Family Adventure in Jaipur: Exploring the Pink City

Whispers of the Pink City

Today was a day of diving headfirst into the heart of Jaipur, a city that has already captured my imagination. Greta, Lila and I set out early, eager to explore the architectural wonders that this 'Pink City' has to offer. From the intricate façade of Hawa Mahal to the astronomical marvels of Jantar Mantar and the regal splendor of City Palace, every corner of Jaipur seemed to whisper stories of a bygone era. The warmth of the people, the vibrant colors, and the sheer history etched into every wall made it an unforgettable experience.


Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Kalyan Restaurant & Bar, right in our hotel. I must say, starting the day with a taste of local flavors really sets the tone for adventure. Lila was particularly excited, her eyes wide with anticipation for all the sights we were about to see. After a quick check of our essentials – camera, sunscreen, and of course, the all-important travel guidebook – we were ready to immerse ourselves in Jaipur’s historical charm.


First on our list was the famed Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. As we approached, the intricate structure rose before us, a mesmerizing honeycomb of windows crafted from pink sandstone. The soft morning light cast a warm glow on the façade, accentuating the delicate latticework. It's truly a sight to behold! Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this five-story marvel was designed to allow the royal women to observe the bustling street life below without being seen. Lila was fascinated by the stories Greta told her about the royal ladies peeking through the windows, imagining what their lives must have been like.



Discover the architectural wonder of Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, in the heart of Jaipur's vibrant Pink City, and experience Rajasthan's royal heritage.

The Hawa Mahal’s architectural brilliance is evident from its lovely pink façade.

We learned that Hawa Mahal is no ordinary building, with its honeycomb facade and lacy grillworks, it offers an extraordinary visual spectacle to travelers. The palace was designed by Lal Chand Ustad for Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Hawa Mahal is an incredible amalgamation of Hindu Rajput and Islamic Mughal-influenced designs. It has 953 windows, each painted with motifs in white limewash. There is no front entrance, only a rear one. Instead of stairs, there are ramps to the upper floors of the tallest building in the world. At five storeys, the Hawa Mahal is the tallest building in the world—without any foundation. This architectural wonder is possible because it is curved and leans at an angle of 87 degrees. As we climbed the ramps, the city unfolded before us, offering panoramic views of Jaipur’s vibrant streets and bustling bazaars. The intricate latticework of the windows created a natural air conditioning system, allowing a gentle breeze to flow through the palace – a welcome respite from the midday heat.


After soaking in the beauty of Hawa Mahal, we hopped into an auto-rickshaw and made our way to Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II. As an English teacher with a passion for history, I was particularly excited about this stop. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of nineteen astronomical instruments, each designed to measure different aspects of the celestial world. The sheer scale of the instruments was astounding; they are massive structures made of stone and masonry. I learned that Sawai Jai Singh II built five Jantar Mantars in total, in New Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura and Varanasi; they were completed between 1724 and 1735. I was fascinated to learn that the monument features instruments operating in each of the three main classical celestial coordinate systems: the horizon-zenith local system, the equatorial system, and the ecliptic system.



Explore Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning example of ancient Indian astronomy with remarkable astronomical instruments.

Lila, with her boundless curiosity, peppered us with questions about the purpose of each instrument. Greta, ever the patient librarian, did her best to explain the complex concepts in a way that an eight-year-old could understand. I was particularly impressed by the Samrat Yantra, a giant sundial that can measure time with remarkable accuracy. Standing in its shadow, I couldn't help but marvel at the ingenuity and vision of Sawai Jai Singh II, a man who sought to unravel the mysteries of the universe with such dedication. According to what Greta found on her phone, the time scale of the Samrat Yantra at Jaipur includes subdivisions as fine as two seconds, and as one watches, the motion of the gnomon's shadow becomes a palpable experience of earth's cosmic motion. It's a truly awe-inspiring place, blending aesthetics with mathematics.


