Jaipur will leave you smitten in no time!

You can not help but fall in love with Jaipur…

Jaipur, also known as the pink city of Rajasthan, will have you come back for more. ‘Travel and Home’ has put together a travel guide to one of the best holiday and sightseeing destinations in India.

Expect to see a combination of both the old, as well as the new. From impressive architecture to pristine lakes.
You will be surrounded by friendly people eager to share their heritage.
Lip-smacking delicious Rajasthan cuisines will have you looking forward to your next dining experience.
Buy the most exquisite handicrafts, traditional joothis, clothes, carvings from wood or stone, leather goods, textile goods, and jewelry. By the way, “joothis” is the Punjabi term for ladies’ flat shoes. Go to at least one of Jaipur’s shopping bazaars, even if you are not into shopping. The Rajasthan Bohemian fashions are simply beautiful and the bazaars make for an experience in itself.

Top Attractions in Jaipur

Best places to see in and near Jaipur

Amber Fort

Amber fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

It sits on a hilltop overlooking the lovely Maota Lake, about 11 km outside the city. Set aside a morning or an afternoon for this grandiose attraction clad in pink and yellow sandstone.

Don’t get confused between Amer and Amber. It is one and the same.

Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace)

When I recall Sheesh Mahal, I see visions of the most awe-inspiring royal glass palace with thousands of small pieces of mirrors and precious stone. The opulent decor and spectacular Rajasthani architecture, with Islamic influence, are mind-blowing.

You’ll find the 16th-century royal palace in the Amber Fort. It was the setting for the legendary Bollywood movie “Mughal-e-Azam”.

There is quite a romantic narrative about the Sheesh Mahal to be told. Back in the days, the Queen loved sleeping in the open air, watching the stars. However, it was not permitted. King Man Singh spent most of his time in winter here. Subsequently, the King ordered his architects to design that kind of mahal that will give the impression of sleeping under the stars. The queen got just that. She could burn two candles which will in return reflect on the ceiling of mirror glass like thousands of flickering stars.

There are lots to be taken in, so I suggest you take a guided tour. For instance, look at the pillars. Their designs are amazingly beautiful. One pillar has a unique flower design carved at its base. Standing at different angles from the pillar, you’ll see different color flowers!

In addition to all the above beauty, there was another benefit to the opulent decor. It kept the room warm!

Jaigarh Fort

Now here is an interesting narrative. Jaigarh is named after Jai Singh II who was the force behind the construction in 1726. The fort was built as protection to the Amber fort and its palace complex.

Amber fort is connected to Jaigarh Fort by subterranean passages and so it is considered as one complex.

It sits about 400 m above Amber fort. From here you’ll have a stunning view of Aravalli hills and of course the Amber Fort.

The fort is famous for its 18th-century cannon at the Dungar Gate (Darwaza), considered the largest cannon in the world.

Book activities in and near Jaipur

We’ve put together a selection of top things to do in and near Jaipur, making it easy to plan your trip.

Panna Meena ka Kund

You’ll come across plenty of ancient stepwells, but this one is known to be the most well-preserved ancient stepwell in Jaipur.

The eight-story stepwell is about 1 km from Amber Fort near the Anokhi Museum.

Mondly

Tourists from all over the world come here to be the first person to use the very same stairs going up and getting down! So, there you have a challenge. Especially if you go in a group. It’s great fun!

Chokhi Dhani

If you want to experience Rajasthan’s vibrant spirit, Chokhi Dhani is a fun place for every age. The mock Rajasthani village fair is about 25 km outside Jaipur.

The village was awarded the most innovative tourism project from the Tourism Minister of the Government of India.

At the unique ethnic resort village with its vibrant colors and rural designs, you will experience the everyday life of a village in Rajasthan. Listen to live music, enjoy the rich Rajasthan culture and local heritage. End the day with a traditional dinner.

In addition to all that, you can put the cherry on top! Book a stay at the 5-star Chokhi Dhani Resort in the village itself and stay in one of the recreated traditional and beautiful chateaus known as Havelis. Alternatively, stay like royalty in any one of the Royal Cottages for a magical experience.

Hawa Mahal

Jaipur is full of history. Around every corner, you’ll find anecdotes about ancient royalty and the city’s rich culture. For that reason alone, you’ll get great value from guided tours. Like visiting Hawa Mahal (English translation: “The Palace of Winds” or “The Palace of Breeze”) constructed in 1799. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh was the founder of Jaipur. His grandson Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh was behind the construction of this grand palace.

The palace has no less than 953 small windows (known as Jharokhas) decorated with intricate latticework. It is believed that the purpose of these windows was to allow ladies of royalty to observe everyday life and enormous festivals from inside the palace without being seen!

We recommend you visit this red and pink sandstone palace before you embark on other sightseeing expeditions. Jaipur’s most distinctive landmark is considered one of the most iconic attractions of the city. You don’t want to miss it because you’ve run out of time!

I’m giving you two links to guided tours that are not only great value for money but this wondrous structure will leave you speechless.

Jaipur experiences

Camel rides are available at every nook and corner of Jaipur.
A camel safari is an amazing experience when you will feel the culture in the typical Rajasthani ambiance. Like the one to the Galta Ji Monkey Temple where you will come across plenty of sociable monkeys, but also feel the real silence of your surroundings.
Elephant rides are also available all over the city. They had such bad press in terms of how the elephants are handled, that I only recommend an elephant safari from reputable operators.
Traditional Rajasthani food. For instance, the famous Jaipur speciality “dal baati churma”.