Last Updated on June 13, 2023 by admin
Jaipur is a tourist hotspot and on the list of every traveler, thanks to its royalty and grandeur that oozes from every corner of the city. With an overwhelming number of things to do in Jaipur, it can get difficult to decide where to go. Here are the best places to visit in Jaipur to help you plan a perfect vacation that covers Jaipur highlights.
Jaipur is a treat for photographers and social media fanatics. The pink city has amazing options to tick the most Instagram-worthy places in Jaipur that includes forts, palaces, temples, museums, bazaars and colorful cafes.
With the enormous options Jaipur needs a good week to check out all the places, however I recommend spending at least 3 days in Jaipur.
The culturally vibrant capital of Rajasthan has different flavors and it is only fair to capture the timeless charm of the city by walking the streets of Jaipur.
Here are my recommendations for the best places to visit in Jaipur through my visit across years.
Table of Contents
TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN
I have narrowed down the best places to see in Jaipur for you. These are the perfect highlights of Jaipur that can be covered in 2 or 3 days.
Amer Fort
Also known as Amber Fort, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Jaipur. While all forts in Rajasthan are head turners, Amer Fort is special in its own way.
Built over five centuries, by one of the navratnas (nine gems) in Akbar’s court, Raja Man Singh, Amber Fort (Amer) is a beautiful blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site made in sandstone and marble. Some of the highlights in the fort include the exhaustively painted Ganesh Pol with art motifs, Sheesh Mahal (Mirror palace) which is absolutely breathtaking, courtyards with manicured garden and fountains, elaborately chiseled jharokas and beautifully adorned ceilings and walls.
Light and Sound shows also take place in the evening everyday. The timings vary with the season.
Amer Fort Timings: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
Amer Fort Entry fees: INR 25 for Indians, INR 550 for foreigners
The Light and Sound Show costs INR 200 (English) and INR 100 (Hindi).
Read More: The Ultimate Itinerary for Bundi
Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort was built at the top of the Aravalli ranges for the safety of Amber (Jaipur) from its rivals. This was built as an extra layer of protection, and there is a tunnel leading to Amber Palace.
Aravali hills, Sagar Lake, and Amer are all visible from the fort. In the fort museum, weapons have been meticulously preserved and displayed. There is also a cannon foundry there. Jaivana, the largest cannon on wheels in the world, is displayed at the fort.
In recent years, some parts of the palace, such as the kitchen, dining hall, and summer suites of kings and queens, have been closed to the public as a result of some thoughtless tourists or citizens damaging our wonderful heritage.
Jaigarh Fort Timings: 9 am to 4:30 pm
Jaigarh Fort Entry fees: INR 35 for Indians, and INR 85 for Foreigners.
Read Later: Kumbhalgarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort
Of the three forts in Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort really made me feel awe. The subtle frescoes on walls, pillars and ceiling are extremely spectacular. There are exhibits in some areas which makes Nahargarh Fort stand out.
The terrace of Madhvendra Palace in Nahargarh Fort is also a popular spot in itself as many movies have been shot here. It also gives a lovely bird’s eye view of the city. Another popular spot includes the stepwell at the entrance.
King’s suit has been converted into a fine-dining Indian restaurant for visitors to eat and relax. Glass Palace and Jaipur Wax museum are some of the significant aspects of Nahargarh Fort.
Nahargarh Fort timings: 10 am to 5:30 pm.
Nahargarh Fort entry fees: INR 50 for Indians, and INR 200 for foreigners.
The Jaipur Wax Museum and Sheesh Mahal operate from 10 am to 6:30 pm daily. You need to buy a separate ticket for them that costs INR 500 for Indians and INR 700 for Foreign Nationals.
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal literally means water palace and is located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Jal Mahal isn’t accessible but the glimpse of it across the lake is beautiful, especially during sunset.
This 5-storey palace has 4 storeys beneath the surface of the water that offers a unique underwater viewing experience. Rumor has it that a restaurant is being made here but only time will tell.
