Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital, was founded in 1727 as one of India's earliest planned cities and takes its nickname, the "Pink City," from the terracotta-pink buildings of its walled old town. Forts, palaces and a UNESCO-listed observatory make it a cornerstone of the Golden Triangle tourist circuit alongside Delhi and Agra.
The Story of Jaipur
Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, ruler of the Kachwaha Rajput dynasty, who moved his capital from the hilltop fort of Amber down to the plains to accommodate his kingdom's growing population and trade. Jai Singh, also a keen astronomer, personally oversaw the city's design alongside architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, making it one of the earliest planned cities in India, laid out on a grid according to principles from the ancient Vastu Shastra architectural text.
The city's famous rosy-pink hue dates to 1876, when Maharaja Ram Singh had the old city painted terracotta pink — a colour traditionally associated with hospitality — to welcome the visiting Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). The tradition stuck, and a civic ordinance still requires buildings within the walled old city to maintain the pink facade, giving Jaipur its enduring nickname, the "Pink City."
Jai Singh II also built the Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur, one of five such observatories he constructed across India and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the world's largest stone sundial. After independence, Jaipur became the capital of the newly formed state of Rajasthan in 1949, and today it anchors the classic "Golden Triangle" tourist circuit alongside Delhi and Agra.
Top Places to Visit in Jaipur
Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal & City Palace — here's what most visitors build their itinerary around.
Best Time to Visit Jaipur
How to Reach Jaipur
* Indicative one-way sedan fares — the exact fare (including driver allowance, taxes and estimated tolls) is always shown before you confirm your booking. Ertiga, Innova Crysta and Tempo Traveller options are available at checkout.
Good to Know Before You Go
Jaipur Travel — Frequently Asked Questions
Jaipur is about 281 km from Delhi, roughly 5–6 hours by cab via NH48.
In 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh had the old city's buildings painted terracotta pink to welcome the visiting Prince of Wales; a civic ordinance still requires the walled city to maintain this colour today.
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of the Kachwaha Rajput dynasty founded the city in 1727, personally overseeing its planned, grid-based design alongside architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya.
October to March offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing; April to June brings intense desert-state heat that's best avoided for extensive outdoor touring.
Yes — One-Way Bhaarat runs flat-fare one-way cabs from Delhi to Jaipur via NH48, with the complete fare shown upfront before you book.