It was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber in 1727, who through the expertise of Vidyadar Bhattacharya created a layout of the city. Thus becoming the first planned city of India. Today it is a major business centre. It was adjudged the 7th best place to visit in Asia and third among twelve major Indian cities in another poll.
A striking feature of the city is its colour. It was Sawai Ram Singh who decided to paint the whole city pink in preparation for the Prince of Wales visit in 1853. The City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort and Jantar Mantar are some of the popular landmarks of the city.
City Palace:
This historic landmark is an amazing work of art embellished with floral motifs in the walls and marble columns, and guarded by two elephants carved in marble at the entrance. The Museum inside has an interesting display of various collection of Rajasthani dresses, armory and swords of Mughal and Rajput rulers, etc. The Art Gallery houses rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit acquired by Sawai Jai Singh-II and several paintings, carpets and royal paraphernalia.