Things to Do in Jaipur

Although Jaigarh Fort is often overlooked by tourists in favor of the better-known Amber Fort nearby, this majestic garrison in the Aravalli Range is certainly worth a visit, particularly for anyone with an interest in military history. The 18th-century red sandstone structure is also considered among the best-preserved old fortresses in India.

 

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.

 

Jaigarh is located off the road leading from the Jaipur city center to Amber. Getting to the top requires taking a taxi up a windy road full of hairpin turns; travelers can also climb up on foot, but the trip takes a good 20 minutes and may require staving off pesky monkeys. Many Jaipur and Rajasthan sightseeing tours include stops at the fort and usually drop you right in front, saving you a steep climb.

Jaigarh is open throughout the year, though it's best visited first thing in the morning, before the heat of the day makes visiting the open, exposed grounds less than pleasant. Note that Jaipur is at its most comfortable during the cool winter months of December and January and can become unbearably hot during May and June.

Jaigarh once housed a gigantic cannon foundry (when India was under Mughal rule), and the many cannons here are among the fort’s biggest draw. The most famous of Jaigarh’s cannons is the Jaivana, which has a 55-ton (50,000-kilogram) barrel and is purported to be the world’s largest cannon on wheels.

One of the most charming towns in the Shekhawati region, Mandawa is celebrated for its numerous havelis (traditional mansions) and its fort, which is adorned with intricate frescoes. The 18th-century town feels like something out of a Rajasthani fairytale, and its havelis are often collectively referred to as the "open-air art gallery" of Rajasthan.

 

Mandawa's main draw is its frescoes, many of which portray scenes from local history or religious stories. Visiting with a guide can be helpful, particularly for travelers not versed in Hindu mythology, in gaining greater insight into the significance of the works on display here. That said, it’s not the most popular stop on fixed-itinerary Golden Triangle tours, so travelers looking to spend time here may want to visit on a daytrip from Jaipur.

 

 

Mandawa is located in the Shekhawati Region of Rajasthan, about a 4-hour drive from Jaipur or a 5-hour drive from Delhi. It’s frequently visited by people traveling between the two cities, usually in conjunction with other area attractions, such as the nearby city of Jhunjhunu, a 45-minute drive away. Although there are busses connecting Mandawa to all major cities in the region, it’s much easier to come here by car or as part of an organized tour.

 

While Mandawa is a year-round attraction, it’s best visited from October through March, when temperatures are cooler. April and May can be oppressively hot; June through September aren’t always much cooler—they’re just more humid due to the monsoon season, and the area can get some heavy downpours in June and July. Most of the havelis in Mandawa are open daily during daylight hours.

 

One of Mandawa's major attractions is its 18th-century fort, now a heritage hotel. It's full of beautiful old frescoes, many focused on Lord Krishna, and it’s worth visiting even if you don't plan to spend the night. They’ll even waive the admission fee if you come for a meal at the on-site restaurant.

The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, is easily one of Jaipur’s most iconic attractions. This stunning red and pink sandstone structure in the heart of the Pink City features rows of carved screens and more than 900 lattice-worked windows that allow in just the right amount of breeze to keep the 5-story complex cool.

 

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.

 

The Hawa Mahal is situated in Jaipur’s Pink City, near Tripolia Gate and due north of Badi Chaupar. It’s a few minutes’ walk from here to both the City Palace (the official residence of the royal family) and the Jantar Mantar observatory. Driving, Amber Fort (Amer Fort) is about 30 minutes away.

 

This popular tourist spot is open 9am to 4:30pm daily; the museum is closed Friday and Saturday. If you’re visiting the palace interior during the hotter months of the year (approximately April through October), come early in the day, when temperatures are lower and gentle sunlight streams into the rooms through the hundreds of windows. 

 

Jaipur is known as the Pink City because of its salmon-hued walls and edifices located in the old part of town. The city center was first painted this hue to impress Prince Albert, who visited India in 1876. The color stuck, so to speak, and to this day local businesses and residences within the walled part of town are required to retain the color.

