• Hawa Mahal

Built in 1799, the Hawa Mahal (the palace of Winds) is one of the Jaipur's major Landmarks, although it is actually little more than a facade. This five - storey building, which looks out over the main street of the buzzing old city , is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink, delicately honeycombed sandstone windows, of which there are 953. It was originally built to enable the women of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the cit. The palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and is a part of the city palace complex.

Most of the people come her to see the beautiful facade, but you can also climb the top for a view of the city below; peer through the latticed windows to experience the fascinating interplay of gazes set up by the structure. The entrance is from the rear of the building.

Time: 9:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M.(Daily)

• Amber Fort

The Kachchawahas ruled from Amber, 11 km from Jaipur, for seven centuries. With a history so old, it is not unexpected that there is a lot of the past that can be traced in its archaeological history. While many of the early structures have either disappeared or ruined, those dating from the16th century on are in a remarkable state of preservation. Amber as it exists now is the handiwork of three of the kingdom's rulers that include Man Singh, and Jai Singh I and II. Approached from a steep ramp, visitors ride up on elephant back, entering through the grand Singh Pol gateway and continuing to Jaleb Chowk, the courtyard where they disembark from the pachyderm. From here, they are faced wit two flights of steps, one leading to Shila Mata complex with its enshrined image of the goddess, and the other to the main palace complex. 

Within the complex, Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with images of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh, takes pride of the place. Also a part of the complex is the Diwan-i-Am or hall of the public audience with its spectacular display of pillars. The typical merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is captured in the Sukh Nivas and Jas Mandir apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its perfectly proportioned landscaping. A highlight is the pierced screen windows which offer views form points of vantage, as well as the shimmering mirrors encrusting the walls of the Sheesh Mahal. Several other gardens and pavilions within the sprawling spread of ramparts offer enough scope for investigating medieval lifestyles at leisure. 

Beyond the ramparts, the old city, once the abode of the aristocracy, has a wonderfully medieval flavor, though it has few buildings of majestic proportion that are still extant. However, a walk through the rambling lanes will reap rich rewards for the curious besides a large number of temples there are also step-wells, memorials and town houses. 

• City Palace

In the heart of the old city, the City Palace occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The outer wall was built by Sawai Jai Singh, but other additions are more recent, some dating to the start of the 20th century. The palace is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The son of the last Maharaja and his family still live in part of the palace.

Before the palace proper lies the Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace), built in late 19th century by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II as a reception center for visiting dignitaries. It now forms part of the Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II Museum and contains a collection of royal costumes and superb shawls including sanganeri block prints, royal shawls. Kashmiri Pashmina (goat's wool) shawls, folk embroideries and Banaras saris.

At the heart of the complex is the seven - tiered Chandra Mahal where erstwhile royal family is still in residence, though only a small part of the apartments are occupied. However, it is only the buildings around Chandra Mahal that are open to the public, and these also form a part of the museum.

Through Singh Pol (Lion Gate), visitors can approach the Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Am, where the maharaja's private and public courts would be held. The architecture seems to consist of a number of arched, pillared halls, while the courtyards with painted doorways are a prominent feature.

Time : 9:30 A.M.- 5:30 P.M.(Daily)

• Jantar Mantar

Next to the City Palace entrance is the Jantar - Mantar, begun in 1728 by Savaii Singh whose passion for astronomy was even more notable than his powers as a warrior. Before commencing Jantar Mantar, he sent scholars abroad to study foreign observatories. This observatory is the largest and best preserved of the five he built, with 13 different instruments for calculating the movement of celestial bodies. It was restored in1901. The others are in Delhi, Varanasi and Ujjain. The fifth observatory, at Mathura, has disappeared.

Jantar mantar (or 'instrument of calculation')is a curious if somewhat compelling collection of sculptures. In fact, each construction has a specific purpose, for example, measuring the positions of the stars, altitude and azimuth, and calculating eclipses.

Time : 9:00 A.M.- 4:30 P.M.(Daily)

• Jaigarh Fort

TThe imposing fort, built in 1726 by Jai Singh was opened tot he public in mid - 1983 and offers a great view over the plains from the Diwa Burj watchtower.

The fort served as the treasury of the Kachcawas. It is a remarkable feat of military architecture in a fine state of preservation, with water reservoirs, residential areas, a puppet theatre and world largest wheeled cannon, Jaya Vana.

