See how Jaipur has evolved but retained its heritage charm since its foundation

Jaipur, the largest city of Rajasthan, the construction of which started in 1727 by HH Sawai Jai Singh, was built following the principles of Vastu Shastra and it took around 4 years to complete the construction of major palaces, roads, and squares of the city. Jaipur is noted as India’s first planned city then and now is among the fastest emerging metropolis of the nation. The life in the Pink city in the 18th-century that was full of Rajasthani flamboyance embraces modernity swiftly by 21^st Century while retaining its centuries-old charm.

The Pink City has undergone a sea change- its people, their pace of life, transportation, visibility of the gender ration on streets, how they dressed and their expressions but even today when you pass through the buzzing lanes of the capital city you’d recognize that you are walking through more than 3 hundred years of living heritage. The city gates, Havelis, courtyards, palaces, and monuments have been witness to the changing phase of lifestyle in Jaipur keeping intact its ambiance.

Owing to the great urban planning in the past, modern development has never affected the true grandeur of Jaipur. The City with its new infrastructure and global exposure is undoubtedly the most beautifully evolved ancient city of the country. Today, Jaipur proudly retains its pink hues; the built heritage standing tall and firm alongside the splendor of modern infra with equaled wider lanes together weave a marvelous picture of three hundred centuries living in harmony!
Jaipur’s historic erections during the times of yesteryears when compared with its today’s look make a fascinating story- on one glimpse it is what it was centuries back and on other one can comprehend with its Oh So New Look 🙂

On the 292nd Foundation Day of Jaipur today, scroll through this fascinating story of Jaipur Now-and Then through the historic and modern photographs of Jaipur –

1. Galta Gate, Jaipur

It is the only gate to enter the walled city of Jaipur. The view of Jaipur City developed around Galta Gate is ravishing, while back then there were very few constructions and long-range of barren land.

2.  Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Built in the 17th Century and perched in the middle of the walled city, Hawa Mahal is also known as the Palace Of Winds. Its walls of pink color give a hint of the Pink City. It was constructed especially for the royal women to be a part of the festivities, as they were secluded from the society by ‘parda’ system. Having its own history, today gives it worldwide recognition.

3.  Tripoliya Gate, Jaipur

Once the point of entrance and arrival of Royal Families from City Palace, Tripoliya is a famous landmark in Jaipur. One thing that hasn’t changed since then is the procession of Gangaur and Teej from this restored Gate of Jaipur. Now, this gate is open to use exclusively for royals living inside City Palace and closed for the common man.

4.  Johri Bazaar, Jaipur

Johari Bazaar is the popular shopping arena of Jaipur dedicated to the market of gems and jewellery.  As the name suggests, Johari Bazaar attracts jewelers and buyers of precious semi-precious gems and metals from across the world.

5.  Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur

Govind Dev Ji is one of the prominent temples of Rajasthan. Since decades it is visited by thousands of devouts annually. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is well preserved by the royal family of Jaipur.

6.  City Palace

City Palace is located in the heart of the old city of Jaipur. It is where the Kachwaha Rajput clan ruled from. Built in the 18th Century, the Palace houses many gardens, splendid courtyards and a Museum displaying many artifacts from the bygone era.

7.  Badi Chaupar

Chaupar means a large square and Badi means Big. This is also known as Manak Chowk and located near to famous Hawa Mahal. This is one square that leads to many fascinating bazaars of Jaipur. The under process construction of the metro station can be seen in this area.

8.   Chandpole Gate

Adjacent to the famous Hanumanji temple with 25 feet high dome, Chand Pol is the Moon Gate. Along the East-West Axis of the City, it forms the Western Gate of the walled City. Spotting this gate means you have reached the western end of the walled city.

9. Badi chaupur-

Another view of Badi Chaupar where one can see how over the centuries mode of transportation changed from camels to auto, rickshaw, cars and buses and the change will continue as very soon it will be metro site as well.

