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Jaipur voted seventh best tourist destination in Asia
by Lokendra Singh

     Jaipur: Jaipur, popularly known as 'Pink City', has been voted as the seventh best tourist destination in Asia. A survey conducted by famous travel magazine 'Conde Nast Traveler' featuring the opinion of its about 32 thousand readers puts Thai cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai at the top of Asia's most popular destinations. Hong Kong comes next. The complete results will appear in the November issue of the magazine. The survey report has been hailed by the tourist industry here. "It's a matter of pride for all the stake holders of the tourism industry in the state. I would like to congratulate each and every person who is connected with this industry for this huge achievement," said Khalid Khan, president of Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators. Tourists attracted by many of the attractive features of Jaipur were equally effusive in their praise. "It's just been beautiful. We have been looking at a lot of handicrafts and food. It is one of the most beautiful cities I have been to. I love its architecture," said Meagan, a tourist from the US.

     Founded in the first half of the 18th century, Jaipur is also famous for its remarkable town planning. "One thing that attracts the foreigners most is the planning of the city that is so beautiful. About 300 years back how the king had planned the city; now in modern cities you never find city like Jaipur," said tour escort, Dilip Singh. Maharaja Jai Singh II founded Jaipur in 1727 as the first planned city of India. The King took great interest while designing this city of victory. He consulted several books on architecture and architects before making the layout of Jaipur. Following the principles of 'Shilpa Shastra', the principles of Indian architecture, the city was divided into nine blocks, out of which two consist of state buildings and majestic palaces, whereas the remaining seven blocks were allotted to the public. In order to ensure the security, huge fortification walls were made along with seven strong gates. Every year the city draws a lot of tourists from all parts of the world who come generally during winters which provides a pleasant weather for the visitors.
-Oct 23,  2008