Jaipur, the capital city of the Indian state of Rajasthan, is a vibrant and colorful city with a rich cultural heritage. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is famous for its forts, palaces, and bustling bazaars. In this blog, we will explore ten interesting facts about Jaipur.
- The City of Pink:
Jaipur is known as the Pink City because of the pink-colored buildings in the old city. The color was introduced in 1876, as a symbol of hospitality to welcome Prince Albert on his visit to Jaipur.
- World Heritage Site:
The historic city of Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and was designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya.
- Hawa Mahal:
One of the most famous landmarks in Jaipur is the Hawa Mahal, which means “Palace of Winds.” It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and has 953 small windows or jharokhas, which were used by the royal ladies to watch the street processions.
- Elephant Festival:
The Elephant Festival is a popular festival celebrated in Jaipur during the month of March. The festival features a colorful parade of decorated elephants, elephant polo matches, and a variety of cultural programs.
- Largest Sundial:
The Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur houses the world’s largest sundial. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the sundial measures time accurately to within two seconds.
- Jal Mahal:
Jal Mahal, or the Water Palace, is a beautiful palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. It was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II as a hunting lodge for the royal family.
- Amer Fort:
Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort, is a magnificent fort located on a hilltop about 11 kilometers from Jaipur. The fort was built by Raja Man Singh I and has stunning views of the surrounding hills.
- Lassi:
Jaipur is famous for its lassi, a refreshing yogurt-based drink that is a must-try for anyone visiting the city. The lassi is traditionally served in a clay cup, and it’s a perfect drink to beat the summer heat.
- Jewelry:
Jaipur is famous for its jewelry, especially the precious and semi-precious stones that are mined in the surrounding areas. The city is home to some of the best jewelers in the country and is a shopper’s paradise.
- Puppetry:
Puppetry is an important part of the cultural heritage of Jaipur. The city is known for its intricate and colorful puppets, which are used to tell stories and entertain people.