The capital of India’s desert state of Rajasthan, Jaipur has long been a tourism hotspot, attracting everyone from backpackers to global dignitaries with its numerous things to do. Many of the city’s most popular attractions, from the regal City Palace to the Palace of Winds, are situated right in the salmon-hued city center known as the “Pink City.” If you have time, there’s plenty to discover all around town, from the Indo-Saracenic Albert Hall Museum to the 16th-century Amber Fort, a gargantuan hilltop castle on the outskirts of town.
Top 15 attractions in Jaipur
Palace of Wind (Hawa Mahal)
With unusual Rajput architecture often likened to a honeycomb, this structure was artistically built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as a safe place for royal ladies to watch street scenes unfold without being seen (in those days, royal women were traditionally kept out of the public eye). It’s called palace of winds because of its layout, which allows air to circulate throughout the complex, keeping temperatures cool.
Most group and private tours of Jaipur (including half-day and full-day tours, plus Golden Triangle tours that visit Jaipur and Agra) stop outside for photo opportunities, and a few include tours of the simpler interior, where there are a small museum and unparalleled views from the top. Composite tickets that allow access to a number of sights—including Amber (Amer) Fort, Albert Hall, Nahargarh Fort, and the Jantar Mantar—are available at the ticket counter.
Jal Mahal (Water Palace)
This 5-story palace was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, who integrated Rajput and Mughal stylistic features into its architecture. After centuries of disrepair, a refurbishment project began in the early 21st century, though it’s still not open for the public to explore. However, many tours of Jaipur stop at the lake’s shores (usually en route to nearby Amber Fort) for photographs, particularly in the monsoon season when the lake is at its fullest.
Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace)
This impressive structure sits on a raised platform and features an elegant blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural influences. Inside, on the ground floor, is a museum full of beautiful old textiles and costumes, including a number of brocaded and embroidered garments worn by kings and queens of days past.
The Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace) is one of the most popular sections of the City Palace, and nearly all tours of Jaipur (including half-day and full-day tours, plus Golden Triangle tours that visit Jaipur and Agra) and of the City Palace itself give visitors time to explore it. Going with a guide can be useful for those wanting a deeper understanding of the palace.
Jantar Mantar
ai Singh II, who ruled over what is now Amber and Jaipur, was an avid astronomer and was the man responsible for constructing Jaipur, effectively moving the capital from nearby Amber. He also designed many of the tools in the Jantar Mantar, and the Samrat Yantra in the complex is the world’s largest gnomon sundial. Because of the site’s historical significance, most Jaipur tours stop here. Or, buy a ticket online in advance and explore on your own.
City Palace
The palace was constructed from 1729 under Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Many visitors begin their tours of the palace at the Mubarak Mahal (the Welcome Palace), which houses a museum full of textiles, weapons, and artifacts. Other major draws include the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Public Audiences), a beautiful domed chamber that houses a twin set of gargantuan silver vessels—some of the largest in the world.
Almost all group and private Jaipur tours (including half-day and full-day tours, plus Golden Triangle tours that visit Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi), particularly those focusing on top attractions and Pink City heritage, stop at the City Palace complex.
Chandra Mahal
One of the oldest buildings in the City Palace, the Chandra Mahal was built between 1727 and 1734. Its impressive exterior comprises various domes and balconies, while the interiors are beautifully adorned with floral decorations. The palace’s Peacock Gate, with a stunning motif depicting India’s national bird and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, is one of the most famous parts of the palace.
Most group and private Jaipur tours (including half-day and full-day tours, plus Golden Triangle tours that visit Jaipur and Agra) stop at the City Palace, and entering the Chandra Mahal with a guide can be useful if you want more historical context. English-speaking guides are available for hire at the City Palace entrance. A special ticket is required for the Royal Grandeur tour, which offers exclusive access to private rooms in the Chandra Mahal with a private guide.
Temple of the Sun God (Galtaji Monkey Temple)
This gorgeous temple complex, in a crevice sandwiched between two hills, features a series of water tanks—the Galta kunds—filled with natural spring water and used for ritual bathing by devotees. At the top of the complex, built by Diwan Rao Kriparam, is a pink stone temple dedicated to Surya, the sun god—hence it’s Temple of the Sun God moniker—not the Hindu monkey god Hanuman, as its alternative name suggests. Its Monkey Temple nickname is due to the large presence of monkeys that hang out here.
