Jaipur
"Go backpacking in India's Pink City and discover some of the true gems of Rajasthan"
"Jaipur" was last updated on April 14, 2012 All information below is subject to change
In this article you'll find:
Some parts of this city is just beautiful!
Pink city in north India is very busy, but compared to Mumbai
you won't experience that much stalking, and somehow it feels cleaner.
The highlight is the Pink City.
You are probably going to be more
distracted by the beauty of Pink City - and the vibrant bazaars located within Pink City's walls.
Did you know that...
- The pink color was used so it could create an impression of red sandstone buildings?
- The Pink City was founded by the astronomer king, Sawai Jai Singh?
It's guaranteed that you'll be met by gorgeous Rajasthani architecture, pink colored palaces/buildings and excellent Rajasthani food!
But don't get me wrong.
There's of course poverty in this city, especially if you take an auto from city center to Amber Fort. This road is filled with
heavy waist and garbage, dead pigs and children taking a dump in the middle of the streets. That's the real Indian part of the city.
Certain places in the city lack personality, for example Mirza Ismail road.
There's really no backpacker neighborhood in Jaipur, like in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur.
But there are some places in the city where many travelers and tourists tend to spend more time at. Mirza Ismail road (MI road) is
the main road with shops and restaurants and in Pink City is where everyone goes, for the sightseeing and for the shopping.
Guesthouses and hotels are spread through out the city. Read more about rooms.
How to get there and out
By air: The closest airport is called Sanganer, and it's located 13 km from downtown.
From the airport it's common to grab a taxi outside the arrival terminal. I paid Rs 330 from the airport to downtown Jaipur.
By train: Jaipur is the hub city in Rajasthan state. Its railway station connects with all major towns and cities in India, for
example Delhi (4,5-6 hours), Varanasi (17,5 hours), Agra (4,5-5,5 hours), Udaipur (almost 8 hours), Mumbai (18-22 hours),
Bikaner (7-7,5 hours) and so on.
By bus: Ajmer, Pushkar, Delhi and Agra have all buses to Jaipur.
A bicycle driver in Pink City
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The RSTC (Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation) serves bus routes between Delhi and
Jaipur, both day and overnight buses, non-AC and AC.
The Central Bus Station is located near the railway station, at a place called Sindhi Camp. At the bus station you can choose between
non-AC (which are cheaper) and AC-buses. The buses leave from platform 3. The non-AC cost around Rs 300.
I paid Rs 650 for a deluxe AC-seat to Delhi (in March 2011). This bus stopped
outside Bikaner House in Connaught area in New Delhi, close to Paharganj and Karol Bagh.
The bus ride was comfortable. As we were closing in on Delhi, the bus was stuck in traffic jam for a long time. The ride lasted for 7-8 hours.
Map of Jaipur:
A: Bani Park (hotels, guesthouses and villas)
B: Mirza Ismail Road (MI road: restaurants and shops)
C: Pink City (attractions, markets and shops)
Show bigger map
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Important places to know about:
- SMS Hospital on Sawai Ram Singh Rd. Phone: 256-0291
- Main police station on Station Rd. Phone: 220-6324
- Banks and ATMs along Mirza Ismail Rd (MI).
- If you want to send parcels, go to the GPO on MI Rd.
I paid Rs 1900 (12 kg) for sending a parcel via ferry
(arrival after 2,5
months). It actually arrived in a whole piece! The parcel stitcher cost
Rs 110 and was located outside the entrance to the main counter.
You also need to fill out a form which you can pick up from the desk inside. The form has to be ready so the stitcher can sew it onto the
package.
Updated June 03, 2011: We sent another parcel in March 2011.
For 16,1 kg we paid Rs 4630, by air. It arrived safely after 10 days.
Relevant Articles
Where to sleep
Need a place to stay in Jaipur, but don't know where?
The city is dominated by cheap budget hotels, so there's really no problem to find
budget accommodation.
Check out these accommodation reviews!
Where to eat and relax
Craving for some delicious food in Jaipur?
Here's an introduction to what the Rajasthani food is all about, and where to eat it! ;-)
Go here to find a restaurant!
Where to shop
Shop till you drop in this town!!!
It`s the place in India you have to go shopping.
Stop by!
Sights and Activities
Read about the pearls of Pink City and astrology reading!
You'll also get to know the Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar.
CLICK for Attractions!
Amber Fort India
You should really visit Amber Fort! It's probably the most popular attraction in the city.
Here's my review of Amber Fort.
Welcome to Amber Fort in India
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