India's desert capital of Jaipur, affectionately referred to as the Pink City because of the pink walls and buildings of the old city, lures visitors with its stunning remnants of a bygone era. The most popular Jaipur attractions and places to visit are the ancient palaces and forts, with elaborate architecture that serves as a resplendent reminder of their royal heritage.
Here are the top Jaipur attractions. Many can be seen on this do-it-yourself Walking Tour of Jaipur Old City. Those who are feeling adventurous can also go on a hot air balloon safari in Jaipur.
1. City Palace
Upon visiting the magnificant City Palace, it's easy to see that the royal family of Jaipur was one of the richest in India. The huge complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings blend both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The Peacock Gate is exquisite, and contains an alluring display of detailed workmanship featuring bright peacocks. Today, the royal family lives in the graceful Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) bordering the courtyard. Also inside the City Palace complex is a museum, art gallery, and interesting displays of royal costumes and old Indian weapons.
- Location: Chokri Shahad, Old City, Jaipur.
- Entry Cost: 300 rupees for foreigners (includes camera fee and entry to Jaigarh Fort). 75 rupees for Indians, plus 75 rupees for a still camera.
- Opening Hours: 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
2. "Hawa Mahal" Palace of the Winds
The intricate and fascinating facade of the Palace of the Winds is probably Jaipur's most recognized building. Constructed in 1799, it has five floors that contain rows of small windows and screens. Wind used to flow through the openings, giving the palace its name. However, the wind has now gone from the Wind Palace as most of the windows have been sealed shut. Legend has it that the palace, which overlooks the main street of Jaipur's lively Old City, was built so that the women of the royal household could watch the streets below without being observed. A panoramic view can be had from the top of the building.
- Location: Next to the City Palace. Enter from the rear of the building.
- Entry Cost: 50 rupees for foreigners. 10 rupees for Indians.
- Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily.
3. Amber Fort and Palace
Around half an hour's drive from the city center, like something out of a fairy tale, Amber Fort is set on a hill top overlooking Maota Lake. It was the original home of Rajput royalty until Jaipur city was constructed, and contains a number of breathtaking palaces, halls, gardens, and temples. Inside, the elaborate mirror work adds to the grandeur. The fort entrance is reached by walking up the hill, going in a jeep, or taking a lurching elephant ride. The evening sound and light show, which brings alive the Fort's history, is impressive. If you're interested in the art of traditional block printing, also don't miss the Anokhi Museum near Amber Fort. Workshops are held there.
- Location: North of Jaipur. Frequent buses depart from the Palace of the Winds to Amber Fort. Taxis are also available.
- Entry Cost: 200 rupees for foreigners. 25 rupees for Indians. Elephant rides are 900 rupees for two people.
- Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily. Note that elephant rides are only possible in the mornings until 11.30 a.m. Be sure to be there early to get one, as it's not possible to pre-book and demand is high.
4. Jaigarh Fort
The massive Jaigarh Fort was built in 1726 and holds great appeal for military lovers. Flanked by towering gateways and watchtowers, it contains the world's largest cannon on wheels. The cannon has never been fired though, and neither has the fort been captured. As a result the fort has remained intact over its long life, and is very well preserved. Infact, it's one of the best-preserved military structures of medieval India. Jaigarh doesn't have the delicate interiors of Amber Fort, and therefore appears as a real fortress. Climb the Diwa Burj watchtower to get an excellent view over the plains.
- Location: North of Jaipur, behind Amber Fort (within walking distance).
- Entry Cost: 50 rupees ($1).
- Opening Hours: 9 am to 4.30 p.m. daily.
5. Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort, also known as Tiger Fort, is perched high on the rugged Aravali Hills overlooking Jaipur city. The fort was built 1734 to help defend the city. It found fame in 2006, after many scenes from the movie Rang De Basanti were filmed there. Nahargarh Fort offers spectacular views, which are best seen at sunset. It also makes a great place for a picnic as there's a cafe on the premises, which serves beer and snacks until 10 p.m. The fort looks particularly attractive at night when it's lit up.
- Location: North west of Jaipur city center. Get there by local bus, taxi, or a steep half hour trek directly up the hill.
- Entry Cost: 30 rupees for foreigners. 10 rupees for Indians.
- Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily. Palace open from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. daily.
6. Galta Monkey Temple
Getting to this rather ruinous but holy Hindi temple, nestled in peaceful surroundings between two granite cliffs, is quite an adventure but it's completely worth the effort. The temple is part of a larger temple complex, which also has three sacred pools of water. One of the pools has been taken over by thousands of monkeys that congregate there to swim and bathe. They're generally friendly and love to be fed.
- Location: At the far eastern side of the city, outside Gulta Pol, near Agra Road, Jaipur. To get there, take a rickshaw, walk up the hill to the white Sun Temple, then follow the steps downhill into the gorge.
- Entry Cost: Free
- Opening Hours: Visit late afternoon, near sunset, when the monkeys flock to the temple.
7. Markets and Shopping
Jaipur is an excellent place to shop and you'll find an enticing variety of goods available there. Some of the most popular items are precious gemstones, silver jewelry, bangles, clothes, blue pottery, and textiles.
- Location: The main shopping area is M I Road. Johari Bazaar, in the Old City, is renowned for bangles, inexpensive costume jewellery, gold and silver.
- Opening Hours: Many shops are closed on Sundays.
8. Jantar Mantar Observatory
Jantar Mantar, built by King Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734, literally means "calculation instrument". More than just a curious collection of sculptures, each structure at the intriguing Jantar Mantar observatory has a specialized astronomical function. There are 14 structures in total, which measure time, predict eclipses, and track stars. The most impressive one is the huge Samrat Yantra sundial. At a height of 90 feet (27 meters), it has a shadow that moves roughly the width of a person's hand every minute. It's a profound display of how quickly time does in fact go!
- Location: Next to the City Palace, Jaipur.
- Entry Cost: 100 rupees for foreigners. 20 rupees for Indians.
- Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily.
9. Government Central (Albert Hall) Museum
This old and famous museum was modeled on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Its collection includes portraits of local kings, costumes, woodcarvings, paintings, and arts and crafts. Unfortunately photography isn't allowed.
- Location: Ram Nivas Bagh, south of the Old City, Jaipur.
- Entry Cost: 150 rupees for foreigners. 20 rupees for Indians.
- Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily.
10. Elefantastic
Elefantastic offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of India's much loved elephants for a day. An elephant farm in an elephant care village, Elefantastic was formed in 2012 to promote the wellbeing of these giant creatures and show tourists that not all of them are mistreated. Before starting Elefantastic, Rahul (the founder) worked as an elephant rider for nine years. At Elefantastic, you'll be able to wash, feed and water the elephants, learn about elephant decorating and have a painting class, and learn about the elephants' medicines and treatments. Numerous options for elephant rides and safaris are offered, both in Jaipur and the surrounding countryside.
- Location: 90 Chandra Mahal Colony, Delhi Road, Amer, Jaipur.
- Cost: Expect to pay around 3,500 rupees per person.
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