10 things to do in Jaipur
Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is a fascinating blend of tradition, culture, history, and modernity. With its rich heritage, stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and welcoming people, Jaipur has a lot to offer travelers. Taj Trek Travels, a well-regarded travel service, is a great way to explore this vibrant city. Below is a comprehensive guide on the top 10 things to do in Jaipur, complete with information, historical context, and suggestions for making the most out of each experience.
1. Visit Amber Fort (Amer Fort)
Amber Fort, located just 11 kilometers from Jaipur, is one of the most iconic forts in Rajasthan. The fort’s history dates back to 1592 when it was constructed by Raja Man Singh I, one of the most famous generals in Mughal Emperor Akbar’s army. Built in a traditional Rajasthani style with Mughal influences, the fort is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is famous for its sprawling courtyards, opulent palaces, intricate carvings, and beautiful murals.
Things to Do at Amber Fort:
Explore the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace): This exquisite palace is known for its intricate mirror work and creates an enchanting effect when lit by candles.
Elephant Ride to the Fort: You can enjoy a traditional elephant ride up the hill to the entrance of the fort, adding a unique touch to your visit.
Sound and Light Show: The fort hosts an evening sound and light show, which tells the fascinating history of Amber Fort, providing insight into the royal past of the region.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds, as Amber Fort can get very busy later in the day. A guided tour will help you understand the history and architectural marvels of the place in more detail.
2. Explore the City Palace
The City Palace in Jaipur, located in the heart of the Old City, is an opulent royal residence that blends Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. The palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, and remains the residence of the current royal family.
Things to Do at the City Palace:
Visit the Mubarak Mahal: The Mubarak Mahal (Palace of Welcome) houses a museum displaying royal costumes, textiles, and historical artifacts.
Explore the Chandra Mahal: The Chandra Mahal is the main residence of the Maharaja and features beautiful courtyards, gardens, and royal chambers. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of the royals.
Enjoy the Museum of Arms:The City Palace also contains a museum dedicated to weaponry, showcasing a collection of swords, guns, and other historic weapons used by the Rajput kings.
Tip: Don't miss the Pritam Niwas Chowk, the beautiful courtyard where you can admire intricately designed doors, each painted with a different theme: peacock, lotus, and more.
3. Marvel at the Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of Winds," is one of Jaipur’s most recognizable landmarks. This stunning structure, designed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, was built as a way for royal women to observe street festivals and everyday life without being seen by the public. The building has 953 small windows (called jharokhas) that allowed cool air to circulate and maintain a comfortable temperature, hence the name “Hawa Mahal.”
Things to Do at Hawa Mahal:
Admire the Architecture: The façade of Hawa Mahal is a beautiful mix of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. The honeycomb-like design with its 953 windows is both visually captivating and ingenious in terms of ventilation.
Visit the Museum: There is a small museum inside that displays items from the royal court, including old photographs and historical documents.
Tip: To fully appreciate the magnificence of Hawa Mahal, visit early in the morning when the light is perfect for photographs, and the crowds are minimal.
4. Stroll through Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century. The observatory houses several large instruments, some of which are still functional, used to measure time, track celestial bodies, and predict astronomical events.
Things to Do at Jantar Mantar:
See the Samrat Yantra: This giant sundial, the largest of its kind, can accurately measure time within two seconds of accuracy.
Explore the other instruments: There are multiple instruments at Jantar Mantar, each designed for different astronomical functions, such as the Jai Prakash Yantra, which helps to map the stars and planets.
Learn about the Science of Astronomy: The site offers an in-depth look at how ancient Indian astronomers used the instruments, providing insights into India's advanced understanding of astronomy during the 18th century.
Tip: If you have an interest in science or history, hiring a guide is highly recommended to fully understand the significance of the instruments.
5. Visit the Albert Hall Museum
The Albert Hall Museum, located in the Ram Niwas Garden, is one of the oldest museums in Rajasthan and showcases a vast collection of artifacts from Rajasthan’s royal past. The museum was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II and is an architectural gem in itself.
