Places to Visit in Jaipur

Explore the best places to visit in Jaipur with eRajasthan Tourism’s guide. Learn about the travel tips for a hassle free journey.

The Pink City, Jaipur, is a cultural gem located in the heart of Rajasthan. Famed for its grandeur, opulence, history, and a rich culture, it captivates travellers with ornamental palaces, imposing forts, serene temples, and lush gardens. It is no wonder Jaipur ranks as the most visited city in Rajasthan.

Jaipur is recognised as India’s first planned urban city built under the patronage of Maharaja Jai Singh II, after whom the city is named. Jaipur was the only city that departed from the medieval city layout and displayed exemplary city planning and architecture. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya meticulously designed and developed the layout of the city according to Vastu Shastra. Recognising its cultural and historic significance, Jaipur was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.

In this travel guide, we will outline the top tourist places to visit in Jaipur that includes forts, bazaars, gardens, etc. Let this guide be the first step in knowing the best tourist attractions of Jaipur that you wouldn’t want to miss.

10 Best Places to Visit in Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is among the most visited tourist destinations in India – and rightfully so. The city is replete with marvellous attractions worthy of admiration and exploration. But there is more to Jaipur than pink and red sandstone structures, tall bastions, and scenic gardens. While stunning architecture is a highlight of Jaipur, the city also offers immersive cultural experiences through its colourful festivals, food, arts and crafts, folk music and cultural performances.

Why is Jaipur known as the Pink City?

In 1876, The Prince of Wales, Albert Edward visited Jaipur. To welcome him, Maharaja Ram Singh ordered the entire city to be painted pink. The colour pink is associated with warmth, respect, and hospitality and thus became symbolic of the city’s welcoming spirit. Hence, Jaipur earned its moniker Pink City which is now synonymous with the city.

Till this day, Jaipur and its people extend warm hospitality to tourists from different walks of life from all over the world. Whether they are families with kids, couples, art lovers, history enthusiasts or food connoisseurs, Jaipur caters to all. The city’s incredible vibe imbued with a blend of glorious past and new-age modernity is best suited for all kinds of travellers.

Jaipur has too many wonderful attractions to offer its visitors with each attraction having its own history, beauty and grandeur. But if you are looking for a concise list of tourist places to visit in Jaipur, read the list below of top Jaipur attractions.

City Palace

There is hardly any Jaipur itinerary that doesn’t include a tour of the City Palace, making it an indispensable part of a Jaipur tour. The architecture of Jaipur City Palace is an outstanding fusion of Rajasthani, Mughal and European influences. The City Palace was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 when he planned to shift his court from Amber to Jaipur. Till this date, the last ruling royal family of Jaipur resides in a private section of the palace.

The marvellous edifice is located in the heart of the old city and offers an array of attractions within its imposing walls. Wander in the beautiful  courtyards, buildings, pavilions, gardens, and temples inside the palace complex. Undoubtedly, it is the number one tourist place to explore in Jaipur. Here are the must-see attractions to see in Jaipur City Palace.

• Chandra Mahal – Oldest building of the palace with seven floors with intricate interiors
• Mubarak Mahal – Houses library, museum offices, and the Textile Gallery.
• Pritam Niwas Chowk – Inner courtyard with beautiful gates featuring motifs of the  four seasons, Hindu gods, flowers, and birds.
• Diwan-i-Am – Hall of the public audience
• Diwan-i-Khas – Hall of private audience.
• Govind Dev Ji temple – Lord Krishna temple featuring famous Picchwai paintings
• Sileh Khana (Arms and Armour Gallery) – Displays arms and ammunition used by Kachhwaha Rajputs of Jaipur and Amber.

Other galleries include Textile Gallery, Painting and photography Gallery and Transport Gallery which displays palanquins, chariots, camel saddles etc.

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal, which means Palace of Winds, is one of the most striking places to visit in Jaipur. It was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Hawa Mahal is also amongst the most photographed tourist attractions in Jaipur. It is no wonder a quick search of Jaipur online shows beautiful photos of Hawa Mahal. This five storey edifice features a pyramidal facade and its exterior reflects a honeycomb-like structure.

There are a total of 953 small balconies with windows called jharokhes adorned with intricate lattice work. The gentle winds passing through the windows keeps the palace cool in summers. These windows were used by the royal ladies to see everyday life of the streets, processions, etc. without stepping out. The entire structure of Hawa Mahal is built with the red and pink sandstone that shines bright under the sunlight, fitting perfectly into the aesthetic of the Pink City.

The palace stands at a height of 15 metres and reflects influences of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Hawa Mahal is located in Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market and is easily accessible by foot, rickshaw, or car.

