In this era of adventure and beach-filled holiday options – have you ever dreamed of walking through royal palaces, shopping in colourful bazaars, and feeling like royalty – all in one city? Streets glowing in the pink light of sunset, the soft clinking of lac bangles, the smell of hot kachoris filling the air, and grand palaces rising against the Aravalli hills. That is exactly what Jaipur offers! Read this blog further to learn more about the top attractions in Jaipur that have fascinated travelers for years.
Jaipur, the Pink City of India, is a great place where history comes alive without burning a hole in your pocket. Trust me, whether you are a history buff, an architecture lover, or simply searching for that perfect Instagram shot, Jaipur has got something special waiting for you! The charm of Jaipur makes it a top choice in Rajasthan tour packages, bringing visitors from all over the world.
List of Top Attractions in Jaipur
- Hawa Mahal
- Amber Palace
- City Palace of Jaipur
- Jal Mahal
- Birla Mandir Temple
- Jantar Mantar
- Bapu Bazaar
Hawa Mahal
Let us start with the most famous of all the main tourist places in Jaipur – the beautiful Hawa Mahal!
It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. It is designed like the crown of Krishna. This five-story palace looks like a giant honeycomb with its 953 small windows. These windows, known as jharokhas, were made so royal ladies could watch street festivals without being seen—pretty smart, right? This ancient structure is special as it has no foundation, making it lean at an angle.
Instead of stairs, it has ramps to reach its top, which is 50 feet high. Small decorative windows and screens made of sandstone cover its walls. The best time to see Hawa Mahal is when the sun rises. In the morning, sunlight comes through its windows, making the whole palace glow with beautiful golden light.
Amber Palace
Now, first and foremost, the names Amber Palace and Amer Fort mean the same place.
It is a big fort about 11 km from Jaipur city. While the whole place is called Amer Fort, the part where the kings lived is called Amber Palace. People use both names to talk about it, though Amer Fort is its real name. It is one of the main attractions in Jaipur, and many tourists come visit this place each year. Amer was built in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh I. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013 for its Rajput-Mughal architecture.
The fort is famous for its artistic carvings, royal courtyards, and stunning mirrorwork. You can enter through Suraj Pol – Sun Gate and explore Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, and the beautiful Sheesh Mahal. Riding an elephant up the fort is a special experience, but many people choose to walk or take a jeep instead. The Amer Fort light and sound show tells the story of Rajput kings and is a must-see in Jaipur.
Also Read: Don’t Miss Visiting These Top 25 Palaces in Rajasthan!
City Palace of Jaipur
Right in the heart of Jaipur, the City Palace shows you how the royals really lived – and still live! It showcases a magnificent blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, part of the palace is still home to the royal family of Jaipur, while the rest is open to visitors. With its many courtyards, it is more than just a royal residence. The City Palace Complex has two main sections, as below.
Mubarak Mahal
Once a reception hall, it is now the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. It displays royal clothes, including Pashmina shawls, Benaras silk saris, and embroidered outfits. You can see the actual clothes worn by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I on display here
Maharani’s Palace
Originally the queen’s residence, it now showcases a well-preserved collection of Rajput weapons, some from the 15th century. The ceilings are decorated with beautiful paintings.
Consider taking an audio guide or hiring a guide to understand the fascinating stories behind this Jaipur main tourist place.
Loading Packages...Jal Mahal
Standing in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal seems to magically float on the surface of the lake. While you are not allowed to go inside as it is closed to the public, the view from the promenade is one of the main attractions in Jaipur. People call Jaipur the Pink City because you will see pink-colored stone buildings everywhere you look. However, Jal Mahal is different as it is built with red sandstone.
Here is something interesting – while you can see only one floor above the water, there are actually four more floors hidden underneath! Around the lake, you will find nice paths to walk and plenty of benches to rest. Jal Mahal is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset when its golden reflection glows on the lake with the Nahargarh Hills in the background.
It is perfect for photography, especially when the palace is lit up at night. You can relax by the lake in seating areas, shop for traditional Rajasthani jewellery and handicrafts, or enjoy a camel ride. If you love birds, you are in luck! Many different types of birds make this lake their home.
Also Read: Rajasthan’s Top 10 Luxury Resorts
Birla Mandir Temple
Built in 1988, Birla Mandir proves that not all beautiful things in Jaipur are centuries old!
Birla Mandir is a peaceful, white temple set against a hill. It is made completely of white marble, blending ancient Hindu architectural styles and modern design. The temple walls have detailed carvings showing Hindu gods and goddesses, along with wise sayings from old Hindu holy books. It is a beautiful Hindu temple and a part of a group of Birla temples across India. Set on the Moti Dungari Hill, it is also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Birla Mandir Temple is one of the main tourist places in Jaipur.
The temple has well-kept lawns around it, and many visitors enjoy sitting on the stairs at night to admire the view. At night, the temple shines under the moonlight, with lights around it creating a magical glow. Guides are available to give tours of the temple, which usually take about an hour, though many people stay longer to enjoy the beauty. The ground floor has shops selling idols and handicrafts, and there is also a museum displaying artefacts from the Birla family.
Jantar Mantar
Among all Jaipur main attractions, Jantar Mantar is unique – it is a collection of giant instruments that can measure time, track stars, and predict eclipses!
It is a famous open-air observatory. Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the unique and timeless attractions in both Jaipur and the world. This observatory has a rich history that goes back to modern times. It was ahead of its era, showing how people once studied the stars and the sky. Jantar Mantar gets its name from two Sanskrit words – Jantra – instrument and Mantra – calculate.
It is basically a place full of tools for studying the sky. The instruments at the observatory are used to track celestial events, such as predicting eclipses, locating stars and constellations, measuring time, and observing planets.
Jantar Mantar attracts many visitors every year and has become very popular. Do not miss the evening show where lights and music bring the palace’s story to life. The show takes you on a journey through history, telling stories about the Pink City and the purpose of Jantar Mantar. With colourful lights and an engaging story, it is a great way to spend your time.
Bapu Bazaar
No list of the main tourist places in Jaipur is complete without mentioning Bapu Bazaar!
This bustling market is where you will find everything from traditional Rajasthani clothes to mojris – traditional shoes and jewellery. It is known for its beautiful Rajasthani products like handicrafts, Jaipuri Razaai or Jaipuri Quilts, precious stones, puppets, handicrafts, and brass items. The market is popular with tourists from India and around the world because of its wide variety of authentic and affordable items. You can find great bargains and traditional Rajasthani products here!
Prices are reasonable, but bargaining is expected – start at about half of the quoted price. The bazaar gets super busy during evenings and weekends. Make sure to taste some local snacks while shopping! Remember to bring cash with you as many shops do not have card machines. Want to avoid crowds? Visit between 11 AM and 4 PM. Bapu Bazaar is popular with both locals and tourists because of its lively atmosphere, making it one of the favourite shopping spots in Jaipur.
Also Read: 17 Markets in Rajasthan: Where Everything is Flamboyant!
Conclusion
There you have it – your guide to the most exciting spots in the Pink City! But you know what makes Jaipur truly special?
It is not just these Jaipur main attractions, but the little moments in between – sipping cutting chai near Hawa Mahal, watching the sunset paint the city pink, or chatting with friendly locals who are always ready to share stories about their beloved city. If you are planning a trip, make sure to explore the main tourist places in Jaipur to experience the true essence of the Pink City. Jaipur is calling! A city that blends royal heritage with the warm spirit of Indian hospitality – are you ready to explore?
