JAIPUR - "The Pink City"

Introduction

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.

Quick Facts about the City
Location: Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan state in west India. The second largest Indian state of Rajasthan is a land of contrasts – the Thar desert, mountains, man- made and holy lakes, forests and jungles, impregnable fortresses and magnificent palaces, of warrior kings and princes, saints and mystics, Rajputs and Mughals. In common with other parts of India, Rajasthan has a wealth of royal residences and stately homes in the form of palaces (great and small), forts, hunting lodges or large estates.
STD Code : 91 (country dialling code), and 0141, most numbers in Jaipur are still seven digits.
Country : jaipur,india
Area : 64.75 sq.km.
Airport : sanganer airport
People : rajasthani
Altitude : 431 meters
Climate : Max. Min.
Summer : 45.0° C 25.8° C
Winter : 22.0° C 8.3° C
Best Season : September-March
Clothing :
Summer : light tropical
Winter : Light woollen
Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani.
Population : 1.5 million

General Info & History
General Information
If Jaipur is a city of turbans and mustaches, it is also a city of polo which has curious variants: while usually played on Horseback it is also played on elephants and times being what they are on bicycles. The important sights to see in Jaipur are the city palace, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and Amber Fort. But do not miss the city's other fine public buildings such as the Albert Hall Museum. While on the subject of architecture remember to take a look at the grandiose Raj Mandir cinema whose style could only be described as "Cecil B.De Mille-Rajput Rococo". Above everything, Jaipur is an extraordinary colorful place.On its streets you see women in their brilliant red and orange odhnis and sweeping skirts and men in their equally vivid turbans and upturned mustaches. Both turbans and mustaches have an entire non verbal vocabulary of their own: for instance, twirling one's mustache while looking at a woman constitutes making a pass at her. And as for a turban, it can tell you the wearers hometown, profession and various other personal details besides.

History
JAIPUR "SHEER SYMPHONY IN PINK" The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is colour washed pink-the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortress perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by its formidable wall. A young Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya formalized the city's plans in the grid system. The wide straight avenues, roads, streets, lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of main bazaars were arranged in nine rectangular city sectors (Chokris) in accordance with the principles of town planning set down in the 'Shilpa Shastra' - an epochal treatise on the Hindu architecture. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur's colourful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvellous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to pinkcity a memorable one.

Climate/Temperature
Temperatures
Summer - Max.45°C, Min.25°C
Winter - Max.22°C, Min.00°C
Monsoon - Max.40°C, Min.35°C
Rainfall - 31.87 cm
Pre-monsoon, which extends from April to June, is the hottest season, with temperatures ranging from 32°C to 45°C. The second season Monsoon extends from July to September, temp drops but humidity increases making it very un comfortable, even when there is slight drop in the temp (35°C to 40°C). The Post-monsoon period is from Oct to December. The average maximum temperature is 33°C to 38°C, and the minimum is between 18°C and 20°C.
The fourth season is the winter or cold season, from January to March. There is a marked variation in maximum and minimum temperatures from 0°C to 25°C.

Local Language
Languages spoken: English, Hindi is spokeken,but Marwari is the local language spoken by many people here.

How to get there
By Air
Sanganer Airport at a distance of 12 km from the city center. There are direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, and some other cities from Jaipur.
CITY DISTANCE IN FLY TIME
From Jaipur To
Delhi 45 mins
Mumbai 02 hrs
Kolkata 01hr 30min
Thiruvananthapuram 3hrs 30mins
Bangalore 3hrs
Hyderabad 02hr
Chennai 03hr
Goa 02 hrs
Ahmedabad 01 hr 30mins
Aurangabad 02 hrs 30mins
Pune 02hr 30mins
Bhubaneshwar 01hr 30min
By Rail
The Jaipur Railway Station is in the heart of the town. There are many trains that connect Jaipur and Delhi. Palace on Wheels is a train with luxury accommodation that passes through popular tourist places on a week’s journey. It begins and ends its journey in Delhi and passes through Jaipur - Chittaurgarh - Udaipur - Ranthambhore - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Bharatpur and Agra. The Shatabdi Express from Delhi, takes four-and-a-half hours to travel to Jaipur.
Pink City Express also connects Jaipur to Delhi.
Rail
CITY DISTANCE IN RAIL TIME
Mumbai 14 hrs
Agra 3 hrs
Delhi 4hrs 30mins
Amritsar 7hrs 45 mins
Dehradun 13 hrs
Lucknow 6 hrs 40 mins
Kolkata 15 hours
Patna 12hrs 40 mins
Guwahati 15hrs 10 mins
Jammu 16 hours
Bangalore 33 hrs

