Rajasthan, India
About Jaipur
The Pink City test
A city born of vision
By the early 18th century, the ruling Kachhwaha Rajputs had outgrown their hilltop capital at Amer. In 1727, the astronomer-king Sawai Jai Singh II founded a new city on the plains below and named it after himself — Jaipur, "the city of Jai".
He entrusted its design to the Bengali scholar-architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, who planned nine rectangular sectors (chowkris) around wide, straight avenues — a rare feat of town planning for its time.
A colour of welcome
In 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II had the entire old city painted in a warm terracotta pink — traditionally the colour of hospitality — to welcome Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII).
The colour stuck. To this day, buildings within the walled city are required by law to keep their distinctive pink hue, and Jaipur is known the world over as the Pink City.
A UNESCO World Heritage City
In 2019, the walled city of Jaipur was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its exceptional urban planning, grid layout and blend of ancient Hindu, Mughal and contemporary Western ideas.
Jai Singh II was also a passionate astronomer. His observatory, Jantar Mantar, houses nineteen monumental instruments — including the world's largest stone sundial — and is itself a separate UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Art, craft & flavour
Jaipur is a treasure house of craftsmanship — famed for gems and kundan-meenakari jewellery, blue pottery, block-printed and bandhani textiles, and leather juttis.
Its kitchens serve up Rajasthan's most beloved dishes: Dal Baati Churma, Pyaaz Kachori, the fiery Laal Maas and the celebratory sweet Ghewar.
Key Moments
Three centuries in a few dates
Sawai Jai Singh II Ascends the Throne
An eleven-year-old prince inherits Amber and sets Jaipur's story in motion.
Foundation of Jaipur
Sawai Jai Singh II founds a new, meticulously planned capital on the plains.
The City Palace is Built
A magnificent royal residence rises at the heart of the new city.
Jantar Mantar Completed
The astronomer-king completes his grandest observatory.
Iconic Attractions
The landmarks that define the Pink City
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Amer Fort
Amer, Jaipur
A majestic hilltop fort of red sandstone and marble overlooking Maota Lake, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Hawa Mahal
Badi Chaupar, Jaipur
The iconic five-storey pink sandstone facade with 953 latticed windows (jharokhas).
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City Palace
Jalebi Chowk, Jaipur
A grand palace complex with Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, courtyards and museums, still partly home to the royal family.
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Jantar Mantar
Kanwar Nagar, Jaipur
A UNESCO World Heritage collection of 19 monumental masonry astronomical instruments, including the world's largest stone sundial.
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Nahargarh Fort
Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur
A ridge-top fort offering sweeping views over Jaipur, with the Madhavendra Palace and a sculpture park.
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Jal Mahal
Amer Road, Jaipur
A serene palace appearing to float in the middle of Man Sagar Lake against the Aravalli backdrop.
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Albert Hall Museum
Ram Niwas Garden, Jaipur
A splendid Indo-Saracenic museum housing artefacts, paintings, an Egyptian mummy and decorative arts.
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Jawahar Circle Garden
Malviya Nagar, Jaipur
A vast circular garden around the Patrika Gate, with a rose garden, jogging track and musical fountain show.
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