Are you planning a trip to Rajasthan, India’s crown jewel of cultural and architectural heritage? Jaipur, the state’s capital and famously called the Pink City, is a treasure trove of magnificent forts, royal palaces, and vibrant bazaars. However, the allure of Jaipur extends beyond its boundaries, with nearby cities offering equally captivating experiences.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top attractions in Jaipur and nearby cities like Ajmer, Pushkar, and Alwar, ensuring you don’t miss any of Rajasthan’s wonders.
Top Places to Visit in Jaipur
Amber Fort
Amber Fort, located 11 km from Jaipur, is a magnificent example of Rajput-Mughal architecture. Built with sandstone and marble, the fort overlooks Maota Lake and is known for its intricate carvings, sprawling courtyards, and the magical Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace). This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a peek into the royal lifestyle and is a must-visit for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
- Location: Devisinghpura
- Fort Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
- Light and Sound Show Timings: 7:30 pm (English), 8:00 pm (Hindi)
- Entry Fee:₹ 25 for Indians; ₹ 10 for students, ₹ 200 for foreigners
- Light and Sound Show Tickets: ₹ 250 + GST
- Best For: Among the best places to visit in Jaipur with family.
- Time Required: 4-5 hours
- How to reach: Amer Fort is just 13 km from Jaipur railway station.
- Tip: The 50-minute light and sound show in the evening is a must-see here.
- Nearby Attractions: Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jagat Shiromani Ji Temple, Panna Meena ka Kund
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, is one of Jaipur’s most iconic landmarks. Constructed in 1799, it was designed for royal women to observe street activities without being seen. This five-story marvel, adorned with 953 intricately designed windows, showcases Jaipur’s brilliant craftsmanship. Its honeycomb structure makes it a favorite spot for photography and cultural exploration.
- Location: Badi Choupad
- Timings: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm; every day
- Entry Fee:
Indians – ₹ 10 for adults
Foreigners – ₹ 50 for adults - Best for: It is one of the famous places to visit in Jaipur for photography.
- Time Required: 3-4 hours
- How to reach: At a distance of 6 km from Jaipur Junction Railway Station.
- Tip: Early morning or late afternoon would be ideal times to visit the monument. There are cafes nearby with a perfect view of the Hawa Mahal.
- Nearby attractions: Wind View Cafe, The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge, Cafe Agora
City Palace
Nestled in the heart of Jaipur, the City Palace is a magnificent complex that has been the royal residence since the city’s inception. A blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, it features opulent courtyards, grand halls, and stunning gateways like the Peacock Gate. The museums within display an array of royal artifacts, giving visitors a glimpse into Rajasthan’s regal past.
- Location: Jaleb Chowk
- Timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee:
- Indians – ₹ 40 for adults; ₹ 25 for children (5 to 12 years old)
- Foreigners – ₹ 300 for adults; ₹ 200 for children (5 to 12 years old)
- Best for: Among the best places to visit in Jaipur for couples.
- Time Required: 2 hours
- How to reach: Jaipur Railway Station is just 4.5 km away from the palace.
- Tip: Photography and videography are allowed only in certain sections of the palace.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 18th century. Housing the world’s largest sundial, this observatory is a fascinating destination for science and history buffs. Its massive instruments, like the Samrat Yantra, were designed to measure time and celestial events with incredible precision.
- Location: Kanwar Nagar
- Timings: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm; every day
- Entry Fee:
Indians – ₹ 50 for adults; ₹ 15 for students
Foreigners – ₹ 200 - Best for: Fun and informative places in Jaipur to visit with kids.
- Time Required: 2 hours
- How to reach: Jaipur Junction is located 4 km away.
- Tip: Hire a guide to learn about all the instruments.
Jal Mahal
Floating serenely in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal is an architectural gem that perfectly blends Rajput and Mughal styles. Though entry to the palace is restricted, its picturesque beauty can be admired from the lakefront. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to capture the breathtaking views of this “Water Palace.”
- Location: Amer Road
- Best for: It is known for street shopping.
- Time Required: 1 hour
- How to reach: Located at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur Junction Railway Station.
- Nearby Attractions: Garh Ganesh Temple, City Palace, Albert Hall Museum, Kanak Vrindavan Mahal
Nahargarh Fort
Perched on the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort offers sweeping views of Jaipur city. Originally built for defense, it later became a retreat for the royal family. With its beautifully painted interiors, the fort is a blend of history and art. The on-site sculpture park and café make it a great spot for a leisurely visit.
