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Jaipur

Jaipur (Hindi: जयपुर Jaypur), also known as the Pink City, is the capital of Indian state of Rajasthan, and its largest city. The city was built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh as India's first planned city, and today it's a major tourist attraction for Indians and for international visitors. It is a very picturesque city with splendid palaces, forts and historical monuments and belongs to the tourist Golden Triangle along with Delhi and Agra. It hosts several attractions including the City Palace, Govind Dev ji Temple, Vidhan Sabha, Birla Temple and several massive Rajput forts. It also serves as a stepping stone for those heading to the desert cities of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

Jaipur is growing fast and various development projects are being undertaken by the government and private enterprises.

Jaipur's nickname, the Pink City, is due to its distinctly coloured buildings, which were painted this colour to imitate the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. The present earthy red colour originates from repainting of the buildings undertaken for a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876.

History
Jaipur gets its name from its founder Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1744), a great warrior and astronomer. He came to power at the age of 11 on the death of his father Maharaja Bishan Singh. Jai Singh's lineage can be traced back to the Kucchwaha Rajput, clan who came to power in the 12th century. They were long-term rivals to the Sisodia Rajputs who ruled from Mewar. This rivalry led them to ally with the Mughals, and this alliance resulted in them eventually gaining a pre-eminent position in Rajasthan.

Ruling from the magnificent Amber Fort which they built, the might of the Kucchwahas encompassed the kingdoms of Mewar (Udaipur) and Marwar (Jodhpur). After Jai Singh came to power, there was moment of disquiet when he supported Aurangzeb's son Azam Shah's bid to the throne. Azam Shah lost the battle of succession to his brother Bahadur Shah, who demanded Jai Singh's removal and the installation of Vijay Singh to the throne of Jaipur. Jai Singh, not one to take setbacks lying down, formed a formidable front against the Mughals by aligning himself with other Rajput states and reinstated himself.

After the dust had settled, peace reigned, the kingdom prospered and its borders expanded. Jai Singh built the city around the Amber Fort to serve as his capital, and the city was named Jaipur, after himself. Much of the credit for Jaipur goes to Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, the chief architect from Bengal who, with Jai Singh's approval, founded the city on strong scientific principles, laid out according to the Shilpa Shastra, the ancient architectural manual. It remains one of India's best planned cities. However, expansion meant that the limited sources of water proved inadequate for the city.

After Jai Singh's death in 1744, his sons squabbled for power and without a monarch, the kingdom became open to invasion and neighbouring Rajput states and the Marathas usurped large areas of kingdom. The core, however, remained part of the kingdom, which lasted during British times. As with the Mughals, Jaipur maintained good relations with the British and during the war of independence in 1857 remained loyal to the Raj. Yet, the British gradually began to undermine the independence of the state and exercised greater control over the administration.

In 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh painted the entire city pink, traditionally a colour associated with hospitality, to welcome the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) to the city. The tradition has been maintained and today all residents in the old city are compelled by law to preserve the pink colour. Jaipur has thereby earned the sobriquet of pink city.

Maharaja Ram Singh also built the Ramgarh Lake to supply water to the burgeoning city. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the city's population spread beyond its walls. In 1922, Man Singh II ascended to the throne and it was during his reign that civic buildings like the secretariat, schools, hospitals and other public buildings were built. After independence, Jaipur merged with the states of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner to form the state of Rajasthan. In 1956, Jaipur became the capital of the state of Rajasthan.

Climate
Jaipur's climate is characterised as semiarid, with just a few rainy days per month for most of the year. The exception is the monsoon period from June to September, when heavy rain and thunderstorms are commonplace. Expect daytime highs of above +20°C throughout the year, and prepare for scorching heat in May and June. During the winter temperatures are mild, and while nighttime temperatures seldom drop much below +10°C, Jaipur has experienced temperatures below freezing.

Read

 * Sarkar, Jadunath, (2009). A history of Jaipur. New Delhi: Orient Blackswan. A well written account of the history of Jaipur by prominent historian Sir Jadunath Sarkar.
 * Jaipur – Nagaur - Deshnoke (India Charming Chaos) by Johnny Fincioen. This book concentrates on Jaipur and two small villages and puts them in historic context. The text and the 190 original pictures offer the reader a holistic view of the particular way of life in Rajasthan.

Tourist information

 * Rajasthan Tourism website

By train
Indian Railways connects Jaipur from all over the country and is one of the cheapest options. A number of daily trains arrive from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Agra, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Kota, Alwar and Ajmer. Daily connections are also available for Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Kolkata, Jammu, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Kanpur, Roorkee, Haridwar, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur and Bhopal.

Long-distance trains arrive from many other major cities including Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Vadodara, Surat, Nagpur, Bilaspur, Raipur, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Chennai, Bangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad, Goa, Mangalore, Kozhikode and Kochi.

The most popular option from Delhi are Vande Bharat and Shatabdi Express trains. The Shatabdi Express train departs New Delhi station at 06:05 and reaches Jaipur at 10:30AM.

There are three major railway stations:, which is the main station, Durgapura and Gandhinagar (Jaipur) — which is not to be confused with the Gandhinagar that is the capital city of the state of Gujarat. All trains stop at Jaipur Junction and a few trains stop at Durgapura and Gandhinagar stations also.

