Hawa Mahal or the “Palace of Winds” is an architectural splendor in Jaipur, known for its unique façade with over 900 small windows that form a beautiful honeycomb-like structure. The palace was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh for the royal ladies to view the street processions without being seen.
Amber Fort, also known as Amer Fort, is a magnificent palace complex built with white marble and red sandstone, situated atop a hill overlooking Maota Lake. The fort has a beautiful fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture and is home to Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, and Ganesh Pol, among others.
Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It is home to a collection of 19 astronomical instruments that can be used to predict eclipses, track stars, and determine the time with great precision.
The City Palace complex is an impressive blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, situated in the heart of Jaipur city. It houses several beautiful palaces, gardens, courtyards, and museums, including the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, and Pritam Niwas Chowk.
Jaigarh Fort is an imposing fortress on a hill, built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II to protect Amer Fort. The fort is famous for its cannon “Jaivana,” which is the world’s largest cannon on wheels. It also has a museum showcasing weapons, paintings, and artifacts from the Rajput era.
Nahargarh Fort, also known as the “Tiger Fort,” is located on the Aravalli Hills overlooking Jaipur city. It was built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as a retreat palace for the royal family. The fort has a restored palace, Madhvendra Bhawan, which is famous for its frescoes and intricate paintings.
Birla Mandir is a modern and majestic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, built with white marble. The temple is located at the foothills of Moti Dungari Hill and is surrounded by lush green gardens. It has beautiful wall carvings, sculptures, and stained-glass windows.
Albert Hall Museum is a beautiful and historical museum that was built in 1876. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, paintings, sculptures, and musical instruments. It also has an Egyptian mummy and a zoo outside that children will love.
Galtaji Temple, also known as the “Monkey Temple,” is a unique and ancient temple located in a serene valley of the Aravalli Hills. The temple has several sacred water tanks and springs, which are believed to have healing powers. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and also has several monkey troops that are friendly to visitors.
Jaipur has a well-connected network of buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws that can be used for traveling within the city. Uber and Ola cabs are also readily available. You can purchase a prepaid taxi or auto-rickshaw from the airport and railway stations. Alternatively, you can rent a car for the duration of your trip for INR 2000-4000 per day, depending on the type of car.
The best time to visit Jaipur is from November to February, as the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing. However, note that the tourist places in Jaipur are typically crowded and may have long waiting lines, so plan accordingly.
If you have more days, you can add places like Sisodia Rani Garden, Jal Mahal, and Chokhi Dhani to your itinerary. If you have fewer days, you can skip either Jaigarh Fort or Nahargarh Fort as they are similar in architecture and style. Also, keep in mind that many monuments and museums are closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is the primary airport that serves Jaipur city. It is located around 10 km from the city center and has connections with major cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, as well as several international destinations like Dubai, Bangkok, and Sharjah. There are several prepaid taxis and cabs available at the airport that can take you to your destination in the city.