Explore Jaipur: 2024 Tour Insights on Forts & Monuments

Jaipur

Jaipur, where “Jai” refers to Maharaja Jai Singh and “Pur” means city, is named after the great Maharaja Jai Singh. It is the capital of Rajasthan and is popularly known as the “Pink City of India.” Jaipur is not only known for its pink hue but is also considered one of the most beautiful and colorful cities in India. It holds the distinction of being India’s first planned city.

Stepping into Jaipur takes you back to the era of the Rajputs. It is a favorite tourist destination, attracting both domestic and international travelers from October to March every year. Jaipur is renowned for its majestic forts, grand havelis, serene lakes, splendid temples, lush gardens, and museums. It is also famous for its delicious food, soulful music, and rich tradition and culture. The city’s history can be felt everywhere, making Jaipur more than just a destination—it’s an experience.

Being the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is well-connected by road, air, and rail. It is located approximately 270 km from Delhi, making it easily accessible.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Jaipur, I recommend Hotel Aroma Classic, located just 2 km away from the famous “Hawa Mahal.” I paid INR 2,000 per day for my stay, and the hotel offered a pleasant ambiance, spacious rooms, and excellent service.

A 2 to 3-day trip is sufficient to explore Jaipur, with winter being the best season to visit. To explore the city’s tourist attractions, you can hire taxis, auto-rickshaws, or rent bikes. Jaipur also offers electric rickshaws and public transportation options like buses and metros, which are quite affordable.

Best Places to visit in Jaipur

Albert Hall Museum

On Day 1, you can begin by exploring the Albert Hall Museum. For most tourist attractions in Jaipur, a ticket is required, so I recommend purchasing a composite ticket, which costs INR 400 for Indians and INR 1,000 for foreigners. This ticket is valid for 2 days and grants access to 7 to 8 key attractions, saving you both time and money as you won’t need to buy separate tickets at each location.

The Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum in Jaipur, designed by Samuel Jacob and opened to the public in 1887. It is named after King Albert Edward VII. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of beautiful wall paintings, pottery, sculptures, stonework, woodwork, jewelry, carpets, and precious artifacts from around the world.

The museum is a perfect example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, offering a stunning blend of Indian and British styles. One of the highlights of the museum is a 2,400-year-old Egyptian mummy named Tutu. Each section of the museum presents a different glimpse of history, from a time when such grand structures were created without modern machines. The artifacts, paintings, and intricate designs are a true feast for the eyes.

At night, the museum becomes even more captivating, as it is beautifully illuminated. You can visit the museum from 7 PM to 10 PM in the evening to witness this enchanting view.

Sargasuli Tower

Just 1 km away from Albert Hall Museum, you can explore Sargasuli Tower, also known as “Isarlat Sargasuli” or the “Tower of Heaven.” The entrance is from the back road. Built in 1749 by Raja Ishwari Singh after his victory over Raja Madhav Singh, this seven-storied tower is known for its circular steps. Each floor has a door leading to a balcony. In total, there are 264 steps, and from the top, visitors can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of Jaipur city.

This towering structure symbolizes Jaipur’s victory, pride, and glory. Its height, beauty, and rich history fill the people of Jaipur with a sense of inspiration and pride. The tower is especially mesmerizing at night when it’s beautifully illuminated.

Hawa Mahal

Just a one-minute walk from Sargasuli Tower is the iconic Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of Winds.” The entry is from the side road, and the palace is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Ticket prices range from ₹200 for 1-4 people, ₹300 for groups of 5-15, with extra language guide charges at ₹150.

Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 and designed by Ustad Lalchand. Made of red and pink sandstone, it is the tallest building in the world constructed without a foundation. Visitors from all over the world love taking photos in front of it.

The architecture of Hawa Mahal is a perfect blend of Islamic Mughal and Hindu Rajput styles. The palace is shaped like a crown, and some compare its design to the crown of Lord Shri Krishna, as Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh was a great devotee. Each of its five floors has a temple, including Sharad Temple on the first floor, Ratan Temple on the second, followed by Vichitra Temple, Prakash Temple, and Hawa Temple.