By bus
There is an excellent bus service between Jaipur to Delhi by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) with buses approximately every half an hour in both directions. Non-A/C and AC Volvo bus services are offered. The air-conditioned bus is taken through a well-maintained highway and has good shock absorbers. From Delhi you can board the bus from Bikaner House on Pandara Road next to India Gate. From Jaipur you can board the bus from Narayan Singh Circle or the main Sindhi Camp bus stand. You can also book tickets up to 6 days in advance from both these places. These buses typically take 6 hours for the Volvo and 6-7 hours for the others. There are also some private bus operators from Dhaula Kuan in Delhi and outside of Sindhi camp in Jaipur. No need to make advance reservations. The buses journey along bumpy backroads to avoid toll roads, and their shock absorbers are not good.

If you plan to leave from Delhi airport, you can get off the bus at Dhaula Kuan and get an autorickshaw (to the bus stand) or perhaps a taxi from there. You do not need to enter congested Delhi.

Express buses to several cities and towns within Rajasthan, such as Kota and Bundi, are also available.

By car
This is the most popular way of reaching from Delhi. The journey by car from Delhi to Jaipur takes less than 4 hr. National Highway no. 8 connects Delhi to Jaipur via the industrial township of Gurgaon. The road is excellent.

There are also many car rental services in Delhi which can provide chauffeur-driven cars to Jaipur.

By RTDC bus
It is the best and cheaper way to visit the Jaipur Local Sights by RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Dept. Corp.) There will be one guide with each bus to give you brief info about all sights. The full day tour, as of 2019, costs ₹600.

By metro
Jaipur Metro provides a fast, reliable and inexpensive way to get around the city. The Pink Line runs from Mansarovar to Badi Caupar station, which is in the centre of the walled town (a.k.a the Pink City). Fares range between ₹5 and ₹25.

By autorickshaw
Autorickshaws (tuk-tuks) are probably the best way to reach places in the outskirts of Jaipur such as Amber Fort or Galtaji, where getting a taxi or Uber/Ola to go back to the city may be tricky. They are generally more expensive than Uber/Ola, but on the plus side, they are readily available and don't require waiting time.

Hiring an autorickshaw for a whole day with a trip to Amber Fort, Tiger Fort, Jal Mahal, and other areas can cost anywhere between ₹450 to ₹550 (as of 2018). But be careful, as the drivers might ask for more money to cover parking fees, petrol, and other charges along the way. Always agree on an ‘all-in’ price that includes his/her time, petrol, lunch, and parking fees. It's not uncommon for people to agree to ₹500 and pay close to ₹1000 with all of the surprise fees. Lastly, make sure you and the driver agree that he/she will take you to the site and not close to it ‘just for photographs’.

Prepaid autos are available at the Jaipur railway station and the Sindhi Camp bus stand, although prices are a little inflated and often the same as you get with minimal bargaining.

At a certain point, the rates were revised to ₹350-400. The autorickshaw wallas will tell you to take the slip from the police booths. You can also go directly without the slip, but don't forget to bargain over the price in that case; it could be much cheaper. It'll be best if you start your sightseeing by 10AM in the morning as some of the major spots close by 4:30PM and each spot takes a lot of time, especially the forts.

Some autorickshaw drivers will try to trick you into paying more than the agreed amount after the trip is over, but you should stick to the original amount decided. Police in Jaipur are very friendly, so in case you feel the autorickshaw driver is trying to misguide you or force you to hand over extra money, just refer the dispute to the police officers at various spots.

Also some autorickshaw drivers will tell you to buy artefacts and gifts from some shops especially some on the way to Amber Fort. Firmly refuse to stop there as these shops operate on commission to the auto driver and fleece you. If you want to buy souvenirs, get them in city's main shopping areas like Bapu Bazaar.

Take along some of your own information about the eating and shopping places as the drivers have their fixed commissions at shops and eating outlets, so you might end up paying more for an item or eating at an undesirable place.

Autorickshaw drivers have been known to work together with the gem scammers. If you hire an autorickshaw for the day, he may suggest that you 'go for a beer' afterwards, and if you accept you will be introduced to the main man on the scam attempt, usually a very charismatic person who is clearly much wealthier than his rickshaw-driving 'friend'. Use common sense: why would a rickshaw driver who earns ₹350 per day (minus petrol) want to take you to a bar where beers are ₹75? Politely decline these invitations as they are invariably more trouble than they are worth.

By local bus
City bus #5 connects directly Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, New Gate and the intersection of MI Road and Railway Rd every 10 min until 9PM.

City bus #2 runs from the train station up Station Road to the City Palace, Minar, Observatory, etc. The bus driver will try to charge you more. They also sometimes ask you if you need change, or say they don't have change, despite it being obvious they do.

The buses are generally overcrowded and are in a poor condition. You can view this link to learn about the bus routes in Jaipur. Fares are by distance, as show on these charts.

By cycle-rickshaw
Cycle-rickshaws are cheaper, but the amount of time it takes quickly makes it worth paying a few extra rupees and going by autorickshaw, bus or taxi. The advantage of traveling by cycle-rickshaw is that you can cover some great places in the narrow lanes of Jaipur which can not be seen if you hire some other mode of transport.

On foot
Walking around the old town (Pink City) is certainly a highlight, and should be done on shopping business hours; otherwise, streets can be deserted and it might be a bit unsafe, especially for solo women. While the Pink City has footpaths, they are often obstructed so you will have to walk in the road at some points. Also, be careful with crossing the streets at the multi-lane roads. Even so, the Pink City's staggering architecture and endless colorful bazaars make walking around a treat, and many points of interest, like the Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar are close by each other. As in many Indian cities. however, you need to be prepared to cope with the traffic, noise, pollution and litter in the streets.