 

10.  Albert Hall

Albert Hall Museum is located in Ram Niwas Garden of Jaipur. The foundation stone of Albert Hall was laid during the visit of the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward to Jaipur in 1876 and completed in year’s time in 1877 by the architect Samuel Swinton Jacob, then Director of Jaipur PWD. It is home to many beautiful paintings, sculptures and other distinct objects of historic significance. It is the oldest museum in the state and is quite popular for its Indo-Saracenic architecture.

 

Timings changed for Elephant Safari in Amer

The Rajasthan forest department has asked the archaeology department to change the timing of elephant safari at elephant village and Amer Fort, amid complaints that the elephants were being used for taking tourists on a tour throughout the day. The new timing will be from 8 am to 12 pm. There will be no elephant safari thereafter.

The officials said that currently the elephants are being used for safaris throughout the day at Amber Fort as well as the Elephant Village.

“The animals have no time for rest, so they become aggressive. We have seen some instances of tourists getting hurt during elephant safaris. These incidents are few and far between, but they are definitely avoidable,” said a forest department officer.

He added that the elephant safari will not be allowed between 12 pm and 3 pm at Amber Fort and Elephant Village.

When tourists and tour agencies can’t get an elephant safari at Amer Palace, they go to the Elephant Village and pay mahouts for a safari on the village premises.

“This practice should be discouraged. We have written to the archaeology department to check in on this practice on Amer Fort premises as it exhausts the elephants. We will make sure that the new timing is enforced strictly at Elephant Village,” said the officer.

Rajasthan’s Pink City ranked 35th among the friendliest cities in the world 2019

The term Friendly is not new to the netizens of Rajasthan’s capital city- Jaipur. Pink City lives up to this day and night.  But what a proud moment as Jaipur makes it to the list of ‘50 Friendliest Cities of the World’

Jaipur has been ranked 35^th in a list that brought out the 50 friendliest cities in the world. The survey has been conducted with a social audience of 1.5 million people.  The international survey cites that it’s the only Indian city to have made it to the list, with a “young and vibrant population”. It’s also “a student-friendly city” and is “popular on the tourist trail.”It also said that the tourism industry here is strong, with residents making the country proud with their attitude towards visitors.

Well, we know the true meaning of Athithi Devo Bhava. 

From how easy the city is to navigate or strangers helping you find your way when that pesky roaming data doesn’t work to making new best friends in a local bar, Jaipur the only city of India made you feel ‘the most welcome’.

A proud Jaipurite 🙂

Jaipur inscribed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO

A moment of honour for all the Jaipurites as the Pink City, Jaipur has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Replete with history, the city of royals symbolizes the pinnacle of Rajasthani cultural excellence and magnificent art in architecture, forts, palaces, and monuments.  It is a matter of great pride for Rajasthan!

 

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Makar Sankranti of Jaipur

Hundreds of kites dancing in the sky, and us- on our terrace. That’s the memory every Jaipurite has of Makar Sankranti. Kite-flying is one of the most favorite and zealous festivals in Jaipur. It’s not just about flying kites but also about the battleground that the sky becomes and the way the whole group of family and friends gather up on their terraces and hoot and shout along with the music.

But this is not all! There’s so much more to this festival and the day marks as one of the most auspicious occasions of the year. Here are some of the reasons Jaipurites put their heart and soul into celebrating Makar Sankranti.

1. Pavitra Snaan and Daan
While lakhs of people take dips into the Ganges on Makar Sankranti around the nation, scores of people also arrive at Galta Ji Temple in Jaipur to bathe in the seven holy kunds there. The day is celebrated to worship the Sun God. It is considered that taking dips in the kund at Galtaji on Makar Sankranti absolves us of all our sins.

To take a dip in the kund at Galta Ji Temple, you might as well trek up the small hill that exits the city from Galta and Surajpole gates. It’s a sight to behold when you see the amount of faith that Jaipurites put into worshipping on Makar Sankranti.

