Colourful, vibrant Rajasthan boasts a couple of stunning cities, and some of the most well-known ones have organically grown into the colours they have acquired. Here are four of the most beautiful cities of the state, which rightfully brags of several more.
Udaipur, The White City
The marble-clad palaces of the city, founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II, give Udaipur the epithet of White City. The profusion of marble creates a white aura around the city. The city palace and the Sajjangarh palace add to the city's architectural beauty. You may also know it as the Venice of the East or the city of lakes. The Pichola, with its island-palace turned hotel Fateh Sagar, with its solar observatory based on the pattern of the Big Bear Lake in Southern California and Jaisamand, which is claimed to be the second largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia, along with four other lakes makes up Udaipur. The ancient and lush Aravalli range surrounds the city.
Jaisalmer, The Golden City
The city receives its name from its most prominent landmark, the Jaisalmer fort, also known as the Sonar Quila or the golden fort. And, unlike the other forts, it houses shops, hotels and ancient Havelis (large residences) where people still reside. The golden Jaisalmer fort was created by Rawal Jaisal, who was passed over for kingship and had left the ancient town of Lodurva to carve a name for himself. The sandstone used for the construction of the fort is carved with such mastery that it glows golden no matter your perspective. When in Jaisalmer, ensure you visit Wood Fossil Park, in Akal, which is located about 15 kilometres away. Here you will discover the geological travesty which created the Thar desert 180 million years ago.
Jodhpur, The Blue City
With its indigo-blue buildings, Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan and is also called the Blue City. It was created in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore Clan. The ruins of the ancient capital, Mandore of the state of Manwar, gave life to Jodha's Jodhpur. Rising over the city like the guardian of old that it is, the eight-gate fortress of Mehrangarh forms the ideal backdrop to the sapphire-hued city. Jodhpur is also famous as the only place where the rare breed of horse, known as Marwari or Malani, can be found.
Jaipur, The Pink City
Renowned for its coloured gemstones, the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur, holds the distinction of being the first planned city of India. The planner was the well-known architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, who used the ancient principles of vastu shastra to create Jaipur's master plan. Pink became the city's colour in 1876 when the Prince of Wales was on a tour of India, and Maharaja Ram Singh had the entire city painted pink since, traditionally, it is a symbol of welcome and hospitality.
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