THE TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN JAIPUR
- AMER FORT
- HAWA MAHAL
- CITY PALACE
- NAHARGARH FORT
- JAIGARH FORT
- JAL MAHAL
- ALBERT HALL MUSEUM
- JANTAR MANTAR
- GALTA JI
- GOVIND DEV JI TEMPLE
JAIPUR
The city of Jaipur, popular as the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan and is known for its various attractions. The vibrant city of Jaipur has lots to explore, from imperial grandeur and architectural magnificence to street food and colorful markets.
No trip to India is complete without spending time in Jaipur. and having been to above mentioned Top 10 Places to visit in Jaipur. It’s also a preeminent stop in India’s famous Golden Triangle, a popular tourist circuit. A gateway of India’s most flamboyant states, there are a number of tourist attractions in Jaipur that ooze out the majestic past of the city. From magnificent forts to well-laid gardens, and royal palaces to vibrant markets, you’ll have no dearth of places to visit in Jaipur.
Ready to make your trip to “The Paris of India” a memorable experience? Map out your itinerary with my guide to the top attractions and places to visit in Jaipur.
1. Amer Fort
Amer Fort or Amber Fort is the no.1 on my list of Top 10 places to Visit in Jaipur. Amer fort is the highlight of places to visit in Jaipur. If you are a history lover and want a peek inside Jaipur’s history, Amer Fort Jaipur is the perfect place to be. The fort is not restricted to acts of valor by Maharajas but also extends to brilliant architecture. Among the best forts in Jaipur, Amer Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 under the title of ‘Hill Forts of Rajasthan’.
The majestic Amer Fort, situated on a rocky hill, built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1592 AD. It was the residence of the royal family. Ride an elephant up the cobblestoned path that leads to the fort gate. The view of the setting sun from the Fort is breathtaking. In the evening, enjoy the light and sound show in the Fort that tell tales of the grit and grandeur of the Rajput kings. Entertaining dance programs are held in the evening in Sukh Mahal. Do not forget to visit the Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, and Sukh Mahal. The nearby Maotha Lake is a charming feature.
Things to do at Amer Fort :
Go elephant riding.
Enjoy the light and sound show in the evening.
Visit the temple of Sitla Devi.
Eat some mouth watering cuisines at 1135 AD.
2.Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is the no.2 on my list of Top 10 places to Visit in Jaipur. One of the best Jaipur places to visit, Hawa Mahal is Jaipur’s iconic landmark that entices tourists from all over the world. Named after the 5th-storey temple called Hawa Mandir, Hawa Mahal looks shaped like a honeycomb, and from a distance, you can see its top resembling the crown of Lord Krishna.
A stunning presentation of the rich architectural expertise of the past, Hawa Mahal is a not-to-miss tourist place in Jaipur. The Mahal was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. True to the name it earned as the ‘Palace of the Winds’, Hawa Mahal has 953 windows to provide ventilation.
The five-floor building does not have steps to reach the upper floors. Slopes connect the floors and it is said that the Mahal was constructed to enable the Royal women of Rajput family to view the happenings in the city.
Things to do at Hawa Mahal :
Visit the archaeological museum.
Shop in Pink City Bazaar.
Visit to Cafe opposite to Hawa Mahal to enjoy sunset.
3. CITY PALACE
City Palace is the no.3 on my list of Top 10 places to Visit in Jaipur. One of the top 10 tourist attractions in Jaipur, City Palace is a complex of palaces, gardens, pavilions, and temples. This palace is an architectural beauty you must visit on your Jaipur tour.
City Palace has stood at the heart of the Old City of Jaipur for nearly three centuries, shortly after Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II decided to relocate his court from the city of Amber. Protected by huge guard walls, the fairy-tale-like structure is still the home of Jaipur’s modern-day royal family and is more extravagant and enchanting than you might imagine.
Places for sightseeing at City Palace include the Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace), which contains displays of dazzling costumes and textiles; the Armoury, a museum-like space dedicated to preserving finely crafted daggers and swords; Pritam Niwas Chowk (Peacock Courtyard), which has mesmerizing doorways painted to look like the feathers of its namesake bird; and Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), which showcases the palace’s exquisite collection of miniature paintings.
The two sterling jars at City Palace Jaipur are listed as the world’s largest sterling silver vessels by the Guinness Book of World Records.