Officially called Galtaji but usually referred to as Temple of the Sun God or simply the Monkey Temple, this temple complex of many names was built in the 18th century. Multiple storied water tanks, known as kunds, lead up to the main temple, with rounded roofs and pavilions typical to Rajasthan’s architectural traditions.

 

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.

 

 

Galtaji is located east of Jaipur, about a 30-minute drive from the Hawa Mahal. Getting here involves a zig-zagging ride uphill, and while you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to take you here and back, it’s easiest to come as part of an organized tour.

 

The Money Temple is open throughout the year, though it can get oppressively hot during the hotter months of the year, particularly in late afternoon. The most auspicious time to visit is during the annual Makar Sankranti holiday, in mid-January, when pilgrims arrive en masse.

 

Makar Sankranti, sometimes called Maghi, is an annual festival dedicated to Surya, the sun god. Celebrations vary in different parts of the country, but traditional activities associated with the event include flying kites, ritual bathing, exchanging gifts and sweets, and a variety of religious ceremonies.

Considered one of the world’s best examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture, Albert Hall houses the Government Central Museum (the oldest museum in Rajasthan). Inside this striking building, you’ll find an extensive collection of international art, miniature paintings, and artifacts—there's even an Egyptian mummy.

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.

 

Albert Hall Museum is located south of the Pink City, about a 25-minute walk or 10-minute drive from the City Palace and Jantar Mantar or a 15-minute drive from the Bani Park neighborhood, where many of Jaipur's hotels are located. Most Jaipur city tours pass by the museum, though not all stop for those who want to go inside.

Albert Hall is open daily throughout the year, making it a good attraction to visit year-round. Many travelers who want to go inside the museum opt to come here later in the day, when bright sunlight makes visiting outdoor attractions and markets uncomfortable. Albert Hall’s façade is usually illuminated at night, making it a popular stop on night tours.

Albert Hall is an excellent example of Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture, a grandiose style that blends Mughal, Gothic Revival, and Hindu themes. Other popular examples of this architecture include Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Madras High Court in Chennai, South India; and the Brighton Pavilion in England.

Set against the rugged backdrop of the Aravali Mountains, Royal Gaitor is a beautiful funerary complex that houses the intricately carved cenotaphs of many of Jaipur's former rulers, including Jai Singh II, who founded Jaipur. One of the quieter places in town, Royal Gaitor is a great spot to escape the noise of the Pink City.

 

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.

 

 

Royal Gaitor is located just north of the Pink City, about 10 minutes’ drive from the City Palace (without traffic) or 20 minutes from Amber Fort. It's easiest to reach by auto rickshaw or taxi, or as part of an organized tour, as it's a bit too far to walk from any of the other main attractions in the area.

 

Royal Gaitor is open daily 9am to 4:30pm, and access is free to the public. Because the attraction is largely outside, travelers are best off visiting first thing in the morning, when the sun is less powerful. Jaipur is best visited in the fall or winter months (this is the desert, after all), and outdoor activities are best avoided during the hot months of May and June.

One of the most common features in Indian architecture, chhatris are round canopy-style pavilions that are frequently used to adorn palaces and forts, particularly in Rajasthan. The word also refers to memorials built over cremation sites, which follow a similar architectural style. They are often decorated with carvings, as is the case with Jai SIngh II's chhatri.

Madho Singh founded the town of Bhangarh in 1631, and at its peak it encompassed a seventeenth century fort and some 10,000 dwellings. Approximately 300 years ago, Bhangarh was deserted for no known reason, leaving behind a complex of well-preserved ruins. Today it’s widely regarded as the most haunted place in India.

While staying past dark in the fort is prohibited, a few brave souls who have managed it have reported several strange phenomena, including the sounds of footsteps or a woman screaming and the sensation of an unseen presence nearby.

Bharatpur is an 18th-century fort city that primarily attracts visitors due to its proximity to Keoladeo National Park. However, it offers plenty in its own right, with a handful of historic heritage hotels along temples and the 18th-century Lohangarh Fort, reputed to be one of India's strongest.

