Jaipur

INTRO
The capital city of Rajasthan state is known as the "pink city" because of the ochre-pink nuance of the old buildings and city walls. It originates from a general repaint of the buildings undertaken in 1876 for a visit of the Prince of Wales. Although the city serves mainly as a step stone for travellers (mostly backpackers) heading to the desert cities Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, it is not without its own attractions. Jaipur is a city of architectural harmony - it was built in the 18th century as India's first planned city - on a dry lake, surrounded by barren hills. Despite the chaos and dust, Jaipur is a colourful city which definitely is worth pausing in for several days.

City Profile
City: Jaipur
Country: India
Area: 200,4 km2
Population: 2, 324, 319
Districts: 15
Mayor:Ashok Pamami
Language: Hindi, Punjabi, Kashmiri, Gujarati, English
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LOCATION
Jaipur is situated in the eastern parts of Rajasthan. The city has an average elevation of 432 meters above sea level. Jaipur is only 265 km away from the capital of India - Delhi, 1176 km from Mumbai and 246 km away from Agra.

TIME TO VISIT
The area of Jaipur is dominated by three main seasons. It is not advisable to visit the city in the summer - from mid-March till the end of June, as temperatures can reach 45-50 °C. Monsoon is from July until September, and winter lasts from late October till March. Jaipur is located in a desert area, and climate is hot and dry. It receives very low rainfall, and even monsoons cannot relief the dry city. Winter is the best time to go to Jaipur - temperatures do not exceed 20-22°C, and hardly ever drop below 8-10°C. During the winter time you can enjoy Jaipur in its full beauty - the city looks fascinating, especially in evenings when it gets covered with fog. Succinctly, the best time to visit Jaipur and make the most of your trip, is between November and March.

POPULATION
As of 2001, the population of Jaipur city is 2,324,319 people, of which 53% are males and 47% - females. Interesting fact is that more than 15% of the population of Jaipur is under 6 years of age. The city has an average literacy rate of 67%, which is higher than the national average in India - 64,7%. Hindi is the official language in the state of Rajasthan and in Jaipur as its capital. English is widely spoken, and in some areas of the city you can also hear Punjabi, Kashmiri and Gujarati. Hindu and Buddhism are the main religions, there are also a large number of Muslims.

DISTRICTS
The city of Jaipur is divided into 15 areas, of which 5 are with high significance in terms of tourist attractions.

Adarsh Nagar is an area located beyond the western walls of the Pink City. It is an important commercial centre, and its centre has been designed in the shape of concentric circles. The prime attraction of the region is the Moti Dongri Palace.
Ashok Nagar - located beyond the southern wall of the Pink City, it constitutes the city centre, and most main institutions of Jaipur are located in this area. It houses the Tourism Reception Centre of Jaipur, the city zoo and Rajasthan Polo club.
Pink City - the glorious old city of Jaipur, the seat of the past rulers of the city. It was founded in 1727, and is a great tourist place. It lies north of the city centre of modern Jaipur. The pink city is divided into nine rectangular sectors that have only straight roads.
Rambagh - the area is situated outside the walls of the Pink City, towards the centre of Jaipur. This is a developed commercial centre, housing the most luxurious hotel in the city - Rambagh Palace.
Civil Lines - lies in the west part of Jaipur. The seat of the Chief Minister of Rajasthan is located there. There are a lot of shops and malls which cater to both residents and tourists.

SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS

Amber Fort - features regal architecture derived from the Hindu and Muslim styles. There are 2 main halls - hall for commons and hall for dignitaries. Inside the fort there is a "Kaali" temple. If you want to enter the temple, something very important you have to know is that leather clothes are not allowed. Beware of the monkeys.
Jaigarh Fort - offers stunning views to the Pink City. It houses the largest cannon (Jaivan) in the world. The fort was used in the situation of an attack by the neighbouring countries.
City Palace - an imposing marvel of Mughal and Rajput architecture. That is a vast complex, comprising of more than 1/7 of the whole territory of the Pink City. The palace is divided into series of buildings, sprawling gardens and courtyards.
Galtaji an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site, located about 10 km from Jaipur, close to Sisodia Rani Garden. The main temple - temple of Galtaji - is made of pink stone.
Jantar Mantar - an astronomical observatory - the biggest of five built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the beginning of the 18th century. Located very close to the City Palace, the observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices.

AIRPORT

Jaipur's Saranger Airport is located 13 km away from the city centre and it is the only international airport in the Rajasthan state. It was declared an international airport on the 29th of December 2005. Jaipur Airport has connections with all major cities in India, as well as with some foreign airports. The facility is equipped with all modern amenities. Saranger Airport is easily reachable from the city - either by taxi or shuttle bus. http://www.jaipurairport.com/

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

Cycle Rickshaws - the cheapest way to travel around the city. Every rickshaw driver has a fare chart for different distances in the city. The further the distance - the higher the charge, but always make sure that you bargain prior to the ride.
Taxi - the taxis in black and yellow, which are often seen in most Indian cities, are not usual in Jaipur. Instead, there is a wide variety of private taxis to choose from. Taxis can be hired on daily basis or for sightseeing tours.
City Buses is the most common used means of transportation ran by Rajasthan State Roadways. There is no certain time schedule, but coaches operate on a regular basis.

HISTORY
Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It took 4 years to construct the major palaces, roads and square. Originally, the city was divided into 9 blocks, 2 of which consist the state buildings. The other 7 blocks were allotted to the public. For security purposes, huge fortification walls were built along with 7 strong gates. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh acceded the state of Jaipur to the government of India in 1948, and then Jaipur became the capital of Rajasthan.

CITY LINKS

Jaipur City web site - http://www.jaipur.org.uk/
Jaipur travel guide - http://www.jaipur-india.com/
Jaipur District administrative site - http://jaipur.nic.in/
Jaipur weather - http://weather.123india.com/rajasthan/jaipur.html
The Royal Family of Jaipur - http://www.royalfamilyjaipur.com/
The Jaipur Brew House - http://www.jaipurbrewhouse.com/

UNIVERSITY LINKS

University of Rajasthan - http://www.uniraj.ernet.in/