Top 10 Things To Do In Jaipur | India’s [Pretty] Pink City

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a very charming and energetic city, full of stunning palaces, impressive forts, and fascinating historical sites, offering so many incredible things to see and do. This is one of the most visited cities in India, part of the golden triangle that includes Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi.

Jaipur is affectionately known as the Pink City of India, after being painted a dusky pink to welcome the Prince of Wales (who would later become King Edward VII) and Queen Victoria for a visit in the late 1800’s. It became so renowned for its color, that even today, most buildings remain this same pink.

There are three impressive palaces to see here, Jaipur City Palace, where the royals live today, Hawa Mahal, or the Pink Palace, and Jal Mahal, known as the Water Palace.

There are also three distinguished forts to see in Jaipur, Amber Fort, also called Amber Palace, fortress of the former capital, Jaigarh Fort, which protected Amber, and Nahargarh Fort, which defended Jaipur.

Jaipur also has other attractions, like stunning Gates, Royal Tombs, sunset vistas, and more. There’s so much to see in Jaipur, plan to spend at least two days to explore the top sites here.

Top 10 Things To Do In Jaipur

City Palace

City Palace was built in the early 18th century by the Rajput monarch Sawai Jai Singh II, known as a great astronomer and warrior, after moving his capital from Amber to the newly founded city of Jaipur. It became home for him and his family, as well as the administrative offices of his kingdom.

It is built out of red and pink sandstone, in an opulent mix of Rajasthani, European, and Mughal architectural styles. With its vibrant colors, ornate carvings, and dazzling mosaics, it’s a gem of India’s architectural and cultural treasures. One that left me in awe of India’s incredible history and beauty.

Today, Maharaja, Sawai Padmanabh Singh and his family live in parts of the palace. He’s India’s youngest king, known for his good looks, his sense of style, and his polo playing.

Padmanabh is a titular King, which means he has no official powers, but fulfills many public royal duties, similar to King Charles the III in England. He also works to support and maintain culture heritage.

City Palace Museums

Most people buy the standard entry ticket for City Palace, which provides access to the courtyards, museums, and other open outdoor spaces of the palace.

After entering through the tourist gate, you come upon the first courtyard of City Palace. In this courtyard, you’ll find Mubarak Mahal, which means the “Palace of Welcoming”.

This former reception hall for foreign dignitaries is now the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, named after the great grandfather of Padmanabh and last official ruling Maharaja of Jaipur. It offers a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle of the Maharajahs of Jaipur and Amber, including textiles, royal garments, weapons, and other artifacts.

There are also several other museums to visit on the City Palace grounds. Baggi Khana is where you’ll find a collection of historical royal chariots and coaches. Maharani Palace, originally built for the queens of the palace, is now the Armory. It’s full of a variety of impressive historical weapons. There is also an art gallery that showcases artwork depicting historical daily life.

While walking the grounds, make sure to look for the large, two story white gate flanked by two elephants. After walking through this, you’ll find the delightful Hall of Private Audience (below). This was my favorite space that you can access with the standard entry ticket.

Hall Of Private Audience

The Hall of Private Audience, or Diwan-e-Khaas, is simply stunning. As I entered the hall, I was immediately struck by its grandeur, color, and intricate architectural details. Open on all four sides, it contains many cusped and decorated arches with marble columns and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

This space was for the king to privately meet with courtiers, dignitaries, and other important officials. Located between the public and private spaces of the palace, it is also used for important functions, like coronations as well as celebrations and festivals.

In the Hall of Private Audience, make sure to look for the two massive silver jugs, called Gangajali. These silver jugs were created for Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II in the late 1800’s to carry holy water from the Ganges River as drinking water to England for Edward VII’s coronation. They’re actually in the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest silver objects. So kingly!

Courtyard Of The Beloved

Another important area to see with the standard entry ticket is the Pritam Niwas Chowk, or the “Courtyard of the Beloved”. This is the inner courtyard, used for royal dance performances. This courtyard has four intricately carved and painted gates, known as Ridhi Sidhi Pol. Each gate is dedicated to a Hindu God and represents the one of the four seasons.

