In the pink city of India.

Tripoto
19th Jan 2017

I recently visited Jaipur to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival in January. Although the experience was one of a kind, I also made sure that I do not miss out on the must visit places in Jaipur.

Photo of In the pink city of India. 1/3 by MissHotelReviewer
Photo of In the pink city of India. 2/3 by MissHotelReviewer

Rajasthan is very well known for the palaces and rich heritage. It is bright and colorful. How could I miss out on the famous palaces in Jaipur? Here is a list of a few places I visited in whatever time I got after attending the JLF.

Photo of In the pink city of India. 3/3 by MissHotelReviewer

Amer Fort: The Amer Fort is located in Amer and is one of the most famous tourist attractions. The fort is huge and extremely beautiful. Besides, it helps to know the history of the rulers who built this fort. The fort is built in red and white sandstones with carvings on the ceilings and paintings on the walls. The most important aspect of this fort is the sheesh mahal or mirror palace. This palace is shown in many movies and is a favorite for photography lovers. A light and sound show takes place here every evening that highlights the history of Jaipur. It takes about 2-3 hours to see the entire fort.

There are vendors selling beautiful earrings inside the fort which can be purchased after bargaining. But it is worth the buy!

Photo of Amer Fort, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by MissHotelReviewer

City Palace: The rulers of Jaipur once ruled from the City Palace. A major attraction inside the city, the city palace is complex of gardens, buildings and courtyards. It is located in the old city of Jaipur and has a beautiful blend of Mughul architecture and Rajasthani architecture. There are various museums inside the complex that display weapons, photographs and a collection of royal costumes and shawls. There is also a 45 minute guided tour inside the private palace.

Photo of City Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by MissHotelReviewer

Hawa Mahal: The 'Palace of the Winds' or 'Hawa Mahal' is located in the old city and is of prominent importance. The palace was built in red and pink sandstone and is now used as an office. Tourists can visit the palace and can head up to a few floors. From the top, one can see the busy lanes of the old city which are now crowded by various shops selling handicrafts, apparel and gems.

Photo of Hawa Mahal, Hawa Mahal Road, Badi Choupad, Pink City, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by MissHotelReviewer

Nahargarh Fort: Nahargarh Fort can be visited along with the Amer Fort. One can get a breathtaking view of the city from the top of the fort. There is an open air restaurant inside the fort and a cafe surrounding the area. Although there is not much to see inside the fort except the architecture, it takes about 2 hours for a complete visit.

Jal Mahal: Jal Mahal or the Water Palace is located on the Man Sagar Lake. It is an astonishing palace which has five floors, and four of them remain underwater. The entry inside the palace is restricted, but if you are a bird lover or a photography enthusiast, you may stay there for a while and enjoy the view from the pathway outside the palace.

Photo of Jal Mahal, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by MissHotelReviewer

Jaigarh Fort: The Jaigarh Fort is connected to the Amer Fort and can be visited while on the way to Amer. It has the 'World's largest cannon on wheels'. The opulent structure has think walls of red sand stone of 3 kms. The entire area is huge and has a weapon museum as well. There is a garden at the back and one can get beautiful view of the city from the top.

Birla Mandir: Birla Mandir is a grand temple in Jaipur. It is elevated and constructed in white marble. The images of the deity is made from one piece of marble which stands out in the temple. It is brightly lit at the night.

Restaurants:

Photo of Birla Mandir, Tilak Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India by MissHotelReviewer

1135 A.D.: This is one restaurant I had heard a lot about. The restaurant is situated in the Amer Fort and has a beautiful setting. They cater for the very famous Palace on Wheels and gives a royal fine dine experience. Although, the food is average, it is not value for money either. If you love fine dine, and want to experience a meal in silver ware, this is the place to be.

Tapri: Another cafe I was suggested by many. After hearing a lot about Tapri, I had decided I will make sure I visit this cafe. It has a beautiful rooftop setting and serves some of the finest tea, coffee and maggi. Worth a visit if you are in Jaipur.

Shopping: No holiday is complete without shopping!

Bapu Bazaar: The Bapu Bazaar is a famous Bazaar located in the old city of Jaipur. It lies between the New Gate and the Sanganeri Gate. The bazaar has fancy bangles, apparel and traditional rajasthani footwear. Leather products are quite famous here. Remember to bargain here. It also has fixed priced showrooms and can be easily reached via cab.

Johari Bazaar: Johari Bazaar is the oldest market in Jaipur. It is well known for the spectacular Jaipuri jewelery. Besides jewelery, you can also see a lot of bright colored sarees, quilts and footwear. Bargaining is the key here.

Amrapali: If you are looking for a finer experience in shopping, head to Amrapali. The famous brand that designs the best silver ornaments has a huge showroom in the midst of Jaipur. Every single piece of jewelry is beautiful and carved to perfection.

Ranas: If you want traditional Indian clothes, read to Ranas, they have two show rooms, one in old Jaipur and one on the M.I. Road. Explore the vibrancy of Jaipur in the bright colored sarees, lehengas and kurtis. The collection is huge and they also cater to custom orders. Personally recommend a visit to this shop.

Malls: After some street shopping, It was hitting the mall!

World Trade Park: World Trade Park is the largest mall in Jaipur. It can be easily reached via a cab. It has some of the best brands and a range of restaurants as well. The mall has stores of Zara, Charles and Keith, Marks and Spencer and many more.

Jaipur Central Mall: Another mall, located at about five minutes from the World Trade Park. The mall has a variety of shops and a huge area serving various delicacies. If you plan to shop less and savor the food, visit this mall.

Transportation: The easiest way to explore the city is by cabs. Autos are easily available but they charge exorbitantly. The cab will take you the same destination at half the rate. When in Jaipur, avoid the auto and take a cab.