Jaipur, India Destination Guide

Overview of Jaipur Situated 190 miles (300km) southwest of Delhi, Jaipur is an essential stop on any tour of Rajasthan. The old, walled section of the city is known as the Pink City: it was painted red (a lucky colour in Hindu culture) to welcome England's Prince Alfred in 1853, and the fading old buildings still retain traces of this hue. Jaipur is one of India's newer cities, founded in 1727, and was the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who decided when Mogul power was on the decline to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on the plains further south. The Pink City was built in only eight years. Much of it was designed by Jai himself, including the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory with massive instruments used to predict the monsoon and to identify the movements of the stars. Most impressive is a 27 metre-high sundial that is accurate to within two minutes. All seven gates into the old city remain, one of which leads into Johari Bazaar, the famously frenetic jewellers' market, boasting the best selection of precious stones in India. Jaipur is now a thriving commercial city, home to about two million people. Although some visitors are put off by the over-zealous traders and the insane traffic, most are enthralled and enchanted by this welcoming, exciting city. There is no better place in India to shop than in Rajasthan's capital; it is possible to find anything and everything in its shop-lined streets, from jewellery and silks to perfumes and stationery. Just be prepared to bargain hard for a good deal.

Key Facts

Language: English and Hindi are the official languages, with Hindi spoken by about 40 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common with the Muslim demographic. India has a total of 22 official languages. Passport/Visa: Visa extensions are not possible for tourist visas. Other visas may be eligible for extensions, which are applied for through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Holders of multiple-entry Tourist Visas (visa type code "T"), with a validity ranging from above three months and up to 10 years, are no longer required to leave a gap of at least two months between visits unless they are nationals from Afghanistan, China, Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan and Bangladesh. Indian law does not permit dual citizenship for nationals of India. An Indian national holding dual nationality should contact their embassy or consulate for further information. Passengers in possession of an "Overseas Citizen of India" card or a "Person of Indian Origin" card, however, are liable to enter the country without a visa. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in India within six days of leaving or transiting through heavily infected areas. Also note that the following areas of India are restricted, and require that visitors obtain a permit BEFORE entering them: (Protected Areas) parts of the state of Manipur, parts of the state of Mizoram, parts of the state of Arunachal Pradesh, the whole state of Nagaland, the whole State of Sikkim, parts of the state of Uttaranchal, parts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, parts of the state of Rajasthan, parts of the state of Himachal Pradesh; (Restricted Areas) the whole of the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, part of the state of Sikkim. If surface travel is involved, and nationals travel via restricted areas, they require a "pass" issued by either the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (located in each major Indian city), or the Superintendent of Police (located in each Indian district), or the diplomatic representation of India in Bhutan or Nepal. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at banks, and authorised bureaux de change. It is illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small denominations. Major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs are available in large cities and airports but are not generally available in rural areas. Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of power outlets are used in India, but most plugs have two or three round pins.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

Page 1/12 Jaipur, India Destination Guide

Travel to Jaipur Climate for Jaipur

Health Notes when travelling to India There are many health risks associated with travel to India. Although no vaccinations are required for entry into the country, travellers should take medical advice on vaccinations at least three weeks before departure. Outbreaks of dengue fever and chikungunya virus occur, both transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria is common, particularly in the northeast of the country. Outbreaks of cholera occur frequently. Travellers coming to India from an infected area should hold a yellow fever certificate. Rabies is also a hazard; travellers should get immediate medical advice if bitten. Food poisoning is the most common problem among travellers to India. Visitors should only drink bottled water and ensure that the seal on the bottle is intact. Avoid ice, as it's often made from tap water. Meat and fish should be eaten with care in all but the best restaurants, and should always be well cooked and served hot. Salads and unpeeled fruit should be avoided. Health facilities are adequate in the larger cities, but limited in rural areas. Travellers should have comprehensive medical insurance, and carry a small first-aid kit complete with a travellers diarrhoea kit and a course of general antibiotics. Safety Notes when travelling to India Although the vast majority of trips to India are trouble free, there are some risks that travellers should be aware of. As in many countries, there is a threat of terrorism; in the past there have been attacks in popular tourist haunts like hotels, markets and temples. Travellers should take caution at large religious events, where huge crowds can result in life-threatening stampedes. On a more everyday level, there is a risk of minor theft, such as pick-pocketing, but incidents of violent crime in India are low. Travellers using India's vast railway network are advised to lock their baggage, and keep it close. Visitors should be on guard; if someone offers a 'business opportunity' that seems too be good to be true, it probably is. Female travellers should note that there are rare incidents of rape and assault. Women should respect local dress codes and customs, and avoid travel to secluded rural areas, including beaches, at any time of day. Customs in India India is a tolerant society, but visitors should educate themselves about the countries religious and social customs so as not to cause offence: for example, smoking in public was banned in 2008. When visiting temples visitors will probably be required to remove their footwear and cover their heads. Generally, women should dress more conservatively than they may be used to doing at home, both to respect local sensibilities and to avoid unwanted attention. Topless bathing is illegal. Indians do not like to disappoint, and often instead of saying 'no', will come up with something that sounds positive, even if incorrect. Social order and status are very important in Indian culture - remain respectful and obliging with elders. Avoid using your left hand, particularly when eating. Duty Free in India Travellers to India over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 100 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 125g tobacco; two litre bottle of alcohol; medicine in reasonable amounts; and goods for personal use. Prohibited items include livestock, bird and pig meat products. Doing Business in India Business in India is conducted formally, with punctuality an important aspect. Suits and ties are appropriate, and women in particular should dress modestly. If it is very hot, jackets are usually not required and short-sleeve shirts are deemed appropriate. It is customary to engage in small talk before getting down to business, and topics can range from anything from cricket to politics. Business cards are usually exchanged on initial introduction, using the right hand only. Handshakes are fairly common, though one should wait to see if greeted with a hand, or a 'namaste' - a traditional Indian greeting of a small bow accompanied by hands clasped as if in prayer. Visitors should return the greeting as it is given. It is common for women to participate in business meetings, and hold high positions in companies, and foreign businesswomen are readily accepted. Business hours are usually from 9.30 to 5.30pm (weekdays) with a lunch break from 1pm to 2pm, and Saturdays from 9.30am to 1pm.

