The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur welcomes all travelers with an eclectic mix of past and present. In Jaipur, camels and cycle rickshaws will traverse its crowded streets, lined with bright and colorful buildings, alongside speeding buses and motorcycles. But within this urban jungle lie many treasures: prepare to be wowed by its heritage buildings that are painted pink, tour the Jal Mahal and other palaces, or explore the local markets for textiles and street food. Offering a plethora of unique activities and experiences, you’ll never run out of things to do in Jaipur during your visit!
Situated atop a small hill, Amber Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaipur! Designed by Raja Man Singh, the Amber Palace is known for its magnificent Hindu-style architecture that uses white marble and pink sandstone. At the palace, you can sightsee the King’s quarters, temples, and the other sections of Amber Palace, including the tunnels that connect it to Jaigarh Fort. To know more about the history of the palace and the fort, it is recommended to take a guide with you during your visit.
Originally built in 1799 to allow the ladies of the royal household to observe the everyday life in the city from above, Hawa Mahal stands out with its architecture, featuring a pastel pink exterior made of sandstone and 953 windows that allow for cool air. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to an amazing view of the city, particularly over Jantar Mantar and Deori Bazaar. After your visit, stop by the nearby market to pick up some souvenirs.
Discover how the royal family lives at Jaipur’s City Palace, a complex of courtyards and buildings located in the heart of the city. Here you can closely examine the lavish palace and artifacts such as clothing, weapons, artwork, and even the famous silver vessels that each weigh 370 kilograms! History buffs will also appreciate the trip to the armory, which houses the guns, swords, and other weapons that were used by the king and his army. For the best deals, purchase your ticket in advance.
Learn about how our ancestors in ancient times studied science and calculated time at Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observation site from the 18th century. Recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll get to see various monumental astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial, which has an accuracy of 2 seconds in Indian local time. For exact details on how each device works, you can pay for a local guide during your visit.
Located in the middle of the man-made Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal was originally constructed to serve as a hunting lodge. However, due to the creation of a nearby dam, the lower floors of the palace were submerged in water. Though only the top floor of the palace can be seen nowadays, it is still worth a visit for its architecture - the red palace and its pavilions (or chattris), set against the green Nahargarh hills, are a sight to behold! Due to their proximity with one another, it is recommended to stop by Jal Mahal on the same day you visit nearby the Amber Fort.
Overlooking the city on top of a sheer ridge, Nahargarh Fort is an ideal destination for travelers seeking expansive views over Jaipur. When you visit the fort, take in the sight of the hills’ lush greenery, said to be home to tigers, and other landmarks in the city, including the nearby Amber Fort. In the fort, you’ll also find some modern art pieces, a wax museum, and a food court.
Made to protect Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort is perched imposingly on hills 400 meters above Amber. Throughout centuries, Jaigarh Fort was never captured and has been kept intact, a testament to its defensive prowess. As you walk around, you can admire the sophisticated layout of the fort and its various features, including the armory filled with unique ammunition, the kitchens and dining rooms, and a huge water tank that used to provide water for all the soldiers, residents, and livestock. Make sure to check out Jaivana, the largest cannon on wheels in the world, during your visit!
Designed by the British engineer Sir Swinton Jacob, Albert Hall combines elements from England and North India to produce the architectural wonder that it is today. Inside the Albert Hall lies the Central Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Indian artifacts such as armor, pottery, as well as swords and other weapons. There is also a well-preserved Egyptian mummy inside one of the museum’s rooms! At night Albert Hall is made even more stunning by the colorful lights that paint its exterior with various colors.
Dubbed “The Palace of Mirrors”, the Sheesh Mahal inside the palace of Amber Fort is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Jaipur! Though the exterior of Sheesh Mahal, with its stunning precious stones and glass, is impressive enough, its interior is truly the highlight of the landmark. Filled with mirrors all over, even the most petite of sunbeams entering the Sheesh Mahal will be reflected toward all the other mirrors and light up the entire room, creating an almost magical experience. Try to spot the carved flower at the base of one of its pillars, which will have different colors depending on the angle.
Found beside the City Palace, Thikana Mandir Shri Govinddevji (or Govind Dev Ji Temple) is an exquisite 18th century temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Before entering the temple, we recommend taking some time to admire the majestic gardens that enhance its serene ambiance. Once you’re inside, marvel at the gilded ceiling, delicate chandeliers, and Indian artwork. For a full cultural immersion, stop by the nearby Hawa Mahal after touring Govind Devji Temple.
Jaipur is known for its impressive architectural wonders, including the brightly-colored palaces that give it the nickname “Pink City”. Jaipur is also famous for its rich history and culture, with plenty of 18th-century structures, an observatory that houses ancient scientific tools, and its many temples.
Visit from December to March for clear but cool weather and to partake in various festivals such as Holi and Gangaur in March. April to June also offers clear but very warm weather. Avoid visiting Jaipur during its peak monsoon season in July-August,
For first-time visitors who enjoy staying in the heart of the city, stay at Bani Park in the city center for easy access to the Old City and nearby restaurants & cafes. Travelers who seek some nightlife should stay at Raja Park or Vaishali Nagar.