By Road
Jaipur is part of the Golden Triangle Circuit of India that includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Most of these tours are conducted either by buses or trains. The National Highway 8 is the connecting link between Jaipur and Delhi. The entire highway is a four-lane double carriage-way. One can travel to Agra (230 km) along National Highway 11 via Dausa, Bharatpur and Fatehpur Sikri. The route is a two lane highway with fairly good surface. Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation has Volvo, air-conditioned deluxe coaches to Delhi. These also have sleeping facilities. One can also avail of the Pink Line bus services, operated by Rajasthan Roadways that takes about 5-6 hours to travel to Delhi.
By Road in Kilometers drive
Delhi 258 km 5 hrs
Udaipur 347 km 7 hours
Kota 242 kms 5 hrs
Bharatpur 176 km 3 hrs 30 mins
Agra 232 km 4 hrs 30 mins
Ajmer 131 km 3 hrs
Jaisalmer 543 km 11 hrs
Bikaner 354 km 7 hrs
Jodhpur 316 km 6 hrs 30 mins
Bombay 1202 km. 24 hrs

Travel Within Jaipur
Pre-paid taxis can be hired at the airport. Auto-rickshaws. There is a pre-paid auto-rickshaw counter, at the railway station. Taxis and autos are the most convenient ways of moving inside the city as well as to reach some of the excursions located in the proximity. To move around within the city, one can also take cycle rickshaws. Radio taxis and tourist cabs are available for short and long trips, in and around Jaipur.

Accomodation

• akriti guest house
• alsisar haveli
• amrapali hotelresort
• angan guest house
• anuja hotel
• arya niwas hotel
• atithi guest house
• bani park palace
• best western om tower
• bikaner hotel
• bissau palace hotel
• blue bird hotdiresorts
• bombay hotel
• chandra vilas hotel
• chirmi palace
• chokhi dhani resort
• choki dhani
• country inn suites
• diggi hotel

Festivals
Chromatic Jaipur enchants you with its multi-colored festivals that mirror the fascinating customs of brilliant Rajasthan. Festivals in Jaipur are platforms for folk performers to display their art; these festal gatherings offer an excuse for merrymaking and general gaiety that adds color to pink Jaipur. Quite a few festivals are celebrated in Jaipur throughout the year but the most important festive affairs that involve mass participation; large scale pujas, prayers and cultural extravaganzas are Teej, Elephant Festival, Gangaur and the International Kite Festival. Women decorate their palms and feet with the most stunning and exquisite henna patterns during every Jaipur festival, men, women and children wear new clothes, artists perform with vigor and gusto, general enthusiasm, fireworks, ritualistic activities and more characterize festival celebrations in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Be a part of the vibrant kaleidoscope that is Rajasthan as you enjoy and participate in the festivals in Jaipur with Rajasthan Holiday. See fire dancers, kalbeliya performers, delightfully adorned camels and warm people during your tours to the festivals in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Teej festival: The Teej festival celebrated with festal fervor and gaiety has a special religious significance. Ladies and young girls pray to the Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva's consort who exults in her conjugal bliss with Lord Shiva and therefore the women in Rajasthan treat the Teej Festival with venerable significance as they invoke the blessings of goddess Parvati to bless them with long and happy married lives. Pink Jaipur glistens in a riot of green as women and girls dress up in colors of freshness and fertility. Ladies and young girls wear colorful bangles and accessories to look brighter and prettier. Women and young girls come together to decorate and adorn idols of Teej Mata with opulent clothes and traditional jewelry. Ladies sing devotional songs and pray to Goddess Parvati as they hang traditional swings from trees and swing in rhythm with folk ballads. Almost all the lawns and gardens in Jaipur spring to life with colorfully decorated swings decorated with strings of marigold and spring flowers that infuse the whole of Jaipur with exuberance and hope - for a new life and a new beginning. In the afternoon heavily adorned ladies set out with idols of Teej Mata in big processions that course the lanes of the Old Jaipur city; most of these processions make a stop at the sacred Kanak Vrindavan before proceeding for the immersion rites.

