Jaipur Tourism

Pink City, Jaipur has more than just pink in its colorful kitty to catch your attention. Doesn’t matter whether you are travelling alone or with a bunch of friends or family, you will have umpteen numbers of activities to get engaged into and tons of places to visit. This is bound to keep your mood at its best while in Jaipur. The city in actual terms is a ‘gateway to Rajasthan’. A visit to this royal city of India presents you with an overall glimpse of Rajasthan. Forts, museums, lakes, authentic food along with some ‘colourful’ shopping, all together make your stay memorable.

Visits planned around the festivals like Elephant festival (March), Gangaur festival (March/April) and Teej festival (August) let you in experiencing the varied colors of Rajasthan. The moment you enter the city, Amber Fort welcomes you with its old yet strong arms. The Fort standing strong amidst the hustle-bustle of the city marks an impressive beginning of the journey. Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Jal Mahal are few of the places which no one misses.

However, don’t restrict yourself to these apparent tourist places. A walk in the lanes of royal city, will show how the havelis and temples have their own stories to greet you with. Apart from the beauty, the contrast between the grandness of forts and temples on one side and the ordinariness and simplicity of its people and their lifestyle is sure to strike you as well.

For all the shopping lovers, its markets and fairs are no less than a paradise. With amazing colours beaming from every side, you are bound to spend almost every penny in these bazaars. Bandhej sarees, colourful pottery, dolls, toys, jewelry and paintings are sure to get you hooked for more than just a couple of hours. From Ramganj Bazaar for shoes and maujari to Johari Bazar for textiles and jewelry, Jaipur caters to everyone's tastes. It is not just the sighting seeing and shopping which Jaipur offers, activities like puppet dancing, camel ride are sure to bring out the child in you.

And ofcourse, food will also make you fall in love with the city. No matter from where you come, its signature dishes like Dal Bati Churma, Gatte ki Subji, Ker Sangari, Bajre ki Khichdi and sweets like Kalakand and Ghewar is set to take your palate for some interesting rides. And if you want more of it, you can always pack bottles of pickles and sharbats from Chandpol market. If you are still looking for more, you can opt for a calm and serene experience. Ramghar Lake with its breathing taking landscape and exclusive antiquities of Jamwa Mata’s white temple and the old fort, creates a perfect setting for spending a relaxed evening. India's largest saline lake Sambhar Lake also doesn’t fail to captivate you with its sheer beauty.
This marvelous architecture, Jaipur has been built according to Hindu Vastu-Shastra in 1727. This city of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh has always proved its essentiality, either by being the royal capital and now the capital of Rajasthan.

Jantar Mantar
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Jantar Mantaris amongst the top places for sightseeing in Jaipur. A paradise for science enthusiasts, Jantar Mantar is an observatory with 19 architectural astronomical instruments. It was built under Jai Singh II by 1734 to correct the then zij (Islamic astronomical table). The observatory has instruments that operate in all the three basic classical celestial coordinate systems. Vrihat Samrat Yantra consists the world’s biggest stone sundial. One of the world’s largest astrolabe is found at Yantra Raj Yantra.

Amer Fort
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amer Fort is an ancient royal fortification spread across a hilltop in the Aravalli range. Made of red sandstone and marble, it is built in Rajput and Mughal architectural style. The fort was originally built under Man Singh I around 1592 AD and later developed by successive Kachwaha rulers. Famous attractions here include the Sun Gate, Jalebi Chowk, Ganesh Pol gate, Tripolia gate, Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) – all popular for their architectural grandeur. The Sila Devi temple is known for its Durga idol. Charbagh is a Mughal-style garden centered in the courtyard through which water flows in an open crisscrossing channel. The adjacent room, Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure) has a sandalwood door and cool environment. The palace of Man Singh I is the oldest part of the fort. An island garden called Kesar Kyari (Saffron) sits in the middle of Maota Lake flowing at the base of the fort.

Sheesh Mahal
Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) is an astonishing display of exquisite mirror work. Built under Man Singh, the monument was completed by 1727. A mirror mosaic is created using multi-mirrored ceilings and glass inlaid panels. A captivating view of the Maota Lake is visible from this hall.