4. NAHARGARH FORT
Nahargarh Fort is the no.4 on my list of Top 10 places to Visit in Jaipur. Built as a defensive fort on the Aravali Ranges, Nahargarh Fort is a majestic fort overlooking Amer and Jaipur. The fort provides some stunning viewpoints of the city nearby and therefore is a popular picnic hangout spot for localities. The main attraction here apart from the views are the twelve queen boudoirs which are well connected and decorated with beautiful murals.
When it comes to sightseeing around Jaipur, the views don’t get better than what you’ll find at Nahargarh Fort. A structure is defined by its architecture and Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur takes the cake.
Built-in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, encompassed a larger-than-life structure that would not only protect the city but also add to its charm and richness. It was originally named ‘Sudarshangarh Fort’ and was later changed to Nahargarh, which means ‘Abode of Tigers’.
Nahargarh has never come under attack from any forces during the course of its history till date. The palace was initially constructed as a peaceful retreat for the king and the royal family, overlooking the crest of Jaipur city. Later, the fort underwent a renovation by the Maharaja of Jaipur in the year 1868.
There are several vantage points around the fort that gives you a panoramic view of the city. A great way for the photographer’s lens to meet the skyline.
Things to do at Nahargarh Fort:
Visit the Jaipur Wax Museum.
Enjoy the city’s night view in the fort’s restaurant
Have a picnic with your family.
5. JAIGARH FORT
Jaigarh Fort is the no. 5 on my list of Top 10 places to Visit in Jaipur. Literally known as the Fort of Victory, Jaigarh Fort houses the world’s largest cannon, Jaivana. It was built as a defensive fort and was used to house weapons and other artillery. This fort was the main symbol of the military prowess of Rajputs and had been an indirect or direct part of many famous historical wars. It is highly fortified and spread over a distance of about 3km. Jaigarh Fort is located near Amer and Nahargarh Fort and can be visited en-route. It is structurally and architecturally quite similar to Amer Fort.
The fort is built with typical red sandstone which is the predominant material used in all, or most, Rajput and Mughal forts. Complete with thick walls and beautiful carvings, the entirety of the fort talks about the different phases of evolution that it has seen and still stands strong today.
Visitors can see the carefully latticed windows covering the galleries and rooms, while a central watch tower overlooks the complete landscape surrounding it. Travelers can enter the Aram Mandir via the Awani Darwaza, a triple-arched entrance that boasts intricate designs and figurines. It is also a great place to get a superb view of the Sagar Lake located close by.
Scenes from the Kangana Ranaut movie Manikarnika and Parineeta Chopra starrer Shudh Desi Romance, are a few of the movies shot at the Jaigarh fort. Another interesting fact is that you can get a mesmeric look at the exteriors from the inside but nothing can be seen from the outside.
Things to do at Jaigarh Fort :
Visit the artillery museum.
Enjoy a stunning view of Lake Palace.
6. JAL MAHAL
Jal Mahal is the no.6 on my list of Top 10 places to Visit in Jaipur. Jal Mahal, known by many different names, such as Jal Mahal underwater Palace, floating palace or the Water Palace, is regarded as the world’s finest example of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The palace was initially built in 1699 and has been renovated many times.
An architectural marvel, it is a testimony of the engineering prowess of the Rajputs. It is a five-story palace where four floors remain underwater. Visits to the Jal Mahal are popular with birdwatchers worldwide because of the large number of migrating birds that can be seen in this area of Jaipur. The lake indeed contributes to the appeal of the palace visit.
Jal Mahal’s nighttime display and stunning scenery can only be appreciated if you visit the palace during or after sunset. Although you are not permitted to enter the Jal Mahal, you are welcome to take pleasure in the beautiful landscape. The peace and stillness that hangs in the air at night only add to the allure of the picturesque scene.
Things to do at Jal Mahal :
Shop in Jal Mahal Textile & Carpets.
Go for a camel ride.
Take long walks in the pathways.
