India’s Pink City: 6 Things to Experience in Jaipur
Photo: Ananya Bora
Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan and known as the Pink City because of the iconic color scheme of its buildings. It has also been referred to as the Paris of India. Visit to experience the city’s beautiful traditions and customs and to explore some of the most beautiful ancient buildings in existence today. Jumpstart your planning with the following tips.
Photo: Annie Spratt
Capture photos of the Hawa Mahal
Arguably one of Jaipur’s most photographed buildings, the gorgeous red and pink sandstone Hawa Mahal is extraordinarily ornate. It sits at the edge of the City Palace, which was built two generations prior. Grab at seat at the rooftop dining space at The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge across the street to take in the views over breakfast before heading over for a closer look.
Photo: Taylor Kiser
Join an Indian Cooking Class
From all-day market tours that lead to group cooking experiences to one-on-one guidance. There are a multitude of cooking class options in Jaipur, and each will bring you closer to the food, the culture, and the traditions of the city than any visit to a restaurant.
Photo: Annie Spratt
Explore the Amber Palace
Amber (or Amer), a very short distance from the town of Jaipur, was founded in 967 AD by the Meenas who were devotees of the goddess Amba Mataand. What you see now has been transformed throughout the centuries with new rulers coming and going.
The fort is located on a high hill with beautiful views of Maota Lake and it’s made of luxurious red sandstone and marble. Each of the four levels has its own courtyard and you’re free to roam its buildings. Walk up to the entrance using the Lion’s Gate pathway to see the Hall of Public Audience, where rulers would hold meetings. You can also find the Sila Devi Temple and a statue of Kali.
Following the Elephant’s Gate pathway you can see the Maharajah’s private rooms and the Mirror Palace, a room with walls encrusted with mirrored and glass mosaics.
Most Meena structures from the Middle Ages have been destroyed but the Amber Palace still stands as opulent as ever.
A Note on Elephant Rides
Elephants have been used to bring tourists up the steep path to the palace for many years. However, the traditional methods used to train and keep the elephants docile can be considered cruel, with several protests in recent years demanding that the practice be banned and an elephant refuge built. If you plan to visit, biking, using the tour jeeps, or walking are more humane alternatives.
Photo: Sagar Soneji
Get a birds-eye view at Nahargarh Fort
Like the Amber Palace, the Nahargarh Fort once formed a strong defense ring for the city. Originally named, Sudershangarh, it became known as Nahargarh after the locals began to believe that the in-progress fort was haunted by the spirit of Nahar Singh Bhomia, a Rajput prince who had owned the land. Once a temple was built within the fort to honor him, it was said that the construction continued without interruption.
The fort itself is sandy-colored, peaceful, and much less crowded than the Amber Palace plus, it provides absolutely stunning unmatched views of downtown Jaipur.
Photo: Annie Spratt
Visit the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
The verdant jungle of Ranthambore National Park presents one of the best opportunities to spot the grand Bengal tiger in India. With your guide and open-top jeep you’ll traverse the park, visiting historic landmarks and spotting colorful birdlife, big cats, and wild dogs. The land was used as a royal hunting ground by the Jodhpur maharajas and became a wildlife sanctuary in 1957.
Photo: Atharva Tulsi
Shop souvenirs at Johari Bazaar
Be sure to stop by Johari Bazaar, the oldest market in Jaipur on one of the city’s most famous streets. Buzzing and active, the sights, sounds, and smells are exhilarating. Stroll through the terracotta facades and peruse the silver, gold, gems, jewelry, and traditional clothing. If you plan to buy, be prepared to haggle. Worth it for just the stroll itself.