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- India
- Jaipur
Jaipur
Situated 190 miles (300km) southwest of Delhi, Jaipur is an
essential stop on any tour of Rajasthan. The old, walled section of
the city is known as the Pink City: it was painted red (a lucky
colour in Hindu culture) to welcome England's Prince Alfred in
1853, and the fading old buildings still retain traces of this hue.
Jaipur is one of India's newer cities, founded in 1727, and was the
creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who
decided when Mogul power was on the decline to move from his
outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on
the plains further south.
The Pink City was built in only eight years. Much of it was
designed by Jai himself, including the City Palace and the Jantar
Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory with massive
instruments used to predict the monsoon and to identify the
movements of the stars. Most impressive is a 27 metre-high sundial
that is accurate to within two minutes. All seven gates into the
old city remain, one of which leads into Johari Bazaar - the
famously frenetic jewellers' market, boasting the best selection of
precious stones in India.
Jaipur is now a thriving commercial city, home to about two
million people. Although some visitors are put off by the
over-zealous traders and the insane traffic, most are enthralled
and enchanted by this welcoming, exciting city. There is no better
place in India to shop than in Rajasthan's capital - you'll find
everything in its shop-lined streets, from jewellery to silks to
perfumes and stationery. Just be prepared to bargain hard for a
good deal.
Information & Facts
Climate
Jaipur has a semi-arid climate, with hot weather in summer and
cool, comfortable winters. Summer is between April and June and
temperatures can reach as high as 113°F (45°C); while the monsoon
season, from July to September, is characterised by torrential
downpours and high humidity. Jaipur's winter weather is more
pleasant, with clear, blue skies and temperatures averaging around
64°F (18°C). The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and
March.
Language
Although English is generally used for official and
business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by
about 40 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common
with the Muslim demographic. India has a total of 22 official
languages
Money
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into
100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at
banks, and authorised bureaux de changes. It is impossible to
obtain rupees outside India, but no matter what time you arrive in
India there will be an exchange office open at the airport. It is
illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is
advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart
from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small
denominations. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely
accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs
are not generally available.
Shopping
Jaipur is a great place to practice your bargaining skills. The
vendors and market sellers in the city offer a great variety.
Gemstones, clothes, jewellery, clothes and blue pottery are all
readily available. The best places to shop are the Gem Palace,
Chameliwala Market and Amrapali.