Jaipur Attractions

India's desert capital of Jaipur, affectionately referred to as the Pink City because of the pink walls and buildings of the old city, lures visitors with its stunning remnants of a bygone era. The most popular Jaipur attractions are the ancient palaces and forts, with elaborate architecture that serves as a resplendent reminder of their royal heritage.

Amber Fort

Built in 16th century by Maharaja Man Singh, it sprawls on the hillside. Its construction was started by Raja Man Singh but completed by his descendant Jai Singh. Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthan fort palace. Amber today is nothing but a reflection of the glorious past of the fierce Kachwaha Dynasty that ruled over this region from 12th to 18th century. the Amber fort is built in re sandstone and white marble; the palace complex has very interesting apartments. the old township of Amber lies at the foothills of the palace and has an old world charm. The rugged walls of this fort may not look beautiful from outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise and painted scenes of hunting and wars adorn the walls along with precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster.
Timing: 9.00 to 16.30 hrs. Entry Fee For Indians Rs. 10.00, For Foreigners Rs. 50.00, Phone: 2530293, Elephant ride charge Rs. 400.00 (inclusive of all taxes) Timing : 8.00 to 16.00 hrs, Phone: 2530264 (Tourist Office).

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is located in the Tripolia Bazaar in the west of GPO. This most famous landmark of Jaipur is not actually a palace but a series of sandstone screens. This pink structure was constructed so that the ladies of the palace could watch the royal processions without being seen by any outsider. This sandstone was named Palace of winds after the many brass wind vanes that adorned it until 1960s. Jaipur's most famous landmark, built in 1799, the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of the Winds, a fantasia of 953 ornated windows set in a rose-colored five storey facade. The palace has tier upon tier of curved arch surmounting fairy casements with "jali" - lattice work screens. From here the ladies of the court could look out at festive processions without jeopardizing their modest seclusion.
Timing 10.00 to 16.30 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00: Phone: 2618862

Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh fort, is a rugged structure built in 1726 by Sawai Jai Singh situated in the north of Jaipur. Its structure is quite similar to Amber Fort. The only exception is that it houses the mighty Jaivana, the largest wheeled canon in the world. Other attractions in the Jaigarh Fort include three water tanks, a museum, and breathtaking views of the city below. The Western skyline is dominated by the extensive walls, watch towers and gateways of Jaigarh built by Jai Singh in 1726. It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved almost intact, containing palaces, gardens, open and covered reservoirs, a granary, an armory, a canon foundry and several Temples. It was the royal treasury for several years. The world's largest cannon on wheels is to be found here. The fort has its own museum and provides an excellent view of Amer Palace.
Timing 10.00 to 16.45 hrs, Entry Fee for Indians Rs. 15.00 & for foreigners Rs. 20.00, Phone: 2630848

Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort, is the first of the three forts built by Maharaja Jai Sawai Singh of Jaipur. The Fort stands at the top of rugged point of the Aravalis and offers a spectacular view of the City. Keeping this fact in mind, the fort was made to serve as a means of supporting the security of Amer. The term "Nahargarh" refers to "the Abode of Tigers", so it is also known as the Tiger Fort. The Fort was constructed mainly in 1734, however further additions were made to it, by the succeeding rulers in the 19th century. According to a legend, the Fort was named after a prince, whose spirit used to haunt the construction site. As a result, a tantrik was called and the ghost agreed to leave the fort only if, the fort was named after him. There are numerous buildings situated inside the Nahargarh Fort and amongst them, Madhavendra Bhawan appeals the most. It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II and has a series of interconnected rooms with colorful corridors and hallways. This Place was used as a picnic spot for the members of the Royal family. Another major attraction of the Fort is that, it provides an eye catching view of the Man Sagar Lake and the suburbs. The geometrically designed Nahargarh Fort looks at its best in the night, when it is dazzlingly lit. To add flavor to your trip, the cafeterias inside the fort offer the finest drinks and snacks. Nahargarh Fort forms a remarkable backdrop of Jaipur and offers a glittering view of the city lights.
Timing 10.00 to 16.00 hrs, Entry Fee Rs. 5.00, Phone: 5148044

Rajmahal Palace

Rajmahal Palace Resort is located at 170 kms from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Kota Road (Rajasthan, India) offering facilities like Boating, Fishing, Sunbathing, Trekking, Sightseeing etc .A heritage property built in 1798 A.D., Rajmahal is a riverside resort and a heritage hotel that is an ideal stopover on the Jaipur - Kota Route for Luncheon as well as for overnight stopovers.

Jal Mahal Palace

The Jal Mahal Palace at Jaipur lies on the way to Amber and it is at a distance of 6.5 km from the striking city of Jaipur. There are many memorials of the royal families which the tourists can bystander on their way to the palace. The Jal Mahal Palace at Jaipur is strategically placed in the centre of the Man Sagar Lake. It is really inspiring to see the first four floors of this fabulous building, which are submerged under the waters of the lake. Only the top floor of this beautiful palace is visible to the watcher. The lake and the palace offer some of the best views that are simply a feast to the eyes.

