Last Updated: November 16, 2023 Jatin
In the travel world, not every traveller finds culture or historic monuments fascinating, yes there are people who enjoy nature more and there are some who only plan a holiday to enjoy adventure activities. But then, you know, there are few attractions that elicit the same reaction of awe from everyone. Yes, there is something so unique and amazing about a few monuments like the historical attractions in Jaipur that are so compelling that you cannot help falling in love with them. Wondering how? Well, find it yourself through this blog. To introduce you to the historical exquisite beauty of ‘The Land of Maharajas’, we have pulled some of the most entrancing monuments in Jaipur to get you confounded. So, here we go!
Jantar Mantar – The Largest Sundial of the World
The largest sundial in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar is an observatory designed by Maharaja Jai Singh II – the great scholar and passionate astronomer, in 1720. There are 19 stone instruments that are used to work out local time with the help of the sun, weather, planetary positions, and eclipses. Surprised? Well, that’s not it, the observatory has Vrihat Samrat Yantra – the biggest sun clock in the world. Jai Prakash Yantra to detect altitude, Chakra Yantra to tell the time, and Krantiveera Yantra to measure longitude and celestial latitude are some more instruments in Jantar Mantar. This is the place which should be somewhere on top of your list of places to visit in Jaipur.
City Palace – A Living Witness to the History of Jaipur
A short walk away from Jantar Mantar, City Palace is surely a treat to the eyes. The credit of this masterpiece goes to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who built it in the 18th century. Seated in the downtown of Jaipur, City Palace is a huge complex consisting of various historical sites like Diwan-i-Khas, Maharani Palace, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam and also the famous Govindjee Temple. Like most part of the old city, the palace is also painted pink (the colour of hospitality). Inside the palace, you can visit a museum or the armoury or can also just stroll around leisurely clicking photos.
Amer Fort – The Long-Living Jewel of Jaipur
Proudly standing on a hilltop with a defensive wall leading to its entrances, the iconic Amer Fort from the 16th century was built by Raja Man Singh and presently is serving as a renowned tourist attraction in Jaipur. Inside the fort are the ancient beauty of palaces, courtyards, and temples. The red and white stone construction of this exquisite fort is of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. You can reach the fort either by renting a jeep or can even prefer to walk to the fort. However, on your way to the fort, you’ll also get to see another popular attraction Mira Mandir (Temple), which was also featured in the famous Bollywood movie, Bhool Bhulaiya. Don’t forget to watch the star attraction of Amer Fort which is the light and sound show.
Jaigarh Fort – The Home of the World’s Largest Cannon on Wheels
Up next is Jaigarh Fort which is popularly known for housing the largest cannon on the wheels – Jaivana Cannon. Jaigarh Fort is comfortably standing atop the Cheel Ka Teela (‘Hill of Eagles’) of Aravali Hills overlooking the Maota Lake and Amer Fort. This construction of this marvellous settlement dates back to the 18th century and was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Spread across 3 km in length and 1 km in breadth, Jaigarh Fort consist temples, residential complexes, and water reservoirs that are still untouched and well-preserved.
Hawa Mahal – The Massive Ancient Construction
The most distinctive of its kind, Hawa Mahal or The Palace of Winds is a remarkable construction built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 mainly in red and pink sandstone. The place is located at a walking distance from City Palace. This is a five-storey settlement and the top floor offers exquisite views of the city from all four sides. Along with that, the place has 953 windows which were built for the women of the royal families so that they could actually enjoy festivities in the city or across the streets as they were not allowed to step outside. Isn’t it interesting?
Albert Hall Museum – The Oldest Museum of Rajasthan
A Museum is a place wherein you can quench your much of your curiosity. Keeping that in mind, Albert Hall Museum, also known as the State Museum of Rajasthan, imparts you with some fascinating history. Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum in Rajasthan and is named after King Edward VII, the museum boasts a rare assortment of an intricate armoury, artefacts, stone artwork, royal costumes, metal, and ivory.
Jal Mahal – The Only One of its Kind in Rajasthan
Comfortably seated in the watery expanse of Man Sagar is an ethereal place known as Jal Mahal. Again, constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Jal Mahal is one of the most romantic attractions in Jaipur. To add a texture of a romance on your Jaipur sightseeing tour, you can book a boat with your loved one to visit the palace. However, you’ll only get to see the terrace garden, yet it would be enough to fill your heart with some mind-boggling views of the surrounded hills and the migratory birds including the beautiful flamingo species. For this very fact, Jal Mahal lies in the list of most visited monuments in India.