People around the country also believe that donating clothes, jaggery, corn, ground peanuts and sesame is a good omen and brings prosperity.

2. Harbinger of spring
Makar Sankranti falls on the equinox and the day and night are equally long. After this day, the days start to get longer and nights shorter. It also marks the onset of spring season. This also brings a welcome relief from the cold wave of the bygone winter.

3. The Harvest Festival
Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year as the harvest festival of the country. The Rabi crop is harvested in the month of January and corn, mustard, peanuts, sesame etc. are the major crops harvested at this time. One day before Sankranti, i.e. on Lohri the new crop is offered to god through worshipping fire.

4. Kite Buying
Kite buying is a serious affair in Jaipur. People don’t just by any random kites. They especially head to kite markets like Handipura, Haldiyon Ka Rasta, and Kishanpole bazaar to buy the best kites. It takes an understanding of the science behind the designing of kites in order to buy the best ones. You can find hundreds and thousands of kites in all shapes, sizes and designs according to your preference. Some of the popularly known designs of kites are Chaand-dara, Glass-dara, Mangal-dara, Aankhal-dara, Tripatta, Dadhiyal etc.

5. Kite- Flying

A true jaipurite knows how to fly a kite and the science applied behind it.

It takes a lot of patience, time and effort to prepare for kite flying. The night before Sankranti the whole family sits together to put ‘tang’ in kites with white saddha.

On Sankranti, everyone’s duty is sorted! Makar Sankranti food is all about pakode, moongfali, popcorn, khichadi, gajak, feeni, ladoo and papdi-chatand the children in the house go up and down the terrace for serving them. The youngsters become DJs playing the best songs the loudest.

And oh! What an art kite flying is. As soon as the ‘Dangal’ starts in the sky, you can hear “Woh kaata” every five seconds from a terrace or two around!

7. The evening sky

As the day sets in, the kites start to come down and gradually the whole sky is lit up with fireworks and paper lanterns known as “Tukkals” or “Kandeel.” The night view on Sankranti is absolutely mesmerizing and one of those experience that is hard to get over!

So if ever you plan to visit Jaipur during winter, make sure you don’t miss the intoxicatingly enthusiastic vibe of Makar Sankranti!

46 Things Prove That You’re A True Jaipurite

Jaipur, also known as the Pink city, is a city of culture, festivals, shopping, food, heritage and countless other things including the most important – its people! You’re living in Jaipur or have ever lived here, we are sure there are still some things that you definitely love or you could always relate to those.

1. JLN MARG

JLN Marg is more like a car race video game. Only the smarter lot of Jaipurites is able to save itself from the all-new speed cameras installed there. The rest of them just keep losing the game to challans every now and then!

2. INDIAN COFFEE HOUSE

Even though the epic Sambhar Dosa and Coffee don’t taste the way they used to, the glossy yellow paint peeling out of the walls still reminds us of the good old days spent in the Indian Coffee House.

3. NAHARGARH FORT

Who can say no to the amazing bhutta on the way and RTDC Pakodis uphill, and of course the unmatched view of the city from this mesmerizing hangout spot!

4. JHALANA SAFARI

With our Patricia, Cleopatra and Bigfoot filling up for Noor, Machli and Ustad of Ranhambore, Jhalana safari is no less than a Ranthambore trip itself for us!

5. WEDDING SHOPPING

Be it lehangas, sherwanis or any kind of designer dresses and footwear, just pick a design from Pinterest and you have it readymade at Purohit Ji ka Katla and that too without burning a hole in your pocket.

6. MASALA CHOWK

No more hopping for darling food shops, our favoruite chatpata khana and chatwalas are at Masala Chowk now.

7. FALUDA AT LINK ROAD

With all the leading upclass icecream parlours mushrooming in the city with exotic flavours and presentation, we still cannot get over the taste of Faluda at Link road. We have stopped here umpteen times with our hands full of shopping bags and growling stomachs!

8. TEEJ PROCESSION

Despite all the metro work going on around the city, Jaipurites have found their way of conducting the Teej procession an get photographed around it.

9. JAIPUR LITERATURE FESTIVAL                                                                     

Those 5 days of January when it is mandatory to check in to Jaipur Literature Festival at Diggi Palace and flood our Social Media with selfies and celebs pics.

10. CANDLE MARCH AT STATUE CIRCLE

This coffee hangout point is our place for peaceful candle marches.

11. THE WORLD TRADE PARK

This grand mall in our Pinkcity is literally treated like a park by Jaipurites.

12. JAWAHAR KALA KENDRA- ART HI ART!

From a normal Art Exhibition centre to an upmarket café, JKK is the place for the connoisseurs of art. It in no way lags behind the “Kala Ghoda” of Mumbai or “Indian Habitat” of Delhi.

13. AMAR JAWAN JYOTI

The memorial built for the martyrs makes our heart skip a beat.

14. RAJ MANDIR

Lesser of a movie theatre and more of a tourist destination, this is the most beautiful theatre of Asia and we have all taken our relatives from far off cities to this place during vacations.

15. SAMOSA/KACHORI

We Jaipurites are so fond of Samosa, kachori and mirchi bada that even the 44°C in summer cannot stop us from having our favourites.

16. TAPRI

We believe that the tea, maggi and poha taste better when taken at Tapri with the on-looking Indian Flag.

17. BIRLA MANDIR

For the proud Jaipur ke niwasi!

This is lesser of a holy worship place but more of a touristy destination.

18. BIG FAT JAIPURI WEDDINGS

Every Indian girl dreams of getting married in royal palaces of Jaipur that have now been converted into 5-star heritage properties.

19. LIGHTING AROUND THE CITY

With the night tourism having started in the city, the city has lost its sleep and it’s always drenched in the brightest lights through the nights.

20. GAURAV TOWER

Our love for this first shopping mall is never going to be less. It still stays as the best saviour for the college bunkers and the shopaholics.

21. METRO

Metro ride for us is not about travelling to places but for taking a better city view.

22. ISAR LAT OR SARGASULI

Though known for giving a breathtaking view of the city, most of us have never climbed up to there to the top.

23. PATRIKA GATE

Situated on a traffic signal at JLN road this is now amongst the top instagram worthy place.

24. JAIPUR TRAFFIC POLICE

We avoid connecting with them on the roads but follow them for their Social media posts.

25. SARAS PARLOUR

From morning Doodh Jaelbi to late night coffee Saras Parlour for Jaipurites is never too far.

26. JAIPUR STATION

With the beautiful wall paintings and hi class lounge facilities, Jaipur station has changed the way people travel to and from Jaipur.

27. GATES OF THE CITY

Pink walls of Jaipur fortified with the seven gates. Only jaipurites can recognize the names of these unique Darwazas.

28. LASSIWAALA AT MI ROAD

The Lassiwala is the place we do not miss taking our relatives to, because it serves the biggest and the most delicious glass of Lassi in the city. We challenge that even today no can can drink the largest glass of lassi that they serve.

29. HAWA MAHAL

With the increasing traffic and metro work around the city area, it becomes difficult to get the picture postcard view of Hawa Mahal. The brand new cafés in front of Hawa Mahal have got us covered from where we can have a great view of the place.

30. LAXMI MISHTAN BHANDAR

We all know, when our relatives visit us, the LMB is listed in their *Thingstodo

31. KHOLE KE HANUMAAN JI

Every  Jaipurite must have enjoyed Goths in some of its multiple kitchens. Especially in the Sawan month.

32. LEHERIYA: For Jaipur women, this vibrant leheriya pattern is a compulsory Saawan (Monsoon) purchase.

33. ELEPHANT RIDE:

We have lived that perfect Maharaja moment taking on an elephant Ride from Maotha to the Amer Fort. We are not even surprised to see elephants in the city area. We’re just used to the grandeur.

34. Ghat Ki Guni TUNNEL

Yes! We’re proud that Rajasthan’s first road tunnel is in Jaipur. The 2.8 km long twin-tube tunnel has been grilled through the Aravalli hills on the Jaipur Agra road.

35. 14^TH JANUARY 

Koi doubt mat rakhna it’s a National Holiday for Jaipurites. Kite flying is not just a festival but also an experience of infectious energy here.

 

36. MOTI DOONGRI: No auspicious ceremony, new purchase of vehicle or wedding in Jaipur is complete without taking the Aashirwaad of Ganesh Ji at Moti Doongri.

37. LAC BANGLES: An intrinsic part of Jaipur woman’s Accessories is Lac or lacquer bangles. Jaipur women  love to stack them and tourists love to take them home as a souvenir.

38. PANDIT PAO BHAJI

Only a true Jaipurite can figure it out who is the original Pandit pao Bhaji wala. Prove us wrong!

39. AMER FORT

For Jaipurites Navratris starts and ends here after a visit to Shila Mata temple at Amer Fort

40. SURYA VANSHI LAMPOSTS

‘United we stand’ when the urban development planned to replace these lampposts with new designs.

The spirit of a true Jaipurite. !!

41. CAFES AND RESTAURANTS

There’s a myriad of shortlived restaurants opening around the city at every nook and corner. And we are always eager to try the food at all of them.

42. FITNESS

Our city is becoming aware about fitness with all the gyms opening around the city. We first eat at the cafes and restaurants mushrooming around, then we rush to the gym for the love of fitness.

43. CENTRAL PARK

We don’t just go to the gym for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we also go to the central park to run the long track and finally gain back energy with the healthy Aloevera, Beetroot, Bottle Guord juices available right outside.

44. EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS

There isn’t a day that goes by in Jaipur when there isn’t an exhibition or social event. From our exclusive Jaipur Literature festival, to Talk Journalism, Hidden Treasures, Decor India, Jaipur Jewellery show, and the list goes on.

45. FASHION SHOWS

Jaipur being the textile hub, is big on fashion too. Every now and then there is a fashion show conducted by renowned designers in up-class hotels of our city, and not just this, recently a fashion show was held in the metro too!

46. PAINTINGS AROUND THE CITY

From the metro station walls, to flyovers and government buildings, you can see the Rajasthani scriptures, paintings, mandala art and patterns all over the city, done by local artists.

At last, Jaipur tere jaisa koi nahi 🙂

Jaipur steadily becoming a new hub of Artistic Culture

The Sculpture Park at Nahargarh Fort

Earlier, the contemporary art exhibitions and shows have remained limited to metro cities— may be because a majority of contemporary artists and buyers are based there. To cater to that, these metro cities have a strong infrastructure of art galleries and institutions. But over the past few years, Rajasthan’s capital- Jaipur has seen a major uplift in terms of art and art exhibitions. The contemporary art is steadily getting the good response in the city and hence the heritage city is now offering some really interesting infrastructures for contemporary art exhibitions.

After its marvelous facelift in 2016, the Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) has become the favorite of contemporary artists in the city. It has lined up exciting programmes on its calendar for the same.

The autonomous set-up of Jawahar Kala Kendra now exhibits fascinating art shows for the connoisseurs of the city. The institution has set the bar high with monumental retrospectives of senior artists like Himmat Shah, titled The Euphoria Of Being (December 2017), which included works from the collection of Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in Jaipur. “His works reference Rajasthan, his lineage.

Another promising set- up for contemporary art exhibition is the Gyan Museum in Jaipur.  It is a private initiative launched in 2016. The late collector and gemologist Gyan Chand began his journey of collecting antiquities with two silver hookah mouthpieces, gifted by his father when he was 16. The museum now treasures more than 2,500 objects. In a striking building, which was designed by French designer Paul Mathieu, the collection is on display with an aim to inspire dialogue.

