The Pink City has a new reason to shine. National Geographic has named Jaipur to its coveted 'Best of the World 2027' list, an honour that confirms what discerning travellers have long known: this city is a treasure.
A Landmark Year for a Storied City
Jaipur's selection is no coincidence.
The year 2027 marks the 300th anniversary of the city's founding by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. This major milestone promises a year of special celebrations, cultural showcases, and heritage events. National Geographic highlighted this tricentennial as a key reason for its inclusion, offering travellers a unique opportunity to experience the city at its most festive. The globally renowned Jaipur Literature Festival is also set to host its landmark 20th edition in January 2027, drawing authors, thinkers, and literary fans from every corner of the globe.
Architectural Grandeur in Every Hue
It’s impossible to speak of Jaipur without picturing its iconic terracotta-pink buildings. This signature colour, originally applied in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales, has defined the city's visual identity. But the beauty goes far beyond one colour. Jaipur is celebrated as one of India’s first planned cities, its streets laid out on a grid system based on ancient Vedic principles. This visionary urban planning earned the Walled City of Jaipur a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. Visitors can explore breathtaking landmarks like the honeycombed Hawa Mahal, the imposing Amber Fort, and the City Palace, each a stunning example of blended Rajput and Mughal architectural styles.
A Living Museum of Arts and Crafts
What truly sets Jaipur apart is that its history is alive and thriving in its bustling bazaars and artisan workshops. National Geographic noted the city's vibrant craft traditions as a major draw. In the winding lanes of Johari Bazaar and Chandpole Bazaar, you can watch artisans practice age-old techniques. The city is a hub for exquisite handicrafts, from hand-block printed textiles and traditional blue pottery to intricate 'meenakari' enamelwork and 'kundan' jewellery. Visitors can do more than just shop; immersive workshops offer hands-on experience in block printing or pottery, providing a deeper connection to the city's artistic soul.
A Culinary Journey for Every Palate
Jaipur's culinary scene is as rich and colourful as its architecture. The city's food is rooted in recipes from royal kitchens, adapted for the Rajasthani climate with generous use of ghee and local spices. No visit is complete without sampling the iconic 'dal baati churma' or the crispy, spicy 'pyaaz kachori' from a streetside vendor. For a sweet treat, the sugar-soaked 'ghewar' is a local specialty. Beyond traditional fare, a new wave of contemporary cafes has emerged, often championing local, organic produce. For an immersive cultural and dining experience, places like Chokhi Dhani recreate a traditional Rajasthani village atmosphere with folk music and dance alongside a grand thali. Whether you're dining like royalty at a palace hotel or grabbing a 'lassi' in a clay cup, Jaipur offers a feast for the senses.
