Volunteer programs India, Jaipur
Volunteer work India, Volunteer in India
About Jaipur
Rajasthan's beautiful Pink City Jaipur, was the stronghold of a clan of rulers whose three hill forts and series of palaces in the city are important attractions. Known as the Pink City because of the color of the stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur's bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and other exotic wares. Western Rajasthan itself forms a convenient circuit, in the heart of the Thar Desert which has shaped its history, lifestyles and architecture.
Founded in AD 1727 by Sawai Jaisingh II, Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City with broad avenues and spacious gardens. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.
Jaipur has been laid according to the conventional nine-grid pattern that astrologers believe to be lucky, and which has been recommended in the ancient Indian treatise on architecture. Each grid consists of a square, and these have been planned so that, at the heart of the city is the City Palace. Spread around it, in rows, are public buildings, the residences of noblemen, the living and trading quarters of merchants and artisans. Straight, wide roads run through the city, while a high, crenellated wall that forms its defense is pierced with seven gateways that serve as entry points. Today, these walls may be more difficult to spot since the city has grown far beyond its original plan, but they are still there, proof that though Jaipur saw no great siege, it was more than adequately prepared for it.
Jaipur’s architectural planning may have been ancient, but its execution was definitely modern. Best represented by the City Palace complex, it brought together all that was excellent in Rajput and Mughal architecture, creating a new tradition that found wide currency over much of north India. As in the Mughal tradition, the durbar or court areas became much more open, characterised by a series of arched pavilions held on delicately crafted pillars. Ornamentation had always been a part of the state’s architectural heritage, now it became much more opulent. The private wings of the family also extended their entertainment areas. Since defence was no longer a primary concern, larger, more ornamental windows were built to over look the streets or courtyards outside these wings. Gardens were no longer planned within the internal courtyards only, but were added to the external vistas, and water, a basic feature of Mughal palaces and gardens, was utilised in a similar fashion, in canals and fountains.
Jaipur has much to offer visitors — everything from pageants and festivals to extraordinarily clad people, a wealth of handicrafts, a royal legacy of palaces, and sightseeing — that will occupy their time. However, should the visitors simply choose to walk around the streets of the old city instead, they will not regret it. All of Jaipur is an architectural gem, and no scheduled sight seeing can even hope to do justice to this rare city.
Transportation
Air: Indian Airlines connect Jaipur with Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Bombay, Varanasi, Calcutta, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore.
Rail: Jaipur is connected by rail with Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Abu Road (Mount Abu), Udaipur, Bombay and Sawai Madhopur.
Road: Good motorable roads connect Jaipur with Delhi 258 km, Agra 236 km, Bikaner 321 km, Udaipur 405 km, Ajmer 131 km, Jodhpur 316 km, Bharatpur 176 km, Jaisalmer 638 km and Bombay 1202 km. Bus: Regular buses ply from Jaipur to the above places.
Tourist Places in Jaipur
Hawa Mahal - built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the street below. Now it houses a well laid out museum. The display “Jaipur past and present” is the special feature of this newly setup museum. Timing 10.00 to 16.30 hrs.
Jantar Mantar (Observatory) - built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonary instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dial still provide accurate time, which are subject to daily corrections. Timing 9.00 to 16.30 hrs.
City Palace and S.M.S. II Museum - situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about one seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven storeyed Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public audience) has intricate decorations and collection of manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private audience) has a marble pawed gallery Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and textiles. There is a Clock Tower near Mubarak Mahal. Sileh Khana has a collection of armory and weapons. Timing 9.30 to 16.45 hrs.
Ishwar lat - ‘Swarg Suli’ or ‘heaven piercing minaret’, the tower, near Tripolia gate, built by Maharaja Ishwari Singh (1744-51). It offers one of the most breathtaking view of the city.
Jalmahal - (6 kms) on the way to Amer, this small palace is set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Renovation around the lake is in progress.
Jaigarh Fort - (15 kms.) standing on a hilltop, overlooking the palaces and city of Amer. The world’s biggest cannon on wheels- the Jai Ban is positioned here, built during reign of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh. It has a twenty feet long barrel and pumped in the cannon for a single shot. Timing 10.00 to 16.45 hrs.
Nahargarh Fort - (15 kms.) cresting a hill about 600 ft. above the city, the fort was built in 1734. The walls of the fort run along the ridge and within are architectural beauties like Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra Bhawan. Timing 10.00 to 16.00 hrs.
Galta (Monkey Temple) - (10 kms.) This holy pilgrimage centre has a temple dedicated to the Sun God (Which is the only one of its kind in this part of the country) and natural spring. It crests the ridge over a picturesque gorge and provides an impressive view of the city. As the legend goes, sage Galav performed a difficult penance here.
Excursions from Jaipur
Pushkar - Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 135 kms from Jaipur. The charm of this sleepy, lakeside settlement so captivated the great Indian poet, Kalidas,that it found a place in his classic, Abhigyan Sakuntalam. The Great Hindu epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana make references to this religious place regarded to be Adi Tiratha. Evidence points to its having existed during the fourth century B.C. lake in the inhospitable surroundings of a desert is no less than a miracle.