The Hawa Mahal features 953 intricately designed windows. Surprisingly, there are no stairs in this five-story building; instead, ramps were built to make it easier to carry the palanquins of Rajput royal women. During that era, the purdah system was strictly followed, and royal women were not allowed to show their faces to strangers. The windows of Hawa Mahal allowed them to observe daily life and festivals without being seen.

Hawa Mahal looks stunning both during the day and at night, making it a must-visit in the evening when it’s beautifully lit.

Jantar Mantar

After visiting Hawa Mahal, you can head to Jantar Mantar, which is just half a kilometer away. The entry fee is ₹50, and the timings are from 9 AM to 5 PM. Jantar Mantar is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh in 1734. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are five Jantar Mantars in India—located in Delhi, Varanasi, Ujjain, Mathura, and Jaipur. What makes the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur unique is that it is an outdoor observatory where all the instruments are placed in open space, unlike those housed in buildings. The observatory is made primarily of stone because metal tends to shrink and expand with changing weather conditions, while stone remains unaffected, ensuring the accuracy of measurements.

These instruments help in calculating local time, weather conditions, planetary movements, constellations, and even eclipses. One of the highlights is the world’s largest Sundial that calculates time with an accuracy of up to two seconds. If you are interested in astronomy or science, this is a must-visit place, as it is the only observatory where you can perform practical calculations based on the position of the sun. Even today, the instruments are in working condition and provide accurate results.

The name “Jantar Mantar” is derived from Sanskrit, where “Jantar” means Yantra (instrument) and “Mantar” means calculation, so it translates to “Calculation Instrument.”

If you’re keen on understanding the instruments in detail, I highly recommend hiring a guide. There’s also an audio-visual hall where you can learn more about the history and working of Jantar Mantar free of charge.

Tip: It’s best to visit Jantar Mantar during the afternoon when the sun is directly overhead, making it easier to observe and understand how the instruments work.

City Palace

Directly in front of Jantar Mantar is the magnificent City Palace, with an entry ticket priced at ₹200. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727, the palace is a stunning blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Even today, the ruling royal family resides in a private section of the palace.

City Palace features several notable sections, starting with Mubarak Mahal, also known as the Palace of Reception. Mubarak Mahal has now been converted into a museum showcasing royal costumes such as pashmina shawls, Banarasi silk sarees, and garments worn by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh. Additionally, 15th-century Rajput weapons are on display, providing a glimpse into the rich history of the royal family.

The palace also houses Diwan-e-Aam, also called Sarvato Bhadra, where the Maharaja held public meetings, and Diwan-e-Khas, the royal court for private discussions with his courtiers. The ceilings of the palace are adorned with intricate paintings, reflecting the exquisite craftsmanship of that era.

One of the highlights of City Palace is the presence of two giant silver Ganga Jalis, each with a capacity of 4000 liters, which are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. These silver vessels were used by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh to carry holy water from the Ganges during his visit to England, as he only drank water from the sacred river.

To fully appreciate the palace, I recommend hiring a guide. It will take approximately two hours to explore the entire palace, and you’ll certainly be enchanted by its beauty and rich history.

Ram Nivas Garden

To end your day, you can visit Ram Nivas Garden, located near Albert Hall Museum. The entry ticket is ₹10, and the garden is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. This garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh in 1868 and has been renovated over the years. It offers a serene and peaceful environment, perfect for a leisurely walk amidst the lush greenery.

While the garden was quite clean during my visit, I did notice a few plastic wrappers near the plants. Seeing this, I felt a sense of responsibility and decided to pick them up to give back to this beautiful space.

Chokhi Dhani

When shopping in Jaipur, you’ll find plenty of options to buy traditional items like Bandhani fabrics, kurtas, dupattas, quilts, and sarees—all famous in Jaipur. The city shines brightly at night, but if you want to experience even more vibrant colors and culture, a visit to Chokhi Dhani is a must.