By taxi
The taxis in Jaipur are very convenient and comfortable. Most of the vehicles are Maruti Omni Vans or Tata Indica cars, which are much safer than Auto rickshaws, and the drivers are polite. If you are alone or going to an unknown destination, you are strongly advised to choose this option, even though the rates will be double that of an autorickshaw. you must call for a taxi, as it is nearly impossible to hail one unless you are at a major point like the airport. When you call, you should negotiate a fare (or agree on using the meter) and get the taxi's 'number'. The taxi will come pick you up, and call you when they are close. Taxis generally have yellow licence plates with black letters. Some taxis are yellow & black, which helps to differentiate them from the private cars.

You can also try the Gozocabs Uber Cabbazar or Ola  Apps and webisite like https://gaadisechalo.com/ for taxi services which are not as expensive as hiring regular taxis. These services are becoming increasingly popular, so finding a car at a reasonable fare (often cheaper than a tuk tuk) is getting easier day by day.

By car
Car rental is one of the effective alternatives for wandering around in Jaipur. Almost all of the car rental services in India including Zoomcar, Myles and Avis offer services in Jaipur.

Tickets
It's possible to see the ticket price for each point of interest on the Rajasthan Tourist Government Office website

Composite tickets
The composite ticket includes Amber Fort, Jantar-Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Albert Hall (Central Museum), Nahargarh Fort, Sisodia Rani Palace/Garden, Vidyadhar Garden, and Isarlat tower (Swargasuli). The Composite Ticket is for sale at all archaeological monuments and costs ₹300/40 Indian adult/student and ₹1000/200 foreign adult/student (2018). The ticket is valid for two days.

Forts

Palaces

Temples

Monuments

Do

 * Cricket:
 * Cricket:

Nearby

Festivals

 * The Gangaur Festival of Jaipur is well known in India. It starts on the day after Holi (March or April) and lasts for 18 days. In Jaipur, a sweet dish called a ghewar is characteristic of the Gangaur festival. People buy ghewar to eat and distribute among their friends and relatives. The celebration is dedicated to the God Shiva and his consort, the Goddess Parvati. A procession with the image of Gauri commences from the Zanani-Deodhi of the City Palace. It then passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaugan stadium and finally converges near the Talkatora.

Buy
Nothing is 'fixed price' in Jaipur, even in the self advertised government (RTDC) approved shops & emporiums. There are a few RTDC approved shops along "Amer Road" claiming to be government-owned and 'fixed price', but beware: they are frequently overpriced by as much as three times. Almost everything, from food to transportation to handicrafts, even accommodation can be bargained down to as much as a 60% discount off the quoted price. The lowest rates will be found in the bazaars of Bapu & Johari. Even here, keep inquiring in several shops as each one will have a different price for the same item. Don't be ashamed to spend an hour or more in each shop with the friendly shop owners sharing stories over masala chai as you look at their goods. While they are doing their best to run a business, do not overlook the genuinely hospitable culture of Rajasthani people.

Jaipur has tens of bazaars of different sizes and specializing in different products. Expect a brilliant, colourful explosion of flowers, elephants, ox carts, and wares; a complete assault on the senses. The traveller will smell the deep aroma of spices in canvas bags, the fetid smell of animals and open sewers, the sweet waft of tea, and the crusty acrid burn of dust and exhaust. There are different specialist zones, whether it's food, flowers, textiles, carved statues or plumbing. It is chaotic and noisy, people may stare if you are a Westerner, and anybody who has something to sell will try to sell it to you, repeatedly. Watch cobras dance out of their wicker baskets, and don't be too surprised if the snake charmer slaps his cobra for having a wayward eye. Be prepared to be asked for money if you plan to take photographs of snake-charmers and beggars. While you should always be wary, be sure not to completely close yourself out to the locals as one of the highlights of Rajasthan is the chance to interact with the friendly people.
 * Jaipur also has other markets like Civil Lines Market and MI Road and nearby markets. It also has a few malls like Crystal Palm Shopping Mall, Gaurav Towers, MGF Metropolitan Mall, Pink Square Mall, Triton Mall and World Trade Park.
 * Jaipur also has other markets like Civil Lines Market and MI Road and nearby markets. It also has a few malls like Crystal Palm Shopping Mall, Gaurav Towers, MGF Metropolitan Mall, Pink Square Mall, Triton Mall and World Trade Park.
 * Jaipur also has other markets like Civil Lines Market and MI Road and nearby markets. It also has a few malls like Crystal Palm Shopping Mall, Gaurav Towers, MGF Metropolitan Mall, Pink Square Mall, Triton Mall and World Trade Park.

Jewels
Jaipur is famous for its many jewel merchants where you can get great deals on semi-precious gems such as turquoise, lapis, tiger eye and the star ruby (a gem found only in India that is distinctive for the 6-pointed star it shines under natural light).

Rajais
Jaipur is famous for its 'rajais', a type of light quilt stuffed with cotton. You can get colourful & soft `Shaneel ki Rajai' in a velvet finish. These are quiet warm, soft and long lasting. You can shop in the main market area. But remember to bargain. To be confident of quality, and are willing to pay a little more, visit government stores for rajais.

Mid-range

Splurge

In addition to these listings, see the "Do" listing for Chokhi Dhani.

