by many travelers that it is due to this vibrant and joyful color that the city holds a romantic charm that has the power to captivate every heart. If you haven’t got a chance to experience the royalties of Jaipur yet, plan your trip right away!
2. The First Planned City Of India
Did you know that Jaipur was constructed over a period of 4 years? Yes! That’s right. Well after its construction, to feel the ease, Maharaja Jai Singh felt the need of shifting his capital city from Amer to Jaipur with the increase in population and the growing scarcity of water. So he took the architectural guidance of Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and planned Jaipur based on the principles of Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra (Indian sciences of Building Architecture). Since the plan successfully came into existence and completion in the year 1730, jaipur is believed to be the First planned city in the country. Take a glimpse of its alleys and bylanes to study further on the facts with our Heritage Tour.
3. Home of Famous Jantar Mantar
A collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments built by the Kachwaha Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, Rajasthan, to observe the position of the solar system with the naked eye, Jantar Mantar is recognized as one of the two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the other being Amer Fort. The place is truly called an architectural wonder of the world and has gained popularity all over the globe.
4. Hawa Mahal – A Building Without Any Foundation
Known as the “Palace of Breeze” – the place is considered as a landmark of Jaipur. Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, this five-story building has 953 windows, that is beautifully carved to allow the breeze to blow through the palace and makes it a perfect summer palace. From its exterior, it looks like a honeycomb of a beehive with these Jharokhas which are able to keep this summer palace cool all around the year. The beauty of the palace lies in the fact that it is standing on the edge of City Palace Jaipur and extends to the Zenana, or women’s chambers.
5. Host to World’s Largest Free Literary Festival
Commenced in 2006, the Jaipur Literature Festival is the world’s largest free literary festival which is attended by people from all over the world. From writers to filmmakers, lyricists to novelists, it witnesses thousands of artists from several countries. The last edition of this grand festival was celebrated from 25th to 29th January in 2018. If you are looking forward to illuminating your mind and acknowledging the beauty of literature, then there cannot be a better place for you than this literary festival.
6. Home To The Most Expensive Hotel Suites
For Jaipur, which has been touted as one of the royal and luxurious cities in India, housing lavish hotels is a common thing. But do you know some of the most famous hotels are there in Pink City itself? Yes, that is absolutely true as the place attracts tourists round the year and is also a very famous destination for weddings and all, so it houses some of the amazing hotels like The Raj Palace, The Oberois, ITC Rajputana, Trident, etc. Doesn’t it fascinate you to plan a trip to Jaipur now?
7. A Part Of The Golden Tourism Triangle
Jaipur is a part of the Golden Tourism Triangle of the country; the other two cities that form this triangle are Delhi and Agra. It means that Jaipur is one of the most visited places in India. After all, it is a land where one can feel the essence of a royal aura.
8. Biggest Circular Park In Asia Developed On A Highway Traffic Circle
Jawahar Circle is claimed by Locals to be the biggest circular park in Asia developed on a highway traffic circle. A number of attractive features like musical fountains, modern play equipment, jogging tracks are being added to it and one of the reasons why it is famous is the Patrika gate, a beautiful gate inspired by Hawa mahal.
That is how Jaipur is best known as Worldwide. For a traveler, it is much more fascinating to explore all these places by themselves. We can be your guides for some amazing tourist destinations in the city with our guided Heritage Tour.
You may also read about the famous forts and lakes in the city.