In India, a visit to Jaipur is a must. Jaipur, often known as “The Pink City” because to the pastel hues of its historical structures, is a regal paradise of culture and tradition. It also serves as a pivotal point in the Golden Triangle, one of India’s most well-known and well-traveled routes.
In Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital, you may expect to be awed by the city’s splendour. Visiting City Palace will offer you a glimpse into the opulence enjoyed by Jaipur’s royal dynasty. Next door, at the Jantar Mantar observatory, astronomical equipment bring the wonders of space down to Earth. The International Kite Festival in January and the Elephant Festival in early spring are just two of the numerous events that fill Jaipur’s yearly calendar.
Are you prepared to make the most of your time in the “Paris of India?” Create a plan with the help of our suggested itineraries for Jaipur’s best sights and activities.
1. City Palace
Nearly three centuries ago, when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II chose to move his court from Amber to Jaipur, he built City Palace in the centre of the Old City. The palace, which is surrounded by massive walls, is the current residence of Jaipur’s contemporary royal family and is even more lavish and fascinating than one would expect from a fairy tale.
Located high above Jaipur and Lake Palace, the sand-colored City Palace is more than just a single, stately home; it is rather a vast complex of buildings organised around a network of beautifully maintained courtyard gardens. All around the site are beautiful examples of Rajasthani and Mughal design.
Chandra Mahal, the most striking edifice, is now occupied. It is a beautiful structure with curving eaves and domed roofs. There are seven tales total, and they’re all written in various ways. Admission covers the first level, but if you want to see the second, you’ll need to schedule a private tour.
Visit the Armoury, a museum-like space dedicated to preserving finely crafted daggers and swords, the Pritam Niwas Chowk (Peacock Courtyard) with its mesmerising doorways painted to look like the feathers of its namesake bird, and the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), which displays the palace’s exquisite collection of minatures. If you’re looking for some high-quality souvenirs to take home from your trip to the palace, go over to the Friends of the Museum Bazaar (with equally high prices).
2. Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar might be mistaken for a collection of large abstract sculptures. But this is not a museum of fine art; rather, it is the almost 300-year-old relic of a collection begun by Rajput king Jai Singh II to chart the stars.
The roughly twenty buildings that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site all have very specific functions. The enormous sun dial, or Samrat Yantra, in the observatory is quite impressive. Due to its height of 27 metres, its massive shadow may be used to precisely measure time to the nearest two seconds.
The intricate Jai Prakash uses the shadow of a metal plate hung over a recessed bowl-like structure to keep track of the passage of time as well. The observatory also has equipment that may be used to observe the stars and even predict eclipses.
If you want to understand how each building at Jantar Mantar functions, it is highly recommended that you hire a private tour.
3. Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is perhaps where your ideas about Jaipur’s architecture originated (Palace of Breeze). It has the same geometric elements and rows of small windows that are featured on postcards from the city. The salmon-pink honeycombed front was designed to evoke the crown of the Hindu deity Krishna.
It was constructed in 1799 as a way for royal women to observe street celebrations without being seen by the general populace. It’s the perfect summer mansion because of its 953 windows that let in plenty of fresh air.
The palace has a tiny museum where visitors may learn about the history of the sandstone building; the collection of ceremonial armour is a highlight. The palace’s maze of corridors is also open for exploration. The rooms of Hawal Mahal are bathed in an ethereal light created by the intricate glasswork of its windows and doors.
4. Amber Fort
Amber Fort, located in Jaipur, is a must-see for every traveller to India. The granite and marble monument, completed in 1592, is located on a tiny hill about 20 minutes’ drive northeast of Jaipur’s historic core. Authentic Rajasthani architecture is its claim to fame.
Amber Fort is a short uphill climb away and is well worth the effort. It’s decorated with elaborate inlays of marble in practically every imaginable hue. There are four distinct wings to the fort, and each one has a beautiful garden courtyard. From the outside, the fort’s subterranean tunnels seem like they’ve been abandoned, yet parts of them have been renovated and are open for exploration.
The best approach for visitors visiting the Amber Fort to learn about the intriguing history of tales, betrayals, and romance associated with this UNESCO World Heritage Site is to engage a private guide.
