Love royalty and rich culture? Jaipur is the best weekend getaway for you. Famous for its forts and other monuments Jaipur has established itself as most loved tourist city in Rajasthan. Witness royal architecture and the traditional food and vibrant aura.
Enchanting, historical Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, is the gateway to India’s most flamboyant state. The city’s bright, chaotic streets filled with a stimulating infusion of old and new.
Landed in Jaipur early morning I with a couple of my friends headed to Kasbah - Country Inn & Suites. If you want a luxurious stay then this country inn should be your ultimate destination. Country Inn serves the best breakfast you can enjoy the variety of croissants, Danish, bagels, sausages along with much more.
We wanted to utilize the day so we headed straight to Jantar Mantar, it is the biggest sundial of India. The entry fees for Indians is just Rs.50 and for foreigners it is Rs.200
Our next destination was Hawa Mahal known as Palace of winds. Built of red and pink sandstone, it is the most magnificent monument in the area. This beehive castle with small windows has a height of 50 feet from its base. This structure, erected on a thin shield or podium approximately fifty feet high, has walls less than a foot thick. It is well-known for its windows or 'Jharokhas'. From Hawa Mahal, you have an excellent view of the city. The monument also has an archaeological museum
For lunch enjoy traditional Rajasthani Thali at Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar.We relished Rajbhog, Mewa, and Mango Kalakand along with thali of course. Located in Johri Bazaar it is easy to find.
You can shop mojaris, tie and dye fabrics and textiles, traditional Rajasthani handicrafts from Bapu Bazaar, Johari Bazaar, Chaura Rasta, Mirza Ismial Road (MI. Road etc .
Next day we went to Birla Temple formally known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple. The interiors of the temple are adorned with mythological paintings of various Hindu deities. There is a large marble console which depicts all mythological events. The outside of the temple is as beautiful as its interior with steps to the temple, which are also made out of marble.
Our last stop was Amber fort where we took a trekked trip the surrounding hills. What caught our attention on the way were some handicraft and artwork shops, they had a couple of amazing things. You can take a ride on elephant inside the fort, costing Rs.900 for two persons. Entrance fees is Rs.25 Per Person for Indians and Rs.200 Per Person for Foreign Tourists.The most attractive feature of Amber fort is mirror mosaics and colored glasses all over. Even if a single candle is lit, its reflections in the thousands of mirrors inside the Sheesh Mahal make it appear like thousand stars.
We ended the tour with the light show at Amber fort which was a visual delight!