Jaipur Travel Guide: The Pink City of Palaces, Culture, and Heritage - Capital Cities of Indian States [Rajasthan]

Historical Background Amber Fort has a history which goes back as early as the 10th century in the form of a small setup made by the Meenas tribe. Nonetheless, it was Raja Man Singh I who primarily built the fort in 1592 and then it was developed further by the expansion works of Jai Singh I and a few other Kachwaha rulers. The fort was named after Amber (or Amba Mata), a goddess for which locals have been greatly reverent. The fort served as the seat of the Kachwaha Rajput rulers until Jaipur became the new capital in the 18th century.

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and a jewel of India’s Golden Triangle (along with Delhi and Agra). Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is a city where royal palaces, massive forts, colorful bazaars, and vibrant culture come together. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage City, attracting travelers from around the globe.

One of the most famous fortifications in India, it lies in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Amber Fort is known as Amer Fort. Amber Fort stands on a small hill that takes an hour car ride from the city center. This marvellous fort features masterly fusion of Hindu and Mughal styles of architectural excellence. Amber Fort was built in 1592 by the great king Raja Man Singh I and was the capital of the Kachwaha Rajput clan until the formation of Jaipur. The monument, with its stunning beauty, rich history, and dramatic views, continues to be one of the first choices for people of all walks of life from all over the world.

This comprehensive guide explores the top places to visit in Jaipur, shopping, food, culture, nightlife, and nearby excursions, along with Travellingcamera stories that bring these experiences alive.

Top Places to Visit in Jaipur

Main Architectural Features: Suraj Pol or Sun Gate: Suraj Pol is the big entrance to Amber Fort, which accesses Jaleb Chowk, a big platform on which victorious parade lines used to stand. It was also used for military parades and hosting the guests of the ruling family.

1. Amber Fort (Amer Fort)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amber Fort is perched on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. Built in red sandstone and marble, it blends Rajput and Mughal architecture. Highlights include Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), Diwan-i-Khas, and elephant rides to the fort entrance.

👉 Explore Amer Fort through Travellingcamera.

City Palace is one among the marvelous architectural essences of Rajasthan and a jewel to Jaipur's royal heritage. Constructed in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who himself established Jaipur, the palace complex is situated in the very heart of the Pink City and designed to be the administrative as well as ceremonial seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The City Palace has been transformed and extended for centuries but still blends well in the mix of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles that express grandeur and elegance.

2. City Palace

Located in the heart of Jaipur, the City Palace is still home to the royal family. Its courtyards, museums, and gateways (notably the Pritam Niwas Chowk with four seasonal gates) showcase Jaipur’s regal past.

👉 Check Travellingcamera’s City Palace captures.

The Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, is one of Jaipur's most recognizable landmarks and a masterpiece of Rajput architecture. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this stunning palace was designed to allow royal ladies to observe daily life and festivities on the street without being seen themselves, adhering to the strict purdah system. With its intricate latticework and honeycomb-like structure, Hawa Mahal stands as a symbol of Jaipur’s royal past and architectural grandeur.

3. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)

Perhaps Jaipur’s most iconic landmark, this five-story façade with 953 jharokhas (windows) was built so royal women could watch street processions unseen. Best visited early morning when it glows in golden light.

👉 Travellingcamera’s lens on Hawa Mahal.

Some Experiments with old architecture of Jantar Mantar in Delhi, INDIA : Posted by VJ SHARMA on www.travellingcamera.com : Last month me and one of my friend were waiting for other folks to reach Connaught Place in Delhi and they called us to inform that all of them are arriving after 1:30 Hrs... This was good opportunity for us to explore some place nearby and decided to visit Jantar Mantar... After reaching the place I was not able to decide what should I shoot... Everywhere people were roaming and it was really difficult to find a place without people... and it was not like two or three folks.. It was huge crowd in front of each yantra @ Jantar Mantar.. So finally I decided to have some photographs which can avoid this crowd and it gave a good opportunity to place with various angles/compositions... check out and critics are welcome !!The first photograph where I wanted to have darkest possible shadows to make it look like black tiles in contact with reds and white ones.. Although it doesn't look like that... I would have to wait to click this photograph at right time but we had to move out in few hrs... Never mind, I will try it again...This time I was carrying SONY Alpha-700 and was confused with some of the controls.. Anyway that's not important... These yantras were very narrow is shape and it was difficult to fit myself for clicking these architecture forms nicely... Here is a tilted view of a semi-spherical yantra @ Jantar Mantar...All these photographs from the same yantra and it was was quite interesting... But please don't ask me about how it functions and what it is supposed to do...Stairs hidden behind these structures and everyone needs to follow them to go down and see the real work inside these yantras.. In Jantar Mantar at jaipur, everyone was not allowed to go inside these structures but in Delhi I didn't see such restrictions except one which had highest structure followed by lot of stairs....Jantar Mantar in Delhi is a very popular place among activists, social associations and artists as well... Many of the NGOs choose this place to start a rally or protest... Also many artists have explored this very well and many times Photographers have exhibited this place...A Series of small pillars taking all the weight of small paths connecting outer circle of a structure with a pole in the middle... as you can see the turning path in a circle...One of my friend called it 'Stairs of Success'.. I don't if that is the name of these stairs but like the caption :)Final Photograph showing the close-up view of this architecture which shows the age of this structure and its been repaired multiple times in past which resulted in this roughness... I am again planning to visit Jantar Mantar in Delhi and will ensure that I get full day to spend there...