Time: 
Admission is free if you have a ticket to Jaipur's City Palace that is less than two days old. Vehicles can drive up to fort, or it's steep half - hour walk from Amber. The admission charge for cars is Rs 50 and parking outside is Rs 5.

• Govind Dev Ji Temple

A Part of City Palace complex, this Krishna Temple is highly revered by the erstwhile royal family. The image brought from Vrindavan, is housed within the sanctum of this spire less temple, the patron deity of the royal family is very religiously worshipped by most of the Hindus in the city and near by areas. The image is unveiled seven times daily for 'AARTIES' and BHOGS offered in the silver wares, consisting of sweets mostly. The idols of RADHA KRISHNA are dressed in different styles each time for the 'AARTI' procession where thousands of followers or 'Bhakt' gather around the courtyard for the Darshan (a look connecting them with the divine).

• Swargasuli

A busy crossing, this has a life - size statue of Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is a pleasant and popular spot for jogging, dharnas (sit-down protests) and eating local snacks.

• Sisodia Rani Garden

Six kilometers from the city on Agre road, this palace with its surrounding terraced gardens was built for Maharaja Jai Singh's second wife, the Sisodia princess. The palace is closed but the outer walls are decorated with murals depicting hunting scenes and the Krishna Legend. Video cameras are not permitted.

• B. M. Birla Planetarium

The Birla Planetarium is at the BM Birla Science & Technology Center, near Statue Circle. The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual educational and entertainment with its modern computerised projections system.

• Galta Ji

A popular site with pilgrims, Galtaji's hilly location is full of surprising spires and peaks. Some of the temples here are quite old, and a sun temple is perched atop the highest point. The natural springs here are said to possess curative properties. The legend is that Galta was the place where the sage Galava performed penance 15 centuries ago.

• Old City: Jaipur

It’s called ‘The Pink City’. Simply because the city is colored pink! Jaipur offers myriad colors for the visitor - in the bright vibrant traditional skirts of the Rajasthani women and in the huge turbans of the men folk. And of course there are the long rows of shops selling traditional handicrafts, trinkets, silverware, the works! 

The great warrior King Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II established the city in the 1720s. He was the quintessential ruler, warrior, statesman, mathematician, astronomer and architect, the last of which is quite evident in the impressive plan and layout of the old city. The broad, open lanes and rectangular road intersections are evident in the Johari (jeweler) Bazaar in the old city. Unlike many of the cramped markets elsewhere in the country, this one is different in that it is planned to enable a smooth flow of traffic. The old city is also host to a number of other markets like Bapu Bazaar, Tripolia, and Chandpol Bazaar. Here you can buy cotton fabrics, camel skin jutties (slippers with the unique upturned toes) and ittars (traditional perfume).

• Ram Niwas Bagh

A garden planned by Maharaja Ram Sigh in the 19th century as a famine relief project, this extensive park consists of a zoo, aviary, herbarium, museum and sports complex. An added attraction is the Albert Hall, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect who created palaces for many rulers in Rajasthan. The Hall is home to an exquisite collection of sculptures, paintings, objects d’art, natural history specimens, an Egyptian mummy and a beautiful Persian carpet. Recently, the Rabbinic Manchu with an auditorium, a modern art gallery and an open-air theatre, has been added to promote cultural events.

• Jain Temple

The most beautiful temple in Sanganer is the ancient Shri Digamber Jain temple. The temple has fine carvings as those of the magnificent Delwara temples of Mount Abu. Built in various phases with sky-high shikharas (spires), the temple represents an old style of architecture. The last phase was probably built in the 10th century. The beautiful nij-mandir (inner temple) is a stone shrine with three pinnacles. In the centre is an idol of Parshwanath with 7 serpent hoods. All around it, are carvings of lotuses, creepers and elephants pouring water from pitchers held in their trunks. But the main idol is that of Adinath, installed in the shrine behind this.

• Moti Dungri

A small palace, this is a replica of a Scottish castle, and perches on a hilltop. Once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son who was confined here, it was also for a while home to Maharani Gayatri Devi. Entry is prohibited.

At the foot of Moti Dungri fort is the Birla Lakshmi Narayan Temple. It is a large, modern marble edifice. Stained glass widows depict the scenes from Hindu scriptures. Ganesh the protector of households, is above the lintel, and the fine quality of marble is evident when you enter the temple and look back at the entrance way - Ganesh can be made out through the marble, which is almost transparent. The images of Lakshmi and Narayan were carved from one piece of marble. Many of the deities of the Hindu pantheon are depicted inside the temple, and on the outside walls great historical personages and figures from all religions are shown, including Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Budhda, and Confucius.

