Jaipur’s: top 10 must-visits

Pink City or rather as we know it, Jaipur, is the capital of the princely state of Rajasthan. Jaipur, together with Delhi and Agra, comprises the Golden Triangle, which is among the most well-known tourist circuits in the nation.

Rajputs dominated Jaipur for millennia, and the city began to grow as a planned city in the eighteenth-century AD. Jaipur, the pink city, marvellously maintains its old-world beauty, with the ancient city encircled by walls and gates covered with drawings against a backdrop of staggering pink color.

Jaipur is host to a few UNESCO World Heritage sites, notably Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar, as well as the carefully preserved remnants of gorgeous forts, palaces, temples, and museums. Surrounded around by busy local street markets where you may go on a shopping spree until the legs drop.

The city is sought out by the foodies for its indigenous cuisine, with the most well-known dishes being the Ghewar, Pyaaz Kachori, and Dal Baati Churma. The city also has the biggest gift for those literary cravers, the Jaipur Literary Festival, Asia’s largest literature carnival.

When in Jaipur you will automatically feel a royal aura around you. Once you meet the locals here you’ll fall in love with simple nature. The care with which they treat the visitants and even betwixt themselves shows, that even though the monarchy has long gone but the honor still courses through their veins.

On that note, let’s have a look at the best destinations you must visit in Jaipur to understand how grand Jaipur is.

CITY PALACE

The City Palace, situated in the nucleus of the city, is one of Jaipur’s most notable tourist stop. This palace’s construction is a gorgeous amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal traditions. In reality, it was formerly the Maharaja of Jaipur’s abode.

The palace parted in the midst of enclosures, builds, and grasslands, among which are the Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal. The palace houses a informative and exceptional museum which is in itself class apart. you may find handicraft items of the bygone era of various kinds which form an integral part of the background of the City Palace.

This area has a special appeal due to exquisite etching and beautiful artworks. Every aspect of this castle represents Rajputana splendor, with huge gardens, courtyards, halls, royal residences, and art exhibitions. The palace also has a museum with royal clothes worn by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. The City Palace has three gates, two of which have been available to the public: the Virendra Pol and the Udai Pol.

Timing: 9:30 A.M – 5 P.M

Entry Fee: INR 200 – INR 2500

Address: Tulsi Marg, Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002

JANTAR MANTAR

Jantar Mantar, situated in the nucleus of Jaipur, is an astronomy observatory established between 1728 and 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The observatory functioned as a gathering spot for all the scholars from various different civilizations from around the world, connecting political, sociological, and spiritual behaviors to the cosmos.

It is the grandest of five Jantar Mantar built in Northern India and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It houses enormous stone devices with stunning geometrical form arrangements for viewing astronomical objects with an unaided eye. Since ancient times, the prediction accuracy of these astronomy devices has captivated architects, mathematicians, painters, and historians.

The observatory also has the largest global stone sundial, which determines the local time and has piqued visitors’ curiosity to this day. Estimating astronomical motions through observation and computations, to understand the basics and core of these compelx estimations visit, Jantar Mantar during midday, as the precision is  the sun is overhead.

Timing: 9 A.M – 5 P.M

Entry Fee: INR 15 – INR 200

Address: Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002

HAWA MAHAL

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur’s finest recognizable site, is a 200-year-old structure in the city’s core. The five-story palace features a 953 latticework window and is known for its unusual hexagonal pattern and Indo-Islamic construction. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh erected it as a summer castle in 1799, painting it pink and adorning it with floral designs, a dome-shaped archway, and variegated supports.

The structure was built to provide clear views of Jantar Mantar, the City Palace, and the Sireh Deori Bazaar. Its beautifully built windows, which is in colloquial language noted as ‘Jharokhas,’ allowed the royal women to enjoy royal parades and daily bustling of the market on the street while remaining hidden from “Awaam” i.e. general public.