Bars & Pubs

Night clubs

Budget
Jaipur being a prime destination for the tourists of all ages, both international and domestic, has a plethora of budget accommodation options. Almost all of the pan-Indian hostel chains are present in the city, including Zostel, Moustache, Backpacker Panda, Roadhouse and others. These places are generally dominated by young backpackers. Homestays and guest houses that are hosted by local residents and offer to give you an authentic experience from interiors, to ambiance, to the food they serve. Try to find a place near the Pink CIty, or Hawa Mahal.

Splurge
Jaipur has an excellent selection of expensive places to be treated like a maharaja for a day or two, most of which are often booked a year in advance. Though the list is endless, a few of them are:

Stay safe
Beyond the standard dangers of travelling in India (thieves, hustlers, touts, questionable drinking water), Jaipur has developed its own set of unique scams.

The gem scam
You may be approached by a local, sometimes youths on motorbikes, who claim that Westerners are unwilling to engage with the Indian people. "Why don't tourists want to talk to me?" or "I am a student, I want to learn about your culture" is a common opener. They may also try to make you feel guilty by claiming "It is Indian culture to be help." If you engage them, the scam artist will invite the visitor to drink tea. Frequently, the tourist will only be told of the gem stones the next day or after dinner. Usually it is some sort of tax problem. The unwitting mark is then sold fake stones for resale in his/her home country. Even if stones are posted in front of your eyes, you are more likely to see Elvis than the gems again. As a general rule, do not accept tea from strangers, but in addition be wary of any who invite you to talk in secluded areas. The easiest is a simple and polite refusal of any offer, even if just a drink and chat. You may need to firm in your refusal, and walk away.

If you are a Westerner and a person outside your hotel accosts you, then it's likely the person is scheming to acquire your money. There have been reports of smugglers trying to entice foreigners to assist in smuggling items. Under no circumstances accept: smuggling is a serious offence.

Go next
There are many other fascinating and beautiful places to visit in Rajasthan.

If you are booking train tickets out of Jaipur, make sure to ask for Tatkal tickets at the reservation office, as tickets to just about everywhere sell out weeks in advance. Tatkal (last minute) tickets only open for sale the day before the train leaves, and are not always offered voluntarily by the staff, who will simply tell you the train is full.

 * Abhaneri — you can arrange transport to this village, which contains an impressive ancient stepwell and a beautiful 9th-century temple
 * Bikaner — a city in the Thar Desert; though less visited than Jaisalmer, it is home to several important sites such as Bikaner Fort (Junagarh Fort), Laxmi Niwas Palace and Shivbari Temple
 * Bhandarej — a little-known town 62 km from Jaipur off the Jaipur-Agra Highway, which dates from the times of the Mahabharata and features 11th-century monuments and temples
 * Jaisalmer — the Golden City in the Thar Desert
 * Jodhpur — the stunning Blue City, with its awe-inspiring Mehrangarh Fort
 * Udaipur — train #2965, Gwalior Udaipur Superfast Express (via Agra), is the best option for this beautiful City of Lakes

title: Jaipur


text:
Jaipur Division

The Jaipur Division is in Rajasthan in India.

Cities

 * — a village with the amazing Chand Baori step-well with 11 levels of steps
 * — city surrounded by the Aravali Hills with several important sites
 * — it has a five-storey stepwell, and is gateway to several wildlife sanctuaries.
 * — also known as the Pink City, it is the capital and largest city of Rajasthan
 * — famous for the frescos on its grand havelis, and for the Khetri Mahal, known as Wind Palace
 * — town noted for the world famous BITS-Pilani (Birla Institute of Technology and Science)

Other destinations

 * — a Tiger Reserve as well as the location of several archeological sites

Get in
Jaipur Airport

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Jaipur Division


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Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer (Hindi: जैसलमेर), the "Golden City", is on the westernmost frontier of India in the state of Rajasthan. Close to the border with Pakistan, the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert. A desert safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience.

The city is dominated by the Jaisalmer Fort. Unlike most forts in India, the Jaisalmer Fort is a living fort. There are shops, hotels, age old havelis (homes) inside the fort area. The fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

By plane

The next closest airport is around 285 km away, in Jodhpur. Pre-paid taxis are available to reach at Jaisalmer from Jodhpur, which cost more than ₹4000. Alternatively there are frequent trains and buses. The closest international airport is in Jaipur (around 562 km east). It is connected with important Indian cities and major cities abroad. There is a very expensive prepaid taxi service from the airport into town available from a booth just outside arrivals.

By train
There is a direct train service from Delhi. Delhi-Jaisalmer Express "Shalimar Exp", departure time at 5:30PM, reaches Jaisalmer at 11:30AM the next morning. When arriving by train you will pass the station of Pokharan, India's nuclear testing area. The train does not leave from the Station New Delhi next to the Backpacker-Ghetto "Main-Bazar", but a 15-min auto-rickshaw ride north from the Delhi Jn - Station.

By bus
Buses from Jodhpur and Bikaner are available. A daily bus runs to and from Jaipur. Ordinary and deluxe buses of private companies and Rajasthan Roadways run from Mount Abu, Barmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ahmadabad to Jaisalmer.

There are various deluxe and semi-deluxe buses available at regular intervals for Jodhpur. Rajasthan State buses also connect Jaisalmer city with some neighboring cities. The ticket charges are around ₹2-3 per km.

