Here are our favorite but also must-see tours in Jaipur, a must-see when traveling in the Rajasthan region. We have voluntarily started with many sequences shot in the street; just too really immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the streets and the colors of the markets and shops of the pink city.
And Now, Place For Advice for Future Travelers Wishing to Visit Jaipur.
01. Tips for visiting the Wind Palace (Hawa Mahal – Wind Palace)
The impressive facade of the Palace of the Winds is one of the most popular attractions in Jaipur. Building dating from the eighteenth century, we advise you to climb on one of the terraces located opposite to have the best view. Then, also visit the interior of the Palace of the Winds. Indeed, the Palace of the Winds is one of the wonders of Rajputs architecture that can be visited. All facades are embroidered as are windows and balconies.
The tour allows you to admire the impressive work done during the Mughal era on the site. The possibility of views of the city and the surrounding area is very interesting. This visit takes a different look when one learns that the Palace of the Winds was frequented by women of the royal harem of the time who from this building could have a look at life outside without being seen. A visit that we highly recommend.
The Palace of the Winds, which is actually the Women’s Palace, is decorated with the pink stone of Jaipur. It is the dominant color of the buildings of the city. This stone sublime to the first and last glow of the sun. Plan 2 hours of on-site visit to really enjoy this beautiful site and take the time to contemplate the city from the top of the building.
If you can, avoid the middle of the day to visit the site without suffering the heat. Note that even inside; some places are very well ventilated allowing breathe a little.
Entrance fee per person: Rp 50.
Open every day from 9h to 16h30.
The entrance to the site is opposite the façade. Drinks are offered for sale at the square, the last center of interest before ending the visit of the Palace of the Winds.
02. Visit the City Palace
We went on a tour of the City Palace which is easily accessible on foot from the Palace of the Winds. We had a lunch break at the City Palace’s cafe. Check your bill if you decide to nibble a bite there. Some servers play smart and prices are not cheap. We are at least sure of what we eat.
The visit itself reveals the succession of courtyards and small palaces adorned with stones built between 1729 and 1732.
The current maharaja and his family still live in the compound. We visit only part of the City Palace but it’s actually good enough. Some rooms are still open to the public as the weapons room. We are not a fan but it’s personal.
Entrance fee per person: 500 Rp.
Open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm
03. Visit Amber Fortress
The next day we start our day with a rickshaw tour to Amber Fortress. Amber is only 11 km from the center of Jaipur. In about 30 minutes from our hotel, we discover an exceptional site dating from 1592 built on a hill. The lake below is part of the beauty of this postcard decor.
After having climbed a part of the mountain for 10 minutes, we arrive at the doors of the fort. Some tourists also arrive on elephant backs. Respect the animals and do not do it. The trail that allows access to the site from the road is very easy.
Once inside, you get lost in the courtyards and the rooms of the fortress for 2h30. A pure moment of happiness. It’s like a thousand-and-one night decor.
The Visit of The Amber Fortress is Magical, Unforgettable!
The fortress of Amber is the ideal place to take beautiful pictures.
Entrance fee per person: 200 Rp.
Open every day from 8h to 18h
04. Visit the Monkey Temple off the beaten path
After Amber Fortress, we went to Lake Palace. It’s on the way back.
Then, our rickshaw driver dropped us at the east gate of the city, down the hill that we must walk to get to the Monkey Temple off the beaten path. Otherwise, it takes about 20 km of detour transport to get to the other side of the site. While climbing, one enjoys a magnificent panorama on all Jaipur.
There are many animals on the way: monkeys of course, but also cows and chickens. The path is not too touristy; it is also the way to discuss en route with locals living on the hill.
Once the climb is over, we go down again on the other side by sinking into a kind of gorge. On arrival, the show is fabulous or unreal. Monkeys everywhere with their fountain of youth and then temples that have not moved for ages.
It’s like being in a cinema setting that still houses a few souls, simple people of unbounded goodness.
We go around a temple while his guardian tells us the history of the place. The change of scenery is total and so calm, contrasted when one thinks of the chaos of Jaipur finally so close.
This is a Beautiful visit off the Beaten Path!
05. Visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory
If you still have time, take a tour of the Yantra Mandir Astronomical Observatory better known as Jantar Mantar. It can be seen from the balconies of the Palais des Vents. It is impressive, even more impressive than the Delhi Observatory. Built in the early eighteenth century, we can see twenty instruments very impressive.
Entry price per person: 200 Rp.
Open daily from 9h to 16h30
Where to eat in Jaipur?
This is the first time we visit a city and we have so much trouble finding a decent place to eat. In the part of the old town, we will not recommend anything at all. We simply found nothing. Our hotel is located near the old town, so we folded on their map. And he makes you admit that the terrace is nice to read in the paragraph below.
Where to stay in Jaipur?
We stayed at the Nahargarh Hotel. It is located in a very quiet residential area not far from the famous Pearl Palace Hotel.
Jaipur is a necessary stop on a trip to North India. Very rich culturally, this city has a lot to offer. Do not miss our favorite visits to Jaipur: the Monkey Temple, the Palace of Winds and the Fortress of Amber. It is also important to walk and go away inside the walls of the old lady to feel the spirit of Jaipur.
Taking your time also allows you to meet people and immerse themselves in the way of life of the inhabitants. It was in Jaipur that we were invited for the first time to an Indian family to share a chai. After a visit to a traditional Indian hairdresser, the meeting with a painter and a young Hindu monk. These are good opportunities to learn more about the diversity and complexity of Indian culture.