Jaipur - A Sassy Instagram Trail Steeped in History, Colour, Culture and Tradition

This was my first visit to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. But after visiting this heaven of artisanal craftsmanship, Baadni and block printed textile, gemstone trading, handmade boutique, colorful cafe and restaurants; I felt tagging this lovely city with just one color 'Pink' is an absolute disrepute. A trip to Jaipur is nothing but the pleasure of basking in the plethora of all shades of colors.

We're living in an era where our social media existence has occupied a huge space in our life. Specially when it comes to travel, Instagram has literally turned into a digital life diary to share our travel experience with other like minded traveller. Jaipur can offer a number of such amazing destinations to Instgrammers to create content like a pro.

In this article I'm listing down few popular and also some less known tourist places in Jaipur which can offer you some breathtaking photogenic frame.

1. Hawa Mahal

This architectural marvel built with pink and red sandstone is the most popular tourist destination in Jaipur. This five storey honeycomb like building has made in crown shape and has total 953 windows.

The queens used to observe the bustling city life outside through these small windows. Inside this mahal you can find the typical Rajasthani architecture, doors, jharokas everywhere around to click some nice photographs.

However, The best place to capture the entire exterior of Hawa mahal as the main object or as background is the building just opposite to it. There are two cafes, 'The Tattoo Cafe' and 'Windview Cafe'. Both these places have rooftop arrangements where you can take stunning shots of Hawa Mahal. If possible, try to capture during sunset. The pink color of this palace shines in all glory with crimson twilight.

2. Patrika Gate

Two years back I wasn't even aware of the existence of 'Patrika Gate'. First time I saw pictures of this gorgeous architecture floating in my IG feed. This awe inspiring and intricate walkway proudly boasts the richness of Rajasthani culture. I had one odd assumption in my mind that maybe the skilled photographers and their smart photo editing hacks make this frame so beautiful. But when I visited this place, my self made assumption shattered into pieces. This is one of the rare frames that won't need even a slightest touch of editing. The brilliant color combination and the natural pastel shades have made this frame nothing less than a visual treat.

3. City Palace

City palace is another heaven for color lovers and photographers. Throughout the palace you can find numerous places for photography. There are two types of tickets for City palace you can buy. The most common one costs INR 200/-.

The other one costs INR 2000/- to access the most attractive rooms inside the palace which covers the interior of Chandra Mahal- Chaavi Niwas, Shobha Niwas and Sish mahal on the terrace.

A brief list of most picture perfect corners of City palace are as below

(a) In front of the Pink wall with White designs

(b) Inside the Pritam Niwas Chawk there are four doorways. Each of this has unique colors and design and represents four different seasons.

The Lotus gate Represents the Summer Season

The Peacock gate is for monsoon season

The Rose gate represents winter season

The Leheriya Gate symbolises spring season

(c) Chhavi Niwas on the fifth floor the Chandra Mahal is an alluring backdrop for photography with white and blue color details. The local guide says this room was built to enjoy the monsoon season where the white color represents the cloud and the blue color represents rain.

(e) Shobha Niwas on the fourth floor Chandra mahal is a perfect blend of elegance and aristocracy. The walls inside this room are heavily studded with colorful, precious gemstones. It is known that this room was used for Diwali pujan purpose

(e) Sish Mahal on the top floor of Chandra Mahal where the walls were covered with concave glass pieces for the purpose of reflecting heat energy inside the room during winter season

4. Amer Fort

You haven't seen the Pink City properly if you have not been to Amer fort. This majestic fort can offer you a several corners to click countless Instagrammable pictures.

Timing: 8 am - 7 pm

Ticket Price: 50/person

While entering the fort one must stop to cherish the marvellous Ganesh pol which is a brilliant fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The floral designs and array of soft pastel shades of vegetable colors all over the wall and gate makes this place a popular photographic corner of this fort. Try to reach around 8:30 am in the morning. After 9'o clock this place usually gets flooded with tourists and it becomes very difficult to manage an isolated corner to take picture.

Once you exit the Amber fort, on the way  you can get many places with the royal fort in the background.

5. Panna Menna ka Kund

Once you're done with Amer fort just don't rush back to the city without paying a visit at Amer Village. You need to drive down for 10 minutes to reach this place built in 16th century which is known as 'Panna Meena ka Kund'. I have no clue why this place has remained like a hidden secret. But I took it as a boon. This place was once used as a well and masterfully designed criss crossed symmetrical stairs along the walls were utilised for social gathering for people coming to fetch water from the well. It doesn't really matter which time you're visiting 'Panna Meena ka Kund' because most of the this place remains peaceful and empty. Entry is free.

6. Nahargadh Fort

This fort is also known as Tiger fort and one of the best places to have stunning bird eye view of magnificent Jaipur city. Also the architecturally elegant, long and narrow corridors are interesting feature of this palace.

Timing: 10am to 10pm

Entry Fee: Rs. 50/Person

It is often said 'Beauty lies in the eye of Beholder' and this statement is most apt to people who love capturing beauty through photographs. Though in this blog I have mentioned the mainstream touristy places that can offer amazing frames for gorgeous photographs but in Jaipur every single colourful alley and streets can be amazing place for photography. We just need to keep our eyes open to catch the beauty.

Also, most importantly a trip is never only about clicking pictures to feed our social media ego. Make sure you blend yourself with vibe of the place, understand local culture and life, appreciate the history and savour local food. That's the ultimate purpose of travel.

If you want to explore more of the journey of my itchy feet please visit and follow my Instagram profile pebble_street.