By car
Various tour operators and travel agencies offer chauffeured car-taxi services; these are charged on a per-kilometre, per-day basis. You can plan to take one to arrive into the city or take one for sightseeing in and around the city.

There are many car rental services in Delhi which can provide chauffeur driven cars to Jaisalmer.

Approximate road distances from various destinations are -

By camel
Another option is to arrive by camel; Jaisalmer is famous for camel trips. The most grueling is the 14-day trip from Bikaner. When booking a few days in the desert on a camel, remember to shop around in order to get the quality you pay for.

It is really a fun experience to wander around on a camel, as you can cover most of the locations which cannot be covered with a vehicle.

Get around

 * The small city can be easily covered by foot but bikes are also available for rent (near Desert Boy's) to explore the city and some outside places.
 * Auto rickshaw and bicycles are other commonly used transportation medium at Jaisalmer. If you are carrying enough cash then Auto rickshaw is better alternative, especially in congested areas.
 * There are plenty of monuments located near alleys and bicycles come handy to avoid any bottlenecks. There are many places such as Gandhi Chowk where you can get bicycles on rent at (₹5-30 per hour/day).
 * Private and government-operated cabs are also available. But they are more expensive as compared to private site seeing buses.

See
One of the most magnificent attractions is the Jaisalmer Fort known as the "Sonar Kila" due to the yellow stone it was built out of.

There are numerous lookouts (at least five) within the fort that give a great view out across the city and desert.

A tour of the royal section of the fort is available from a starting point just to the right up the stairs as you enter the main square of the fort). The audio tour is quite short, doesn't tell you very much information, and has advertisements in it - not a must, the view is what you come for. They do charge ₹100 extra per camera. There's little you'd want to take a photo of except the view from the roof, the highest part of Jaisalmer.

Havelis:
 * Baa Ri haveli It is 450-year-old Brahman haveli in side Jaisalmer fort. it is one of the oldest in Jaisalmer. A great view of Jaisalmer Fort, Maharaj Palace, Jain Temple. Inside, there are 10 big and small rooms with an antique collection. Entry ₹50.
 * Patwon-ki-Haveli, a 10-minute walk from the main gates of the fort, is quite magnificent. It's a collection of five houses, each one for the son of a wealthy trader who made money lending to the government. You can only visit one of these havelis (closest to the street), which has been restored and turned into an excellent government museum. Besides the elaborate architecture and decor, you learn a bit about the local music, cuisine, religion, and culture. Expect to spend two hours there. Great view back towards the fort. Entry ₹250 (foreign tourist). Guides wait around outside and offer their services for as little as ₹50, however they offer a rushed guide, and there is plenty of information on well-written signs inside.

Other sights

 * Jain Temple: There are 7 beautifully carved temples built inside the fort walls. These temples were built in between from 12th century to 15th century. All the temples are connected by walkways and corridors. It is compulsory to remove your shoes, and all other leather articles (belts, wallets, purses, etc.) before entering any Jain temple. Menstruating women are also not allowed into the temple. The very first temple which a tourist can visit is dedicated to Chandraprabhu, who is the eight tirthankar (Jain God). The symbol of the God Chandraprabhu is the moon. This temple was built in 1509. It is built with fine stones. They are only open from 8AM to noon - and leave a good hour to see them. Entry is ₹150 (including camera). Take your shoes off and leave them near where you bought the tickets (a tip is only half expected).
 * Renovated streets and houses: The city is undergoing quite extensive renovations, and particularly the small streets on the way to the Patwon-ki-Haveli have been redone with many houses now showing off exquisitely carved front sandstone walls. The houses are much more intricate and interesting from street level than they appear from the fort.

Do
Just chill, Jaisalmer is a lovely and very relaxing place. Plan at least two days and add time you want to have in the desert. Go for a stroll, visit the palace and do the camel safari (trips available from a few hours to 14 days). If you do not feel remotely attracted to camels, try a jeep safari into the desert to see the scenery and watch the sun go down. Below the fort are several magnificent havelis with intricate stone carving. Several can be visited for minimal charges and are well worth seeking out. It is more comfortable to wander in the city before 9AM when there is not many tourists, less shops opened/hassle and still fresh air.

Camel safari is organized by different tour operators and travel agents in Rajasthan. Most of the camel safaris are organized in Bikaner, Osian, Jaisalmer and Pushkar. This camel safari trip can be of 2 to 7 days and if someone wishes to extend it, it can go up to one month. Short trips give a glimpse of the desert to the tourists. Jaisalmer is the land of desert and most of the camel safaris start from this city. In most of the trips, one camel is allotted to one person and a camel cart is also provided with the group which carries all the food material, tents and other stuff.

Buy
You are in Jaisalmer, it means items are made of leather (primarily goat, as camel leather is now illegal to sell in Rajasthan), embroidery-silk and cotton. Most of the works are done locally or by the 'widows' of villages. There is a shop inside fort just opposite the 'German Bakery' which has got good collection of the handcrafted garments and bedsheets, silver jewelry, Antiques (knives, swords, utensils, etc.)

Within the fort there is an amazing silver artist named Roop Kashore. His custom, hand made rings are worth checking out. Local advice is to seek out shops outside of the fort for better value and service.

