Jaipur: a quick rundown

I’m two days behind on my blogging; there’s just not enough free time. So I will have to give a very quick overview of my 1 1/2 days in Jaipur.

For some reason, Jaipur is known as the “pink city.” Well, there is a reason. In 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh had the buildings painted a terracotta pink color to welcome the Prince of Wales, symbolizing hospitality. The tradition of painting buildings that color has kind of stuck. But the color is much less pink to my eyes, and much more terracotta. (See the photo at the top of the page, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds. I do not call that color “pink.” But that’s the color.

List

Here’s a list of the things I did and saw in Jaipur:

• Stopped for shopping at a colorful, chaotic, tacky bazaar with aggressive vendors. (I didn’t buy anything.)
• Visited Jantar Mantar, a collection of astronomical instruments constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of the city of Jaipur, in 1734.

• Visited the City Palace, also built by Maharaja Jai Singh. It is still the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur, though that title now is strictly ceremonial, as there is no more kingdom of Jaipur.

• Had a home-hosted dinner with a lovely family. Drove over an hour in traffic to get there. Got back to our hotel after dinner in 15 minutes.

• Visited Amber Fort, up on a hill outside the city. This was the predecessor to the City Palace, before the city was founded. Construction began in 1592, and expansion was continual over the next 130 years, until the move to Jaipur in 1727.

• Visited Channi Carpets & Textiles. Learned about block printing techniques, an important part of textile decoration unique to Jaipur. Also learned about carpet-making techniques and designs unique to Jaipur. Bought a rug.

• Visited a Hindu monastery. Enjoyed watching the hundreds of macaques that inhabit the place.

• Went on a safari at a leopard reserve. Didn’t see any leopards, but enjoyed the scenery, birds, and other wildlife.

Impressions

Jaipur is an attractive city surrounded by hills, with some very pretty architecture and friendly people.

Photos

Check out all my Jaipur photos.