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort was originally built to help defend nearby Amber Fort, though it was later expanded under Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II. Highlights include a palace with nine apartments (one for each of Ram Singh’s nine wives), many of which contain original frescoes, and the spectacular views. The fort also features an underground system of rainwater harvesting tanks, which allegedly could hold enough water to keep the fort going for a couple of years.
Many tours of Jaipur and the Golden Triangle stop here. Composite tickets that allow access to a number of Jaipur sights are accepted here, but are sold only at Amber (Amer) Fort, Albert Hall, the Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar.
Chand Baori
Chand Baori is one of India’s many stepwells, ancient structures used to harvest rainwater for dryer months. Today, it’s protected by the government’s Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and although it’s no longer in use, water does still collect at the bottom during the monsoon. Most people visit Chand Baori en route between the Taj Majal and Jaipur or as part of a sightseeing tour from Jaipur.
Albert Hall Museum (Government Central Museum)
Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, an English architect who created Rambagh Palace, also designed this gorgeous building situated in Ram Niwas Gardens. He drew his inspiration for the Albert Hall from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It was originally built to be a town hall, but instead serves as a museum filled with all sorts of jewelry, marble art, musical instruments, and paintings.
It’s possible to prebook admission tickets, some of which include round-trip transfers. Many Jaipur tours—including private car, walking, and biking excursions—stop here. The exterior alone is worth checking out, even if you don’t opt to go inside. A visit to the Central Museum is often paired with Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, Jaigarh Fort, and other sights.
Hall of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal)
Begun in the 16th century by Maharaja Man Singh, the Sheesh Mahal is one of the most interesting attractions within Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find thousands of tiny pieces of mirrored tiles spread out over the walls, ceilings, and support columns, along with colored Belgian glass and gemstones, to create floral and geometric designs. Most Amber Fort tours spend a good amount of time exploring the exquisite hall.
Lakshminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir)
Open to visitors of all faiths, this peaceful temple features marble carvings of various gods and historical figures, from Jesus Christ to Socrates. Unusual for a Hindu temple, the Birla Mandir contains stained glass windows depicting scenes from Indian mythology. There is also a small museum containing personal items from the wealthy Birla family, who are behind the temple’s construction.
Most group and private Jaipur tours (including half-day and full-day tours as well as Golden Triangle tours that also visit Delhi and Agra) stop at the Birla Mandir.
Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh in its present incarnation dates back to 1726 under Maharaja Jai Singh II, and though it was named for the ruler, it also means “fort of victory” (“jai” means victory and “garh” means fort). It’s particularly significant to those with an interest in the military, and the fort has an armory full of old weapons, including plenty of cannons. There’s also a museum with memorabilia from the local royal family.
A variety of half- and full-day tours visit Jaigarh Fort, including group and private sightseeing trips by air, car, and jeep.
Royal Gaitor
Royal Gaitor has been the traditional funerary grounds for Jaipur’s royal family since the time of Jai Singh II, whose beautiful white-marble cenotaph occupies the older part of the complex. At the center sits the intricately carved cenotaph of Maharaja Madho Singh II, who had five wives and 18 mistresses, but never produced an heir. Though the attraction is a bit off the beaten tourist path, some day tours of Jaipur stop here.
Shopping in Jaipur
Johari Bazar: This is where you can buy jewellery and tie and dye sarees, two lanes joining the main road – Gopalji ka Rasta and Haldion ka Rasta house numerous establishments selling
jewellery. On the main road itself you find many silversmiths. Traditional tie and dye fabrics and textiles are also available here.
Tripolia Bazar and Chaura Rasta: You can shop here for textiles, utensils, ironware and trinkets. If you want to see the artisans at work, step into the side lanes and see for yourself.
Bapu Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar: Here you can purchase textiles, local perfumes and shoes made of camel skin.
Mirza Ismial Road (MI. Road): The broad thoroughfare houses a large number of emporia selling a variety of goods ranging from jewellery and brass work to textiles, to blue pottery, to woodwork, etc. These shops stock a large variety of goods to satisfy the tourists’ needs.
