Jaipur lies close to the scenic Aravalli hills, a five-hour drive west of Agra and 45 minutes from Delhi by air. The sprawling metropolis is centered on the walled city, a complex of pink-hued ceremonial buildings and elaborate mansions known as havelis. Much of the old city comprises a labyrinth of animated bazaars and open-air markets. This is the center of India’s crafts industry, and the array of handmade jewelry, textiles, pottery, woodcarvings, enamelware and folk art is overwhelming. Jaipur is also renowned for precious and semiprecious stones, which can be acquired for far less than you would pay back home. Major historic attractions include the sculptural Jantar Mantar observatory, the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and, to the north, the palatial Amber Fort.