Gangaur festival: Celebrated exactly fourteen days after Holi, the Gangaur festival is celebrated with pomp and enthusiasm all over Jaipur and several other parts of Rajasthan, India. The women of Jaipur adorn themselves in fine clothes and traditional jewelry and come together to invoke the blessings of Goddess Parvati. Young girls observe fasts and observe several traditional rituals that they believe will help them choose good husbands. Parents prefer it very much if their daughters find suitable grooms during the Gangaur festival as it is considered as a very auspicious time. Women gather the ashes of bonfires burnt on the night of Holi and bury wheat and barley seeds in these ashes. These seeds are watered for a day or two till they germinate. On the day four after Holi, women come together in communities and make clay idols of Gauri, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. These idols are decorated with traditional attire and jewelry and worshipped by singing devotional folk songs. Men and women come out in colorful processions carrying idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the streets of Jaipur. Married women prepare homemade Ghewar to offer to the Goddess Parvati. Ghewar is popular Jaipur sweet that is prepared on a large scale during the Gangaur festival. Men, women and children buy new clothes, families exchange gifts and women pray with complete devotion for a prosperous married life as the Gangaur festival celebrations. Watch folk artists in gay colors, see puppet shows and watch enthralling fireworks that light up the Jaipur skies as the people of Jaipur celebrate Gangaur with devotion and gaiety.

Elephant festival: Celebrated in the month of March every year, the Elephant festival is organized by the state tourism department in Jaipur every year. Elephants have played an important role in the royal history of Jaipur and the elephant festival in Jaipur showcases the beauty and skill of these gigantic pachyderms that walk the streets of Jaipur with graceful gait. The main venue for the elephant festival is the Jaipur Chaughan or the Polo Ground and the celebrations begin with a large procession of brightly caparisoned elephants who catwalk in all their gold and silver glory in front of all the visitors. Several camels and horses also join the procession though female elephants dominate the procession. Ornamented in colors of gold, red, yellow, green the elephants are adorned from their trunks to toes. Watch elephants in action as they participate in races, polo games, elephant games, tug-o-war etc. See folk dance performances and watch elephants at their royal best during the fabulous elephant festival.

The most engaging, exciting and thrilling event that enthralls you is the final gala when elephants spring holi colors at each other and the crowd with their trunks. Also see with bated breath as the elephants compete with each other in fierce elephant fights during the elephant festival celebrations in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

International kite festival: Makar Sankranti or the Hindu New Year is celebrated with merriment, kites, street plays, folk art performances and exotic food all over India and especially in Jaipur every year on January 14. The International Kite Festival fill the Jaipur soul with gay rainbow colors and a general happy mood. People from all over the world come and participate in the International Kite Festival with joyous enthusiasm. Entire Jaipur springs to life with paper kites, kite exhibitions, sessions on the history of kite flying, dance dramas and other festive celebrations. The International Kite festival in Jaipur has two main occasions; one the "Kite Fight" and the other the "friendly Kite flying" session. You'll be amazed to see the innovative shapes and colors that adorn the Jaipur skies during the International Kite Festival. The three-day kite festival is celebrated in the Jaipur polo grounds. On the final day of the festivities air force helicopters release hundreds of colorful kites in the blue skies and school children release balloons that fill the skies in vibrant hues of happiness and gay abandon. The final day of the International Kite Festival in Jaipur is celebrated on the Umaid Bhawan Palace lawns with a lot of pomp and fanfare.

