The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is known as ‘the pink city’ because so many of its houses are painted pink. The reason for this is said either to originate from the much admired reddy pink architecture from the Mughal cities, or because pink represents hospitality and hence much of the city was painted pink in anticipation of a visit by the Prince of Wales’ in 1876. Whatever the real reason, the coloured houses add a soft warm glow to the city and the skyline is particularly beautiful viewed from above at sunrise or sunset as it stretches out before your eyes in a haze of muted tones. 

Like Delhi and Mumbai, Jaipur is a rather chaotic city on a slightly smaller scale. Noise, dust and pollution are par for the course, so if you are looking for some rest and relaxation this wouldn’t be the first city to spring to mind. However, Jaipur is a great introduction to Rajasthan, before moving on to the desert cities of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. 

Jaipur has a number of sights that compete with other big tourist attractions throughout India. For example there is the Amber Fort, the City Palace and numerous temples, all of which would be an afternoon well spent. There are also a number of gorgeous gardens to retire to should the noise and crowds become too much. 

However, the real spirit of Jaipur is in its people. You will find some gems as you interact with the Rajasthani people, many of whom will be willing to introduce you to their way of life, often difficult days spent earning little money for a lot of work, but nevertheless there seems to be a certain spirit of determination and resilience that is not so readily noticeable in the larger cities. 

Jaipur is also a great place for a shopping fix. You will have to haggle with the best of them in the markets, or if bartering is not your style you can head to the government run fixed price shops where you will find the pace much more relaxing and the products of a consistently good quality. Jaipur is particularly well known for a soft type of quilt known as Rajais, resplendent in the usual vibrant array of colours that India is well known for. 

For yet another side to Rajasthan, pay a visit to one of the movie theatres. Rajasthanis’ take movies very seriously and at the same time with great humour. All the good Indian movies borrow plots from western blockbusters whilst at the same time adding in their own unique mix of humorous romance, religious satire, melancholy failings and colourful musical interludes. It is an eclectic combination that will have you laughing, crying and singing along with the rest of the movie going crowd!!