Nicknamed the Pink City, Jaipur is a timeless destination steeped in history, heritage, and unmatched Rajasthani charm.
Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is a marvel of architecture and urban planning. From grand palaces and majestic forts to vibrant bazaars and cultural hotspots, the city is a paradise for travellers of all kinds – history lovers, shopaholics, foodies, and photographers.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full-fledged Rajasthan tour, here’s your guide to the best places to visit in Jaipur, what to do at each location, and everything you need to plan your trip seamlessly.
Top Places to Visit in Jaipur
1. Amber Fort (Amer Fort)
📍 Location: Amer, 11 km from Jaipur
🕰 Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
💸 Entry Fee: ₹100 (Indians), ₹550 (Foreigners)
A jewel of Rajputana architecture, Amber Fort is a massive sandstone and marble fortress perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of Maota Lake below. Built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh I and later enhanced by Sawai Jai Singh, the fort is known for its grand gateways, cobbled paths, and ornate courtyards.
What to Do:
- 🐘 Take an Elephant Ride: Ride like royalty as you ascend the fort on a decorated elephant (available till noon).
- ✨ Explore Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace): Marvel at thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect even the dimmest light, creating a glittering illusion.
- 🎆 Attend the Light and Sound Show: Held every evening in Hindi and English, it narrates the fort’s history with dramatic flair.
- 🏛 Walk through Diwan-e-Aam & Diwan-e-Khas: Public and private audience halls adorned with delicate frescoes and latticework.
2. City Palace
📍 Location: Old Jaipur
🕰 Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
💸 Entry Fee: ₹200 (Indians), ₹700 (Foreigners)
Located in the heart of the walled city, City Palace is a sprawling complex of courtyards, gardens, and regal buildings. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it reflects a harmonious blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European styles.
What to Do:
- 🏯 Visit Mubarak Mahal & Chandra Mahal: The former now houses a museum with royal garments, while the latter is partially the royal family’s residence.
- ⚔ Explore the Museum: See ancient weaponry, royal costumes, carriages, and rare manuscripts.
- 🎨 Admire the Peacock Gate: One of the four stunning seasonal gates representing Hindu gods-ideal for photos!
- 🕵 Take the VIP Royal Tour: Get access to exclusive parts of the palace with a personal guide.
3. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
📍 Location: Badi Chaupar
🕰 Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
💸 Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹200 (Foreigners)
This architectural marvel, built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, features 953 jharokhas (small windows) that allow cool air to circulate-hence the name Hawa Mahal. Its honeycomb-like structure allowed royal women to observe street festivals while remaining unseen.
What to Do:
- 🌇 Climb to the Top Floors: The view of Jaipur’s old city from above is stunning, especially in the early morning.
- 🌬 Learn About Its Design: Understand the unique passive cooling system based on ancient Vastu and science.
- 🖼 Explore the Museum Inside: A small gallery on the premises highlights Jaipur’s rich culture and craft.
4. Jantar Mantar
📍 Location: Near City Palace
🕰 Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
💸 Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹200 (Foreigners)
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar, is an open-air astronomical observatory built in 1734. It features 19 geometric devices used to measure time, track stars, and predict eclipses.
What to Do:
- 🌞 Discover Astronomical Instruments: Explore the world’s largest stone sundial, Samrat Yantra, which can tell time with 2-second precision.
- 🔭 Join a Guided Tour: Learn how ancient Indian astronomers made highly accurate calculations without modern tools.
- 🌌 Understand Celestial Mapping: See instruments like Jai Prakash Yantra and Ram Yantra in action.
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5. Nahargarh Fort
📍 Location: Aravalli Hills
🕰 Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
💸 Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹200 (Foreigners)
Strategically located on the Aravalli range, Nahargarh Fort was built in 1734 to defend Jaipur from northern threats. The fort later became a retreat for the Maharajas and their queens.
What to Do:
- 🌇 Catch Sunset Views: The fort provides panoramic views of Jaipur city-sunsets here are a local favourite.
- 🖼 Explore the Wax Museum & Sculpture Park: Located inside the fort premises, with celebrity statues and modern art.
- 🍽 Dine at Padao Cafe: An open-air restaurant within the fort, offering snacks and a view you’ll remember.
6. Jaigarh Fort
📍 Location: Near Amber Fort
🕰 Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
💸 Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹200 (Foreigners)
Often called the “Fort of Victory,” Jaigarh Fort was built to protect Amber Fort and holds the world’s largest cannon on wheels, Jaivana Cannon. This formidable structure remained unconquered in battle.
What to Do:
- 🏰 Visit the Armoury Museum: See swords, shields, and firearms used by Rajput warriors.
