Jaipur or the Pink City of India is filled with historical monuments in abundance. From the City Palace to the Hawa Mahal this city has no shortage of monuments for the history buff. This list has the most important historical places in Jaipur.
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Top 15 Historical Places in Jaipur
- Amer Fort
- Jaigarh Fort
- Nahargarh Fort
- City Palace
- Hawa Mahal
- Chandpole Gate
- Jal Mahal
- Panna Meena ka Kund
- Galta Monkey Temple
- Gaitore ki Chatriyan
- Albert Museum
- Samode Haveli
- Rambagh Palace
- Moti Dungri Temple
- Jantar Mantar
1. Amer Fort
Amer Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the top historical places in Jaipur. It will stun you with its size and beauty when you first lay eyes on it. It was built upon the ruins of the cities of the Meena kings of Rajasthan by Raja Man Singh in 1592. Set above the Maota Lake, it has an impressive pathway leading up to the high wooden doors at the front of the palace.
At the entrance you will find the impressive and brightly colored Suraj Pol and Chand Pol gates where the elephants make their rounds (please don’t ride the elephants, they are not treated properly). Next comes the Diwan-e-Aam courtyard that was used by the king to greet the public. The Diwan-e-Khas was the private quarters of the king and his court. This includes the gorgeous Sheesh Mahal – a courtyard made completely out of reflecting glass and shining stones.
The ladies quarters at the back of the palace have winding steps and walkways high in the stone structure of the palace that look over the entire city of Jaipur and Amer below. You can easily spend the entire morning here, taking a tour of the grounds and clicking pictures. One of the best experiences at Amer Fort was their famous light and sound show every night where the history of the area is recounted in captivating detail.
2. Jaigarh Fort
If the royal family was attacked at Amer Fort they would use a secret tunnel that leads to a gorgeous hike above the fort all the way to Jaigarh Fort. I trekked this route with my 9 year old cousin and he was very happy to do it with me.
The fort is rugged and built for war in contrast to Amer Fort which was built for luxury. It has huge water reservoirs built on top of the hill filled with rain water. The outer wall is 3 kms long, there are ramparts on every corner and the largest canon in India ‘Jaivana’ is hosted in what used to be the canon foundry. It is rumored that the hidden Kachwaha treasures are somewhere on these grounds.
Jaigarh is one of the most beautiful historical places in Jaipur. One of the interesting parts of the fort are the finely carved stone lattice windows which would give the soldiers a complete view of Amer Fort below but no enemy could see where the soldiers were located.
3. Nahargarh Fort
This is one of the best historical places in Jaipur to be at during sunset. Nahargarh or abode of the tigers was the summer retreat of the Kings of Jaipur. The Madhavendra Palace is the main structure with luxurious suites built for the king and each of his nine wives. The fort is built in the Indo-European style of architecture with fresco paintings, scalloped archways and domed ceilings.
It is said that at the time of construction the spirit of the Rathore Prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia kept causing mischief until the King consulted with his priests and built a temple in his honor to appease him which still stands today. The best way to enjoy Nahargarh is to have dinner at the rooftop restaurant of Madhavendra Palace while the city below lights up pink.
4. City Palace
My favorite amongst the historical places in Jaipur has to be the City Palace. It is so beautiful, full of color and wonder at every turn. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1797. The palace includes the white marble Mubarak Mahal once used to greet dignitaries. The Maharani’s Palace which used to serve as the queen’s quarters has now been converted into the largest weapons collection in India. Next comes the opulent red and white courtyard hall or Diwas-e-Khas where the king used to hold his court with his ministers and special guests.
At the end of the complex is the most beautiful courtyard in the palace, the Pitam Niwas Chowk. The chowk is endowed with four exquisite gates representing the four seasons that were hand painted with painstaking precision and colors of such quality they still shine today. This is the most beautiful spot in all of Jaipur without a doubt. Beyond these areas lies the Chandra Mahal where the current royal family of Jaipur resides. I highly recommend that you pay extra to tour the private residence and view the stunning Chhavi Niwas or the Blue Room that is perfectttt for Instagram pictures.
5. Hawa Mahal
This famous building has no need for introduction. Hawa Mahal or the Palace of the Winds stands in the middle of Johari Bazaar and exudes beauty in the glowing setting sun. This is one of the top historical things in Jaipur you cannot miss. Hawa Mahal was built for the ladies of the palace to watch the marketplace below without being seen. It has been carved out of red sandstone famous in the region and colored glass for every window.
The best place to view this building is on the roof of a cafe on the third floor on the opposite side of the road. There is a narrow staircase that leads up to the roof where you are eye level with the top of the building and can see the entire structure. I recommend viewing only the outside, the inside is way too crowded to have a good experience and a pretty bad fire hazard.
6. Chandpole Gate
Chandpole was the Western Gate of the walled city of Jaipur. It now serves as the entrance to Chandpole Bazaar and to the road that leads to Hawa Mahal. Chandpole Bazaar and Johari Bazaar are both centuries old bazaars that are now a flourishing colorful market where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs. These bazaars are famous for their delicious street food restaurants, the most famous of them being Laxmi Misthan Bhandar and their silver jewellery.
I love coming here and roaming around and looking at the different shops. You can take a rickshaw and go from one part of the bazaar to another depending on if you are looking for something in particular. The bazaars of Jaipur are one of the most fun historical places in Jaipur and an experience in themselves.