Jagat Shiromani Temple – One of the Oldest Temples in Rajasthan
A different yet the most magnificent attraction in the entire list is the Jagat Shiromani Temple. Located in the Amer Town, Jagat Shiromani is the 17th-century temple in Jaipur, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple displays a fine art of granite, sandstones, and marbles and its construction boasts a blend of Hindu, Jain, and South Indian styles of architecture making it one of the most visited monuments in Rajasthan.
Chhatris of Gaitore – A Place Worth Adoring
Some 15 km from Jaipur city centre, there lies a must-visit attraction – Chhatris of Gailore. Renowned as the resting place of royal Rajput family members, Chhatris of Gaitore is a small valley full of sandstone and grand marble cenotaphs, ornamented with intricate carvings, and constructed on elevated platforms making it one of the must-visit tourist attraction in Jaipur.
Abhaneri Stepwells – The Mysterious Stepwell of Rajasthan
Though this one is not in main Jaipur city but needs a special mention in the list of top ancient monuments in Jaipur to visit. Located just 95 km from the ‘Pink City’ (which probably be a 2-hour drive), Abhaneri Stepwells or popularly known as Chand Baori Stepwell was built by Nikumbh Dynasty’s King Chandais and is one of the oldest and compelling tourist attractions in Rajasthan. Renowned as one of the largest and deepest stepwells in entire India, Abhaneri Stepwells consist of 3500 stairs and was used in ancient time to conserve water.
Nahargarh Fort – A Serene Escape
This place best suits your need to catch a bird’s-eye view of the ‘Pink City’. This fort is one of its kind in Jaipur and is comfortably seated on the edge of Aravalli Hills. Nahargarh is another fort in Jaipur that traces its history to the 18th century and was also built by the great Maharaja Sawai Singh II. Reflecting the Rajput style of architecture, the place is a perfect escape for a day-out on your summer vacation in Jaipur. There is an old stepwell which is a not-to-miss attraction in Nahargarh Fort.
Birla Mandir – An Epitome of Spectacular Architecture
Probably, the most recently built yet the equalling compelling monument in Jaipur, Birla Mandir is an exquisite place as it comes from the chain of world famous Birla Temples. Constructed at an elevated platform in Moti Dungari Hill in Jaipur, the temple was built in 1977 and its architecture is ornamented with shining white marbles. Moreover, there are three domes in its architecture that portrays the three different approaches to the religions. The place is surely worth-a-visit at night as during that time the beauty of the temple remains at its peak.
Rambagh Palace -The Gem of Jaipur
Reckoned the Jewel of Jaipur, Rambagh Palace is a former abode of Maharaja of Jaipur and presently serves as a luxurious heritage hotel in the city. The palace is a great epitome of an architectural masterpiece which is an amalgamation of Rajasthani and Mughal styles of architecture. Adding a grandeur to its remarkable design are the spacious verandas, ornamental gardens and adelic front lawns full of peacocks and other birds. Along with that, the corridors at Rambagh Palace are well-adorned with hand painted frescos. If you’re budget allows, there would be no better place than Rambagh Palace to take a plunge into the ancient royal lifestyle of the maharajas.
Sisodia Rani Bagh – An Ancient Settlement Dedicated to Love
Iconic in every way! Sisodia Rani Bagh is exceptional drawcard in the city of Jaipur. The grand formal multi-tiered garden, with fountains and green verdant, was built in the 18th century and commemorates Maharaja Jai Singh Sisodia II’s second wife. There are painted pavilions depicting the hunting scenes along with Lord Krishna and Radha.
Galta Monkey Temple – The Abode of Monkeys
Another popular pilgrimage site in Jaipur, Galta Monkey also known as Galtaji is located around 10 km away from the city and is enclosed by the scenic Aravali Hills. The serene surroundings and dense green vegetation make a pleasant backdrop for this place. Moreover, the seven holy ponds (Saat Kund) at Galta Monkey Temple are the major attractions of this place. Legend has it, the temple was built to pay honour to the gods as the region is blessed with an abundance of water by them. Along with that, what you’ll adore the most at this place are the impish monkeys which are dwelling here in abundance, and thus, the temple is esteemed as Galta Monkey Temple.
I am sure you must have got excited already. If so, then make plans to visit Jaipur with Tour My India to enjoy unbelievable deals on tour packages and hotel deals. Take along your family or friends to have an amazing holiday experience in Jaipur. You can contact us by phone at +91-9212777225 or e-mail us at info@tourmyindia.com for our best Jaipur travel packages that come in your choice of budget and caters to all your needs.
Published: 20 Jun, 2018
Comes from the ‘heart of India’, Delhi, Jatin is big-time dreamer. He is a travel blogger who loves to express about his ventures through his writing. Besides being a blogger, he is a foodie, who follows the aroma to reach some of the most amazing places to eat. Another thing that is equally important to him is sports; he eats, sleeps and breathes cricket!