"JAIPUR, Rajasthan's Capital City" Jaipur by OlivierB

The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is colour washed pink-the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. The name Rajasthan comes from "Raja" (kings) and "sthan" (place of) translate Land of Kings. Its glorious past lives on through a multitude of Forts, palaces, museums, tales of chivalry and colorful people. This is peraphs the number one destination for Western visitors coming to India.

The Hawa Mahal (literal meaning, palace of the winds) is an important landmark of the city of Jaipur, the pink city of India. It is an interesting building, although it is actually little more than a façade. This honeycombed building was originally built to facilitate the women of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. The Hawa mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799.

Wall mirror inlays

Amber was the ancient capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs until Sawai Jai Singh II moved down the hill to his newly created capital, Jaipur. Successive rulers added to the Fort Palace commenced by Raja Man Singh in 1600, and built one of the most imposing fort-dwellings in all of Rajasthan. A walk through the site and you realise just how grand a role Amber was meant to play. The fort houses enough attractions to fill a long, lazy day of sightseeing. The hill can be conquered by foot, by jeep and by elephant. Once you've done the trip, do it again, and take the time to check out the splendours of the Diwan-e-Aam, the Kali temple, the Jai Mandir (with its inlaid panels and mirrored ceilings) and the Sukh Niwas (with an ivory inlaid sandalwood door and a channel running right through the room which once carried cooling water). Round it all off with the breathtaking view of Jaipur from the ramparts of Amber fort.

• Pros:Site beauty, museums, forts, palaces, shopping
• Cons:summer heat
• In a nutshell:One of India's Must Visit Places