Undoubtedly one of India’s most romantic cities which has often been compared to Venice and Italy due to the systematic network of lakes, nestled between the glassy waters of the lakes and the most ancient Aravalli Hills, and a rich blend of sights, sounds, and experiences. Rated as the third-best city in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine for the year 2018. This city has it all from beautiful architecture to friendly people and a series of water bodies to take the blues away. The Lake Palace in the middle of a lake is one of the best hotels in India and among the top in the world, where James Bond’s Octopussy was shot.

Founded by Maharana Udai Singh Ji when he was forced to leave the fortress of Chittorgarh during the time of Mughal attacks. The history of the city goes back to the times of great rulers like Maharana Pratap and Bappa Rawal who were always at war with the Mughal forces and were among the few kingdoms who never submitted to the Mughal supremacy. The city has a series of glorious palaces on the banks of more than 650 years old Lake Pichola, taking you back into the bygone era of the historic splendor of the Rajput Maharanas of Mewar, the city proud of its beautiful palaces and architectural style, a few of these palaces are now open to the public by being converted into museums like the City Palace in the City of Lakes in India – Udaipur is situated on banks of Lake Pichola is a masterpiece of architecture and art. Once inside you can decide for yourself why the palace is a gem of its own.

Delicate, feminine, and elegant the city has something for each kind of traveler be it the palaces, or the artistically decorated temples to beautiful work of hand-crafts, antiques, and mouthwatering food – What would be your reason to visit Udaipur? Udaipur’s peacefulness stems from the lakes that surround the city complementing its ancient and slow-paced atmosphere. The city adorned by the lakes, the blue waters, and a backdrop of the world’s oldest fold mountains the mighty Aravali’s. Watch out for life around these waters, may it be tourists dining on the lakeside restaurants, or locals having a bath in the waters. These series of lakes add a gem to this parched city and not just add to the beauty but also keep the mercury lower than other parts of the deserted state. The city has pleasant weather from mid of September to the mid of March and is the perfect season suitable for western travelers.

Although it is one of Rajasthan’s larger cities, modern-day Udaipur manages to retain a charming small-town vibe, and especially the people of the city are well mannered and royal in their actions, in their chivalry, in their service. One can be fascinated by the people from the near-by region belonging to the tribal community and can be found making a living on the streets of Udaipur, still carrying their age-old customs and traditions making it rich in its colors and cultures.

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The spiritual soul of India is here, in this astonishing city on the banks of the sacred river Ganges one of the prominent cities to flourish as the learning center for Hinduism in India. Standing from time immemorial the old world charm of Varanasi, in many ways the beating heart of the Hindu universe, perhaps the earth’s most supremely potent pilgrimage site. Varanasi will sweep you away, may it be the numerous temple or the offering of prayers to the Ganges on the ghats or the enthusiast pilgrims taking a dip in the river to wash away their Sin’s on the ghats. Feel the connection and the aura of the city enlighted by the sounds of the copper temple bells to the chanting of Hindu Slokas or the sight of sadhus.

Enduring the experience of a slow, misty morning boat ride along the Ganges ghats, a bustle of spirituality and enlightenment, watch the tiny sacred lamps ceremoniously lit in ancient Indian way, during the Arti observe the  chant of mantras, singing hymns a very unique Indian phenomenon experienced by thousands of devotees from all over India and tourists, flanked on the ghats watching the Brahmin perform the puja in the holiest waters in all creation, which no other place on the planet can compare with its thousands of years old traditions which are followed even till date. Perhaps nowhere in India, or the world, is it possible to witness so clearly, colorfully, and intensely many thousands of years of unbroken dedication to spiritual exploration.

A short drive outside the city, Sarnath is the place where Gautam Buddha first enunciated the Four Noble Truths after his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamekh Stupa marks the spot at where Gautam Buddha gave his sermon. Venture out to the excellent lapidary museum and much-pilgrimaged site at Sarnath, to see a section of the massive Ashoka Pillar here.