The Green gate, or Leheriya gate, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, represents spring, while the Lotus gate, dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati, represents summer. The Peacock gate, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, represents autumn and the Rose gate, dedicated to the Goddess Devi, represents winter.

Chandra Mahal, or Moon Palace

On the far end of Pritam Niwas Chowk is the Chandra Mahal, or Moon Palace. This is where the royal family lives. Very few people purchase the Royal Grandeur Tour ticket to access the insides of this space, but it’s definitely worth it as these rooms are very sumptuous.

Pre-selected rooms in the 7 story complex are open for the public to visit with a guide. And because very few people take this tour, you will probably be the only one doing it. I was!

The Blue Room

The Chhavi Niwas, or Blue Room, is mesmerizing, completely decorated in blue and white.

Located on the 5th floor, it offers sweeping views of the city. The royals reportedly use this room during monsoon storms.

In the photo below you can see the clock tower of City Palace and the massive ancient sundial of Jantar Mantar from the Blue Room.

The Hall Of Beauty

Shobha Niwas, or the Hall of Beauty, is breathtaking, lavishly embellished with rubies, emeralds, mirrors, tiles, and gold leaf detailing.

On the floor there are sumptuous red velvet and gold cushions. This space is so glamorous, you’ll want to stay here for a while!

The Hall Of Mirrors

Rang Mandir, or the Hall of Mirrors, has thousands of tiny mirrors covering the walls and ceiling in intricate designs. In this room, the guard will shut the door to block the sunlight, and wave candles to give you an idea of what it the reflection of the lanterns look like. You can just imaging how stunning it would be at night with many lanterns lit.

As part of the Royal Grandeur Tour, you can also visit the dining room known Sukh Niwas, or the “House of Rest”, where you can, unfortunately, not take photos.

A visit to the rooftop is also part of this ticket, but for some reason, we did not visit it. Somehow, I don’t think I missed much with this omission.

City Palace Tickets

Tickets can be bought at the ticket booth by the entrance. You can also buy them online at thecitypalacejaipur.com. The standard entry ticket is 700 INR for foreigners, which is about $8.50 (as of May 2023). It’s 200 INR for Indians. The Royal Grandeur Tour ticket is quite expensive, but in my opinion, it’s really the best part of the palace. It’s 4,000 INR for foreigners, which is about $48 (as of May 2023). The cost is 3,000 INR for Indians. There’s an ATM nearby if you don’t have the cash (they do not take credit cards).

The City Palace is open every day except national holidays, Holi and Diwali. Of course, if the private rooms of the Chandra Mahal are in use by the family on the day you arrive, this option will not be available.

Hawa Mahal, The Pink Palace

One of the most popular (and easiest) things to do in Jaipur is to take a photo of the iconic Hawa Mahal, or the Pink Palace. The name Hawa Mahal means the “Palace of the Winds” as it’s very windy inside with its 953 beautifully latticed windows.

This palace is where the royal ladies could privately watch public life, festivals, and processions on the street. They were not allowed to be seen by strangers, per Rajput law, so this palace was built just for them by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh II (founder of Jaipur).

Hawa Mahal sits on the southeastern edge of City Palace. It is not part of the ticket of the City Palace above, so it’s visited separately (either before or after the City Palace).

This site is free to photograph from the street and many others will be doing the same thing.

Jantar Mantar

In addition to being the founder of Jaipur and developer of City Palace, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II also designed the set of massive astronomical tools at Jantar Mantar.

He developed a passion for astronomy at a young age, eventually building several observatories in India as he wanted to improve upon the brass instruments in use at the time.

The set of tools he designed at City Palace, called Jantar Mantar, were completed in 1734 and remain the most significant and most well-preserved of India’s historic observatories. These tools measure time and track celestial bodies with the naked eye and are UNESCO World Heritage listed for their historical significance and cultural heritage.