Jantar Mantar

Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory site built in the early eighteenth century. It’s a fascinating attraction in Jaipur that delights astronomy, and history lovers, as well as families and kids. The site currently holds sixteen geometric devices that were designed to track movements of celestial bodies and observe planetary position.

Out of the five Jantar Mantars, the one in Jaipur is the largest astronomical observatory in India. Moreover, it also includes the largest sun dial in the world. In 2010, UNESCO recognised Jantar Mantar, Jaipur in the list of World Heritage Sites. As one of the well-preserved attractions in Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is a testament to history, astronomy, and science. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur is a 9 minute walk from Hawa Mahal and just a few steps away from City Palace.

Amber Fort

Amber Fort (locally known as Amer Fort) was the glorious citadel of Kachwahas of Amber before they moved to Jaipur. Counted among the top tourist attractions of Jaipur, Amber Fort is positioned on a hill top overlooking the pink city. It is 11 km from Jaipur and is accessible via bus or a car.

The extensive palace complex is built with yellow sandstone and white marble. The pale yellow facade of this bastion stands in striking contrast with the overarching theme of pink colour in Jaipur’s architecture.The exteriors of forts exude a golden iridescent low at the break of dawn and during the sunset.

Amber Fort has two gates – Suraj Pol and Chand Pol both of which lead to Jaleb Chowk. The unmissable attraction inside Amber Fort is Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) featuring astonishing mirror work, creating Kaleidoscopic effects. Amber Fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage site in the list of hill forts of Rajasthan.

If you stay until dusk, you can watch a beautiful light and sound show within the fort. It is a stunning spectacle that showcases the history of Amber fort.

Nahargarh Fort

Located on the hills of Aravalli, Nahargarjh Fort offers a panoramic view of Jaipur city.During sunset, this marvellous fort looks like a dream when bathed in light. An ascent on the fort will grant you breathtaking views of the city that are worth the effort.

Nahargarh is a Sanskrit word meaning “abode of tigers”. An interesting folklore associated with Nahargarh Fort is that earlier it was supposed to be named as Sudershangarh Fort. However, the spirit of Prince Nahar haunted the place and was believed to cause obstruction in the construction of the fort. To make amends and pacify his soul, it was promised that the newly constructed fort will be named Nahargarh in honour of the prince.

Within the walls of Nahargarh Fort lies Madhavendra Bhawan, twelve matching boudoirs (bedroom) for the queens, and a labyrinth of connecting corridors with stunning mural works. For its majestic beauty and grandeur, Nahargarh Fort is counted among the best attractions and historical sites to visit in Jaipur.

Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal (translates to Water Palace) is among the enchanting places to visit in Jaipur that appears to float on the waters of Man Sagar Lake. Made with pink and red stone, the facade of Jal Mahal stands in stark contrast with the blue water. Jal Mahal, built by Maharaja Madho Singh I, was never intended to be used as a palace. It was rather used as a resting place for the king after his duck hunting adventures.

The palace (Jal Mahal) is a five storey building with only one floor appearing on the ground while the other four are submerged in water. Although Jal Mahal palace isn’t open to the public, one can admire its beauty from outside. Tourists gather around banks of the lake to appreciate the glorious structure.

The best time to visit Jal Mahal is during the evening when it’s bathed in soft lights. The presence of many photo points around the structure offer great opportunities to click instagrammable photos of Jal Mahal.

Albert Hall Museum (Central Museum)

Housed in the centre of Ram Niwas Garden, Albert Hall Museum is a key attraction in Jaipur. Its foundational stone was laid by the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward in 1876.  Sir Swinton Jacob designed the structure and layout of the museum using Indo-Sarcenic architecture.

Needless to say, Albert Hall Museum is among top tourist spots in Jaipur for history enthusiasts. It is also a fascinating attraction in Jaipur for folks with an interest in art, architecture and traditions of a society. The exhibits of this museum hold ancient treasures and historic artifacts that speak of the bygone eras.

The main exhibits  at   Albert Hall Museum include wooden crafts, metal sculptures, arms and weapons, natural stones and ivory goods. One can also admire the beautiful collection of miniatures from Bundi, Kota, Kishangarh, Udaipur and Jaipur schools of art.

Bapu Bazaar

One of the main highlights of Jaipur tour is exploring its colourful and kaleidoscopic markets. Among the many markets in Jaipur, Bapu Bazaar is a bustling spot where you can walk, browse through the stalls and pick up quirky souvenirs. Be it lac jewellery, colourful leheriya sarees, Jaipuri print bedsheets, mojris, fragrances or leather goods, Bapu Bazaar displays the most wonderful goods. It’s a perfect tourist spot to soak up the cultural vibe of Jaipur and go on a shopping spree. Make sure to put your negotiation skills to the test. Bargaining is an acceptable practice as street vendors tend to quote higher prices.

