Jaipur and Udaipur lie on the tourism map of India and are admired for their heritage and architectural and cultural beauty. The city of Jaipur is the administrative capital of the Indian state ‘Rajasthan’ along with the hometown of the royal family of Jaipur whose ancestors founded the city centuries back. Jaipur is called the ‘Pink City of India’ and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage City.
Udaipur is another beautiful city capable of taking your breaths away as the city is nestled between numerous lakes that make every sight, a sight to behold. The city has beautiful viewpoints, the imperial residence of the King of Udaipur, forts, and museums.
A Rajasthan tour of both of these cities will leave a lasting impression on your mind because, unlike many other Indian cities, these cities were founded by the Maharajas of Rajasthan. Their lineage, legacy, royal hospitality, and heritage are embedded in the roots of the people and you will certainly experience it when you are in the city.
In this blog, I will take you on a journey to these beautiful cities and will tell you how you can plan your Rajasthan tour effectively and conveniently.
Jaipur City – The Pink City of India
Jaipur is a heritage city whose foundation dates back to the year 1727. Before this, Amber was the capital of the kingdom which is around 13 km from the current Jaipur city. Because of the rise in population, and some scarcity of water in the Amber region, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II decided to shift his capital and build a new city near Amber.
Jaipur is the first planned city in India and was made using India’s ancient ‘Vastu Shastra’ system of architecture. The Jaipur Old City is today an iconic region in the city where every building and monument speaks volumes about the times of the past.
Places to visit in Jaipur
- City Palace – The royal palace of the King of Jaipur and his family. It is an old palace built in beautiful colors, and designs, taking inspiration from an influx of Mughal and Rajputana architecture.
- Hawa Mahal – It is another iconic palace that is best viewed from the opposite side road of the City Palace. The palace has beautiful architecture and its small windows called ‘Jharokhas’ are a special highlight.
- Jantar Mantar – The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built by the founder of Jaipur city – Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II following his passion for astronomy. 19 pre-modern instruments were used to see and measure planetary motions.
- Amer Fort – A magnificent hilltop fort on the top of the Aravalli mountains. The Grand Fort was the prime residence of the royal family when Amber was the capital of the Kingdom. The Amer Fort is one of the most iconic sites of Jaipur.
When to visit Jaipur?
There is no fine time to visit a city like Jaipur. However, the summer and autumn months can be hot and humid. Hence, it is advisable to visit and explore Jaipur between October and March. This is the most suitable time as the weather is pleasant throughout the day and night.
The winter months can be cold, but bearable. If you are coming from countries like the USA, Canada, UK where you witness snow, you’ll have a pleasant time in Jaipur’s winters. Avoid coming during the summer months from May till July.
Events and Festivals in Jaipur
Jaipur is culturally rich with lots of events and festivities that are celebrated with full spirit throughout the year. Every season has its own festival and irrespective of when you visit the city, some festival or event is arriving just around the corner. Here are some major festivals that you must experience when on a Jaipur tour.
- Rajasthan Diwas
- Holi
- Gangaur Fair
- Teej Fair
- Diwali
What to shop from Jaipur
Jaipur since ages has been the center of trade. Right from Bangles, Wedding Jewellery, Wooden handicrafts, and Leather products, the city is a shopper’s paradise. If you are someone who loves shopping or collecting unique artifacts, there are some of the iconic Bazaars (markets) of Jaipur –
- Bapu Bazaar
- Tripolia Bazaar
- Johari Bazaar
- Kishanpole Bazaar
- Chandpole Bazaar
Udaipur City – The City of Lakes
Udaipur is a beautiful Rajasthani city which was once the capital of the Mewar Kingdom. With beautiful lakes, gardens, regal palaces, and forts, the city allures everyone’s heart. You’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of Lake Pichola along with the monuments around the lake. Step into the boat and visit the iconic Jagmandir, a small monument and garden in between Lake Pichola. Spend a moment in tranquility at Jagmandir overlooking the magnificent City Palace. Then visit the magnificent Sajjangarh Fort situated on a hilltop. The iconic fort is visible from far distances in the city and was once a monsoon retreat of the King of Udaipur.
Places to visit in Udaipur
- City Palace – The royal palace of the King of Udaipur. The grand monument is still home to the king and his family. A part of the palace is built as a museum. The palace museum is a treasure chest where you’ll find the rich history and heritage of the Mewar Kingdom.
- Jagmandir Island Palace – It is a beautiful island built in the Lake Pichola. The palace is also a hotel property and offers mesmerizing panoramic views of the surroundings. One can spend a pleasant evening gazing at the sunset and create memories of a lifetime.
- Lake Pichola– The Lake Pichola is the most popular landmark in the city. It is an artificial lake that was created to build a reliable water source for the city. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lake and can enjoy beautiful views around.
- Sajjangarh Monsoon Fort – Known to be the monsoon retreat of Maharaja Sajjan Singh, the fort is a beautiful citadel on one of the hills of Udaipur. The beautiful fort gives its visitors a treat to the eyes. The fort offers panoramic views of the entire city and the sight is indeed spectacular.
- Amabrai Ghat – Known to be the best viewpoint to see the magnificent City Palace, Ambarai Ghat is an iconic landmark in the city. The spot lies after you explore the quaint lanes of the city and visit this point to experience the most majestic view of the lake and palace.
When to visit Udaipur?
The monsoon and winter months from September to March are the best time to visit the beautiful city of Udaipur. It is recommended to avoid the months of May to August as these are hot and humid; and not very comfortable for outdoor activities.
Events & Festivals in Udaipur
Udaipur, being a very culturally rich city, hosts a range of festivals throughout the year. Some of them are local festivals which are celebrated quite privately while some are major festivals and are celebrated throughout the state. If you are planning your Udaipur tour around famous festivals of Udaipur, here is a list of them –
- Gaur & Ossar Gangaur Festival
- Mewar Festival
- Dusshera
- Diwali Festival
What to shop from Udaipur
Udaipur city has some amazing bazaars that take us to the past times. These bazaars look so colorful as if it is a tapestry of different things all culminating into one. The city is admired for its numerous collectible and shoppable items such as saree and other textiles, miniature paintings, leather diaries, puppets, pottery, and more.
Here are some iconic markets of Udaipur –
- Hathipol Market
- City Palace Road
- Bada Bazaar
- Bapu Bazaar
- Chetak Circle
Both Jaipur and Udaipur are distinct cities even though they both have a lot of commonalities. The dialects, cultures, cuisines, and heritage are distinct, making them even more explorable. Plan your Jaipur and Udaipur tour with Treasure Trip India’s Rajasthan Tour Package which is completely customizable per your taste and preference.
