ISEC 2026
Thu 19 - Sat 21 February 2026 Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur – The Pink City of India

Jaipur – The Pink City of India

Jaipur, the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan, is one of India’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it is widely known as the “Pink City”, owing to the distinct terracotta-pink color used in many of its historic buildings. This tradition, started to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876, continues today.

Cultural Heritage and Architecture

Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage City, recognized for its unique urban planning and stunning architectural heritage. The city blends Rajput, Mughal, and colonial influences in landmarks such as:

Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)

  • Iconic five-storey facade with 953 small windows (jharokhas) built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh.
  • Designed so royal women could observe street festivals without being seen.
  • A symbol of Jaipur’s identity with its pink sandstone architecture.
Hawa Mahal

City Palace

  • A grand complex at the center of Jaipur, built by Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of the city.
  • A blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European styles, featuring Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, and Diwan-e-Khas.
  • Still partly serves as a royal residence.
City Palace

Jantar Mantar (Astronomical Observatory)

  • Built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
  • Houses the world’s largest stone sundial and 19 astronomical instruments.
  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for scientific and cultural value.
Jantar Mantar

Amber Fort

  • A majestic hilltop fort built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I.
  • Famous for its blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, with highlights like Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam, and Ganesh Pol.
  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of Rajasthan’s Hill Forts.
Amber Fort

The city layout, based on Vastu Shastra principles, makes Jaipur one of the earliest planned cities in modern India.

Economic and Academic Hub

Jaipur is not only a tourist destination but also an emerging hub for education, technology, and handicrafts. Prestigious institutions like IIS (Deemed to be University), MNIT, and Jaipur National University are located here. Additionally, Jaipur is gaining prominence in the startup ecosystem with growing support for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Tourism and Hospitality

A key player in India’s tourism sector, Jaipur offers:

  • Luxurious heritage hotels
  • Exquisite handicrafts and textiles (block printing, gemstones, blue pottery)
  • Authentic Rajasthani cuisine
  • Annual events like the Jaipur Literature Festival, Teej, and Elephant Festival

While preserving its royal legacy, Jaipur is also evolving with modern infrastructure, smart city initiatives, and sustainability efforts. It is connected via an international airport and has robust road and rail networks, making it a gateway to Rajasthan’s desert cities and beyond.

How to Reach Jaipur

By Air

Sanganer Airport is 10 km away from the main city and has both Domestic and International terminals. Major airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet connect Jaipur with other cities. Direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Sharjah, Muscat, and Dubai are also available.

By Train

Jaipur has 3 railway stations: Gandhinagar, Durgapura, and Jaipur Main. Indian Railways connects Jaipur with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Agra. Trains like Shatabdi Express, Intercity Express, and the luxurious “Palace on Wheels” regularly open