Galta ji Temple

Galta ji Temple is among the top religious places to visit in Jaipur. It’s a revered holy pilgrimage site in Jaipur, visited by both tourists and locals. It is located approximately 11 km east of Jaipur. The complex has a series of temples, pavilions and holy water springs/ponds (kunds), baghs (gardens) and orchards.

Apart from the impressive architecture, what pulls in many tourists and locals here is the calmness and divinity of the place. Feel at ease as the harmonious chants permeate the air. Galta ji, as a religious attraction in Jaipur, provides a tranquil escape from the clamour and commotion of the city.

The Ramgopalji temple located in Galwar Bagh is called “Monkey temple” due to it being the residence of playful monkeys. On the hill top, visitors will find a small temple dedicated to the sun god, called the Surya Mandir. The best way to reach Galta ji is by a car or taxi.

Birla Mandir, Jaipur

Birla Mandir in Jaipur is a stellar piece of architecture built with white marble that appears iridescent under the sunlight. Located in southern Jaipur, the temple was commissioned by Indian industrialist Birlas in 1988. The temple is positioned on Moti Dungri hill and has a serene radiance to it.

The main deities of the temple are Goddess Laksmi and Lord Vishnu, hence it’s also called Lakshmi-Narayan temple. The beautiful sculptures of Laxmi Narayan are carved from one giant piece of marble.

The structure of the temple features intricate carvings and motifs around Hindu gods and goddesses. The meticulous carvings on white exteriors will leave you in awe. Inside the temple walls, you will find timeless wisdom from sacred scriptures like Bhagwad Gita and Upanishads.

Things to Know: 

• There is no entry fee to visit the temple.
• Remember that shoes are not allowed in the temple.
• Photography is not allowed inside the temple.

Top Travel Tips for Visiting Jaipur

The essence of Rajasthan is found in the pink city Jaipur. Every street, nook and corner of Jaipur is buzzing with life, energy and stories of its glorious past and modern present. It’s a place that is on the bucket list of many tourists. And to truly enjoy this gem of a destination, here are some important travel tips to know before visiting Jaipur.

1. Weather: 

Jaipur can be enjoyed all round the year, but less than ideal weather conditions like hot and humid days or extreme rainfalls can be a buzzkill. The days can get extremely hot during summer and the rainfall in the monsoon can be just as intense. If you do plan a trip to Jaipur in the off-season, you can get discounted rates on hotels and resorts and many of top Jaipur’s attractions will be less crowded.

So, when is the best time to plan a Jaipur trip? 

October to March is the best time to plan a Jaipur trip. The weather conditions in Jaipur are optimal for sightseeing, shopping, etc. The period between October to March is also the peak season when you can explore Jaipur without worrying about sweltering days, extreme rains, sand storms or humidity.

2. Transportation:

All the top Jaipur attractions are well connected via roadways. It is quite easy to traverse Jaipur and get from one place to another. If you are comfortable with rickshaws, buses, or taxis, then your transportation is sorted. Make sure to plan your route in advance and club attractions in a single go to save time and money.

For example: City Palace Jaipur, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar are located in close proximity to each other and can be visited together. Likewise, Amber Fort and Jal Mahal are located within a distance of 5 kms an can be clubbed together.

3. Food in Jaipur:

The best way to explore a cuisine of a place is to eat like locals or to eat from places where locals frequently visit. This small observation alone will save your time and money. Savour the authentic Rajasthani dishes like Dal Baati Churma and laal maas while exploring Jaipur. Look for popular eating places in Jaipur and take local recommendations. From street food vendors to quirky rooftop cafes, and popular restaurants, look for the best eatery that fits your budget and has excellent public reviews.

4. Tourist Etiquette

No matter where you go, there are certain practices and rules that a tourist must follow. In Jaipur, make sure to remove your shoes while entering temples. Follow the guidelines which prohibits clicking photos inside temples, museums, palaces or certain parts of the city.

Book a Jaipur Tour and Explore the Tourist Gems of Pink City

Jaipur is a renowned destination on the bucket list of many tourists. Each Jaipur attraction is like a different shade in a palette adorning the canvas of Rajasthan in the most remarkable ways. The diverse range of places to explore and experiences to enjoy in Jaipur makes it an incredible tourist destination.

Let yourself gleam in happiness while exploring top places in Jaipur, whether it’s the forts, palaces, or temples. Delight your taste buds with exquisite Rajasthani cuisine and discover a treasure trove of art, architecture, crafts, folklore, music, all deeply rooted in centuries of  preserved culture and traditions.

If the prospect of exploring Jaipur’s tourist attractions excites you, book a Jaipur tour with eRajasthan Tourism. Our Jaipur tours in Rajasthan lets you experience the best of Pink City in all its supreme glory.