Birdwatching (seasonal)
7. ALBERT HALL MUSEUM
Albert Hall is the no.7 on my list of Top 10 places to Visit in Jaipur. With 16 beautiful galleries showcasing heritage artifacts and antiques, Albert Hall Museum is among the must-visit places in Jaipur. Visit here and get a chance to witness the stunning designs handcrafted by local craftsmen. If you are an architecture admirer, Albert Hall Museum displays one of the finest architectural works in Jaipur. Treat your eyes with the intricate designs inside, beige tinge stone exteriors, sprawling garden, murals, and Persian paintings.
It was designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob 1841-1917 in the Indo-Saracenic style. His fascination with the details of Rajput architecture resulted in his ‘Jeypore Portfolio of Architectural Details’ 1890.
The museum houses many artifacts, paintings from different parts of India and even an Egyptian mummy that is increasingly becoming popular. In the recent times, Albert Hall has also become a hub for many activities like concerts, rallies, and festivals.
Things to do at Albert Hall :
Visit the zoo.
Relax in one of the many restaurants.
Take a horse ride around the pathways.
Take a stroll through Ram Niwas garden.
Visit to Masala Chowk in the evening to enjoy cuisines.
8. JANTAR MANTAR
Jantar Mantar is the no.8 on my list of Top 10 places to Visit in Jaipur. Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a fascinating astronomical observatory, located at the heart of the city. This is one of the largest observatories in the World, comprising of interesting stone structures that help to interpret the position of celestial bodies and calculate local time. Enumerated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur attracts architects, mathematicians, geographers, and historians.
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, and he built 5 such observatories in different parts of the country: Jaipur, Mathura, Delhi, Ujjain, and Varanasi. The one in Jaipur is the largest of all, whereas the one in Mathura is almost in ruins, now.
After extensive research and studying the gathered data, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II constructed stone-made instruments to determine the position of planetary bodies and measure time. Jaipur Jantar Mantar was built between 1728-1734 and its stone instruments are considered to be more accurate than others.
The Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur comprises 19 instruments to measure the position and distances of extraterrestrial bodies. These instruments are basically stone structures, depicting interesting geometric shapes. It is advisable to take a local Jantar Mantar, Jaipur guide, or an audio guide for a clear understanding of the instruments and how they work.
9. GALTAJI
Galta Ji is the no.9 on my list of Top 10 places to Visit in Jaipur. Situated within the hilly regions of Aravali, Galta Ji is an important Hindu pilgrimage center.
The temple is surrounded by hilly ranges filled with vegetation and natural springs which fill up seven sacred kunds (water tanks). The temple’s unique architecture, beautiful pavilions, and unique position make it a vision to behold for any visitor.
Apart from a shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, it also houses many shrines dedicated to Lord Rama, Brahma, Surya and Lord Vishnu. A legend associated with the temple also states that this was the place where Tulsidas wrote some part of Ramcharitmanas.
Famously known as the Monkey Temple in Jaipur, monkeys can be seen here in large numbers that are famous for mobbing and robbing people of their belongings and food. So, be careful when you visit here and do not carry any valuables. For the best experience, visit Galtaji Temple Jaipur during Makar Sankranti in January, July, and August.
10. GOVIND DEV JI TEMPLE
Govind Dev Ji Temple is the no.10 on my list of Top 10 places to Visit in Jaipur. Jaipur, famous for its spiritual locations and architectures, is home to the magnanimous Govind Devji Mandir. The temple is located in the City Palace complex between the Badal Mahal and Chandra Mahal. Built in the year 1735 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh II, the temple’s main deity is one of Lord Krishna’s forms, Govind Dev ji, who was also the main deity of Amber’s Kachawaha Dynasty.
Govind Dev ji Temple is an important pilgrimage site, especially for the people who hold high regard and devotion for the Lord Krishna. The deity of the temple was brought from Vrindavan by Raja Sawai Jai Singh to prevent its destruction by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. According to a popular Hindu legend, the idol here is closest to the real appearance of Lord Krishna during his incarnation. The temple is visited by throngs of devotees every day, especially during Janmashtami and Holi.
The Satsang Hall at Govind Dev Ji Temple has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the widest single-span R.C.C flat roof construction in the world.
These attractions capture Jaipur in a nutshell but visitors can also visit places like-
Gaitore,
Sisodiya Rani Bagh,
Moti Dungari Ganesh Temple,
Birla Temple,
Kanak Vrindavan Garden and Lord Krishna Temple,
Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple,