“Padharo Mhare Des – Welcome to My Country” and “Khammaghani – Namaste”! India is a very welcoming country and thus its state Rajasthan and its cities. A land of kings was once colored in pink to generously welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria, for the pink color, denoted hospitality! Interesting enough, right? So, I thought of utilizing my 3 days long weekend to blend in my own culture differently this time and travel to all must-see and the best places in Jaipur – the pink city.
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My Jaipur Journey
Being a Rajasthani and belonging from a nearby native place, I had been to Jaipur a few times. And, I so much love the old and new culture, authentic and mouth-watering delicacies, colorful streets, and so many uncountable things here!
Amer Palace (One of the best places to see in Jaipur)
Well, Jaipur is a great place to chill, relax well enough, and enjoy slow traveling. But if you just have less time, and still want to make the most of it, here’s my quick guide of all must-see places in the royal heritage city!
The best places to see in Jaipur in 3 days
*Day 1*
The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge – Hawa Mahal – City Palace – Jantar Mantar – Albert Museum –> 2.7 km walk
The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge
Opening hours: 8 AM – 11 PM
Average Cost: 300-400 INR pp
Isn’t it dreamy to enjoy gorgeous views of a beautiful palace, while sipping on a hot tasty coffee and having some yummy breakfast at the rooftop? I tried this out at a very famous café in the Pink City and enjoyed every second of it before kick-starting my onward journey.
Breakfast with views of Hawa Mahal from the “The Tattoo Cafe”
Hawa Mahal
Entry Ticket: Indian Tourist – 50 INR, Foreign Tourist – 200 INR, Indian Student – 5 INR, Foreign Student – 25 INR (For the student discount, one needs to show the valid student ID card)
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 4.30 PM Daily
Visit Duration: Around 30 mins – 1 hour
Hawa Mahal
This candy looking palace is famous for the natural wind that blows throughout the day irrespective of outside weather conditions (and it has some 900 Jharokes – windows). For this reason, it is called “The Palace of Winds or Breeze”. To experience this, I took an inside tour and it was impressive.
Views from inside of Hawa Mahal
The palace looks more stunning with lighting in the evening, to capture the views, one can go upstairs to “The Wind Cafe” or “The Tattoo Cafe” to capture it (free of cost).
The City Palace
Museum Entry Fees: Indian Tourist: 200 INR, Foreign Tourist: 500 INR
Opening Hours: 9.30 AM to 5 PM Daily
Visiting Duration: Around 2-3 hours
City Palace Museum
I liked the place because I felt it is a great place to know more about the lives of the kings of Jaipur. It is in two parts – The Museum and the Inner Palace. And have other various attractions like the Art Gallery, Armory, and other beautiful architecture buildings.
I was left in Awe to see how the Royal kings have lived their luxurious life. The ornaments, royal gates, the architecture, the majestic artworks are just fabulous. It is a historic monument where the Royal Family still lives in one part of it (but no one can meet them, obviously).
Lotus Gate at the City Palace (One out of four gates)
The museum has four marvelous gates on either side with beautiful designs on it. And every gate specifies a story and its significance. Like this one – the Lotus Gate depicts summers and is devoted to Lord Shiva. (I would like to further write a separate post about all the beautiful four gates).
Jantar Mantar
Entry Fees per person: Indian Tourist: 50 INR, Foreign Tourist: 200 INR, Indian Student: 15 INR, Foreign Student: 100 INR (For the student discount, one needs to show the valid student ID card)
Visiting Hours: 9 AM to 4.30 PM Daily
Visiting Duration: Around 30-45 mins
I wanted to at least visit one out of a total of 5 Jantar Mantar in India and probably Jaipur has the best one. This place shows how even long back in the 18th century, a lot about heavenly bodies and astronomy were known, The king wanted to accurately measure time using the sun. And there are 19 astrological instruments in the vicinity, it is unthinkable how they are constructed and how with so much accuracy, the time gets measured.
Hiring a guide here would be a good option to venture more about it because I listened to these things from some group guides. 😀
This UNESCO heritage site also has the largest stone sundial in the world!
