Khamma Ghani, Namaste and Hello 🙂
This is my first travel blog after giving birth. These days, I am travelling slowly, and suddenly, time feels very limited. Most of my time is taken up by my baby, and honestly I am loving every moment of it.
Today I had a few quiet, focused hours for myself, and I felt like writing again. I thought I would share my top 10 favourite places to visit in Jaipur and my experiences visiting the city many times.
Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. It was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who was the king of the nearby town, Amer. He planned Jaipur carefully with wide roads and organized markets, which were very modern for that time. Later, many buildings in the city were painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876, and since then Jaipur has also been known as the Pink City. Today, it is famous for its forts, palaces, culture, and vibrant bazars.
Travelling to Jaipur
By Air: Book Your Tickets for Jaipur International Airport
Jaipur International Airport is the primary airport of Jaipur. Located approximately 13 kilometers from the city center, it offers both domestic and international flights. You can take a prepaid taxi, app-based cab services like Uber or Ola, or even book a private transfer through your hotel.
Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (October to March).
By Train: Arrive at Jaipur Junction
Jaipur Junction is a major railway station in Rajasthan, located in the heart of the city. It’s a key junction on the Indian Railways network, connecting Jaipur to various parts of the country.
Some of the popular trains that connect Jaipur with other cities include:
- Shatabdi Express: For a quick and comfortable journey from Delhi.
- Rajdhani Express: Connecting Jaipur with Mumbai and other major cities.
- Intercity Express: Frequent services to and from cities like Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.
- Book your train tickets through the IRCTC website or app for convenience.
- Arrive at the station a bit early, especially if you have heavy luggage or are unfamiliar with the layout.
By Road: Bus Services from Major Cities in North India
Jaipur is well-connected by road, with an extensive network of highways linking it to major cities in North India. Whether you prefer a private car or a bus, traveling by road can be a scenic and enjoyable experience.
Several government and private bus operators run services to Jaipur. Some of the key routes include:
- Delhi to Jaipur: Frequent services, including luxury and Volvo buses, with a journey time of around 5-6 hours.
- Agra to Jaipur: Approximately 4-5 hours by bus, making it easy to combine a visit to the Taj Mahal with your trip to Jaipur.
- Udaipur to Jaipur: A longer journey of about 7-8 hours, but worth it for the scenic landscapes en route.
One can easily visit the major attractions in Jaipur by car or auto-rickshaw. The main places in the city are well connected by good roads. You can book a cab through apps like Ola or Uber, rent a bike or simply take a local auto to move around the city comfortably.
I, along with my two friends booked an auto for the entire day to explore Jaipur.
Where to stay in Jaipur
The capital city of Rajasthan has hundreds of hotels to choose from. Here are my favorites.
- Budget option – Zostel.
- Medium-range haveli-like hotels – There are some Havelis near the railway station.
- Luxurious stay – Rambagh Palace, Alila Fort Bishangarh, The Leela
When to visit Jaipur
The summer temperature in Jaipur can go above 37°C and sometimes even higher. The best time to visit the city is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing. This is also the peak tourist season, as the cooler weather makes it easier to explore the forts, palaces, and markets.
My Favourite Places to See in Jaipur
Amer Fort/Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort
Amber Fort is located about 11 km from Jaipur. The area was originally ruled by the Meena Tribe and later the fort was developed and ruled by Raja Man Singh I.
Decorated Indian elephants were slowly marching ahead to the beats of drums, while the cool morning breeze was blowing softly. That was my first glimpse of Amber Fort. That was a perfect royal morning 🙂
Before exploring the fort, we went inside Shila Devi Temple to take blessings. After coming out, we received chana and halwa as prasadam and honestly, it was absolutely delicious. This is my very first memory of Amer Fort. I have visited the fort many times after that, but this memory is still my favourite one.
Here are some of the main attractions and things to do when visiting Amer Fort.
- The beautiful Maota Lake and the Mughal garden, Kesar Kyari.
- An early morning elephant ride up to the fort.
- Light show at night.
- Watch a puppet show and sync to the tune of Rajasthani folk music.
- Sheesh Mahal – The mirror palace.
- Shila Devi Holy Place
- Diwan-i-Aam – Hall of Public Audience.
- Diwan-i-Khas – Hall of Private Audience.
- Jai Mandir
- Sukh Niwas
- Underground passage to reach Jaigarh fort
- Get an excellent view of Amer Fort and the Aravalli mountains from the Jaigarh Fort
In the evening, there is also a light and sound show that tells the history of the fort and the rulers of Jaipur. The show usually starts around 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, depending on the season.
If you wish to see the night light show at Amber Fort, plan your visit in the second half of the day. Otherwise, the best time to visit is early in the morning to escape the harsh sun and the large tourist crowds.
The visiting hours of Amber Fort are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and the fort is open on all days of the week.
Panna Meena ka Kund
It is known for its historic temple and an ancient stepwell that was once used for rainwater harvesting. The kund is famous for its beautiful and symmetrical stairways, which make it a very picturesque place to visit and photograph.
Nahargarh Fort – Abode of Tigers
Nahargarh Fort was built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. The fort was built to protect the city from possible invaders but it never faced any major war. From the fort, you get a beautiful view of the city, and the winding roads that connect the fort to Jaipur are something you will definitely remember.
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal as the name suggests is a palace located in the middle of a lake. It is a beautiful place to start the day especially during sunrise. You usually need special permission to go inside the palace, but you can still enjoy a lovely view of it from the road nearby, which is equally wonderful.
Get instant photographs in Rajasthani dress if you plan to visit it in the evening or daytime.
Jantar Mantar
A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient astronomical instruments. It was built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who had a deep interest in astronomy.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The palace was designed by the architect Lal Chand Ustad. It was built so that royal women could catch street festivals and daily life outside without being seen, as they followed the purdah system at that time
The palace has hundreds of small windows (called jharokhas) that allow cool air to pass through, keeping the place comfortable even in the hot weather. This is also why it was called Hawa Mahal, which means Palace of Winds.
Patrika Gate
A colorful gateway known for its detailed paintings that show the culture and history of Rajasthan. It is a popular spot for photos.
Albert Hall Museum
The oldest museum in Rajasthan is known for its beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture and historical collections.
Birla Mandir
A peaceful white marble temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Galta Ji Temple
An ancient temple complex surrounded by hills, famous for its natural water tanks and spiritual atmosphere, read more about Galta Ji Temple.
Have you explored the Pink City yet? What places did you love the most in Jaipur? Drop your recommendations, hidden gems, or travel tips in the comments I would truly love to read them.
CurlyGirlyTravely 