Posted 06 December 2022 in Travel wanderlust

Why Jaipur is best experienced during the winter months

Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, is famed for its distinctive festivals and fairs, celebrating its rich history, legacy, and art appreciation. Festivals in Jaipur strengthen ties amongst people of all backgrounds, religions, castes, and creeds. People get ecstatic at the prospect of preserving age-old traditions.

Festival celebrations in Jaipur have encouraged tourism in the state since these merrymaking activities have made Rajasthan's traditions and customs popular worldwide. These festivals have evolved into spectacular celebrations in recent years, becoming the most unmatched attraction for visitors.

Winter festivals in Jaipur are a melting pot, where people from all over the world gather to share, exhibit, and discuss new ideas, experiences, and art.

Here's a list of top festivals to celebrate in Jaipur this winter season:

1. Kite Festival

Jaipur's International Kite Festival is one of the most popular celebrations and attracts visitors worldwide.

The Kite Festival is held on Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan, which celebrates the sun's movement from the Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius) to the Makara Rashi (Capricorn). It is stated that the sun's northward trip (Uttarayan) emits rays that are beneficial to the human body. Since the human body is constantly exposed to sun rays while kite flying, it is believed that the sun's rays kill most diseases and insanitation.

From morning to evening, you can see people flying kites all over the city, and the blue sky remains dotted with colourful kites, creating the illusion of a rainbow.

The Chaughan Stadium, also known as the Jaipur Polo Ground, hosts the main Kite Festival, which is separated into two sections:

Kite War

Kite War is neck and neck competition between participants. The contestants' objective is to cut the cord and bring down the kites of their competitors. The winner is decided by who cuts the most number of kites.

Kite Flying Session

Kite Flying Session is a recreational session in which most people participate. Anyone and everyone, from children to adults, can be found participating in the activity.

The Kite Festival lasts three days, after which the prizes are distributed to the winners in the royal premises of Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Date: 14th January (Makar Sankranti)

2. Jaipur Literature Festival

Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), dubbed the "biggest literary event on Earth", is a melting pot of ideas. It brings together the world's most renowned writers, humanitarians, politicians, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and entertainers on a single platform to engage in thoughtful debate and dialogue.

It has metamorphosed into a global literary phenomenon in the last decade, hosting around 1500+ speakers from India and the world.

Usually, Jaipur Literature Festival is organised at Diggi Palace Hotel, with sessions hosted in the Hall of Audience and across the Diggi Palace's grounds. However, unlike previous years, the 2021 edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival will be held virtually.

Nobel Laureates J.M. Coetzee, Orhan Pamuk, and Muhammad Yunus have spoken at the Jaipur Literature Festival, as have Sahitya Akademi winners Girish Karnad, Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, the late Mahasweta Devi, and U.R. Ananthamurthy. In addition, the festival has hosted Amartya Sen, Amitabh Bachchan, the late A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Dalai Lama, and Oprah Winfrey.

Speakers at the 2021 JLF include Albie Sachs, a renowned lawyer, anti-apartheid activist, scholar, and author; Bibek Debroy, Chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, and many others.

Date: 19th February to 28th February

3. Jaipur International Film Festival

Jaipur International Film Festival is the world's largest competitive film festival and serves as an essential link in the chain of global film culture. It is organised every year in January in Jaipur, intending to promote new filmmakers. Jaipur International Film Festival also encourages knowledge, information, ideas, and cultural exchange between India and other countries in their social and cultural ethos.

For the 14th Jaipur International Film Festival – JIFF 2022, the first list of nominated films has been released in 10 categories. In this list, 182 films from 52 countries have got a place and 28 judges from 15 countries have selected these films. By far, this is the biggest ever selection of JIFF in the first list.

14th Jaipur International Film Festival – JIFF 2022 will be organised in both offline and online mode.

Date: 7th January - 11th January

Which are the top-notch places to visit in Jaipur?