Food which Should Not be Missed
Dal Batti Churma
Recognised as a Rajasthan speciality, Dal-batti-churma, is a wholesome Rajasthani meal. Dal, or lentil curry, is served with Bhatti, a roundel of stuffed flour that’s baked in a charcoal fire or
oven. Choorma is a sweet dish made with flour, jaggery or sugar and ghee. Bhatti comes in varieties acts as a substitute for rotis. You could opt for plain batti, or try the more exotic masala, dry fruit or missi battis. Batti is made out of wheat, flour, millet or a mix of maize and wheat flour, with loads of ghee. There is also an unending variety in churma – the colour of which depends on the ingredients. To relish Dal-bhatti churma at a nominal expense, check out the dhabas near Sindhi Camp (Central) Bus Stand.
Mawa Kachori
A kachori filled with mawa and sugar syrup, this delicacy is not to be missed. It is available at all sweet shops. In Jaipur, try famous sweet shops such as Rawat sweets and Kanji sweets near the bus stand and at LMB, Johri Bazar.
Ghewar
A deep-fried sweet dish, Ghewar is in great demand during festivals such asGangaur and Teej. It comes in varieties such as plain, desi ghee and mawa. The best shops for this are LMB at Johri Bazar and Rawat Sweets.
Mirchi Bada
Sharing prime spot with samosas and kachoris in the snack market are Mirchi Badas – green chillies dunked in besan and deep fried. You can even find vendors selling these on makeshift
handcarts by the roadside.
Where to Eat
Chokhi Dhani Restaurant
19 km south of Jaipur, via Vatika, Tonk Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302001, India.
Also known as the Lalten Restaurant, Chokhi Dhani is one of the most popular places to sample traditional food, and of course, a slice of true Rajasthani culture. Enjoy camel rides
and traditional performances or splurge in the in-house flea-market. This village-style restaurant serves authentic Rajasthani cuisine in an authentic Rajasthani ambiance and opens
at 6 PM everyday. The usual Rajasthani Thali includes Gatte Ki Sabzi, Daal Baati, Churma, Khichadi and some lip-smacking dessert like Kheer.
Peshawri
ITC Rajputana Hotel, Palace Road, Lower Lobby Level, in ITC Rajputana Hotel
Maurya Palace Hotel , Ashok Nagar
Four Seasons
Plot No. D43 A2, Subhash Marg ,Near Bank Of Baroda ,C Scheme
A multi cuisine restaurant that serves Chinese, fast food and North Indian menus. This place is hugely popular among local and tourists, and has a beautiful glasswindow instead of the kitchen wall where you can see your meals being cooked. Recommended dishes here include Chole Puri, Masala Dosa and Saag Paneer and the continental cuisine is good as well.
Must Know Before You Travel to Jaipur
Day Passes: There is a composite ticket for five of Jaipur’s main attractions – Amber Fort, Albert Hall Museum, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and Nahargarh Fort. It costs INR 50 for Indians, INR 1000 for foreigners and INR 30 for foreign students. The ticket is valid for two days and can be bought from the ticket counter of any of the five monuments.
Pre-Booking: Activities like elephant rides at Amer Fort may require pre-booking, especially during peak tourist season.
Seasonal Considerations: Jaipur experiences extreme temperatures; plan your visit between October and March for the best weather. Transport Options: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are widely available. Use ride-hailing apps for convenience.
Cash Dependency: Carry sufficient cash, as smaller shops and vendors may not accept cards. ATMs are generally available but can be scarce in certain areas.
Dress Code: Modest clothing is recommended when visiting religious sites to respect local customs.
Festival Planning: Visiting during festivals like Diwali can enhance your experience but may also affect accommodation availability.
Pollution Advisory: Jaipur can be dusty; carrying a mask can be helpful, especially if you have respiratory issues.
Parking Limitations: Parking can be challenging near major attractions. Use public transport or book accommodations with parking facilities.
How to Reach Jaipur?
By Air: Indian Airlines connect Jaipur with Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Bombay,
Varanasi, Calcutta, Ahmedabad.
By Rail: Jaipur is connected by rail with Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Abu Road (Mount
Abu), Udaipur, Bombay and Sawai Madhopur.
By Road: Good motorable roads connect Jaipur with Delhi 258 km, Agra 236 km, Bikaner
321 km, Udaipur 405 km, Ajmer 131 km, Jodhpur 316 km, Bharatpur 176 km, Jaisalmer
638 km and Bombay 1202 km
By Bus : Regular buses ply from Jaipur to the above places and Alwar, Kota, Sariska,
Mathura, Indore, Chittorgarh and Barmer.
