Also known as Pink City, Jaipur is the most beautiful city in the Rajasthan State of India. It is the city full of artistic palaces and forts which attract millions of visitors every year from all over the world. From breathtaking palaces to huge forts to royal elephant rides to bazaars, Jaipur has it all. If you want to experience the true Rajasthani culture, you must visit Jaipur at least once in your life. You’ll need enough days to explore the city completely and its important landmarks. If you are visiting Jaipur for only a short time period, here are the top 5 things you don’t want to miss in this city!
1. City Palace
Jaipur is well known for its number of stunning historical palaces. One such example is City Palace which is the most beautiful and artistic palace in Jaipur. This palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1732. The City Palace is divided into a number of buildings, courtyards and gardens. The main part of the palace is Chandra Mahal which is now open to the public. Today, a large part of this Mahal is still used as a royal residence. The architecture of this palace depicts the blend of Rajput and Mughal styles. The stunning courtyards, its huge halls and gardens will surely take you back to the old Rajput lifestyle.
2. Amber Fort and Palace
The Amber Fort is another architectural masterpiece located on the top of beautiful Aravali Hill. This iconic fort is visited by thousands of tourists every day. Made entirely of yellow and pink sandstone, this fort represents the rich history of Rajasthan and its rulers. Some of the main attractions inside the fort are Diwaan-e-Khaas, Diwaan-e-Aaam and the most famous Sheesh Mahal which is adorned with mirrors. You can also enjoy an elephant ride to the fort and palace. It’s recommended to hire a guide who’ll explain about every corner of the fort and palace in detail. Amber Fort is a must-see attraction if you are in Jaipur.
3. Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal, also known as ‘Palace of Breeza’, is an iconic landmark in Jaipur that is visited by a a large number of tourists every day. This artistic building was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The name ‘Hawa’ means air and it was given to the building because of hundreds of windows in the building, which were made to let air enter the palace to make it comfortable during the summer months. The palace is beautifully built with pink and red sandstone making it stand out from the rest of the buildings in the area. If you visit the top floor of the palace, you can witness the beautiful views of Jaipur city and its number of palaces.
4. Nahargarh Fort
Jaipur is full of rich history and there is no shortage of forts and palaces in this city as we’ve mentioned. One of the major highlights of Jaipur is the Nahargarh Fort that was built in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. Decorated with various carvings and beautiful stonework, Nahargarh Fort is a beautiful work of art that is visited by thousands of tourists every day. There are many noteworthy spots inside the fort and one of them is Madhavendra Bhavan, which is a breathtaking hall made with stucco work and murals. The fort also features many rooms that are connected through common corridors.
5. Jal Mahal
Your visit to Jaipur is incomplete without witnessing the beauty of Jal Mahal which is also known as the Water Palace. Located in the center of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal consists of five stories out of which four stories are hidden underwater, especially when the lake is filled. Since Jal Mahal is located in the middle of the lake, there are boats which you can hire to reach the palace. Though entry into the fort is not allowed, you can witness its beauty from outside. During the night, the palace looks even more beautiful when it’s illuminated with lights.
