Why visit Jaipur by Jaipur Travel Guide?
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. And suppose the perpetual traffic noise and the incredible pollution can cause reluctance. In that case, the monuments of Jaipur cannot leave you indifferent: the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), the Jantar Mantar, the City Palace, the Jal Mahal. .. all these monuments are magnificent. Jaipur Travel Guide The “pink city”, the city of the mahârâjas, will certainly charm you!
Top Places of Interest in Jaipur by Jaipur Travel Guide
To help you organize your stay in Jaipur, we have listed the visits and places of interest to do in Jaipur.
Are you heading off to explore Rajasthan and its marvelous capital soon? Discover the best things to do in Jaipur!
Summary of Jaipur Travel Guide
- The City Palace
- Amber Fort
- Jaigarh & Nahargarh Forts
- The Palace of Winds
- The Panna Meena Ka Kund
- Local markets
- Jal Mahal or the Palace on the Water
- Discover the temples of Jaipur and its region
- Also worth seeing in and around Jaipur
How to get to Jaipur?
How to get around Jaipur?
Where to stay in Jaipur?
Known by its charming nickname “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, a state in northwest India. The city is located some 260 kilometers southwest of the Indian capital, New Delhi. Unlike other cities in the country, the history of Jaipur is very recent: the city was founded in 1727 under the order of Maharaja Jai Singh II. Originally, it was not uniformly pink, it was only during Prince Albert’s visit in 1876 that it was entirely painted pink: this color is traditionally that of welcome. Since then, it has retained this use and has taken on the pretty nickname of pink city.
Visiting Jaipur will immerse you in the heart of incredible heritage, an unforgettable adventure, entertainment and vibrant scents. Recognized worldwide for its local crafts, you walks through markets and lively, colorful streets, amid superb historic buildings. So what to do in Jaipur during your stay? What to discover and what to see first?
To help you have a memorable trip, discover now the 9 must-see things and more to visit in Jaipur, the breathtaking capital of Rajasthan!
Jaipur Travel Guide: The City Palace
Made up of two palaces, Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal, the City Palace is a complex of sublime buildings, interior courtyards and flower gardens. Built under the leadership of Maharaja Jai Singh II, founder of the city, the palace complex is superbly ornamented, with ornate pillars, walls covered with intricate and colorful designs and carved doors. It is located in the northeast of the city and a must to visit in Jaipur!
Amber Fort
The city’s main attraction, it is a perfect and magnificent example of Hindu architecture. Originally built of beautiful white and red stones, Amber Fort dominates the city from Eagle Hill, in the Aravalli range. At Amber Fort, after passing the superb Ganesh Gate, you will discover superbly decorated rooms, where members of the royal family lived, as well as the striking Palace of Mirrors or Jai Mandir: the ceilings and walls of this building are inlaid with glass panels and mirrors to reflect the candlelight – a wonderful sight!
Jaigarh & Nahargarh Forts
Neighboring Amber Fort, the forts of Jaigarh (to the north) and Nahargarh (to the south) form a superb defensive complex: we recommend that you visit these two fortresses-palaces as well! Each will give you a superb view of the region, from their ramparts. In Jargarh, an ancient center of cannon production, you can also admire a huge 50-ton cannon, the Jaivana.
The Palace of Winds
The Hawa Mahal is one of the most emblematic monuments of the beautiful pink city! Built in red and pink sandstone, the palace is located not far from the City Palace, on the edge of the royal harem. Its initial goal was to allow its ladies to observe street life and festivities without being seen: they thus respected the practice of “purdah” – a practice preventing men from seeing women. The palace takes its name from the walls and windows which allowed air currents, perfect for cooling the building during the region’s torrid summers.
The Panna Meena Ka Kund
Located in the neighboring town of Amer, a stone’s throw from the Forts, the Panna Meena Ka Kund produces a hypnotic effect on the traveler! Like an Escher painting, the stairs are built in a symmetrical shape, which almost forms a optical illusion. Although it is forbidden to go down the stairs to the swimming pool below, you can still take advantage of your visit to capture perfect shots with your camera!
