The Enchanting Pink City of Jaipur

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

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

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

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी...
  [Main khareedna chahunga/chahoongi...]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka 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?अभी कितने बजे हैं?
  [Abhi kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे के बाद है
  [Das baje ke baad hai]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ है...?
  [Kahan 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 was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who envisioned a city that would serve as the new capital of the Kachwaha clan. The city was meticulously planned according to the principles of Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra, resulting in a unique layout. The distinctive pink color of the buildings was chosen to symbolize hospitality and was first adopted to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876, leading to Jaipur being known as the Pink City.

The City Palace, a blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles, reflects the grandeur of Jaipur's royal past. Constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it served as the royal residence and administrative center. Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of Winds,' built in 1799, features intricately carved latticework and was designed for royal women to observe street festivals without being seen, illustrating the cultural emphasis on privacy and social norms.

The 19th century marked a period of cultural flourishing in Jaipur, where arts, crafts, and education thrived. The establishment of educational institutions and patronage of arts led to the introduction of various crafts, including blue pottery, block printing, and jewelry making. Jaipur became an important center for artisans, and the vibrant markets of Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar emerged, showcasing the city’s rich craftsmanship.

During the British colonial period, Jaipur maintained its status as a princely state. The rulers engaged in strategic alliances, which allowed Jaipur to retain considerable autonomy. The British influence is evident in the city's architecture, as seen in the Albert Hall Museum, which showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture. The interactions between the British and the local rulers shaped the socio-political landscape of Jaipur.

After India gained independence in 1947, Jaipur experienced significant urban development and modernization. The city expanded beyond its historical boundaries, leading to increased population and infrastructure growth. Despite the rapid urbanization, efforts have been made to preserve the heritage sites and cultural identity of the Pink City, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, recognizing its historical and architectural significance.

Pink City is located in the heart of Jaipur and is easily accessible from various neighborhoods. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from places like Malviya Nagar or C-Scheme, which are approximately 20-30 minutes away. The Jaipur International Airport is about 12 kilometers from Pink City, and taxis are readily available at the airport. Alternatively, you can take a local bus to the Pink City area, which connects well with other parts of the city.

Pink City is best explored on foot, as many landmarks are within walking distance of each other. For longer distances, auto-rickshaws are a popular option and can be hailed on the street or booked via ride-hailing apps. Bicycles are also available for rent, allowing you to navigate through the bustling streets at your own pace. Public buses operate throughout Jaipur, connecting Pink City with the rest of the city, but may not be the most convenient for tourists.

Pink City is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious of pickpockets, particularly near markets like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar. Avoid wandering alone at night in poorly lit areas. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 102 for ambulance services. The nearest hospitals are located in central Jaipur, with well-equipped facilities available. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are accessible throughout the Pink City.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and other religious sites. Women should consider wearing long skirts or salwar kameez, while men should wear long pants and shirts. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; remove your shoes when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with 'Namaste', placing your palms together. Eating & Drinking: Do savor local dishes like dal baati churma and lassi. Don't refuse food or drink offered to you, as it is seen as disrespectful.

To experience Pink City like a local, visit the bustling markets early in the morning for fresh produce and local handicrafts. Engage with shopkeepers and artisans, as they are often willing to share their stories. Don't miss the evening sound and light show at Amer Fort for a unique cultural experience. Additionally, try the street food at Chandpole Bazaar, but ensure that the vendor maintains hygiene standards.