- 🌉 Explore the Fortifications: Walk along the 3 km-long walls offering magnificent views of the surrounding hills and Amber Fort.
- 🕳 Discover Secret Tunnels: Some passages connect Jaigarh with Amber Fort for military strategy and evacuation.
7. Albert Hall Museum
📍 Location: Ram Niwas Garden
🕰 Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
💸 Entry Fee: ₹40 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)
The Albert Hall Museum is Rajasthan’s oldest museum, established in 1887. Designed in Indo-Saracenic architecture, it resembles a medieval castle and contains collections that span centuries.
What to Do:
- 🏛 See Rare Exhibits: From Egyptian mummies to Persian carpets, coins, musical instruments, and tribal artefacts.
- 🎨 Admire the Building Architecture: Don’t forget to look up-its domes and arches are masterpieces in themselves.
- 🌙 Visit at Night: The museum lights up beautifully in the evening, making it a visual spectacle.
8. Jal Mahal
📍 Location: Man Sagar Lake
🕰 Timings: No public access inside; best viewed during sunrise/sunset
Floating like a mirage on Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal is a five-story palace, four levels of which are submerged underwater. Though visitors aren’t allowed inside, the view alone makes it worth stopping by.
What to Do:
- 📸 Photography Hotspot: Come at sunrise or dusk for magical reflection shots of the palace.
- 🛶 Enjoy Seasonal Boat Rides: Occasionally permitted by the tourism board.
- 🚶 Stroll Along the Lake: The promenade offers a serene walk with snack stalls and local art shops.
9. Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple)
📍 Location: Tilak Nagar
🕰 Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
💸 Entry Fee: Free
Built entirely of white marble, Birla Mandir is a serene modern temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The temple stands out for its elegant design and spiritual ambience.
What to Do:
- 🕊 Attend the Evening Aarti: The atmosphere during prayer time is peaceful and spiritually uplifting.
- 🧱 Admire Carvings: The walls are etched with quotes from different religions, symbolising unity.
- 🌳 Explore the Gardens: Ideal for a quiet walk and introspection amidst greenery.
How to Reach Jaipur
Jaipur is well-connected to major Indian cities via flight, train, and bus. Here’s how you can get there:
✈️ By Flight:
Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is located about 12 km from the city centre and is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and international cities like Dubai and Bangkok.
- Airlines Operating: Indigo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, etc.
- Tip: Flights from Delhi to Jaipur take only about 1 hour.
🚆 By Train:
Jaipur Junction is a major railway station with frequent trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.
- Popular Trains: Shatabdi Express, Ajmer Shatabdi, Jaipur Superfast, Palace on Wheels
- Tip: Book early during tourist season (October-March)
🚌 By Bus:
Regular AC and non-AC buses ply between Jaipur and cities like Delhi, Agra, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. Luxury Volvo buses are available for comfortable travel.
- Major Operators: RSRTC, Zingbus, Redbus services
- Tip: Jaipur-Delhi travel by bus takes 5-6 hours
Top Luxury Hotels in Jaipur
After exploring the royal heritage of Jaipur, pamper yourself at one of these luxury hotels that offer world-class amenities and regal vibes.
1. Taj Rambagh Palace
- About: Former royal residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur
- Highlights: Heritage rooms, palace gardens, Jiva Spa, royal dining
- Tariff: ₹35,000 – ₹1,00,000 per night
2. The Oberoi Rajvilas
- About: A luxury resort set amid 32 acres of landscaped gardens
- Highlights: Luxury tents, private pools, Ayurvedic spa
- Tariff: ₹30,000 – ₹90,000 per night
3. Fairmont Jaipur
- About: A blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture
- Highlights: Grand lobby, gourmet dining, majestic suites
- Tariff: ₹20,000 – ₹45,000 per night
4. Samode Haveli
- About: A charming 19th-century haveli turned boutique hotel
- Highlights: Courtyard dining, heritage décor, cultural shows
- Tariff: ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 per night
5. ITC Rajputana, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- About: Inspired by Rajasthan’s palatial architecture
- Highlights: Rajput-style interiors, spa, royal cuisine
- Tariff: ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 per night
Final Thoughts:
From majestic forts and historic palaces to vibrant bazaars and culinary treats, Jaipur weaves together the best of heritage and hospitality. Whether you’re riding elephants at Amber Fort or sipping chai in a local bazaar, the city offers an experience that’s nothing short of magical.
So, pack your bags, charge your cameras, and head to Jaipur, where every lane tells a story, and every sunset paints a royal picture.
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