Jaipur

Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital and known as the 'Pink City' for the terracotta-hued buildings of its old walled quarter, was one of India's first fully planned cities, its grid-pattern layout and coordinated architecture reflecting the vision of its founder, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The old city's bazaars, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar observatory together form one of India's most concentrated single-city collections of significant heritage sites.

As the anchor point of Rajasthan's 'Golden Triangle' tourist circuit alongside Delhi and Agra, Jaipur functions as most visitors' introduction to Rajasthan, and its blend of accessible heritage sites, active bazaars selling gemstones, textiles and handicrafts, and a thriving contemporary food scene give the city a genuinely comprehensive appeal beyond simply its historic core.

Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of the Kachwaha Rajput dynasty. He shifted the capital from Amber to Jaipur because the growing population and increasing water requirements made expansion difficult at the old capital. Jaipur was planned according to principles of architecture, urban planning and traditional Indian design.

The city was divided into organised sectors with broad streets, marketplaces and fortified walls. In 1876, Jaipur was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, and the colour became closely associated with the city. Jaipur continued to develop as an important centre of trade, culture and administration and became the capital of Rajasthan after Indian independence.

By Air: Jaipur International Airport is the city's main airport and has domestic and international connections. It is approximately 12–15 km from the central parts of Jaipur.

By Train: Jaipur Junction is the city's major railway station, with frequent trains connecting Jaipur with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and other major cities.

By Road: Jaipur has excellent road connectivity with Delhi, Agra, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur and other cities. Buses, taxis, rental cars and private vehicles are readily available.