Jaipur: The Pink City of Palaces

Rajasthan's Royal Capital

Jaipur, founded 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, earns both nicknames: "Pink City" (terracotta-painted historic center) and "City of Palaces" (extraordinary concentration of royal architecture).

Major Palaces

City Palace: Still partly royal residence; museums, courtyards, Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds): 953 jharokhas (lattice windows) for purdah-compliant observation
Amber (Amer) Fort: Hilltop fortress-palace, Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), elephant access
Jaigarh Fort: "Victory Fort," world's largest cannon on wheels (Jaivana), water systems
Nahargarh Fort: Tiger Fort, city views, Madhavendra Bhawan suites
Jal Mahal: Water Palace, Man Sagar Lake, 5 stories (4 submerged)

Beyond Palaces

Jantar Mantar: UNESCO astronomical observatory, world's largest stone sundial
Albert Hall Museum: Indo-Saracenic architecture, Egyptian mummy
Galtaji: Monkey Temple, sacred springs
Markets: Johari (jewelry), Bapu (textiles), Tripolia (lac bangles)

Planned City Legacy

Jai Singh designed Jaipur on Vastu Shastra principles: grid layout, wide avenues, dedicated artisan quarters, water management. First planned city in northern India.