1. City Palace

City Palace, founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, is Jaipur's most important landmark. Made of sandstone, it is a stunning blend of Rajput, European, and Mughal styles. The City Palace is home to a series of gardens, buildings and courtyards, a temple, and a museum, all of which contribute to its splendid appearance, representing its historical significance and magnificent regal grace.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

2. Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal, also known to people as "Palace of Breeze," is a beautiful blend of Hindu Rajput and Islamic Mughal architecture built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh to allow ladies of the royal household to witness the city's activity and processions. It is a magnificent structure that rises to a staggering five stories. Inside the main palace, a lovely fountain welcomes you, from which you can ascend to the various stories. Inside the Hawa Mahal, there is a small museum housing valuable antiquities and miniature artworks. One can also enjoy the stunning views of the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and the always-bustling Siredeori Bazar from the top of the palace.

Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

3. Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is an open-air astronomical observatory in Jaipur erected in the early 1800s and is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. It is much ahead of its time, displaying archaic methods of interpreting the stars and skies and boasting a rich history that predates human civilisation. It was erected primarily to satisfy Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II's curiosity about celestial objects and the movement of various bodies in the sky. The Archaeological Sites and Monuments Department of Jaipur maintains Jantar Mantar currently.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Travel tips

What are some of the essential travel tips one should know before visiting Jaipur?

If you are visiting Jaipur during the summer, then make sure you drink lots of water and don't spend too much time in the sun.

Try lip-smacking Rajasthani dishes like daal-baati-churma, ghevar, and kachori on your trip to Jaipur. However, while street food is tasty, it is not always hygienic, so it is critical to be cautious.

Top architectural marvels like Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Ishwar Lat, and Albert Hall Museum are a must-have in your itinerary.

Last-minute bookings might put a big dent in your wallet, which is a problem. As a result, booking accommodations ahead of time is a wise idea.

Jaipur's nightlife is undeniably vibrant and absorbing. However, going out alone in the dark is inviting danger. Avoid dark, desolate areas, and dimly lit roadways.

It's natural to become lost in frenzy in Jaipur. When the city is continually bustling with tourists, it's easy to become a target for pickpockets. Staying on the lookout all of the time will save you from becoming one of their victims. It is not a good idea to keep all of your money in one bag. Also, don't leave your belongings or luggage unattended.

So, if you plan to visit Jaipur this winter, then keep aside a day in your itinerary to visit these fairs and festivals, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy!

Which is the best time to visit Jaipur?

Winter: Winter is the best time to visit Jaipur (October-February). During the period, the average temperature ranges from 7°C to 31°C. When the city's heat subsides, it allows for comfortable and enjoyable weather to enjoy the festivals without worry.

Summer: Summer is not the best time to visit Jaipur (March-May). The weather is miserable and oppressive since hot air blows for the entire day. The temperature, during this time, remains between 38°C and 44°C. If you want to visit this city in summer, then drink plenty of water and juices, dress in light cotton clothing, and bring a good pair of sunglasses.

Monsoon: Monsoon is also a pleasant time to take a trip to Jaipur. Because Jaipur does not experience heavy rainfall, sightseeing and other outdoor activities are not hampered. During this period, the temperature fluctuates from 27°C to 34°C, making it slightly more relaxed than in summer. Plus, the little amount of rain that Jaipur receives makes the environment look fresh, adding to the city's charm.

How to reach Jaipur?

By Air: Jaipur Airport is conveniently connected to India's major cities and the rest of the world via airway, with several airlines flying regularly, including IndiGo, GoAir, Air India, and SpiceJet. After arrival, passengers can take buses, taxis, or private cabs from outside the airport to get around the city.
By Rail: Jaipur is served by an integrated rail network that connects it to many neighbouring states. Jaipur Junction Railway Station is the city's primary entrance. Direct trains connect Jaipur to the country's major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, and Jodhpur.
By Road: Jaipur is connected to all of India's leading cities via well-constructed motorways. NH 48, NH 52, NH 21, and NH 248, among others, are some of the city's most well-known expressways. Between Jaipur and other cities in Rajasthan, the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) operates premium and deluxe buses. Jaipur Bus Stand is the starting point for visitors who want to visit the city by bus.

How to travel around in Jaipur?

Taxis and automobiles are the handiest modes of transportation both within the city and to nearby regions. You can also look for cycle rickshaws to get around the city, which is readily available and considerably less expensive than other kinds of transportation. City buses are operated by Jaipur City Transport Services Limited (JCTSL) under the name JNNURM comprising regular and low-floor buses. Meru, Ola, and other private cabs are also available.