If you ever plan to travel to India, a visit to Jaipur is a must. Located in the state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is also known as the “Pink City” due to the very colorful buildings in the region. The city is home to two UNESCO world heritage sites and has often been ranked as one of the best destinations in India by travel magazines.
What to check out in Jaipur
Architecture
Jaipur is blessed with some of the most exquisitely designed architectural wonders in the country. The Jal Mahal, which translates into “Water Palace” in English, is situated right in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake and combines Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. Though it appears as a one-storied building from the outside, there are four additional levels that are hidden under the surrounding water. Unfortunately, visitors cannot enter the building and will have to be satisfied with checking it out from land.
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Another architectural wonder you must check out is the remarkable Chand Baori. This is a stepwell built in A.D. 800 and is a magnificent ode to geometry. The perfectly shaped angles and repeated triangular design are sure to make you wonder how people could build something this marvelous almost 1,200 years ago. At a height of 13 stories, Chand Baori has almost 3,500 steps.
You can round out your architectural tour by visiting Hawa Mahal, or the “Palace of Winds.” The building has 953 windows and is sure to mesmerize anyone who lays eyes on it for the first time. Hawa Mahal is often regarded as the perfect example of Rajput architecture.
Nature
Nature lovers can visit the Ranthambhore National Park, which is famous for its tiger trails. The terrain is mostly either grassy or dense with deciduous forests. A safari ride is the best way to explore the park and typically lasts for about three hours. You should be able to spot a few tigers during the ride.
Since there are vast sandy deserts in Jaipur, this also makes it an ideal place to enjoy a camel safari. And considering that people rarely even see camels in real life, riding one through the beautiful sands should prove to be an amazing experience. Though there are single-day safaris available, try opting for a multi-day safari with overnight camping.
Culture
To get a feel of Rajasthani culture, head over to Chokhi Dhani. Designed as a village resort, the place features regular folk performances, puppet shows, and so on. You should also try out the various types of cuisine available in Jaipur to get a taste of the true spicy Indian food. Try out delicacies like laal maas, mawa kachori, and ghewar. Finally, remember to check out the numerous local markets to shop for souvenirs to take back home as a memento of your travel.
How to reach and explore
To reach Jaipur by air, book a flight straight to the Jaipur International Airport located in Sanganer, which is just 6 miles from the center of the city. You can also reach Jaipur from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai by rail. The Jaipur Metro is a good option to travel within the region. But to explore deeper into the city, you will have to hop on a bus or hire a taxi. However, if you are adventurous and like to go through every corner of the city at your own pace, try renting a motorcycle.