Religious Places
Laxmi Narayan Temple: Tour the Laxmi Narayan temple located below the Moti Doongri in Southern Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Constructed by the famous Birla family, the Laxmi Narayan temple in Jaipur is an excellent illustration of the secular spirit of India. The entire temple structure has been constructed in such a way that the building rises in a tiered form with three distinct domes representing three different faiths. The splendid Laxmi Narayan temple in Jaipur has been built in such a manner that the entire shrine begins to glow with a soft light as soon as the sun begins to set, creating a picture pretty vista against the glorious Jaipur skyline.
Dedicated to the Goddess of wealth and prosperity and the Lord of preservation, the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Jaipur is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Popularly referred to as the Birla Mandir, the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Jaipur is managed by the B.M. Birla Foundation. A similar temple build on similar lines has been constructed in Delhi also. Come and explore the architectural wealth of Jaipur with Rajasthan Holiday and discover the inherent charm of the fascinating and royal Pink City.

Attractions
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is located in the Tripolia Bazaar to the west of GPO. Built to let the ladies of royal harem watch the royal possessions, Hawa Mahal is not a palace as the name suggests. Hawa Mahal is the part of the east wall of the City Palace complex. Most well known of Jaipur's buildings, you can have the best views of this great building from the street outside.

The City Palace
A major part of the City Palace has been converted in a museum. Remaining part of the palace is still being used by the royal family of Jaipur as residence. The palace is built in the fortified campus style and covers almost seventh part of Jaipur. There are different sections of the museum dedicated to subjects like arms and ammunition, textile and costume, and art gallery.
Some important palaces in this complex include the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-I-Aam, and Diwan-I-Khas.

Jantar Mantar
Translated into 'Instruments of Measuring the Harmony of the Heavens', Jantar Mantar was built by Sawai Jai Singh between 1728 and 1734. Jantar Mantar is a grand celebration of astronomical science and each instrument here serves a particular function and gives an accurate reading. Major Yantras or instruments that you can watch moving clockwise are:
1. Small 'Samrat'
2. 'Dhruva'
3. 'Narivalya'
4. The Observer's Seat
5. Small 'Kranti'
6. 'Raj'
7. 'Unnathamsa'
8. 'Disha'
9. 'Dakshina'
10. Large 'Samrat'
11. 'Rashivalayas'
12. 'Jai Prakash'
13. Small 'Ram'
14. Large 'Ram Yantra'
15. 'Diganta'
16. Large 'Kranti'

Nahargarh
Most of the fort is now in the ruins but it is a pleasant attraction in terms of stunning views you get from here of the countryside. There are few visitors here and solitude inside the ramparts of the fort makes the fort worthy of a good visit. The fort is lit beautifully in the night and dominates the skyline by the day.

Central Museum
Earlier known as Albert Hall, this building was built to welcome Prince of Welcome during his visit to India in 1853. The building is located in sprawling Ram Niwas Garden and houses precious collections of metalware, miniature portraits, and other pieces of art.

Kanak Valley
Welcome to Kanak Valley, a world of temples, chattris and cenotaphs interspersed with watercourses, ponds, dense greens and marble pavilions with brightly colored frescoes depicting Krishna lilas. All this and more stand in bright contrast to the seer Aravalli ranges known for their yellow craggy rock surfaces. Mountain brooks, hill streams and lush greens create a wonder oasis in the midst of a barren land. In fact centuries ago when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh happened upon this paradise he was so enchanted that he christened it as Kanak Vrindavan i.e. a land that was just like the legendary Vrindavan of Lord Krishna. The Kanak Valley in Jaipur lies at a little distance from the Amber Fort and is the wonder world that is nourished with the River Dharbawati that has now been reduced to a hill lake. The Govind Deoji Temple and the Natwarji temple are the two most sacred shrines located in the Kanak Valley in Jaipur. The people of Jaipur consider the Kanak Valley so sacred that even today the Gangaur and other religious processions stopover at the Kanak Valley before going further. There are several royal cenotaphs in the Kanak Valley that are nothing short of architectural wonders with exquisite jail designs, intricate lattice work and fascinating marble friezes.