4. Jantar Mantar

An astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 19 architectural instruments including the world’s largest stone sundial.

👉 Travellingcamera’s walk through Jantar Mantar.

After Sheesh Mahal, there is the Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure), which is very much in the known for having a cool climate due to water channels and intricate ventilation. It is said that the Rajput king used to sit here during hot summer as a means of relaxation.

5. Nahargarh Fort & Jaigarh Fort

  • Nahargarh Fort: Overlooks Jaipur and is famous for sunset views and film shoots.

  • Jaigarh Fort: Houses Jaivana Cannon, once the world’s largest cannon on wheels.

👉 See Travellingcamera’s story on Jaipur forts.

The Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur transforms into a captivating sight during the evening when it is beautifully illuminated with vibrant lights. As the sun sets and darkness envelops the city, the museum comes to life, glowing in a spectrum of colors that highlight its intricate Indo-Saracenic architecture. The evening lighting at Albert Hall Museum not only enhances its visual appeal but also creates a magical ambiance that attracts both locals and tourists who come to witness this stunning spectacle.

6. Albert Hall Museum

Located in Ram Niwas Garden, this Indo-Saracenic building is Rajasthan’s oldest museum, displaying artifacts, paintings, and even an Egyptian mummy.

7. Jal Mahal

A palace floating in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal looks ethereal especially at sunrise and sunset. Though entry isn’t allowed, it’s a must-see photo spot.

👉 Jal Mahal in Travellingcamera.


Shopping in Jaipur

Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise, known for handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles.

  • Johari Bazaar: Famous for gemstones and jewelry.

  • Bapu Bazaar: Mojaris (camel-leather shoes), textiles, handicrafts.

  • Tripolia Bazaar: Lac bangles, brassware.

  • MI Road: Mix of traditional and modern shops.

👉 Travellingcamera’s Jaipur shopping guide.

During our stay in Udaipur, we decided to visit Garden Hotel restaurant for lunch, as this place serves delicious Rajasthani thali. And thali means, unlimited food at fixed price :) . Nandan had visited this place a few years back and he recommended the place. and certainly it's a place we would love to share with Travellingcamera family. This blogpost shares about Garden Hotel, it's location, why it's popular in Udaipur, kind of food to expect and what else can you do around this place after lunch.

Food in Jaipur

Rajasthani food is flavorful, spicy, and royal. Must-try dishes include:

  • Dal Baati Churma

  • Laal Maas (spicy mutton curry)

  • Ker Sangri (local bean preparation)

  • Ghewar (sweet dish, especially during festivals)

Street food like kachoris, gol gappas, and kulfi are popular. Jaipur also has fine dining experiences in heritage hotels like Rambagh Palace.

👉 Travellingcamera’s Rajasthani food experiences.

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest market in Thailand which is also known as JJ Market. When I got to know about this claim, there was no reason for me to disagree. I couldn't think of any other market I have visited in the past, which is comparable to Chatuchak. For that matter, we couldn't explore it well as we had to head to another place in an hour, so we walked around Chatuchak only for one hour and during this time we didn't repeat any section of this weekend market in Bangkok. Related Blog-post : Khao San Road - One of the most happening Nightlife places in Bangkok

Culture & Festivals in Jaipur

Jaipur’s culture is deeply rooted in Rajputana traditions with music, dance, and fairs adding color.

  • Teej Festival: Celebrated in monsoon with decorated idols, swings, and processions.

  • Gangaur Festival: Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, marked by vibrant parades.

  • Jaipur Literature Festival: World’s largest free literary festival, attracting global authors and speakers.

  • Elephant Festival: Elephants painted and adorned for parades (though now less frequent due to animal rights concerns).

👉 Travellingcamera’s coverage of Jaipur’s cultural vibe.


Posted by Ripple (VJ) : Pushkar Camel Fair 2008 : Photographers clicking Sunset photographs @ Pushkar Camel Fair 2008 : The small and beautiful town of Pushkar is set in a valley just about 14 km off Ajmer in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair which is globally famous and attracts thousands of visitors from all parts of the world.

Nightlife in Jaipur

Jaipur offers a mix of traditional and modern nightlife:

  • Rooftop cafés near Hawa Mahal and Nahargarh Fort.

  • Bars like Bar Palladio and Steam at Rambagh Palace.

  • Folk dance and cultural shows in Chokhi Dhani, a heritage village resort.

The Legend and Myths of Chand Baori Local legends suggest that Chand Baori was built overnight by ghosts or spirits due to its elaborate design and the precision of its construction. It is said that the stepwell was constructed so quickly that it appeared to have been completed in a single night, which added to its mystique and the belief that it had a supernatural origin.

Local Life in Jaipur

  • Morning: Locals heading to bazaars or enjoying tea at roadside stalls.

  • Afternoons: Heat encourages siestas, with life picking up again in the evenings.

  • Evenings: Streets around Hawa Mahal and markets buzz with activity.

  • Daily vibe: A blend of old-world charm and fast-paced modern city life.

👉 Street captures of Jaipur by Travellingcamera.


Excursions Around Jaipur

7 years back when I started learning and practicing Photography seriously, I planned to visit Pushkar Camel Fair. It's a very good place to go and shoot diverse things - people, action, games, camels, colorful dresses, dance performances, trades, mela, temples, lake and lot more. It's definitely worth exploring once and camera is a not must :). This Photo Journey shares 7 years old photographs from Pushkar, along with some of the experiences you can expect during Pushkar Camel Fair. My mentor told me about the fair, although I was not sure if I would be able to take out that weekend for Pushkar visit. On Friday evening, I realized that I don't have anything pending for weekend. So went home, packed my bag and reached ISBT Delhi. I got a comfortable bus from Delhi bus-stand to Ajmer. It was a good ride from Delhi to Ajmer in Rajasthan Road Trasport bus. Bus dropped me at Ajmer before 5am. Again took a local bus and reached Pushkar town. It was very cold in the morning, so took out my jacket and started searching for a place to stay & keep my stuff safe for next two days. It's recommended to do advance booking if you want to stay in a good hotel, otherwise smaller options can be explored when you are there. But I am talking about it from my 7 years old experience :)I got a nice hotel along the lake-side. There are many havelis around the lake which have been converted into Hotels. During the fair, these hotels have special arrangements on roof-top to party and enjoy special evenings with friends. Above photograph is shot from the roof-top of my hotel. During my stay, I realized that many of these hotels also have dormitories. Lot of groups from Israel & other foriegn countries prefer to stay together and try to keep the cost low. That's how they can travel more to explore different parts of our country. There is a 5-10 minutes walk from Bramha temple to the grounds where Camel Fair happens. There is a stadium in Pushkar which is mainly used for various games and competitions, in which camels, horses and elephants participate. Check out this video showcasing horse dance competition - This lake in Pushkar is huge and has religious importance. You can notice lot of religious activities happening around the ghats. Lot of pandits may approach you to do different types of worships, so be very aware of all that. Don't indulge into any discussions with these guys, because I have seen these folks shouting on innocent folks roaming around and make them do different things without their wish. They create pressure on people by different means and at times, tourists feel helpless. It's sad to see such activities happening at such a beautiful place, because many times foreigners take back those bad experiences with themI am sure that you must be wondering about camels in this Photo Journey. I have lost most of my Pushkar shots in a HDD crash and these are picked from other locations & friends. So at Pushkar Camel Fair, you can expect lot of camels all around. Header photograph of this blog is also one of the shot from Pushkar.The fair happens every year in the month of October, so if you feel like visiting Pushkar Camel Fair this year, just check out the schedule and plan your visit. It's a week long fair, so you may want to check the schedule and decide appropriate days to visit Pushkar town in Rajasthan.Food at Pushkar Camel Fair is another special experience. It gets really hard to find Indian food in Pushkar, except some of the dhabas on fair ground. Most of the restaurants in main town serve non-Indian cuisine. They of-course charge higher but still reasonable :). During the stay, make it a point to talk to local folks and try to undertsnad more about the Camel trading and various other activities of this fair. You would be surprised to know about some facts around pricing of camels, types of camels and how people bring them here etcPushkar is also a great place to capture some colorful portraits from Rajasthan State of India. I am sure that many of you can click far better portraits than what is shared on this blog.I am also trying to figure out the possibilities to visit Pushkar Camel Fair this year. Keep me informed if any of you want to come along. Comment back.. We can connect and plan together.
Usually when you head out on a long road trips, you will notice that the journey back home is dotted with mood swings, fights, and some sorrow. This is because the trip that we were so excited for and looking forward to is coming to an end. We observed this during most of our recent road trips.
We were on our way back from Jodhpur in October 2022, we had planned 3 stops enroute to keep things interesting. One was a drive to the Taragarh Fort, the second a stop at Kishangarh, and then the last stop - the Sambhar Lake.

