By Vishakha Dahiya:
Jaipur — popularly famous as the “Pink city”, is the heart of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh, the city is very well planned and organised. It has around 5 million residents and is one of the best places to visit in Asia. Owing to its rich traditions, thousands of tourists flock to Jaipur to witness the alluring colours all around the city. Jaipur is one of the best places of India where on one side you see typical “bazaars” vending Jaipuri stuff and on the other side you will witness the metropolitan culture sprawling at its best. This is, without any second thought, the best concoction of rich heritage and contemporary culture.
My love for this city has only burgeoned. Having spent nearly 4 years in Jaipur, I had my share of love bestowed upon. I have developed this immense love for colours owing to the colourful lifestyle it offers. I have often been complimented for my choice in clothes/furnishing and I concede it all to Jaipur. This city has something about it which makes you its own the first time you visit it. Not only will you leave this city with a heavy heart but also your eyes will definitely miss the scenic beauty. This is one place where you find the fusion of traditions along with westernization. From riding an elephant in Amber fort to the air flights, from marvelous forts to prevailing shopping malls, Jaipur has it all.
Jaipur is particularly famous for its delightful Rajasthani food like Daal Batti Churma, Ghevar, Gatte ki subzi, pyaz ki kachori etc. The rich spices used in cooking these cuisines will make you crave for more even when your appetite is fulfilled. Even cooked in ghee and butter, the food is considered to be very healthy and nutritious. Such is the charm of Jaipur. In addition to this, you can also rejoice yourself with multi —cuisine restaurants. “Om tower” — the revolving restaurant is one such example of the cutting-edge technology in Jaipur.
People are warm and loving and even with increasing globalization, the people here are still deep rooted. They still follow their values and rituals and are truly proud of it. You can often see people dressed up in colourful Rajputana dresses. No one remains untouched with the royal tradition and attitude. “Marwari” is the language spoken by the natives of the city.
Jaipur is widely recognized for the forts and monuments. Jalmahal, Jaigarh, Nahargarh, Amer fort, Hawa Mahal etc. enhance and define the royal culture of Jaipur. These are the “must visit” places of Jaipur without which your trip is definitely incomplete. Sprawling across acres of land, forts share the larger part of the city. These forts also attract the filmmakers to shoot for movies. “Rang de Basanti” was shot at the most happening place of Jaipur — Nahargarh fort. Take a trip to these places and you will get a taste of royal culture of Rajput kings who once ruled the city. In the places like “Chokhi Dhani” and “Aapno Rajasthan”, people can witness the glimpses of colours of Rajasthan and enjoy folk music, cuisines and apparels. Jaipur also has abundant malls in its share like Triton, Crystal Palm, MGF and a lot more. “Gaurav Towers” — if you belong to Jaipur, you would know what I’m talking about. G.T is the most famous joint in Jaipur situated in Malviya Nagar. Girls, particularly, love this place for the shopping choices it offers.
If you are a fan of handicrafts, you have one more reason to visit Jaipur. Everything from handbags, bed sheets to wooden furnishings are available here in places like “National Handloom” which can be titled as the pride of the Jaipurites. Some of the famous markets where one can stop and shop are Bapu Bazaar, MI Road, Johari Bazaar etc. A number of festivals tell tale of its rich heritage. Some of them are Gangaur festival, Teej festival and kite festival. Jaipur literature festival is the newly added attraction in the list.
Jaipur personifies the rich culture and royal traditions which truly depict the heritage of Rajasthan. A must visit place for everyone who want to witness the plethora of colours and experience the best of both worlds — all at one place.