The city of Jaipur is the logical starting point for anyone traveling in Rajasthan because of its central location and good air, road, and rail connections. To the west lies the desert region of Marwar (Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur), to the north and south run the craggy Aravali hills. From Jaipur it is an easy drive to Alwar and the Sariska Tiger Reserve in the northeast, or to Ajmer, Pushkar and Kishnagarh in the South east. Also within reach is the Shekawati region in the northwest and Ranthambor National Park in the east.

Founded in AD 1727 by Sawai Jaisingh II, Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City with broad avenues and spacious gardens. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.

Once the capital city of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodhaji - chief of the Rathore Clan of Rajputs who claimed descent from Lord Rama. A major trade centre of 16th century, the city, today, has grown to become the second largest city of Rajasthan, retaining the medieval splendour. Packed with history, art and culture, this princely state is a treasure – trove of some exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis – standing a testimony to the imperial grandeur. But what entices the most in Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle, festivity and smiling people.

Tourist attractions in Jaipur

• Hawa Mahal
  Built in 1799 A.D., the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is a major Rajput landmark. This five storey building along the main street of the old city is in pink splendour with semioctagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows. The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.
• Jantar Mantar
  A stone observatory. Largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments, whose settings and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy. The most striking of these are the Ram Yantras used for guaging altitudes.
• The City Palace
  In the heart of the old city is the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones. Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers serve as guides. The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chased handles, some of them inlaid with enamel and embellished with jewels and encased in magnificent scabbards. The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail.
• Govind Dcvji Temple
  The most popular spireless temple of Jaipur dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located in the central pavilion of the Jai Niwas Garden to the north of Chandra Mahal. The image of the patron deity - Govind Devji, originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh II as his family deity.
• Jain Temple
  The exquisite Jain temple on the Agra road has some of the most beautiful 19th century paintings in Jaipur style on its wails. Moti Doongri and Lakshmi Narayan Temple : Moti Doongri is a privately owned hilltop fort built like a Scottish castle. The Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the marvellous Lakshmi Narayan Temple built in marble a few years back, are also noteworthy. Statue Circle : The full-length exquisitely carved statue of Sawai Jai Singh in white marble in the centre of the circle was erected under the newly planned scheme area to pay homage to the founder of Jaipur.

How to reach

• Air
  There are flight connections to Delhi, Kota, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
• Rail
  An excellent connection from Delhi is Shatabdi Express which provides a fast, air-conditioned rail service. Other connections to Jaipur are from Bikaner, Jodhpur, LJdaipur, Ahmedabad, Secunderabad, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai and Calcutta. Some important train connections are : Marudhar Express (Varanasi-Jaipur-Jodhpur); 9770 Express (Jaipur-Purva), .Gujarat Mail (Mumbai-Jaipur-Delhi Sarai Rohilla); Shatabdi Express (New Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer); Superfast Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur); Mandore Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur-Jodhpur); Intercity Express (Jaipur-Delhi Sarai Rohilla); Chetak Express (Udaipur-Jaipur-Delhi Sarai Rohilla); Ahmedabad Mail (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur-Ahmedabad); Jodhpur Mail (Marwar-Jaipur-Delhi Sarai Rohilla).
• Road
  A convenient mode of travel to Jaipur is by road, through a network of comfortable tourist buses. Rajasthan Roadways runs excellent regular service of AC and Deluxe Coaches from Delhi (From Bikaner House, Pandara road and ISBT, Kashmeri Gate) Some Road distances are Delhi 259 km, Udaipur 405 km, Jodhpur 336 km, Ahmedabad 657 km.