A day trip to Jaipur: Places to visit

The pink of the Jaipur city represents hospitality. The Prince of Wales, Albert Edward, visited India in 1876. Raja Sawai Ram Singh I had the whole city painted pink to demonstrate the hospitality of the city and welcome the royals as the color symbolized hospitality at the time. Prince Albert liked the gesture and nicknamed Jaipur the ‘Pink City’. Jaipur has been famously known as the Pink City ever since.

Jaipur, with its rich heritage and culture, is a must-visit city on any travel enthusiast’s list. One can feel royalty in the city’s air. Although there are many places to visit and experience in the pink city, one can cover the major tourist attractions in a day if planned meticulously.

Here is your guide to some of the must-visit places in Jaipur that could be visited in a day:

1. Amber Fort: Perched on a hilltop, this stunning fort showcases a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh, the fort is perched on a hill overlooking Maota Lake, offering breathtaking views.

The fort is famous for its grand palaces, intricately designed courtyards, and beautiful mirror work that adorns many of the chambers, especially the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace). The fort’s labyrinthine passages, massive gates, and temples, like the Shila Devi Temple, make it a key historical and cultural attraction.

Amber Fort is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a must-visit for anyone exploring Jaipur. Visitors can enjoy elephant rides up the hill or explore the fort’s stunning architecture and history on foot.

2. Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds: Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh built this iconic landmark in 1799. It is a fascinating façade—a five-story, honeycomb-shaped structure with 953 small windows, or “jharokhas.” These windows were designed to allow royal women to observe street festivals and everyday life without being seen, preserving the traditions of purdah (seclusion).

The intricate latticework not only adds to its beauty but also serves a functional purpose. The small windows allow cool breezes to circulate through the palace, making it a natural air conditioning system during Jaipur’s hot summers. Hence the name “Palace of Winds.”

Built from red and pink sandstone, it gets a mesmerising glow during sunrise and sunset, making it one of the most photographed structures in Jaipur.

3. The City Palace: Located in the heart of Jaipur, this sprawling palace complex was constructed between 1729 and 1732 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur.

The City Palace complex is divided into a series of courtyards, gardens, and buildings. The architectural brilliance of the palace is showcased through a fusion of traditional Rajput architecture with Mughal and European styles.

The Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Pritam Niwas Chowk, and Sarvato Bhadra are some of the prominent places to see here.

The City Palace is more than just a tourist attraction—it is a living museum of Rajasthan’s royal heritage. It is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places to explore in Jaipur, and its legacy continues to inspire awe and admiration in all who visit.

4. Jantar Mantar: The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a remarkable astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II between 1724 and 1730. It stands as one of the largest and best-preserved observatories in India and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The observatory consists of 19 massive instruments designed for various astronomical measurements, such as tracking stars, predicting eclipses, and measuring time.

Historically, Jantar Mantar reflects Sawai Jai Singh II’s passion for astronomy and his ambition to establish Jaipur as a hub of scientific research in India. Among its unique structures, the Samrat Yantra (a giant sundial) is the most famous, with its shadow moving at an incredible accuracy of just two seconds. The observatory showcases the scientific advancements of the early 18th century and remains a testament to India’s contributions to astronomy.

1. Apart from the above, one must also indulge in some delectable Rajasthani food at some of the best food joints and restaurants in the city. Moreover, the trip would be incomplete without shopping for some traditional artifacts at the local markets that offer a myriad of souvenirs to take back home.