 

The Sculpture Park of Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur is something new, which cannot be missed.  The joy of watching the contrast of contemporary sculptures in a 400-year-old fort is purely an experience worth cherishing.

 

 

Early Mornings For An Elephant Ride At Amber Fort

Located 11kms away from the hubbub city of Jaipur on the Aravalli hilltop lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of Hill Forts of Rajasthan – Amber Fort. As regal as can be, Jaipur’s magnificent Amber Fort rightly personifies the state’s rich culture.

But there is something enchanting and delighting when you are in Jaipur and to be more precise – at Amber Fort. Elephants – beautifully painted and richly ornamented are the most adored creatures in Rajasthan. These elephants are used in providing rides to the tourists to make there journey pleasant and amusing. These rides tend to transform you into a regal era of Maharajas when they used to commute with pride on these adorned elephant backs.

With the increased influx of tourists in Jaipur, the timings of elephant ride at Amer Fort will now be open a little early, between 7.00 am to 11.30 am in the mornings.

So now you can take an elephant ride up the cobbled path on the fort and truly feel like you deserve all the royal treatment that is being bestowed upon you.

Jaipur To Sri Ganganagar: Let’s Fly!

Rajasthan, the land of Maharajas known for its incredible destinations is a state with huge landmass. Thanks to the excellent connectivity among the cities of this magnificent sate that it does not trouble us much.

Rajasthan is that state which is not just connected by the roads; it is a state with one of the greatest intra-state air connectivity. Yes, the state of Rajasthan has connected its cities by the means of air transport better than most.

Boasting of its unparalleled intra-state air connectivity, a most recent development was done in the capital city- Jaipur.  A new aerial route between Jaipur and Sri Ganganagar has been established and is now functional. On 10^th of July, CM Vasundhara  Raje herself flagged off the first flight on the route from Sanganer airport of Jaipur. Two flights every day from both the cities will take off, 7am and 4pm from Sr Ganganagar and 9am and 6pm from Jaipur giving a boost to the tourism industry in the state.

But it does not end here. CM Vasundhara Raje plans on bringing in more cities in the air connectivity plan in near future. Seems like being the best is still not enough for Rajasthan!

Amer Fort ranks 9th in Asia’s top landmarks 2018 by TripAdvisor

We are proud to share that tourists’ favourite and Rajasthan’s’ pride – Amer Fort ranks 9th among Asia’s top landmarks in Traveller’s Choice Awards 2018 by the popular travel portal TripAdvisor 😀

It is undoubtedly the most beautiful fort and the pride of Jaipur!!  Amer Fort, also known as Amer Palace boasts of an artistic grandeur and structural expertise. It is reminiscent of the bravery and courage of the mighty Rajputs, who had played a remarkable role in the history of medieval India.

Crowning the crest of a hill, Amer Fort offers a panoramic view of Maota Lake and the historic old town at the base of the hill, which was the early seat of the Amer kings before they made the fort their capital.

This rambling Palace depicts the true lifestyle of the gutsy Rajputs who are better known for their radical, audacious, volatile and decadent behaviour. One among the best hilltop palaces, Amer Palace presents a curious blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural design. An aide memoir of the yester years, this palace is a redolent of creativeness of the artisans of ancient time.

 

Though the magical epitome of grandeur Amer Fort under the sunlight of the day is a mesmeric place for tourists in Jaipur, but now it also caters to the night tourists. The fort turns even more fascinating and enticing with the launch of night tourism. Besides, elephant rides to fort, sound & light shows and cultural evenings have always been a favourite among the visitors.

Certainly, Amer  Fort, is one of the few places in India where the entry fee is worth it with never ending, consisting of a maze of rooms, tiny and grand!!  Spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills and dotted with majestic architecture, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amer Fort is one of the best places to visit on your trip to Jaipur. Now TripAdvisor also agrees 😉