Albert Museum
Entry Fees per person: Indian Tourist: 40 INR, Foreign Tourist: 300 INR, Indian Student: 20 INR, Foreign Student: 150 INR (For the student discount, one needs to show the valid student ID card)
Visiting Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM Daily
Visiting Duration: Around 45 mins – 1 hour
Albert Museum from the outside
With the very first glance from the outside, the museum looks pretty much like a palace. The Museum inside shows the elegant artistic items of different eras, traditional costumes, paintings, handwork, depicts the life of kings and people during the 18th century.
The mummy section was a unique add-on inside the museum. The museum looked beautiful when illuminated at night with different color lighting.
*Day 2*
Jal Mahal – Amer Fort – Panna Meena ka Kund – Jaigarh Fort – Nahargarh Fort –> 20 km drive
These places can be covered vice versa, starting a bit early in the morning along with enjoying the sound and light shows after sunset.
Jal Mahal
Fees per person: No fees
Visiting Hours: No time limit (24*7)
Visiting Duration: Depends
The name Jal (Water) Mahal (Palace) is because this magnificent palace sits at the center of Man Singh Lake. The palace consists of 5 storeys out of which 4 are submerged in the water. But still, the palace stands strong and beautiful. I couldn’t stop by here but loved it from a distance.
Amer Fort (One of the best places to see in Jaipur)
Entry Fees per person: Indian Tourist: 100 INR, Foreign Tourist: 500 INR, Elephant Ride: 1200 INR (optional) Indian Student: 10 INR, Foreign Student: 100 INR (For the student discount, one needs to show the valid student ID card)
Visiting Hours: 8 AM to 5.30 PM – 6.30 PM to 9.15 PM (light shows) Daily
Visiting Duration: Around 1.30 – 3 hours
On the way up to Amer Fort
Amer Fort tops the must-visit and the best places in Jaipur list. Even when I was approaching the fort, I could see huge walls of the Amer Fort from a distance. And as I entered the palace’s first entrance, there was a different vibe. After climbing many stairs to reach the actual palace, the palace from the outside looked incredibly beautiful and massive.
There are diwan-e-mahal, diwan-e-aam, private palaces of kings and queens, mirror palace, UNESCO painting cravings architecture, a secret passage to Jaigarh fort and so many other attractions too.
Diwan-e-aam
There are also incredibly many engineering wonders that are uncommon to find these days like –
Sheesh, Mahal (Mirror Palace) – If a candle is lit in the dark, it appears like a thousand stars are twinkling because of the mirror reflections. I wish I could see it, must be a visual delight.
Kesar Kyari Bhag (Saffron Garden) – Maota Lake adds so much charm and the saffron garden here has star-shaped flower beds where the king used to grow “Saffron” then in Jaipur’s hot climate.
Sukh Niwas – where cool air blows across a water area build within no matter what the outside temperature is.
The Magic Flower – There’s a uniquely craved flower wherein a single craving one can see the tail of a fish, scorpion, lotus, hidden cobra, lion’s tail, elephant trunk, and a cob of corn depending on how from where or how you look at it.
I’m not a very museum or historic lover person, but I was amazed to learn more about the kings, their lifestyle and I so much loved the architecture. It was my first time here and I must say in the old times’ people were more creative and had more wisdom, unlike the present time.
Panna Meena ka Kund
Entry Fees per person: No Entry Fees
Visiting Hours: The best time would be anytime before the sunset
Visiting Duration: Around 10 mins – 1 hour
Stepwell Near Amer Fort (One of the best places to see in Jaipur)
It’s a hidden jewel of Jaipur just very close to the Amer Fort (~1 km away). I was lucky that social media and other platforms helped me know about this place. I believe, this place has gained popularity lately, but it is a 16th-century Indian engineering marvel. The stepwell is stunning and has been perfectly and symmetrical made with crisscross stairs. Like other stepwells, it was used to store the rainwater and preserve water for the drier months.
The locals state a mysterious thing that one cannot use the same stairs to go upstairs that they used for going down. I could not go down as I chose not to bribe the police and local men there but found the fact interesting.