As you read you will be well aware of the top 9 places to visit in Jaipur – the rose-hued capital city of Rajasthan known as the “Pink City” is simple yet rich in its culture and traditional values. The city is home to fascinating forts, royal palaces, and vibrant bazaars filled with a wide range of exquisite handicrafts from brightly colored turbans to spectacular jewelry and everything in between.

Famous for its skilled craftsmanship, the game of polo, royal splendor, and spoken English classes in Jaipur, making it the gateway to Rajasthan and a famous destination for travelers. The capital city of Rajasthan is a perfect blend of culture, crafts, and modernization and has well retained its old-world charm.

The following are the places to visit in Jaipur for a tourist

1. Amber Fort Jaipur – The Most visited place in Jaipur

Amber was the former capital and stronghold of the Kachhwaha Rulers from 1037 until the foundation of Jaipur was laid in 1727. The rulers of Amber played a vital role in the Mughal forces which can be perceived from the majestic structure and architecture of the palace whose construction began in 1592 by Mirza Raja Man Singh, one of the nine gems of Akbar and military general of the Mughal army. The present-day structures as we see today were added by the later successors.

The Sheesh Mahal or the mirror palace decorated with Belgian glasses replicates the night sky when candles are lit in the room. Often compared to a women’s Jewellery box the place was reserved for the Dignitaries. The hall of the public audience built out of Red Sandstone was added by Mirza Raja Jai Singh who also constructed the Ganesh Pol which is the main entrance to the royal quarters.

*One can avail an elephant ride to the palace as the royals used to.

2. Palace of the Winds – One of the best places to visit in Jaipur

The most photographed monument of Jaipur, this pyramid-shaped, five-story façade with 953 lattice windows, known as “Jharokha”, that resembles in design of a Beehive. Built-in the year 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh Ji for the women of the Royalty to enjoy a sense of freedom without compromising with the strict “Purdah System”. Acting as a screen allowed the women of royalty to enjoy the drama of the streets and other various processions of the state without being seen.

These set of windows combine to make a remarkable ventilation system, keeping the palace cool during the hot summers. On the inside is sensational work of colorful mirrors that light up the place in rainbow colors as the sunlight passes through them. From the top one can watch the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar aerial views. The place is wheelchair accessible with ramps going to the top floor. An astonishing piece of art by Lal Chand Usta, the five-story façade is just 8inch in width and has been standing tall since 1799 without any support and is among the list of must-visit places of Jaipur

3. City Palace Museum – A Must visit when in Jaipur

Built by Sawai Jai Singh Ji from 1727 to 1732 this palace is partly converted into a museum and open to visitors, the rest is the residence of the royal family of Jaipur. The city palace museum has on display a rich collection of various artifacts ranging from royal robes to artillery and weapons belonging to the Royals. The city palace complex is a souvenir of the regal past, a perfect blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European architecture. It remained the seat of power until independence and as one enters the palace the place captivates one with its old-world charm and takes you into the times of “Maharaja”

Mubarak Mahal was built in the 19th century by Madho Singh 2nd as the reception center for royal guests, It now houses a Costume Gallery that holds the robes of the former rulers of Jaipur. Chandra Mahal is where the present members of the royal family reside. The most picturesque is the Pitam Niwas Courtyard which houses the famous peacock gate which has an exquisite sculpture of a peacock quite vibrant and alive.

4. Royal Gaitor

Not crowded with people the Royal Gators are the cremation site of the former men of the royal family, built on them are the marble cenotaphs. The two courtyards house the cenotaphs of many former rulers but the most remarkable being of Sawai Jai Singh Ji, the founder of Jaipur, and of Madho Singh Ji II, and another beautiful cenotaph shining white is under construction of Sawai Bhawani Singh Ji the last ruler of Jaipur.

