The Royal Land of the Maharaja’s and Rajput’s is now a top tourist destination in India. There are multiple reasons to visit Jaipur and learning the rich history of the past is one major reason. A lot of the palaces are now offered as luxury hotels that give a life of a King to the guests for a few days at an expensive price. Jaipur attracts people for the innumerable fairs and festivals held here, the interesting activities for tourists, shopping at the back-lane markets and best of all to see the mighty forts and palaces there.
Why Visit Jaipur?
Every time you visit Jaipur there is something new about the Pink city of Rajasthan. The pink city is filled with various old havelis, pink buildings in the old city, and palaces and forts that draw attention from tourists all over the world. They are the most famous attractions of Jaipur including defence forts, palace residences, etc. These historic structures showcase the rich culture of the various dynasties and rulers. There are several such royal residences, and some are managed by top premium hotel chains and are palace hotels or luxury resorts.
Top Sights of Jaipur
There are three main sights of Jaipur that you will be able to see by yourself on foot within a day. they are City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar.
City Palace
A complex of gardens, courtyards and buildings, the inspiring City Palace is right in the centre of the Old City. The outer wall was made by Jai Singh II, but within it the palace has been enlarged and adapted over the centuries. There are palace buildings from many different eras, some dating all the way from the early 20th century. It is a striking blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
The price of admission contains entry to the Cenotaphs of the Maharanis and Royal Gaitor, as well as to Jaigarh which is a long climb above Amber Fort. This ticket is valid for two days and costs locals an extra ₹60 on top of City Palace entry with no extra cost for visitors.
Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal, Jaipur’s most-distinctive landmark, is an extraordinary pink-painted, delicately honeycombed hive that climbs a dizzying five storeys. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh to allow ladies of the royal household to watch the processions and life of the city. The top provides brilliant views over Jantar Mantar and the City Palace in one direction and over Sireh Deori Bazaar in the other direction. There’s also a small museum (open from Saturday to Thursday), with little paintings and some relics, such as ceremonial armour, which help remind of the royal past.
Claustrophobes should be aware that the narrow corridors can sometimes get extremely cramped and crowded inside the Hawa Mahal. Entrance is from the back of the complex. To get there, return to the intersection on your left as you are facing the Hawa Mahal, turn right and take the first right through an archway.
Jantar Mantar
Next to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, an observatory begun by Jai Singh II in 1728 that looks like a collection of strange giant sculptures. Made for measuring the heavens, the name is derived from the Sanskrit yanta mantr, meaning ‘instrument of calculation’, and in 2010 it was added to India’s list of Unesco World Heritage Sites. Paying for a local guide is recommended highly if you want to study how each fascinating instrument works.
You can read more about the best places to visit in Jaipur.
Reasons to Book a Jaipur Tour Package
There are two main reasons why I would recommend booking a Jaipur tour package online. The first is time restrictions and the second is to avoid scammers and tours.
There are some amazing places to visit in Jaipur, and if your time is restricted to just a couple of days, you will barely get beyond the main city sights of the Wind Palace, City Palace and Jantar Mantar. Without a proper tour, you risk missing the likes of the Monkey Temple, Agra Fort, Jaigarh Fort and the Jal Mahal.
Many of the amazing forts and temples are actually outside the city and more difficult to get to on public transport. I highly recommend booking a Jaipur tour package to fit these in.
Secondly, I hate to mention this, but there are some scammers and touts to be aware of in the city of Jaipur. Many will ask you to help them with their English and offer to take you to the Monkey temple in return – this will be highly likely to be an overpriced scam tour. I recommend that you book your Jaipur tour package online with Get Your Guide or Viator.
Avoid touts and scammers in Jaipur by booking your Jaipur package online in advance.
Best Jaipur Tour packages on GYG
Jaipur: Private Customised City Tour
Choose from a flexible starting time between 8-11 AM and pre-book a hassle-free pick-up from Jaipur Airport, the Railway Station or your hotel. This privatised Jaipur city tour can be tailor-made to suit your interests and you can spend as much time as you wish at each location. In the 8-hour trip, you may visit between 5-6 sites in Jaipur. Enjoy full flexibility, whether you want to visit major sightseeing attractions, eat great street food, or shop in the colourful bazaars. Feel free to ask for recommendations while booking or ask your friendly driver for suggestions on how to maximise your day.
A private English-speaking guide (optional) can accompany you to explain the heritage and history, or give you tips on the hidden gems of the city. Travel at your own pace and escape the heat and chaos in your air-conditioned car. Stop for lunch at a multi-cuisine restaurant or try authentic local Rajasthani cuisine. Explore the distinctive landmarks of Jaipur such as the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the City Palace and the remarkable collection at the Albert Hall Museum. If you are interested in astronomy, a visit to the world’s largest sundial at Jantar Mantar Observatory is highly recommended.
One-way Transfer To/From Agra and Jaipur
Whether you want to see the Mughal delights of the Taj Mahal or the Agra Fort, or revel in the royal architecture of Amer Fort, this one-way transfer between Agra and Jaipur is an ideal way to travel comfortably. Travel from Agra and Jaipur in a cool air-conditioned private cab with a professional and experienced driver at an economical price. Avoid the stress and rush of public transport and choose a start-time which is convenient for you.
Your driver will be waiting for you from the airport arrivals, hotel lobby or any other point that you need your pickup from. In case of flight delays, there are no extra waiting charges and the driver will wait at the arrivals area. You will be attended by an English-speaking driver who can help you with any local information. You may also request coffee or bathroom breaks or stop for a picture on the way.
From Delhi: Jaipur Private Day trip by Train or Car
Marvel at the captivating city of Jaipur on a private Jaipur day trip from New Delhi. See the highlights of Jaipur in a single day. Visit the Amer Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal with an expert local guide. Choose between transfer via air-conditioned car or train.
Maximise your day by getting an early start. Have the convenience of being picked up right from your accommodations. If you have chosen to be transferred to Jaipur by car, your driver will deliver you to Jaipur where you will meet your guide. If you have chosen to ride the train to Jaipur, you’ll be driven to the train station where your driver will assist you in boarding the train.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, you’ll meet your guide and enjoy a full day of sightseeing in a private car. Visit the honeycomb structure of the Hawa Mahal. The building was designed to allow royal ladies to watch the city without being observed by others. Next, drive to Amer Fort and observe its intricate Indo-Muslim architecture. See its stunning halls and beautiful entrance gates. Spend approximately 2 hours here, allowing for both a guided tour and time free time to explore.
Continue to the Jal Mahal or Water Palace. Located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, this viewing spot provides excellent birdwatching opportunities (when in season). Explore the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses unique architectural and astronomical instruments. End your tour with a visit to the home of the royal family, the City Palace. Explore the palace’s courtyards, galleries, and museums before heading back to Delhi.
Viator Travel Tours
Private Guided day Tour of Agra and Jaipur With Drop at New Delhi
Spend an amazing three days exploring the best of Agra and Jaipur attractions with this private guided tour. You’ll start in Jaipur, known for its beautiful palaces and forts, before heading off to the Taj Mahal with a stop in the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri en route. Then it’s up to Delhi, where you’ll get dropped off at the hotel of your choice, or at the airport! Two nights of accommodation are included in the price of this tour. Enjoy dining on a traditional dinner with a local family in Jaipur. All transport is in an air-conditioned vehicle and local guides will be available in Agra, Jaipur and Fatehpur Sikri.
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