• Statue Circle

A busy crossing, this has a life - size statue of Maharaja Jai Singh II. It is a pleasant and popular spot for jogging, dharnas (sit-down protests) and eating local snacks.

• Kanak Vrindavan

Not so old but definitely an exquisitely land scaped gardens with beautifully carved temple in beige stone, which is a vast complex with terrace sites all around and intricately carved marble columns and lattices. Located in the foothills of Nahargarh hills on the way towards Amer, this complex is a popular spot for picnic and film shoots. It should be definitely visited on the way to the three garland forts of Jaipur- Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Amber. The greenery after the monsoons give this whole place a feel of heavenly sensation, with Jal Mahal in the background.

• Ghat Ki Guni

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the royals and the nobles laid out summer gardens at Ghati ki guni, a valley at beginning of the Jaipur-Agra road which traps the breezes and wafts it through pleasantly.

• Samode

The Nathawat family of Samode served as prime ministers in Jaipur court, and their four-century-old fortified residence some 40 km from Jaipur is able to exibit the good taste learned at royal palaces in a more restrained space. The Durbar hall at Samode Palace is one of the most beautifully painted chambers in Rajasthan. Close by is the samode bagh, the garden pavelion with charming water channels and ancient trees. In Jaipur itself, the family built itself a townhouse, samode haveli. which typifies the style of architechture then in prevalance, including accessible public spaces, especially for the women of the family. The paintings at the Haveli are every bit as excellent as at the Palace, if a little less profuse. All three properties are hotels.

• Bagru

It is located 30 kms away from Jaipur on the Ajmer Road and is well known for its Bagru prints. This technique simulates a wooden block on which the required design is first carved, then the carved block is used for transferring the motif in the desired colour on the fabric. This process is most effective on ethnic floral patterns and for printing in vegetable dyes in traditional Bagru Prints. 

The Bagru prints are include less range of colors which are usually deep and dark shades. The beautiful designs, easy designing process and use of natural colors have made Bagru prints very important in Rajasthan's Block printing. Also, Bagru prints are very famous among the traditional look of the wear and ethnic taste of the furnishings. 

• Sanganer

Located on the Tonk road, In addition to its ruined palaces, Sanganer has exquisitely carved Jain temples. The town is entered through the ruins of two Tripolias (Triple Gateways) The town is an important centre for crafts industry and produces some of the finest hand made papers and hand printed textiles from units of block and screen printers. The block printers of sanganer are famous for small floral prints, and the prints produced here were traditionally used by the royal court. This textile is popular all over country and abroad.

• Ramgarh Lake

A huge artificial lake created by constructing a high bund amidst tree covered hills. While the temple of Jamwa Mata and the ruins of the old fort are some of its antiquities, its beautiful landscape, especially during monsoons, makes it an idyllic picnic spot.

• Bairat

The site of Bairat is located on Alwar Jaipur highway - about 66 kms. from Jaipur and 40 kms. from Alwar town. The site has got two inscriptions of Mauryan king Ashoka, one on an isolated boulder and other on a hill also known as Bijak – ki – Pahari. A roughly flagged ramp takes you to the top of this hill. One of the inscription is addressed to the Buddhist community. The Buddhist remains are located on the two terraces on the Bijak – ki – pahari, the upper terrace with a brick masonry and the lower one with a brick sanctuary. The sanctuary is a circular stupa with a door in the east, enclosing another circular wall of wedge - shaped bricks. The intervening space serves as a procession path of circumlocutory passage. 

The upper terrace of the hill is approached by a broad staircase and has dilapidated monastery. There were evidences that monastery continued from Mauryan period till early Christian era with discovery of 36 silver punch marked Greek and Indo – Greek coins from the monastery. 

The Bairat was flourishing Buddhist centre during the 4th and 3rd century B.C. under the Mauryan king Ashoka which was attested by his two inscription fragments. One or more pillars of Ashoka in Chunar sandstone and a polished stone umbrella of Mauryan craftsmanship were found in the debris. The site remained in occupation till early centuries of the Christian era and after a break, in medieval period.

• Sambhar

Sambhar is 190 sq. km in extent at full capacity, and lies some 60 km west of Jaipur, just outside prosaically named Salt Lake City. This vast body of glacial saline is on average just 0.6 cm deep and never more than 3 m even just after the monsoon. It stretches in length for 22.5 km, its width varying between around 3 and 11 km. It is fed by several seasonal fresh water streams, two of the major ones being the rivers Mendha and Rupangarh.

