Things to do in Jaipur

Jaipur: Overview

Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City, is one of the largest cities in the state of Rajasthan and serves as its capital. With numerous tourist attractions, cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife, the city exudes an unrivalled charm. The reason behind its name, the Pink City, lies in its rich history, which we will be exploring further in this blog.

Being a city of Vibrant colors, Jaipur breaths wealth and royalty, with enchanting palaces and forts building up its grandeur, it is among the most visited tourist destination in India. With our Rajasthan Tour packages you can witness the charm of this city along with the city of Taj, Agra and the National Capital Territory, Delhi.

Jaipur boasts some of the most lavish resorts and hotels in the world along with an International Airport and is home to all the modern amenities making it a perfect gateway to Rajasthan. As the largest city in Rajasthan, there are numerous things you can do in Jaipur to make your trip more enchanting. Let's know about the history of Jaipur.

Jaipur is the first ever planned city in India, founded by the Mahraja Sawai Jai Singh II during the year of 1727. Ever wondered why Jaipur is called the Pink City? Well during the year of 1876 when the Maharaja Ram Singh got to know that Queen Victoria is visiting India, in order to welcome her and to symbolize the hospitality of Maharajas, he had painted most of the buildings Pink in color, because the pink color represents hospitality.

Best Things to do in Jaipur

1. Amber Fort/ Amer Fort

Amer Fort is one of the magnificent forts, situated on top of a hill dominating the skyline of Jaipur. It was built in the year of 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh I, and it served as the main residence for the Rajput Rulers of Jaipur. Looking over the Maota Lake, this fort is a prime example of brilliant craftsmanship, famous for its artistic style of elements, cobbled pathways, large defensive walls and series of gates is what makes it a major tourist attraction in Jaipur.

Taking an Elephant ride up to the Amber Fort is one of the recreational activities travellers can do, starting from the bottom it takes you to the courtyard of Amber Fort and the Elephant decorated in royal colors showcases the beauty and royalty of Jaipur. With our Golden Triangle Tours, you will get a chance to explore three of the charming cities of India with Jaipur along with Delhi and Agra.

2. Nahargarh Fort

Located on the outskirts of the city of Jaipur, this majestic fort is famous for offering mesmerizing views to the travelers. Nahargarh means ‘abode of Tigers’, living up to its name, the Nahargarh Fort is an impenetrable fortress and standing beside it is the Jaigarh Fort, these two forts were once stood as the main defense of the Jaipur City.

Nahargarh Fort was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II during the year of 1734, the main attraction of Nahargarh Fort is the ladies quarter, also known as ‘Zenana Mahal’ essentially it was used as a retreat for the royal ladies. To keep it equal, ‘Mardana Mahal’ was also built for the Royal Men. The Nahargarh Biological Fort is also a main attraction situated in the surroundings of Nahargarh Fort.

3. Hawa Mahal

A gorgeous five storey structure built without a foundation, yet standing tall alluring visitors with its unmatched Charm. Hawa Mahal is one of the stunning monuments situated in Jaipur, as the name suggests Hawa Mahal means the ‘Palace of Winds’, and it can be seen through its brilliant architecture. One can see abundant of small windows, called Jharokas in the structure and there are a total of 953 Jharokhas in Hawa Mahal that were built for the royal ladies, so they can have a peek of the street during the festivals, as they couldn’t go out because of the Parda Pratha during the earlier periods.

Built up of red and pink Sandstone by Lal Chand Ustaad, the Hawa Mahal was commissioned by Pratap Singh of Jaipur during the year of 1799. As you walk inside the palace, you will be welcomed by a stunning fountain, from where you can go your way up. All the different stories are uniquely decorated. And the view from the top of the Hawa Mahal is just fascinating, you can view the nearby attractions like Jantar Mantar and the bustling Siredeori Bazar. Hawa Mahal is a must visit tourist destination in Jaipur.

4. Jaipur City Palace

This magnificent structure is famously known as the ‘Abode of the Royals’, serving as the center of attraction in Jaipur it was once the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The City Palace, Jaipur is divided into many categories like the beautiful palaces inside the courtyards, the gardens, numerous buildings and the museum. It is a private residence that has kept its regal and exquisite charm and that’s why you might see a raise in the ticket price of this tourist attraction.

The City palace houses stunning palaces like Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Maharani’s Palace etc. renowned for their brilliant lavish artworks and architecture that meets the royal charm of Jaipur. With a visit inside this palace you can see the royalty at every corner of the palace and how the royals used to live here. The City Palace museum houses abundant paintings, silwerware, handicrafts, and articrafts.

Having three gates as its entrance, only two the Virendra Pol and the Udai Pol are open to the public. City Palace was commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who was also the founder of Jaipur. It was constructed between the year of 1729 and 1732.

5. Jantar Mantar- the most preserved observatory

Fame of being one of the most preserved observatory in the world, Jantar Mantar is one of the major tourist attraction in Jaipur, attracting thousands of tourists everyday. This magnificent observatory is also a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting some of the ancient instruments in the history. Every instrument you see here was constructed by the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. The king was a great mathematician as well as a great astronomer.

This brilliant observatory was constructed using modern day thinking, instruments you see here were built and placed perfectly, in order to allow the observers to note down the position of the celestial bodies. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur also houses the world’s largest stone sundial. Along with the 4 other observatory that were built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the major one.