City Palace
The palatial City Palace is a complex of palaces built between 1729 and 1732. It was once the seat of the king of Jaipur. The design incorporates Shilpa-Shastra of Indian architecture influenced by Rajput and Mughal styles. Mubarak Mahal (Auspicious Palace) was a as reception center of the royals. Today, it is a museum showcasing a range of textiles like the royal attire, Kashmiri pashminas, and sanganeri block prints. Chandra Mahal, a seven-storied building, is the most commanding palace in the complex. The flag of the royal family is hoisted atop the palace where some royal descendants continue to reside. The Diwan-i-Am ceiling is engraved with original handwritten manuscripts of Hindu scriptures. The Diwan-I-Khas houses the world’s biggest sterling silver vessels. Baggi Khana is a museum with a rich collection of antique carriages and palanquins. The Victoria baggi (horse-carriage), a gift for the Maharaja from Prince of Wales, is a popular attraction.

Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is a palace built in 1799 on the corner of City Palace. The magnificent exterior of this five-storey monument resembles a beehive honeycomb – 953 tiny jharokhas (windows) carved with delicate latticework. This architectural design creates the Venturi effect (doctor breeze) – cool air passes through the entire structure. Built in red and pink sandstone, its architecture reflects a blend of Hindu Rajput and Islamic Mughal style.

Jaigarh Fort
Also known as Victory Fort, the Jaigarh Fort is situated on the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) in the Aravalli range. Made of red sandstone, Jaigarh fort has a similar architectural style as Amer fort. Both the forts are connected by a subterranean passage and considered a single complex. Jaigarh fort was the hub for artillery production of Rajputs. A prominent feature of the fort is the Jaivana – manufactured in 1720, it was then the world’s biggest cannon on wheels. The grand Awani Darwaza (Earthly Door) gives a spectacular view of the serene Sagar Lake. An armory chamber exhibits a wide range of guns, swords, muskets and shields.

Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh, meaning ‘abode of tigers’, is a historical monument on the edge of Aravalli hills. Built as a retreat by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1734, it features an Indo-European architectural style. The fort witnessed historical events like signing treaties with the Maratha rulers who fought against Jaipur in the 18th century. During the Indian Revolt of 1857, Nahargrah Fort was used as a hiding place for British officials. The majestic ‘Madhavendra Bhawan’ consists of suites for the king and his twelve queens. Nahargarh fort has several other places for sightseeing in proximity.

Jaipur Wax Museum
Located next to the Nahargarh fort, the Jaipur Wax Museum is quickly gaining recognition as a museum of international standards. Wax and silicon statues of globally renowned personalities are exhibited against a unique backdrop in the ‘Hall of Icons’ room. The ‘Royal Darbar’ is a majestic courtroom with statues of Rajasthan’s royal ancestry dressed in their traditional attire. Intricate mirrorwork using the thikri glass creates an optical illusion inside a replica of the Sheesh Mahal. Other attractions include an antique palkhi (palanquin) and a royal buggy (horse-carriage).

Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal (Water Palace) is situated in the center of the tranquil Man Sagar Lake with Nahargarh hills in the backdrop. Made of red sandstone, the architecture of the palace flaunts a mix of Rajput and Mughal style, with a Bengali style rectangular chhatri (memorial) on the roof. This site was renovated by Jai Singh II in the 18th century. Today, it is not open to visitors, but can be viewed during a visit to the Amer Fort.

Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan
Gaitor houses a complex of tombs and temples as a royal crematorium of the rulers (Maharajas) of Rajasthan. Beautifully carved cenotaphs dedicated to famous kings are the main attraction. The cenotaphs are umbrella (chhatri) shaped, giving the place its name Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan.

Panna Meena Ka Kund
One of the most well restored baori (stepwell) found in Jaipur, Panna Meena Ka Kund is popular for its striking symmetrical stairways. Built in the 16-century, an interesting legend about this architectural grandeur is that one can’t use the same stairs to go up and down. Adding beauty to geometry are the niches between the stair levels – for one to sit and enjoy the view. Definitely one of the best places for sightseeing in Jaipur!

Galtaji
Galtaji is an ancient pilgrimage site housing a complex of temples in a narrow crevice of Aravalli hills. A natural spring flows from atop the hill into a series of kunds (reservoirs) where pilgrims bathe. It is amongst a significant retreat center for the Ramanuja sect. The complex of Sita Ramji temple is colloquially called the Monkey temple (Galwar Bagh) – famous for its gathering of monkeys.