 

Though Bharatpur primarily serves as a jumping-off point for visiting the nearby bird sanctuary, visitors may want to stop to visit the Lohagarh Fort, with its imposing towers and elephant paintings. There are also a number of temples in the area, and wandering through the city's narrow streets can lend itself to some great photo opportunities. Tours to the nearby park sometimes stop in the city for lunch, but generally don’t make stops at the fort or local temples.

 

 

Bharatpur is popular with travelers en route from Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) to Delhi or Jaipur and is generally used as a base for visiting the nearby Keoladeo National Park. Trains from Delhi take around 3.5 hours, while it's closer to four hours by road. Agra is an hour or so away, and Jaipur takes 2.5 hours by car.

Bharatpur is a year-round attraction, although it can get quite hot in April and May. The best time to visit based on temperatures alone is during the cooler months of the year, from October through March, which also happens to be the best time to see migratory birds in the nearby bird sanctuary.

 

If you have a little time to spare in Bharatpur, you may want to sample local cuisine. While you’re likely to find North Indian classics, you may also come across regional delights. Don’t miss the chance to try a raj kachori, round disks filled with lentils or other veggies often served at roadside stalls, or spicy laal maas, a quintessentially Rajasthani mutton curry.

Dating back to 1726, the Jantar Mantar is an observatory with 19 fixed astronomical instruments. The tools in this UNESCO World Heritage site can be used for everything from tracking astronomical movements to predicting eclipses. It's one of five such north Indian observatories, all of which were built by Jai Singh II.

 

Jai 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.

 

 

The Jantar Mantar is right next to the City Palace, in the heart of Jaipur’s Pink City and a quick walk from the Hawa Mahal. It’s easiest to reach this sight on foot or by rickshaw, because the traffic in this part of the city is often heavy. The Pink City is about a half-hour from Amber (Amer) and five hours from Delhi.

 

The Jantar Mantar is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm, and visitors often come here after touring the City Palace next door. However, you may want to visit the Jantar Mantar first thing in the morning, before the City Palace, to avoid the midday sun. If possible, try to go on a clear day, as the instruments won't work well when there's heavy cloud cover.

People usually picture a sundial as the horizontal type commonly seen in gardens. However, they come in other forms, from polar sundials that are lined up with the rotational axis of the earth to portable shepherd's dials, used to measure the height of the sun over the horizon. The Samrat Yantra in the Jantar Mantar is a spherical sundial and is among the world's most precise, with a shadow moving at 1 millimeter per second.

Often referred to simply as the Birla Mandir, the Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple is a striking white marble Hindu temple in Jaipur. The modern edifice—built in 1988 with an adjacent museum—is dedicated to the god Vishnu (the Preserver) and his consort Lakshmi, and features idols of the two deities carved from a single piece of marble.

 

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.

 

 

The Birla Mandir is located right below the Moti Dungri Fort, about a 15-minute drive from Jaipur’s City Palace and Pink City, and 10 minutes by car from Albert Hall. There’s plenty of parking here (for a small fee) just outside of the temple. Some visitors combine their visit with a stop at a popular Ganesh temple next door.

 

This temple is open throughout the year, from 6am in the summer season and 6:30am in the winter. It closes for a few hours each day around lunchtime, then for the night around 8:30pm. A lovely time to visit is first thing in the morning, when crowds are thin and the bright-white temple complex is wonderfully photogenic—it can appear overexposed if shot under the midday sun.

 

Many of India’s temples, hotels, and even some homes are full of beautiful white marble, much of it sourced from Rajasthan. Makrana produces the best-known white marble, which was used in a number of famous buildings including the Birla Mandir in Jaipur, the Victoria Memorial of Kolkata, and India’s most iconic attraction, the Taj Mahal.

The former summer home of Jat rulers of the kingdom of Bharatpur, Deeg Palace is a beautiful palace dating back to 1772. It was commissioned by the ruler Maharaja Suraj Mal, a notoriously brave ruler known for plundering sites such as the Red Fort in Delhi and the Taj Mahal. In fact, much of the granite and marble used in the palace’s construction is believed to have come from the Red Fort itself.  