There are 19 astronomical tools here, in an open-air space. Some of the most noteworthy tools to explore here include the following.

Vrihat Samrat Yantra

Samrat Yantra, which translates to “The King of Instruments” is the largest sundial in the world. It stands at 88.58’ (27 m) and measures time accurately within two seconds.

Laghu Samrat Yantra

Laghu Samrat Yantra was the predecessor of Samrat Yantra. It’s smaller, measuring time accurately to 20 seconds. Not content with 20 seconds, Jai Singh improved on it by designing Vrihat Samrat Yantra above.

Narivalaya Uttar Gola

This unique tool tells whether a heavenly body is in the northern or southern hemisphere.

Ram Yantra

The Ram Yantra measures the altitude of the sun.

Jaya Prakash Yantra

The Jaya Prakash Yantra is two hemispherical sundials that measure the altitude of the sun and planets. They consist of marble slabs marked with an inverted image of the sky and allows the observer to move inside the instrument.

There are 2 here, one for each hemisphere.

Jantar Mantar Tickets

Jantar Mantar is located on the City Palace grounds, but has a different entrance and requires a different ticket. It’s very close to the entrance of City Palace, so is best to visit either directly before or after the Palace.

Tickets cost 200 INR for foreigners (about $2.42 as of May 2023) and 50 INR for Indians. It’s best to visit this space with a guide to understand more of the details.

The Water Palace, Jal Mahal

Jaipur Water Palace, or Jal Mahal, sits in Man Sagar Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views. The golden hue of its red sandstone is especially beautiful when seen reflected in the serene lake.

What appears to be a lovely, single story palace floating in the lake is actually a palace with five floors.

The lower floors have been submerged for hundreds of years, after a dam was built to help with severe drought. Amazingly, the walls and special mortar used in its construction have held back the water and protected the palace.

Unfortunately, this palace is closed to the public. You can only take photos from the shore. At one time boat rides were offered to see the palace, but this is no longer an option. Ask at your accommodation if this is something you really want to do, as it’s soemtomgnt hat can change.

Jal Mahal is located between the City Palace and Amber Fort, making it a perfect “quick” stop along the way.

Amber Fort, or Amber Palace

Also known as Amber Palace, Amber Fort was home to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh and administrative offices of his kingdom before he moved the capital to Jaipur and built City Palace.

This fortress was built by several Maharajas over 2 centuries, between the 15th and 18th centuries, starting with Raja Man Singh, then Mirza Raja Jai Singh, and Sawai Jai Singh. It’s constructed of red sandstone (which gives it is golden, amber color) and marble. The architecture is a blend of Hindu and Mughal styles, with intricate carvings, stunning halls, ornate courtyards, and beautiful views.

The road to get here is often jammed with cars. It was even when I was here off-season in April. If you arrive via taxi or rickshaw, see if your driver will park while you walk up to the fort. If you do arrive by foot, you will enter through the Sun Gate, or Suraj Pol. When you drive all the way to the back entrance and park, you will enter through Moon Gate, or Chand Pol.

Highlights of Amber Fort

Amber Fort is built on four levels, each with a splendid courtyard. Similar to the City Palace, there is a Diwan-i-Khas, or “Hall of Private Audience” and a Diwan-i-Aam, or “Hall of Public Audience” to explore.

One of its more noteworthy spaces is the Sheesh Mahal, or “Hall of Mirrors”. Like the Hall of Mirrors at city Palace, the walls of this room have thousands of tiny mirrors to reflect the light of lanterns at night.

Tunnel From Amber Fort to Jaigarh Fort

There are also parts of the underground tunnels open to the public that connect Amber Fort, or Palace, to Jaigarh Fort. This is not easy to find in the labyrinth of courtyards and rooms, so if you want to see these, it’s best to ask your guide or a guard at the fort.

Elephant Rides

Many people arrive early for the elephant rides to the fort. Please, please don’t do this! The elephants are not treated well, despite what your guide tells you. To learn more, do a Google search on PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) in Jaipur. It will break your heart.

