Jaipur, the Pink City

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is the fabled Pink City, its walled old town painted a warm terracotta rose since it was so coloured to welcome a royal visit in the nineteenth century. A UNESCO city of grand palaces, bustling bazaars and broad planned streets, it is crowned by the Hawa Mahal, the honeycomb Palace of Winds, and holds the City Palace and the extraordinary Jantar Mantar observatory.

The main sights

• The Hawa Mahal - the honeycomb pink Palace of Winds.
• The City Palace - the royal palace complex and museum.
• Jantar Mantar - the giant astronomical instruments of the observatory.
• The bazaars - the bustling markets of textiles, jewellery and crafts.

When to go

October to March for the coolest weather; it forms the third point of the classic Golden Triangle with Delhi and Agra. Go early to the sights to beat the heat and crowds, and the bazaars are liveliest in the evening.

Practical notes

It is a large, hectic Indian city, so the traffic, noise, touts and hassle can be intense, especially around the tourist sights. The 'pink' is more a faded terracotta than rose. It is best over two days to see the city and Amber Fort without rushing. Bargaining in the bazaars is expected.

Nearby

Amber Fort is just outside the city; Delhi and Agra complete the Golden Triangle.