Shopping/Clothing
Jaipur offers one of a kind shopping experience with its rich treasure of bewitching jewellery, beautiful gems, semi precious stones, kundan and minakri work (enamel work on gold). Beautiful cotton fabric including sanganeri prints, tie-dye, and fine kota doria saries are the best buys for women. The exotic blue pottery, enamel ware and brass ware, make excellent souvenirs and gift items. The city is also famous for woollen carpets and cotton rugs, equally popular are the leather footwear, especially that embroidered Jutes.The famous shopping spots are Rajasthali, Johari Bazaar, MI road, Nehru Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Chapur stalls. The markets are generally closed on Sundays.Markets are generally open from 10:30 am till 5:30 pm and are closed on Sundays.Rajasthan Cottage Industries at Shilpgram Complex, Golomar Garden sells a wide range of silver jewellery, furniture, textiles and hand made paper.

Activity for Kids
Amusement Parks
Wonderland and Fun Kingdom (telephone: 91-141-397505, 395432 ) are outdoor parks where the kids can have all the fun they want. It�s a huge hit with kids of all ages! For more information on Wonderland, you can ring : 91-141-60954. Pink Pearl Water theme Park, on the Ajmer Road. (Telephone: 91-141-370670, 381988)

Zoo
Jaipur zoo houses a rarely found white peacock and a white lion amongst lots of other birds and four legged creatures. A must visit only for these speciesFor the hip and trendy teenager, a trip to the Megabowl is a must. It is one of the largest indoor amusement centre at Malviya Nagar that has the latest computer/video games and a bowling alley.

Birla Planetarium
Statue circle
The Birla Planetarium is at the BM Birla Science & Technology Centre offers unique audio-visual educational and entertainment with its modern computerised projections system.

Pink Pearl Water Park
Ajmer Road, phone: 370670, 381988.

Important Getaways
There are many places to visit around the city of Jaipur. One can see the amazing step wells and Harshad Mata Temple at Abhaneri and the Krishna Temples of Karauli. Rajasthani handicrafts are very famous and you can have the first-hand experience of the traditional block-printing process at Bagru and see the small-scale industry of handmade paper flourishing in Sanganer. Besides, one can also see the Jain Temples at Sanganer. The adventure-seekers and wildlife enthusiasts would love to visit the best-known Tiger reserve in India, Ranthambore National Park and the Sariska National Park. Samode Palace is exquisitely beautiful and has been preserved in a good condition while the Persian art of Tonk, which was once ruled by 'Pathans' of Afghanistan, is sure to grab the attention of the tourists. The charms never cease to amaze tourists in and around Jaipur.

Abhaneri
95 km from Jaipur, the village of Abhaneri is situated on the Jaipur-Agra road and is especially notable for 'baoris', the step wells that are an indigenous invention of the local people at rainwater harvesting. Besides these 'baoris', the Harshat Mata Temple is worth visiting, who is the Goddess of Mirth and Happiness. According to the local beliefs, Goddess Harshat Mata is always depicted in a jolly mood and is said to impart her mirth and happiness as brightness to the whole village. 'Abha' means brightness in Hindi. Thus, the village was originally named 'Abha Nagri', which in time was corrupted to Abhaneri.

Bagru
30 km from Jaipur, Bagru is situated on the Jaipur-Ajmer Road. The town is especially famous for the typical wooden block prints that are famous as Bagru prints all over India. The technique used for printing is also unique and simulates a wooden block print. Mostly ethnic floral patterns are used and typically vegetable dyes are used for traditional Bagru Prints.

Karauli
182 km from Jaipur, Karauli is known mainly for its famous Krishna temple known as Madan Mohanji Temple and other historic monuments. The village was founded in 1348 and it is the 600-year old Fort, which forms the imposing highlight of this village. Used as a residence by the royal family until 1950, the fort has now been abandoned by them. There are a good number of monkeys and geese in the fort. It is said that geese are here since the days when they were used as a warning system against any intruders. The large manor known as Bhawar Vilas Palace still belongs to the descendents of the royal family and has now been converted into a hotel. It offers comfy and luxurious rooms and good meals. One can reach Karauli by road from Jaipur.