With delicate work of carvings on the pillars and the domes presenting an astonishing display of sculpting art in every nook and corner. Rather peaceful and serene place out of the hustle and bustle of Jaipur.

5. Jantar Mantar

Built from 1727 to 1733 the largest stone observatory and one of the five was built by Sawai Jai Singh Ji who was very keen on astronomy. These architectural astronomical instruments are devised by the learned King himself and can compete with modern-day instruments with precision. These devices which measure time, position, and other deciding factors of the sun, stars, and other celestial bodies.
The Samrat Yantra or the Sun Dial provides time as precise as two seconds and is made completely of stone, having a towering height of 22.3 meters. The observatory has more than 20 instruments that measure various aspects of the celestial bodies. A UNESCO World Heritage site Jantar Mantar testifies to the astronomical prowess of the learned King of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh II.

6. Govind Dev Ji Temple – Best temple to see in Jaipur

During the reign of Aurangzeb, when most Hindu temples and idols were damaged by the Mughal forces on the orders of the fanatic king. This sacred image resembling Lord Krishna for safety concerns has been to a lot of places before finally reaching Amber. As the capital moved to Jaipur, the temple was established in the City Palace Complex and since then has been the deity of the Royal family and Jaipur.
The temple showcases an affair of religion and devotion of people as one can see people dancing and singing in devotion. This temple of Lord Krishna who is the founder of Jaipur regarded as the ruler of the City is visited by thousands of devotees daily and a sight to behold in spirituality. Govind Dev Ji Temple is a must-visit place in Jaipur.

7. Albert Hall Museum 

Built to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Whales – His Highness Albert Edward, the Albert Hall museum was completed in 1887 by English Architect Sir Samual Swinton Jacob. It was the first-ever museum of Rajasthan and it still serves the purpose with various galleries ranging from paintings, artwork, coins, and even a replica of the Egyptian mummy and much more. Surrounding the Albert Hall are beautiful gardens, the city zoo, and an open-air food joint that serves the most famous delicacies of Jaipur. Night adds a charm to the place as the whole building is lit in colorful lights by the dark and brings the monument back to life along with it one can enjoy sumptuous food served by the best eateries of Jaipur.

8. Jal Mahal 

Built by Maharaja Madho Singh in 1750 this palace appears to float in the Man Sagar lake. An avid summer palace as 4 out of the 5 stories of the palace remain underwater and are cooler on the inside. Since one can’t visit the place it’s better to stop while coming back to Jaipur from Amber and take pictures.
It underwent a recent work of restoration fixing the leakage and damping of the centuries-old monument to prevent it from collapsing. From the “Jal Mahal Ki Pal” which is full of locals and tourists escaping from the hustle of the city to cherish the beauty of the Lake, surrounded by the Aravali Mountains and an amazing architectural marvel in the middle of the lake. One can see the terrace garden in the palace which was added by the later generations. A Perfect photography spot with blue waters, a sand-colored Palace, and mountains in the background.

 9. Jaigarh Fort

Built by Sawai Jai Singh in 1726, houses one of the largest cannon on wheels – Jaivan, still intact the cannon is said to have a firing range of more than 20 miles. It served as a military fort and as the royal treasury and is connected to the Amber Fort via a tunnel that was proposed to be used in the scene of an attack, however, it never came into use and is still intact.

The most mesmerizing part of Jaigarh is the Charbagh Garden and the arch overlooking the valley of the Aravalli Hills, the gardens laid out in a perfect manner provide a great photography spot with a perfect backdrop. An imposing citadel with Palaces, an arsenal, a granary, and a cannon foundry where the ‘Jaivan’ was made. One can have bird’s eye views of Amer Fort, the Maota Lake, and the city from here.

These are the must-visit places in Jaipur, for your time in the city don’t forget to visit all of the above-mentioned.

Here are the list of tours taking you to the city of Jaipur.

And a blog post helpful for your next trip – What to wear in India.