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If one could reverse the clock to go back in time to catch a glimpse of an era gone by, then not only can one become eyewitness to the making of history itself, but may also find that jaipur has stood still in the regal phase of its evolution. In Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital and largest city, history is found in fragments, trapped in time and awaiting exploration. Tourists visiting Jaipur can not only immerse themselves in history, but can also carry back with them the spellbinding colours of exotic labyrinths where the past meets the present.
The Pink City, as it is popularly known as for the colour that dominates most of the city’s buildings, Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Rajput ruler. Jaipur was one of India’s first architecturally planned cities, and extensive consultation was done by Jai Singh II to plan the city’s layout. Home to historically significant monuments, vibrant festivals and an array of local delicacies that one can’t get enough of, Jaipur’s exuberance leaves an indelible mark on tourists. 
Architectural marvels in their own right, these monuments are symbols of intricate details spun by a plethora of talented architects and artisans that have stood the test of time and are must visit for all kinds of travellers.
Hawa Mahal: Built for the royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivities without been seen in public
City Palace Jaipur: Built by Sawai Jai Singh II, the Founder of the city of Jaipur in 1729
Jantar Mantar: Home to the world's biggest stone sundial, Brihat Samrat Yantra (Great King of Instruments)
Ishwar Lat: A 7-storey tower which was originally built as a tribute to Maharaja Ishwari Singh's victory over Marahas & Mewars
Jal Mahal: Epitome of Rajput architecture, this palace was built in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur
A city with delicacies that are equally sweet and spicy, Jaipur’s local cuisine has flavours to suit every palate. Indulging in some locally cooked spicy and sweet dishes completes the sightseeing experience.
Dal Bati Churma
The definitive dish of Rajasthan, it is a complete meal in itself.Bati, a heated ball of flour is dipped in ghee and consumed with dal (lentil soup). Churma, a sweet dish made of flour is traditionally eaten at the end, completing the delectable local experience. Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar in Johri Bazaar and Rewat Mishthan Bhandar in Sindhi Camp are two of the oldest sweet shops in Jaipur famous for their Dal Bati Churma.
Gatte Ki Sabzi
Boiled gram flour dumplings spiced up in yogurt curry, Gatte ki Sabzi is another popular Rajasthani dish. A combination of spicy and sour flavours, the vegetarian dish is perfect accompaniment of hot puris or chapatis for breakfast. Suvarna Mahal at Rambagh palace is one of the most renowned eateries serving lip smacking Gatte Ki Sabzi.
Lal Maans
Red (as the name suggests), spicy and unforgettably tasty, this meat curry is prepared in a sauce of yoghurt, hot spices and red chillies. Lal Maans is traditional non-vegetarian Rajasthani dish not to be missed. While there are many restaurants in Jaipur where the dish is found, Uniara Hotel in Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and Handi in MI Road are two must visit restaurants for a plate of steaming, spicy Lal Maans.
Ghevar
Prepared during the festive season of Teej, Ghevar is a popular sweet dish made from flour, milk and sugar syrup. This disc shaped sweet dish is found across Jaipur and melts in the mouth. A mouthful of Ghevar can help one relive the sweet memories of the unforgettable trip to the pink city. Durgapura’s Bombay Mishthan Bhandar and Dhoodh Mishthan Bhandar and Sodhani Sweets in Tonk Road are some of the places to visit for the best Ghevar in Jaipur.
Pyaz Ki Kachori
Crisp fried flour dumplings filled with onions is the most popular breakfast snack across Jaipur. Available across sweet shops in the city, this snack is served steaming hot with pickles or curd and doesn’t disappoint on the taste. Pyaz Ki Kachori is widely available in Jaipur, but trust Samrat Restaurant and Radhe Kachori in Chaura Rasta for the best Pyaz Ki Kachoris in the city.
Chokha Ni Kheer
If the Pink city’s sweetness is more of what you crave for, you cannot leave Jaipur without indulging yourself in Chokha ni Kheer. Rice pudding made out of milk and flavoured with green cardamoms and raisins, Chokha ni Kheer is best served cold after a spicy and sumptuous meal. Bhagat Mishthan Bhandar in Choti Chaupar and Rawat Sweets in Johri Bazaar are specialists in Chokha ni Kheer.
The festive mood adorns this colourful city all year round. There is no dearth of festivals to choose from. To experience a different side of Jaipur join in on any of these festivities.
Elephant Festival Held in February or March every year, the Elephant Festival coincides with the festival of Holi when a blanket of colour descends upon the city. Games like elephant polo and elephant tug of war, dancing elephants and march of decorated elephants are just some ways the city celebrates this festival.
Kite Festival The popularity of the Kite Festival, held every year on January 14, has reached such an extent that it is officially considered as a holiday in the city. Kites take over the sky on that day and cover it with freely flying colours.
Teej Festival Held during the monsoon season (between July and August), the festival of Teej is held to celebrate the union of Shiva and Parvati, the day when Lord Shiva accepted Parvati as his wife. Music and dance fills the city’s air and spill on to the streets to spread the joy.
Jaipur Literature Festival For literature connoisseurs, Jaipur becomes the hub of attention during the Jaipur Literature Festival every winter in January. The festival has become a calendar event for those who cherish discussions on literature, politics, arts and culture, with eminent personalities from several fields gracing the occasion.
Soar In A Hot-Air BalloonWant to explore Jaipur’s idyllic beauty in an untraditional manner? Soar up in the sky in an hot-air balloon and charm yourself with a bird’s eye view of the Pink city. Rising up gradually from Amber fort and covering the nearby area, mesmerise yourself with views of historical forts and lakes in Jaipur while floating in the air. The balloon safari is organised by several private tourism companies in Jaipur, and costs Rs 7,500 per person.
Chokhi Dhani VillageIf you do not want to leave Rajasthan without visiting an ideal and ethnic Rajasthani village, Chokhi Dhani is a must visit. A miniature model version of a Rajasthani village equipped with modern amenities, a visit to Chokhi Dhani will take you back to Rajasthan’s rich heritage. From enjoying mouthwatering traditional Rajasthani delicacies to grooving slowly to Rajashtani folk melodies, exploring an art gallery to enjoying a puppet show, Chokhi Dhani is your one-stop for all things traditional in Rajasthan. Chokhi Dhani is situated 20 kilometres from Jaipur, and is easily accessible via road.
Take A Bicycle Trip Around JaipurWake up early in the morning and as the sun rises on the Pink city’s horizon, head out for an early morning tour on a bicycle. As you bicycle yourself through Jaipur’s lanes, bylanes and nearby small towns, get to know the city more intimately as you encounter local food stalls, artisans and hidden gems of history on your tour. Several tourism companies organise bicycle tours in Jaipur, which usually begin from Rs 2,000.