Introduction
The
pink city of Jaipur has myriad other colours to match. The legendary state
capital has been inviting guests and visitors for ages. Even during the
medieval period, the Rajput rulers arranged visits for the British officials
who found Jaipur desirable. As a mark of respect, the maharajas organised
hunting programmes and elephant fights. Caparisoned elephants were made
ready for the maharajas himself. So, as is obvious, elephants have long been
a symbol of power and pelf.
To enliven the cultural excellence, the Rajasthan Tourism Development
Corporation organises the Elephant Festival every March in Jaipur. The grand
festival commemorates the glorious past of Rajasthan. Tourists from all over
continue to pour into the city to witness the festivities that are a window
to the royal lifestyle and opulence. Besides a huge procession of elephants,
one can also be a part of various cultural contests that are held here on
the festive occasion.
Celebrations
The Rajput maharajas of yore are known for their epicurean lifestyle and
acts of bravado. Whenever they wished to treat themselves with excessive
indulgence, they arranged various art performances and cultural activities.
And bedecked elephants were always the cynosure of all eyes.
Every year on the day after Holi, the old Chaugan Stadium of Jaipur is
geared up for the wondrous Elephant Festival. Elephants are preened and
groomed to perfection. Horses and camels are also attended to with elaborate
care. Elephants, bejewelled and in all their splendour, perform catwalk
before hordes of audiences. Rows after rows of elephants appear and maneuver
along the course. As onlookers and sightseers continue to applaud, the scene
becomes even more enchanting. The elephants walk in grace, compete in races
and also partake in the regal game of polo.
The festival picks up heat, when a tug-of-war is organised between men and
elephants. A bunch of men attempts to prove its might over the five-toed
pachyderm. Huge rounds of applause follow. A spectacular sight indeed. Folk
artists appear on the scene to add flavour to the celebrations all the more.
Ethnic music and dance forms stir a felling of nostalgia in everyone
interested. Dressed in colurful costumes, men and women gracefully move to
the tunes.
Other Attractions
Jaipur is dotted all over with forts, palaces and havelis. Explore the
treasure trove that the city supplies and dig into the historical past.
Famous sites to visit are as follows.
» City Palace
» Hawa Mahal
» Jantar Mantar
» Amber Fort
» Ram Niwas Bagh
» Jaigarh Fort
» Nahargarh Fort
» Govind Deoji Temple Rambagh Palace
» Kanak Valley
» Lakshmi Narayan Temple Sawai Mansingh Museum
Reaching Options
Jaipur (262 km from Delhi) has well established air, rail and road routes.
The Sanganer Airport has regular flights to places like Delhi, Kolkata,
Mumbai, Ahemdabad, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Through rail route, the city is
linked to Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur and
Ahmedabad. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation runs regular buses
connecting to the cities and towns of the state and the neighbouring states.
You can also catch deluxe and air-conditioned buses.