Ranthambhor National Park
Ranthambhore National Park has once been the princely game conserve, lying at the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas in eastern Rajasthan. Known for the Indian Tigers, it also boasts of a tenth century fort, Dhok sands, plateau grasslands, meadows in valleys and lush green foliage around the canals. It has three big lakes Padam Talab, Malik Talab and Raj Bagh that abound with aquatic vegetation such as duckweeds, lilies and lotus. The 'Great Boundary Fault' where the Vindhaya plateau meets the Aravali range, is a unique geological feature, whereas two rivers known as Chambal and Banas flow across the park. Besides the tiger, which is the chief attraction here, other fauna of the park includes Owlets, Langurs, Leopards, Caracals, Hyenas, Jackals, Jungle Cats, marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boars, Bears and various species of Deer.

Samode
40 km from Jaipur, the fortified residence of the Nathawat family is a charming and romantic citadel that exhibits grandeur, good taste, class and elegance worthy of the erstwhile Prime Ministers of the Jaipur Royal Court. The main entrance of the fort is through the village and one can opt for camel safari to ride across the village with hardy desert people flashing warm smiles and extending cordial hospitality. The medieval architecture of the fort reflects oriental formality. 43 spacious rooms and suites surround the centrally located open courtyards and boast of their very own having private balconies and views.

Sanganer
16 km from Jaipur, Sanganer is known not only for its exquisite Jain temples but also as one of the world-famous centre for crafts and hand-printed textiles. The ancient Shri Digamber Jain temple of Sanganer has fine carvings that are comparable to the Dilwara temples of Mount Abu that are built in various phases. Built in old architectural style, the latest additions were made to the temple in the 10th century. It has sky-high 'shikharas' (spires) and the inner sanctum is a stone shrine with three pinnacles housing the idol of Parshwanath with 7 serpent hoods surrounded by carvings of religious symbols such as lotuses, creepers and elephants pouring water from pitchers held in their trunks. However, the presiding deity of the temple is Adinath.

Sariska National Park
107 km from Jaipur, Sariska National Park is larger than Ranthambor and has a similar topography. However, it does not have so many tigers and has not been so commercialized. Sprawling across an area of 800 sq km in the Northern Aravalis, it was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979. The steep hills and narrow valleys, scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses make a natural habitat for wide range of wildlife that exhibits ecological adoption and tolerance. Legacy of the Maharajas of Alwar, it boasts of historic pavilions and temples and the Kankwadi Fort nearby, which has a long and turbulent history. The best place and time to spot the wildlife and viewing game at Sariska is at the water holes at sunrise and dusk, when animals come here to drink water.

Tonk
96 km away from Jaipur, Tonk is a small and peaceful town. Once ruled by the tribes said to be descendents of 'Pathans' from Afghanistan, the highlight of the city is the Sunehri Kothi or the Golden Bungalow. The monument has stark and simple exteriors but its lavish and ornamental interiors are quite charming. The other monuments that are worth passing through are the old buildings that were once occupied by the British office. The leather and the felt industry of Tonk are also famous and one can get some good bargain on leather and felt items from the place. The Persian arts and crafts are prevalent in Tonk and those who are interested can also visit the library of Nawab of Tonk, which boasts of a good number of Arabic and Persian manuscripts and the Arabic and Persian Research Institute.

Nightlife/Entertainment
The Polo Bar
Rambagh Palace hotel,
Bhawani Singh Road,
Tel: 2381919
Decorated with polo trophies won by the late Maharaja of Jaipur, it is rated amongst the finest bars in the world. Steam, at the same hotel is located in a very unique setting of a steam engine. It is Jaipur's first and original "pub on wheels". is a popular watering hole.

Chokhi Dhani
Near Jaipur airport
Tel: 2770555
Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort with a blend of rustic environment and modern amenities makes it your favorite destination in Pink City.
Chokhi Dhani Resort literally meaning the "Fine Hamlet" is a 5 star Ethnic resort, the only one of its kind in the country. With quaint mud and thatch dwellings set in sprawling acreage of land, it serves ethnic Rajasthani vegetarian cuisine. Traditional folk performance is organised alongside.