5. Albert Hall Museum
After visiting the Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur, the English author Rudyard Kipling declared it a “rebuke to all other museums in India from Calcutta below.” And coming from the son of a curator, that’s great praise indeed, and just what this prestigious institution deserves.
The Albert Hall Museum is the state’s oldest and houses priceless works of art and relics from the region’s rich history. Stay for the Egyptian mummy and the odd collection of clay figures from the 19th century exhibiting all the yoga positions, as well as delightful permanent exhibitions of miniature paintings and clothing from various castes in India from the 18th century.
Visit the museum after dark to see the beautiful façade illuminated by a kaleidoscope of colours.
6. Birla Mandir
A city that appears to be doused in pink from top to bottom makes the Birla Mandir’s white marble front stand out dramatically. Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity and purity, and Vishnu, one of the religion’s primary deities, are honoured in the Hindu temple.
The magnificent building emits an air of calm serenity, perfect for taking in the site’s exquisite marble sculptures, sacred shrines, and breathtaking sunset vistas. While 30 minutes is plenty of time to get a feel for the place, it’s a nice way to recharge after a long day of touring.
7. Nahargarh Fort
The views from Nahargarh Fort are unparalleled when it comes to tourism in and around Jaipur. Located on top of the Aravalli Hills, where it has a commanding view of Jaipur, the approximately 300-year-old fort is also known as Tiger Fort.
This fort is more than simply a strong defensive structure; it also houses the royal summer retreat of Madhavendra Bhawan. The luxurious Rajasthani structure has twelve queens’ boudoirs that are all the same and are connected to the king’s suite via mural-lined hallways.
The fort also has a wax museum and sculpture park, both of which are popular with visitors. To satisfy your hunger, stop by one of the numerous eateries within the fort and have some authentic Indian food.
8. Galta Ji
In the arid area of Rajasthan, water may be hard to come by. For this reason, it is not surprising that the Aravalli Hills’ Galta Ji Hindu temple was constructed in honour of a natural spring. The Hindu temple is nestled between cliffs and has murals depicting scenes from Krishna’s life as well as a few holy water tanks, some of which have little fountains.
Hundreds of macaques and langurs make their home at this temple, which is formally called as Galta Ji but is more often referred to as the Monkey Temple.
Tourists who are feeling really bold may purchase a bag of peanuts at the entrance and use them to attract the monkeys, but most people will be content to just observe the zany critters from a safe distance.
9. Amrapali Museum
The owners of the renowned Indian jewellery company Amrapali Jewels began collecting ancient jewellery and soon recognised that some of the pieces were so rare that they should be kept and exhibited for future generations to enjoy. The Amrapali Museum was therefore established.
The Jaipur Jewelry Museum displays its extensive collection of over four thousand pieces, spanning the whole spectrum of Indian jewellery and decorative arts, on two floors.
The exhibits illustrate the high regard in which the people of Rajasthan hold precious metals and stones. Silver bands adorn the legs of the horses, the chariot is plated in silver, the shoe covers are adorned, and the groom wears a crown fit for a king of Himachal Pradesh.
Necklaces, bracelets, and other jewellery are for sale at the Museum Shop, however they are merely for exhibition.
10. Museum of Legacies
The finest examples of Rajasthani craftsmanship and art have, for the most part of the region’s history, been hidden away in private collections, out of the reach of the general public. Things have changed since since the Government of Rajasthan inaugurated the Museum of Legacies. This museum, located in a house dating back two centuries, displays a wide range of Indian art forms, including elaborate needlework, enormous Rajasthani puppets, Pichwai paintings, and more.
Do not overlook the stunning marble latticework. The intricate, whirling intricacy that the craftsmen were able to cut out of such a dense, solid stone is mesmerising.
11. Jal Mahal
When you first lay eyes on the Jal Mahal, you may assume you’re looking at a mirage. To the eye, the stately castle floats serenely over the sparkling Man Sagar Lake, an oasis of peace in the midst of the bustling metropolis.
The Water Palace may seem like it just has one floor, but it really has four hidden underneath a reservoir. Tourists are now prohibited from entering the site, however this may change in the future. Entrepreneurs are said to be interested in turning the dilapidated building into a high-end dining establishment.
Look at the palace and marvel at its splendour for the time being. At night it shines brightly, reflecting a golden light into the ocean.