Located 20 kilometers from Jaipur, Chokhi Dhani is a village that beautifully represents Rajasthani culture, food, and traditions. The entry fee ranges from ₹800 to ₹1200 per person. The name “Chokhi Dhani” comes from Chowki, meaning “nice,” and Dhani, meaning “small village”—together, they mean a “nice little village.” This place is famous for its traditional Rajasthani cuisine and cultural experiences.

Chokhi Dhani offers a variety of experiences, including traditional folk music, puppet shows, and magic shows. The entire village is lit up with lamps, creating an enchanting atmosphere that transports you back in time. You can also enjoy games and shop for unique items here, including the famous keychains made by writing your name on grains of rice.

However, Chokhi Dhani’s highlight is its food, especially the traditional Rajasthani dish Dal Baati Churma. The taste is incredible, and it’s a dish you simply cannot miss.

Day 2 – Exploring the Forts of Jaipur

On your second day, explore the stunning forts around Jaipur, starting with Nahargarh Fort, followed by Jaigarh Fort, and finally, Amer Fort.

Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort is about 15 km from Hawa Mahal. The parking fee here is ₹60, and the entry fee is ₹50. Situated on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, this fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1734. Throughout its history, no one has ever attacked this fort, which adds to its uniqueness.

At the entrance of the fort, you can visit the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), which is crafted from 2.5 million pieces of glass. The entry fee for Sheesh Mahal is ₹250 per person. Additionally, there is a Wax Museum to explore. On your way to the fort, you’ll pass by a Bawdi (stepwell), used to collect rainwater during those times.

The architecture of Nahargarh Fort is a mix of European and Rajput styles. One noteworthy structure inside is Madhavendra Bhawan, built by Sawai Madho Singh for his 12 queens. The fort was rumored to be haunted during its construction due to the spirit of Prince Nahar Singh, who supposedly caused disruptions. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh then promised to build a temple in the prince’s name, leading to the fort being named after him—Nahargarh.

The design of this fort ensured that whenever the king visited one queen, the others wouldn’t know. You can go to the terrace to enjoy panoramic views of Jaipur city. This fort has also served as the filming location for movies like Rang De Basanti and Shuddh Desi Romance.

Jaigarh Fort

Just 5 kilometers from Nahargarh Fort is Jaigarh Fort, where the entry fee is ₹150, and the visiting hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1726, this fort is named Victory Fort. Jaigarh Fort houses the world’s largest cannon on wheels—the Jaivana Cannon, which was built in 1720.

The fort is constructed with red sandstone in the Indo-Persian style and is renowned for its impregnable walls, making it one of the strongest forts in Jaipur. It was built to protect Amer Fort and the surrounding areas. From the windows of this fort, you can see outside, but from the outer roads, it is difficult to see in.

The fort is vast, and you can drive your vehicle inside. In the fort premises, there’s a shop and a canteen where you can enjoy tea and snacks. Jaigarh Fort also has an armory where you can see the weapons used in warfare.

There is also a temple dedicated to Shri Ram Harihar Ji and Kal Bhairav, where visitors can offer prayers. Shubhat Nivas, also known as Diwan-e-Aam, was the hall where the king held public meetings, while Khilwat Niwas or Diwan-e-Khas was where private meetings were held. Other attractions within the fort include Lalit Mandir, Vilas Mandir, and Lakshmi Vilas.

A unique experience here is the puppet show, showcasing Rajasthan’s traditional art forms. Bhojan Shala (the dining area) reflects the food culture of the past. The fort is also connected to Amer Fort via an underground passage, built as an escape route in case of attacks. From the fort’s stairs, you can see stunning views of Amer Fort, the Aravalli mountain range, and Maota Lake. You can explore the fort comfortably in about two hours.

Amer Fort

Located 11 kilometers from Jaipur, Amer Fort charges ₹100 for entry, with visiting hours from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Built by Raja Mansingh in 1592, Amer Fort is an ancient structure made of red sandstone and marble.

