Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Background

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is called the 'Pink City' because the buildings of its old city are all painted pink; it was built to a plan by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. Amber Fort, on the ridge outside town, was begun in the 16th century as the palace of the old Kachhwaha capital, blending red sandstone and marble. The Hawa Mahal in the city, built in 1799, has 953 honeycomb windows designed so the royal women could 'watch the market without being watched' — and to ventilate the building naturally.

Local customs

• The Jaipur Literature Festival in January and Holi in March are the best times to experience local festivals
• in the old-city bazaars you can find blue pottery, tie-dyed textiles and silver jewellery.

Religion & beliefs

• Rajasthan is mainly Hindu, and the Shila Devi Temple inside Amber Fort still has worshippers
• remove your shoes at religious sites.

Rules that apply here

Travel tips

• It forms the classic 'Golden Triangle' with Delhi and Agra, usually with 2 days here
• October to March has the best weather
• the best spot to photograph the Hawa Mahal is the terrace of a café across the street.