As the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur looks no different from other Indian metropolises. But once you get into the older part of the town, it is like travelling backwards on the time machine. There is so much to see in Jaipur, play safe and stick to the commonly seen places or you may end up extending your stay..

Keep the city tour for later and first head for the 16th century Amber Fort, 11 km north of Jaipur. You can climb up to the Fort in about 15 minutes time or take a langurous ride on a caparisoned elephant and have a dent in your budget or take a cheaper ride by a jeep. It will take some time to go through the Fort. Entry by ticket; separate charge for cameras; open daily between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm.

Within Jaipur- Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, the museums, the City Palace, Jaigarh Fort and the royal cenotaphs require a day for a complete circuit. Rajasthan Tourism's city sightseeing tours are convenient time-savers if you are in a hurry. Do not miss the local bazaars which will give you a lively insight to the lifestyles of the Rajasthani people.

If you have time, do visit Sanganer (16 km)- known for its hand-made paper industry and block printed textiles and Bagru (20 km from Sanganer)- also known for its block-paintings.

BASICS
STD Code: 0141

Airport: Jaipur airport is about 15 km from the city.

Rail: Jaipur is directly connected with Delhi, Calcutta, Agra, Abu Road, Bikaner, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

Road: Major distances:
Delhi- 259 km
Agra- 228 km
Udaipur- 407 km
Jodhpur- 343 km
Sawai Madhopur- 157 km
Rajasthan State Transport Corporation operates deluxe buses (from Platform No. 3 of the main bus station) to most tourist destinations in the state as well as to Delhi.

Best time: November to March is pleasant. December/January is definitely the best time to go; nights can be quite cold in winter.

Accommodation: From ordinary budget guest houses to plush hotels to former palaces converted to hotels, Jaipur has all the works, so far as accommodation is concerned. Contact the government tourist office for its list of heritage hotels as well as Paying Guest House Scheme. Autorickshaw drivers double up as touts for the hotels, hence it is better to seek out the prepaid autorickshaw stands at both bus and train stations. Many budget and midbudget hotels go by the name of Palace- so check out the standards before booking.
Jaipur Inn (Tel: 201121), Hotel Diggi Palace (Tel: 373091), Karni Niwas (Tel: 365433), Atithi Guest House (Tel:378679), Evergreen Guest House (Tel: 363446), Pipalda House (Tel: 820925), Alsisar Haveli (Tel: 368290), Madhuban (Tel: 200033), Hotel Meghniwas (Tel: 202034), Sajjan Niwas Guest House (Tel: 311544), Chirmi Palace Hotel (Tel: 365063), Rajasthan Tourism's four hotels- Durg Cafe (Tel: 320538), Gangaur (Tel: 371641), Teej (Tel: 203199) and Swagatam (Tel: 200595).

Local transport: City buses, autorickshaws, cyclerickshaws and taxis are available in plenty, be prepared to haggle down the price. Bicycles can be hired from the bike shops or arranged through the hotel manager.

Shopping: The local bazaars are a shopper's delight. Ethnic craftsware like papier-mache, puppets, wooden and leather dolls, bags, embroidered and block-printed textiles, costume jewellery, carved furniture are available. Jaipur's blue pottery is also a popular item but it may be a little difficult to travel around with the potteries if Jaipur is your first stop in the country. Shops around the City Palace and Hawa Mahal are far more expensive than the less seen shops in other parts of the city.

Contact: Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation
Hotel Swagatam Campus
(Near Railway Station)
Jaipur-302 001
Tel: (0141) 202761