Page 2/12 Jaipur, India Destination Guide

Communication in India The international access code for India is +91. International calls are expensive and there are often high surcharges on calls made from hotels. Buying a local SIM card is a good option, as international roaming fees can be high. Free wifi is offered at cafes and hotels in major cities. Tipping in India In India, taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. However, tipping is expected for other services (porters, guides, hotel staff and waiters in small establishments). In tourist restaurants or hotels a 10 percent service charge is often added to bills. 'Baksheesh' is common in India: more a bribe than a tip, it is given before rather than after service. Passport/Visa Note Visa extensions are not possible for tourist visas. Other visas may be eligible for extensions, which are applied for through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Holders of multiple-entry Tourist Visas (visa type code "T"), with a validity ranging from above three months and up to 10 years, are no longer required to leave a gap of at least two months between visits unless they are nationals from Afghanistan, China, Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan and Bangladesh. Indian law does not permit dual citizenship for nationals of India. An Indian national holding dual nationality should contact their embassy or consulate for further information. Passengers in possession of an "Overseas Citizen of India" card or a "Person of Indian Origin" card, however, are liable to enter the country without a visa. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in India within six days of leaving or transiting through heavily infected areas. Also note that the following areas of India are restricted, and require that visitors obtain a permit BEFORE entering them: (Protected Areas) parts of the state of Manipur, parts of the state of Mizoram, parts of the state of Arunachal Pradesh, the whole state of Nagaland, the whole State of Sikkim, parts of the state of Uttaranchal, parts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, parts of the state of Rajasthan, parts of the state of Himachal Pradesh; (Restricted Areas) the whole of the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, part of the state of Sikkim. If surface travel is involved, and nationals travel via restricted areas, they require a "pass" issued by either the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (located in each major Indian city), or the Superintendent of Police (located in each Indian district), or the diplomatic representation of India in Bhutan or Nepal. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Page 3/12 Jaipur, India Destination Guide

Entry Requirements Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a passport that is valid for their intended period of stay. A visa is required, except for passengers with a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet. E-visas can be obtained online before departure. Passengers using the e-visa for the first time must have a passport with at least 2 unused visa pages, and printed confirmation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for their period of intended stay. A visa is required, except for passengers with a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet. E-visas can be obtained online before departure. Passengers using the e-visa for the first time must have a passport with at least 2 unused visa pages, and printed confirmation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for their intended period of stay to enter India. A visa is required, except for passengers with a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet. E-visas can be obtained online before departure. Passengers using the e-visa for the first time must have a passport with at least 2 unused visa pages, and printed confirmation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for their intended period of stay to enter India as tourists. A visa is required, except for passengers with a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet. E-visas can be obtained online before departure. Passengers using the e-visa for the first time must have a passport with at least 2 unused visa pages, and printed confirmation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Australian citizens can apply for visas online before travel provided they have a printed copy of the e-Toursit visa confimation that was applied for online, a passport containing at least two unused visa pages, and return or onward tickets.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for their intended period of stay to enter India. A visa is required, exept for passengers with a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet. E-visas can be obtained online before departure. Passengers using the e-visa for the first time must have a passport with at least 2 unused visa pages, and printed confirmation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: Citizens of New Zealand must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay to enter India. A visa is required, exept for passengers with a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet. New Zealanders can apply for visas online before travel provided they have a printed copy of the e-Tourist visa confirmation that was applied for online, a passport containing at least two unused visa pages, and return or onward tickets. e-Tourist visas can only be issued a maximum of two times per calendar year.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for their period of intended stay to enter India. A visa is required, except for passengers with a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or booklet. E-visas can be obtained online before departure. Passengers using the e-visa for the first time must have a passport with at least 2 unused visa pages, and printed confirmation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). South African citizens can apply for visas online before travel, provided they have a printed copy of the e-Toursit visa confimation that was applied for online, as well as a passport containing at least two unused visa pages.

