Jaipur travel guide- tourist destinations in Jaipur
Read the travel guide of Jaipur and know about the best travel destinations in Jaipur. Know where to go and which places to visit in your trip to Jaipur and what are the major tourist attractions of Jaipur. Read this article for tips to reach Jaipur and best Hotels in Jaipur
Jaipur city is the capital of the state of Rajasthan in India. This city has been under a number of Rajput rulers who built a number of forts and palaces in the city making it a truly heritage city. It is popularly known as Pink City as pink was the color used in the architecture, shoes, clothes, pottery, etc. around the city. Jaipur is situated in the Aravallis making it a scenic destination.
For planning a trip to Jaipur city, do set aside 3 to 4 days for the trip as Jaipur has a large number of places to explore.How to reach Jaipur
Reach Jaipur by air
Jaipur has a domestic airport. The nearest international airport is New Delhi. From the airport you can either hire a cab service or travel by the Jaipur tourist bus service within the city.
Reach Jaipur by road
Jaipur is well connected by roadways especially the Delhi-Jaipur highway NH8. You can take a deluxe bus from Delhi which will charge you anything between Rs 250 to Rs 400. The other option would be renting a car. Deluxe coaches can also be hired from Bikaner house near India Gate. This service is operated by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. They will charge you Rs 500 per person.
Reach Jaipur by train
Jaipur has a railway station as well which connects it to the rest of the country.Tourist places to see in the Pink City Jaipur
Hawa Mahal: This monument is the face of the city of Jaipur. It was built by Maharaja of Jaipur S.P.Singh. Hawa Mahal has a semi octagonal shape and consists of five stories. The USP of Hawa Mahal is that it has 152 windows. The purpose behind its designing was to allow women of the royal families to see the processions and ceremonies. Presently, it houses a museum which displays the history of the city of Jaipur. It is open between 10 a.m and 4:30 p.m and the fee for entry is Rs 5 only.
Jantar Mantar: The Jantar Mantar of Jaipur was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur who was a great scientist, philosopher and architect. This monument contains a huge sun dial which was used for checking time. It is a must watch. It is open between 9 a.m and 4:30 p.m and the fee for entry is Rs 10 only.
City Palace: This palace is situated right in the centre of the city and contains is so large that it occupies about a seventh of the area of the old city. It is a very beautiful mixture of Mughal and Rajput architecture. It is open between 9:30 a.m and 4:45 p.m and the fee for entry is Rs 35 for Indians and Rs 150 for foreign tourists.
Central Museum/ Albert Hall museum: The Central Museum or Albert Hall museum of Jaipur was built by Prince Albert in 1876 and is thus called the Albert hall as well. This monument contains a very rare collection of artifacts. It is located within the Ram Niwas Gardens. It is open between 10 a.m and 4:30 p.m and the fee for entry is Rs 5 for Indians and Rs 30 for foreign tourists.
Birla Planetarium: The Birla Planetarium of Jaipur was built by the Rajasthan government. This planetarium organizes unique shows on stars and the universe. It is open between 11 a.m and 5 p.m organizing shows after an interval of two hours each and the fee for entry is Rs 20 only.
Jal Mahal: The Jal Mahal of Jaipur was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber. This monument is located in the centre of the Man Sagar Lake near the city of Jaipur. It is a beautiful location. The Aravalli hills can be seen behind the lake making this an awesome scenery.
Jaigarh Fort: The Jaigarh Fort of Jaipur was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. This fort is located on the top of the hills thus a person can see the entire city of Amer for there. It has the largest wheeled cannon in the world. It is open between 10 a.m and 4:30 p.m and the fee for entry is Rs 15 for Indians and Rs 20 for foreign tourists.
Nahargarh Fort: This fort is about 15 km from the main city on a height of 600ft that is on a hill. This fort was built in 1734. It is open between 10 a.m and 4:00 p.m and the fee for entry is Rs 5 for Indians and Rs 20 for foreign tourists.
Galta: This is a temple which has a spring. It is devoted to the sun god.
Motidoongari: A Scottish castle had been replicated to make the building.