Local markets
Impossible to visit Jaipur without getting lost in its bustling streets and bazaars! It is only there that you will be able to appreciate the local craftsmanship. Your walks will allow you to acquire superb souvenirs: jewelry, sculptures or handmade clothes! Among the bazaars to discover are Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar or Chandpol. The most gourmands, for their part, will be able to enjoy a gastronomic city tour where, according to the best addresses of Jaipur and on the advice of a culinary guide, they will discover the typical dishes of the city: a walk rich in flavors and discoveries!
Jal Mahal or The Water Palace
Built on Lake Mansagar, this superb palace combines Mughal and Rajput architecture. At sunset, you can admire wonderful scenes with the palace standing out on the water, as if it were emerging, almost submerged. Both the lake and the palace are then tinged with gold, purple and ocher: it is the best time of the day to take magnificent photos.
Discover the temples of Jaipur and its region
Jaipur and its region are full of wonderful temples to discover during your adventures. We invite you in particular to go to Galtaji, an ancient sacred place of pilgrimage, and in particular to the monkey temple. You can also visit the temples of Garh Ganesh, Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and Birla Mandir in Jaipur – local wonders!
Also see in and around Jaipur
If you’re still wondering what to do in Jaipur, here are more attractions to visit and activities to enjoy in and around the city:
• Visit the Albert Hall Museum: a white marble palace built for the arrival of Prince Albert, it houses collections of local arts and crafts.
• Discover the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical and astrological observatory from the 18th century!
• Taste delicious Rajasthani cuisine, with iconic dishes like Dal-baati-churma, Mawa Kachori or Mirchi Bada.
How to get to Jaipur?
To visit Jaipur, three options are available to you: come by plane, train or bus.
By Plane
From Europe, USA, Australia etc you will find regular flights to Jaipur. Be careful however, these are not direct: you will need around ten hours of flight including 1 to 2 stopovers depending on your flight to reach Jaipur airport (mainly in Delhi or Mumbai). If prices vary depending on your departure period, do not hesitate to write us: whatever the company, this flight comparator remains undoubtedly the best way to find yours at the best price.
By train
If you are staying in New Delhi or Agra for example, know that it is possible to reach Jaipur by train. The most popular and above all the most economical way (1000 rupees one way from New Delhi), it allows you to reach the city without too much expense. Good to know: Indian trains are known for their regular delays (sometimes more than two hours), this is one of the typical charms of this type of trip! If you opt for this means of transport, plan widely, because in addition to this possible delay, it will take an average of 5 hours by train to arrive in Jaipur. For more information, go to the Virail website, train travel comparators around the world.
By Bus
Still in the case where you are planning a departure from another Indian city, the bus is a good alternative to reach Jaipur. A little longer than the train (between 4 and 6 hours from New Delhi for example), this means of transport will also allow you to save on your journeys. From New Delhi Railway Station, departures are every hour, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
How to get around Jaipur?
Rickshaw, bus, taxi or even car rental, there are many ways to get around Jaipur. The bus being cheap, it remains the most used means of transport on site. The rickshaw allows you to get around in complete authenticity for a lower price! You can book it by the day or by the hour, it all depends on your program. Good to know: unless you opt for a shopping session, be sure to refuse when the driver insists on dropping you off in front of shops (quite common)by Jaipur Travel Guide.
Jaipur Travel Guide: Where to stay in Jaipur?
If you wish to visit Jaipur, know that the accommodation options are numerous. There are many areas to stay in Jaipur. We particularly recommend the Old Town or the new modern center. You will also find all the accommodation information in our article “In which area to stay in Jaipur? » .
Now you know what to do in and around Jaipur during your stay in Rajasthan!
Jaipur Travel Guide by Delighted Journey