Named after its founder Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743), Jaipur is a vibrant city that never fails to charm. Buildings painted in bright hues of pink, shops offering lip smacking kachoris and rich faloodas, and bazaars that deal with exquisite clothing, rustic art, and precious stones, this city is indeed a tourist haven! Getting to Jaipur is easy.
If you prefer traveling by air, the Jaipur International Airport is around 11 km from the city. For those traveling by road, there are plenty of buses run by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) and a number of private Volvo buses to choose from. The Jaipur Railway Station connects the city to the rest of the country. Coming to accommodation, though there is no dearth of hotels in the city, staying close to the railway station is great.
With a number of options to choose from, Treebo Hotels near Jaipur railway station offers comfortable rooms at rather affordable rates. In addition to this, the hotel provides complimentary breakfast, free WiFi and branded toiletries. For those planning a 3-day trip to the ‘Pink City’ here’s what you can do to make the most of your vacation!
From Forts to Wells – Sightseeing in Jaipur
Amber Fort
Undertaken by Raja Man Singh I and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh, this mammoth fort built from red sandstone and marble, tops the list of tourist attractions in Jaipur. With the majestic Aravallis and the Maota Lake in the backdrop, Amber Fort houses Sheesh Mahal (the palace of mirrors), wall paintings encrusted with precious stones, and beautiful frescos.
Entry Fee: Indians – INR 25.00 / Foreigners – INR 150.00
Hawa Mahal / Palace of Winds
Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1798, the Hawa Mahal comprises 953 small windows or ‘Jharokhas.’ Through these windows, ladies of the royal family could watch the world outside without being seen by the commoners. Considering how hot it can get in Jaipur, the Hawa Mahal remains cool, thanks to its great design and strategically placed windows.
Entry Fee: Indians – INR 10.00 / Foreigners – INR 50.00
This place is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Jal Mahal
Imagine a palace built on a lake! Jal Mahal is located in the middle of Mansagar Lake and is a fine example of Rajput style architecture. The mighty Aravalli mountains make for an amazing backdrop and the lake itself is home to a number of migratory birds including flamingoes, the Green Crested Grebe, the Grey Wagtail, Kestrels, and Coots. Four out of the five levels of this palace are submerged making Jal Mahal a popular tourist haunt in Jaipur. For all you shutterbugs, photography is allowed here.
Jal mahal, Jaipur
Chokhi Dhani
A replica of a typical Rajasthani village complete with puppet shows, folk music and stalls serving local cuisine, a visit to Chokhi Dhani is a must when in Jaipur. Functional since 1989, this 5-star rated ethnic village resort is the only one in India. For antique/memorabilia collectors, there are stalls that promise to keep you busy for hours.
Abhaneri Step Well/Chand Baori
If you don’t mind traveling, visit the Abhaneri Step Well which is around 95 km from the city. The well is 13 storeys tall, comprises 3500 steps and is 30 meters into the ground. Built around 800 – 700 AD, this well is dedicated to Hashat Mata, the Goddess of joy and happiness.
Entry is free and this place is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
City Palace
Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II between 1729-32 AD, City Palace displays a fusion of Mughal and Rajput style of architecture. The imposing structure houses Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Mubarak Mahal in turn houses the Diwan – E – Khas and Diwan – E – Aam, the gathering place for the royals and courtiers during the Mughal era. This palace is also home to two museums – Maharani Palace, formerly used as the royal palace of the Rajput Queens, now displaying weapons and ammunition; and Baggi Khana, a museum that displays carriages used by the royals.
City Palace (Places to visit in Jaipur) – Source
The place is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm daily. Photography is not allowed inside the palace.
Entry: Indians
Adults: INR 40.00
Kids: INR 25.00
Camera Charges: INR 50.00
Video Camera Charges: INR 200.00
Entry: Foreigners
Adults: INR 300.00
Kids: INR 200.00
Camera Charges: INR 200.00
Video Camera Charges: INR 200.00
Also Read: 8-day Rajasthan itinerary
Shoppers Paradise
Johari Bazaar
The oldest in the city, Johari Bazaar is a true representation of Jaipur as most of the shops here are painted pink! So what is it that makes this bazaar a crowd favorite? Well, people from all over the country travel to Johari Bazaar for its gold, silver, diamond and Kundan jewelry! Apart from jewelry, get your hands on embroidered sarees and lehengas, tie-and-dye dresses, and beautiful Jaipuri quilts.
Bapu Bazaar
From Mojaris (Rajasthani footwear made from camel leather) to textiles, perfumes to handicrafts and sandstone and marble carvings, Bapu Bazaar is the place for all you shopaholics. Located on MI Road, this bazaar is famous for its leather products, sequined lehengas, and beautiful sarees.
Tripolia Bazaar
For beautiful carpets, brassware, precious stones and jewelry made from lac, head straight to Tripolia Bazaar on Maniharonka Road. Do remember to bargain as the prices of commodities here are hiked up.
Tummy Matters
Indian Icecream and Kulfi Faluda
This shop on MI Road is legendary. A local favorite, do try the famous rabdi kulfi, rabdi gola, matka kulfi, and kesar kulfi here. According to faithful patrons, the syrups used at the shop are homemade.
Spice Court
Located on Jacob Road (Civil Lines) Spice Court is a meat-lovers paradise. The Jungli Mass (mutton cooked to perfection in a paste of onions, red chillies, garlic and ghee) and Keema Bati (deep fried flour patties stuffed with keema) are popular items on the menu here. For all you vegetarians, this is the place to eat at. This eatery is famous for its ghewar and milk cake, thalis and signature item – dal bati churma. The satvik food prepared here is offered in temples and one must eat here when visiting Jaipur.
Sanjay Omelette
Eggs on everything! From burgers to pizzas, rolls to curries, and parathas to salads – this place serves eggs like no one else does. Run by a former participant of Masterchef India, Sanjay Sharma, this restaurant is for all you egg-lovers!
Also Read: Recommended Places to eat in Jaipur
Though there is much more to see and explore, the list above makes mention of some of the best bazaars and eateries and as well as popular tourist attractions in Jaipur. So what’s holding you back?Go on, plan your trip, explore this charming city and have your very own story to tell.
Check out my post on What is So Unique About Kumbhalgarh Fort and Why It Should Be on Your Budget List?