Things to Do at the Albert Hall Museum:
Explore the Artifacts:The museum houses a rich collection of artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, textiles, and coins. Highlights include the collection of miniatures, ancient pottery, and the famous Egyptian mummy.
Enjoy the Architecture: The museum is a beautiful example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, with ornate arches, domes, and intricately designed windows.
Tip:The museum is particularly beautiful when lit up at night, making it a great spot for photography.
6. Wander Through the Markets: Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and Tripolia Bazaar
Jaipur is famous for its vibrant markets where you can shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and more. The Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and Tripolia Bazaar are the main markets in the city and offer a fantastic shopping experience.
Things to Do at Jaipur Markets:
Buy Traditional Jewelry: Jaipur is renowned for its jewelry, particularly its intricate silver and gemstone pieces. Johari Bazaar is the perfect place to shop for beautiful kundan, meenakari, and polki jewelry.
Pick up Handicrafts: You’ll find everything from hand-painted pottery and wooden sculptures to traditional Rajasthani textiles and carpets.
Savor Local Street Food:** Don’t miss out on sampling local street food such as pyaaz kachori, samosas, and daal baati churma.
Tip: Bargaining is a common practice in Jaipur’s markets, so don’t hesitate to haggle for the best price.
7. Discover the Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort, perched on the Aravalli Hills, offers one of the best panoramic views of Jaipur. It was built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as a retreat for the royal family and served as a defense fortification.
Things to Do at Nahargarh Fort:
Enjoy the View from the Fort’s Ramparts: The fort’s high vantage point offers stunning views of Jaipur, especially at sunset.
Visit the Madhavendra Bhawan: A set of beautiful suites for the king and his queens, this palace is known for its architecture and serene surroundings.
Explore the Café: The café at Nahargarh Fort is an excellent spot to relax and enjoy a meal while taking in the breathtaking view.
Tip: Visit the fort early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
8. Take a Camel Ride in the Desert
Although Jaipur is a city, it is surrounded by desert landscapes, and a camel ride offers a unique way to experience the region's natural beauty. There are several places around Jaipur where you can take camel rides, including the nearby Samode Village.
Things to Do on a Camel Ride:
Ride Through the Desert: The slow, rhythmic motion of a camel ride through the arid landscape is a peaceful and unique way to experience the desert surroundings.
Visit Rural Villages: Many camel rides take you to nearby rural villages, where you can interact with local communities and learn about their traditional way of life.
Tip: Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun during the ride.
9. Explore the Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal, or the "Water Palace," is a beautiful palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. The palace, built in the 18th century, is known for its picturesque setting and stunning architecture. Although the palace is not open to the public, visitors can enjoy its beauty from the lakeside promenade.
Things to Do at Jal Mahal:
Take a Boat Ride on Man Sagar Lake: While you cannot visit the palace directly, you can take a boat ride on the lake for a closer view of the structure.
Photography: The palace's reflection on the water creates a stunning photographic opportunity, especially at sunrise and sunset
Tip: Although boating is available, swimming in the lake is not allowed.
10. Attend the Jaipur Literature Festival
If you're visiting Jaipur in January, the Jaipur Literature Festival is a must-attend event. The festival is one of the largest and most prestigious literary festivals in the world, attracting authors, poets, historians, and intellectuals from around the globe
.
Things to Do at the Jaipur Literature Festival:
Attend Sessions and Discussions: The festival hosts a variety of sessions covering literature, history, politics, culture, and more. Attend talks by famous authors, poets, and thought leaders.
-Meet Authors and Artists: The festival is a great opportunity to meet your favorite authors and gain new insights into the literary world.
Tip: Arrive early for popular sessions, as they tend to get filled up quickly.
Conclusion
Jaipur is a city that offers a wide range of experiences, from exploring magnificent forts and palaces to shopping in bustling markets and immersing yourself in Rajasthan’s rich history and culture. Whether you're traveling with Taj Trek Travels or independently, the Pink City will undoubtedly captivate you with its vibrant colors, royal heritage, and warm hospitality.
