Jaipur tour
Places to visit in Jaipur. The capital of Rajasthan as well as it’s largest city Jaipur is a metropolis city. The pink city is strategically located in close proximity to some of the other places to visit in Rajasthan like Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. The town dates back to the Rajput dynasty, and due to their religious beliefs, the entire city is planned according to the Vastu and Shilpa Shastras. Each of the city lanes has a story to tell and the people who reside here follow age-old traditions up to this date.
Additionally, the people of Jaipur celebrate most of the Indian festivals. Tourists from all across the world visit the city mostly in the month of the festival as they get to witness the colourful and jolly festival. Also, the local cuisine remains the favourites of many visitors. Some of the local cuisines include Daal Batti Churma a dish that Jodha prepared for Akbar. Some of the other mouth-watering delicacies include Bajare Ki Roti, Missi Roti, and Gatte Ki Sabji. Also, one of the famed sweets namely moong that gently tickles your sweet tooth.
Moreover, almost the entire region follows the Rajasthani culture, and this is what the tourists see from any part of the city. One may also wish to pick up handmade crafts. The region mainly indulges in artistically driven chores, and this is why you will find some of the best handmade and embroidered pieces. You may wish to pick, stone crafts, tarkashi above all a beautiful bhandhini. The pink city also remains one of the best places to choose your gemstones in India. Also, Jaipur is effected by dessert climates and follows extreme temperatures. Tourists flock to the marvellous city to sight the various palaces and seek an insight into the glorious historical past of India.
Best time to visit Jaipur
Located in a semi-desert region and hence faces only three different seasons. However, the visitors must visit during one main season. During this season the city remains crowded, and this is why you must make bookings way beforehand. Thus out of the three main seasons namely winter, summer/spring and monsoons the best time to visit Jaipur remains during the winter months. Jaipur witnesses dry and warm winters during early November extending to February. This remains the peak tourist season. Hence while deciding to visit Jaipur, the weather plays a crucial role.
Furthermore, one must never consider visiting Jaipur in the long humid summers. The summers here last from March up till July. During this season the daytime temperatures probably exceed 45 degrees. The intensity in heat combining with the dust-borne winds makes Jaipur an inhabitable city during the summers. However, if you wish to travel to Jaipur during the summers, you must make sure that you book only air-conditioned lodging facilities. Thus during the summers, it becomes difficult to head to the places to visit in Jaipur.
Thus, the best time to visit your holidays in the city remains during the winter months. Here the days remain pleasant but the nights become harsh and unbearable sometimes. You must prefer carrying woollens and warm clothing if you wish to visit the city during its winters. Additionally, those of you who enjoy nature and rains, this is the best time to witness the city in its natural state. During this time you can also enjoy the kite festival, the literature festivals and other major celebrations in the city. During this time it also becomes easy to travel to the main places to visit in Jaipur.
Places to visit in Jaipur
Known as the pink city because it was once painted pink to welcome the Prince of Whales. Furthermore, the city showcases rich heritage and exists as one of the last places in India to be ruled by a throne. Many of the forts we see today were once the residences of famous and brave kings like the Nahargarh Fort served as the resident of king Sawai Jaisingh the second. Additionally, here the tourists submerge their soul to the culturally rich environment and go all out on adventures and explorations. For your ease, we have listed some of the places to visit in Jaipur.
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind)
The pink painted, delicate monument remains one of the main places to visit in Jaipur. It is also Jaipur’s most distinctive attractions due to its honeycomb hive structure. Constructed in 1799 the monument is a five-storied one. The structure was built to enable the royal women of Jaipur to watch the lively city during celebrations. From the highest story of the building, you can feast your eyes to the view of Jaipur’s bazar on one side and one the other the Jantar Mantar and the city palace.
Additionally, the Mahal features a small museum that remains open from Saturday to Thursday. Here you will find small paintings and rich relics like the ceremonial armour that will help recall the city’s royal past. Also, shopkeepers will help you reach the Mahal through unknown places, or you may wish to enter the region through its back gate. A valid Amber Fort ticket will also help you enter the Mahal. The entry fee for the Indian visitors is 20 while the foreign nationals have to pay 50. The visiting hours remain from 9:30 am to 4:30 p.m.
Located at Badi Choupad, the monument has over 953 windows and extends to the nearby city palace. Sarai Pratap Singh was the ruler of the region and the mastermind behind the palace. Moreover, the palace offers many pink windows featuring hanging cornices. Thus the Mahal remained highly ventilated and airy in summer. Despite the many windows, the sizes remained small so that the ladies remained unseen. In contrast to the exteriors, the interiors remain simpler. Hence, here is where you’ll find the best view of the city.
Jantar Mantar
Have you heard children in India chant the words “Jantar Mantar”? These two spell-bounding yet unknown words mean “instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens.” This is exactly what one will see when they visit the pink city of India ‘Jaipur’. When someone steps into the city, they hear the harmonious music of the folk tunes describing the charm of Jaipur. Even though this remains immeasurable, Jantar Mantar maintains its architectural marvel. The monument boasts astrological and architectural instruments that attract many tourists and astrologers towards itself.
Considered as one of the largest observatories ever built, this structure, was constructed by Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh the second. It features one of the world’s largest sundial and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Moreover, the astronomical observatory boasts instruments used to measure the distances between celestial objects. Additionally, it consists of 19 huge instruments; each has a purpose of its own. Apart from its astronomical importance, the monument remains vital as it stands as historical evidence of the evolution and developments in Jaipur. This is also why it ranks on our list of the prime places to visit in Jaipur.