 

Deeg Palace is a beautiful old palace known for its beautiful Rajasthani architecture, which is characterized by carved archways, tall pillars, and rounded domes. It was used by Rajasthani royals until the 1970s. Today, this off-the-beaten-track structure sits unoccupied, though it does attract the occasional organized tour passing through en route to or from nearby the Keoladeo Ghana National Park.

 

 

Deeg Palace is located about an hour's drive northwest of Bharatpur and Keoladeo Ghana National Park or an hour east of Mathura, right on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Delhi is about 3.5 hours away by car, while getting to Jaipur takes closer to four hours. While there are municipal busses that link Deeg with other neighboring cities, most tourists opt to visit by car or as part of an organized tour.

 

Deeg Palace is open throughout the year (except on Fridays), though the best months to visit are between October and March, when temperatures are cool and pleasant; it’s best to avoid the months of April and May, which can be oppressively hot in this part of India. Monsoon season starts in mid-June and goes through August, though rainfall in Deeg isn’t as severe as it is farther south and east.

 

Deeg Palace is most celebrated for its fountains, which are spread across the palace grounds and interspersed with beautiful courtyards, floral gardens, and trees. A large reservoir sits at the heart of the complex and is used to supply the fountains with water, though they remain defunct throughout most of the year, only to be turned on during special occasions. For example, during the annual Holi (festival of colors) celebrations, colors are added to the fountains to create a vibrant effect.

Jaipur is one of the best places in India to shop for handicrafts items, and some of the optimal places to pick up great bargains are located right in the heart of the Pink City. Bapu Bazaar offers a particularly good selection, with everything from jewelry to traditional Rajasthani textiles displayed colorfully in this lively market street.

Vendors at Bapu Bazaar specialize in textiles, and it’s the place to go if you’re in the market for bed sheets, scarves, or traditional Indian saris. Other popular finds include leather products, such as traditional shoes known as jootis, along with brass works, marble, precious stones, and a smattering of Rajasthani products, all at affordable prices. Even if you aren't into shopping, it's a great place to explore, with plenty of compelling photo opportunities.

Visit the bazaar independently or as part of a half-day group shopping tour or a private heritage walking tour that also explores the Albert Hall Museum, the New Gate, Anant Dev Temple, and other sights.

Bapu Bazaar is located in the heart of the Pink City, just south of the City Palace and Hawa Mahal and north of M.I. Road. Many Jaipur shopping tours stop here. If you come on your own, you’re best off asking your driver to drop you off at Sanganeri Gate and continuing your explorations on foot.

Most shops at Bapu Bazaar are open Monday through Saturday, usually from around 11am to 7pm. Arrive early to avoid crowds and to score “first customer of the day” deals (it’s considered lucky to sell something to the first person who visits your shop or stall in the morning).

Jaipur is celebrated for preserving the millennia-old craft of woodblock printing. This method of decorating textiles involves using carved wooden stamps to print directly onto fabrics, and vendors throughout town sell everything from men's shirts to cloth napkins created using the technique. Some Jaipur tours also stop at nearby Sanganer, where visitors can watch woodblock printing in action.

One of Jaipur’s top attractions and the official residence of the titular royal family, the City Palace is a historic complex that masterfully blends Rajasthani, Mughal, and European architectural influences. Within its walls you’ll find striking courtyards, elegant pavilions, royal halls, an armory, and an art gallery.

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.

 

City Palace is located in Jaipur’s Pink City, in the heart of the city center, next to the Jantar Mantar observatory and a few minutes’ walk from the Hawa Mahal. Due to congested traffic, getting around the Pink City is easiest on foot or by rickshaw, though cars are allowed in. If you’re driving, it’s about a half hour from Amber (Amer) and five hours from Delhi. Trains from Delhi to Jaipur take 4.5 to 6 hours. 

The palace is open daily except for on the second day of Holi. In the hotter months of the year (roughly April through October), you may want to visit earlier in the day, before it gets too hot, as much of the royal complex is outdoors.