Page 4/12 Jaipur, India Destination Guide

Getting around in Jaipur, India

Page 5/12 Jaipur, India Destination Guide

Attractions in Jaipur, India The Pink City, Jaipur, is known for its palaces: it was once the home of the richest royal family in India. The City Palace, Palace of the Winds and Amber Palace are all ornately decorated and popular attractions in Jaipur, and they are usually the first stops on sightseeing tours of the city. Other places of interest in Jaipur include the Galta Monkey Temple, a ruinous but alluring Hindi temple lodged between two granite cliffs; Nahargarh Fort, the best site to enjoy sunset views of the city, perched on a high hill above Jaipur; Jaigarh Fort, a perfectly preserved medieval fortress with impressive military artefacts; and Jantar Mantar Observatory, an intriguing collection of structures to measure weather and astronomical phenomena, built in the early 18th century. Jaipur is also celebrated as a great shopping city, and its many markets and bazaars are considered some of its top attractions. The vendors and market sellers in the city offer a great variety of goods and visitors will be expected to bargain for a good price. Gemstones, clothes, jewellery, and distinctive blue pottery are all readily available. The best places to shop are the Gem Palace, Chameliwala Market and Amrapali. There are a variety of fun ways to explore this city: walking tours are popular and a good start, but there are also more exciting options for the adventurous, like an elephant ride, or a tour of the city from above in a hot air balloon. Jaipur, like most Indian cities, has a problem with traffic and getting around can be stressful but there are many tours on offer, and locals are always willing to give directions.

Amber Palace Situated on the crest of a hill seven miles (11km) north of Jaipur is Amber, capital of the Kuchwaha Rajputs from 1037 to 1728. The city-palace is protected by towering outer walls, and a further wall runs for miles along the hills surrounding the palace. For many, the most memorable part of a trip to Jaipur is the journey up the palace ramparts, through a succession of vast gates, on the back of a painted elephant, Maharaja-style. Inside are the ruins of a once-great palace: a wonderful example of Rajput architecture, with Mogul influences. Visitors will be able to see the remains of the Maharajas quarters surrounded by the rooms of his many wives and concubines, each linked to his bedroom by secret steps and passageways to avoid jealousy. Although much of the complex is closed to the public, there is still a large area to explore. Visitors are advised to spend at least a few hours here, and ideally to hire a guide who will explain the architecture and history of the palace. Don't forget to pack your camera. Photo opportunities abound at Amber Palace but note that there is a small additional fee for those who want to take photographs. Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur Website: www.amberfort.org/

Jaipur City Palace The magnificent City Palace is in the centre of the Pink City of Jaipur, enclosed by high walls and set amid fine gardens and courtyards. Since Jai Singh built it in 1728, it has been the principal residence for the Maharajas of Jaipur and successive rulers have each added to it. The palace was built during the glory days and the exhibits and interior have lost none of their splendour: the doors and gateways preserve their flamboyant decoration; and royal retainers, clothed in turbans and full livery, still guard the principal halls and entrances. Chandra Mahal is the private palace of the current ruler and is approached through a number of courtyards. Mubarak Mahal, in the first courtyard, was once a guesthouse and is now a textile museum. There are a number of other museums displaying old costumes and uniforms, carpets, mementos, elephant saddles and an armoury containing a fascinating array of fearsome and inventive weapons dating back to the Mogul era. A beautifully-carved marble gate with brass doors leads to the second courtyard, where Diwan-I-Khas, the hall of private audiences, is found. On display here are two gigantic silver urns used by Madho Singh II to carry water from the holy Ganges with him when he travelled to London in 1902 on board an ocean liner - he was reluctant to trust the water in the West! These are said to be the largest silver vessels in the world - 243kg of silver was required to cast each urn, and they can hold 8,182 gallons of water. Address: Chokri Shahad, Old City Website: www.royaljaipur.in/