Geoffrey's
The Park Plaza Hotel,
Prithviraj Road
Tel: 0141 - 2339668/2336205
Geoffrey's the hotel pub delights you with a wide range of delectable dishes and wines on its menu.

Apna Gaon
Jaipur Sikar Road,
Tel: 331582
Serves authentic local cuisine amidst recreated village atmosphere. Entertainment here comes from puppet shows and folk dances. Most delicacies served here are made from vegetables grown on the same farm.

Dreamland
Gaurav Tower,
Malviya Nagar,
Tel: 2549487
Indoor family fun centre open from 11 am to 11 pm has discotheques, video games and fun rides.
Welcomgroup Rajputana Palace Sheraton
Every evening from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm in the it-out area.
The show includes Kalbelia Dancers,Puppeteers and Bhopas that display Rajasthan's rich heritage.

Band Playing
Ram Niwas Bagh
An age old tradition of "Band Playing" has been revived by the Department of Tourism and is held every Saturday evening.

Travel Tips

• While using local transport be it taxis or auto rickshaws, make sure that they down the meter. You may get fleeced.
• Summers can be scorching hot and winters piercing cold.
• Always have a couple of extra rolls / batteries for you camera, there is lots you can shoot.
• Make sure you get a road map if you are planning to do the tour of the city on your own on foot. Local shop owners are helpful but it is always safer to ask a police man for directions.

Important Landmarks
Sargasuli
The tower erected in the mid-18th century by Maharaja Ishwari Singh to commemorate a battle victory dominates the skyline on the western side of Tripolia Bazaar and is the highest structure in Jaipur.

Ram Nivas Bagh
A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarium and a museum. It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II as a famine relief project in 1868. Rabindra Manch here with an auditorium, a modern art gallery and an open air theatre hosts cultural events.

Statue circle
The full length exquisitely carved statue of Sawai Jai Singh in white marble stands at the centre of the circle.

Dolls Museum
Near Police memorial
Open:12noon to 7 pm.
Pretty dolls from various countries are on display within the complex of a school for deaf and dumb.

Tipping
10% in all locations

Eateries of Jaipur
Taj Rambagh amphitheatre offers both traditional entertainment and Tandoori cuisine to its guests. There are multicuisine restaurants here too. Lakshmi Misthaan Bhandaar or LMB is well known for serving sumptuous Rajasthani cuisine including famous dessert of Jaipur, 'ghewar'. There are many good multi-cuisine restaurants at Ganapati Plaza, while one can get real taste of Rajasthan at Tonk Road and Choki Dhani. However, these places offer only vegetarian traditional meals in their rustic way with lots of desi ghee and no tables unlike the sophisticated ways of big and famous restaurants in the city. Here, you can also enjoy the folk performances and a camel ride before lunch or dinner. There are several world-class multicuisine restaurants offering Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine at MI Road. The palace turned hotels have some quality bars and multicuisine restaurants too such as Hotel Maharani Palace, Hotel Rambagh Palace, Hotel Mansingh Palace and Hotel Jai Mahal Palace . To savor South Indian food or nibble on fast food, Subhash Marg is a good place to explore. 'Niro's' specializes in Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian, Chinese and Continental food along with American Ice Cream Sodas, while 'Golden Dragon' is known for its perfect Chinese cuisine. For a nibble in reasonable prices, 'Copper Chimney', 'Indian Coffee House' and 'Chanakya Restaurant' are good places to choose from. All of the above are situated on MI Road. Those who love to drink must visit 'Polo Bar' at the Rambagh Palace.

Emergency Contact No.s
Police 100
Ambulance 102
Crime police 1090
Sawai Man Singh Hospital 2560291, 2560392
Foreighners registration office 2669391
Forest Reception Office 2241333

If you are planning to visit Jaipur, You can visit the Jaipur Accommodation Guide. If you have any queries regarding Jaipur, you can ask the Jaipur City Expert and get answers within 24 hrs for free.