You can’t go far inside the City Palace complex without seeing books for sale about the life of Gayatri Devi. This glamorous princess was known for her movie-star good looks and her successful political career as a member of India’s Lok Sabha (the lower house of parliament). Although she left politics in the 1970s, Devi continued to be a beloved public figure until her death in 2009.

High on a hilltop, towering majestically over the village of Amber on the outskirts of Jaipur, this 16th-century fort palace is worth visiting for its grand architecture that blends Muslim Mughal and Indian Hindu (Rajput) elements. Here, you’ll find labyrinthine passageways, elegant royal halls, and fabulous views of desert landscape.

Dating from around 1592, Amber Fort is one of Rajasthan's top tourist attractions and a standard stop on most North India itineraries. This enormous complex built under Raja Man Singh I blends red sandstone and white marble in four stories of magnificent architecture.

Highlights in the main palace include the Sheesh Mahal (or mirror palace), a small room covered with mirrored mosaics, and the Zenana, a maze of fresco-covered rooms that once served as a residence for royal concubines.

Visit as part of a full-day or multi-day tour, or book a package for Amber Fort’s light and sound show that includes dinner and private transportation. An excursion to the fort can also be paired with lunch and a camel ride.

 

Amber Fort is located on the outskirts of Jaipur, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the Pink City, just past Maota Lake, near Jaigarh Fort, on the road that leads out of town toward Delhi and Agra. Most visitors come here as part of a larger day tour, although those wanting to see the fort can always hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to drop them off.

Amber Fort is open throughout the year. However, its high elevation, lack of shade, and desert location can lead to some oppressively hot and sunny conditions, so it’s a good idea to arrive at sunrise to avoid the worst heat of the day. This is especially advisable if you’re visiting during the hot months of April–June.

For a special, romantic, and regal experience, book a table at 1135 AD, housed in an elegant series of rooms right inside Amber Fort, just off the main courtyard. The menu here features rich Rajasthani dishes, many of which date back generations. However, it’s the ambience that really makes 1135 feel special, with elegant purple-and-gold chairs, crystal chandeliers, and archways and pillars covered with intricately detailed frescoes.

The city of Ajmer is a whirlwind of activity and excitement tucked between the quiet Ana Sagar Lake and the picturesque Aravalli Hills. The fifth largest city in Rajasthan, Ajmer is known as an important hub for Islamic history, culture and early Muslim architecture, as well as a destination for followers of the Jain religion. For this reason, travelers will find a number of noteworthy religious structures, like the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, which is visited by some 125,000 people each year.

History lovers can check out Taragarh Fort, which once guarded the city and is believed to be among the oldest forts in the world. Ajmer’s main museum, known as Magazine, is a shining example of Mughal architecture that dates all the way back to 150. Visitors can also explore the Digambara Jain Temple and Lake Foy Sagara, a man-made lake that’s ideal for evening bird watching. 

Situated in Rajasthan’s Aravalli Hills, not far from Amber Fort (Amer Fort), Nahargarh is the oldest of three forts built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh (Jai Singh II). Dating to 1734, this majestic fort—aka the Tiger Fort—is largely in a state of ruin, but is still worth a visit for its amazing view of Jaipur city below.

 

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.

 

Nahargarh is located just outside of Jaipur’s Pink City area, about a 20-minute drive from the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar. The fort is also directly connected to Jaigarh (also a 20-minute drive) via a back road. Getting to the fort is arduous for travelers coming on foot from the base of the hill—it’s easiest to hire a taxi or visit as part of an organized sightseeing tour. Delhi is a 5-hour drive away or between 4.5 and six hours by train. 

 

Nahargarh is open from 10am daily throughout the year, though temperatures are at their most pleasant during the cooler (but still warm) winter months. Visit around sunset to truly appreciate the fort’s great views and light for photography.

 

According to local legend, the fort stands on land that was once haunted by a prince named Nahar Singh Bhomia. The ghost kept causing problems during the construction of the fort, and he agreed to stop causing a ruckus only if the fort was named after him; a temple in his honor sits within the fort to this day.