A treasure-trove of various forts, monuments, architectural wonders, and colorful bazaars! Now that’s exactly how one would describe the city of Jaipur. Famously known as the Pink City, Jaipur is considered to be India’s first planned city. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II all the way back in the eighteenth century. Jaipur is home to not just architectural elegance but also forts, minarets, stunning palaces, and eye-catching streets.
With so much to offer, the Pink City sure is on the bucket list of many travelers. If you’re planning a trip, include these exciting things to do in Jaipur to your itinerary. The city sure does have something to grab the attention of every traveler!
Feel Mesmerized By The Architectural Marvels Of The Pink City
Not one or two, there are umpteen architectural wonders in the Pink City. Visiting these ancient forts and beautiful monuments is among the most interesting bucket list things to do in Jaipur. Some of the known architectural marvels that you must definitely explore in Jaipur are:
Jal Mahal:
Your trip to Jaipur will never be complete without witnessing this architectural wonder. The architecture style of the palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles. Plus it truly appears as if floating on water! Jal Mahal offers a panoramic view of the Man Sagar Lake and Nahargarh hills that surround it. Do note that visitors aren’t allowed inside the palace as of now. However, you can definitely enjoy the stunning views while boating around it.
Amer Fort:
Another amalgamation of the Indian and Mughal architectural styles is the Amer Fort. The beauty of the fort is such that even invaders didn’t wish to destroy it during times of war. You can enjoy the royal elephant ride to reach the top of Amer Fort. When here, you should also attend the light and sound show which is the highlight of the fort.
Jantar Mantar
Don’t confuse this with the Delhi monument as Jaipur too has a structure by the same name. Jantar Mantar Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also features the world’s largest stone dial. The instruments work on the principle of the sun and shadow to tell the precise time at every moment of the day. It can also predict the position of the major stars and eclipses. The monument is the amalgamation of various social, cultural, and political beliefs of the 18th century.
Experience Royalty At The City Palace
The Pink City is a symbol of royalty in India and what better than the City Palace to represent the same in Jaipur. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the structure was the administrative and ceremonial seat of the royal family. The Palace Complex lies at the heart of the city and features gardens, courtyards, temples, and buildings that stand on the principles of the traditional Indian science of architecture (Vastu).
The City Palace is made from quintessential pink and red sandstone. The design is a fusion of Rajput, Mughal, and European architecture. You can spot two main palaces in the complex – the Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal. Only a section of the Chandra Mahal is open to the tourists as the descendants of the royal family still reside there.
The Mubarak Mahal is now a part of the Museum and is nothing less than a paradise for art and history lovers. It houses a collection of royal clothing and artifacts. Along with that you’ll find ceremonial weapons in the display that are engraved and inlaid. A section of the palace is also dedicated to local artisans, so you can shop for Jaipur souvenirs from there as well. Visiting the City Palace is among the most popular things to do in Jaipur and now you know why!
Go On A Cycling Expedition At Nahargarh Fort
Among the most notable structures in Jaipur is the Nahargarh Fort. Featuring a unique combination of Indian and European architectural styles, this fort is frequently visited by tourists from all over. A unique way of exploring the beauty of the fort is through a cycling expedition. Adventure junkies are sure to love it, and the view of the Man Sagar Lake and the picturesque Jaipur city will make others fall in love with this fort too.
Apart from the architectural style, a stunning feature of this fort is the Madhavendra Bhavan. It has 12 identical suites for the queens that are constructed in a way that the Maharaja could visit any of the queen’s rooms without the others finding out. After exploring the beauty of the fort, you can also enjoy a quick bite at the Padao Restaurant on the terrace whilst admiring the picturesque views of the Pink City.
Discover The Beauty Of Birla Mandir
One of the most beautiful temple structures in Jaipur is the Birla Mandir. It’s located on the foot of the Moti Dongri Hill and is carved entirely in white marble. Built by the Birla Group of Industries in India, the temple has three domes at its head which represent different approaches to the religion. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. The premises also feature a lush green garden for those who wish to admire the beauty of the temple from a distance.
The Birla Mandir is surely a sight at night as the clear white marble glows at night, creating a mesmerizing view for onlookers. The glass window panes bear various stories and legends from the Hindu scriptures. What’s also interesting about the temple is that the exteriors are carved with important figures from all beliefs. These include Zarathustra, Jesus Christ, Socrates, Buddha, and Confucius. The temple is usually open from 6:30 am to 12:00 pm and again from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Enjoy The Scenic Hot Air Ballooning
If enjoying a hot air balloon ride has always been on your bucket list, you can definitely tick that off on your visit to Jaipur. Experiencing the scenic views of the Pink City through a hot air balloon ride is one of the most unique things to do in Jaipur. Along with adventure enthusiasts, this activity can please anyone who wants to beat the city blues.
