Places to see in Jaipur
The capital city of the state of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture. The stunning palaces and buildings left behind by the aristocratic rulers of the city give ample proof of the richness of the city during the medieval years. The city has plenty of buildings coloured pink, and hence the city is also called the “Pink City.” It was founded by Kachhwaha Rajput King, Jai Singh II in 1727 and named after him. Let us have a look at the ten famous tourist places in Jaipur.
Hawa Mahal: The five-story attractive building is shaped like a bee hive, and its name translates into “Palace of Winds.” The design of the palace is such that it has plenty of windows, which guarantees good ventilation inside. The pink-coloured palace has about 900 windows with beautiful design work. It was built in 1799 to allow royal women to watch city life or festivities without being seen.
City Palace: Built in the year 1727, when the capital city was moved to Jaipur from Amber by the then ruler, the palace complex served as the residence of the royal family of Jaipur. It is a blend of dual architectural styles and houses a museum displaying a plethora of artifacts, paintings, and weapons.
Amber Fort: Located on a hilltop about 10–12 kilometers away from Jaipur, Amber Fort is a magnificent fort made of marble and red sandstone. The fort complex includes many palaces, courtyards, and temples, each showcasing intricate Rajput architecture. The Sheesh Mahal is the main attraction in the Amber Palace. It is adorned with thousands of mirror pieces, creating a magical effect.
Nahargarh Fort: Located atop a large hill that is a part of the Aravali Hill range overlooking the city, the fort offers a beautiful and panoramic view of Jaipur. The fort was originally built as a defense post, and later it served as a summer retreat for the royal family. The fort has beautiful gardens, courtyards, and palaces, and it is a popular and great place for picnics and sunset views.
Jantar Mantar: It is an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who himself was a renowned astronomer. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the best example of original instruments built over 300 years ago that are still standing. It has a collection of 19 astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest sundial, which accurately measures the time.
Jaigarh Fort: Located in close proximity to the Amber Fort, this fort was built in the year 1726 by Sawai Jai Singh. The main purpose behind the construction of this fort was to protect Amber Fort. It is well known for its military architecture. The largest cannon on wheels can be seen in this fort. It is believed that this cannon was fired only once to test its firepower. The fort offers great views on all sides and houses a museum.
Jal Mahal: This palace is located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in the city. There are some disagreements regarding when this palace was built and by whom. Popular belief indicates that the palace was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and used as a hunting lodge. The palace was built in a perfect blend of Rajput and Persian architecture.
Albert Hall Museum: It is the oldest museum in Jaipur and hosts an incredible collection of sculptures, paintings, carpets, and jewelry. The building where the museum is located was built in Indo-Saracenic style towards the end of the 19th century.
Birla Mandir: It is a new temple constructed recently. The magnificent temple, built with white marble, is dedicated to Bhagawan Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Plenty of locals as well as tourists flock to the temple premises in the evenings.
Choki Dhani: Located about 20 kilometers away from Jaipur city center, this place is a model village and a unique cultural village showcasing the Rajasthani culture through various forms such as architecture, dance, music, art, and cuisine.
