Jaipur, popularly known as the 'Pink City', was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh. The pink color was used at the time to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of Mughal cities. The entire city was repainted in 1876, during the visit of the Prince of Wales. The city is best explored on foot and the adventurous visitor willing to go into the inner lanes can discover a whole new world not visible to the tourist-in-a-hurry. Jaipur is barely 262 kilometers from New Delhi, and is well connected by road, rail and air.

Places of interest are mainly located within the walled city. The City Palace complex is the most important landmark with its numerous outbuildings, courtyards, impressive gateways and temples. Across the road from the palace is the Jantar Mantar, one of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. A collection of complex astronomical instruments, chiseled out of stone - most of which continue to provide accurate information to this day - is the highlight of this observatory.

Amer
Set in a picturesque location, Amer is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh, it sprawls on the hillside. Built with red sandstone and white marble, the palace complex has some very interesting apartments, the likes of which are not to be found anywhere else in the country. Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas and Ganesh Pole are the prominent areas of interest. The old township of Amer lies at the foothills of the palace and has an Old World charm, a character of its own. Jagat Shiromani Temple and the Narsingh Temple are some of the places of interest.

Jaigarh
Jaigarh, or the Fort of Victory, is a rugged fort built in 1726. The world's largest cannon on wheels is to be found here. The fort houses a museum and provides some excellent views of the Amer Palace.

Nahargarh
It is the first of the three forts. Built in 1734, this fort provides some stunning views of the city down below both during daytime and at night. An open-air restaurant-"PADAO" lets you enjoy the panoramic view of the city even as you sip a hot cup of coffee on a pleasant evening!

Jaipur is a shopper's paradise. This is one of the few places where the shoppers may actually watch the skilled artisans producing the articles they want to buy.

As the night gradually descends, the sky goes up in flames, which then fade leaving a few embers, till it becomes utterly dark. A breathtaking sight indeed.

The commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with its entire splendor, dominating the amber-hued city. Think about it! Nikkis will take you there. This is the Warrior State of India.

This fortress city of Jaisalmer has a fascinating legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill. The Bahti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs (Robber barons) who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute. These caravans earned the town great wealth.

For years Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside influences. The rise of shipping trade and the ridged boundaries of India and Pakistan, saw the decline of Jaisalmer. But life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. The perfect time to visit the golden fortress is during the Desert Festival, that is held every Jan/Feb. Surely a not-to-be missed event.

Just outside the fort is the main market place called Manak Chowk, which is the center of local activity. From Manak Chowk, one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelies are to be found. Each haveli's facade differs from other. Built mainly during the 18th and 19th centuries, the carving in the havelies of Jaisalmer is of a very superior quality. Patwon-ki-Haveli is one of the most exquisite havelis with a beautiful latticed facade.

Salim Singh-ki-Haveli is just three centuries old, and is still lived in. Well-excluded brackets in the form of peacocks hold up its arched roof. Two architect brothers built Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, each concentrating on opposite sides. Yellow sandstone tuskers guard the haveli.

Places of interest:

Lodurva (16 km):
Lodurva is the ancient capital of Jaisalmer and an important pilgrim spot of the Jain community. Lodurva has some magnificent Jain temple. 'Toran' or the ornate arches at the main entrance and splendid carvings are noteworthy. A 'Kalptaru' or a divine tree within is the main attraction of the temple

Wood Fossil Park, Aakal (17 kms):
Lying on the Barmer Road, this park takes you back to the Jurassic period (when the whole Thar region lay under the sea) with 180 million-year-old fossils - the geological landmarks for the study of the Thar Desert.

Sam Sand Dunes (42 km):
No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of Sam. The ripples on the wind -caressed dunes, that create an enchanting mirage, are surely a delight for a trigger -happy photographer. We organise a number of cultural programs here against the backdrop of these fascinating sand dunes. Exciting camel safaris allow you to get the real feel of the desert on the camel back.

Desert National Park (45 km):
The landscape of the Desert National Park is dominated by rolling sand dunes and scrub covered hills. The prominent fauna of the park includes black buck, chinkara, desert fox and the great Indian bustard.

Amar Sagar (5 km):
A pleasant garden beside a lake with mango and other fruit trees. Beautifully carved Jain temples add to its splendor.

Bada Bagh (6km.):
Bada Bagh is a fertile oasis on the bank of an artificial lake. Much of the city's fruits and vegetables are grown here. Surrounded by dense trees are the royal cenotaphs with beautifully carved ceilings and equestrian statues of the former rulers.

For thirty years Rao Bika fought and subjugated the local desert clans and ultimately carved out a kingdom approximately the size of England. This fortified city stands at a slight elevation and is enclosed by a stone wall with five massive gates. Several palaces, shrines can be seen here.

Junagarh Fort
Raja Rai Singh, one of the trusted Rajput generals of Akbar, built this imposing fort between 1589 and 1594. The fort defied every attack that was made on it and today stands proud and unconquered. The perimeter wall is nearly a kilometer long, with 37 bastions and two gates. The Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) is the main access to the inside. Within are a profusion of palaces (37 of them), pavilions and temples. Each palace is, in turn, a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, towers and kiosks. The palaces, exquisitely built in red sandstone and marble are ornate with mirror work, carvings and paintings. A museum with valuable miniature paintings and rare antiques is also located in the Junagarh Fort.

Lalgarh Palace
The red fort-palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the year 1902, the enlightened ruler who steered Bikaner through the first half of this century, in honour of his father, Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace, designed by a British architect, is made of red sandstone and adorned with marvelously intricate latticework and carvings that exhibit great delicacy and refinement. There are several terraced lawns and bougainvillea bushes, and peacocks stroll the yards. Part of the Palace has been converted into a hotel, but the rest remains a museum, displaying an excellent collection of old photographs and hunting trophies. There is also a library, which is supposed to possess the largest collection of original Sanskrit manuscripts in the world. These manuscripts are on parchment, copper, and gold or silver plaques.

Bhandeshwar Jain Temples
5 km from Bikaner, these are these beautiful 16th century Jain temples, dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanathji.

Other important temples of Bikaner include the Lakshminathji, Ratan Bihariji, Shiv Bari, and Nagnechiji temple.