40

Things to Do in Jaipur

As the home of rich and prosperous Maharajas, Jaipur is well endowed in its share of palaces and architectural marvels. You can see the amalgamation of Indian and Mughal styles of architecture at the Amer Fort, legend has it that the fort is so beautiful that even invaders could not bear to destroy it during the times of war and conflict.

You can take an elephant ride up the cobbled path on the fort and truly feel like you deserve all the royal treatment that is being bestowed upon you.End the day on a spectacular note with your attendance at the Light and Sound show Get to know the history and the intricacy of architecture here to make your visit even more memorable.

Visiting Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Entry Fee:

    -For Indians: 25 Rs. (Inclusive of Entry & Camera )

    -Foreign Nationals: 150 Rs. (Inclusive of Entry & Camera)

Some of the best colours of the city can be seen in its markets, a fact which bears true with Jaipur as well. Some of the most authentic shopping experiences can be provided by the city’s old Bazaars/ Markets, an experience that is amongst the most authentic of all things to do in Jaipur. They are located within the walled expanses of the city and are known as ‘Badi’ and ‘Chhoti Chaupar’.

If you are interested in carrying back some brass ornaments, travel to the Tripolia Bazaar, if traditional jeweler is what interests you, then Johari Bazaar is your best pick of the lot. At ‘Chandpol’ Bazaar, you can witness the city’s marble artisans put their skills to use whereas, at Kishanpol Bazaar you can shop for textiles and wooden furniture. Do not miss the ‘Sireh Deori’ Bazaar which is the prime market of the city for all your needs.

Dating back to the 18th century, Jantar Mantar was erected by the scholar Sawai Jai Singh. The structure is an observatory that consists of 'surya yantras' or instruments that work on the principle of the sun and shadow to tell the precise time at every moment of the day. Do invest in a local guide who will tell the precise way in which each instrument works.

The monument features the world’s largest sundial and is a part of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The noteworthy feature of the monument is that it is the amalgamation of various social, cultural and political beliefs of the 18th century.  The monument can faultlessly measure the time, predict eclipses and even track the location of major stars as the earth orbits around them and the sun.

Visiting Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

Photography Allowed: Yes

This is one of the most amazing things to do in Jaipur, if you are an adventure enthusiast. Located near the Jamnalal Bajaj Road, Hot Air Balloon safari is conducted by various operators around the city and is a great way to beat the city blues.

The ride takes you round to see various beautiful attractions of the city like City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal and many others.  A fun activity to engage in with friends, family and loved ones; it is sure to give you many memorable moments.

One of the best ways to see the sights of Jaipur is to start off on an early morning cycling ride. This is the best way to see the city at its best as the tour starts off early in the morning. You will be accompanied by various people of different backgrounds and countries and a guide who will take you through the lazy paths lined by farms and trees.

The ride is a slow one and has various stops in between. You will be able to witness prayers being offered at a local temple, sip tea at a tea shop, have the famous ‘Lassiwalas’ Lassi in earthen pots and finally appreciate the city in a whole new light.

A hub of artists and musicians, it is a must-see for all connoisseurs of art. A showcase for cultural, spiritual activities, and display of rich craft heritage of the state of Rajasthan. The centre was designed by the famous architect Charles Correa, inspired by the original city plan of Jaipur consisting of 9 squares with the centre square left open. The eight blocks house museums, amphitheatre, library, and art craft displays. The wooden swing, the collection of ceramics, decorative boxes, carved wooden furniture and statues and icons of Rajasthani, as well as spiritualistic, are the focus for the display in the museums.  There is always something cultural and innovative happening like the drama festivals, music performances, art exhibitions, craft fairs, workshops, discussions, seminars, and film screenings. This multi-arts centre caters all the needs of the artists and helps them to manifest their highest potential.

Timings- 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Price- No entry fees

Close to the Amer Fort, Dera Amer is a luxurious and gorgeous campsite that is set in a stunning location. It is here that you can enjoy the gorgeous sights all around you a while staying in a luxurious campsite. The campsite is run by a local family and is based right out of their ancestral home. What’s more? You can enjoy an experience of an offbeat thing to do in Jaipur i.e. an Elephant Polo Match.

The game of the royals, polo originated right here in Jaipur and is played on elephants. While the original rules of the game remain the same, the pitch is two thirds of a traditional Polo pitch to compensate for the speed of the pachyderms.

Designed in a typically art moderne style by the famous Indian architect W.W. Namjoshi; Rajmandir Cinemas is a truly historic experience. Catch a Bollywood movie here and take home an experience of being carried home to the times of yore.

A popular landmark among the locals, it has hosted many movie premieres and exclusive shows over the years. The gorgeous ceiling is decorated with antique chandeliers and winding staircases that make this an experience worth remembering.

Every year during the months of December to January, the entire literary community of India looks forward to only one thing and that is- Jaipur Literature Festival. One of the largest free literary fests in the country, it fills up the grounds of Diggi Palace in Jaipur with authors, readers and enthusiasts. So high is its importance in the literary circles, that it is called the ‘Kumbh Mela’ of literature.

The festival has seen many eminent speakers such as Oprah Winfrey, Orhan Pamuk and award winner like Ian MacEwan. A fest with both national and international fervor, it has a vast range of things to do while in Jaipur such as workshops, debates, author interactions and many more.

Situated at a distance of 35km from the main city, Ramgarh is a wonderful lake that presents you an opportunity to spend some magical moments with your loved ones. The lake that flows in Sanganer is a serene an placid site that will definitely take you away from the hustle bustle and tourist crowds of the main city.

You can appreciate the true beauty of this lake as you indulge in the wonderful experience of boating along its surface. The area around also makes for an ideal spot to just spread out a rug and enjoy a picnic or try your hand at angling and fishing!

The month of February, rings in a spirit of royalty in Jaipur. It is in this month that the ‘Rajputana’ Sports Car Club holds a vintage and classic car rally in association with the department of tourism. Heralding a revival of sorts, it displays more than 100 vintage cars which all come together to cruise along the roads of the Pink City.

The most spectacular cars on display date back to the era of the Maharajas who reigned over Jaipur as long back as 1923. It is a must amongst things to do in Jaipur for car aficionados as well as layman. The road that they traverse runs from Jai Mahal Palace to Castle Kanota. 

Rajasthan is well known world over for its arts, ‘kathputli’ or puppet show is one of them, while in Jaipur, try to talk to the locals and walk into one of the restaurants which host them on a regular basis. The usual format of the show is such that marionettes are operated by the puppet master and there is a traditional story that is accompanied by the use of props and traditional music.

Revolving around brave kings, beautiful princesses and magicians will take you way back into your childhood.The vibrant puppets and their broken movements supervised by the puppet master are truly a treat to watch.