For a more humane option, select a Jeep tour instead of riding an elephant.

Amber Fort Tickets

You can walk around the outside of Amber Fort for no cost. To enter the fort, it’s 550 INR for foreigners (about $6.65 as of May 2023) and 25 INR for Indians.

There is a light and sound show in the fort in the evenings for an additional fee.

Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort sits on the Aravalli mountain range overlooking and protecting Amber Fort. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the early 18th century, it was named after him.

This is where you can see the world’s largest wheeled cannon, called Jaivana. Ironically, this cannon was never used in battle. Some say this is due to its reputation.

A tale of intrigue is that Jaigarh Fort has ancient looted treasure stored by the kings. In 1975 Indira Ghandi, Prime Minister at the time, ordered a search here while the Queen, Gayatri Devi, was in prison. Supposedly, over 440 pounds (200 kg) of silver was found here! No one knows for sure if it was, or if there is more.

Jaigarh Fort Tickets

Tickets for Jaigarh Fort are 100 INR for foreigners (about $1.21 as of May 2023) and 50 INR for Indians.

Nahargarh Fort

Nahargargh Fort also sits on the Aravalli mountain range, but protects City Palace in Jaipur. It’s know for its breathtaking views of the Pink City and, as it faces west, it makes an incredible place to watch the sunset.

The name Nahargarh, means “Abode of Tigers”. According to legend, there was once a prince named Nahar Singh who was brave and fearless, and hunted tigers in this region. To appease his spirit, which was wreaking havoc during construction of the fort, a temple was dedicated to him and the fort was renamed Nahargarh Fort.

One of the focal points of this fort is Madhavendra Bhawan, a two-story palace used a summer retreat for the royal family. There are also courtyards, gardens, and a temple to explore as well as the beautiful views of the city from the fortress walls.

The fort closes at 5 PM, but you can stay near the walls at sunset point to watch the sunset. There are also two restaurants here, Once Upon a Time and Paodo, which take advantage of the amazing views. They stay open until about 10 PM.

How To Get To Nahargarh Fort

It’s best to take a taxi or rickshaw up to Nahargarh Fort, which can take 30-45 minutes each way from the center of the city. Make sure to negotiate the ride up and the return ride before you finalize plans. Ask at your accommodation if you’re not sure what the cost should be.

Nahargarh Fort Tickets

Tickets for Nahargarh Fort are 200 INR for foreigners (about $2.42 as of May 2023) and 50 INR for Indians.

The Royal Tombs, or Royal Gaitor

Royal Gaitor, known as Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan in Hindu, is not one of the more popular stops when visiting Jaipur, but a hidden gem that really should be on your list of things to do.

These tombs and mausoleums, constructed of marble and sandstone, hold almost all the kings and princes of the Kacchhawa, the Rajput clan that ruled here from early 18th century to the mid-20th century.

There are around 20 ‘chhatris’. A chhatris is a domed, semi-open canopy with columns. The most elaborate is the tomb for Sawai Jai Singh, which has 20 carved pillars, but make sure to explore them all. Each is unique, and some have incredible, historical carvings.

In addition to its beauty and history, this space makes a great getaway from the chaos (and heat) of Jaipur. Even locals come here with loved ones to sit and relax, or take family photos.

How To Get To Royal Gaitor

These tombs, which are located in the foothills of Nahargarh Fort, are about an 10-minute drive north of City Palace. It’s best to hire a rickshaw or taxi to get here. Make sure to negotiate a round trip ride as there will not be taxis here for the return trip. Ask at your accommodation if you’re not sure of the price.

Royal Gaitor Tickets

The entry fee for Royal Gaitor is 30 INR for foreigners and Indians (about $.36 as of May 2023).

Albert Hall Museum

Located in the center of Ram Niwas garden, the Albert Hall Museum gets its name from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This hall, built in 1876, ensured a visit by the Prince Albert of England. Building it and enticing him here strengthened ties with the British Royal court. Today it is a museum that showcases a variety of paintings, crafts, sculptures, carpets, textiles, and even an Egyptian mummy.