A beautiful promenade is constructed around the lake periphery. There are local vendors selling souvenirs, snacks, musical instruments and photographers urging you to take a picture in Rajasthani attire. Since it gets very crowded in the evening it practically becomes impossible to sit in peace or take a walk without someone poking to sell something.
Jal Mahal timings: Open 24 hours
Jal Mahal entry fees: Free
Hawa Mahal Jaipur
Situated in the heart of the city, Hawa Mahal is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur. Hawa Mahal translates to the palace of the winds and is a symbol of sheer magnificence which is justified by the intricate architecture of the Rajput style.
The five-storeyed palace with over 950 tiny windows was built for the women who could watch the city from these tiny windows without being seen from outside. The tiny windows also served as air pockets for air circulation.
Visitors can actually go inside the palace which has a huge courtyard and buildings on three sides. One can’t help but praise the beautiful filigree work, arches, pillars and canopies in the red sandstone as well as visit a museum showcasing ancient artifacts.
Hawa Mahal timings: 9 am to 5 pm.
Hawa Mahal entry fees: INR 50 for Indians and INR 200 per foreign nationals.
City Palace, Jaipur
The official and current residence of Jaipur’s royal family, some parts of Jaipur city palace are open for tourists to visit.
The architecture of City Palace Jaipur is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style with hints of European architecture. The attractions in the Palace include Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal (royal textile museum) and the four gates in the courtyard. Other places include gardens, museums and an art gallery.
One of the most popular and visited places in the palace is Pritam Niwas Chowk, a square courtyard. It has four gates representing the four seasons.
The intricately designed peacock gate is one of its kind and represents the Autumn season. While the lotus gate symbolizes Summer, the Leheriya gate of spring and the Rose gate of winter.
The Royal family resides at Chandra Mahal. In order to visit some of the beautiful rooms here such as Royal Splendour and Royal Grandeur, tourists need to cough up INR 4500 separately along with the city palace tickets.
City Palace, Jaipur timings: 10 am to 6:00 pm.
City Palace, Jaipur entry fees: INR 300 for Indians and INR 700 per foreign nationals.
Galtaji Temple
Located a few kilometers away from Jaipur, Galtaji temple is also known as the monkey temple. The temple is unique in the way that it’s home to the clan of monkeys and thus the name.
A short hike takes you to the temple complex centered around a natural spring that channels water into seven huge pools.
The water is known to have healing properties and devotees believe that their sins wash away by bathing in this water.
Galtaji temple timings: 5 am to 9 pm.
Galtaji temple entry fee: Free
Jantar Mantar
Talking about Jaipur highlights, one cannot miss out on this wonder. Jantar Mantar is one of the amazing place sto visit in Jaipur.
This astronomical wonder is an excellent blend of ancient architecture and the history of astronomy in India. The brilliance of making the 14 astronomical structures in the bygone era is nothing but staggering pieces.
The structures were useful in predicting the locations of stars, eclipses and orbiting movements of the earth around the sun. Jantar Mantar also hosts the world’s tallest sundial at 27 meter high.
Jantar Mantar Jaipur timings: 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Jantar Mantar entry fee INR 50 for Indians and INR 200 for Foreigners.
Albert Hall Museum
Albert Hall is the oldest museum in Rajasthan.
People from all walks of life are attracted by its Indo-Gothic architecture and rare collection of traditional Indian and international artwork and handicrafts.
The collection includes king’s portraits, artifacts, handicrafts and paintings of the glorious past of the city and the royal families. The museum also houses one of the six ‘Egyptian Mummies in India’ that have gained international attention.
Albert Hall Museum timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm and 7 pm to 10 pm for night tours. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Albert Hall Museum entry fees: INR 40 for Indians, and INR 300 for Foreigners.
You Might Want to Read: Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur
Panna Meena ka Kund
In proximity to Amber Fort, Panna Meena ka Kund stands out for its architectural symmetry. The stepwell is one of the unique places to visit in Jaipur.
As I walked up the zig zag staircases, I was reminded of the Surya Kund stepwell in Modhera Sun Temple premises and its jade coloured water.
Due to its unique architecture it is popular for video shooting. Tourists are not allowed to go down the steps.
