The vast sea of golden sand sleeping peacefully under the azure skies - no place can quite compete with the grandeur of Jaipur. Recognised as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Jaipur is a rare mix of royalty and modesty. The streets of this city are bustling with culture and heritage. At every avenue, you will meet the bygone era standing tall in all its glory.
Anything but your regular tourist destination with mere tourist places to visit; Jaipur is a relic and rare opportunity for you to meet the illustrious past of India. Fondly known as the Pink City, Jaipur witnesses its fair share of vibrant fairs and festivals, colourful garbs, and lively markets, Jaipur has a rainbow of its own flowing its street. And let’s not forget the majestic forts and fortress to the royal palaces, from colourful bandhani to delectable Dal Baati Churma.
Let’s get you going with some of the best places to visit in Jaipur: -
1. Hawa Mahal
Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, Hawa Mahal is one of the most beautiful and famous places in Jaipur. Made of red and pink sandstone, this five-storey piece of art has 953 small windows known as Jharokhas with intricate latticework. Situated amidst the busy J.D.A Market, Hawa Mahal is a stunning sight from the outside and a real treasure behind those Jharokhas. The palace complex is a fine fusion of Hindu and Persian architecture which makes it one of the best places to visit in Jaipur.
2. Johari Bazaar
India’s craftsmanship eternizes its heritage. With highly skilled gem-cutters working on emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, you can expect to find some of the finest jewellery pieces bearing the intricate Kundan-Meena work in Johari Bazaar. It is one of the top places to visit in Jaipur for the shopaholics as well as those looking for souvenirs.
Kundan-Meena work dates to the Mughal era which makes it the centre of interest for many when in Johari Bazaar while also burgeoning its repute as one of the best places to visit in Jaipur. After you are done with your shopping spree, you can make a stop at any of the cafés here. Johari Bazaar area has some of the best cafés in Jaipur.
3. City Palace
When you wish to witness some real opulence and affluence, City Palace is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur. Counted amongst Jaipur’s famous places, City Palace is not just another tourist attraction. Jaipur was India’s first planned city, including City Palace. Bearing a blend of Mughal, European, and Rajputana architecture, City Palace is divided into six blocks separated by broad avenues, including the Chandra Mahal, the Shri Govind Dev Ji Temple, the Mukut Mahal, the Mubarak Mahal, the Maharani’s Palace, and the City Palace Museum. From entrance gates to the pavilions, City Palace is all about the royal Rajputana history.
4. Jal Mahal
Right out of a fairy tale, this mysterious palace floating on water is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Jaipur. As the name suggests, this Mahal on Jal is situated right in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Floating on the majestic blue lake, this fine example of Rajputana architecture actually has four submerged levels under the water's surface. This beautiful structure becomes even more stunning a place to visit in Jaipur at night.
5. Sheesh Mahal
Mirror, mirror, on the wall! Built with marble and red sandstone, Sheesh Mahal is also known as the Palace of Mirrors. With thousands of tiny mirrors set on its walls, Sheesh Mahal is a must-visit place in Jaipur. What makes this place such an attraction?! Well, a single ray of sun lights up the entire palace; try imagining something as magical. This enchanting phenomenon makes Sheesh Mahal one of Jaipur’s best places to witness. Another reason why people flock Sheesh Mahal is the fact that the iconic song “Jab Pyar Kiya to Darna kya” from the movie “Mughal-e-Azam” was shot in the palace. A place with such backstory must not be missed!
6. Panna Meena Ka Kund
There are many tourist places in Jaipur and Panna Meena Ka Kund is one of them. While you will find many stepwells in the state of Rajasthan, Panna Meena Ka Kund is one of the most popular places to see in Jaipur. Stepwells are called Baoli or Baori in the local language. Appearing as a regular background in the photos on social media, Panna Meena Ka Kund can be the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed on your next Jaipur tour. From central Jaipur, you can drive to Panna Meena Ka Kund or take a cab. The best part, the guides there click the best candid photos.
7. Patrika Gate
If you have booked a Jaipur tour package, make sure that Patrika Gate is in your itinerary. With a medley of colours and a grand display of artistic excellence, Patrika Gate is among the best tourist places in Jaipur. The walls of Patrika Gate are all embellished with the hand-paintings of forts, palaces, temples, rulers of Jaipur, wedding, wars, and everything that will give you a glimpse of Jaipur’s vast history. The vibrant colours and fine work done by the artisans make Patrika Gate one of the most prominent tourist places in Jaipur. You will surely understand the adage ‘Rangilo Rajasthan’ once you step foot in here.
8. Chandpole Bazar
Retail therapy is never going out of fashion and Chandpole Bazar is here to prove it. Starting from Choti Chapuad to Chandpole Gate, Chandpole Bazar is one of the top places to visit in Jaipur and a shopper’s haven. From marble handicraft to Lac and metal bangles, you will find everything authentically Rajasthani here. If you are fond of Rajasthani ethnics, you can find the best quality of bandhnis, tie-dyes, and lehriyas. A famous tourist place in Jaipur, Chandpole Bazar also has some of the best street food places. If you are in for some real Indian taste, go to Khuteta Namkeen Bhandar and order their iconic Aloo ki Kachori; it is lip-smacking delicious!
9. Central Park
No vacation is complete without a family picnic and Central Park is the perfect place for it. Locals come here to jog and run while you can witness people sitting and having small picnics. Amongst all the famous places to visit in Jaipur, Central Park is for people looking to have some quiet and fun time with their family. This lush green park was developed by the Jaipur Development Authority. With a musical fountain, Stonehenge-like stone statues, and a temple, Central Park is well worth a visit.
10. Nahargarh Fort
Standing with pride on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort is one of the best places to visit when in Jaipur. 4 kilometres drive from Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort is not your usual tourist place. When you wish for some quiet and a good view… no, the grandest view of Jaipur, head to Nahargarh Fort. Nothing can be more fulfilling than sitting in solitude while watching over Jaipur washed in the orangish hue of sunset.
The sound of Rajasthani folk music, colourful skirts twirling high, sweetness in the speech, colours in the air and revelry in the hearts of the local folks - Jaipur has an idyllic charm to it. Whether you are on a short weekend trip to Jaipur or a long holiday, explore it to the fullest; you’ll be amazed at how magnificent it is.
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