By lunchtime, we were all feeling a bit peckish, so we decided to treat ourselves to a meal at Bar Palladio Jaipur. This restaurant, located in Hotel Narain Niwas Palace, is known for its stunning décor and Italian cuisine. As we stepped inside, we were immediately transported to a world of refined luxury. The interiors were a visual feast, with vivid shades of blue, ornate arches, and lush greenery creating an atmosphere of opulence and romance. The service was impeccable, and the food was simply divine. Lila particularly enjoyed her pasta, while Greta and I savored the flavors of our expertly prepared dishes. I had read online that it is one of the most stunning bars I've been to in our country, and I promise you I've been to enough. The drinks are okay - I stuck to wine and Bloody Mary's; the food is okay - I gorged on pasta and some starters; the service is ridiculously slow {but, only by Delhi standards}. However, I think it's worth the hype, and a must visit when you're in the pink city.



Experience exquisite Italian dining at Bar Palladio Jaipur - where authentic flavors meet stunning ambiance in Rajasthan's royal city.

After lunch, we made our way to the City Palace, a sprawling complex that has been the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur for centuries. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the palace is a beautiful blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. As we entered through the grand gates, we were greeted by a series of interconnected courtyards, halls, and gardens, each more stunning than the last. I learned that the City Palace is a splendid fusion of Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles, standing as a testament to the grandeur and opulence of India's royal heritage. Built between 1729 and 1732 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, the palace complex is an extensive network of gardens, courtyards, and buildings that encapsulate centuries of royal history. It now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and continues to be the home of the Jaipur royal family.



Explore the grandeur of The City Palace in Jaipur, a historical marvel showcasing Mughal and Rajput architecture amidst stunning gardens.

We explored the Mubarak Mahal, a stunning building that once served as a reception hall, and the Chandra Mahal, the current residence of the royal family. Lila was particularly fascinated by the Peacock Gate in the Pritam Niwas Chowk, a vibrant courtyard adorned with colorful gates representing the seasons. I found the City Palace Museum to be an enriching experience, showcasing an impressive collection of royal artifacts, weaponry, and textiles. Each artifact seemed to whisper tales of a bygone era, giving us a glimpse into the lives of the rulers who once walked these halls. It was constructed according to the rules of vastushastra, combining elements of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. It now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, and continues to be the home of the Jaipur royal family. The palace was also the location of religious and cultural events, as well as a patron of arts, commerce, and industry. The urban layout of the city of Jaipur was commissioned to Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. The architectural styles are largely based on a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European styles.


Before calling it a day, we decided to indulge in some retail therapy at Craftkriti Store, a local shop known for its unique handmade creations. Greta was on the lookout for some souvenirs to take back to Berlin, while Lila was eager to find a special gift for her Oma and Opa. The store was a treasure trove of handcrafted items, from metal wall art to mosaic lamps. I was impressed by the skill and artistry of the local artisans, and we ended up buying a few beautiful pieces to adorn our home. We learned that Craftkriti Store is a personalized gift shop specializing in unique handmade creations crafted by talented artisans, delighting customers worldwide. The store has awesome collection to choose from and very unique at affordable prices! It's a perfect store for best quality products and gift items.



Discover the essence of Rajasthan at Craftkriti Store - your destination for exquisite handicrafts, home decor, and unique gifts in Jaipur.

For dinner, we decided to try The Great Kabab Factory, known for its delectable North Indian cuisine. I must say, after a long day of exploring, nothing beats a hearty meal. The kebabs were succulent and flavorful, and the service was top-notch. Lila, who usually has a rather picky palate, thoroughly enjoyed the tandoori dishes. It was the perfect way to end our day of royal wonders. I recently visited The Great Kabab Factory at Radisson Jaipur City Center and had the pleasure of trying their Sunheri Broccoli dish. It was absolutely delicious and a great option for those looking for healthy meal choices. The broccoli was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the portion size was just right. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a healthy and flavorful dish. It's definitely worth trying!



Savor the authentic tastes of India at The Great Kabab Factory in Jaipur – where every bite tells a story.

As I sit here now, penning down the events of the day, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience the magic of Jaipur with my family. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Albert Hall Museum, Central Park, and Birla Mandir, continuing our exploration of this enchanting city. I'm also hoping to find some time to visit Jaipur Pink, a shop that I heard requires appointments to visit, but is well worth it. I'm also realizing that I forgot my portable phone charger, but thankfully Greta had hers. I'm excited to see what new adventures tomorrow will bring!


Jaipur, with its blend of history, culture, and architectural splendor, has truly cast a spell on us. It's a city that I know we'll cherish in our memories for years to come.