Jaipur

Triumphal architecture, exuberant daily life, an influx of food, music, and art… It all comes to life in Rajasthan, India’s most happening state and touristic focal point. Jaipur is the capital of this cultural mecca. Set in the Golden Circle route, the “Pink City of India” is the very embodiment of royalty. Its excellence has a central role in the country’s history. It was founded by a king, painted in pink for British princes and queens, and today hosts the former royal family in the City Palace. Tucked away in its back streets are the less flamboyant but equally impressive bazaars where authentic culture pulsates in vigor.

Sightseeing in the architectural wonders of Jaipur hardly fits in a day. The salmon-colored Amber Fort alone deserves hours of admiration with its spacious courtyards, jaw-dropping rooms and palaces, and the fascinating folk tales surrounding it. Straddling the iridescent Maota Lake, the palace complex is truly a sight to behold. At the heart of the Old City, the City Palace offers a wealth almost equal. It features several Rajasthani and Mughal buildings, an art gallery,  and a museum showcasing local crafts within its peachy-pink walls. Hawa Mahal is the most prominent pink building in town, though, rising in grandeur as a favorite photography spot among visitors.

Out of sight, Jaipur’s old streets brim with workshops, tasty delicacies, and age-old traditions. This is the headquarters for all sorts of handicrafts embellishing the iconic landmarks of the city, including the intricate Islamic carvings and silver embroidery. Have some Missi Roti, an Indian flatbread, and complement some of the traditional desserts at one of the food vendors as you catch up with the local gossip.