Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City, earned its name for its pink-hued buildings and royal heritage. In 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh ordered the entire city to be painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales. This gesture of hospitality still defines the city’s old quarters today (GALLE, SRI LANKA THINGS TO DO).
Despite its royal history, Jaipur is a busy city. Expect traffic jams, honking, narrow roads, and crowds, especially at popular spots. Jaipur is one of the top destinations in India throughout the year, attracting people from across the country who come to see its culture, history, and streets.
Beyond its famous landmarks, Jaipur’s streets and neighborhoods have something for everyone. History, royalty, and everyday life come together naturally in this colorful city, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Rajasthan.
A trip to India is never complete without visiting Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds. A spectacular palace, it can easily take half a day to explore. There are endless things to see and admire, making it truly one of the top things to do in Jaipur.
Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and designed by Lal Chand Ustad, Hawa Mahal reflects Jaipur’s title as the Pink City. The building stands out with its five-story façade made of red and pink sandstone. The front looks like a crown, said to be inspired by Lord Krishna’s headgear.
The view is stunning. Hawa Mahal is five stories high, but built in a very thin structure, more like a tall screen than a full palace. After walking up the staircases inside, the upper floors overlook the courtyards below as well as the streets and markets of Jaipur. From the higher levels, nearby landmarks like the City Palace and Jantar Mantar are also visible.
Inside, Hawa Mahal has narrow passages, small chambers, and open courtyards spread across its different levels. It was never meant to be a royal residence but rather a place of retreat and leisure.
Today, Hawa Mahal remains a legacy of Rajput architecture and continues to attract people from around the world. Visiting is not just about seeing the Palace of Winds, but also understanding its purpose and history as one of Jaipur’s most unforgettable landmarks.
Within a distance of 11 km from Jaipur stands Amber Fort. Even from afar, the fort rises majestically, sparking curiosity about the experience inside. Amber Fort, also known as Amer Fort, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the group “Hill Forts of Rajasthan.” It was built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I, one of Akbar’s trusted generals, and later expanded by successive rulers.
Amber Fort is a fine example of Rajput architecture with Mughal influences. Made of red sandstone and marble, the fort sits on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, offering a 360-degree view of the surroundings. A royal palace as well as a military stronghold, the fort houses large courtyards, grand gates, temples, palaces, and gardens.
Highlights not to be missed include:
Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace)
A hall where walls and ceilings are decorated with
thousands of tiny mirrors that sparkle with the smallest light.
Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience)
Where the king addressed the people and heard their
petitions.
Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience)
Reserved for meetings with special guests and
dignitaries.
Ganesh Pol
An ornate gate with detailed frescoes, leading into
the private palaces.
Amber Fort carries legendary stories of royal life through its passages and courtyards. Some areas show the luxuries once enjoyed by kings and queens, while others reflect the fort’s role in defense and politics.
Reaching Amber Fort is an adventure. Visitors can walk up the cobbled path, which is challenging, or take a jeep ride, included in Jaipur tours for an affordable fee. Along the winding path, every glance back gives a striking view, while the climb builds anticipation for what awaits inside. From the top, the sight of Maota Lake and the surrounding Aravalli Hills is breathtaking.
Hailed as one of the most visited places in Jaipur, Amber Fort excels in architecture, history, culture, and the feeling of walking into the royal past.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar is in the heart of Jaipur, opposite the City Palace. From the parking spot, it’s still a short walk to the entrance. Since it is an open-air site, the best time to visit is during cooler weather.
Jantar Mantar is one of the most remarkable observatories in India and is also known worldwide. It was built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. The site reflects his interest in astronomy, architecture, and science.
The observatory has 19 large instruments, each designed for a specific purpose, including measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars, and studying the movements of planets.
Must-see instruments in Jantar Mantar include:
Samrat Yantra
A giant stone sundial that tells time with amazing
accuracy, sometimes within 2 seconds.
Jai Prakash Yantra
A bowl-shaped instrument where shadows and markings
show the position of the sun and stars.
Rama Yantra
Tall circular structures open to the sky, used to
measure the height and direction of the sun or planets.
Narivalaya Yantra
A sundial with two dials, one facing north and the
other south, allowing time measurement all year round.
Chakra Yantra
A metal ring used to find the exact angle of a
celestial body in the sky.
What makes Jantar Mantar truly special is its size. These are not handheld tools. The instruments are massive, some several meters high, making them both functional and visually impressive. Jantar Mantar attracts scholars, history lovers, and curious travelers from around the world. It is not only a historic site but also a reminder of India’s long tradition of science and its effort to understand the universe.
Birla Mandir: Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Birla Mandir, also known as the Lakshmi Narayan
Temple, sits at the base of Moti Dungri Hill. Visitors begin with a walk up a
gentle slope to reach it. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, the
temple is built entirely of white marble.
Constructed in 1988 by the Birla family, it features shining marble walls, fine carvings, and stained-glass windows showing scenes from Hindu mythology. Unlike other top sites in Jaipur, it feels away from the busyness of the city streets.
Surrounded by well-kept gardens, Birla Mandir looks especially beautiful at sunset or when lit up at night. It is popular with worshippers, and during festivals like Diwali and Janmashtami, the temple becomes even livelier with prayers and celebrations.
Another top thing to do in Jaipur is visiting the bazaars. It’s not just about shopping or trying street food. Walking through the lanes shows the daily life of traders and locals. There are plenty of choices for what to see, buy, or take home as souvenirs. Jaipur fashion is affordable, bargaining is expected, and bulk buying can get the best deals.
The top bazaars in Jaipur include:
Johari Bazaar
Famous for jewelry, including Kundan and Meenakari
work, along with precious and semi-precious stones.
Bapu Bazaar
Known for textiles, cotton sarees, handicrafts,
leather goods, and mojari (traditional Rajasthani footwear).
Tripolia Bazaar
Best for lac bangles and other traditional
ornaments.
Chandpole Bazaar
Offers handicrafts, marble carvings, and items made
by local artisans.
Kishanpole Bazaar
Known for wooden furniture and tie-dye fabrics.
Lassi
Thick, creamy yogurt drink served in clay cups (kulhads). Sweet or slightly salty versions are common.
Kulfi Falooda
Dense frozen milk dessert served with vermicelli
and rose syrup.
Mawa Kachori
Dessert kachori stuffed with milk solids and nuts,
then dipped in sugar syrup.
Kheer
Creamy rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and
flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts
