Jaipur has been the iconic pink city of India. This is nearby and a 3 hour by road from New Delhi though it has direct railway connectivity too from many of the Indian mega cities. Known for its royalty and tradition there is a lot that this pink city has to offer. Enriched with forts over hills or palaces in lakes or the iconic city palace where the Maharaja still resides this city offers a blend of heritage and beauty. Not to forget the grand cuisines here - one is the grand Maharaja Thali which resembles the Maharajas who resided in Jaipur. It is one of the first planned cities in India.

This is a city that inspired Paul McCartney to write "Riding into Jaipur" and became backdrop of the film "The best exotic Marigold Hotel". It is place to enjoy its culture, royal meals and experience the bygone age of the Maharajas. Besides it has some Mughal architecture and attract lots of shoppers too. To reach to Jaipur one can take a bus or cab from New Delhi or take the railway route from any mega cities and directly reach Jaipur. The major tourist attractions in Jaipur are the Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, City Palace, Albert Museum etc. There are a lot variety from low budget to luxury hotels available in Jaipur to stay. A 3 day tour is perfect to visit almost whole of Jaipur. Besides it offers its enriching culture and royal meals. 

Best Hotels in Jaipur

The Leela Palace

The five star hotel is a feast for senses against the backdrop of Aravalis. This also offers cities best restaurants.

Rambagh Palace

This hotel no less than a palace offers 78 luxury rooms and suites around a Mughal garden. This was a former place of Maharajas and also serves the best restaurants in Jaipur.

The Oberoi Rajvilas

This pays homage to Jaipur borrowing the color throughout the property. If you are looking for privacy, a dreamy pool and an experience of royalty this is the place you can look up to. 

Jai Mahal Palace

This epic hotel is set within 18 acres of Mughal garden. This five star has 100 rooms and suites in the centre of Jaipur. This has lounges and private dining experience unavailable anywhere else.

Places to visit in Jaipur

Amber Fort

Amber Forts is a 30-minute drive from Jaipur and is a UNESCO heritage site. This has its history back from 1592 and also has the Sheesh Mahal which can't be missed in any Jaipur trip.

Nahargarh Fort

Thsi fort was once city's defence line. Built on the Aravalis just outside the city was connected to the Jaigarh Fort. This has exquisite views of the city and the Jal Mahal makes an amazing experience during evening time. 

Hawa Mahal

This is at the heart of pink city. Known for its architecture and technology this offers a cool temperature inside even in case the city is very hot. This is made up of red and pink sandstone and adjacent to City Palace. This looks like a honeycomb and has 953 small windows. 

Jal Mahal

This is a majestic place in the Man Sagar Lake. It is partially submerged in the lake by design and was built specially by the Maharajas for convinience. The access to it is no more there but still this can be photographed and looked from beside the Man Sagar Lake. 

City Palace

This is one of Jaipur's top attraction. The palace is still the residing place of Maharaja Padmanabh Singh which is unaccessible from the tourists to explore. This is a museum which showcases the royal dynasty left overs and has attracted many. The royal restaurants and cuisnes also are an experience to have here.

Albert Hall Museum

This is a museum and has showcased lots of artifacts from past uniquely not available anywhere else.

Best markets in Jaipur

Johari Bazaar

This is the most well known market in Jaipur and has been a market for jewellery. It has been the place for traditional Rajasthani jewels and stones as well clothing of Rajasthan.

Bapu Bazaar

This is a historic place to buy Mojari, a special shoe made of camel leather. It also offers Rajasthani textiles, crafts and clothing.

So besides all these the Rajasthani food and the special Maharaja Thali is another thing that can not be missed out while touring Jaipur. The best place to have the Maharaja Thali are a series of hotels besides the City Palace and a few in the City Palace. Altogether the city will fill you with tradition, culture and royalty. But if you want to escape from the scrotching heat its better to prepare for the city during the winters. So get prepare for experiencing the royalty of the pink city.

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Written by Shouvik Sarkar