The capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in pink. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses, dotted with fairy-tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed peasants, reflect Jaipur's desert heritage, while teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts.
City Palace
This former royal residence is built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Contains an excellent collection on miniature paintings, costumes and armoury.
Hawa Mahal
The intriguing 'Palace of Winds' is really a fa?ade built in 1799 to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows.
Jantar Mantar
Magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728.
Central Museum
A vast collection of portraits, miniature paintings, costumes and jewellery.
Maharaja Sawaiman Singh Museum
A superb collection of ancient weaponry, carpets and paintings.
Jaipur is a shopper's paradise. Look for jewellery, miniature paintings, block prints and tie-and-dye textiles, carpets, brassware, blue-pottery, leather footwear, lacquer and filigree work.`
Festivals worth witnessing are Teej, Gangaur and the Elephant March.
Summer (Mar. to Jun.): Warm
Monsoon (Jul. to Aug.): Warm
Winter (Nov. to Feb.): Cool and pleasant
Summer - Light cottons
Winter - Woollens
250 kms west of Delhi, Jaipur is connected by air from Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Bombay and Ahmedabad. Rail services from Delhi, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Secunderabad and Lucknow. Road links to neighbouring states.