Travelling to Jaipur is always a great experience. You are captivated by this gem of the tourism industry in India, with its magnificent monuments, famous emperors, diverse food, and very heartwarming, kind, and welcoming locals. Not only do the people make you want to visit again and again but they truly win your heart with their hospitality. The history and historic places of this city have so much to share that a single visit wouldn’t be sufficient. What are the best things to do in Jaipur when visiting for the first time, you ask? The answer is simple. Let’s take a stroll around the forts, palaces, temples, and museums of Jaipur and witness the beauty of the places and the stories as well.
Here are the most famous historical places in Jaipur
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal, one of the most iconic sights of the Pink City, is situated right in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Under the ruling time of Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amer, it underwent major maintenance after its construction by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799 mainly to hunt ducks. Ever since it has piqued the interest of both foreign visitors and local residents. Jal Mahal is a five-story building that reflects the building’s Rajput architectural style. Only its fifth floor is visible above the lake. Visitors are drawn to the red sandstone architecture by its amazing views of the lake, the quick boat journey that gets them there, and the fact that it is such an amazing historical place in Jaipur.
Timings: 6:00 am- 6:00 pm
Google Map link: Jal Mahal
Entry fees: Indians: Rs 10/-
Foreigners: Rs 50/-
You may also like: Historical places in Karnataka with significant stories
Amer Fort
One of the important historic places in Jaipur that you shouldn’t miss is Amer Fort, which is known as one of the city’s stunning forts. Built by Sawai Jai Singh in 1592, it is the epitome of excellent interior design and architecture. The fort, which consists mainly of sandstone and marble, is home to a number of attractions for tourists, such as the majestic sights, Jal Mandir, glittering Sheesh Mahal, and Diwan-i-Aam. While visiting Jaipur, this is a must-go-to place.
Timings: 8 am–5:30 pm and 6:30–9:15 pm
Google Map link: Amer Fort
Entry fees: Foreigners: Rs 550/-
Indians: Rs 50/-
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal in Jaipur is a famous historical place made of pink sandstones, featuring intricately carved jharokhas. Maharaja Pratap Singh, a devoted follower of Lord Krishna, envisioned this palace. It boasts more than 950 overhanging balconies with stunning mirror work. Legend suggests these jharokhas were designed for queens to delight in the city’s beauty. The palace stands as a testament to the city’s history, offering a glimpse into royal lifestyles with its unique architecture and rich cultural significance. It was built in the year 1799.
Timings: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Google Map link: Hawa Mahal
Entry fees: Foreigners: Rs 200/-
Indians: Rs 50/-
City Palace
An impressive 18th-century palace, the City Palace is one of the most visited historical places in Jaipur. There are some beautiful structures from various eras inside this palace complex. Before the 20th century, some more walls were added by later rulers, with the outer walls having been constructed during Sawai Jai Singh II’s tenure. Several buildings in the City Palaces are worth visiting and taking a look at because of their remarkable blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architectural traditions that leave you mesmerised.
Timings: 9:30 am – 7 pm
Google Map link: City Palace
Entry fees: Foreigners: Rs 700/-
Indians: Rs 300/-
Jaigarh Fort
Known as “victory fort” to the tourists, this fort is set above Amber Fort. The greatest view of the Aravalli Hills can be enjoyed by standing on top of this fort. Many artificial lakes, square gardens, courtrooms, ramparts on every corner, gorgeous palaces, museums, temples, and gardens adorn this fort, making it a tourist destination that is not to be missed. Also adding to the fort’s distinctive charm and its wide popularity is its architecture, which is a historical palace built in 1726 AD by Sawan Jai Singh II.
Timings: 9 am – 6:30 pm
Google Map link: Jaigarh Fort
Entry fees: Foreigners: Rs 100/-
Indians: Rs 50/-
Nahargarh Fort
This place has a special story. When Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh was building this fort for himself, the spirit of Prince Nahar Singh kept disturbing the construction. To satisfy and honor the Prince’s spirit, a memorial, named Nahargarh, was made to rest his soul which stopped the interference, and the fort was built in 1734. With a place in mythology and tradition, the fort has served as a backdrop for multiple films and was initially used by the British as a place of refuge in 1857 during the First War for Independence. It also comprises a beautiful Sheesh Mahal and a wax museum.
Timings: 10 am – 10 pm
Google Map link: Nahargarh Fort
Entry fees: Foreigners: Rs 200/-
Indians: Rs 50/-
Galta Ji
Built during the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh II’s nobleman Diwan Rao Kriparam, Galta ji is bordered by huge bodies of water, masses of thief monkeys, and an atmosphere so peaceful you won’t realize all that the city is only 10 kilometers away. This stunning temple should be on your list of things to do in Jaipur if you’re looking for more things to do or places to visit. It has finely painted walls and typical Rajasthani architecture, with pink stone pillars.
Timings: 5 am – 7 pm
Google Map link: Galta ji Temple
Jantar Mantar
This site was specially constructed to observe and monitor astronomical activities and positions. These instruments, known as yantras, played an important role in times when clocks, watches, or compasses weren’t a thing. Serving as one of the important historical places in Jaipur, it offers insight into past tech practices. Also, it validates Jaipur’s advanced development even as far back as 1800 B.C., making its significance among other historical places in India.
Timings: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Google Map link: Jantar Mantar
Entry fees: Foreigners: Rs 200/-
Indians: Rs 50/-
Rambagh Palace
This palace fully lives up to its majesty and beauty, having once been the royal residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. The palace is an excellent site to visit where you can see amazing views and great architecture. One of the most popular historical places in Jaipur, Rajasthan for history buffs, the palace was constructed in 1835 and has 47 acres of ground. If you’re planning a visit to Jaipur, you can definitely check this place out.
Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Google Map link: Rambagh Palace
Entry fees: Foreigners: Rs 1500/-
Indians: Rs 700/-
Panna Meena ka Kund
With so many of the beautiful historical places in Jaipur, this one is another important place which has not been explored much but holds a significant relation. Panna Meena ka kund was made in the 16th century. Also, popularly known as a ‘baori’, the kund is an old discovery and one of the last step-wells to be found in western India. This kund was built primarily so that water could be used for irrigation, drinking, and other everyday needs. The symmetrical stairways of the stepwell is what makes it one of a kind.
Timings: 7 am – 6 pm
Google Map link: Panna Meena ka Kund
Albert Hall Museum
Thousands of people visit the Albert Hall Museum, one of Jaipur’s oldest museums, which captivates them with both its spectacular collections and the grand architecture that holds it. Sir Swinton Jacob combined aspects of European and Indian architectural traditions to create this museum, which was built between 1876 and 1887 by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II. The museum building itself is a sight to behold, covered with stone carvings and scenic paintings.
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm
7 – 9:30 pm
Google Map link: Albert Hall Museum
Entry fees: Foreigners: Rs 171/-
Indians: Rs 114/-
Conclusion
Painted in the color of hospitality, the pink city of Rajasthan, Jaipur has a lot to offer to its visitors. From forts to palaces and temples to lakes, this city has nothing but beauty to show you. Each place mentioned in this blog has a significant story from the history attached to it. Either you visit here for historical knowledge or for a fun trip, one thing is sure that this city will make you want to visit again and again. The hospitality of the locals, the vast variety of traditional items in the market and a plethora of traditions can be seen in this gem of a city. So, plan your visit here and make sure to visit the above mentioned places for a great experience.