Jaigarh Fort
Entry Fees per person: Indian Tourist: 40 INR, Foreign Tourist: 300 INR, Indian Student: 20 INR, Foreign Student: 150 INR (For the student discount, one needs to show the valid student ID card)
Visiting Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM Daily
Visiting Duration: Around 1 – 2 hours
There is a secret passage from the Amer Fort that connects to the Jaigarh Fort. So, the tour of Amer fort is incomplete without exploring this palace too. The passage was meant to evacuate the Royal Family in case of an attack on the Amer fort. But unfortunately, now the secret way to it has been closed for tourists. One has to go by road but still going there was still worthwhile.
I found the fort quite simple as compared to other forts, maybe primarily because of its defensive structure but has the World’s largest Cannon (Jaivana) which also attracts tourists here. Some people like it but I found the fort ok-ish.
Sunset at Nahargarh Fort
Entry Fees per person: Indian Tourist: 50 INR, Foreign Tourist: 200 INR, Indian Student: 5 INR, Foreign Student: 25 INR (For the student discount, one needs to show the valid student ID card)
Visiting Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM Daily
Visiting Duration: Around 1 – 2 hours
This fort is built on a hilltop in the Aravali hills a bit far away from the city and the way to the Jaigarh and Nahargarh are very pleasing. But the main tourist attractions here are the city views, sunset, and lighting of the Nahargarh Fort and are worth watching. The city views too were captivating and amazing!
A lot of visitors started gathering at the terrace for the sunset. After the sunset, I went until the last corner area and I would say I loved the views from there more!
Last Corner of the Nahargarh Fort
On the way back from Nahargarh towards the city side, Jal Mahal mesmerizing views were really enjoyable. Also luckily, I saw a rainbow above it.
*Day 3*
Today also, I started a bit early, the places today were quite far away from each other, also starting the day early allowed me to spend enough time at each place well.
Patrika Gate – Birla Temple – Gitore ki Chatriyan – Galtaji – Monkey & Sun Temple –> 27 km drive
Patrika Gate
Fees per person: No Fees
Visiting Hours: 24*7
Visiting Duration: Around 15 mins – 1 hour
Probably the most colorful place in the whole of Jaipur for its vividly colorful layer of gates and many beautiful paintings.
I would suggest visiting this small place even if you aren’t just going for the photos. If you are coming from/going to the Airport, the gate is just a couple of km away.
Birla Temple
Entry Fees per person: No Fees
Visiting Hours: 6 AM to 12 PM – 3 PM to 9 PM Daily
Visiting Duration: Around 15 – 30 mins
The white temple of the Goddess Laxmi and God Vishnu also popularly known as “Laxmi Narayan Temple” is full of positive vibes with great ambiance. It is a quiet and beautiful place to worship and get peace of mind at the same time.
Gaitore ki Chatriyan
Entry Fees per person: 30 INR per person
Visiting Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Daily
Visiting Duration: Around 30 mins – 1 hour
Another hidden gem in the middle of the city is where royals were cremated. It isn’t scary rather a great place to soak in some peace and to see more of Rajasthani architecture and artwork.
This cenotaphs or ‘chatriyans‘ place is still not a very touristy place but the entrance itself left me in awe.
This “still” an offbeat place shouldn’t be missed out if you want to see something beautiful and want to have a lot of soothing and peaceful time.
Galtaji – Monkey and Sun Temple
Entry Fees per person: No Fees
Visiting Hours: 5 AM to 9 PM Daily
Visiting Duration: Around 1 – 2 hours
To me, the experience of this place was more than that of a temple. I saw monkeys swimming, diving, and hopping all around, this place is so full of monkeys and so is the name was given to the temple.
There is also a Sun God Temple at the top (after approx 2 km hike) with captivating hills and city views.
There are also a series of sacred Kund (water tank) filled with natural freshwater springs between the two temples.
How to reach Jaipur?
Flight – There are many direct/indirect national and international flights to reach Jaipur from the major airports in India and outside India to the Jaipur International Airport (Skyscanner).
Train – Jaipur Railway Station – JP is well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmadabad, Chandigarh, Bhopal, and Varanasi (IRCTC).
Jaipur Railway Station (JP)
Bus – Many private/SG buses ply from Delhi, Pune, Indore, Ahmedabad, and many more nearby cities to various locations in Jaipur city (Redbus). The nearest bus stop to the touristy places (pink city) – Jaipur Bus Stand (Chandpole).