You can enjoy the ride near Jamnalal Bajaj Road where a number of operators offer different tours. Try to catch a view of the City Palace, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and many other beautiful attractions of the city. You get to enjoy a plethora of sounds and colors of the Pink City from up above on the hot air balloon ride. Each ride costs around INR 12,000 per person. October to April is generally the best time for this memorable experience in Jaipur.
Get A Taste Of Rajasthani Culture At Chokhi Dhani
Can your trip to Jaipur be complete without experiencing the authentic local culture? The answer will be a “no” for all wanderlust souls. From folk dances to traditional cuisines, to get a real taste of Rajasthani culture, you have to visit Chokhi Dhani at least once when in Jaipur. The hospitality of the Rajputs comes alive at this spectacular resort as it captures the true essence of Rajasthan with its rustic settings.
You can enjoy live performances, peppy folk dances, puppet shows, village acrobatics, magic shows, and much more at Chokhi Dhani. If you want to enjoy a camel ride or an elephant ride you can indulge in that as well. To make your experience even more wholesome, the resort also has an open-air restaurant that serves the lip-smacking Rajasthani thali. A visit to Chokhi Dhani is one of the best things to do in Jaipur that you definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on.
Shop Till You Drop At The Pink City Bazaars
All shopaholics would agree that shopping is among the most exciting things to do on a trip. Even if you aren’t such a big shopping buffoon, resisting to shop from the colorful and eye-catching bazaars of Jaipur isn’t going to be an easy deal. From unique items exclusive to Jaipur to souvenirs and mementos, you can shop for anything and everything in these bazaars.
Authentic and traditional Rajasthani jewelry, clothes, handicrafts, textiles, and wooden furniture are some of the most famous things to shop for in Jaipur. For jewelry and brass monuments, you can visit the Johari Bazaar and Tripolia Bazar. The Sireh Deori Bazaar is another prominent marketplace to shop for your basic needs and souvenirs to take back. Visit the Chandpole Bazar to witness the artistic skills of the city’s marble artisans and head to Kishanpole Bazar to shop for textiles and wooden furniture.
Blue pottery and the famous Rajasthani jootis or mojaris are also things that you can’t miss shopping for in Jaipur. You can head to Nehru Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar to shop for these Jaipur specials. You might even want to assign a separate shopping day in your itinerary because the Pink City Bazaars can literally make you shop till you drop!
Conclusion
Falling in love with the Pink City isn’t difficult as Jaipur has something to please every traveler’s soul. Whether it’s monument hopping, exploring food trails, indulging in adventure activities, or mingling with the local culture, Jaipur has it all. All these bucket list things to do in Jaipur will help you get the most out of your trip to the Pink City.
If you wish to enhance your travel experience further, you should check out our goSTOPS Jaipur. Unrivaled architecture, regal cuisine, and enchanting cultural insights, you get to experience it all at the hostel. What’s more is the great company of like-minded travelers and a variety of entertainment options to enjoy. If all of this sounds appealing to you, then cut the wait and start planning your trip to Jaipur right away!
FAQs
Why Is Jaipur Famous?
Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. It is famous for handicrafts, unique architectural structures, Rajasthani cuisine, and also its traditional Rajasthani jewelry. Famous tourist monuments include Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar Jaipur, Jal Mahal, and Nahargarh Fort. Another prominent landmark that Jaipur is famous for is the City Palace Complex.
How Can I Have Fun In Jaipur?
Jaipur has plenty of things to do and explore for all kinds of people. Whether you’re looking for adventure or visit architectural marvels, you can enjoy it all in Jaipur. If you’re a foodie, you can try authentic Rajasthani cuisine. There are multiple places where you can treat your tastebuds in Jaipur. If you’re a party lover, Jaipur’s nightlife also doesn’t disappoint. Whatever be your idea of fun, you’re sure to find something interesting in Jaipur.
Why Is Jaipur Called Pink City?
Interestingly, Jaipur was painted in dusky pink hues in 1876 to welcome Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. It was after then that Jaipur got the status of Pink City and till today a number of its architectural structures reflect the same.
How Many Days Are Enough For Jaipur?
2 to 4 days is good enough to explore the best of Jaipur. But if you’re looking for a relaxed vacation in the Pink City, you can extend your trip to a week or more. And if you’re also planning to visit the neighboring cities of Jaipur in Rajasthan, then around 2 days would also be enough to explore Jaipur.
What Is Famous Food In Jaipur?
Authentic Rajasthani cuisine is the famous food in Jaipur. Dishes like dal bati churma (stuffed baked bread served with curry), pyaaz ki kachori (fried fluffy pastry filled with onion and potato stuffing), gatte ki sabzi (gram flour pieces in traditional yogurt curry) are worth trying. Ghevar, mawa kachori, and gajak are other must-have dishes.