- Location: Brahampuri
- Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 10 for Indians; ₹ 50 for foreigners
- Best For: One of the best places to visit in Jaipur with friends.
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
- How to reach: At a distance of 6 km from Jaipur Junction Railway Station.
- Tip: Hire a guide for a better understanding of the fort’s history.
- Nearby Attractions: Birla Mandir Temple, Elephant Joy, Panna Meena ka Kund, City Palace, Albert Hall Museum, Akshardham Temple
Albert Hall Museum
Albert Hall Museum, located in the heart of Jaipur, is the oldest museum in Rajasthan and a symbol of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Built in 1887, it houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including ancient coins, traditional costumes, exquisite paintings, and stunning marble art. The Egyptian mummy on display is a highlight that fascinates visitors. The museum’s illuminated exterior at night offers a mesmerizing view, making it a favorite for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
- Location: Kailash Puri, Adarsh Nagar
- Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 20 for Indians; ₹ 150 for foreigners
- Best for: It is a great place for architecture and history buffs.
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
- How to reach: Jaipur railway station is 6 km away from the museum.
- Tip: Photography is allowed, but avoid using flash inside the museum.
Jaigarh Fort
When you are making a list of must-visit places in Jaipur, you can’t leave out Jaigarh Fort. Standing at a height of 500 feet above sea level, this 18th-century fort adorns the Cheel Ka Tila, or the Hill of Eagles in the Aravali Range like a crown. Rugged beauty defines this fort that boasts of red sandstone construction. It was a prominent center of artillery production for the rulers of this land. One of the main attractions of Jaigarh fort is the Jaivana cannon, which was once the world’s largest cannon on wheels.
- Location: Devisinghpura
- Timings: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 35 for Indians; ₹ 80 for foreigners
- Time Required: 2 hours
- How to reach: Located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur Junction Railway Station.
- Tip: Carry a sunscreen and a hat.
- Nearby Attractions: Albert Hall Museum, Jantar Mantar, Birla Mandir, Chokhi Dhani
Rambagh Palace
Rambagh Palace was once just a royal hunting lodge located amidst a dense forest. It was later expanded in the early part of the 20th century and turned into a grand residence for the Maharaja of Jaipur. Today, the palace serves as one of the finest heritage hotels in Jaipur making it among the list of the top 10 places to visit in Jaipur. You can expect a heady blend of opulence and luxury to greet you if you decide to check in at this palace hotel.
- Location: Bhawani Singh Road
- Best for: Luxurious stays in Jaipur
- How to reach: The Jaipur Railway Station is approximately 6 km away from Rambagh Palace.
- Tip: The best time to visit is November to February.
- Nearby Attractions: Galtaji Temple, Soar High, Hawa Mahal
Birla Mandir
Also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple, the Birla Temple is one of the most magnificent temples in Jaipur. Built with resplendent white marble stones, the temple stands against the backdrop of lush greenery and presents a breathtaking sight. The walls of the temple are ornamented with various scenes and quotes from the Bhagavad Gita. This grand place of worship looks spellbinding when illuminated at night. It is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur for free.
- Location: Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Tilak Nagar
- Timings: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm; every day
- Time Required: 1 hour
- How to reach: The nearest metro station is Jaipur railway station (6 km).
- Tip: Maintain silence and respect the sanctity of the temple.
- Nearby Attractions: Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur Zoo, Ram Niwas Garden, Ajmeri Gate
Hathni Kund
Hathni Kund is a hill that is very popular with trekkers. The pathway to the top of the hill has many ancient temples and dunes along the way. From the top, you can get a 360-degree view of the Pink City. There is a famous Hanuman Temple located at the top.
- Location: Yamuna Nagar District
- Timings: All through the day
- Entry Fee: N/A
- Best for: This is among the popular places in Jaipur where you can watch sunsets.
- Time Required: 3-4 hours
- How to reach: Jaipur Railway Station is 16.1 km away from the place.
- Tip: Carry a water bottle with you to keep yourself hydrated.
FAQs
Q: What are the must-visit places in Jaipur for first-time visitors?
A: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Jal Mahal are must-see attractions.
Q: Can Jaipur be explored in one day?
A: While one day is enough for a quick city tour, 2 or 3 days are recommended for a thorough experience.
Q: What is the best way to travel from Jaipur to Ajmer and Pushkar?
A: You can take a taxi or bus for a comfortable journey.
Ready to explore Jaipur and its neighboring cities? Start planning your trip today! Share which destination excites you the most and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
