Jaipur, famously known as the pink city owing to its structures built in pink sandstone, is the capital of the State Rajasthan. The city boasts of rich cultural and traditional history of India. Vibrant colors, narrow streets, beautiful forts, camel and elephant rides and what not. A perfect blend of past and present. Rajasthan tourism through its Jaipur tourism offers a magnificent, memorable journey to its guests. There are many things to do in the pink city, a list full of many places to visit in Jaipur. On our exploration, we find many such tourist places in Jaipur which reflect the grandeur of Rajputs. If you look to explore the historical places it is advisable to hire a tour guide to understand the importance of the places and to know more than what the eyes can see.
1. City Palace
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Jaipur, situated in the heart of the city was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. Not to miss are the Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam and Maharani Palace which are housed in the Palace Complex. The Palace is a blend of Mughal, Rajput and European architecture with gardens and courtyards. The four gateways or pols inside the Palace complex designed in a unique way symbolise four seasons.
2. Hawa Mahal
A most renowned landmark of the city, synonymous with the pink city is located near to the City Palace. The Palace of the Winds/ Hawa Mahal Jaipur was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh for royal ladies to view the busy streets of the city.The architectural wonder symbolising the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown has over 940 carved Jharokhas(small windows) to allow ventilation of the air on the palace keeping it cool and airy during the hot summers. Climb to the topmost floor for the beautiful city view.
3. Jantar Mantar
A UNESCO world Heritage site, the largest sundial built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who had a keen interest in astronomy. It till date draws the interest of curious travellers, historians and astronomers. Jantar Mantar Jaipur houses a unique collection of astronomical instruments based on an ancient text of astrology made of stone and brass.
4. Albert Hall Museum
Albert Hall Museum is said to be the oldest museum in Rajasthan. The Museum has a rare collection of artefacts that of paintings, weapons, metal and wooden items, musical instruments, tribal jewellery and accessories and carpets. The foundation of the museum was laid by the then Prince of Wales, Albert Edward. A must visit for history buffs.
5. Jaipur zoo
Also known as the “Zoological Gardens” the zoo is famous amongst animal lovers, bird watchers and the kids. Established under the rule of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh 2. It is home to various mammals, migratory birds, reptiles and animals.
6. Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal Jaipur is also known as the Water Palace and is situated right at the heart of the Man Sagar Lake. The Water Palace mesmerizes it’s visitors with its magnificent views. Flanked by the Nahargarh hills on one side and the temples on the other side and birds across the lake leaves no other thought on your mind. The evening view with the light reflections is a sight to behold.
7. Amer Fort/ Amber fort
At a distance of 10 KM’s from Jaipur City, Amer Fort Jaipur is one of the most magnificent forts of Rajasthan. Built by Raja Man Singh is a master piece of Rajput grandeur and a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The fort is finely carved with lattice windows, painted doorways, halls and finely sculptured pillars. The fort Diwan-I-Khas/ Hall of private audience has delicate glass most work, Diwan-I-Aam/ Hall of Public Audience is open on three sides, Sukh Mandir has sandalwood doors inlaid with ivory. Amer fort organises Amber light and sound show to shed light on its rich history and to entertain the guests.
8. Nahargarh fort
Nahargarh fort Jaipur, also called as the tiger fort served as the summer residence of the royal family. Hawa Mahal, Madhvendra Bhawan and a Temple are housed inside the fort. Spectacular sunsets and mystical views of the city from the terrace of the fort are worth a mention setting out to be one of the most beautiful places in Jaipur. The Aravallis serve as a perfect backdrop to this fort.
9. Kanak Vrindavan
A beautiful garden surrounded by the Aravalli hills, it is locally called as Kanak Ghati. Kanak Vrindavan is near Jal Mahal and serves as an ideal location for picnic places in Jaipur. The scenes of Radha Krishna raasleela, manicured gardens and fountains line up along the pathway. Shri Govind Deoji Temple, a Lord Krishna temple is housed inside the Garden.
10. Chand Baori
Situated at a distance of 90 KM’s from the city, Chand Baori is an ancient stepwell opposite Hardhat Mata Temple, built around 8th century. With 3500 steps Chand Baori is one of worlds deepest stepwell. Also this can be your place to stay in Jaipur for it has accommodation facilities with mud houses to provide the local taste.
11. Choki Dhani
An ethnic village themed resort, established to preserve the art and ethnicity of Rajasthan. From mouth watering Rajasthani cuisine to shopping at Kalagram(artisans village) to boating at Talk Talaiya lake Choki Dhani never leaves one disappointed. Puppet show, palm reading, acrobatic performances, folk dance, elephant rides and what not Choki Dhani has something for all the ages.
12. Birla Planetarium
A place for the audio-visual treat and to get educated about stars and galaxies. A fantasy for the kids as well as grown-ups.
13. Elefantastic
A one of its kind elephant farm where the elephants are looked after unchained and freely roaming around. A not to miss for animal lovers and fun-loving elephant rides to the forest or a shower with these giants or just to get a close look at them. Elefantastic is fun all the ways in all the activities. Elefantastic is one of the fun places in Jaipur not to be left out.
14. Gatore Ki Chhatriyan
A valley of marble and sandstone Cenotaphs, Gatore Ki Chhatriyan is a complex of tombs in the foothills of Nahargarh Fort. Each Cenotaph houses a tomb of a royal king of Jaipur with beautiful designs and patterns. Gatore Ki Chhatriyan is a unique blend of Hindu Temples and Muslim Tomb.
15. Jagat Shiromani Temple
An awestriking unique architectural blend of Jain, Hindu and South Indian style of temple construction, Jagat Shiromani Temple is built using sandstone, granite and marble. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna and Meerabai.
16. Gallery Artchill
A place where the art lovers can never be bored of is Gallery Artchill. Gallery Artchill is one of the biggest contemporary art galleries of the country housing 3D, multimedia, sculptures and paintings.
17. Sanganer
Sanganer is located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. A place to visit near Jaipur. The Jain temple of Sanganer is one of the holiest Jain temples in India. An artistic masterpiece built of red sandstone and marble work. The architecture resembles to that of Dilwara temples of Mount Abu.
18. Rusirani Village
Rusirani Village, located on the outskirts of Jaipur reflects the old Rajasthani culture and tradition with the local folks singing and dancing of their local songs.
Other places Worth Visiting
- Jaigarh Fort
- Laxmi Narayan Temple/Birla temple
- Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh
- Govind Devji temple
- Jaipur Literature Festival
- Ganesh Pol
- Rishi Sidhi Pol
- Panna Mian ki Baoli
Jaipur being an ancient city and the first planned city of India has more than what is mentioned. Words fall less to describe the beauty of the pink city. Go and explore yourself to witness how the royals lived then and what the city is now.