Page 6/12 Jaipur, India Destination Guide

Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal) The Palace of the Winds is Jaipur's most acclaimed attraction. Built in 1799, it is situated on the edge of the City Palace complex overlooking one of the city's bustling main streets, and was constructed to offer the women of the court a vantage point, behind stone-carved screens, from which to watch the activity in the bazaars below. The five-storey building is shaped like a crown adorning Lord Krishna's head, and contains over five hundred finely-screened windows and balconies. Although the palace's primary appeal is its ornate and finely-carved pink façade, visitors can also go inside and see the intricate, honeycombed stonework of the original screens close up. There are beautiful views of the city and some surrounding forts from the inside of the building. Additional motivation for exploring the interior - apart from the thrill of imagining the royal wives and consorts flitting about behind their screens - is the naturally cool, breezy nature of the place, which makes it refreshing on hot days. Those who just want to see the building and take some photos can do so from the road without paying the entrance fee. The building is particularly lovely early in the morning when the light makes it seem even pinker than usual. Address: Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur Website: www.hawa-mahal.com/

Galta Monkey Temple (Galta Ji) Situated between two granite cliffs, this temple is part of a much larger temple complex. The complex has three sacred pools which locals, and the monkeys, enjoy swimming in. This Hindi temple is slightly dilapidated but definitely still worth the trip out of the city - the views of Jaipur afforded from its vantage are simply unforgettable. The best time to see the temple is at sunset, when the monkeys appear for their evening swim and when the light is stunning for photographs. The complex is covered in monkeys and some other animals and it is not a polished, elegant place, but it is interesting and in its own way very beautiful. There may be mud and beggars and livestock in the mix with the crumbling beauty and sacred pools but for many this only adds authenticity and interest. The monkeys are tame and usually keen to interact with people - those who don't like animals should steer clear. They are not dangerous and tend to be quite gentle; many visitors bring along food for them. The temple is active and a good place to witness Indian worship and people-watch. Address: Outside Gulta Pol, close to Agra Road. Follow the steps from the Sun Temple down the hill to find Galtaji Website: www.jaipur-travel-guide.com/Jaipur-attractions/Galta-Ji-Jaipur-monkey-temple.html

Page 7/12 Jaipur, India Destination Guide

Nightlife in Jaipur, India

Page 8/12 Jaipur, India Destination Guide

Shopping in Jaipur, India

Page 9/12 Jaipur, India Destination Guide

Dining in Jaipur, India

Page 10/12 Jaipur, India Destination Guide

Airports in Jaipur

Page 11/12 Jaipur, India Destination Guide

Currency The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at banks, and authorised bureaux de change. It is illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small denominations. Major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs are available in large cities and airports but are not generally available in rural areas.

Exchange rate for 1 INR - Indian Rupee 0.01 BMD 0.01 EUR 0.01 USD 0.01 GBP 1.62 JPY 0.02 CAD Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar 0.01 CHF 0.02 AUD 0.37 UAH 5.02 KZT 22.39 LBP 0.01 LYD Swiss Franc Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar 0.10 BOB 1.60 NPR 0.01 OMR 0.05 QAR 0.02 SGD 0.12 SEK Bolivian Boliviano Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona 0.10 TTD 0.15 VEF 0.68 DOP 0.10 HRK 0.28 MXN 8.72 XOF Trinidad Tobago Dollar Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc 0.05 PGK 0.01 BSD 0.03 FJD 0.34 HNL 1.64 DZD 17.71 MMK Papua New Guinean kina Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat 0.17 BWP 0.05 PEN 10.31 CLP 7.11 AMD 0.36 CZK 0.30 MDL Botswana Pula Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei 1.85 ISK 43.69 UZS 0.06 ILS 0.01 JOD 0.00 KWD 0.47 UYU Icelandic Krona Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso 0.53 MUR 0.42 NIO 0.12 NOK 0.06 PLN 0.06 SAR 2.17 LKR Mauritian Rupee Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee 0.53 THB 0.05 AED 0.05 BRL 0.06 RON 0.12 HKD 8.74 XAF Thai Baht U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc 334.14 VND 0.21 ARS 0.04 XCD 0.12 GTQ 0.15 MAD 0.01 BHD Vietnamese Dong Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar 0.01 PAB 0.02 AZN 46.35 COP 1.02 KGS 4.16 HUF 0.12 TJS Panamanian Balboa Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble 203.43 IDR 0.13 EGP 17.71 KRW 84.29 PYG 0.06 MYR 8.01 CRC Indonesian Rupiah Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón 0.02 NZD 1.56 PKR 0.99 RUB 0.23 ZAR 0.03 TND 0.03 BBD New Zealand Dollar Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar 0.03 BGN 0.04 TRY 0.69 PHP 0.48 TWD 2.92 NGN 1.59 XPF Bulgarian Lev Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc 0.06 GHS 1.86 JMD 0.03 ANG 0.02 BND 1.64 RSD 0.10 CNY Ghanaian Cedi Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan 295.84 BYR 0.10 DKK 0.05 TMT

Belarussian Ruble Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat

Page 12/12

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)