A short trip to “Pink City” Jaipur – capital and the largest city of the north-western Indian state of Rajasthan.
Famous for colorful jewel stones, textures, and beautiful artisan works.
It took 9hours round trip drive from Delhi to Jaipur, but it was so worth it!
The driver kindly arranged a tour to match our likings, and of them, sharing the Top Four recommendations based on my likings.
※Japanese will follow / 日本語は本記事後半にまとめて記載しています
1. City Palace: Former royal residence and former administrative headquarters of Rajasthan
City Palace: So so recommended. In 1876, Queen Victoria’s son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales visited India. At the time, pink was the symbolic color of hospitality. As the people of Jaipur are known for their incredible hospitality, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh I (he looks like a member from The Beatles!) had the whole city painted pink to welcome the royals. They have four beautiful doors, representing each seasons.
There are many areas restricted to photograph, but they are gems!!! And I have a feeling, just because there’s not enough photos on the web, the place is overlooked. Very interesting and beautiful exhibits.
2. Glass Palace: Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), Amer Fort
This was not originally on my radar, but oh my goodness…!!! Perhaps the best of Jaipur. Its exterior is much plain and simple, located on a hillside, where you definitely need a car/ jeep to get to. Built in 16th-17th century, the exquisitely embellished glass inlaid panels and multi-mirrored ceilings is just… wow…!!! The garden was so beautiful too.
And gigantic pots in Amer Fort- said to have served around over 800 person per meal – I wonder what kinds of curry (or soup?) they cooked… so romantic✨
3. Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century
World heritage site. Instruments are gathered and built so beautifully in a large flatland- almost like an modern art! Instruments to measure 12 months (constellations),or Jaipur time by 2 secs(!!), and much more..✨
Be sure to bring some hats / parasol, as there is no shade.
4. Market street in “Pink City” Jaipur – street vibes!
The driver proposed either a tour to jewelry shops / elephant village / textile shops – but as our usual interest, we requested a guide to more local streets or markets, where usual people live.
It was Sunday, so many of the shops were closed, but still, the street in Jaipur has its beautiful, lively local vibes.
You may need to watch out when you cross the streets (no one cares of the traffic lights, it seems).
Others- The iconic “Hawa Mahal”
Built in 1799 – five-floor pink exterior in an honeycomb structure, with its 953 small windows (aka “Jharokhas”) has a great existence. The small windows were eyes for the royal ladies who served the King – they were not to be seen from public, but the windows would show them the world outside.
You can climb up and see the city from the facade, and maybe imagine the ladies daily life, but otherwise, the exterior is the main beauty.
A photo from street across maybe enough if you have tight schedule – a beautiful, and photogenic facade!
[Japanese] キュートなピンクシティ・ジャイプールでのお勧めスポットベスト４
インドの小旅行、デリーから車で往復9時間ほど、ラージャスターン州の首都・ジャイプールに日帰りで訪れました。
別名ピンクシティ、職人による宝飾品やテキスタイルや建築などの装飾で有名です。さくらももこさんのイラストにある異国情緒のような。
賞味5時間ほどの滞在、勿体ないほどですが、暑さや疲れもあり、ちょうどよかった気もします。
そんな、ちょろっとしたショートトリップではありますが、それでも心に残った風景や大感動した瞬間が多々あり、本当に寄れてよかった…！と感じています。
特に好きだった場所、トップ４をご紹介させていただきます。お写真は、上の英文箇所で掲載しています✨
１．シティパレス：ジャイプールの王宮。見どころ満載、素敵な建築！
美しい建築、ピンクシティの由来や歴史等、興味深い展示等と共に、とても充実した見学でした。
ガイドの方がいろいろと思い白いエピソード等をピックアップしてご紹介くださったのですが、もし個人での見学だったら、半日あっても足りなかったかもしれません。
お写真は殆どNGなのですが、本当に素晴らしくて。四季の扉、どれも繊細で美しかったです。
２．アンベール城 鏡の間
世界遺産、琥珀堡(アンベール城）の鏡の間。なんという美しさ！！世界ふしぎ発見、ミステリーハンターのご褒美回のような気分でした(伝わればハッピー😂)。
３．ジャンタル・マンタル：まるで現代アート美術館！な天体観測機器群
世界遺産の天文台。まるで、現代アートの屋外展示のような。数々の、日時計など影を使った計測機器があり、ジャイプール時間（2秒刻み！）や12星座など、19世紀、驚きの文明を感じます
４．街中の雰囲気
インドのストリートバイブス、伝わりますでしょうか✨
5. その他：ハワー マハル (風の宮殿)
とっても外観が美しく、写真がお好きな方なら是非納めたい場所かと思います！
中にも登って街を眺めることができるとのことでしたが、個人的には道路の反対側から撮るので十分に感じました。
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