Eat
Lots of local eateries which offer sumptuous lunches and dinners for a measly ₹20.
 * Artist Hotel Restaurant Near the sunset view point - in the middle of the Jaisalmer artist colony. The very best food in town (₹50). Everything is made fresh. You will get Western (also nice Austrian food) food as well as very nice Indian dishes. The restaurant is placed on rooftop and you can enjoy your meal while listening to Rajasthani music performed live.
 * Artist Hotel Restaurant Near the sunset view point - in the middle of the Jaisalmer artist colony. The very best food in town (₹50). Everything is made fresh. You will get Western (also nice Austrian food) food as well as very nice Indian dishes. The restaurant is placed on rooftop and you can enjoy your meal while listening to Rajasthani music performed live.

Drink
Drink delectable bhang (marijuana) lassi at the government authorized shop close to the entrance of the fort. The original bhang shop, open since 1977, is now known as the Lassi Shop. The bhang from the new government shop is weaker and has been known to cause stomach ailments in travelers. It is best to purchase from the Lassi Shop, featured in Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. The Lassi Shop is west of the entrance to the Fort while the newly authorized government shop is east of the entrance to the fort.

Packs of bhang-infused cookies and chocolates are also available for takeaway, and can be savored on trips into the desert to great effect. A word of caution: It can take a while before you get high from bhang, hence you should not take multiple drinks in quick succession. Excessive consumption of bhang dehydrates the body and one can experience effects like high sweating, anxiety, palpitation and hallucinations. These effects vary from person to person and depend on the amount of bhang consumed. To overcome the adverse effects of high bhang consumption, drink plenty of water with glucose (not for diabetic patients) and have food along with bhang (try not to take bhang on an empty stomach). Not more than a glass should be consumed by first timers unless you want to spend next day holding your bed trying not to fall.

Sleep

 * Moonlight Khuri Resort, 40 km from Jaisalmer at Khuri village, surrounded by natural sand dunes. Accommodation in mud cottages, huts and tents with campfire, dinner, music, folk dance & camel rides.
 * Moonlight Khuri Resort, 40 km from Jaisalmer at Khuri village, surrounded by natural sand dunes. Accommodation in mud cottages, huts and tents with campfire, dinner, music, folk dance & camel rides.
 * Moonlight Khuri Resort, 40 km from Jaisalmer at Khuri village, surrounded by natural sand dunes. Accommodation in mud cottages, huts and tents with campfire, dinner, music, folk dance & camel rides.
 * Moonlight Khuri Resort, 40 km from Jaisalmer at Khuri village, surrounded by natural sand dunes. Accommodation in mud cottages, huts and tents with campfire, dinner, music, folk dance & camel rides.
 * Moonlight Khuri Resort, 40 km from Jaisalmer at Khuri village, surrounded by natural sand dunes. Accommodation in mud cottages, huts and tents with campfire, dinner, music, folk dance & camel rides.
 * Moonlight Khuri Resort, 40 km from Jaisalmer at Khuri village, surrounded by natural sand dunes. Accommodation in mud cottages, huts and tents with campfire, dinner, music, folk dance & camel rides.
 * Moonlight Khuri Resort, 40 km from Jaisalmer at Khuri village, surrounded by natural sand dunes. Accommodation in mud cottages, huts and tents with campfire, dinner, music, folk dance & camel rides.
 * Moonlight Khuri Resort, 40 km from Jaisalmer at Khuri village, surrounded by natural sand dunes. Accommodation in mud cottages, huts and tents with campfire, dinner, music, folk dance & camel rides.
 * Moonlight Khuri Resort, 40 km from Jaisalmer at Khuri village, surrounded by natural sand dunes. Accommodation in mud cottages, huts and tents with campfire, dinner, music, folk dance & camel rides.
 * Moonlight Khuri Resort, 40 km from Jaisalmer at Khuri village, surrounded by natural sand dunes. Accommodation in mud cottages, huts and tents with campfire, dinner, music, folk dance & camel rides.

Stay safe
Jaisalmer is a very safe city and security is high compared to other cities in Rajasthan. Though it is very close to the Pakistan border, visitors are not allowed to wander around the border areas.

Unlike other cities, Jaisalmer has narrow lanes which are always crowded with hawkers and shoppers. Most of the times, people on motorcycles or scooters drive in an erratic way. So be careful while walking on such lanes.

If your gut flora is not suited to Indian conditions, limit what you eat from street hawkers or vendors and don't eat dairy products in particular, which are often the chief cause of digestive troubles.

Go next

 * Barmer - Around 153 km away from Jaisalmer, Barmer is popular place for fortresses along with delicate woodcarving, block printing, carpets and embroideries. Some other attractions of Barmer include a few historic and aesthetically pleasing temples.
 * Khuri - It is a place from where you can get cheaper camel rides and easy access to sand dunes. The bus leaves from a 'bus station' 100m east of the entrance to the lake, on road 15, just after it splits from Gadisar Road. You'll be surprised to know you're in the right place if there is a small shrine at the base of a sloping tree. Buses leave from that side of the road on a rough schedule, so you'll have to take proper advice. The ticket sellers on this route are particularly fond of overcharging, so make sure you don't overpay. They charge ₹35 for a one-way journey.
 * Luderwa - It lies around 16 km to the northwest of Jaisalmer. Luderwa was the ancient capital of Jaisalmer and this now deserted town is famous for artificial divine tree and Jain temple.

title: Jaisalmer


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Jaisinghpur

Jaisinghpur (Hindi: जयसिंहपुर, Punjabi: ਜਯਸਿਂਹਪੁਰ) is a small town and Tehsil in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

Understand
Population of Jaisinghpur Town is 1,273 and overall population of Jaisinghpur tehsil is 58,623. It was named after the name of Katoch king of Princely ordered state Kangra-Lambagraon, Maharaja Jai Singh. It is situated on the bank of river Beas. It is known for its "chougan", a term used in Himachal for plains.

