Best Places To Visit in Jaipur, India

Planning a visit to one of the most beautiful cities in India? Here is a list of the best places to visit in Jaipur for your upcoming trip to the Pink city.

Hawa Mahal

One of the prettiest places to visit in Jaipur is Hawa Mahal and it is easily my favorite monument in the city. During my visit to the pink city, I visited this pretty monument a couple of times as I fell in love with it. The literal translation of the name Hawa Mahal is Air Palace. This is because this palace has about 953 honeycomb shaped beautifully carved windows. Due to these windows there is a constant stream of air coming in. Hence it was named Hawa Mahal. 

This Palace was actually built in the year 1799 for the royal ladies who weren’t allowed to be seen by strangers or visit any public area. Through the windows of this palace, they could observe the world outside. They would often come here to watch slices of day-to-day life or to watch one of the many royal processions happening on the street outside. 

Hawa Mahal can be visited daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The entrance fee for Indians is Rs. 10 and for other nationalities is Rs. 50. You can find regularly updated details here. 

If you would like to get a nice picture with the pretty facade of the building, head to Tattoo Cafe in the building opposite the road. 

City Palace

A few feet away from Hawa Mahal is the stunning City Palace of Jaipur. The founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh was the one who built this beautiful palace. The architectural style of the palace is a beautiful mix of Rajput, European and Mughal style making it the structure absolutely unique. 

Today the palace is divided into two sections. One of them is open to the public to visit where as the other is the royal residence. You could choose to visit the museum and some of the pretty courtyards or you could choose the Royal packages and visit some more sections of the palace. You can also visit the city palace at night!

The city palace is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for the day visit and from 7:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily for the night visit. The entrance fee for the museum and few courtyards is Rs. 300 for Indians and Rs. 700 for other nationals. Night time charges for the same are Rs. 500 for Indians and Rs. 1000 for other nationals. You could also choose the Royal Grandeur and Royal Splendor packages that cost between 1500-3500 Rs. For more details on the packages visit the tourism page of Jaipur.

BOOK A HASSLE FREE PRIVATE TOUR OF HAWA MAHAL, CITY PALACE AND JANTAR MANTAR HERE 

Amber Fort

Amber Fort with it’s intricate architecture is definitely one of the best places to visit in Jaipur. The stunning structure was built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh and Raja Bharmal. The Palace and fort is built primarily using red sandstone and marble. The architecture of the monument has both Hindu as well as Mughal influences. The fort has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013.

The fort is located about 11 kilometers away from the city of Jaipur on the Kalikho hills of the Aravalli range. The best way to reach here is by hiring a taxi for the day. The primary attractions of the fort include the Diwan-e-khas, Diwan-e-am, Sheesh Mahal, and Bhool Bhulaiya

Amber Fort is to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The entrance fee for Indians is Rs. 25 and for other nationals is Rs. 550. Student and other discounts are available at the ticket office on providing the right proof. There is a light show at Amber Fort every evening at 7:30 p.m. in English and 8:30 p.m. in Hindi. Tickets for the show in English cost Rs. 200 and Rs. 100 for the show in Hindi. For more details check the official tourism website.

BOOK A PRIVATE HALF DAY TOUR TO AMER FORT, JAL MAHAL AND THE STEPWELL HERE. 

Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort is one of the most fascinating forts of the region. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur was the one who built this fort. It is built in the Indo-European style of Architecture. The fort’s height is over 700 ft and is lined with multiple gorgeous structures on the inside. 

Today inside the fort you can visit the Jaipur Wax Museum, Sheesh Mahal or the Palace of Mirrors, Sculpture Park and the Royal Gaitor Tombs. The fort also offers stunning views over the entire city of Jaipur for all those photography lovers. The fort is also the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the city. Many locals even drive up to the area to watch the sunrise from the sunrise point right outside the fort.

The fort is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance to the fort costs Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs. 200 for other nationals. There are discounts for students on showing proper identification. For more details check the official website of Jaipur Tourism.

Albert Hall Museum

The Albert Hall Museum is one of the most unique structures in the city of Jaipur and definitely one of the best places to visit in Jaipur. It uses the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Today the museum has 16 galleries that showcase antiques and heritage artifacts. But the most famous attraction of the museum is the sarcophagus of an Egyptian Mummy. You can also find displays of the famous blue pottery of Jaipur, various figurines and sculptures, murals and carpets and textiles from the region. The museum is also open for a night visit every day of the month which can be very interesting as the building in completely lit up for it. 

The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day leaving aside one day for maintenance. The night timings of the museum are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The day time entrance ticket to the museum costs Rs. 40 for Indians and Rs. 300 for other nationals. The night time entrance ticket costs Rs. 100 for everyone. For more details on reductions click here. 

Peena Meena Ka Kund

The Stepwells in India are absolutely unique and gorgeous. And Peena Meena Ka Kund is one of the prettiest of them all. This sixteenth century stepwell is famous for the architecture and design of it. The symmetrical arrangement of the stairs here is what makes this stepwell so unique and adds to it’s aesthetic. 

Like most other stepwells that can be found throughout northern India, this one too was used as a public pool. Women would often come here to wash their clothes and chit chat. The kids and other villagers would also use this as a swimming pool when the summers got too hot. 

