Jaipur

Jaipur: The Pink City

Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jaipur was India's first planned city — laid out on a strict 9-block grid based on the Vastu Shastra and Vedic astronomy. The city was painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales (now Edward VII), and the colour has been mandated by law ever since for the old city's facades.

What to see

Amer Fort (a UNESCO-protected hilltop fort 11 km north of the city, with its breath-taking Sheesh Mahal mirror palace), Hawa Mahal (the 953-window Palace of Winds), City Palace (still home to the current royal family), Jantar Mantar (the world's largest stone observatory, also UNESCO), Jal Mahal (the lake palace), Albert Hall Museum, and Nahargarh Fort for sunset views over the city.

What to buy

Jaipur is India's gemstone capital — emeralds, rubies, kundan jewellery. Block-printed textiles in Sanganer and Bagru. Blue pottery. Hand-embroidered phulkari shawls. Visit Bapu Bazar, Johari Bazar, and the famous textile-printing studios.

What to eat

Dal-baati-churma at LMB. Pyaaz kachori at Rawat Mishtan Bhandar. Mawa kachori at Kanji's. Lassi at Lassiwala. Royal Rajasthani thali at 1135 AD inside Amer Fort.

Best time

October to March — pleasant 10-25°C days. April-June is brutally hot (40-45°C). July-September is monsoon. The Jaipur Literature Festival (January) and Elephant Festival (Holi) are unmissable cultural events.