During my stay in India I got the chance to visit Jaipur. This visit was the first time that I was able to explore India. Our neighbor, with which we had shared our tragic history. Though the visit was short, it was extremely memorable. I have collected many memories to cherish for a long time.
When I arrived, I was awestruck by the beauty of my surroundings. The desert state of Rajasthan is a land of irony and extremes; a state where, with a drop of rain all season, the green trees and grasses mesmerize you. This vibrant and striking region is the home of the Rajput warrior clans who had ruled here for many years.
The first site we landed upon on our path to the city was the Amber Palace/Fort, which defends the entrance into the city of Jaipur, often referred to as the Pink City. We arrived very early, so we were able to beat the herd of people on their way.
As we moved onward with our journey, I saw amazing sites, which I couldn’t catch with my camera, because we were in the car, or too many people were in the way, or cows were blocking my view though somehow managed to get a glimpse and save it in my photographic memory. We entered the Pink City, Jaipur, and literally, it is pink. It was built up with pink stones – the color associated with hospitality in Rajput caste.
Nevertheless, in this fast pace of time Jaipur has maintained its erstwhile charm, and that can be observed during the visit to the city, where the pleasing pink color still welcomes. The pink appears as if someone sprinkled pink fairy dust all over the place and one feels as if standing in a fairyland.
Today also, the city is divided into parts, where the new city is embracing all the modern day technologies, unlike the old city is still bustling with fumes of pollution and spices all over. The old fraction of the city is almost the same as it was, the royal architecture, and the hustling bazaars of the city enchant every heart. The visitors to these bazaars can never return empty handed, as the captivating artifacts, abundantly colorful textile, and various other products are so irresistible. Therefore, my hands were also full when I left the market place. One truly indulges itself in the beautiful colors around him.
There are numerous places in Jaipur that unparallel in terms of beauty and architecture, for cinemas, forts. The famous one is Raj Mandir cinema. ‘The Pink City’ has become a major tourist centre of the country. The city is packed with many attractions like beautiful and glorious forts, world famous theatres, gorgeous temples and many more. As a tourist you will be awestruck with the beauty of the monuments in the city. Flamboyant and vivacious bazaars bustle with attractive stuff. The handicrafts market is famous for its block printing. There I got hold of a beautiful piece hand woven fabric as a souvenir.
The last stop of the day was the Jantar Mantar place. There are plenty of observatories all over the world, but the Jantar Mantar is considered to be one of the largest observatories ever built. Combining religion, science and art, the Jantar Mantar is the name given to a series of five, magnificent structures built. It houses the world’s largest sundial. Its architecture is certainly a delight.
Jaipur is a city filled with culture and history. There is so much more than mentioned above to see and feel. A desert city filled with greenery, history and a vibrant culture is nothing less than enchanting. I can never let go of these memories. The trip turned out to be a great experience in my life as a student of architecture. Architecture, of what I had only read about came alive in front of my eyes in this unforgettable journey to Jaipur.
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