Maharani ki Chhatri: Royal women were cremated here.
Sisodia Rani garden: It is approximately 5 km towards Agra. It is open between 8 a.m and 6 p.m and the fee for entry is Rs 5 for Indians and Rs 20 for foreign tourists.
Vidyadhar garden: It is approximately 5 km towards Agra. It was built by a great architect who planned Jaipur named Vidhyadhar. It is dedicated to lord Krishna. It is open between 9 a.m and 6 p.m and the fee for entry is Rs 5 for Indians and Rs 20 for foreign tourists.
Kanak Vrindavan: It is approximately 6.5 km towards Ajmer. This garden is a famous picnic spot which is also famous for film shootings. It is open between 8 a.m and 5 p.m and the fee for entry is Rs 4 for Indians and Rs 20 for foreign tourists.
Amer Fort: It's a beautiful fort which stands atop hills. It was made for security during battles. Both Hindu and Muslim architecture have been used here. This fort has a palace within it. The beauty of the palace is reflected in the lake beneath.Place of amusement in Jaipur
Choki Dhani: The main USP of Jaipur is a Rajasthan themed tourist resort just near the border of the city called Choki Dhani. This resort cum amusement park is maintained by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. This resort replicates life in an ideal Rajasthani village. No trip to Jaipur is complete without visiting Choki Dhani.
Choki Dhani was founded in 1989. Currently it covers more than 22 acres of land area consisting of about cottages. It also has numerous restaurants, bars, massage houses, spas, etc. The village themed park has an entry fee of Rs 275 per person. Food is included in the fee but if you wish you can buy as well. It is open throughout the day; anyhow my advice is to visit in the evening when the crowd arrives, to have a lifetime's experience. One can enjoy the village view, food, drinks, rides and a lot more. This will be a truly once in a lifetime experience.Where to stay in Jaipur
Jaipur has five major luxury hotels which are:
Nailia Bagh Palace: It is a heritage home which was built by the former prime minister of Jaipur Shri Thakur Fateh Singh in 1872. This hotel is situated at Moti Doongari Rd.
Fort Madhogarh: It is located in the middle of village Madhogarh near Jaipur.
Oberoi Rajvillas Palace Hotel: It is situated within the main city. This is a luxury hotel and a night's stay here will set you back by Rs 27,000. But you might find the spend money to be worth it.
The Trident Jaipur: It is situated near the Amer fort. It looks just like a white mughal palace.
Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel: : It is also situated within the main city. This is a luxury hotel and a night's stay here will set you back by Rs 22,500.
There are a number of mid-range hotels as well. Naming a few: Hotel Meghniwas, Krishna Palace, Naila Bagh Palace, Hotel Umaid Lake Palace, Sumati Villa, Hotel Mandakini Nirmal, Hotel Mandakini Castle, Arya Niwas Hotel, Hotel Classic Holidays, Loharu House, Umaid Bhawan, Umaid Mahal, Sarang Palace, Colonel's Homestead,Deogarh Mahal, Anuraag Villas, etc.
For budget travelers, there are a number of guest houses as well.Where to Eat in Jaipur
Choki Dhani: As mentioned above, you can eat at the Choki Dhani.The meals are included within the entry fees.
Ambrosia: It is situated at Ashok Marg. Indian, Italian, Continental, Labanese,Mexican and Chinese food is served.
Apno Gaon: It is at a small distance from the main city. This is a purely vegetarian restaurant which serves according to the buffet system. The cost is Rs 350 per plate.
Natraj: The speciality of this restraint is Rajasthani thali. The cost is Rs 175 per plate.
Loharu House: It is present in the civil lines of Jaipur. This is actually not a restraint but the residence of a royal family. You can book a dinner here by calling in advance at +91 141 222 5945.
Rawat Mishtan Bhandar: It is situated close to Jaipur's railway station and is famous for its Pyaaz ki kachori.
Laxmi Mishtanam Bhandaar: It is the most famous of all restraints in Jaipur and is situated within Jaipur's main pink market.
Safety: Jaipur is a safe place to travel and the only thing you need to remain aware of are the touts
