19 Must-See Places to Visit in Jaipur, India’s Pink City
Traveling to Rajasthan and looking for the best places to visit in Jaipur? These are the most iconic and must-see spots in the Pink City that you won’t want to miss!
There are so many incredible places to visit in Jaipur! It’s a city famous for its royal heritage and rich culture. If you’re traveling to Rajasthan, then you’ll definitely want to spend a few days exploring Jaipur.
This list features some of the most well-known places in Jaipur that are must-see spots for travelers. From massive forts, majestic palaces, museums, shopping and more, there’s honestly so much to do.
Jaipur is one of the cities along the Golden Triangle, a popular route for tourists in India. The Golden Triangle includes Delhi, Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) and Jaipur. Jaipur is an amazing city to explore with beautiful architecture and impressive history.
I traveled to Jaipur for the first time in 2017 when my family came to visit me after I moved to India. It was the perfect place to showcase the rich culture and they absolutely loved the trip! It’s a city I’d highly recommend if you’re traveling to India for the first time.
This post is divided into two sections: the top 10 iconic places and then 9 other noteworthy places to visit in Jaipur! The 10 are an absolute must-see, and if you have the time I would highly recommend the rest!
This post is all about the best places to visit in Jaipur.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaipur
These first 10 places to visit in Jaipur are an absolute MUST! If you have more time in the Pink City, keep reading for more interesting stops you can make during your trip.
#1 Amer Fort
Amer Fort (also called Amber Fort) is one of the most iconic places to visit in Jaipur, and it’s impressive! The fort is actually on the outskirts of Jaipur, about 30 minutes from the city center. It’s a massive palace and fort which you can spend half a day/one day exploring around.
Amer Fort was built in the 16th century and one of the reasons it’s so famous is because of the architecture. It’s a mix of Hindu and Mughal styles with a lot of detailed marble work and carvings. There’s also beautiful gardens, courtyards, and cute pathways and gates as you walk through the area.
Two of the top-see places in the fort include the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) which famously has walls and the ceiling all covered in mirrors, and the Diwan-e-Aam where the king used to address the public and ministers.
They have a light and sound show in the evenings which I’d highly recommend. It’s a beautiful way to see Amer Fort and it also tells the history. During the day, you’ll find a lot of people offering elephant rides up to the fort which I have never personally done, but it was popular for tourists, so could be perfect for you if you’re interested!
#2 The Royal Gaitor Tumbas (The Royal Cemetery)
The Royal Gaitor Tumbas is a royal cemetery near Nahargarh Fort (another famous fort in Jaipur, more info on that later). This is one of the lesser known places to visit in Jaipur but it’s a really beautiful place to stop.
It serves as the final resting place for members of the royal family of Jaipur. While not all the bodies are buried here, there are memorials for the various royals.
Each memorial has a beautiful little garden and marble and sandstone detailed carvings. The memorial of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II is the most famous because of its white marble intricate designs.
Overall, this is a really peaceful and serene space. It can be a quick stop where you can enjoy the beautiful architecture and a little break from the hustle of the city.
#3 Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds
The Hawa Mahal is another one of those iconic places to visit in Jaipur. If you search for pictures of Jaipur, this is likely one of the first first structures you’ll see. It’s a tall, five story pyramid shaped palace with pink and red sandstone (remember, Jaipur is famously called the Pink City!).
There are 953 small windows with intricate details which is why it’s nicknamed Palace of Winds, and was meant to help cool and ventilate the building since summers get so hot. The design was also meant to allow royal ladies to see street festivals from the palace without being seen from the outside.
There’s a museum on the inside with artifacts and handicrafts. There’s a lot of domes and floral patterns in the architecture, but to be honest it’s not quite as elaborate as the outside looks. It’s still worth going into though because you can climb to the rooftop and get a beautiful panoramic view over the city!
#4 Jantar Mantar
The Jantar Mantar is right next to the Hawa Mahal and is an astronomical observatory built in the 18th century. Today it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the impressive architectural designs and advanced astronomical skills it represents.
