Capital of Rajasthan: Jaipur, the Pink City

Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it was one of India's first planned cities, designed according to Vastu Shastra principles by architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya.

The "Pink City" moniker comes from the terracotta-pink paint applied to the historic walled city's buildings in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII)—a tradition maintained by law.

Jaipur is a major tourist destination (part of the Golden Triangle) famed for:

• Forts & Palaces: Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort.
• UNESCO Sites: Jantar Mantar (astronomical observatory), Amer Fort (Hill Forts of Rajasthan).
• Crafts: Gemstone cutting, block printing, blue pottery, jewelry, textiles.
• Festivals: Jaipur Literature Festival, Teej, Gangaur, Elephant Festival.

Population: ~3.1 million (metro, 2011 Census). It is a growing IT, tourism, and handicraft hub.