The fort has four courtyards, with Suraj Pol being the entrance gate to the first courtyard. The Jaleb Chowk, an open space where soldiers used to parade, is accessible from Suraj Pol. In the second courtyard, you’ll find Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas, where the king addressed public concerns and held private meetings with ministers, respectively.

In the third courtyard lies the Sheesh Mahal, the largest of its kind in the world. The entire palace is adorned with glasswork that sparkles when light hits it. The fourth courtyard houses the Zenana Deodi, which was the residence of the queens. Only the king could enter this part of the palace. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views from the top of the fort.

There is a CCD, shops, ATMs, and washroom facilities inside the fort. It takes about 2-3 hours to explore Amer Fort fully.

Jal Mahal

On your way back from Amer Fort, stop by Jal Mahal, located on the main road. Jal Mahal, meaning “Water Palace,” is built in the middle of Mansagar Lake. While entry is restricted, you can enjoy its beautiful view from the lakeside.

End of Day 2 – Taste Jaipur’s Delights

To end your day, indulge in Jaipur’s famous sweet dishes at Rawat Kachori. Try Finni, Churma, Ghevar, and Malpua, and don’t forget to pack some Gajak, one of Jaipur’s famous sweets.

This refined version provides a clear and detailed guide for Day 2, making it easier to follow while enhancing the language and flow.

Day 3 – Markets, Temples, and Peaceful Spots in Jaipur

Shopping in Jaipur

Start your day by diving into the vibrant markets of Jaipur. Each market specializes in unique, traditional Rajasthani items:

1.Johri Bazaar – Famous for jewelry, including traditional Kundan and Meenakari designs.

2.Tripolia Bazaar – Best known for its colorful bangles, brassware, and ironware.

3.Nehru Bazaar – Perfect for buying traditional jootis (Rajasthani shoes).

4.Bapu Bazaar – A one-stop destination for Jaipuri textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Make sure to haggle for the best prices and enjoy the lively atmosphere while shopping for traditional Rajasthani items.

Sisodia Garden

After exploring the bustling markets, take a relaxing break at Sisodia Rani Garden, located 10 km from the city center. This garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728 for his beloved second wife, the princess of Udaipur. It served as a peaceful retreat for the queen, away from the political tensions of the royal court.

The garden is adorned with beautiful fountains, pavilions, murals depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna, and tiered lawns. Spend an hour soaking in the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings, making it a perfect spot for some peace after the busy market tour.

Birla Temple

Next, head to Birla Temple, located near Moti Dungri Hill. Also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, this stunning temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Built in 1988 by the Birla Foundation, it is constructed entirely from white marble, which adds to its grandeur and serenity.

While visiting Birla Temple, you can also explore:

•Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir and Moti Dungri Ganesh Ji Mandir, which are nearby.

The intricate marble carvings and the peaceful environment make Birla Temple a must-visit for both religious and architectural enthusiasts.

Other Attractions in Jaipur

If time allows, you can also check out the following popular spots in Jaipur:

•Adinath Digambar Jain Temple – A beautiful Jain temple known for its serene ambiance.

•Amar Jawan Jyoti – A war memorial dedicated to soldiers, located near the Secretariat.

•Central Park – Perfect for an evening walk or to relax amidst nature.

•Raj Mandir Cinema – Watch a movie in this iconic, palace-like cinema hall.

•World Trade Park – A modern shopping mall for those interested in luxury brands.

•Jawahar Circle/Patrika Gate – A vibrant and photogenic spot, ideal for evening strolls.

Estimated Cost of a Solo Trip to Jaipur

The total cost of traveling solo to Jaipur for three days, including accommodation, food, sightseeing, and transportation, is approximately ₹15,000. This budget allows you to comfortably explore Jaipur’s historical sites, shop in local markets, and experience the city’s culture and cuisine.

With this Day 3 plan, you’ll explore Jaipur’s cultural, spiritual, and leisurely aspects, making it a perfect conclusion to your Jaipur trip!