Best Things To Do In Jaipur, India: A City That Will Steal Your Heart

1. Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is known as the “Palace of Winds” and it is the most iconic landmark of Jaipur. Built as a high screen for the women of the royal household, this Mahal is made of red and pink sandstone. It stands right at the edge of the City Palace and extends to the women’s chambers. The Hawa Mahal served as a perfect cover for the Rajput women to watch the everyday happenings and the special processions on the streets below.

Hawa Mahal

Address: Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002

Website: Hawa Mahal

2. City Palace

The City Palace is located right next to the Hawa Mahal, and a fun fact is that part of the City Palace is out of bounds to the general public because it continues to serve as the home of the royal family of Jaipur. This Palace also has a museum that displays a wide array of royal costumes, some very exquisite and precious Pashmina shawls, Benaras silk saris and folk embroidery, as well as weaponry used by the Rajputs.

City Palace

Address: Jaleb Chowk, Near Jantar Mantar, Tripolia Bazar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002

Website: City Palace

3. Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is an observatory and, among many other interesting instruments, it contains the world’s biggest sundial. It is located just a stone’s throw away from the City Palace and Hawa Mahal. You can observe astronomical positions with the naked eye, using the instruments present here. This place is a fine example of Ptolemaic positional astronomy.

Jantar Mantar

Address: Sansad Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001

Website: UNESCO - Jantar Mantar

4. Albert Hall Museum

The Albert Hall Museum is one of the oldest museums in Rajasthan and it can be found on the outskirts of the traditional market area of Jaipur. It exhibits a collection of rare paintings, chiseled brass-ware, pottery, ivory goods and crystal works.

Read more about Jaipur’s Albert Hall Museum here.

Albert Hall Museum

Address: Ram Niwas Bagh, Ajmeri Gate, Kailash Puri, Ashok Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001

Website: Albert Hall Museum

5. Rambagh Palace

This palace is often called the Jewel of Jaipur and it doesn’t take much to see why it has earned this name. It once served as the residence of the Maharajah of Jaipur. Now the palace has been converted into a very fine hotel and it is the most expensive hotel in Jaipur.

Rambagh Palace

Address: Bhawani Singh Rd, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302005

6. Jal Mahal

The Jal Mahal is located in the middle of the artificial Man Sagar Lake. It looks like the building is floating on the water and it is inspired by the Lake Palace of Udaipur. Though boat rides were available before, the place is used only for photographs, now.

Jal Mahal

Address: Amer Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan

7. Amber Fort

This fort is 13 km (8.1 miles) away from the city and proudly stands on the outskirts of Jaipur. It brings together the elements of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Unlike the other two forts, it’s less of a military fortress and more of a pleasure palace. Precious stones were once embedded in the walls and ceilings. This fort has tunnels for the Royal family to escape, in case of trouble.

Amber Fort

Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001

Website: Amber Fort

8. Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort was originally called Sudarshangarh and it is a newer fort, compared to the Amber Fort, mentioned above. Along with the other two forts, it acted as a circular defense of the city. It was renamed after Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit reportedly haunted the region and obstructed the fort’s construction. It is said that only after a temple was built inside the fort, the spirit went away.

Read more about Nahargarh Fort here.

Nahargarh Fort

Address: Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002

Website: Nahargarh Fort

9. Jaigarh Fort

This fort is one of the rare military structures built in medieval India and one that remains intact, even today. The main attraction of Jaigarh Fort is the Jaivana. It is the world’s largest cannon on wheels and was manufactured in the foundry of Jaigarh, famous for making cannons for the Mughal Empire. Jaigarh was never invaded and the Jaivana was used only to test it’s firing capabilities.

Jaigarh Fort

Address: Above Amber Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001

10. Browse around and shop

Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise and people come from all over the world to purchase items, which Jaipur is famous for. The market is spread out around the Hawa Mahal and is divided into specific quarters that sell specific goods. Bapu Bazaar is a great place to shop for sarees and fabrics, Siredeori Bazaar and Johari Bazaar house jewelry stores and are especially known for Meenakari jewelry, which is a specialty of Jaipur. Manigaron Ka Rasta is a great place to go shopping for bangles and the Rajasthali Emporium sells all things Rajasthani.

Bapu Bazaar

Address: Bapu Bazar, Biseswarji, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302007

Johari Bazaar

Address: Johari Bazaar Road, Jaipur 302001

11. Pink City Cycle Tour (29 USD)

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state is one of India’s biggest city with an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2018. It is known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the pink walls and pink structures that surrounded the city. The Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar are just some examples of the fine architectures that are painted in light pink.

Join a local tour guide on a Pink City Cycle Tour and understand why the city takes so much pride with its rich cultural heritage. This is a slow-paced cycling with an average duration of 3.5 hours. You can choose from three route options: Pink Royal, Pink Sensation and Pink Inside.

The tour package includes cycle with basket, safety helmet and a bottle of water. You’ll have rest stops in between so you can sample local delights like vegetable samosas, kachori and lassi. At the end of the tour, you will dine with either an old Haveli or with an Indian family for a full vegetarian breakfast. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet some locals, listen to their stories, and see the affection they have for their city. And with all of that for the price? It surely is a great deal! The tour departs from Karnot Mahal Hotel, Ramganj Chaupar at 6:30 am in summer time and 7:00 am in winter time.

Pink City Cycle Tour

Price: 29 USD

Duration: 3.5 hours

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12. Craft, Bazaar & Cuisine Walk (23 USD)

When everyone goes to big shopping malls, you should join this tour for the experience! Enjoy the hustle and bustle unique to the local markets tucked in hidden lanes of the Walled City. Walk through the markets and enjoy the culture. A fun-filled adventure for bargain hunters. You can find whatever you are looking for at great prices. From a variety of colourful traditional dresses, jewelleries & accessories, perfumery, spices, flowers, arts & crafts, and so much more await you here. You will go crazy with the choices.

Also, don’t forget to come hungry. The tour includes sampling of samosas & kachories and local sweets such as mal pua & rabri. Blend with the locals as you visit a 150-year old private residence and join a family for a cup of tea. The tour also includes a visit to a historic Haveli tastefully decorated with traditional frescos. The tour starts at 4:00 pm.

Craft, Bazaar & Cuisine Walk

Price: 23 USD

Duration: 2.5 hours

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Get ready to travel to the past

Jaipur is an architectural gem that has a lot to offer its visitors, from festivals, a wealth of handicrafts, a royal legacy of palaces and sightseeing that will make the most of your time. I recommend visitors to simply stroll the streets of this old city. The pictures do not do justice to the places. Visit this breathtaking city and you will know what you have been missing all these years!