Jaipur is the capital of the Indian state Rajasthan. It is one of the place still the historical heritage is secured and the visitors to this place can have an amazing experience in their life.
History of Jaipur
Maharaja Jai Singh II, a king of Kachhawaha who reigned from 1699 to 1744, founded the princely state of Jaipur in 1727. The history of Jaipur shows that when Jai Singh succeeded the throne of Jaipur, the kingdom of Ajmer was under constant threat of the Mughal government and the invasion by the Marathas. Maharaja Jai Singh used all of his diplomatic skills to successfully align himself with the Mughals, and a series of victories and matrimonial alliances took care of the Marathas.
The Establishment of the New City
During this period, there was a major water and accommodation crisis in Amber due to its growing population. Therefore, Jai Singh decided to create a new city that would be well planned and spacious enough to accommodate all of its people.
Maharaja Jai Singh II himself was a keen admirer and follower of art and astronomy and was very interested in the founding of the city. His fondness for art and astronomy encouraged him to draw up the plan for the new city of Jaipur with a talented Bengali architect named Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. Jaipur is recorded in history as the first planned city in India.
The Architecture of the City
The principles of the ancient Hindu text on architecture, the Shilpa Shastra, were followed to build the city of Jaipur. And after 8 years of constant settlement work, the new city of Jaipur was created. It is interesting to know that the famous Jantar Mantar and the City Palace were designed by the king himself who was very interested in astronomy and architecture.
The architect planned the design of the city according to the grid system with wide streets and alleys. A large wall with 7 gates has been was set up around Jaipur to protect it from external aggression.
However, when the glorious reign of Sawai Jai Singh II ended, the city fell into total chaos. The successors of Sawai were locked in a succession battle with the Marathas, the Jats, and the British trying to make the most of the situation. As the historical records of Jaipur say, the British made an alliance with the rulers who swore their loyalty to the English cause. And this understanding continued until the Independence of India when Jaipur was named the capital of Rajasthan in 1856.
Shopping in Jaipur
The journey cannot be completed in Jaipur without shopping. Jaipur’s bazaars attract domestic and international tourists to the fullest as they have interesting souvenirs to take home.
Things You Can Buy in Jaipur
The choice is huge for Jaipur shoppers. In fact, Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise, the Jaipur Shopping Guide to Jaipur’s colorful markets is sure to dazzle any visitor who can buy a variety of local products from tie-dye fabrics to handicrafts.
Shopping in Jaipur may include buying some of Jaipur’s illustrious blue ceramics and its exquisite selection of Kundan jewelry. Bandhej print fabrics, block print fabrics and other exclusive and colorful fabrics are other attractive items to buy here.
While shopping in Jaipur, you can also buy leather goods stores that offer one of the most amazing varieties of leather goods that are popular worldwide. Jaipur Bazaars are also known for their excellent handicrafts and home décor products, which could be the best shopping in Jaipur. Everything about these colorful bazaars exudes a magical charm that will surely leave you fascinated for life. Browsing the shops and bazaars could be the best way to get to know Jaipur in Rajasthan.
Best Places to Shop in Jaipur
Buy Jaipur boasts of various markets, and some of the most popular include Jauhari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, M I Road, and Ramganj Bazaar. But it may be reminded that there are other equally fascinating markets around Jaipur. While shopping in Jaipur, it is also suggested to visit the Government Emporium and the Rajasthan Handloom House, which displays a large number of local products and handicrafts.
Shopping in Jaipur can be an experience out of the world. While browsing the markets, you experience a magical feeling of harmony with everything around you. The crowds and chaos don’t seem to matter at all. And surely, by the time you finish a tour of the Bazaar’s in Jaipur, you will be loaded with several shopping bags that will perfectly remind you of the great moment you had.
Jaipur Tourist Attraction
Ajmer has more to offer than you think! Pushkar, just 11 km from Ajmer, is a religious site for Hindus that attracts large Hindu pilgrims. Pushkar is no less important than the Chardhams (the four most holy and sacred places) of Hindu pilgrims. Ajmer is the access point to reach Pushkar.