Raja Sawai Jai Singh built a total of 5 Jantar Mantar that are scattered around India in cities Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura. Although the Mathura one is in ruins now, the remaining Jantar Mantar can be visited. With our Delhi Agra Jaipur Tours you can explore 2 of the famous Jantar Mantar in India, one in Jaipur and the other being in Delhi.

6. Jal Mahal

Resting in the center of the beautiful Man Sagar Lake which is on the outskirts of Jaipur, the Jal Mahal is a wonderful creation done by the Pratap Singh of Jaipur in 1799. However it is closed for visiting due to government issue. But closing it won’t make it less of an attraction; it still exudes its royal charm and is among the most photographed monuments in Jaipur. Jal Mahal, Jaipur is an architectural marvel that is a perfect blend of the Rajput and Mughal style of architecture.

One of the interesting facts about Jal Mahal is that, there is only one storey that appears to be above the water, but there are 4 more storeys submerged inside the water. You can stroll around the banks of Man Sagar Lake during the evening to witness this masterpiece during its prime, when the structure gets all lit up it exudes unreal charm.

Jal Mahal

5 Days Golden Triangle Tour

6 Days Golden Triangle Tour6 Days Golden Triangle Tour

7. Birla Temple

Birla Temple is one of the beautiful temples in Jaipur, nestled on the Moti Dungari Hills this magnificent temple is also known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple dedicated to the preserver of the Universe Lord Vishnu. Birla Temple is one of the major tourist attractions in Jaipur, alluring flocks of tourists with its stunning architecture and pure white marble build. The temple is a perfect blend of the ancient Hindu architecture and modern day design.

Standing tall as a prominent landmark of the area, Birla Temple was built during the year of 1988 by the B.M Birla Foundation. If you are yearning for peace, Birla Temple is your place, with being Gods and Goddesses adorning the wall, one can also take a look at the words of wisdom said by various deities as per various Puranas.

8. Albert Hall Museum

Albert Hall Museum is one of the oldest and most famous museums in Jaipur, built in the year of 1887 by the famous architecture, Army officer and writer Sir Samual Swinton Jacob. The Albert Hall museum houses several stunning artifacts, paintings, carpets, metal sculptures, also coins from different-different dynasties like Gupta, Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Dynasty, and British periods.

As the night falls, the museum glows with yellow lights which make it look more attractive and alluring. No doubt, Albert Hall Museum is a great tourist attraction to take a peek into the history along with relaxing in the beautiful gardens in the backdrop.

If you are a history buff, the Albert Hall Museum is a must visit place for you, making your trip more memorable the extensive collection of artifacts, the Egyptian Mummy, Marble arts etc. will be a treat to your eyes.

9. Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple

Situated just 5 km away from the Jaipur city center, this divine Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Crowded by the devotees and tourists all year long, Moti Dungri Temple was built in 1761, under the supervision of the Seth Jai Ram Paliwal. Housing an idol in the center, the idol of Lord Ganesha is said to be 500 years old, also there’s a statue of Mushak placed near the foot of the idol. As per the ancient sacred texts of Hindu Mythology, Mushak is said to be the vehicle of Lord Ganesha.

The supreme deity Lord Ganesha holds a special place in the heart of every devotee, every auspicious celebration or festival is incomplete without the very first chantings of Lord Ganesha. The grandeur of this temple can be seen during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Krishna Janamashtami, it becomes a center of attraction alluring devotees from worldwide.

10. Try out luxurious cuisine at Chokhi Dhani

Being a luxurious heritage resort that is familiar and showcases the ancient culture of Rajasthan, trying out delicious cuisines at Chokhi Dhani is one of the best things to do in Jaipur. The whole concept of this restaurant-cum-resort was to give tourist a rural feel allowing them to witness the rich ancient culture of Rajasthan.

Situated just 20 km. away from the city, the village of Chokhi Dhani was set up in 1989 as a main attraction to introduce the rural culture of Rajasthan to the tourist. The hotel is renowned for its folk dance and musical performances, it is among the things to do while in Jaipur. Also try out the other performances like Magic and Puppet shows.

11. Galta Ji Temple

Galta Ji Temple is considered as one of the sacred pilgrimage site in Jaipur, it is situated on the outskirts of Jaipur and is one of the major temples in Jaipur. The Galta Ji Temple boast numerous shrines of Hindu deities like Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, and Lord Hanuman. The complex of the temple houses 7 holy Kunds or Water Tanks.

As per the mythologies and the people, these Kunds are used as a means to wash away all your sins. You will see several devotees dipping them in the Kunds to wash their sins. The famous among all seven is the Galta Kund, considered to be the holiest and the never-dry Kund. Galta Ji Temple is also a vantage point where you can witness the beautiful sunset.

If you’re visiting Galta Ji Temple, then beware about the notorious monkeys over there that are known for mobbing and robbing the belongings of the visitors.

Galtaji Temple

12. Stroll at the markets of Jaipur

Strolling around the bustling markets of Jaipur is one of the must things you should do, check out the various items that are on display, one of the famous markets in Jaipur is the Johari Bazar renowned for providing almost everything. From Handmade Jewelry to specially crafted traditional clothes, the Johari Bazar offers everything for everyone.

Some of the famous markets you can try out in Jaipur are Johari Baazar, Bapu Baazar, Chandpol Baazar, Tripolia Baazar, Nehru Baazar etc. Also before visiting the markets, practice and master the art of Bargaining.

M.I Road Market, Jaipur

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