Jaipur Places to See

Jaipur Sightseeing

The capital city of the colorful state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is also known as the “Pink City”. The city is renowned for its magnificent architectural buildings and rich tales of bravery. The city was ruled by fearless Rajput kings and warriors who fiercely fought for their land. At the same time, in order to establish their supremacy, they created many marvelous monuments, forts and buildings. In the present day, these forts and monuments are priority travel list of places to see in Jaipur.

One of the most popular and frequently visited tourist destinations, Jaipur is also the part of the classic golden triangle in India with two other major cities- Agra and Delhi. Jaipur is also a busy business center and harbors some of the best colorful markets for ethnic Indian wear. This contrasting picture of rich heritage and contemporary setting takes one into a different world altogether. At eGoldentriangle.com we tried to list the the Major tourist attractions and places to see in Jaipur.

With countless magnanimous tourist attractions, the visit to Jaipur will never feature a dull moment. This architectural grandeur of Jaipur is unique and is matchless when compared to other cities.

The best places to see in Jaipur are:

Hawa Mahal: The perfect example of Rajput architectural excellence, Hawa Mahal is the first place to see in Jaipur. Also known as the ‘Palace of Wind’, it was built by Sawai Pratap Singh. The beautiful palace features around 953 windows also known as ‘Jharokhas’ made up of pink sandstone. Situated in the City Palace compound, it was built for the royal ladies to help them to view the outside world while comfortably resting in the Palace. Presently, it houses an archeological museum. When visiting this place, do make it a point to explore the wide array of art and craft put on display by the local artists.

Amber Fort: The Amer Fort was created by Raja Man Singh I in 1592. The architecture of the place carries the essence of fusion of Mughul and Indian architecture. Situated at 11 kms from the Jaipur city, the fort not only is huge but also popular for the beautiful palace located inside the premises. It is marked with stunning design, well complimented with paintings studded with stones and mirrors. The main attractions of the fort are Jaleb Chowk, Kali Temple, Diwan-I-Aam, Jai Mandir,

Jaigarh Fort, (A 1 km walk uphill from 'Amber Fort', or Rs 100/200 for motorbike/auto-rickshaw), Never conquered in battle, this was considered the strongest of the three forts in the area. It is best known as the site of the world's largest cannon, the Jaivana, which was test-fired only once — according to legend, despite using only the half the design amount of gunpowder, the cannonball flew 35 km

Nahargarh Fort: Nahargarh Fort, The smallest of the three forts, notable primarily for excellent views over Man Sagar lake and the vast sprawl of Jaipur. The fort also houses the (relatively) compact Madhavendra Bhawan palace, although its former splendour is fading fast under a new layer of graffiti and pigeon droppings. Portions of the movie Rang De Basanti were shot at this fort.

Sheesh Mahal and Sukh Niwas. The Fort is made of white marble and red stone. This regal Fort was completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh.

City Palace: City Palace, (Inside the old city, close to New Gate and Hawa Mahal). An imposing blend of traditional Rajput and Mughal architecture. It is a vast palace complex occupying nearly one-seventh of the Pink City. It was originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II.

Jal Mahal Palace: Jal Mahal (Water Palace), (On the way to Sisodia Rani Garden). A Rajput style architectured palace sits in the center of the Maan-sarovar lake. The lake is often dry in the winter, but summer monsoons frequently turn it into a beautiful lake filled with water hyacinths.

Jaipur Jantar Mantar : Jantar Mantar. The largest of five astronomical observatory build by Maharaja Jai Singh during the period 1727-1734 in north India. It is located very close to the City Palace.

Gaitore (Gatore), (In the walled city area named Brahmpuri, the foothills of Nahargarh Fort). This is a royal cremation site of the royal rulers of jaipur.

Temples in Jaipur

Govind Dev ji Temple - For Vaishnavites, particularly followers of Lord Krishna, this is the most important temple in the world after Vrindavan. Lord Krishna presiding in the temple were brought to Jaipur from Vrindavan during Mughal rein. According to popular legend, Lord Krishna's idol in the temple looks exactly like Krishna's form while his incarnation of Earth. It is located at Jainiwas Gardens, Jalebi Chowk, in the same campus as City Palace.

Moti Doongri Temple is located in the center of Jaipur city. This Temple is the main center of religion for Jaipur people. Moti Dungri is basically a small hill, which means Pearl Hill. There is a Temple and a Palace on this hill. Moti Dungri temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and it is said that at the time of building this city, this temple was constructed first to protect the city.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple (aka The Marble Temple) (Birla Temple), (below the well known Moti Dungri fort). is a relatively new temple made of white marble with beautiful carvings. It covers a vast area in Jaipur city and is built in a contemporary manner. Birla Temple is completely constructed with finest high quality white marbles.

Akshardham Temple (at Vaishali Nagar)

Jain Mandir The most beautiful temple in Sanganer is the ancient Shri Digamber Jain temple. The temple has fine carvings as those of the magnificent Dilwara temples of Mount Abu. Built in various phases with sky-high shikharas (spires), the temple represents an old style of architecture.

Galtaji is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site situated 10 km from Jaipur on Jaipur-Agra highway near Sisodia Rani Garden. The main temple here is temple of Galtaji in constructed in pink stone. The temple has a number of pavilions with rounded roofs, exquisitely carved pillars and painted walls. The temple is surrounded by natural springs and reservoirs that are considered holy .There are also seven tanks or kunds here.

Galwar Bagh (aka The Monkey Temple) and Suriya Mandir (aka The Sun Temple) are located on the Eastern edge of the city. Both locals and tourists come here to feed the surprisingly tame monkeys, use the temples, and enjoy the views. You can climb to the top of the hill and then down into the valley to see the Monkey Temple, all the while enjoying the company of countless monkeys, goats, and other animals. At the top of the hill, you turn right to reach the Sun Temple for one of the best views of the city, especially at sunset. Monkey food is available for purchase at the bottom of the hill. The Temples are free, but local religious people may ask for donations (optional) and there is a Rs 50 charge for using a camera.

Gardens and Parks in Jaipur

• Ram Niwas Garden
• Zoological Garden
• Sisodia Rani Palace and Garden
• Vidyadhar Garden
• Central Park (Entrance near Statue Circle)

Other important places to see in Jaipur

• Albert Hall / Central Museum
• Isar Lat / Swargasuli
• Moti Doongri
• Kanak Vrindavan
• Maharani Ki Chhatri

Tourists can also visit the local markets spread across the city of Jaipur. The markets put on display a rich collection of handicrafts, dresses and ornaments that are not only colorful but equally stunning and graceful. They display the rich tradition of the Jaipur city that is still untouched in today's fast paced life.