Panna Meena ka Kund timings: 7 am to 6 pm
Panna Meena ka Kund entry fees: Free
Read more in details: Panna Meena ka Kund
Patrika Gate
Out of all the places to visit in Jaipur, Patrika gate is the latest addition and one of the most popular one.
Through JLN Marg, you will pass a towering pink structure nestled among a beautiful garden – this is Jawahar Circle. The park is Asia’s largest circular park at a traffic signal.
The Patrika Gate marks the entrance to Jawahar Circle with its vividly beautiful, artistically intriguing, and meticulously designed exterior. Through its murals and motifs, the gate depicts the essence of Jaipur and its history.
There are many Instagrammable places in Rajasthan, but Patrika Gate is at the top of the list.
Patrika Gate timings: Always open
Patrika Gate entry fees: Free
Jhalana Safari Park
The national park is home to many elusive animals and birds and also offers activities like Leopard Safari which makes it a fun place for every kind of tourist.
The morning and evening safaris are available and timings differ by an hour or so depending upon the season.
A gypsy safari with 6 people plus a driver and a guide costs between INR 4,500 to 5,500. Private safari tours are also available at higher prices.
Also Read: Jawai Leopard Safari
Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing
Anokhi Museum is a textile museum dedicated to the traditional hand block printing method of Rajasthan. A well-maintained museum in Amer town, it has documented a detailed history of art and how it has evolved over the years.
There are over a hundred hand-printed garments exhibited in the museum. Visitors can also see a live demonstration of making wooden blocks used for block printing as well as block printing on textiles. You can witness the artisans performing the art of hand block printing and can try printing your own scarf or T-shirt.
Anokhi Museum timings: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: INR 80
Chokhi Dhani
Chokhi Dhani is a quintessential Rajasthani-themed village that lets you savor the quirks of Rajasthan under one roof.
It showcases the traditional Rajasthani folk dances such as Ghoomar, Kalbeliya, and Chari. There are other attractions and cultural things to do such as Puppet shows, camel rides, and bullock cart rides, combined with authentic Rajasthani food. There is a henna stall too! There are local vendors selling traditional handicrafts as well.
Chokhi Dhani entry ticket: INR 900 per adult and INR 550 per child (height between 2.5 to 3.5 inches). This fee includes food and cultural events.
Chokhi Dhani timings: 5 pm to 11 pm
Other places of interest in Jaipur are Birla Mandir, Rambagh Palace, Govind Dev Ji Temple, Ram Niwas Garden, Royal Gaitor Tumbas, Sisodia Rani Garden, Kanak Vrindavan, Raj Mandir, Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Amar Jawan Jyoti, and many more!
WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT IN JAIPUR
A trip to Jaipur is incomplete without relishing the authentic Rajasthani cuisine. Known to be a little spicy, the cuisine is a burst of flavors and colors.
Pyaaz Kachori at Rawat Misthan Bhandar
Rajasthan and pyaaz kachoris go hand in hand. Pyaaz kachoris (a fried pastry filled with a spicy onion filling) is the most popular one, however dal kachori (lentil filling) and mawa kachoris are munched on with equal enthusiasm. Mawa Kachori is a sweet delicacy with a stuffing of khoya and dipped in sugar syrup.
Dal-bati churma at Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar
One of the city’s oldest sweet stores and cafes, this shop has been serving traditional dal bati churma for decades. The unique blend of species and choice of lentils make the taste stand out as compared to others. It is located near Johari Bazar in the old walled city zone and is commonly visited by shoppers who need a pit stop!
Ghewar at Sodhani sweet
Ghewar is a disc-shaped Indian sweet having a honeycomb pattern. It is prepared using maida (refined flour) and ghee (clarified butter).
Ghewar is one of the most popular sweet shop chains in Jaipur that is famous for not only Ghewar but many other Rajasthani sweets. The original shop is in a small lane in Johari Bazar – Partanion Ka Rasta.
Other must try food in Jaipur includes Gatte ki sabji, Ker Sangri ki Sabzi, Rajasthani thali, amongst others.
WHAT AND WHERE TO SHOP IN JAIPUR
Jaipur is famous for its traditional artistic jewelry, hand-printed textiles, carpets and dhurries as well as camel leather bags and footwear.