Rented Car/Bike/Scooty Options
It is a feasible and good option if you want to cover maximum and long-distance places in a short duration. Also, there are hourly, full-day, weekly rental options available.
The charges mentioned are per day (24 hours basis) charges excluding the fuel cost.
- Bike/Scooty – ~200-300 INR
- Car – ~2,000-3,000 INR
Many agents are providing rental services in the city, listed a few good ones:
Also, for more options, one can check on Sulekha, Justdial, Myles, or Zoomcar.
Places to Stay near the Pink City
These are some of the options that I would suggest near the pink city, although there are 100’s other hotels in the city. I have listed them according to the facilities, stars, and charges (Prices may vary according to the peak season and availability). Also, I have attached the link for convenience.
Budget (0-2/3 Star)- These hotels/hostels are ok-ish but pretty clean and provide parking and other basic facilities with paid/complimentary breakfast.
~200 – 2,500 INR per night for two people
Semi Luxury (3 Star) – These are towards a bit luxurious side. Facilities are good and provide a complimentary breakfast.
~2,500 – 7,000 INR per night for two people
Luxury (4-5 Star) – These are luxurious and fancy hotels providing a swimming pool, spa and wellness center, rest-o-bar, airport shuttle, paid/complimentary breakfast.
~7,000 – 20,000 INR per night for two people
Resort – Also, if you are looking for some other top-end luxury resorts, here are a few suggestions within or a bit far away from the main attractions of the city:
~3,000 – 20,000 INR per night for two to six people
Villa/Homestay/Apartment – And lastly, if you are willing to stay at a villa or an apartment, check out: Airbnb
Places to Eat
This list may go endless as Jaipur is a foodies paradise but here I’m putting a few popular and best eateries which were recommended to me:
Thali and More Rajasthani Thali
And don’t forget to try the street side or Tapri Cafe tea and lassi of Lassiwala while in the city.
Other things to do in Jaipur
Apart from taking a tour of all the touristy places, it is a paradise for shopping sprees and taking in other different experiences. There are all kinds of Bazaars and shops with a variety of products to choose from
- For street-side shopping of clothes, accessories, footwear – Bapu Bazaar/ Johri Bazaar
- Try out Rajasthan Art/ Rajasthan Sale/Anokhi Museum for some more traditional Rajasthani handlooms and accessories.
- Spend time watching a cinema or maybe ‘not’ at Raj Mandir Cinema Hall just to experience the old era screen with the red curtains.
- At night, try out spending time at Amber Fort for the 50-minutes Sound and Light Show.
How much Jaipur trip may cost?
Backpacker – it won’t cost more than 500-1,000 bucks for a day if you check out some cheap places to stay.
Budget traveler – with not compromising much on stay and travel, it may cost around 1,000 to 3,000 INR for a day.
Luxury traveler – the budget may go 3,000+ for a day.
Jaipur isn’t a very pricey city for tourists. All kinds of stay options, food options, travel facilities are available in the city.
Best time to visit Jaipur
The best time to visit Jaipur is in the winter season – October to March. The summer season is too harsh to travel. It doesn’t rain much here and the month of July, August remains hot.
Bits of Advice
- Avoid the summer and rainy season – April to September, it gets too hot to travel (Temperature reaches 45+ degrees).
- Jaipur is a safe city for females or solo travelers but it’s a very touristy place, so beware of pick-pocketing and follow basic safety measures. Also, it is advisable not to roam around too late at night or take deserted streets.
- People in the city are conservative and they are anyway going to stare at strangers. Wearing covered clothes will be good to avoid attention anyway.
- Bargain everywhere, if locals get to know you are not native (mainly to foreigners), they may ask for a lot of money.
- Hiring a guide at a few places/palaces would be great to learn more about it. Consult the guide fees from someone before making the final decision.
So, for a unique and charming experience, to enjoy the heritage palaces or to indulge in some delicious Rajasthani food and culture, Jaipur – the pink city, can be a great travel destination for you!
Keep Wandering! Keep Wondering!
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Thank you! ♥
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