What To See In Jaipur

The most popular tourist destination in Jaipur, Amber Fort is a gigantic fort that is definitely worth visiting. The fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013, and it's architecture is a stunning fusion of Hindu and Mughal (Islamic) styles. Made of sandstone and marble, this fort requires you to don your comfortable clothes and sweatpants (I'll tell you why soon).

Amber Fort consists of a group of four courtyards, palaces, gardens, and halls. The entrance to the fort opens onto the primary courtyard, known as the Jaleb Chowk, and connecting to this courtyard are the Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) and Chand Pol (Moon Gate) which are reminiscent of Game Of Thrones.

Just inside this courtyard to the right, head up some small stairs for the Shila Devi temple. Rumour has it that sacrifices (both goat and human) were part of temple rituals here. It's only open from 6 a.m. until midday, and again from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m, so get the timing right to avoid disappointment.

The best parts of the fort to visit are the Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audiences) to see the mirror walls and ceilings, and the Palace of Man Singh, which houses the zenana (women's quarters). The King's bedroom is closed for general admission, and I didn't visit, but I read that it has a mirror ceiling supposed to emulate the night skies (fancy).

A rickshaw from the city will cost around ₹500 for a return trip, a taxi about ₹900, and if you're really up for an adventure you can catch a local bus from Hawa Mahal for around ₹20 although be prepared to be squashed in. I would not recommend the bus for solo female travellers.

Inside the fort, head to 1135AD for some good food, and if you have time make sure to see the sound & light show near Maota Lake (read timings, costs, and general info here)

The Elephant Ride is something that I am vehemently against as I am concerned over the treatment of the elephants. I do not recommend anyone pay for the elephant ride up to the fort, and I urge you to rethink your stance on animal cruelty if you do. The price per couple is ₹1100, and the rides do sell out quickly. The fort is manageable without the elephant rides, and you will have a brilliant time without doing this part of the tour.

Inside the Palace (it was so incredibly hot. Don't go during the peak of summer).

One of the major landmarks in Jaipur, the City Palace is where the Maharaja used to reign from and still serves as a royal residence. Built by the founder of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh, the City Palace has been altered, extended, and repurposed over the years. This fascinating blend of Rajasthani and Mughal culture is worth a visit during your time in Jaipur.

The main entrances to the City Palace are the Virendra Pol, Uday Pole, and Tripoliya Gate (however only the royal family enter through the Tripoliya Gate). I suggest starting through the Virendra Pol as it is right near the Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace) which was built in the late 19th century for Maharaja Madho Singh II. The museum inside the Mubarak Mahal showcases royal clothing, materials, and shawls and is worth a walk through.

Make sure to also have a walkthrough of the Anand Mahal Sileg Khana (the Maharani’s Palace) to see the armoury, the Diwan-i-Am Art Gallery with minature artworks, and the open courtyard.

The palace's inner courtyard contains the famous 4-season gates: the Rose Gate representing winter, the Lotus Gate repping summer, the Green Gate fronting for spring, and the Peacock Gate showcasing autumn. Beyond this courtyard is the Chandra Mahal, the private palace, which is still the residence of the royal family. You can take a 45-minute tour of this palace but I decided not as it was a little expensive The Grandeur Tour).

The number one tip for the City Palace is to wear comfortable shoes for walking, and to bring your own water.

The building you see on postcards and the background on travel blogs, the Hawal Mahal or the Palace of the Winds is a gigantic pink and red sandstone building in the middle of the city. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh to allow the  ladies of the royal court to watch the life and processions of the city, this building offers great views of the city and claustrophobic corridors.

You can easily breeze through this palace quite quickly, there's not as much to see as with the City Palace but it is still worth a visit for some photos and exploring. Entry to the palace is through a side door, and not through the front, and be wary of passing shopkeepers offering directions as they will often try to convince you to also take a detour through their shop.

There are a few smaller "temples" opposite the Hawa Mahal which had rooftops you can access (for a small donation). I went up round mid-afternoon and found it quite lovely.

Off the beaten track nestled between two cliffs is a sacred Hindu temple named Galta Ji, aka Monkey Temple. The temple is home to a collection of large, deep pools that are fed from an underground spring that falls through the mouth of a sculpted cow, some fresco artwork, and several thousand hungry monkeys (macaques).

Although the temple is only a few kilometres from City Palace, it can be incredibly messy trying to reach it if you don't know where you are going. My rickshaw driver brought me to the Sun Temple (see below), which is on the other side of Monkey Temple but behind a huge mountain and a long walk. We trudged over and under hills in the blazing Rajasthani heat before giving up and returning to the rickshaw. After proper planning, I was able to catch a rickshaw directly to the temple (costing about ₹600 for a return trip).

Be wary of the monkeys is ye be squeamish. They are not shy and will pounce on you to get to the food (you can buy bags of food for around ₹10-30 from passing vendors).

We ended up here by accident. While there is really not that much to see in the way of temples and awe-inspiring structures, the Sun Temple is worth a 2 minute visit and the view of Jaipur is unique. Located on the edge of the Aravalli Hills and a part of the Galta ji temple complex, The Surya Mandir is one of the lesser known attractions. You'll be dropped at the bottom of the stairs/hill, and after a short hike you'll reach the temple. Up and back will take a grand total of 1 hour, maybe 2-3 hours if you make the mistake of trying to walk to the Monkey Temple from here.

In between monkey attacks and "holy men" asking for donations, I found it quite peaceful.

All that walking got you feeling peckish?

Tick of these iconic Jaipur eateries (and make sure to wear some stretchy pants!)