Furthermore, the Jantar Mantar is situated at the centre of the city, and one can walk towards it after visiting the city palace. You may wish to make purchases for the tickets online, and for the light and sound show, you will have to purchase the ticket at the site. We, suggest you to hire a guide to gain significant insight into the science and history of the place. You may also wish to take a walk through the various markets and learn more about space while waiting for the light show.
Jal Mahal
The Rajasthani capital abounds in breathtaking monuments. One of the marvellous places to visit in Jaipur includes the Jal Mahal. This is an exotic palace that surrounds the main attraction of the Man Sagar Lake. This is also maybe how the monument derived its name. Jal meaning water in Hindi and Mahal means palace. The palace comprises of 5 floors. The unique part about the monument is that 4 out of its five floors remain underwater. Initially, the palace served as a shelter for Maharaj Madho Singh’s duck hunting parties. The structure also stands as a proof of the understanding between Mughal and Rajput Empires. What highlights the bond between these two empires is the blend of the cultures in the carvings and the architecture.
The water palace remains accessible from the city centre and is just about a 5 km drive. Furthermore, the palace exists as a protected area under the surveillance of the Indian Government. Due to this the entry into the charming structure remained restricted. Apart from marvelling at the designs, one could earlier enrol for a boat ride in the lake. However, boating here remains restricted.
Nevertheless, people love taking their evening strolls around the majestic structure. The pathway outside the Mahal remains restricted, and the entry to this part is free of cost. Tourists can spend as much time as they want here. Furthermore, the foodies would love to visit the Mahal’s Chowpatty or street food market. After a long walk or a tiring day when hunger engulfs you, eat the aloo tikki chaat while marvelling at the Mahal, will pamper your hunger and your soul.
Amer Fort
The Amber Fort or Amer Fort served as the primary residence of the Rajasthani Rajas. The fort was built by Raja Man Singh in the year 1592. Just like many other monuments in the region, even the Amer Fort is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. Furthermore, the structure attracts many tourists around the globe as it resides on a hill of Jaipur thus offering breathtaking scenery. Upon peeking from the Fort’s well-defined windows, one can see the aesthetic Lake Maota. The fort’s appearance and locality make it one of the main places to visit in Jaipur. What marvels the tourists is the architectural blend of the Mughal and Rajput styles.
Built using white marble and red sandstone, the tall Fort features highly appealing apartments. The Amber Fort stands as evidence of the Treachery and bloodshed that took place in wars between major dynasties. When you enter the Fort, you will find the Dil-e-Aaram Garden that will lead you to a massive flight of stairs. After which you walk through the public hall called the Dewan-e-Aam. Do not miss the Sila Devi Temple that has big doors made of silver. However, the exit route of the Fort will lead the tourists directly to the region of Amer.
Furthermore, visitors are required to pay an entry fee of Rs. 10 for the students, Rs. 25 for Indian Nationals, and 200 Rs for the Foreign visitors. One of the fun activities here includes an Elephant Ride for two people that would cost around 900 Rs. Also, the visit hours remain restricted from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Hence the fort is a good example of constant technological advancements that never affect the historic richness.
Sheesh Mahal
This Hall of mirrors finds home in the Amer Fort and forms a prime part of Jai Mandir. The Mahal gathers large crowds due to its artistically designed ceilings and detailed mirror work. The purpose of the mirrored construction was to serve as a meeting place for Jai Singh’s V.I.P guests. The Maharaja gave it his personal touch by importing Belgium glass to decorate the Mahal. The structure lists as one of the main places to visit in Jaipur because of its unique craftsmanship showcased in mirrored designs on the walls. It is designed so tactfully that a small ray of light will light up the Mahal with mirror reflections.
Furthermore, the entry here is free if you have paid at the entry point of the Amber Fort. While the fort might remain open all the time, it is opened to the public from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Forming a part of the best looking royal palaces the Mahal gives its visitors a taste of royal artistry and aesthetics. Here royal luxury finds its partner in celestial beauty. The whole Mahal stands on 40 pillars decorated fully with glass forming exotic designs. The Palace is said to have been the go-to place during the winters for the King and Queen. This is primarily due to its capacity to retain the warmth within its limits. Due to its royal roots, the Mahal remains one of the important places to visit in Jaipur.
However, the entry to the Mahal remains restricted as the mirrors were found damaged and glasses have broken. Although entry remained restricted, the government plans to open it up again to the public with high alert over every nook and corner.
Birla Mandir
Originally known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, The Birla Temple sits below the Moti Dungri in Jaipur. Constructed as a dedication to the Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, the temple ranks in our list of prime places to visit in Jaipur. The Mandir stands as the ancient pride of the architectural ventures of Jaipur. Constructed in pure white marble, the Temple is unlike many other Hindu Temples. The Mandir spreads traditional vibes in a modern structure.
Inside the temple, you will sight amazing carvings of Hindu idols, carvings of ancient quotes and Hindu symbols like ॐ. One may also sight some old relics that remain significant to this date. Delicate carvings of lines from the Bhagwath Geetha and Upanishad ornaments can be seen on the walls of the temple. The temple truly represents the artistical and royal taste of the Rajputs.
This sacred place remains crowded with devotees. It becomes difficult to find the temple empty at any given time, especially during the festivals. Visitors flock here in awe of the carvings on the external part of the temple. Displaying the secularity of the temple, are the carved drawings of Buddha, Christ, Confucius and many more. The beam at the entrance of the temple has an image of Lord Ganesh. Additionally, a small museum displaying relics of the Birla family can be found nearby. Visitors may offer their prayers from 8 a.m to noon, and 4 p.m to 8 p.m. A visit to the museum comes free of cost.
