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General Information
Introduction:-
Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the '
Pink City ' because of the pink-coloured buildings in its old city. It sits on a
dry lake bed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted
by forts and crenellated walls. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of
wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. Jaipur has massive forts, magnificent
palaces, exquisite temples and marvellous gardens. All through, Jaipur has
retained its strong Rajputana flavour tempered by several influences - the
mughal being the most prominent. The region's strong cultural heritage is
distinctly evident even today. The city is a visitor's delight. From the
intricate, delicate looking Hawa Mahal to the graphic forms of the Jantar Mantar
- an open air observatory of outsized astronomical instruments, the Badi Chaupar
lined with shopsand business establishments on both sides to the majestic
fort-palace at Amber; from the colorful fountains of life to the sublime Birla
Temple; from the architectural delight of the City Palace to the serene Jal
Mahal. The principal shopping centre in the old city is Johari Bazaar, The
jewellers' market. Unlike most other shopping centres in narrow alleys in India
and elsewhere in Asia, this one is broad and open. There are three main
interconnecting roads in the new part of town - Mirza Ismail road (MI road),
Station road and Sansar Chandra Marg
Money:-
You can change money at Thomas Cook on the Ist floor of
Jaipur Towers on MI Rd.
The tiny Bank of Rajasthan in the Rambagh Palace changes money and is
conveniently. The Andhra bank, MI Rd, does cash advances on Master Card, Visa
and JCB (Japanese Credit Bureau) cards. The Central Bank of India, Anand
building, Sansar Chandra Marg, issues cash advances on Master Card and Visa
(min. US$100).
Post & Communications:-
The main post office on MI Rd is quite efficient and t here's a man at the
entrance who sews up parcels, sealing them with wax. DHL Worldwide Express is in
a lane off MI Rd at C-scheme, G-7A Vinobha Marg. There are scores of
round-the-clock local/long-distance telephone booths in Jaipur, and their
charges are generally cheaper than the hotels.
Special Event :-
Teej, also known as the festival of Swings (a reference to the flower-bedecked
swings which are erected at this time), celebrates the onset of the monsoon and
is held in honour of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. It is celebrated with
particular fervour in Jaipur.
 Bookshops :-
If you are the hunt for reading material, there is a wide range of
English-language books as well as magazines and maps at 'Books Corner', MI Rd
(near Niro's restaurant). You can pick up a copy of the informative 'Jaipur
Vision' here, which contains useful information about the city. A good range of
titles can also be found in the bookshops at the Rambagh Palace, Rajputana
Palace Sheraton and at the Bissau Palace hotel.
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