Travel Jaipur - The Attractions in the Pink City

chillibreeze writer — Preeti Sharma

Jaipur is a city that catches everyone’s attention instantly. I am a travel buff and for many years I nurtured a wish to visit this popular destination. Writing hundreds of Jaipur itineraries for travel websites, the zeal grew to be even stronger. At last, a tour was set up in October 2006 and I could not conceal my excitement as I counted the days.

The much awaited Jaipur trip started just an hour late. To wake up at 4 a.m. and actually set out at 6 a.m. was no less than an achievement for a family. We managed to get ourselves together and waited for our hired cab to arrive, which was a little late. We were like a bunch of anxious passengers sitting on their baggage at the ‘platform’, waiting for their ‘train’ to come.

Finally the cab, a white tavera, came and we took off around 7:30 a.m, the tardy cab not marring our excited state. It was a chilly morning, but the refreshing nip felt good. I sat on the rear seat with my sister, Pooja, friend, Deepika, and her mother, jayshree Aunty. I enjoy sitting at the back as I can see all the co-passengers and also enjoy the view outside.

Our first stop in Jaipur, actually a little before the city, was Amer Fort, one of the most beautiful, remarkable and memorable structures. Set on a hilltop, it is an imposing piece of work, vast and steeped in history. I was in a state of ecstasy as I went around the place. It was truly captivating, its dark interiors intriguing and mysterious. The windows must have made a pretty perch for the royal ladies, who could observe the outside in privacy. The intricate floor and ceiling showcasing the creative and beautiful work of the artisans of that time gave us further opportunity to go berserk taking pictures. The best views were from the terrace windows that provide a view of the entire city of Amer. The people on the road below looked absolutely tiny, reminding us of how high up we were. We spent around two hours here and I had to tear myself away to continue on our journey.

We went on to do a bit of shopping and I bought two fabulous things. One was a set of lac made elephants and the other a pair of beautiful handmade puppets. Here’s a useful shopping tip - do not forget to haggle and get the originally quoted price down before you actually buy anything.

The next stop was at another fort. I had been looking at it in the distance for a while and was fascinated, as it looked even higher than Amer Fort. Our guide told us that it was nahargarh Fort. If I say that this fort was even more fabulous than Amer, it should not be interpreted as the latter being unimpressive. Amer is beautiful but nahargarh is simply outstanding. Whereas Amer has a more feminine elegance to it, nahargarh is steeped in masculine beauty, befitting its history of being used during wars on several occasions.

As it is located at almost twice the height of Amer Fort, it has even more fabulous views. It is the place where portions of the recent Bollywood hit, Rang De Basanti, were shot. Our guide told us several interesting tales about the fort. There is a display of arms and ammunition in the fort museum and you also get to see where they were kept during war. The fort is set so beautifully on the hill, blending into it and making us feel like we were actually walking on the hill. The guide told us several interesting stories about the 7 feet 3 inch tall Maharaja who had his darbar (court) here. The death sentence was given to criminals. near the fort are a small lake and a temple where the criminal was taken before he was hanged.

An intriguing sight is of the area, which was dug up on the orders of a former Prime Minister in search of the treasure hidden in the fort. The royal court and kitchen are also fantastic.

Later we enjoyed the sights of jal Mahal and a refreshing frappé at Café Coffee Day, after which we headed towards Jaipur in the evening. While in the city I noticed what most visitors will be struck with first, which is that most of the buildings and house are painted in pink with white border carvings. Of course, this is why Jaipur is called “The Pink City”.

After checking in at the hotel and having dinner at its terrace restaurant, we retired for the night, sleep being the best remedy after a enjoyably packed, but tiring day. My sister chuckled, “Did the Maharaja, in his whole life, measure the two forts by foot, as we did today?” Everyone laughed and fell asleep, our dreams peppered with romantic castles and forts.

The next day was reserved for in Jaipur. We visited Govind Deoji Temple, Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds, and Birla Temple.

The rest of the time was spent shopping and Jaipur has plenty of choice. I am a shopaholic and I had a great time here. I bought lac earrings, double sided with bright colors, lac bangles, jaipuri jootis and a beautiful turquoise chiffon sari. The rule of shopping as I told you above applies here too.

Lunchtime arrived and my stomach had a whole battalion of mice marching through. We enjoyed a traditional meal of dal, baati, and churma. The food was delicious, and it seemed even more so, after we were taught how to actually go about eating it Rajasthani stlye.

The time came at last to bid good bye to the exotic city of Jaipur, with a promise to come again and savor its addictive attractions.

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—About our writer: Preeti says that she's a creative writer with a zeal to write.

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