Places To See In Jaipur

Palatial Palaces, Sprawling Gardens all remind us of the plush lives of Rajput Kings

The architectural splendor of the city leaves travelers spellbound. The architecture shows a blend of Hindu and Mughal influences. The characteristic areas in the palaces of Rajasthan are the Diwan-E-Aam or the public gallery, the Diwan-E-Khas or the private chambers, vast courtyards and beautiful gardens.

Etched in the sands of time, the forts and monuments all tell a story of the bygone era.

Heritage Sites - Forts and Monuments

Hawa Mahal

One of the landmarks of the city, this pink and red sandstone beauty was originally designed as an extension of the ladies chambers or the zenana. Women from the royal family could see activity on the streets, watch the vibrant bazaar and royal processions passing by without being seen by anyone. The poet King Sawai Pratap Singh built Hawa Mahal. One of the most stunning features of this five-tiered monument is its delicate fa?ade. This pyramid shaped structure has 953 windows, giving an impression of a giant honeycomb. These windows circulate cool air even in the hot months. The best time to visit the monument is during sunrise. Hawa Mahal looks stunning as the sun's rays penetrate through the latticed windows.

Jantar Mantar

One of the five observatories in India, the Jantar Mantar at Jaipur is one of largest. Built by the astronomer king and the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh, the Jantar Mantar has a well-preserved collection of astronomical instruments. These devices provide accurate time even today. One of the most impressive of all the devices in the observatory is the Brihat Samrat Yantra Sundial. Standing 27 metres high, this sundial calculates local time as its shadow moves up to 4 meter an hour.

Amber Fort

Located about 11 kms for Jaipur, this was the original capital of the ruling Kachhawa clan before the city was moved to its present day location. A beautiful blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, the construction of this red sandstone and marble beauty was started by King Man Singh I. The fort was later completed under Sawai Jai Singh I. Set in the backdrop of the Maota Lake, this red sandstone and white marble fort is known for its paintings, carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. Some of the architectural wonders inside the fort include the Sheesh Mahal, known for its intricate inlaid mirrors, Kali Temple inside the fort called the Shila Mata Temple, a well laid out garden called the Kesar Kyari and the Jai Mandir or the Temple of Victory known for its mirror ceiling and an inlaid panel. An enjoyable way to reach the fort is to ride an elephant.

Jaigarh Fort

Sawai Jai Singh built this imposing military structure. Situated on a hilltop, this fort is located about 15 kms from Jaipur. The fort houses the Jai Ban, the largest cannon in Asia. One can catch a brilliant view of the Amber Fort from here.

City Palace

This huge imposing palace occupies almost one seventh of the city of Jaipur. Maharaja Jai Singh II originally built it. Several additions to the structure were made by his successors. Sawai Madho Singh built the Mubarak Mahal or the Palace of Reception, to welcome his guests. Today, a textile museum occupies the same. On display is some exquisite royal attire. One of the features is the display of the voluminous clothes of Sawai Madho Singh I. Maharani's Palace houses the armory museum. In the Diwan-E-Khas or the hall of the private audience is kept the two world's largest sterling silver vessels that were used to carry water from the Ganges by Sawai Madho Singh II on his voyage to England. The Diwan-E-Aam houses the art gallery. It houses some ancient handwritten Hindu manuscripts, miniature paintings and an elaborately done ceiling. The Chandra Mahal Palace is the present residence of the royal family.

Jal Mahal

A picturesque palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. Sawai Pratap Singh originally built the palace for his royal duck shooting parties. In winter, migratory birds descend on the palace.

Museums

Albert Hall

The museum was originally built in the honor of the visit of the Prince of Wales. It combines Indian and English style of architecture. It houses a beautiful collection of sculptures, paintings, natural history artifacts, an Egyptian mummy etc.

Religious Places - Temples

Govind Dev Ji Ka Mandir

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is located inside City Palace between the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal. The temple attracts a large number of devotees on Janmashtami day.

Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple

Meaning the Pearl Hill owing to its feature, it houses the Ganesh Temple. The temple is on the lines of a Scottish castle.

Parks and Gardens

Rani Sisodia's Garden and Palace

The most striking feature of this is that it is arranged in tiers. The garden is laid out in Mughal style. Beautiful murals from the life of Lord Krishna adorn the garden.

Ram Niwas Garden

Built by Sawai Ram Singh, this garden is located in the middle of the city center, sprawling over an area of 33 acres. It houses the Albert Hall Museum, the City Zoo, Ravindra Manch Theatre and several cafes and picnic spots.

Others

Statue Circle

This traffic roundabout has become one of the famous tourist attractions in Jaipur. It is famous for the marble statue of Sawai Jai Singh, which stands in the middle of the structure. Tourists can enjoy local delicacies sold by vendors in this area. The statue circle looks breathtaking when the lights and the fountains surrounding it are turned on.

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