What to do in Jaipur

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Things to do in Jaipur

Jaipur Rajasthan’s capital, is a fascinating historical city and the gateway to India’s most flamboyant state. Founded on 18^th Nov 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, after whom the city is named. Jaipur is also known as “The Pink City of India”.

Why it is called the Pink City?

Because the former urban center is besieged by the pink wall with 4 gates named Chandpol gate, Galta gate, Sanganeri gate and Jorawar Singh gate. Previously at night king used to close all the gate so that nobody can enter the kingdom. And there is no other path to enter the old city other than these four gates.

Jaipur is an extremely popular tourist destination in Rajasthan and India. Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. It besides possesses a magnificent bazaar for Quilt, Jewellery, traditional dress and so on. It also has many forts and palaces. Out of which “Amber Fort” is a must watch.

Here are the top Jaipur attractions:

City Palace

The City Palace or the Chandra Mahal is in the center of Jaipur and covers approx. 15% of the Pink City’s area. Upon visiting this magnificent palace it’s easy to see the Royal family of Jaipur, which was one of the richest at that time. More or less of the maharajas filled the palace with scientific and artistic treasures, while others focused on public works. The palace is now a public museum. Even the royal family lives in Chandra Mahal.

Entry fee: 300 rupees for foreigners (includes camera fee and entry to Jaigarh Fort). 75 rupees for Indians, plus 75 rupees for a still camera.

How to Reach: 10 mins ride from railway station

Recommended Length of Visit: 2 hours

Opening hours: 9.30 am to 5 pm daily

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal or the Palace of winds is the most distinguished buildings in Jaipur. The Palace is shaped like a pyramid, is a five storied building, with a number of small windows and screens with arched roofs. Its purpose was to allow royal woman a position of ceremonial processions while seated behind the low windows. Winds used to pass through the openings, making the palace its name. You can have a Paranomic view of the city from top of the building.

Entry fee: 50 rupees for foreigners and 10 rupees for Indians,

How to Reach: Next to City Palace

Recommended Length of Visit: 1 hours

Opening hours: 9 am to 4 pm daily

Jantar Mantar

To the east of Chandra Mahal is the Jantar Mantar Observatory. It was designed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728. In order to achieve accuracy, the instruments were made from stone and marble. Each of these curious sculptures has a specific function, such as evaluating the positions of stars, altitudes and calculating the time of eclipses. The most striking instrument is the sundial with its 27m high gnomon (the rod of the sundial).

Entry fee: 100 rupees for foreigners and 20 rupees for Indians,

How to Reach: Next to City Palace

Recommended Length of Visit: 1 hours

Opening hours: 9 am to 4.30 pm daily

Jal Mahal

It was established by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 AD in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. It has 7 storeys out of which five is under water, only the top two floors are outside. Isn’t it amazing!

One can have a wonderful view of the lake from Nahargarh Fort. The palace is now abandoned, but reasonably well preserved. Street food on the lake is really yummy. It’s a definite must see.

Entry fee: NIL

How to Reach: On the way to Amer Fort

Recommended Length of Visit: 1 hours

Opening hours: NA

Facts: Street food on the lake is a must try.

Amer Fort/ Amber Fort

 

I always had a dream to see three forts in Rajasthan-Amer, Mehrangarh and Chittorgarh. Mehrangarh I experienced last month. Today I have planned to see Amer so that is why I am here.

Established along the hilltop outside Jaipur. It was built by Raja Man Singh in the 16^th Century and was completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. You can have a Paranomic view of the city. The fortress is a mixture of Mughal and Rajput architecture and is built in red sandstone and white marble.

Entry fee: 200 rupees for foreigners and 35 rupees for Indians, 900 rupees for Elephant ride for 2 people.

How to Reach: North of Jaipur. Frequent buses leave from the Palace of the Winds to Amber Fort. Taxis are also easily available.

Recommended Length of Visit: 2-3 hrs

Opening hours: 9 a.m. To 4.30 p.m. Daily. Note that elephant rides are only possible in the mornings until 11.30 a.m.

Facts: Go in the evening.

Jaigarh Fort

This fort is on top of Amer. Nobody has ever attempted to capture this fort. This is because it holds the world’s largest cannon called Jaivana. Although, it has never been used in any war, but still everybody has a fear in their mind. Once it has been tested and the ball where it falls forms a big hole, and people jump in the pond beside that lake to save themselves from getting deaf. It’s definitely a must see. Besides, at that place is a tunnel which gives way to Jaipur city via Amer fort.

This is the only place from where during the emergency Indira Gandhi has taken all the gold loaded in seven trucks. It’s a definite must visit.

Entry fee: 200 rupees for foreigners and 35 rupees for Indians, 50 rupees for Car inside the fort, otherwise you need to walk for 5 minutes.

How to Reach: It’s on top of Amer fort.

Recommended Length of Visit: 1hrs

Opening hours: 9 a.m. To 4.30 p.m. Daily.

Facts: First go to Jaigarh fort and then Amer.

Shopping

Jaipur is also very much famous for its shopping spree. Jaipuri Quilt and Jewellery are really famous in all over the world. The best place for shopping in Jaipur:

MI Road (Mirza Ismail Road): For Branded products

Chaura Rasta: For Books, food, Jaipuri Quilt.

Johari Bazaar: Wedding shopping.

Nehru Bazaar: For perfumes, textile products, trinkets and traditional jootis.

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