Things to Do in Jaipur

Jaipur is one of the best places in India to shop for handicrafts items, and some of the optimal places to pick up great bargains are located right in the heart of the Pink City. Bapu Bazaar offers a particularly good selection, with everything from jewelry to traditional Rajasthani textiles displayed colorfully in this lively market street.

Often referred to as the Birla Mandir, the Lakshminarayan Temple is a striking white marble Hindu temple in Jaipur. The modern edifice—built in 1988 with an adjacent museum—is dedicated to the god Vishnu (the Preserver) and his consort Lakshmi, and features idols of the two deities carved from a single piece of marble.

Set against the rugged backdrop of the Aravali Mountains, Royal Gaitor is a beautiful funerary complex that houses the intricately carved cenotaphs of many of Jaipur's former rulers, including Jai Singh II, who founded Jaipur. One of the quieter places in town, Royal Gaitor is a great spot to escape the noise of the Pink City.

One of the highlights of Amber Palace, the Hall of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal) is a beautiful room covered with mirror mosaics. Such halls are a typical feature in Rajasthani palaces and are designed to be particularly enchanting at night, when the reflection of candlelight creates a kaleidoscopic effect across the mosaic's surface.

The 7-story Chandra Mahal, situated within Jaipur’s City Palace complex, serves as the official residence of the descendants of Jaipur’s titular royal family. Beyond the inner courtyard and its magnificent gates representing the four seasons, visitors may explore the palace’s ground floor, a museum of carpets, manuscripts, and portraits of past maharajas.

Located in the 18th-century Nahargarh Fort, the Jaipur Wax Museum is a family-friendly attraction with many different displays. In addition to seeing some of their favorite celebrities, visitors to the Jaipur Wax Museum can also learn about the history and culture of the Rajput maharajas and maharanis of Rajasthan.

Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century for his second queen, Sisodia Rani, Sisodia Rani Palace and Garden is a beautiful complex situated on the outskirts of Jaipur. The palace interiors feature exquisite frescoes depicting scenes from the story of Lord Krishna, while the terraced gardens are filled with fountains and greenery.

Also known as Isar Lat, Swargasuli Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Jaipur. Built as a victory memorial in 1749, it stands 42 meters (140 feet) above ground. You can climb to the top of the octagonal structure for sweeping views of the Pink City, or marvel at the architecture from the ground below.

A landscaped garden that combines Mughal and Rajput styles, peaceful Vidyadhar Garden (Vidhyadhar Bagh) has terraced lawns, lakes, fountains, and pavilions. Visitors can admire pavilions decorated with mirror mosaics and murals from Hindu mythology and spot peacocks and monkeys throughout the grounds.

Surrounding Albert Hall, just outside of the Pink City, Ram Niwas is a popular picnic spot for local families, particularly those with young children. Here you’ll find plenty of gardens, fountains, pools, and play areas, as well as Jaipur’s modest zoo.

Situated on a hilltop in Rajasthan, outside of Jaipur, Rusirani Village is a typical traditional village that attracts travelers who want to see what life is like in rural India. Along with traditional homes, there's a Shiva temple that is believed to date back at least a millennium, along with a market full of local handicrafts.

Situated in the town of Amber (Amer) in the outskirts of Jaipur in Rajasthan, Maota Lake was the main water source for the formidable Amber Fort (Amer Fort) back in its heyday. At the center of the lake is an island covered with lush gardens—including a saffron garden—planted by a 15th-century maharaja, Kesar Kyari Bagh.