CITY FOCUS

Choose the best places to dine, shop, and unwind when you’re in Jaipur, with our comprehensive guide.

Almost 300 years ago, in the western Indian desert state of Rajasthan, Rajput ruler Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II decided to move his capital about 11 kilometres away from Amber. He consulted books on architecture, enlisted the services of a scholar of mathematics and science from Bengal, and incorporated the principles of Vastu Shastra. Thus began the construction of his new capital in 1727. When it was completed four years later, Jaipur became the first planned city of India. In 1826, it was painted pink in honour of the visiting Prince of Wales, lending it the epithet of ‘Pink City’. The 19th century saw rapid development, with wide paved boulevards lit by gas lamps, hospitals and colleges, and industries of metals and marble. Today, Jaipur has grown beyond the original walled city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the popular Golden Triangle tourism circuit, Jaipur is a city abuzz with culture, famous sites, colourful markets, and a thriving food scene.