Even if you are not a shopping enthusiast, walking in the colorful markets and streets of Jaipur is a treat in itself!
Here’s a quick list of what to shop in Jaipur:
Bapu Bazaar : Perfect Rajasthani souvenirs
Johri Bazaar : Jewelry, gemstones, and traditional tie and dye fabrics
Tripolia Bazaar : Lacquer bangles
Chandpole Bazaar : Traditional handicrafts
Kishanpole Bazaar : Clothes and wooden sculptures
Nehru Bazaar : Colourful juttis
Sireh Deori Bazaar : Leather goods
Aravali Bazaar : Home decor products
Mirza Ismail Road (MI Road) : Pottery
Kripal Kumbh : Blue pottery
Anokhi : Hand printed textiles
Read a detailed guide on best souvenirs to buy from Jaipur: Shopping in Jaipur
HOW TO GET TO JAIPUR
By flight
Jaipur is well connected by domestic and international flights. Sanganer Airport is located at a distance of 10 km from the city centre. The airport has flight connectivity with major Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
By train
Jaipur is connected to almost all parts of the country via the competent and reliable Indian railway system. Delhi is only 4 hours away from Jaipur by train.
By road
Rajasthan has a good network of highways with good-conditioned roads. Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation has a timely and affordable bus service between Delhi and Jaipur. There are AC and Non-AC Volvo buses that ply between other major cities of India such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Indore, etc.
Getting Around Jaipur
While walking is the best way to explore the city, the distance between tourist places in Jaipur are huge.
Auto Rickshaws
Auto Rickshaws are quite popular in Jaipur and are considered a great way to get around the nearby attractions in Jaipur. While most autos would go on meter reading, the tourist areas ask for a flat rate (surge rates for tourists). It is best to finalize the price before riding.
Pink Auto Rickshaw is by women and for women’s transport. They are also easily available in the city.
App based taxis
Uber and Ola are easily available in the city and go for app based rates. This is the safest way to travel long distances and prices are fixed. Although the app doesn;t work at Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort due to network issues so there are chances you will have to hire a one day cab on fixed rates.
Metro
Jaipur Metro’s Pink Line is operational and travels from Mansarovar through Civil Lines to the end at Chandpole. It covers a total of 9 stations. The metro fare ranges from INR 6 to INR 17. You can buy a one-day transport card by paying INR 50.
Where TO STAY IN JAIPUR
Jaipur is a traveler’s favorite destination and has many accommodation options to choose from.
Heritage and luxury: Alsisar Haveli, Savista Retreat
Mid budget: Holiday Inn, Golden Tulip Inn
Budget: Ginger, Pearl Palace heritage
Homestay: Dera Jaipur homestay, Kalpana yoga homestay
Hostel: Zostel, The Hosteller
BEST TIME TO VISIT JAIPUR
Winter (November to February) is the best time to visit any part of Rajasthan. Summers are harsh. Days are usually warm and evenings are lovely during August and September.
DO’s and DON’Ts FOR JAIPUR TRIP
- Plan to stay in Jaipur for at least 3 days to cover the highlights. This is not rushed and covers a good number of places.
- Avoid traveling to Jaipur during the summer months.
- Try to avoid buying souvenirs inside fort shops as they charge a lot more than the local shops.
- The most convenient way to get around the city is by local rickshaw, auto, or taxi.
- Be cautious while buying jewelry or gemstones as fake jewelry and gem scams are common here. Shop at trusted outlets.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot.
- Be modest in clothing as India is conservative. Cover shoulders in the temple.
SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR PLACES TO VISIT IN JAIPUR
- Most places have drinking water facilities so carry a reusable water bottle.
- India is a conservative country with hot weather so wear the right clothes. Skirt and pants till knee level are good. Avoid spaghetti and tank tops. Cover your shoulders with a scarf if necessary.
- Choose local food wherever possible.
- Do not litter tourist places. Always use a dustbin.
- Do not harm the palace, forts and temple structures by carving or writing on it
- Do not enter places that are closed. You will not be allowed to get down in the stepwell.
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