The stepwell is actually free to visit, but the watchman there might try to charge you when you get there. So be careful and try not to get ripped off. 

Jal Mahal

To me, Jal Mahal was one of the most fascinating structures I saw in all of Rajasthan definitely making it one of the most unique and best places to visit in Jaipur. The name Jal Mahal literally translates to Water Palace. This unique palace is built right in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. The palace has five floors out of which four are submerged in water. Because of this, the palace has aptly been named Jal Mahal. 

The palace is made from red sandstone is reflects the rich Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. Domes also known as Chhatris locally adorn the four corners of the terrace of the palace along with one in the center. The Palace was once open to the public, but now it has been shut off. 

The best time to visit in my opinion is at dusk. That way, you get to see it in the light and then see it all lit up once it gets dark. 

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II to further his fascination of celestial objects. It is a collection of astronomical instruments, of which the most prominent one is the Samrat Yantra. It is the biggest sundial in the country. There are 18 such other fascinating instruments that can be found there. Every evening, there is a light and sound show organised at Jantar Mantar that can be very interesting.

The monument is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance fee to Janatar Mantar is Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreign nationals. Student discounts can be availed on providing id proof. Click here for more details. 

The Old Pink City

The other name for Jaipur is the Pink City. This is because the entire walled city or the ancient city center of Jaipur is pink in color. All the buildings are pretty with the typical architecture from the region. 

The best way to explore the city and get a real feel of it is by just walking through the chaos. You could also take a rickshaw ride through it if you don’t feel like walking or you could take an exciting hot air balloon ride over the city. Make sure to stop at Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar and try their Pyaaz Kachori and their Aloo Tikki. This is also the perfect place to shop for local artifacts and other souvenirs. 

Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan

Most tourists overlook this spot which makes it perfect and one of the best places to visit in Jaipur. Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan is the crematorium grounds of the royals of the Kachwaha and Rajput clan who used to rule the region. Each grave of a former leader is marked with an intricate chhatri which is a beautifully decorated umbrella like dome structure. These chhatris clustered together look really pretty and make for the perfect photo spot. 

Take your time to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this hidden spot. Also, don’t forget to click all your pictures while you have the chance to. But make sure to be respectful of the sites history and the fact that it is a burial ground. 

Johari Bazaar

Johari Bazaar is one of the main markets in the old city center of Jaipur. It is also believed to be one of the oldest markets in the city. The market is filled with local arts and crafts. Due to the vast collection of artifacts sold here, it is considered to be shoppers paradise. You will find jewellery made with the local stones, Rajasthani puppets, Jhutis, fridge magnets, crockery, silk scarves and various locally printed cloth. 

The Bazaar is the perfect place to pick up all those Indian souvenirs to take back home. While I was there, I picked up some pretty tie die painted jhutis, pretty Indian earrings, fridge magnets and a silk scarf. 

Patrika Gate

Patrika Gate is a colorful gate located about a kilometer away from the Jaipur airport. It is one of the most colorful gates in the entire country. The inside of the gate is filled with pretty designs all over which will leave you fascinated. Because of this, you will find the area packed with people trying to get the perfect pictures here. 

The Patrika Gate is at the entrance of Jawahar Park which is a big circular park of the city. It is open to the public all day long, but you may find it crowded with people. So you will probably have to wait for the perfect Instagram picture opportunity.

Galtaji Temple

Galtaji Temple is located about 10 kms from Jaipur and is a pre-historic Hindu pilgrimage spot. This beautiful temple complex encompasses natural fresh water springs and 7 holy water tanks. The most eye catching of all has to be the sculpture of a cows head through which flows a spring of pure water straight into one of the tanks. Galtaji Temple, like most of the monuments in Jaipur, is built using the pink sandstone. It stands tall amidst the low hills around. The temple looks like a palace rather than a traditional temple. 

Galtaji temple is famous for the monkeys around who are regular visitors of the temple. Because of this, the temple is also known as the monkey temple of Jaipur. The religious chants and hymns combined with the beautiful settings amongst nature make the visit to the temple a peaceful and spiritual experience for anyone visiting. 

Chowki Dhani

Anyone visiting Jaipur should make it a point to visit the famous Chowki Dhani for a meal. The restaurant provides an entire Rajasthani cultural experience definitely making it one of the best places to visit in Jaipur. Chowki Dhani has recreated a village setting where you can enjoy the local meal along with constant local entertainment. From traditional puppet shows to folk music and dance and many other exciting activities, Chowki Dhani provides a complete cultural joyride. 

So be prepared to be transported to a whole different world with this local gem. 

Nahargarh Sanctuary

Nahargarh Sanctuary is 7.2 sq. km. sanctuary just outside the city of Jaipur and definitely makes it to the list of best places to visit in Jaipur for all those animal lovers. The sanctuary is primarily home to lions, tigers, deer and peacocks. During the winter months, you will find hoards of migratory birds who stop here for the season. 

The best way to visit this hidden gem is by booking a jeep safari. The sanctuary is open daily from 6 a.m to 10 p.m. The entrance to the sanctuary costs Rs. 3500 per person. 

LOOKING FOR OTHER BEAUTIFUL CITIES TO VISIT IN RAJASTHAN? HERE IS A LIST OF THE TOP CITIES TO ADD TO YOUR ITINERARY. 

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