I don’t know much about astronomy, but I have to admit I can be a bit nerdy and love to learn about it when I can! This was one of my favorite places to visit in Jaipur because it was a really unique experience and somewhat mind-blowing that they had such a deep understanding of these things back then.
There are 19 astronomical instruments made from stone and marble which were designed to see celestial bodies with the naked eye. They are renowned for their accuracy and can do things like measure time, track stars and planets, predict eclipses, and many other things which are beyond my understanding!
One of the most famous instruments is the Samrat Yantra which is a giant sundial that can tell the time with an accuracy of about 2 seconds. You can take a guided tour here if you’re interested in learning more about the instruments and significance of astronomy in the culture. Otherwise you can explore on your own and you’ll get to see the instruments up close.
#5 City Palace
The City Palace in Jaipur is a huge complex that was built in the 18th century. It’s also situated right next to the Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal. In case you weren’t aware, Rajasthan is famously known as the land of kings (raja actually means king), and the whole state is known for have a rich royal history.
The City Palace has many various buildings, courtyards and galleries. Part of it still even serves as the current royal residence. The architecture across the whole palace is really remarkable and intricate. There’s a lot of beautiful gardens to walk around as well and it’s a beautiful place to explore.
Some of the best places to see in City Palace include the Mubarak Mahal, which is now a textile museum that shows royal costumes and fabrics that Rajasthan is famous for. There’s also the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum which showcases a lot of art like paintings, textiles and is more about the cultural history of the region.
Two other parts which played an important role historically are the Diwan-i-Khas and the Diwan-i-Aam. The Diwan-i-Khas is famous for its rich and elaborate decor and the Diwan-i-Aam actually houses two of the world’s largest silver vessels recognized by the Guinness World Records!
The Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and City Palace are all right next to each other on the same block, so you can take a day and see all three things in one trip then explore around the Old City.
#6 Albert Hall Museum
Albert Hall Museum is a beautiful place to walk around and learn about the history of Rajasthan. It’s one of the oldest museums in the state and was made in the late 19th century. The architecture is unique because it’s a mix of Indian, Mughal and British styles, and it’s very eye-catching and detailed!
The Museum was intended to be a way to showcase the art of Jaipur and promote local artisans. There’s a huge collection of artifacts like paintings, carpets, sculptures, crystal works, pottery and wood work, and much more.
It’s a nicely organized and well maintained museum, and is a great place to get a deeper look into the art, culture and history. They also have some exhibits that feature artifacts from other parts of the world. One of the most unique things in the museum is the collection of Egyptian mummies which seems a little random but still very cool!
It’s also the perfect spot for anyone looking to take nice photography in Jaipur. The structures are stunning and even at night they light up the museum in a really beautiful way to highlight the architecture.
#7 Jal Mahal, the Water Palace
Jal Mahal translates to “Water Palace” which is a perfect name because it’s situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. The architecture is beautiful and what’s more eye-catching is that the palace gets almost entirely submerged by water when the lake rises.
Originally it was built to be a lodge for duck hunting in the 18th century. Nowadays, it’s been renovated and is a testament to Rajasthani architecture. The picturesque scene is so unique and perfect for photography, which explains why this is one of the most iconic places to visit in Jaipur.
You can’t enter the palace, but you can view it from the banks of the lake. The area around it has been beautifully maintained with gardens and cute pathways. It’s the perfect place for a walk and to see some of the migratory birds that come!
#8 Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort
These are two separate forts which are about 15 minutes apart by car. Nahargarh Fort is on the outskirts of the city leading to Jaigarh Fort, which is next to Amer Fort. Personally, unless you have a deeper interest in exploring forts or have a lot of time to explore Jaipur, I think just seeing Amer Fort is sufficient so hence I’ve combined these two.
Jaigarh Fort was actually built to protect Amer Fort and the Amer Palace. It’s known as the Fort of Victory because it’s never been conquered. It’s also famous because it holds the world’s largest cannon on wheels. More than being a beautifully and intricately designed fort like many of the other places in Jaipur, the focus here was on strength and resilience.
There’s a museum you can explore and it also offers amazing panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape and Amer Fort.
Nahargarh Fort is well-known for its stunning views of Jaipur. Several famous Indian movies have been shot here and it’s a particularly beautiful place to watch the sunset over the city. The fort is also home to the Madhavendra Bhawan which is a summer destination for the royals.
#9 Galta Ji, the Monkey Temple
Galta Ji is a beautiful space nearing the outskirts of the city among the Aravalli Hills. It’s known as the Monkey Temple because there are a LOT of monkeys that reside in the area and roam around the temple. Honestly, I was scared of them when I went because they are not afraid to come and take your things. But I would still regard it as one of the most memorable places to visit in Jaipur!
Galta Ji is home to various temples and is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site. Hindu ascetics have been retreating here since the early 1500s and it’s famous for its natural water springs and sacred kunds (water tanks). The main temple is dedicated to the sun god, Surya.
Many people believe that dipping in the kunds can wash away your sins and it attracts a lot of visitors during the Makar Sankranti festival in January. One of the most famous is the Galta Kund. It’s considered the most sacred spot in the area because it never runs dry of water. We never saw anyone ever bathing in the water when I’ve gone, but it was still beautiful to see.
Apart from the temples and water inside the area, it’s also beautiful for its natural surroundings. You can get panoramic views of the city and countryside. The architecture is beautiful and the monkeys also add some excitement, especially if you’re into photography!
#10 Jaipur Shopping: Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Chandpole Bazaar
There are so many places you can go shopping in Jaipur, but these are some of the most popular bazaars for travelers to visit. Perfect for buying souvenirs or gifts for family and friends back home!
Johari Bazaar – Known for jewelry and stones. It’s the best place to find traditional Rajasthani jewelry! You can also find nice embroidered sarees and lehengas (traditional Indian clothes).
Bapu Bazaar – Famous for its leather products, textiles and handicrafts. You can get the famous Rajasthani juttis (footwear) here!
Tripolia Bazaar – Perfect place to shop for bangles, brassware or other traditional wear. You can find a lot of jewelry and beautifully dyed fabrics here.
Chandpole Bazaar – Known for handicrafts, marble carvings and Rajasthani furniture. It’s a market full of artisans and is beautiful even just to walk around.
Other Fun Places to Visit in Jaipur
As mentioned, those were the top and most iconic must-see places to visit in Jaipur. But there’s actually still so many other places worth seeing! If you have the extra time, I’d recommend checking out these spots as well.
#11 Sisodia Rani Garden and Palace
It’s a beautiful palace with impressive multi-level gardens, fountains and pavilions.
#12 Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir is a stunning white marble Hindu temple famous for its modern architecture.
#13 Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing
Situated near Amer Fort, it’s a museum that showcases traditional block printing art, textile, tools and techniques.
#14 Rambagh Palace
Rambagh Palace used to be the residence for the King of Jaipur. Now, it’s a luxurious heritage hotel which is incredible just to walk around in.
#15 Diggi Palace
This is another old royal residence turned into a heritage hotel. It’s famous because it hosts the annual Jaipur Literature Festival so it brings in a lot of literary enthusiasts worldwide.
#16 Govind Dev Ji Temple
It’s a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Thousands of people visit each day to participate in the daily aartis (prayers).
#17 Elefantastic
You have to make an appointment at the office, but then they can take you to a really nice elephant sanctuary. The elephants are really looked after and loved. It’s also a great place to visit in Jaipur for families and kids.
#18 Panna Meena ka Kund
A picturesque water step-well near Amer Palace. It makes for a great photo and is cool to see for a quick stop.
#19 World Trade Park
This is a big, upscale mall with lots of nice stores, food options and a cinema. It’s a lot like modern western malls.
This post was all about places to visit in Jaipur.
