Jaipur is one of the most colourful cities in the world. It holds a very special place in India because of its immortal royal charm and the vibrancy it exudes. Famous for its forts, palaces and old temples, every inch of the ‘Pink City’ has a history to it. The old buildings and historical monuments in this city have been preserved and maintained so well that it feels like a walk down the lanes of history when one visits this fascinating city.
There are many monuments that have been converted into heritage hotels in Jaipur, and make for great places to visit and enjoy our rich heritage in.
To help you find your way around the city, we have put together a list of some of the most interesting places to visit in Jaipur:
- Amber Fort and Palace
Located in the midst of the beautiful and rocky Aravalli Hills, Amber Palace definitely cannot be missed when you’re visiting Jaipur. Raja Man Singh I laid the foundation stone of this palace and it was finally completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh. The red sandstone and white marble gives it a grand look. With the formidable walls which defended its residents from attacks of the enemies in the ancient days, the main building of the citadel served people with luxuries and other amenities. The Maota Lake and the views of sunrise and sunset add to the ethereal beauty of this monument.
To add to this, intricate wall paintings, fresco and precious gems and jewels are a sight to behold. Some of the best dinner places in Jaipur have a great view to this fort.
- Hawa Mahal
Also known as Palace of the Winds, is one of the most important places in Jaipur. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1798, and is a five-storey extension which is in the form of a honeycomb. This building has 953 small windows, also called ‘jharokas’, and they are decorated with minute lattice work. The most interesting fact about this monument is that it represents the crown of the Hindu god, Lord Krishna.
- Albert Hall Museum
The foundation stone of the museum was laid in 1876 to commemorate Prince of Wales’s visit, however, it was not before the year 1880 that the then ruler of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II opened a museum. In the beginning, the museum displayed products of local artists and craftsmen, but as the centuries have passed, the collections of this museum have increased a lot and have even brought this museum to the international level.
- Jantar Mantar Observatory
Maharaja Sawai Singh, the ruler of Jaipur was also one of the best theorists of ancient India. Once he had achieved the milestones of constructing the planned city of Jaipur along with other scientific and architectural landmarks, he also built five astronomical instruments in order to study space. These instruments were known as ‘Jantar Mantar’ which also means a calculating instrument. The largest of these is located in Jaipur, also a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Jaipur Bazaars
When in Jaipur, one cannot forget the local markets or bazaars. Showcasing the tradition of the regal city and the grand history, these markets are budding with stories in every corner. The Johri Bazaar, built by the founder of Jaipur, is known for precious gems and stones, along with timeless jewellery pieces. Bapu Bazar on the other hand is the largest camel leather market and is known for the finest quality of ‘morji’ shoes and other leather goods such as belts, wallets, lamp shades, bags, etc.
