Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and is popularly known as 'Pink City' as all the buildings in the city are painted in pink. What a unity!The most fascinating fact about the city is that it was built in accord with Hindu Architectural principles called Vaastu. This royal pink city was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of the Kachchawaha dynasty from Amber (former capital of the state) about three centuries ago. An interesting thing was that the Kachchawahas claimed that they were the descendants of Lord Rama, the avtar who is the protagonist of the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

To be on the safer side the Kachchawahas implemented a strategy of matrimonial alliances with the Mughals who at that point of time were emerging as super power in India.When Jai Singh, maharaja of Amber, met Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for the first time, Aurangzeb took Jai Singh's hands in his own and asked him:

"Your hands are tied in my hands so how do you expect to be powerful?"

Witty Jai Singh replied "Just as a bridegroom takes his bride's hands in his own and make a pious vow to protect her at any cost, similarly, dear you have held my hands. Now what is their to fear?".This impressed Aurangzeb profoundly.

Jaipur is the most popular destination of Rajasthan and is popularly known by its fans as the 'land of palaces and forts'.The architecture of the city has shades of both Hindu and Mughal style and the harmony between the two clearly reflects in its Palaces, Forts and Monuments. From palaces to forts, wildlife to bustling bazaars, handicrafts to mouth watering cuisine, Jaipur has everything to offer to make your Journey a memorable experience.

City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Jaigarh fort, Amber fort, Albert Hall museum and Kanak Vrindavan garden are a few to name. Each establishment has its own charm and uniqueness.

The most favorable time to travel to Jaipur is October to March as the weather is pleasant during this period.