  • Bagru & Sanganer (30 km): Villages known for traditional block printing.

Located in the small village of Abhaneri in the Dausa district of Rajasthan, Chand Baori is one of the oldest and most well-preserved stepwells in India. Dating back to the 8th or 9th century, this architectural masterpiece was built during the reign of King Chanda of the Nikita dynasty. With its intricate geometric patterns and maze-like steps, Chand Baori stands as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient Indian engineering.

  • Chand Baori, Abhaneri (95 km): A stepwell masterpiece with 3,500 narrow steps.

It has an extensive collection of miniature paintings from different Indian art schools-the Rajput, Mughal, Pahari, and Persian styles. These paintings contain scenes from Indian epics, court life, festivals, and nature.

Best Time to Visit Jaipur

  • October–March: Pleasant weather, peak tourist season.

  • April–June: Hot, but fewer crowds.

  • July–September: Monsoon adds greenery, but humidity is high.

It was during the visit of Prince Albert of the United Kingdom in 1876 that the foundation stone of Albert Hall Museum was laid. What was started as the designing of a town hall for the city eventually took the shape of a museum because of the sophisticated architecture it would house the rich artistic heritage of Rajasthan. The founder of this place is Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II of Jaipur, and it was inaugurated to the public by Maharaja Madho Singh II in 1887. However, this great project Albert Hall Museum owes its name to Prince Albert. It stands as a symbol of Jaipur's commitment to its cultural heritage.

How to Reach Jaipur

  • By Air: Jaipur International Airport connects to Delhi, Mumbai, and international hubs like Dubai.

  • By Rail: Jaipur Junction is well connected with Delhi, Agra, and major Indian cities.

  • By Road: Delhi to Jaipur is a smooth 5–6 hours via NH48.

Historical Background The Gatore cenotaphs were established in the early 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. This location was chosen as the official cremation ground for the royal family of Jaipur, and over time, it became the resting place of many Maharajas and their close relatives. The word "Gatore" is believed to be a mispronunciation of the Hindi phrase "Gaya ka Thor," which means "the resting place of the departed souls."

Stay Options in Jaipur

  • Luxury: Rambagh Palace, Jai Mahal Palace, Fairmont Jaipur.

  • Mid-range: Alsisar Haveli, Shahpura House.

  • Budget: Zostel Jaipur, guesthouses in old city.

👉 Check Travellingcamera’s Rajasthan hotel stays.

Carvings and Sculptures: The walls of the stepwell are decorated with beautiful carvings of gods and goddesses, particularly Hindu deities like Vishnu, Durga, and various other celestial figures. The detailed stonework showcases the artistic talent of the craftsmen of that era.

Why Visit Jaipur?

Jaipur is more than just a stop on the Golden Triangle — it’s a city that breathes history and color. Whether you’re marveling at Hawa Mahal’s windows, shopping for gemstones, tasting spicy Laal Maas, or soaking in royal architecture, Jaipur is an immersive experience into India’s heritage.

👉 Dive into more Jaipur stories on Travellingcamera: Jaipur Travel Collection.

Related Blogposts:

Located in the small village of Abhaneri in the Dausa district of Rajasthan, Chand Baori is one of the oldest and most well-preserved stepwells in India. Dating back to the 8th or 9th century, this architectural masterpiece was built during the reign of King Chanda of the Nikita dynasty. With its intricate geometric patterns and maze-like steps, Chand Baori stands as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient Indian engineering.Chand Baori in Abhaneri: A Marvel of Ancient Indian Architecture in Rajasthan





Bhandarej Baori, located in the town of Bhandarej in the Dausa district of Rajasthan, is a remarkable example of India’s ancient water management system. This stepwell, believed to have been constructed during the 11th century, is a hidden gem that reflects the intricate architectural and cultural legacy of Rajasthan. Known for its stunning carvings, geometric patterns, and historical significance, Bhandarej Baori stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the region’s ancient engineers.Bhandarej Baori: An Ancient Stepwell of Rajasthan's Heritage

































































































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