Things to do in Jaipur
Once the home of the richest royal family in India, the Pink City, Jaipur, is known for its palaces. The City Palace, Palace of the Winds and Amber Palace are all ornately decorated and popular attractions in Jaipur, and they are usually the first stops on sightseeing tours of the city.
Other places of interest include the Galta Monkey Temple, a ruinous but alluring Hindi temple lodged between two granite cliffs; Nahargarh Fort, the best site to enjoy sunset views of the city, perched on a high hill above Jaipur; Jaigarh Fort, a perfectly preserved medieval fortress with impressive military artefacts; and Jantar Mantar Observatory, an intriguing collection of structures to measure weather and astronomical phenomena, built in the early 18th century.
Jaipur is also celebrated as a great shopping city, and its many markets and bazaars are considered some of its top attractions. The destination's vendors and market sellers offer a great variety of goods and visitors will be expected to bargain for a good price. Gemstones, clothes, jewellery, and distinctive blue pottery are all readily available. The best places to shop are the Gem Palace, Chameliwala Market and Amrapali.
There are a variety of fun ways to explore this city. Walking tours are popular and a good start, but there are more exciting options for the adventurous, such as an elephant ride, or a tour of the city from above in a hot air balloon. Jaipur, like most Indian cities, has a problem with traffic and getting around can be stressful. However, there are many tours on offer, and locals are always willing to give directions.
Amber Palace
Situated on the crest of a hill seven miles (11km) north of Jaipur is Amber: capital of the Kuchwaha Rajputs from 1037 to 1728. The city-palace is protected by towering outer walls…
Amber Palace
Situated on the crest of a hill seven miles (11km) north of Jaipur is Amber: capital of the Kuchwaha Rajputs from 1037 to 1728. The city-palace is protected by towering outer walls, and a further wall runs for miles along the hills surrounding the palace. For many, the most memorable part of a trip to Jaipur is the journey up the palace ramparts, through a succession of vast gates, on the back of a painted elephant, Maharaja-style. Inside are the ruins of a once-great palace: a wonderful example of Rajput architecture, with Mogul influences.
Website www.amberfort.org/
Jaipur City Palace
The magnificent City Palace is in the centre of the Pink City of Jaipur, enclosed by high walls and set amid fine gardens and courtyards. Since Jai Singh built it in 1728, it has b…
Jaipur City Palace
The magnificent City Palace is in the centre of the Pink City of Jaipur, enclosed by high walls and set amid fine gardens and courtyards. Since Jai Singh built it in 1728, it has been the principal residence for the Maharajas of Jaipur and successive rulers have each added to it. The palace was built during the glory days and the exhibits and interior have lost none of their splendour. The doors and gateways preserve their flamboyant decoration, and royal retainers, clothed in turbans and full livery, still guard the principal halls and entrances. Travellers can visit a number of museums displaying old uniforms and mementos, and an armoury of fascinating weapons dating back to the Mughal era.
Website www.royaljaipur.in/
Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal)
The Palace of the Winds is Jaipur's most acclaimed attraction. Built in 1799, it is situated on the edge of the City Palace complex overlooking one of the city's bustling main stre…
Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal)
The Palace of the Winds is Jaipur's most acclaimed attraction. Built in 1799, it is situated on the edge of the City Palace complex overlooking one of the city's bustling main streets, and was constructed to offer the women of the court a vantage point, behind stone-carved screens, from which to watch the activity in the bazaars below. The five-storey building is shaped like a crown adorning Lord Krishna's head, and contains over five hundred finely screened windows and balconies. Although the palace's primary appeal is its ornate and finely carved pink façade, visitors can also go inside and see the intricate, honeycombed stonework of the original screens close up.
Website www.hawa-mahal.com/
Galta Monkey Temple (Galta Ji)
Situated between two granite cliffs, this temple is part of a much larger temple complex. The complex has three sacred pools that locals, and the monkeys, enjoy swimming in. This H…
Galta Monkey Temple (Galta Ji)
Situated between two granite cliffs, this temple is part of a much larger temple complex. The complex has three sacred pools that locals, and the monkeys, enjoy swimming in. This Hindi temple is slightly dilapidated but definitely still worth the trip out of the city to enjoy the views of Jaipur. The best time to see the temple is at sunset, when the monkeys appear for their evening swim and when the light is stunning for photographs. The complex is covered in monkeys and some other animals and it is not a polished, elegant place, but it is interesting and in its own way very beautiful.
Website www.jaipur-travel-guide.com/Jaipur-attractions/Galta-Ji-Jaipur-monkey-temple.html