Sambhar quite literally means salt, and salt has been extracted from here for over a thousand years by the various administrators of the area . Over time, these have included the Scindhias, Rajputs, Marathas, Moghuls and the rulers of Jaipur and Jodhpur who jointly owned the lake, and who in 1870 leased it to the British who built the solid square Circuit House where we were fortunate enough to stay. 

After independence, the lake was taken over by the government and is now managed by Sambhar Salts Limited, a joint venture of Hindustan Salts and the Government of Rajasthan. 

The vast, roughly elliptically shaped lake has been divided into two sections by a 5 km long stone dam. The eastern section contains the reservoirs for salt extraction, canals and salt pans. Water from the vast shimmering western section is pumped to the other side via sluice gates when it reaches a degree of salinity considered optimal for salt extraction. 

The waters here are glacially still, edged with a glittering frost of salt. Files abound, drawn by the blue-green algae in the water and queue up in order to crawl into your mouth and ears. There is a sharp briny tang in the air taking you straight back to coastal fishmarkets. The only thing missing being the hushing lisp of the sea as it fans out on the beach. 

• Madhogarh and Tunga

Tunga was witness to a historic battle fought between the Jaipur forces and Marathas. The fort is nestled amidst beautiful mango orchards.

The Present owner, Thakur Bhawani Singh, the fourth generation directed descendent of Thakur Pratap Singhji, has now renovated the Madhogarh Fort and converted into a family run heritage hotel. Guests can now experience the famous Rajput hospitality and relive the glory of a bygone age.

• Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh (tiger Fort), overlooks the city of Jaipur from a sheer ridge to the north and is floodlit at night. The fort was built in 1734 by Jai Singh and extended in 1868. A 9 km road runs up through the hills from Jaipur, and the fort can be reached along a zigzagging 2km path which starts from the north - west of the old city. The glorious view fully justify the effort. Inside the fort you can visit the Madhavendra Bhavan housing the nine apartments of Maharaja Ram Singh's nine wive. The rooms are linked by a maze of corridors and retain some delicate frescoes, as well as toilets and kitchen herths. 

• Abhaneri

About 95 km from Jaipur on the Agra road , this village has one of the Rajasthan's most awesome Baoris (step-wells) and is well worth a detour if your are travelling this way. Flanking by mammoth baori is a small crumbling place, now inhabited by pigeons and bats. In recent years the water level has dropped low enough to reveal 13 levels of steps down to the stagnant water of the baori, but there are believed to be even more levels beneath that. You are allowed to take the photos of the baori but not the statues. 

• Kishangarh

Kishangarh, located on National Highway 8, was the capital of a princely state ruled by the Rathors. During the brief span of twenty years between 1737 and 1757, Kishangarh art was at its zenith. Crown prince Savant Singh (1699-1764) was a guiding force behind the strong devotional fervor at the court and rejuvenation of paintings suffused with the spiritual yearning of a soul in quest of the Lord. With Savant Singh, however, bhakti became an increasing obsession until he became completely indifferent to his princely status. He wrote devotional poetry under the name of Nagari Das, making Krishna his hero. The main attractions in Kishangarh are its Fort and Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), now converted into a hotel. The town is a rich storehouse of marbles.

Since the 18th century , Kishangarh has had one of India's most famous schools of miniature painting., Among its renowned paintings that of Krishna's consorts, Radha, depicted as a beautiful woman with enchanting almond - shaped eyes. Kishangarh is also famous for painted wooded furniture

• Karauli

Located at 182 kms southwest of Jaipur, it was founded in 1348 and is best known for its Krishna Temples. The Fort, which was constructed over different period, is about 600 years old. The fort was the residence for the royal family until 1950 and is now occupied by monkeys and geese. The geese were used in the early days as warning system against any intruders. They still seem to be doing their duty. The Bhanwar Vilas Palace, which is owned by the descendents of the royal family and resembles a large manor, is a hotel now. The rooms are comfortable and good meals are available. Karauli is best connected by bus or taxi from Jaipur. 

• City Attractions

Jal Mahal, surrounded by greenery and hills, this beautiful Water Palace in the middle of Man Saggar Lake once served as the royal summer palace. Though not approachable today, it's a stunningly beautiful picture from outside.

Maharani ki Chhatri Located very near to the Pink City, it is a separate place for some beautifully carved cenotaphs of the royal ladies.