Jaipur, the resonant capital of Rajasthan is also known as the “Pink City” because of the colour of the buildings in the old city. Built on a dry lakebed it is the city of forts, palaces, golden sands, a warm people and a rich culture. Known as the Gateway to Rajasthan, Jaipur is generally the starting point for any tourist visiting the state. A part of India’s Golden Triangle of Tourism, along with Delhi and Agra, hotels and other facilities are excellent.
For the first-time visitor it is certainly a feast for the eyes. The streets of the city are jam- packed with cars, rickshaws, bicycles, tempos, motorcycles and vegetable laden carts. Symbols of modern architecture like Rajmandir cinema, Birla temple, Rajvilas hotel and Birla auditorium - have Jaipur’s age-old touch of regality and class. Despite having grown into a bustling metropolis, the ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and parks, marvellous heritage hotels, rugged fortresses and attractive monuments perched on barren hills and broad avenues.
Jaipur scores well in hospitality. It is the people of a place that eventually make it come alive. Here, every tourist is treated as a privileged guest. As they say in the local lingo, Padharo Sa (Welcome sir). The folks of Jaipur are highly traditional and religious, charming, simple and helpful. Traditionally dressed Rajput men sporting brightly coloured turbans and swashbuckling moustaches are a common sight in the city.
The city is bursting at its seams due to the pressure of population. Pollution in the city has reached alarming levels. Yet, Jaipur today epitomises the spirit of Rajputana in its fusion of yesteryears and modernity.