10 Incredible things to do in Jaipur, India

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When I first visited Jaipur at only 15 years old, I felt like I had stumbled into an Indian postcard: the surrounding hills, Redstone buildings, and musicians playing folk music on every corner of the landmarks. I could experience the culture of this city through street paintings, folk music, local streets, and palatial monuments.

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan is very well known for its historical forts, royal palaces, rich heritage, warmhearted hospitality, and abundant visual art. Visiting this Pink City over the years on several occasions has always been a delight for me.

Needless to say, there are plenty of things to do in Jaipur. So without further ado, let me take you through them!

VISIT AMER FORT

The Amer Fort also known as Amber Fort is one of the most picturesque and majestic forts of Rajasthan. Built of red sandstone and marble, this fort is a perfect fusion of Rajput (Hindu) and Mughal (Islamic) architecture.

Overlooking the Maota Lake, this fort has a grand layout comprising royal courtyards, temples, palaces, gardens, and chambers.

The most remarkable feature of this Amer Fort is the Ganesh Pol which is a very beautiful and exquisitely decorated entrance gate to the private premises of the ruler.

The Sheesh Mahal within these private premises is also an amazing part of the fort. The walls and the ceilings of the Sheesh Mahal are decorated with intricate mirror works, floral patterns, and colored glasses.

You can also enjoy the light and sound show organized at the fort during the evening to showcase the history of Amer Fort and the culture of the people of Amer.

Visiting the Amer fort is one of the most incredible things to do in Jaipur.

The ticket usually costs Rs. 550 for foreign visitors and Rs. 25 for Indian Nationals. You can book them online to avoid the queue or grab them whilst you are on the premises.

CHECK OUT THE JAIGARH FORT TO ENJOY THE VIEW

The Jaigarh Fort is built 400 meters above the Amer Fort. This fort was built as a military base by Jai Singh II to protect the Amer fort in the 18th century. You would be able to catch some amazing views of the Amer Fort, Maota Lake, and the Aravalli ranges from Jaigarh Fort.

This fort houses the Jaivana cannon known as the world’s largest cannon on wheels for centuries. This cannon was never used in battles due to healthy relations between the Rajputs and the Mughals. The fort is hence a well-preserved military structure you will come across.

You can also take a look at various weapons of medieval times in the armory chamber. The museum at the fort showcases many artifacts, stamps, and photographs of the royalties.

The ticket prices for Jaigarh Fort are Rs.70 for Indians and Rs.150 for foreign visitors.
Jaigarh Fort is located about 7 km from Amer Fort and easily be reached by taxi. You can also walk to Jaigarh Fort from Amer Fort.

VISIT THE CITY PALACE

City Palace is one of the splendid monuments in Jaipur that beautifully portrays the glory and grandeur of the royal kingdoms of the 18th century. This monument’s vast complex comprises magnificently decorated gates, courtyards, gardens, royal premises, palaces, temples, and alleys.

City Palace is a fusion of Indian, Rajput, Mughal, and European architectures. You will find unique artworks, paintings, wall decorations, a collection of weapons, fine glass and mirror works at almost all parts of this historically significant monument.

The main attractions of this complex are the Chandra Niwas, Mubarak Mahal, Maharani’s Palace (Queen’s Palace), Diwan-i-Khaas (Hall of Private Audience), Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Shri Govind Dev Temple, Pritam Niwas Chowk, and Bhaggi Khana (Museum of Carriages). You should not miss out on this major attraction in Jaipur.

The ticket prices for City Palace start from Rs.300 for Indians and Rs.1000 for foreign visitors.

City Palace is located at Badi Chopad in the old city of Jaipur. The easiest way to reach there is by cab or by an auto rickshaw.

SEE THE PALACE OF WINDS, THE HAWA MAHAL

Hawa Mahal translates to Palace of the Winds and is a significant part of Jaipur’s old city. It is built of red and pink sandstone. One thing about this five-storey pyramidal-shaped palace that immediately catches attention is its unique architecture having a row of small windows decorated by intricate latticework on each floor.

This structure of 953 miniature windows also referred to as Jharokas was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the 18th century for the Rajput royal ladies so that they could observe the activities and events going on outside the palace among the common people. These Jharokas along with centrally located fountains used to keep the palace very breezy, hence giving it the name Hawa Mahal.

From this palace, you can also catch an extensive view of this beautiful Pink City. A visit to the Hawa Mahal which is also known to be an iconic landmark is surely one of the most wonderful things to do in Jaipur.

The ticket price for Hawa Mahal is Rs.50 for Indians and Rs.200 for foreign visitors.

Hawa Mahal is located at Badi Chopard, next to City Palace. The easiest way to reach there is by cab or by an auto rickshaw.

MARVEL AT THE VIEWS FROM NAHARGARH FORT

Perched on the Aravalli hills the Nahargarh fort provides the most amazing panoramic views of the city and the entire surroundings. This fort was built in the year 1734 by King Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh to guard the city from any attack. This was also a very popular hunting place for the royals.

Nahargarh Fort is a perfect place to spend a serene time and view sunrise or sunset over the beautiful Pink City, Jaipur. The views of the city from the fort make it one of the most amazing things to do in Jaipur. You can also visit the wax museum and dine at the restaurant in this fort.

The ticket prices for Nahargarh Fort are Rs.50 for Indians and Rs.200 for foreigners.

Nahargarh Fort is located at the Aravalli hills, it would be a 10 km drive North from Jaipur. You can trek from the foot of the hill or hire a cab to reach the fort.