Ranthambhore National Park- Ranthambhore National Park is located in the eastern part of Rajasthan at a comfortable distance of 130kms from Jaipur. Nestled between the Aravali and Vindhya mountain ranges, Ranthambhore National Park used to be the hunting ground of Maharajas of Jaipur. The Park is an eye treat for the lovers of wild-life. Various natural rivers and man-made lakes flow through the National Park of Ranthambhore.
Agra - One of India's most famous cities, situated 240 kms from Jaipur. Agra is home to the breathtaking white-marble Taj Mahal, a truly magnificent Mughal riverside mausoleum and World Heritage Site. Agra lies in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in North India, and this region is home to no less than three designated World Heritage Sites, also including the neighbouring ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri and the red-sandstone Agra Fort.
Jodhpur - Rajasthan, the land embellished with infinite imprints of colour and chivalry, harmonious life and lingering music, harmony and hospitality, palaces and pristine nature; has been extending an invigorating invitation to the world, since time immemorial. Jodhpur, the heart of Rajasthan and the majestic jewel of her eternal crown, iluminate the Thar, enriching the desert with enterpreneurship, scholarship and art. Jodhpur situated 340 kms from Jaipur.
Bikaner - The district of Bikaner is one such attraction in this lovely state, situated 325 kms from Jaipur. Bikaner is located in the Northern part of Rajasthan and has some of the most beautiful palaces and forts in Rajasthan. The most attractive feature about Bikaner is its richly sculptured temples made of red and yellow sand stones that display some of the finest creations of the Rajput civilization. The beautiful and vast deserts of Bikaner are a major crowd puller.
Udipur - The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditations on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favorable located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.
Jaisalmer - The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert, situated 640 kms from Jaipur. Local colour and warmth prevails over the desert terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a special magic. Carved havelies, ancient jain temples, cobbled streets, festive gaiety and hunting ‘Maand’ folk music that moors across the shimmering sand dunes gives a blended reflection of splendor and tranquility. Nothing else in the country is remotely similar to Jaisalmer, the golden city. The city in itself is a small township with in radious of 2 bkms. approximately.
Shopping in Jaipur
Johari Bazar: This is where you can buy jewellery and tie and dye sarees, two lanes joining the main road - Gopalji ka Rasta and Haldion ka Rasta house numerous establishments selling jewellery. On the main road itself you find many silversmiths. Traditional tie and dye fabrics and textiles are also available here.
Tripolia Bazar and Chaura Rasta: You can shop here for textiles, utensils, ironware and trinkets. If you want to see the artisans at work, step into the side lanes and see for yourself.
Bapu Bazar and Johri Bazar: Here you can purchase textiles, local perfumes and shoes made of camel skin.
MI. Road: The broad thoroughfare houses a large number of emporia selling a variety of goods ranging from jewellery and brass work to textiles, to blue pottery, to woodwork, etc. These shops stock a large variety of goods to satisfy the tourists’ needs.
Jaipur Weather
Jaipur Municipal Limits are 64.75 square kilometers while the Pink City itself is spread over 9.8 square kilometers at an altitude of 431 meters. The summers have a mean maximum temperature of 40 degrees C and a mean minimum of 25.8 degree C, while the winter mean maximum is 22 degrees C and the mean minimum 8.3 degrees Centigrade. Annual average rainfall is 64 centimeters. In late June comes the monsoon which provides great relief. It is preceded by dust and thunderstorms while the post-monsoon season in September is followed by another hot spell. In summer one should wear light cottons and woollens in winter. Languages spoken are English, Hindi and Rajasthani.
Temperature
Summer Average Max 42.6°C, Average Min. 25.8°C
Winter Average Max. 20.0°C Average Min 5.3°C
Average Rainfall
64 cm
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Volunteer work options in Jaipur
Orphanage Volunteer Work, Jaipur
BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Age limit: Minimum 16 years
Who can join? Female participants only
Program availability: Year-round
Minimum duration: Four weeks
Street Children Project, Jaipur
BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Age limit: Minimum 16 years
Who can join? Everyone
Program availability: Year-round
Minimum duration: One week
Teach English project, Jaipur
BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Age limit: Minimum 16 years
Who can join? Everyone
Program availability: July to March
Minimum duration: One week
Women Empowerment Program, Jaipur
BASIC ROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Age limit: Minimum 16 years
Who can join? Female participants only
Program availability: May to February
Minimum duration: Four weeks
Child Care Program, Jaipur
BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Age limit: Minimum 16 years
Who can join? Female participants only
Program availability: Year-round
Minimum duration: One week
Sports Volunteering Program, Jaipur
BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Age limit: Minimum 18 years
Who can join? Everyone
Program availability: May to February
Minimum duration: Eight weeks
Health Internship Projects, Jaipur
BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Age limit: Minimum 18 years
Who can join? Everyone
Program availability: Year-round
Minimum duration: Four months
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