The first story, familiar as the Sharad Mandir, was used for royal ceremonies; the second floor, known as the Ratan Mandir, was embellished with vivid mosaic artistry; and then the other two floors, known as the Vichitra Mandir and Hawa Mandir.

The top story, dubbed as Prakash Mandir, featured an exposed deck on either side with a panoramic skyline. Looking through the marquetry windows, you may imagine their life and enjoy the grandeur of Rajputana tradition through the ceremonial armor maintained at the complex’s museum.

Timing: 9 A.M – 5 P.M

Entry Fee: INR 50 (Indians) & INR 200 (Foreigners)

Address: Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002

AMBER FORT

The world-famous Amber Fort is a seven-hundred-year-old Rajputana royal residence requires visitors to travel approximately 11 kilometers from Jaipur. The Amber fort was built upon the Aravalli hills in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I and concluded by Mirja Raja Jai Singh. The impressive fortification, built-in red and yellow sandstone with white marble accents give a spectacular perspective of Maota Lake.

Amber Fort is separated into four courtyards and contains sights; Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Siladevi Temple, and Sheesh Mahal. Suraj Pol and Chand Pol are the commonly used gateways to the palace, all of which connect to the great courtyard known as Jaleb Chowk. After exploring the fort for three to four hours, you may immerse yourself in its history with the stunning light and sound performance.

Timing: 8 A.M – 5:30 P.M | 6:30 P.M – 9:15 P.M

Entry Fee: INR 10 – INR 1100

Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001

ALBERT HALL MUSEUM

The museums in Jaipur are the greatest places to learn about the city’s rich history and traditions. Albert Hall Museum is one of the city’s finest prestigious museums, and it is known for its well-balanced structure. It was constructed in 1876 as a music hall, and its architecture was eerily similar to that of London‘s Victoria and Albert Museum.

The Prince of Wales build the groundwork upon his visit to Jaipur in 1876, and the King of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II, transformed it into a museum in 1881. The lovely Indo-Saracenic dome building is made of red sandstone and features elaborately etched arches. This museum’s 16 exhibits allow you to learn about the Rajasthani culture.

Timing: 9 A.M – 5 P.M | 7 P.M – 10 P.M

Entry Fee: INR 40 – INR 1000

Address: Museum Rd, Ram Niwas Garden, Kailash Puri, Adarsh Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004

NAHARGARH FORT

The Nahargarh Fort was built in the Aravalli Hills to protect the imperial palace of Rajput warriors, the Amber Palace. For 300 years, this towering monument has stood guard over the picturesque city of Jaipur.

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built it in 1734 to function as a place for the monarchs and queens to spend their leisure time in utmost comfort. Its noteworthy Indo-European design and historic past have caught the glimpses of visitors from all over the world pouring in to look at the beauty.

During the 18th century, the Fort confronted momentous ancient occurrences. You learn more about Jaipur’s history by exploring the shrine dedicated to the Kings of Jaipur. Also visitors are requested to not miss visiting Sheesh Mahal, the wax museum, and taking photos near the Jal Mahal. Other must-see sites are Sawai Madho Singh’s ‘Madhavendra Bhawan’ and the temple of Rathore emperor Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose soul plagued the construction works until the monument was consecrated to him.

Timing: 10 A.M – 10 P.M

Entry Fee: INR 5 – INR 200

Address: Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002

GALTA JI TEMPLE

The Galta Ji Temple, located 10 km away east of Jaipur, is considered a very revered destination with historically important value. The temple complex is a group of the temples various other deities revered to by the worshippers. The Galta Ji temple is worshipped by the Pujaris as it is the prime temple amongst all. The temples are located in the Aravalli hills, amidst a narrow pathway in the mountainous area.

The temple area comprises many sanctified tanks popularly known as Kunds, which worshippers use to bathe and by doing so dissipate their misdeeds. The kunds are replenished by a nearby creek that originates from the highlands and flows downward, replenishing all seven sacred kunds. The Galta Kund is revered as the purest of all kunds in the area, and it is especially significant since it is said to have never receded.