By plane
Newly-upgraded Kangra-Gaggal Airport in Kangra, 73 km away, has flights from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla and Jaipur. Flights are prone to cancellation due to bad weather or because enough passengers didn't show up, so leave some leeway for onward connections on the way out.

By bus
Most people come to Jaisinghpur by bus. It has good connections with other parts of North India, although the journeys are often slow due to the narrow winding roads in the hills. HRTC buses from Hamirpur cost ₹47 and take 1.5-2 hours to Jaisinghpur and from Chadhiyar ₹25 taking 1 hour. Many private bus companies travel from Shimla, Hamirpur and Palampur.

See
There are several notable temples in the town and the Baba Shah Mast Ali Dargah mosque. The famous Sheetla Mata temple is on Tinbar-Palampur road.

Sleep
HPPWD Rest House - Located in Jaisinghpur at an altitude of 1150 mts and approx. 50 km from Baijnath town, this Himachal Pradesh Public Works Dept. run Rest House is open for stay for tourists who book through the B & R Division’s office at Baijnath. Jaisinghpur is at a distance of 160km from Pathankot and 45 km from Palampur.

title: Jaisinghpur


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Jajce

Jajce is a small 14th-century walled town in nortwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina, well known in former Yugoslavia for its waterfalls, fortress and old town.

Understand
Jajce is situated in a mountainous valley at the confluence of the Pliva and Vrbas rivers. The scenic waterfall is one of the town's main landmarks. The town was an important place in previous centuries, and 24 national monuments bear witness to its vibrant history.

Jajce is in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Get in

Jajce is located at the crossroads between Banja Luka (North), Mrkonjic Grad (Northwest) or Donji Vakuf (South).

Get around
The easiest way to get around Jajce is by foot. All main sites are located within a short distance of each other.

See
Many of the sights inside Jajce are not constantly manned, so if it is not a busy day you may need to hang around outside for a few mins or follow a note to find the keyholder.

Do

 * 5 km up the Pliva from the town is the Pliva Lake, where you can go swimming or fishing, or go camping beside its little watermills. The "money shot" for a dedicated photographer is from across the other side of the river, which can capture the falls, city, and fortress in one shot.

Eat
A number of reasonably priced restaurants and cafes are in the town centre along H.V.Hrvatinića.

Drink
A series of bars/clubs are located just outside the south side of the city walls along H.V.Hrvatinića.

Go next
Banja Luka is about an hour and a half's drive up the Vrbas river through some fantastic gorges and rural scenery.

title: Jajce


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Jakar

Jakar in Central Bhutan is known as a bastion of Vajrayana Buddhism, especially the Nyingma tradition, and there are many monasteries and sacred sites here. Spacious and surrounded by tree-covered mountains, Jakar is nestled in the Choekor Valley, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan, and it is commonly referred to as "Little Switzerland".

Understand
Jakar is the principal administrative town of Bumthang district, and sits at an altitude of. The cluster of villages below the dzong, which are collectively known as Jakar Town, have a population of around 6,200 (2017).

History
Buddhism: Jakar was the first place in Bhutan that Guru Rinpoche visited, and as the ruler of the region subsequently converted to Buddhism, Jakar is accorded the title of the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan. In addition, one of the most venerated and accomplished teachers of the Vajrayana school of Buddhism, Pema Lingpa, was born in the Jakar area and later established Tamshing Monastery in the town as his main seat.

Jakar Dzong: When a group of lamas visited the area searching for a suitable site for a new dzong, a single white bird was observed continuously circled overhead before settling on the top of a hillock. This was considered a good omen, and in 1667 a dzong was constructed on the site, which was subsequently named White Bird (jakar).

Wangchuck Dynasty: Ugyen Wangchuck, the first king of Bhutan, was born in Wangdicholing Palace in Jakar, and after his succession to the throne in 1907, he set up the national government in the town, thereby establishing Jakar as the first capital of the Wangchuck dynasty.

Climate
In the winter temperatures often drop below freezing, and coupled with strong winds Jakar becomes a very cold place in the winter. The best time to visit the area is from late May until the end of September.

By plane

 * Druk Air operates a number of flights a week from Paro to Jakar (Bathpalathang Airport). The flight takes around 30 minutes.

By bus

 * Meto Transport coaster buses depart Thimphu bus station at 6:30AM daily. It is a 9 to 10-hour journey from the capital, and a one-way ticket costs less than 300 Nu. The bus does not make a stop until lunch time, so take snacks.

Get around

 * As the tourist and pilgrimage sites are scattered throughout the area, a vehicle is essential to get around. Taxis can be hired from the main bazaar.

Landmarks

 * Wangdicholing Palace. Built in 1857, the palace served as the principal summer residence of the first and second kings of Bhutan. It is an unassuming structure, lacking the ramparts and protective walls which became standard features of later palaces. It serves as museum for artifacts relating to the history of the palace, and to the first and second king.
 * Wangdicholing Palace. Built in 1857, the palace served as the principal summer residence of the first and second kings of Bhutan. It is an unassuming structure, lacking the ramparts and protective walls which became standard features of later palaces. It serves as museum for artifacts relating to the history of the palace, and to the first and second king.

