The city of Jaipur is India’s tenth-most populous, with at least three million inhabitants at last count. It is also viewed both within India and beyond as a city that manages to balance a long and rich history with modernity that marks it out among its competitors. Historians will, of course, be more interested in the former, and you can be assured that any visit to Jaipur will offer plenty of opportunities to visit incredible palaces and sight-seeing spots that give a real sense of the city’s past. From the religious pilgrimage spots, through a few nods to its educational history, there’s something here for every visitor. Below, we’ll explore that element of this Rajasthani city in greater depth, with a look into the best historical places in Jaipur, India.
1. Jai Mahal
The name “Jal Mahal” literally means “Water Palace”, and that’s what you’ll find if you journey to the Man Sagar Lake near Jaipur; this incredible monument was built - on an island in the middle of the lake - at the end of the 18th century for the Maharajah Jai Singh and offers wondrous views of the surrounding Nahargarh Hills. Renovation work has been carried out on the palace, which has included the building of several storeys that are technically beneath the waterline of the lake, anchored into the bedrock of the island on which it sits.
Jal Mahal
Address: Amer Rd, Jal Mahal, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
Opening hours: Wed: 24 hours; Mon, Tue, Thur - Sat: 12pm -10:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
Price: Under 1 USD
2. Amer Fort
This Mughal-influenced hill fort is found 11km (6.8 miles) from Jaipur city and is, in the estimation of many, the area’s standout tourist destination. It is certainly one of the most visually striking, constructed from marble and red sandstone, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort was built, to something close to how we would recognise it now, in the 16th Century by Man Singh I - it has been added to and renovated since, but what you see when you visit will be much what was seen all those centuries ago.
Amer Fort
Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001
Opening hours: 8am - 5:30pm; 6:30 - 9:15pm (daily)
Price: 500 INR (7 USD)
3. Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal - loosely translated, it means “Palace of Breeze” - is one of Jaipur’s most striking sights, and an interesting piece of architecture in its own right. At five storeys tall, it is the highest building ever completed without a foundation. Due to the curvature of the building, it can stay up without one. It’s also beautiful - built in pink and red sandstone, it is unmistakable as a part of the main city landscape. Interestingly, it was built with a lattice framework to allow royal ladies to look onto parades and celebrations without breaking strict purdah rules.
Hawa Mahal
Address: Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
Website: Hawa Mahal
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 200 INR (3 USD)
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4. Rambagh Palace
If you’ve ever looked at a grand royal palace and felt that fleeting moment of envy for the people who got to live there, then the Rambagh Palace might be very much to your liking. Built originally in 1835 as a palace for the Rajasthani royal family, it has in recent years been internally converted into a hotel where you can book a stay and enjoy the views, and the opulence, that 19th-Century royalty once indulged in. Within the hotel, you can also enjoy the Albert Hall museum with its wide-ranging collection of art and historical exhibits.
Rambagh Palace
Address: Bhawani Singh Rd, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302005
Website: Rambagh Palace
Price: Viewing free
Jaipur Tour Guide
Neha Agarwal
Namaste, Passionate and Authorized Lady Tour Guide, Neha , dedicated to unveil the captivating stories, heritage and cultural treasures of JAIPUR, India. Committed to create joyful and memorable experiences for guests through personalized tours and warm hospitality. I work as a cultural ambassador of India , since 2007 appointed by the Ministry of Tourism, India. I have mastered in Medieval History of India (Post Graduate) which has educated me and enhanced my knowledge to compliment my job as a tour guide as it helps me to explain different aspects of History, architecture, religion and secularism, colors, languages, dresses, culture and traditions. I have an instinct that I specialize in taking around my city Jaipur and various Heritage monuments, especially for lady guests. The list is long to name them, but proudly if I name them it starts with MS. OPRAH WINFREY, "Queen of All Media", Ms. Mary Lindmann- Community Builder, Darrah Joy. In Addition to this, many CEO's, artists, magicians (Zubin Mehta), travel writers, etc. with their families, friends and companions. I always wanted to do a job in which I talk about the world and compare it with city's heritage. This job truly blends with my passion of talking to the nationals of developed countries I just enjoy it. Through that I learn a lot and try to help the society in sustaining of restoration work. That nature of mine has fetched me many dignitaries, diplomats through their respective embassies, consulates, Dutchess and Dukes and many other private star hotels, namely Aman Group, Oberoi's, Taj Group and ITC. I have received many compliments for my tailor made itineraries by repeated guests as they are the best judges to differentiate their previous visits with mine. As I totally emphasize to show them the actual India differently by making Heritage Walks many other typical Indian ways. I want them to look India through my eye which is truly INCREDIBLE! Thank you for giving few minutes of your valuable search and time to read, understand my profile. Hope I'll receive the click button—Confirmed. I can pen down many other things about myself but leaving it for you to experience yourself by coming as a guest but going as a friend, from a stranger to family.
