Jaipur City Guide

Jaipur was founded in 1727 by the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, after whom the city is named. The Kachhawaha Dynasty has ruled the larger region of ‘Dhundhar’ since 1135 AD and was instrumental in constructing many forts and palaces in and around Jaipur. It was one of the earliest planned cities of modern India, designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya under the rule of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. During the British Colonial period, the city served as the capital of Jaipur State. After independence in 1947, Jaipur was made the capital of the newly formed state of Rajasthan.

The capital became known as “The Pink City” when, in 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh had most of the buildings painted pink—the colour of hospitality—in preparation for a visit by Britain’s Queen Victoria. Today, the city is known for its bazaars, forts, temples, palaces, food and wildlife sanctuaries.

It has always been a popular tourist destination in India and forms a part of the west Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Delhi and Agra (240 km, 149 mi). It also serves as a gateway to other tourist destinations in Rajasthan such as Jodhpur (348 km, 216 mi), Jaisalmer (571 km, 355 mi), Bharatpur (186 km, 116 mi), Udaipur (421 km, 262 mi), Kota (252 km, 156 mi) and Mount Abu (520 km, 323 mi).

Tourist Attractions

• City Palace
  The Maharaja’s opulent residence and museum.
• Jantar Mantar
  An 18th century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Ram Singh
• Hawa Mahal
  A beautifully constructed building in the old city known as Wind Palace.
• Amber Fort
  A 12th century palace founded by Dulha Rai of the illustrious Kachhawa Dynasty.
• Jaigarh Fort
  A Jaipur fortress and stronghold housing the biggest canon in the world2
• Birla Mandir
  A beautiful white marble Hindu temple.
• Galtaji
  An ancient Hindu pilgrimage consisting of a series of temples built into a narrow crevice in a ring of hills.
• Albert Hall Museum
  An architectural marvel and museum built in 1876 in honour of King Edward VII.
• Gaitore ki Chattriyan
  Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan are the royal crematorium grounds for the Royal Family of Jaipur. The ancestors’ cenotaphs are scattered throughout the complex, creating what looks like a mix of shrunken open-air palaces and ornate towers. The structures mark the spots where they were cremated.

Restaurants

• Bissau Palace Restaurant
  Elegant dining space offering regal Rajasthani, North Indian, Asian and Italian cuisines.
• Dos Amigos Taqueria
  Jaipur’s first authentic Mexican taqueria specializing in birria tacos, seasonal vegetarian tacos and nachos.
• The Sarvato
  The Sarvato is a restaurant in Jaipur's City Palace that celebrates Rajasthan's culinary heritage. The name Sarvato comes from the square shape of the building that was once used for private audiences.
• The Rajput Room
  Nestled within the opulent Rambagh Palace of Jaipur, The Rajput Room offers not just a meal, but an immersive experience in the rich culture and heritage.
• Niros
  Jaipur’s oldest continental restaurant offering Rajasthani, Continental and Chinese cuisines.
• Steam
  Chic restaurant located at Rambagh Palace constructed with an old train. The restaurant/bar serves great cocktails and pizzas.
• 1135 AD
  Opulent dining room within the Amber Fort plating Indian dishes by candlelight.
• Spice Court
  Traditional Rajasthani restaurant offering laal maas, keema baati and butter chicken.
• Dojo
  Chic Japanese restaurant serving sushi and Pan-Asian cuisine.
• White Sage
  Stylish vegetarian restaurant serving Asian inspired plates and some vegan items.
• Baradari
  Quaint cafe located inside City Palace offering cocktails and global cuisine.
• The Library
  South Indian restaurant serving traditional Tamil vegetarian food.
• The Johri
  Restaurant and bar offering modern vegetarian Indian cuisine.
• Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar
  Famous landmark sweet shop serving the best ras malai (milk dessert) in town.
• Lassiwala
  Famous lassi spot serving the best sweet lassi in town.

Nightlife

• Palladio
  Chic bar with a mix of Italian and Rajasthani design serving snacks, cocktails and wine.
• Polo Palladio
  A private member’s club that often hosts the city’s prestigious polo team for post game cocktails.
• Shikaar Bagh
  Bustling bar with an outdoor Rajasthani style garden.
• Native Cocktail Room
  Speakeasy bar with house infused cocktails and global small plates.
• Soul
  A microbrewery serving craft beer such as Jaipur Kolsch, Jaipur Hefeweizen and Jaipur Wit.
• Diona
  Massive rooftop nightclub known for its DJ nights, cocktails and live music.
• Naila Bagh
  Nightclub with rooftop seating, garden and live music.

Shopping

• Aashka
  Exclusive store at Narain Niwas Palace for traditional handicrafts, clothes and jewellery.
• Hot Pink
  Boutique store with a variety of Jaipur print shirts, kurtis and shoes.
• Anokhi
  Boutique store with a variety of Indian and Rajasthani printed dresses, kurtas, shirts and shoes. The store also has an organic cafe.
• Jaipur Rugs
  Jaipur Rugs is one of India's largest manufacturers of hand knotted rugs.
• Khanoom
  Khanoom is a luxury tableware label that is rooted in storytelling and celebrates India's rich heritage of artisanal luxury, with a contemporary spin.
• Rana Sarees
  Famous landmark store for traditional Rajasthani sarees.
• Gulabchand
  Famous shop offering handcrafted textile shirts, kurtas, quilts and dupattas.
• Tholia’s Kuber
  19th century jewellery shop famous for earrings, necklaces and traditional jewellery.
• Johri Bazaar
  Famous street in the old city for shopping. Tourists often spend hours here shopping for clothes, jewellery and bangles.

Rajasthani Dictionary

• Khamaghani
  In Rajasthani, we do not use the greeting ‘namaste’ as much as the more local greeting, ‘khamaghani’. Mostly used by nobility or people belonging to the ‘Rajput’ (warrior) community of India.
• Rajput
  Translated in English to son of a king, the term is synonymous with Rajasthani culture. The Rajputs ruled much of India for over a thousand years with a large population settling in Rajasthan. They built beautiful cities abundant with palaces and forts and are essential in preserving the ancient traditions of India.
• Jharokha
  Jharokhas, overhanging enclosed balconies with intricate lattice work, overlook the bazaar and street. When palaces were built, royal women couldn’t be seen in public. They lived in seclusion and viewed the outside world through jharokha windows.
• Haveli
  A haveli is a traditional townhouse, mansion, or manor house, in the Indian subcontinent, usually one with historical and architectural significance, and located in a town or city.
• Bagh
  A type of garden often found in Rajasthani palaces and forts.
• Chattri
  The word chattri translates to umbrella. They are semi-open, elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used in Indian architecture and found predominantly in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
• Baori
  The word baori translates to stepwell. Stepwells are wells, cisterns or ponds with a long corridor of steps that descend to the water level. Stepwells played a significant role in defining subterranean architecture in western India from the 7th to the 19th century.
• Ghoomar
  Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance from Rajasthan that involves twirling and swaying. The word "ghoomar" comes from the word "ghoomna" which means "to twirl" or "to go round and round". It is primarily performed by royal and noble ladies of the Rajput (warrior) community of Rajasthan.