Laxmi Narayan Temple

The Laxminarayan Temple was built in 1904 (Vikram Era), with the ardent devotion of Shri Rang Ramanuj Das, and unconditional support of Seth Laxmi Chand and his youger brother, Radha Krishan. Located near the Surajpole Darwaja in Jaipur, the Laxminarayan Temple receives worshipers and devotees in large numbers every year. The temple's holy saints (or gurus) impart spiritual teachings among the young and the old. Today, Shri Swami TriVikramacharaya holds administrative powers to the temple's solemn throne. Worshipers pay their obeisance at the temple and seek the blessings of several Hindu deities, including Lord Sudarshan, Laxmi Hagreev, Laxmi Narsingh, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Laxman, Goddess Mahalaxmi, Lord Krishna & Radha and Lord Hanuman, Shri Bhasyakar Ramanuj Swami. The Laxminarayan Temple has been beautifully built as per vastu norms.It was constructed by Shri Rang Ramanuj Das Ji. Seth Laxmi Chand Ji and his younger brother, Shri Radha Krishan provided financial support for building this beautifully-crafted temple.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar, was built by Sawai Jai Singh. He was a great admirer of progress and research made in the fields of science and technology, but he was passionate about astronomy. Jantar Mantar is a grand celebration of astronomical science and each instrument here serves a particular function and gives an accurate reading.

Govind Devji Temple

Govind Dev Ji Temple, is one amongst the major tourist attractions of Jaipur. The Temple represents the royal past of Jaipur. The Temple is dedicated to Govind Dev Ji (Other name of Lord Krishna). Govind Devji Temple of Jaipur is situated in the City Palace complex, between the Chandra Mahal and Badal Mahal. Govind Dev Ji is the principal deity of Amber's Kachawaha Dynasty. In the earlier times, the idol of the lord used to reside in the temple of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. According to a legend, Govind Dev Ji appeared in the dream of Raja Sawai Jai Singh and asked him to bring his idol from Vrindavan to Jaipur. As a consequence, Raja Sawai Jai Singh brought the idol and placed in the City Palace complex of Jaipur. After the sad demise of Jai Singh, many successors acquired the throne, but Raja Man Singh took the initiative to build the temple in 1890.

Central Museum

Central Museum, is located in the Ramnivas Gardens and is the oldest museum in Jaipur. The Central Museum not only houses many rarities and beautiful objects but its own building is also a sight to behold. The Museum is in the Albert Hall and is inspired by the Indo-Sarcenic style of architecture, which uses the best features of both styles of building. It has many pillars, courtyards and arches that give it a very traditional yet elegant look.

Bissau Palace

Bissau Palace, Jaipur was built in the early 1920s by Rawal Raghubir Singhji. Built during this time the palace was later turned into one of the heritage hotels of Jaipur. Located away from the dust and grime of Jaipur city, the Bissau Palace not only recalls the splendor of the bygone eras but even gives the guests a serene royal retreat.Rajasthan's glorious past is preserved in the walls of the Bissau Palace.

Samode Palace

Samode Palace, is one of India's most charming and romantic hotels. Samode Palace offers a quiet, elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Considered India's finest hotel for its consummate standards of modern hospitality, accommodation, services, cuisine and amenities, it is the flagship of the Samode Hotels.It has been meticulously restored offering a retreat into an aesthetically beautiful environment where visitors can enjoy India's natural beauty and rich history.

Albert Museum

Albert museum, is one of the oldest museum of the state. Colonel Sir Swinton Jacob designed it in 1876 to greet King Edward VII as Prince of Wales on his visit to India. It was opened to public ten years later. Positioned amidst the gardens of Ram Niwas Bagh in Jaipur, this museum has an assortment of rare articles on its display including textiles, carpets, paintings, metal and wood crafts, pottery, arms and weapons, flora and fauna of the state, toys, dolls and even an Egyptian mummy that belongs to the Ptolemaic Epoch. It is also known for housing the famous carpet, which portrays the scene of a Persian garden carpet with running water streams that was bought at a dear price from Shah Abbas of Persia, by Mirza Raja Jai Singh I. It also puts on show the miniature paintings of a number of sub-schools of Rajasthan.

Narain Niwas Palace

Narain Niwas, was built in the 1928 by General Amar Singh, Thakur of Kanota, Commander of the Jaipur State Forces and confident of the then Maharaja, Sawai Man Singh. General Amar Singh was the grandson of Thakur Zorawar Singh, founder of the Kanota family. Thakur Shivnath Singh, (General Amar Singhji's brother) supervised the actual construction. The new mansion was named after their father, Thakur Narain Singh, who had been Chief of police in Jaipur State as well as a minister at the neighbouring princely state of Alwar.