Tours by Neha
Jaipur Tour Guide
Narender Kumar
I have been a tour guide/ escort for more than 10 years and have guided tourists pan India to historical and cultural heritage sites, national parks & bird sancturies, monuments places like- Delhi , Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho Exotic Temples, Ranthambore National Park, Mumbai, Nashik , Aurangabad ( Ajanta Rockcut Caves & Ellora Rockcut Temples ), Goa etc. I am proficient in English, Russian, Hindi and Urdu. I became a tour guide due to my passion for travelling and I love meeting new people and share incredible experiences and learn more about a culture and place. I have a good sense of humor and love cracking jokes which will make your trip fun and lively. I love taking care of people and your safety is my top priority. You will have the best holiday memories with me as your tour guide/escort.
Tours by Narender
Jaipur Tour Guide
Farman Guia Turstico
Hello Travellers people calle me Farman a experienced freelance tour guide. I work with several Free Tours company and we would love to show you around and give you the best tips and recomendations. If you travel in India you will discover a new aspect of this wonderful city. If it is your first visit i warn you one thing: you will fall in love in love with India and you will end up coming back.
Tours by Farman guia turstico
Jaipur Tour Guide
Zeeshan Ali
Namaste!! I Take privilege to share about myself. My name is Zeeshan. I was born and raised in the rich history of India, in the Beautiful City of Agra, I had no Doubts to become a Tour Guide because I couldn't stop myself been attracted towards the charm for History & Architecture of monuments located at Agra from my childhood. I Chose to become a Tour Guide to fulfill my Passion & to learn, share about the Customs, Tradition, Culture, History & Architecture of my Incredible Country which has a Unity in Diversity. I am 34 years old and 14 of them I Dedicated as a Tour Guide. I am Educated, Professional, Sociable, Punctual & friendly. I can interest you by presenting interesting facts about India. I always take into account the wishes of my Clients and create individual plans of Excursion. I help my Clients in choosing the Best Stops, Stores, Cafes & transfers. I did my Masters in Indian History (Medieval Period). I believe my Journey has just begun as I discovered an enormous amount of knowledge of History, Architecture & Culture of North India by reading & Travelling So I am very Well Versed to Deliver the Tour just like a local. I consider myself a Professional in this field, I am happy that my clients take their India Tour Memories as an Experience to Cherish it throughout their lives. In easy words, you can travel with me like an old family friend from India.
5. City Palace
One thing that you are sure to notice when visiting Jaipur’s historical palaces is that there is very much a theme of warmly coloured sandstone that gives everything a vibrant edifice. This is also true of the City Palace, which was built upon the establishment of the city itself, in 1727. The Palace was the city seat of the Maharajah of Jaipur until 1949, shortly after India’s independence, and contains galleries aplenty as well as sweeping courtyards; particular credit should be paid to the textile gallery, which features a beautiful pashmina carpet.
City Palace
Address: Tulsi Marg, Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 500 and 900 INR (7 - 13 USD)
6. Birla Mandir
The beautiful and imposing Birla Mandir - also known as the Laxmi Narayan Temple, in reference to a manifestation of the Hindu deity Vishnu - is one of a number of Temples of the same name built across India by the Birla family. Like other examples in the chain, the Jaipur Birla Mandir is built in white marble and features an ornate entry staircase with beautifully carved pillars. The site is a frequent pilgrimage destination for Hindu worshippers.
Birla Mandir Jaipur
Address: Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Tilak Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004
7. Jaigarh Fort
The proximity of Jaigarh to the more famous Amer Fort is not a coincidence - this rugged hillside fort was built to overlook and specifically protect Amer. The kingdom’s ruler Jai Singh II ordered its construction in 1726, and as a result, both the fort and its surrounding palace complex are named after him. Interestingly, it is possible to make your way from Jaigarh to Amer Fort, and vice versa, by means of an underground tunnel specifically constructed for that purpose.
Jaigarh Fort
Address: Devisinghpura, Amer, Rajasthan 302028
Opening hours: Sat: 9:30am - 8pm; Sun - Fri: 9:30am - 4:45pm
Price: 85 INR (2 USD)
8. Nahargarh Fort
Along with Jaigarh and Amer Forts, Nahargarh makes up a collection of three outlook points that were constructed for the purpose of protecting Jaipur as it sits below them. Nahargarh Fort, along with its distinguished military history, also has another claim to fame, being the site of a wax museum that commemorates stars from fields as diverse as the world of sport, freedom fighters and Bollywood celebrities. Although the fort never came under direct attack, its place in history is secured as it was where peace treaties were signed with forces at war with Jaipur.
Nahargarh Fort
Address: Krishna Nagar, Brahampuri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 200 INR for 25 for students (3 USD)
9. Jantar Mantar
This remarkable 18th-Century observatory is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is well worth seeing for that among other reasons. The entire building is built out of stone and allowed the astronomers of some centuries past to observe the night sky by means of its dedicated structures. As a point of curiosity, Jantar Mantar is also home to the world’s largest sundial, standing an impressive 73 feet tall (22.3 meters). The observatory was finished in 1734.
Jaipur: a standout part of India's history
Any visitor to Jaipur will be struck by the beauty of the city and its surroundings. From jaw-dropping hilltop forts to stunning sandstone palaces, there is something remarkable to see everywhere you look. When you step inside, an added dimension makes it all even more incredible as you learn more about the history of this stunning part of the world. If you’re planning to visit India, it’s worth recognising that there’s a lot of India to see, and you can’t take it all in with just the one trip - but Jaipur should definitely be one of the first places on your list.
History
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