The pink city of Jaipur lures many tourists with its stunning remnants of the bygone era. The city is painted with the royalty and reflects the rich culture of the state in its various forts and palaces. The city is also famous for its shopping with its many bazaars and is a hub for shopping enthusiasts.

Travel East presents top 5 must-visit places when visiting Jaipur.

Amer Fort and Palace

Sitting atop a hill overlooking Maota Lake, the Amer Fort is a half hour drive from the city center. The fort was home to several Rajput rulers and contains series of lavish palaces, halls, temples, and gardens. The grandeur is well reflected in the elaborate mirror work inside the palace. Every evening, the sound and light show which takes place at the fort enlightens the fort’s history. Elephant rides are another added attraction.

Location: It is located north of Jaipur. Frequent buses depart from the Hawa Mahal to Amer Fort. Taxis are also available.
Entry: 500 rupees for foreigners. 100 rupees for Indians. Night entry into the fort is 100 rupees per person.
Timing: 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. during the day, and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at night.

City Palace

Savor the royalty and richness of Jaipur upon visiting the magnificent City Palace. The palace is adorned with huge courtyards, gardens, and buildings which depict the Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. The graceful Chandra Mahal is home to the royal family even today. The palace also has a museum and art gallery where royal costumes and old weapons are displayed. The City Palace is a majestic view in the night with its outstanding sound and light show.

Location: Chokri Shahad, Old City, Jaipur.
Entry Cost: Ticket cost varies from 130 rupees for Indians and 500 rupees for foreigners. Night tickets cost 900 rupees for foreigners and 450 rupees for Indians.
Hours: 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. And 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for night viewing.

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is one fascinating and recognized building of Jaipur. The intricately designed façade of the Palace of Winds has rows of windows and screens built over five floors.  The wind palace is called so because wind used to flow through the openings. The palace overlooks the main street of Jaipur’s lively and bursting old city. The top of the building provides an excellent panoramic view.

Location: Next to the City Palace. Enter from the rear of the building.
Entry Cost: 200 rupees for foreigners. 50 rupees for Indians.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily.

Markets

Jaipur is a shopping haven. Goods like precious gemstones, blue pottery, silver jewelry, bangles, clothes, and textiles entice the shoppers from across the globe. Some of the famous markets of Jaipur are Johri Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and Nehru Bazaar. The main shopping area is MG Road. The wholesale flower market (Phool Mandi) inside Chandi ki Taksal gate in the Old City is a must visit for getting a splash of fragrant colors. Maniharon ka Rasta is an entire lane full of lac bangle makers.

Hours: Many markets are closed on Sundays.

Jantar Mantar Observatory

Built by King Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734, Jantar Mantar means “calculation instrument”.  Jantar Mantar observatory has an intriguing collection of sculptures. The observatory has a specialized astronomical function. There is a total of 14 sculptures which measure time, predict eclipses and track stars. The huge Samrat Yantra sundial is amazing and fascinating.

Location: Next to the City Palace, Jaipur.
Entry Cost: 200 rupees for foreigners. 50 rupees for Indians.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily.

Travel East presents to you customized Rajasthan tour packages to take you to every nook and corner.