Kanak Valley

The Kanak Valley, formed by the Aravali ranges adjoins the town of Amber and stretches towards the historical city of Jaipur. The hills and valleys are covered with dhok (Anogeissus Pendula) and kadamba tree. Traveling deeper into the valley one comes across numerous waterfalls, lotus ponds and flowering plants. In summer when the 'flame of the forest' bursts into bloom, it seems as if the entire forest is aflame. Migratory birds like the kingfisher, spotted dove and neelkanth are frequent visitors.This is a perfect surrounding for the temples that have been standing here for three centuries. The temple complex consists of the temple of Govind Deoji and Natawarji besides a garden known as the Kanak Bagh. They temple site is such that the Valley stretches out on one side and the river Dharbawati on the other. This river used to flow across the city of Jaipur but today it has diminished into the lake, Mansagar. This used to be the scared spot where holy water from several rivers was accumulated for the performance of the Ashwamedh yagna.

Cenotaphs of Gaitore

Gaitore, is situated on the Jaipur-Amber road, about 15 kms from Jaipur. Gaitore is a royal cremation site of the majestic rulers of Jaipur. There is a cenotaph for each Maharaja, built in his honor. These royal cenotaphs of the Maharajas are commonly known as 'Chhatris'. The royal chhatris are engraved with typical Rajasthani carvings. Gaitore is regarded to be the mispronounced form of a Hindi phrase 'Gaye ka Thor' which means 'resting place of the departed souls'. The cenotaphs are erected with a perfect blend of architectural essentials of Islamic tomb architecture and Hindu temple architecture. Amongst all the cenotaphs, the one dedicated to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II appeals the most. This Chhatri is built in pure white marble, ornamented with delicate carvings, peacocks and beautiful designs. Although all the Maharajas of Jaipur were cremated here, but Maharaja Sawai Ishwari Singh was an exception to this ritual. He was cremated behind the Chandra Mahal in the City Palace complex, so his cenotaph was built there with the due respect.

Rambagh Palace

Rambagh Palace, has been home to generations of royals. Built in 1835 on a modest scale for the queen's favourite handmaiden Kesar Badaran, it was later refurbished as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge. In 1925, Rambagh was converted into a palace, and became the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The 'Jewel of Jaipur' as it is fondly called, remained the home of the Jaipur royal family until 1957, when it was first converted into a luxury hotel by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. But it wasn't until 1972 that Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces took over the reins. It is now the 'jewel in the crown' among the authentic palaces of the Taj in India.

City Palace

City Palace, known as core of the Rajasthan, which is situated in the heart of the city. The Palace is now converted in a museum except for a one section where the erstwhile royal family still lives. The Palace cum museum is constructed in the fortified campus style and covers more than half of the old city. There are different sections of the museum dedicate to subjects like arms and ammunition, textile and costume, and art gallery. A pride of peacocks adorn an ornate doorway in Jaipur's City Palace. Palace retainers stand at attention as in the past when Jaipur Court was headquartered here. The palace is now a fine museum and houses a remarkable collection of textiles , paintings, manuscripts, and extraordinary weapons. On display are two huge urns of silver, said to be the largest silver vessels in the world. Nakkarkhana-ka-Darwaza, the imposing gateway of the City Palace guarded by stone elephants, is monumental.

Galtaji Temple

Galtaji Temple, is a holy pilgrimage centre, having a temple dedicated to Sun God. This temple is only one of its kind in this part of the country. Dotting the serene green landscape, beyond the gardens, is situated the astounding Sun Temple. The small Sun Temple, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak is visible from any spot in Jaipur. This old pilgrim centre stands amidst the low hills, guarding the city. To the east of Jaipur, the Galta Temple is 2.5 kms climb from Surajpol. The Galta Temple is financially supported by the Birla family. It's an old place of pilgrimage, lying at the bottom of some hills in a lush landscape of trees and bushes. A deep temple-filled gorge stands behind the temple and there are good views over the surrounding plain.

Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh

Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, is a beautiful garden, located at a distance of 10 kms from Jaipur, on Jaipur-Agra Highway. Sisodia Bagh gets a prime attraction in the charming city of Jaipur. The Garden appeals more to the beholder, since it stands as a symbol of love. In 1728, Sisodia Rani Garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, with an intention to gift the garden, to his Sisodia Queen from Udaipur. As the name suggests, the Garden was named after the queen, who was adorable to the King.Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh captivates the people for its beautiful landscaping and ceaseless charm. Set amidst the desert land, the garden exhibits skill of a human hand and the beauty of nature. If you are planning a trip to Jaipur, don't miss this magnificent garden, which is truly a feast for the eyes.