Jaipur Travel Guide: Everything you need to know about Jaipur

by Kim Gill Writer

Brief Introduction and History:

Jaipur with the population of nearly 6.6 million is the capital city of the largest state in India, Rajasthan. Best known for its jewelry, leather products, and handicrafts; it was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and it is named after him.

The construction of the city began in 1727 after Maharaja Jai Singh moved his capital from Dausa to Jaipur because of the water scarcity.

Also known as the ‘Pink City’, it was referred that when it was painted all in pink to welcome the arrival of Prince of Wales.

One of the major tourist destinations in India- it was named the 7^th best place to visit in India by Conde Nast Traveller.

People and Life

According to the census of India, the city has a literacy rate of 84.34%. Most people speak Hindi, Marwari, and English. People are generally nice and friendly, and work mostly in handicraft and tourism.

Climate

The climate of the city is generally warm but it changes throughout the year.

Summer: April, May, June and, July; Hot to extremely hot; Very low to moderate humidity.

Monsoon (Rainy): End of July, August and September; Hot, Pleasant during rains; High humidity and Heavy precipitation.

Autumn: October and November; Warm days and Cool nights. It’s the best time for travellers.

Winter: December and January; Cool to Cold

Spring: February and March; Warm days, Cool nights, Pleasant. It’s the best time for travellers.

Reaching Jaipur

Being the famous tourist spot that it is, reaching Jaipur is quite easy. There’s easy availability of trains, buses and flights from Delhi and Mumbai. For which you can enquire tour and travel services for NRIs.

Getting Around

The city is quite well planned and generally has a heavy traffic within city, and the public transportations are well managed too. Private cabs and Auto Rickshaws are most preferred transportation within the city. But one can also travel by tourist bus as well.

Bus is the cheapest way to travel. As a day in tourist bus around the city costs between Rs 150-350.
Cab facility is also available by international cab companies offering travel from a minimum Rs 10/KM.
Car rental also works well for people who like to enjoy driving and be their own master. A car can be rented from 1600/day or approximately close to that.
Auto-Rickshaw also known as ‘Tuk-tuk’ to most westerners is also quite cheap. The fare begins with Rs 9/Km for first 2 kilometers and Rs 5 after every kilometer. For further information: http://www.jaipurtravel.com/autorikshaw-fare-jaipur.htm

Major Attractions

Amber fort (Timings: 8 am to 5:30 pm. Charges: Rs 25 for Indians and Rs 200 for Foreigners)
Jaigarh Fort (Timing: 9 am to 4:30 pm. Charges: Rs 25 for Indians and Rs 75 for Foreigners)
Nahargarh Fort( 10 am to 5:30 pm. Rs 20 for Indians and Rs 50 for Foreigners)
Hawa Mahal (9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Friday closed. Rs 10 for Indians and Rs 50 for Foreigners)
City Palace( 9 am to 5 pm and Rs 75 for Indians and Rs 300 for Foreigners)
Albert Museum (9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Friday closed. Rs 10 for Indians and Rs 50 for Foreigners)
Jantar Mantar (9 am to 4:30 pm. Rs 20 Indians and Rs 100 for Foreigners)
Jal Mahal
Akshardham Temple
Laxmi Narayan Temple

Advice

If you’re travelling for the first time and don’t know anyone in the city. Tours and travel companies offer great packages for travellers. But the packages don’t give individuals much time to spend leisure in the city. If you’re on a budget and need advice to save money for your travels, seek advice from professionals who will guide and plan the tour for you. Tours and travel services for NRI help in planning the tour and travel for NRIs as well as foreigners.