The Sites You Should Not Miss in Ajmer
1. Dargah Sharif
Dargah of Khwaja, Ajmer Tour Packages
Dargah, the tomb of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is one of the most famous attractions of Ajmer. The Dargah is located at the foot of a barren hill in the old part of Ajmer, and is visited by people of all faiths. It was in 1192, when the Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti came to Ajmer from Persia.
Mughal Emperor Humayun completed the construction of the shrine and the Nizam of Hyderabad added its massive gate. There are two mosques in the courtyard, one built by Akbar and the other by Shah Jahan. The saint’s tomb with
a marble dome is in the center of the second courtyard and is surrounded by a silver platform. The shrine is next only to Mecca for the Muslims of South Asia.
2. Ana Sagar Lake
The Ana Sagar Lake is an artificial lake that was created in the 12th century by damming River Luni. On its bank is the pleasant park, the Daulat Bagh containing a series of marble pavilions erected in 1637 by Shahjahan. There are fine views from the hill beside the park. Boats are available for hire at the jetty. Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra is another major attraction located beyond the Dargah; on the outskirts of the town are the ruins of this mosque.
3. Taragarh Fort
Taragarh Fort lies about 3 km beyond the Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra mosque in Ajmer. Built by Ajaipal Chauhan, the town’s founder, the fort commands a superb view over the city. It was the site of much of the military activity during the Mughal period and was later used as a sanatorium by the British.
4. The Museum
The Museum was once a palace built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, this imposing building now houses the government museum. Its collection includes stone sculptures, old weapons, and miniature paintings. You can visit this museum on your Ajmer travel tour.
5. Nasiyan Temple
Nasiyan Temple, Ajmer ToursYou can visit Nasiyan Temple on your Ajmer travel tour. This Red Temple is a Jain temple built in the 19th century. Its double-story hall contains a fascinating series of large, gilt wooden figures from Jain mythology that depict the Jain conception of the ancient world.
Only in Ajmer!
Urs Festival
Urs is held in Ajmer in honour of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in the month of August every year. Special prayers are offered at the mosque, and huge amounts of consecrated food offered from the large, steaming cauldrons, which were gifts by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The entire town is in a festive mood during Urs. Quwwallis are sung at night and the complete town is decorated immensely.
The Urs Mela commemorating the death anniversary of the saint is held here in the seventh month of the lunar calendar and attracts a large number of Muslims from India and abroad. A colorful fair that springs up during this time is the major attraction. The Dargah is a must visit on your travel to Rajasthan.
Ajmer was also home to the famous Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti who came here from Persia in 1192 AD and passed away in 1236 AD. His Dargah at Ajmer is now one of the most sacred sites in India.
Besides, Ajmer also boasts of the first hill fort in India, the Taragarh Fort that was built by Ajai Pal Chauhan.
How to Reach Bikaner
By Air
The Jaipur Airport is called the Sanganer Airport. A number of flights connect Jaipur to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. There is also a single international flight to Dubai from Jaipur.
By Train
Jaipur has regular trains from Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Ahmedabad. The Shatabdi Express and the Intercity Express are some of the best trains to travel to Jaipur. Another train that deserves special mention is the Palace on Wheels luxury train, which is an unconventional but luxurious way to tour Rajasthan.
By Road
Jaipur is at a distance of 265 km away from Delhi. It is well connected by a number of regular and deluxe buses to many major cities in India and Rajasthan.
Jaipur At a Glance
Location: Located at Rajasthan in north India at a distance of 261 km from Delhi and 232 km from Agra.
Climate: Hot and humid in summers and chilly in winters. The maximum temperature in summer reaches 45°C and drops till 5°C in winters.
Major Tourist Attraction: Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, RamNiwas Garden, City Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jantar Mantar, Rani Sisodia’s Garden and Palace, Govinddev Ji ka Mandir, Albert Hall Museum.
Nearby Tourist Destinations: Ajmer, Alwar, Delhi, Agra, Shekhawati, Sawai Madhopur.
Best Buys: Blue Pottery, Precious and Semi-Precious Jewellery, Quilts, Tie-Dye Textiles, Block Printed Textiles.
Best Shopping Areas: Tripolia Bazaar, Jauhari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Mirza Ismail Road, and Chaura Rasta.
Famous For: Hawa Mahal, Elephant Ride to Amber Fort, City Palace Museum and Shopping
Best Time To Visit: October – March