Sacred sites
Monasteries are referred to by their Dzongkha title of lhakhang or gompa.
 * Zangtopelri Lhakhang. Consecrated in 2008, this latest addition to the sacred sites in the area houses a two-story high mandala representing Guru Rinpoche's Copper Colored Mountain. Zangtopelri is a short walk from Kuje Lhakhang.
 * Jambey Lhakhang. One of the 108 monasteries that were miraculously constructed by King Songten Gampo in one night. The monastery is located between Kurjey Lhakang and Jakar Dzong.
 * Lhodrak Kharchhu Lhakhang This monastery above the town is a more recent addition to the pantheon of monasteries in Jakar. The abbot, Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, is a very highly respected teacher in Bhutan and speaks some English.
 * Tamshing Gompa. A monastery established in 1501 by the local Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa. The two story building contains some lovely frescoes, and has a very low ceiling (apparently Pema Lingpa was very short!) In addition, there is 500-year-old suit of metal chain made by Pema Lingpa located on the first floor. It is considered auspicious to circumambulate the temple three times with the chain draped over the back and shoulders.
 * Chakhar Lhakhang (Iron Castle). This small and unassuming temple marks the site of the palace of Sindhu Raja, the Indian monarch who first invited Guru Rimpoche to Bhutan. The original palace was said to be made of iron and nine stories in height. The current building was constructed by Dorji Lingpa in the 14th century.
 * Chakhar Lhakhang (Iron Castle). This small and unassuming temple marks the site of the palace of Sindhu Raja, the Indian monarch who first invited Guru Rimpoche to Bhutan. The original palace was said to be made of iron and nine stories in height. The current building was constructed by Dorji Lingpa in the 14th century.

For information on customs and symbols in Buddhism, see: Buddhism

See
is a small village 27 km south-west of Jakar.
 * Tharpaling Gompa. Founded by the dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam in 1352, the monastery was also home to the famous Nyingma guru Jigme Lingpa in the 18th century. It is located at 3,600 m, and is home to around 150 monks. It can be reached by a partly paved road.
 * Weaving. Most weaving houses display their wares outdoors, and visitors are welcome to watch the process. Woolen garments and bags can be purchased on site.

Do

 * Tour the stunning country-side
 * Visit sacred sites

Festivals

As an area famed for its monasteries and sacred sites, Jakar plays host to several tshechu (religious) festivals throughout the year. The highlight of a tshechu is the masked dances conducted by monks, which were developed according to precise instructions given by past Buddhist masters. According to Buddhist philosophy, all experiences leave an imprint in the mind stream that produces a corresponding result in the future, and so viewing dances, such as these, that are imbued with sacred symbolism is considered to be a very auspicious and sanctifying experience. While the event is not held in a solemn atmosphere and there is much merriment, visitors are reminded that it is still a religious festival that holds great significance in the lives of Bhutanese people, and so appropriate behavior is expected.

 * Domkhar Tshechu (Chumey): 18–20 April 2024
 * Nimalung Tshechu (Chumey): 14–16th June 2024
 * Kurjey Tshechu (Jakar): 16 Sep 2024
 * Tamshingphala Choepa (Jakar): 13-15 Sep 2024
 * Jakar Dzong Tshechu (Jakar): 10–12 Nov 2024
 * Jambay Lakhang Drup (Tshechu) (Jakar): 15–18 Nov 2024

Buy

 * Woven wool items (yethra) - garments, rugs and bags woven with brightly colored wool are a unique product of the Jakar/Chumey area and are highly prized throughout the kingdom.
 * Dzo (female yak) cheese and preserves.
 * Wood carvings

Shops

The main bazaar (Chamkhar) was severely damaged in a fire in 2010, and the present buildings are temporary structures. The new town across the river is slated to open in 2024.

 * Dragon Handicrafts, Main town. Handicrafts from all over Bhutan. Wide selection of local Bumthang products.
 * Udee Woodcarving Workshop. Furniture and traditional Bhutanese artifacts. https://www.facebook.com/udeebumthang/
 * Yoser Lham, Main town. A kind of deli, selling cheese cut from the block and varies kinds of apple products, such as juice, wine and brandy.

Eat
Most of the tourist hotels in Jakar offer local and international cuisine

Drink
Most of the tourist hotels in Jakar serve coffee, tea and alcohol. Fresh apple juice is also available in season.

Connect

 * Area dialling code: The code for Jakar and Bumthang is 03. From overseas, dial +975 3 XXXXXX
 * Post Office: The main branch is at the lower end of the bazaar, near the bridge

Hospitals/clinics

 * Tibetan Medicine: Yuthok Tendar Traditional Medicine Service Center, Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery. https://www.facebook.com/yuthoktendarcentre/?locale=cy_GB

 * Western Medicine: Wangdicholing General Hospital. Wangdicholing. https://www.facebook.com/www.wangduecholinghos.bt/ A small, but well equipped hospital. with OPD and wards.

Go next

 * Duer Hot Springs. A 1½-day trek from the road head.
 * Kunzang Drak, Tang. The retreat center of Pema Lingpa. It is about a one hour hike from the main road running through the Tang Valley.
 * Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), Tang. A place where some of Guru Rinpoche's scriptural treasures (Tib:terma) were discovered in the 15th century by the famous treasure discover Pema Lingpa.
 * Ura (3,100 m). With its cobbled streets and monastery set against a backdrop of snow covered mountain peaks, Ura has a usually tranquil and gentle charm.

title: Jakar