Jaipur is a place with a glorious past and a very rich historic background. People come from far off places just to get the taste of its beautiful monuments and their architecture. For anyone who wants to visit Jaipur or even know about it, listed here is a list of 20 places one must visit and why.
1. Albert Hall Museum
Situated in Ram Niwas Garden, Albert Hall Museum is home to many beautiful paintings, sculptures and other distinct objects of historic significance. Dated back to 1876, it’s the oldest museum in the state and is quite popular for its Indo-Saracenic architecture. With lush green lawns alongside, you can sit and enjoy the beauty of this gigantic museum from outside.
2. Amar Jawan Jyoti
Amar Jawan Jyoti was established as a tribute to the martyrs who fought and sacrificed their lives for the pride and honor of the nation. In the evenings, the place is lit with beautiful colored lights which makes the view all the more spectacular. Here one can view art, sculptures and audio visual movies dedicated to the defense force of the country. It is a perfect place for those who are keen to hear the gallant tales of the soldiers of our nation.
3. Amer Fort
Amer or Amber Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is among the most visited places in Jaipur. The fort situated high on a hill overlooking the Maota Lake, is spread over a vast area with four levels, each having a courtyard. Every evening, the fort hosts a spellbinding Light and Sound Show, scripted by the great poet and lyricist Gulzar and voiced by Bollywood superstar Mr Amitabh Bachchan. With a blend of folk music, the show brings to life the legends, history, traditions and cultures of the Rajputs and Jaipur City. The high walls of the fort, made of red sandstone and marble, create an awe-stricken backdrop for the light – effects. This is something to be witnessed by every Jaipurite at least once in their lifetime.
4. Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir, also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple, is a marvel made entirely of white marble. Situated on the elevated platform of the Moti Dunagri Hill, it looks splendid glowing in the night light. The major attraction is towards the idol of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi, which is carved out of one single piece of marble. With the pure and peaceful aura of the temple, surrounded by lush green lawns, it is the ideal hangout place for many Jaipurites as well as tourists to spend their evenings.
5. Chokhi Dhani
For an ultimate Rajasthani experience, Chokhi Dhani, located approx 23 km from Jaipur on Tonk Road, is a place you can’t afford to miss. With the artificial village environment, soak in the spirits of Rajasthani culture and traditions. The lip smacking, traditional Rajasthani food adds to the charismatic appeal of Chokhi Dhani. Once you visit the place, the paintings, the wall art, the camel rides, the dance performances, the enthusiasm, the traditions, the Rajasthani attire and the smiling faces are all bound to mesmerize you and make you feel ecstatic.
6. Chulgiri
Situated in the lap of the Aravali Ranges, is a beautiful Jain temple, Chulgiri. It’s famous for its 60 ft tall dome, which shelters the enormous 21 ft tall sculpture of Mahaveer Swami. The way to the temple is an adventure in itself. Hiking and trekking on the Aravali Hills is altogether a different experience and many tourists visit Chulgiri just for this. The Ghaat Ki Ghooni tunnel which eventually leads to the temple, is a major tourist attraction. During monsoon, surrounded by the greenery, the place looks all the more beautiful and attractive. With many scenic views, it’s a perfect place for a peaceful picnic.
7. City Palace
Located in the heart of the old city of Jaipur, City Palace is where the Kachwaha Rajput clan ruled from. Built in the 18th Century, the Palace is a blend of Rajput, Mughal and European styles of architecture. Within the premises, one will find many gardens, ravishing courtyards and a Museum displaying many artefacts from the bygone era. Buildings like Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Maharani Palace add to the allure of the Palace. Their richly crafted walls and ceiling, marble flooring and the mirror work are just an addition to the beauty of the palace. Govind Dev Ji temple, which is in the palace premises, is also a major tourist attraction and sees a heavy footfall daily.
8. Galtaji
An ancient pilgrimage site, Galtaji, surrounded by the Aravali Hills has a series of temples built in a narrow crevice. From the hills flows a natural spring, that fills the seven sacred kunds, which the pilgrims consider as holy and come in thousands to bathe here. Galta ji is also famous for the hundred of monkeys that live here in the Galwar Bagh or also known as the monkey temple. It is considered very auspicious to visit the temple and to bathe in the kund on Makar Sankranti.
9. Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal or Wind Palace, built in the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown, is the world’s tallest building without a foundation. With 953 Jharokhs, it was built for the Royal Ladies to witness the day to day activities happening on the streets without actually being seen. It was a great retreat in the summers as the winds would blow inside and cool the entire palace. No tourists can ever resist admiring the beauty of this Wind Palace.
10. Jaigarh
Jaigarh, situated on the Cheel ka Teela of the Aravali Ranges, over looks the Amber Fort and the Maota Lake. Also known as the Victory Fort, it is very similar to the Fort of Amber in terms of structure and architecture. The fort has a cannon named Jaivana which was once the world’s largest cannon on wheels. It is convenient to visit Jaigarh and Amber Fort on the same trip as they are considered as one complex.
11. Jal Mahal
Situated in the heart of the Maan Sagar Lake, is the fine masterpiece of both Rajput and Mughal architecture, Jal Mahal. A five storied building, Jal Mahal has 4 floors underwater and only one floor above it. While it is not open for tourists to visit it from inside, one can marvel at the beauty of this Water Palace from outside, enjoy the picturesque view and have a treat at the nearby Chowpatis.
12. Jawahar Cirlce
Jawahar Circle, located near the Jaipur International Airport is considered as the largest circular park in Asia. The park has many musical fountains, swings jogging track and a chowpaati place to gorge on tasty food. Having a calm and soothing atmosphere, many people come here to spend some quality time.
13. Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has many stone, brass and masonry instruments which were made based on astrology and ancient Hindu Sanskrit texts. The place has the World’s largest stone sundial which has created a major buzz among the tourists.
14. Kanak Vrindavan
Located at the foot of Nahargarh Hills, is a beautiful garden surrounded by lush green lawns and trees and fountains. It has many exquisite ‘Chhatris’ that depict the architecture of the bygone era. The Kanak Vrindavan valley, often being used as a backdrop for my Bollywood movies and a perfect picnic spot, offers a breathtaking view of the Jaipur City and the alluring nearby places.
15. Nahargarh
At the edge of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, Aravali Hills, stands a magnificent fort named Nahargarh. It’s the favourite hangout place of many Jaipurites because of the height on which the Fort is situated and the breathtaking view of the city that it offers. Trekking to the top of the hill, where the fort stands, is an experience like never before.
16. Panna Meena ki Baori
Panna Meena ki Baori, located near the Amber Fort, is an architectural marvel of the 16th Century. This step well was constructed as a community gathering place for the locals. During the monsoons, the place looks very attractive and soothing. The beauty of the place lies in the unique concept of symmetrical staircases. Legends say that a person can’t use the same staircase to go up and down and many tourist visit this place to check it out themselves.
17. Raj Mandir
Constructed in the Art Moderne Style of architecture, Raj Mandir was considered as the finest architecture building in the history of the cinema halls. The beautiful chandeliers, the carpeted floors, crafted walls and everything about the place makes it a royal experience for the visitors. Titled as the ‘Pride of Asia’, this cinema hall is very popular among the tourists as well as the locals.
18. Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh
Located near Ghat Ki Ghooni, Sisodia Garden was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh as a token of love for his second queen, Queen Sisodia of Udaipur. The garden is adorned with beautiful flower beds, musical fountains, water channels and murals displaying the eternal love story of Radha-Krishna. The place serves as a very famous tourist and picnic spot.
Image via Google
19. Sargasuli
Constructed as a symbol of victory of Maharaja Sawai Ishwari Singh over Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh, the tower is also called ‘Victory Tower’. The specialty of this sky-high building is that, from its roof one can get a 360 degree panoramic view of the entire Pink City. Located in the heart of the city, this tower is a very popular tourist destination in Jaipur.
20. Vidhadhar ka Bagh
A pristine garden, Vidhadhar ka Bagh was built in the memory of the architect of the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, Vidhadhar Bhattacharya. Located near the Sisodia Garden, the place is a display of scenic beauty surrounded by beautiful fountains, lush green flower beds, royal pavilions and murals of Lord Krishna. It’s a very famous tourist attraction and an ideal place for a peaceful getaway.
Image via Google
Enjoy the architectural beauties of Pink City and connect with the glorious history of each monument as this is the best time of the year to visit the city of Jaipur.
Written by our intern: Avni Mehta