7. Jal Mahal
The palace that floats on water. This palace was built by Maharaja Madho Singh in 1750 in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. It served as the hunting lodge for the Kings of Jaipur. The brilliant architecture and beauty can be witnessed in the chattris at the four corners of the palace and intricate carvings in the wall.
On top of the palace is a garden where dance recitals used to take place for the king. Interestingly only the top level of the palace is now visible above the water while the 4 levels below are submerged. It is forbidden to go to the palace but you can get up close to it by chartering a boat to take you across the lake. At sunset the white marble palace is lit up from inside and looks so beautiful that it has become one of the most photographed historical places in Jaipur.
8. Panna Meena ka Kund
This 16th century step well is hidden in a walled compound a mere 5 minute walk from Amer Fort. In the 16th century, this step well was the main source of water for the people of Amer. Travelers and locals used to gather here in the evenings for a bit of fun. Now only the travelers that are really interested in the history of Amer come here and it is a quiet peaceful area with not many tourists around.
The step well though is gorgeous with completely symmetrical steps leading down to the water on all sides. It is made with sandstone and almost looks as if the steps have been cut out of the earth themselves. If you are not planning on visiting one of the bigger step wells in Rajasthan then you should definitely visit this one to realize what an accomplishment it is.
9. Galta Monkey Temple
This is an ancient Hindu site located 10 kilometres away from Jaipur. It is a collection of temples carved into a crevice between the Aravali hills. A natural spring emerging from the head of a stone cow flows down from the top of the hill creating 7 holy ponds. Visitors can trek past these ponds to the top of the hill to visit the hilltop temple that has a bird’s eye view over Jaipur.
It is said a yogi of incredible power, Payohari Krishnadas came here in the 15th century and drove away all other yogis from this place by his powers. He then proclaimed Galtaji to be a sacred palace for the Ramanuja sect of Hindus. It is now known as the monkey temple because of the hundreds of monkeys that live on these hills. At the whistle of the priests of the temples, I saw all of them rush down in hoards to accept food from them.
10. Gaitore ki Chatriyan
Inside a valley a little outside of Jaipur you will find sandstone and marble cenotaphs scattered across a garden. These are the final resting places of the rulers of Jaipur. This garden was the sacred cremation grounds for the Kachhwaha community that ruled the land centuries ago. The umbrellas on top of the cenotaphs have images of nature, battles and divinity carved into them with exquisite detail. The larger cenotaphs of the kings are built on top of huge pavilions.
This is one of the most important historical places in Jaipur and one that has been painstakingly preserved throughout the ages. The lush garden, the impressive architecture and serene environment make for a refreshing experience.
11. Albert Museum
Albert Museum situated inside the notable Ram Niwas Gardens is the oldest museum in Rajasthan and contains an impressive collection of artifacts. It was constructed in 1876 and the architecture is a prime example of Indo-Saracenic stonework in all of India. The outside architecture is only the cherry on top for the artifacts inside. From a coin collection spanning the ages, an astounding collection of weapons and the main attraction – an Egyptian mummy, the museum has everything.
The building is especially famous for the hundreds of pigeons that make for a great backdrop for pictures and it is one of the most popular historical places in Jaipur for engagement photoshoots.
12. Samode Haveli
If you walk through an unassuming little road on this quiet street you will find yourself in the middle of a mango orchard. Walk a little more and in the middle of the orchard is one of the most beautiful historical places in Jaipur – Samode Haveli. Samode Haveli served as the home for the members of the court for the kings. The gorgeous paintings on the walls have been preserved as they were decades ago.
The Sheesh Mahal Suite, is a room paved with thousands of mirrored glass and hand painted sketches that brilliantly reflect the light on every surface. At night the entire property is lit up with candles that softly illuminate the white marble and pink sandstone. The best way to experience this absolutely gorgeous property is to stay here for a night and live like the royals did centuries ago.
13. Rambagh Palace
Rambagh Palace used to be the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It is one of the most luxurious and gorgeous hotels in India. The architecture is a mix of Rajasthani and Mughal styles with large open verandahs and hand painted frescos along the walls. The gardens are expansive and peacocks roam about uninhabited. It has served a number of notable dignitaries throughout the years including Lord Louis Mountbatten, Prince Charles and Jacqueline Kennedy.
Known as the ‘Jewel of Jaipur’ you will be stunned at the luxury as soon as you step outside the car and set eyes upon the grand pink entrance of the palace where guards dressed smartly in local attire salute you. You can experience the beauty for yourself by having lunch or dinner at one of its world famous restaurants.
14. Moti Dungri Temple
Moti Dungri Temple is built on top of Moti Dungri hill surrounded by the Moti Dungri palace on all sides. It sits right above the famous Birla Temple that is another one of the top historical places in Jaipur. The temple honors the god Ganesha. His impressive idol inside the temple attracts devotees during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi every year. It was built 2 centuries ago to ask the god to protect Jaipur and has since gained cultural and religious significance.
15. Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with massive scientific and historical significance. Built by the passionate scientist and astrologer Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1720, it has the largest sundial in the world. The site contains 19 stone instruments to calculate the altitude, to tell the time, to measure the longitude and to measure the celestial latitude to name a few.
The instruments can to this day predict eclipses, track orbital star paths and work as accurately as the day they were built. This is an engineering marvel that scientists, architecture, historians and curious travelers like me come to see from all over the world. This is one of the most curious and challenging historical places in Jaipur that you have to see for yourself to believe.
