Do you love the fabulous palaces of India? Do you want to have an insight into the regal life of the Indian rulers of the bygone era? Then Jaipur is the city for you.
Jaipur, the glistening capital of Rajasthan, is a famous tourist place to visit in India. Sawai Jai Singh II, after whom the city is named, founded it. Jaipur beckons the tourist with its magnificent display of the royal Rajput heritage in its impressive temples, palaces and imposing forts. The place will stun you with its remnants of the bygone era. Added to these amazing sites is the warm hospitality of the people of Jaipur. To help you make the most of the trip, we have compiled the list of 10 attractions that you must see when in Jaipur.
- City Palace:
The City Palace is undoubtedly the main attraction of Jaipur. It is made with the combination of Mughal, Europeans, and Rajput architect. The City Palace was once the home of King Sawai Man Singh. It occupies 1/7th of the total old city area. The palace is different from all the other forts of Jaipur as it has the marble pillars and art gallery, which are hard to see in other regions. Upon visiting the City Place, you will understand why the royal family of Jaipur was one of the richest in India. The Peacock Garden is simply exquisite. It exhibits an alluring display of the workmanship, featuring bright peacocks. Currently, the royal family lives in the beautiful Chandra Mahal.
- Jantar Mantar:
The Jantar Mantar is best known as the place of astronomical instruments. The observatory is declared the national monument of India. It was built by king Jai Sing III. It is said that Maharaja Jai Singh had an avid interest in astronomy, philosophy, and architecture. His keen interest in these subjects led to the construction of the largest observatory in India. Each of the instruments in Jantar Mantar has a unique astronomical function. The place contains 14 structures in total, which predict the eclipses, track the stars and measure time. The most impressive instrument is the Samrat Yantra sundial. The instrument has a shadow that moves the width of a person’s hand every minute.
- Amber Fort:
The Amber Fort has a special place in the heart of Jaipurians. It is located on the hilltop overlooking the Maota Lake. This gorgeous fort was built by Maharaja Man Singh. It was originally the residence of Rajput royals until the city of Jaipur was constructed. This four-storey fort is built with sandstones and red marbles. It depicts the traditional Hindu architecture with its large entrances and cobbled pathways. The fort consists of Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Sukh Niwas, temple of Sila Devi, gardens, halls and the Sheesh Mahal. The fantastic style of architecture will force you to stay back and enjoy the richness of Rajasthani culture. The evening light and sound show will bring alive the impressive history of the Fort.
- Hawa Mahal:
The Hawa Mahal is another recognizable attraction of Jaipur. The palace has five floors with a row of 152 small screens and window. The winds blow through the opening, giving the castle its unusual name. Legends say that the tiny windows were built so that the women of the household could watch down the streets without being observed. This pink and red sandstone building looks beautiful in the morning. You must also visit the archeological museum in the Hawa Mahal to see the artifacts of the Mahal.
- Jaigarh Fort:
This massive creation by the Maharaja Jai Singh, located at Amber’s Cheel ka Teela, holds great appeal for the military lovers. It was originally built to protect the Amber Fort. This 3 kilometers long fort has the world’s largest canyon on wheels, the Jaivana. A few of the palace complexes in the Jaigarh Fort served as the homes of the royal families. It also contains gardens, an armory, a granary, open and covered reservoirs, a tower and several temples. The Jaigarh Fort has never been captured, which is why the fort has remained intact and well preserved. In fact, Jaigarh Fort is one of the most well-preserved structures of India. Climb to the Diwa Burg watchtower to get incredible views over the plains.
- Albert Hall:
The Albert Hall is one of the oldest museums in Jaipur. It was built by Sir Samuel Jacob in the early 19th century. It is also known by the names Government Central Museum and the state’s museum of Rajasthan. This gorgeous museum is located in the Ram Niwas Garden. The Museum stands as the epitome of the Indo Saracen architecture. You will find a huge range of artifacts like painting, stones, carpets and metal sculptures.
- Dera Amer Elephant Safari:
Being in Jaipur and missing the elephant safari is something that you cannot afford. If you want to go for an elephant ride, then the hills behind the Amer fort is the right place for it. It is here the Dera Amer is located. You will enjoy going on an elephant safari through the serene atmosphere. The ride will take you to the fortress, fields and the camp in the middle of the Aravali forests. The stunning beauty and the picturesque landscape are sure to elevate your spirit. If you want to experience your adrenaline rush, then you must opt for the night safari. Don’t worry about the food. You will be provided excellent meals here.
- Nahargarh Fort:
The Nahargarh Fort evokes the royal legacy of Rajasthan. The founder of the city Jaipur built his fort to defend his city. The Nahargarh fort is located 15 kilometers beyond the hills of Jaigarh. Much of the fort is in ruins, but that does not make it any less beautiful. The fort gives excellent views of the ‘Pink City’. It has witnessed several historical events. The British women stayed here during the Sepoy Mutiny, and even the treaties of the Marathas were signed here. The Nahargarh Fort is also a great place for a picnic. The Rajasthan Tourism has opened a cafeteria here where you can enjoy beer and snacks from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sisodia Garden:
Sisodia Garden or Sisodia Rani ka Bagh is the hallmark of the love Sawai Jai Singh had for its Queen of Udaipur. The garden is an exquisite blend of the Mughal and Indian architecture. It is a multilevel garden with watercourses, fountains and painted pavilions. It is themed on Radha-Krishna and symbolizes the divine love that they both shared. The garden is located 8 kilometers from Jaipur.
- Jal Mahal:
As you must have understood by the name, Jal Mahal is a palace built in the middle of the Sagar Lake. It displays one of the most incredible architectural ideas of Jaipur. The halls of the first floor of the palace are beautiful, but not more than the Chameli Bagh upstairs. The Palace is surrounded by temples, forts, and the mesmerizing beauty of the Aravali range. You will see a large number of migratory birds in the lake, which adds to the overall appeal.
You must stay in the heritage hotels in Jaipur for a once in a lifetime experience. You can also participate in the colorful festivals that Jaipur hosts like the Jaipur Literary Festival, the Kite Festival, and the traditional Teej. Summers are very very hot in Jaipur. The temperature goes up to 45 degrees Celsius. So winter is the perfect time to plan your holiday. Also, Jaipur is well connected with all the major cities of India, so you won’t face any difficulty reaching here.
Jaipur is not just a tourist destination. It is the place to enjoy, experience, ponder and get adventurous. Of course, there are many more places to visit in Jaipur, but if you are short of time, then make sure that you don’t miss any of the places mentioned here.