Jaipur: The Pink City of India

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहां
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया/स्वागत है
  [Kripya/Swagat hai]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए/क्षमा करें
  [Maaf kijiye/Kshama karen]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाइए
  [Kripya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [Main maans nahi khaata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मुझे भुगतान करने दीजिए
  [Kripya mujhe bhugtan karne dijiye]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूं
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूंगा/चाहूंगी
  [Main ... khareedna chaahunga/chaahoongi]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा/रही हूं
  [Main bas dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितना है?
  [Yeh kitna hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
  [Ab kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)(10) के बाद सड़े पांच
  [(10) ke baad sadhe paanch]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Chaar]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ है?
  [... kahaan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (... के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (... ke liye)]

Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The city was meticulously planned, following the principles laid out in ancient Indian Vastu Shastra. It was one of the earliest planned cities of modern India, divided into six sectors separated by broad streets, with designated areas for businesses, residences, and religious and cultural activities.

The City Palace, located in the heart of Jaipur, was built between 1729 and 1732 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The complex is a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture and includes various palaces, courtyards, and gardens. The Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal are the most notable buildings within the complex, with the former still serving as the residence of the royal family.

Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734. It comprises nineteen architectural astronomical instruments and is one of the largest observatories ever built. Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage site and showcases the scientific prowess and interest in astronomy that prevailed in Jaipur during that era.

The Hawa Mahal, or the 'Palace of Winds,' was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. This five-story structure with its 953 small windows, called jharokhas, was designed to allow royal ladies to observe street festivals and daily life without being seen. Its distinctive façade resembles the crown of Lord Krishna, reflecting the Maharaja’s devotion to the deity.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Jaipur emerged as a significant commercial hub. The city's strategic location made it a center for trade, especially in gems, jewelry, and textiles. The famous Johari Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar are testaments to Jaipur's thriving commerce and craftsmanship, with artisans and traders contributing to the city's prosperity.

During the British Raj, Jaipur maintained a semi-autonomous status as a princely state. The city underwent modernization efforts, including the establishment of schools, hospitals, and infrastructure improvements. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II played a pivotal role in these developments, ensuring that Jaipur adapted to the changing political landscape while preserving its cultural heritage.

After India gained independence in 1947, Jaipur became the capital of the newly formed state of Rajasthan. The city continued to grow and develop, balancing modernity with tradition. Efforts were made to preserve its historical monuments and cultural heritage, leading to Jaipur becoming a prominent tourist destination and cultural center in India.

In 2019, Jaipur was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its exceptional architectural and cultural significance. The city's planning and design, influenced by Vastu Shastra and featuring iconic structures like the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal, highlight its historical importance and enduring legacy.

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is located about 13 kilometers from the city center and offers both domestic and international flights. Major airlines operate regular flights to and from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, as well as international destinations such as Dubai and Bangkok. Jaipur Junction, the main railway station, is a major hub in the Indian Railways network with trains connecting to cities across India. For road travel, Jaipur is accessible via National Highway 48 (NH48) which connects Delhi and Mumbai, and there are frequent bus services operated by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) and private operators.

Getting around Jaipur is convenient with several transportation options available. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are popular for short distances, while taxis and app-based cab services like Uber and Ola provide comfortable travel within the city. Jaipur also has a well-developed public bus network operated by Jaipur City Transport Services Limited (JCTSL). For a unique experience, you can hire a traditional horse-drawn carriage known as a 'tonga' for short distances. Renting a scooter or bicycle is also an option for those who prefer exploring at their own pace.

The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for transactions in smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Jaipur, but it is wise to withdraw some cash upon arrival to cover initial expenses. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and authorized exchange centers in the city.

Jaipur is generally considered a safe city for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas after dark and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places. Some areas like the walled city (Pink City) and popular tourist spots can be targets for pickpocketing and scams, so stay vigilant. It is advisable to use reputable transportation services and avoid unlicensed taxis. Always keep a photocopy of your passport and important documents separate from the originals.

In case of emergencies, dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for fire services, and 102 for medical emergencies. Jaipur has several hospitals and clinics that offer medical care, including SMS Hospital, Fortis Escorts Hospital, and Apollo Spectra Hospitals. Pharmacies are widespread and stock both prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and to keep a list of emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' and a slight bow of the head. A handshake is also acceptable in professional settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Jaipur like a local, visit the bustling bazaars such as Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar where you can shop for traditional Rajasthani textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. Engage with locals and participate in cultural activities such as folk dance performances and puppet shows. Don't miss visiting the iconic landmarks like the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Amber Fort. For an authentic culinary experience, try the street food and dine at local eateries serving traditional Rajasthani thali.