EXPLORE JANTAR MANTAR

Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. There are 5 such observatories in India and this one in Jaipur is the largest and the most popular among all. It has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II was keen on obtaining knowledge and building astronomical instruments. He worked with various astronomers to construct instruments to predict the time, eclipses, and positioning of all the astronomical bodies. He took about seven years to complete this observatory.

Jantar Mantar has nineteen instruments from which you can make observations through the naked eye and also houses the world’s largest stone sundial.

This observatory is a perfect example of the wisdom of the ancient kingdoms when there were no high-end technologies for astronomical predictions. I would recommend you hire a local guide there to explain to you how these instruments work.

The ticket prices for Jantar Mantar are Rs.50 for Indians and Rs.200 for foreigners.

Jantar Mantar is located near City Palace and Hawa Mahal. The easiest way to reach there is by cab or by an auto rickshaw.

SEE THE JAL MAHAL PALACE

Jal Mahal is one of the most picturesque places in Jaipur. It is a palace located in the middle of the Mansagar lake. Jal Mahal is built of red sandstone and is a five-storied palace, having four floors submerged in the lake.

Currently, the entrance to the palace is not allowed but you can stop by here and get some great pictures clicked. There are also many photographers there offering local outfits too, for you to dress up and pose for that perfect shot with the amazing backdrop of the palace and the lake.

You can also feast on street food and shikanji (lemon water) at the promenade beside the lake.

Jal Mahal is located 5 km north of the Amer Road (National Highway 8) from Jaipur city. It comes on the way if you are going to visit the Amer Fort.

VISIT THE ALBERT HALL MUSEUM

If you want to learn about the history, interests and culture of the royal rulers of Rajasthan, Albert Hall Museum will be a perfect place for visit. This is the oldest museum in Rajasthan and has many artifacts, sculptures, statues, paintings, crafts, carpets, jewelry, weapons and many other ancient instruments.

This impressive museum is based on Indo – Saracenic architecture and has an outlook of a beautiful castle. During the evenings, this museum complex gets illuminated with various colored lightings. Also, these illuminating transitions make the Albert Hall museum very stunning and awe worthy.

The ticket prices for Albert Hall Museum are Rs 40 for Indians while Rs. 300 for foreigners during the day time. In the evening, you can visit the museum for Rs. 100 which is applicable to all kinds of visitors.

Albert Hall Museum is located at Ram Niwas Bagh in Adarsh Nagar. It can be reached by hiring a cab or an auto rickshaw.

EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE AT CHOKHI DHANI

Chokhi Dhani is the perfect spot to discover the Rajasthani traditional dance form, folk music, and cuisine. It is a 5-star resort with a Rajasthani village theme. You can shop for souvenirs, go for a camel ride, enjoy a puppet show, and play games too.

You will receive a very warm welcome at the restaurant and be served the authentic assorted platter of Rajasthani food (also known as the Rajasthani thali). The ambiance and the vibe of this charming resort is very mesmerizing

Chokhi Dhani is definitely one of the must-visit places in Jaipur that I would highly recommend.

The entrance fees for Chokhi Dhani start from Rs 700 per Adult while Rs. 400 per child. This fee depends on the dining experience you would be opting for.

Chokhi Dhani is located about 20 km far from Jaipur at Tonk Road and it can be easily reached by a cab. The cab may charge you around Rs. 1500 for the two-way journey depending on the location where you hire it from.

SEE THE ICONIC RAJ MANDIR

Raj Mandir Cinema is the oldest and one of the most stunning cinema halls you might have visited. This cinema hall was built in 1976 and is an iconic place in Jaipur. The royal architecture, beautiful ceilings, stylish chandeliers, and classy look would leave you in awe of this place.

Many tourists and locals visit this cinema hall to watch Bollywood movies. If you have some spare time in Jaipur and would like to watch a movie, the Royal Theater Raj Mandir will not at all disappoint you!

Raj Mandir Cinema is near the Albert Hall Museum at Bhagwan Das Road, Panch Batti. You can hire a cab or ride an auto rickshaw to get there.

Street Shopping In Jaipur

If you are out shopping in Jaipur get ready to put your bargaining skills to the test. The most famous street markets in Jaipur are Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar. You are going to find everything ranging from mojaris, handcrafted bags, block-printed clothing, scarves, lightweight quilts, embroidered ethnic jackets, and a variety of jewelry in these markets.

You should visit these markets in a fresh mood or else you will just feel lost and tired there due to the crowd.

To indulge in some good street food you can stop by the very popular LMB (Laxmi Mishthaan Bhandaar) restaurant located centrally in the Johari Bazaar market.

Try out the refreshing lassi, pyaaz kachori, dahi bhalla, and anything of your choice from their varied options. There are many other food options also available in these market areas.

Where To Stay In Jaipur

Jaipur offers a wide range of stay options whether you are looking to stay at Havelis, stylish boutique hotels, heritage hotels, or budget hostels.

Bani Park is the best area to stay during your visit because of its proximity to the sightseeing around the Pink City. Below are some of the highly recommended hotels in Jaipur that are located near all the major tourist spots;

Hostels: Hoztel Jaipur

Budget: Hotel Pearl Palace

Luxury: Taj Rambagh Palace

Best Time To Visit Jaipur

Ideally, Jaipur must be visited during winters (October –  March) if you want to enjoy visiting and sightseeing of all the monuments. There are temperature drops during monsoons (July – August) as well, but it’s not probably an ideal time to visit this city, because the weather is quite uneven sometimes due to fewer rain showers.

But, if you are planning to travel on a budget, you will get the best discounts on hotel deals during monsoons. The summer season (April – June) being the hottest and most humid is not a good time to visit Jaipur.

If you are traveling to Jaipur or planning out a trip and have any queries relating to the city, leave a message below in the comment box.

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