Timing: 5 A.M – 9 P.M

Entry Fee: NA

Address: Shri Galta Peetham, Galva Ashrama, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302013, India

JAL MAHAL

When you are travelling with the beautiful memories you captured in the previous regal cities you passed by into the main city of Jaipur, the first structure on the route is the Jal Mahal. This enigmatic palace floating on water, straight out of a work of fiction, has been one of Jaipur’s most popular places to visit. This Mahal on Jal is located in Man Sagar Lake, as the name says. Jal Mahal, which stands towering amidst waters of Man Sagar Lake, is a five-celebrated royal house designed in the Rajput architecture.

It functioned as a log cabin for the estate’s rulers. The royal home is no longer open that can be toured, but you can still enjoy the stunning view by snapping photographs from the roadway — it is one of the top Jaipur sights. Jal Mahal is an example of the grandeur imbedded into the artisans of the Rajputana Empire.

Afloat on the glorious blue lake, the Mahal reportedly has more to what the eyes can see on the water’s surface. Jal Mahal has four floors which are built underwater. At nighttime, the Jal Mahal becomes a sight to behold, an unforgettable experience in the eyes of the beholder. An even more attractive destination to visit in Jaipur.

Timing: 12 A.M – 10:30 P.M

Entry Fee: INR 10 (Indians) | INR 50 (Foreigners)

Address: Amer Rd, Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002

JAIGARH FORT

When building a list of must-see attractions in Jaipur, you can’t even leave out Jaigarh Fort. This 1700s stronghold, which stands 500 feet above sea level, crowns the Cheel Ka Tila or the Hill of Eagles in the Aravali Range.

Delicate latticework frames embellish the fort’s massive stone walls, providing unimpeded views of the surrounding area. You can wander into the spectacular red sandstone fort and envision yourself in the time of the heroic rulers who once lived there.

This stronghold, which boasts of red sandstone construction, is characterized by rough majesty. It was a prominent focus of artillery development for the commanders of this territory. One of the fort’s popular highlights is the ‘Jaivana Cannon,’ the world’s biggest cannon on wheels that has only been fired once since its construction. Kal Bhairav Temple, Ram Harihar Temple, Lalit Mandir, Aram Mandir, and Vilas Mandir are among the important temples in the compound.

Timing: 10 A.M – 5 P.M

Entry Fee: INR 35 (Indians) | INR 85 (Foreigners)

Address: XRJV+JWJ, Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028

JOHARI & CHANDPOLE BAZAAR

India’s workmanship preserves its culture. You may continue to discover some of the exquisite Kundan-Meena workmanship in Johari Bazaar, with highly experienced gem-cutters operating on emeralds, rubies, and sapphires.

This is one of the best spots to visit in Jaipur for shoppers and people shopping for mementos. Kundan-Meena work goes back to the Mughal period, making it a popular attraction in Johari Bazaar, securing its position as one of the top locations to visit in Jaipur.

From Choti Chapuad to Chandpole Gate, Chandpole Bazar is a retailer’s paradise which is one of the best spots to explore in Jaipur. Anything quintessentially Rajasthani is available here, from marble handcraft to Lac and metal bracelets.

If you like Rajputana cultures, you can find the most suitable bandhni, tie-dyes, and lehriyas. Chandpole Bazar, a popular tourist destination in Jaipur, also provides some of the best street food joints. If you want to experience authentic Indian cuisine, head to Khuteta Namkeen Bhandar and get their famous Aloo ki Kachori; it is lip-smackingly excellent.

Timing: 10 A.M – 11 P.M

Entry Fee: NA

Address: Johari – 192, Johari Bazar, Badi Choupad, Bapu Bazar, Ramganj Bazar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302002, India | Chandpole – Market Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302012, India

edited and proofread by: nikita sharma