How To Get To Albert Hall Museum

This museum is located about a 5 to 6 minute drive south of City Palace, which is a quick rickshaw or taxi ride.

Albert Hall Museum Tickets

Entry is 300 INR for foreigners (about $ 3.63 as of May 2023) and 40 INR for Indians.

Patrika Gate

Patrika Gate, one of the most photographed spots in Jaipur, is an iconic gate that celebrates Jaipur’s opulent architecture, history, and love of color. Each pillar and column is unique, decorated with different historical elements of Rajasthan, displaying its rich cultural legacy. Best of all, it’s free!

I drove through this gate at night and it looked spectacular! Unfortunately, I never had the chance to get back, so the photo above is from the web.

How To Get To Patrika Gate

This impressive gate, one of nine in the city, is along the way from Jaipur International Airport to the heart of the Pink City. Make sure to tell your taxi or rickshaw driver to stop so you can take some photos.

If you arrive by train, you will need to head south towards the airport to visit it.

The Best Time To Visit Jaipur

The best time to visit is Winter, November to February, which is the coolest time of the year. Highs can range from 78 to 84 F (25 to 29 C). Evenings, however, can be chilly with lows from 52 to 56 F (11 to 13 C). September, October, and March trend warmer, with highs in the low 90’s and evenings not as cool.

April to June is summer, and is quite warm with highs up to 116 F (47 C). It is a dry heat though. I visited in April, and although it was warm, it was not much different than summers in Arizona, where I live.

July to September is monsoon season, with July and August having the most rain.

How To Get To Jaipur

Jaipur International Airport (JAI), is about 8 miles (13 km) from the heart of the city. Jaipur Railway Station is about 3 miles (5 km) away. It’s very easy to take a rickshaw or taxi from either location. Traffic, however, can be very heavy. It will take longer than you expect.

How To Get Around Jaipur

The best way to get around Jaipur is to ask about hiring a rickshaw driver for the day at your accommodation. Many offer this service inexpensively and I felt very safe as a solo female with someone arranged by my hotel. They’re also very efficient as they known the best routes.

Some will also offer a guide to come with you to help explain the history and more details, which I took advantage of (for an additional fee of course).

Want To See More Of India?

India has many incredible destinations!

The Taj Mahal, in Agra, a several hour drive east of Jaipur, and something you just can’t miss when in India. See my Top Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal and the Top 10 Things to Do In Agra.

I also spent time in the State of Kerala after going to a wedding there, which is on India’s southwestern tip.

Kochi, called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is an excellent place to spend a day to two in Kerala. This multicultural city in India is the first city that Europeans stepped foot in. Visit here to explore old-world colonial architecture, its renowned Chinese fishing nets, and a fascinating history. There are no direct flights to Kochi from Jaipur, but you can fly here fairly inexpensively with a short connection.

If you have time, the Kerala backwaters are a great nature retreat. These backwaters are a vast network of lakes, lagoons, and canals lined with palm trees stretching from Kochi, all the way down to Kollam. The most beautiful, and most visited area is in Aluppuzha, which is about 33 miles (53 km) south of Kochi.

Munnar is another top destination in Kerala, with stunning, brilliant green tea plantations on rolling hills leading up to the incredible views at its hill stations and mountain peaks. There are views so beautiful, this area is known as the Kashmir of South India. Munnar is about 78 miles (126 km) east of Kochi.

Palakkad, northeast of Kochi, is full of lush green rice fields, rolling, misty mountains, large reservoirs and dams, and historical monuments. I visited here for a wedding and really enjoyed its sites. Palakkad is about 90 miles (145 km) northeast of Kochi.

Adiyogi, a giant statue of the God Shiva represented as Adiyogi, which means the first yogi, is in Tamil Nadu, which is east of Kerala. If you are on a quest for inner well-being, transformation and empowerment, this is an excellent place to add to your itinerary.

Safe Travels!

Julie