India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [432]
The following month (Apr) is Gangaur, when the women of Rajasthan pray to the goddess Parvati (also known as Gangaur) for the longevity of their husbands or for husbands fair and kind. This culminates in a procession to Gangaur Temple by the symbolic Siva, accompanied by elephants, to take his bride home. Teej (July–Aug) sees Rajasthan’s always colorfully clad women dressed in full regalia to celebrate the onset of the monsoon, while Diwali (Festival of Lights), the Hindu New Year, is celebrated throughout India in November.
Tip: Although all festivals are meant to be fun celebrations, a few unruly young men may try to ruin it with their aggressive behavior, especially during Holi and Diwali. Ask your hotel where it is advisable to go, and make sure you have your own transport if you are going to watch the festivities; single women travelers are advised to go with a male companion, escort, or guide.
Sunset over Jaipur
See the pink city at its rosiest from Nahargarh Fort (or “Tiger Fort”) when the sun sinks behind the Aravalli Hills. Then—as night falls—watch the city skyline turn into the twinkling jewels for which it is famed. Purpose built to protect Amber, the view from here is always a winner, but during the festival of Diwali in November, when firecrackers explode above the city, it’s one you will never forget. The fort (Rs 40; 10:30am—6:30pm) itself is largely in ruins, but the great vantage point alone is worth the trip. An RTDC-run cafe serves drinks and snacks.
Jaipur
American Express Located on M.I. Road ( 0141/237-0117 or -0119) near Ganpati Plaza, the office is open daily 9am to 6pm.
Area Code For Jaipur, the area code is 0141.
Banks You’ll find several banks and ATMS on M.I. Road. The Thomas Cook office for foreign exchange is at Jaipur Tower ( 0141/236-0940; Mon–Sat 9:30am–6pm). There’s a Citibank ATM next to the General Post Office, HDFC Bank ATM on Ashok Marg, ICICI Bank ATM in Ganpati Plaza, and others within the Old City.
Climate Summers have a mean maximum temperature of 104°F (40°C) and a minimum of 75°F (24°C), while winters range between a mean maximum of 70°F (21°C) and minimum of 48°F (9°C). The best weather occurs October through February.
Directory Assistance For telephone numbers call 197. The number 0141/274-4447 is a privately operated general information number (talking Yellow Pages) that you can call for directory inquiries or information on shopping, restaurants, and the like.
Emergencies Ambulance 102; fire 101; police 100.
Hospitals Santokba Durlabji Memorial Hospital ( 0141/256-6251 to -6257) is located on Bhawani Singh Marg. SMS Hospital ( 0414/256-0291) is on Sawai Ram Singh Road.
Newspapers & Books You can pick up an amazing selection of newspapers, magazines, and books from tiny, inconspicuous Books Corner on M.I. Road; Jaipur Vision is a local newspaper. Also look out for the Jaipur Time Out.
Police Sindhi Camp Police Station can be reached at 0141/220-6201.
Post Office The GPO ( 0141/236-8740) is on M.I. Road (Mon–Sat 10am–6pm).
Tourist Help Desk Call the 24-hour tourist help desk ( 1364) if you want to report a theft or register a tourism-related complaint. If you can’t get through, you can call the help desk’s Delhi office at 98-1157-3315.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
The principal attraction of the Old City of Jaipur is its City Palace (see below), nearby Jantar Mantar (also described below), and much-photographed Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind). Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, Hawa Mahal ( 0141/261-8862; Rs 5 entry, Rs 30 camera, Rs 70 video; daily 9am–4:30pm) is principally a pyramid-shaped five-story honeycombed facade of 593 latticed-stone screened windows, known as jarokhas,