The land of kings and palaces, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a city that will take you back in time to the days of grandeur and opulence. From the stunning Amber Palace to the iconic Hawa Mahal, Jaipur is a treasure trove of architectural marvels and rich cultural heritage.
But Jaipur is not just about its palaces and forts; it's a city that will enchant you with its vibrant culture, delicious food, and warm hospitality. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for an adventure, Jaipur has something for everyone.
From exploring the grand palaces and forts, such as the Jaigarh Fort, to wandering through the colorful bazaars, shopping for traditional handicrafts and textiles, or taking a cooking class to learn about the delicious local cuisine, there's always something new to discover in Jaipur.
You can uncover all of Jaipur's hidden gems and must-see sights when you are in the pink city for an extended period of time. However, if you have only one day in hand, it becomes difficult to choose which places to include and which ones to exclude from your itinerary. Hence, we have curated the list of places you can visit in Jaipur in 1 day:
- Jaipur Places to visit in 1 Day: Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Panna Meena ka Kund
1. Amer Fort
Nestled atop a small hill, Amer Fort, also popular as Amber Fort, is one of Jaipur's most visited tourist places. The huge fort will take at least half a day to explore properly. So, if you're planning to visit Jaipur for one day, make sure to start your journey in Jaipur with Amer Fort first. This magnificent royal fort is located just 11 km away from the main city.
Built in the 17th century by Raja Man Singh, the palace is a classic example of Rajput architecture. The palace features intricate carvings, beautiful courtyards, and a stunning blend of red sandstone and white marble. The maze-like pathways and staircases of Amber Palace create a mysterious and gorgeous ambiance.
Amber Palace, or Amer Fort, is separated into four sections with different entrances and courtyards. For example, the main entrance to the fort is known as Suraj Pol or Sun Gate. Another magnificent complex you must see while exploring Amer Fort is the Jaleb Chowk courtyard. This complex was used by the army to showcase their war booty back in the 17th century.
One of the most striking features of the Amber Palace is the Sheesh Mahal, or Hall of Mirrors. This room is adorned with carvings of flowers, glass paintings, and thousands of small mirrors, which reflect light in a mesmerizing display. The palace also boasts a series of frescoes and paintings depicting scenes from Indian mythology and Rajput history.
The palace is also home to the Shila Devi Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Kali. You can also climb to the top of the palace's fort and enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings. Diwan-e-Aam is another impressive hall of the Amer Fort. It was used as a Public Audience Hall and adorned with glasswork and large pillars with mounted elephants.
Apart from these, numerous royal halls are located inside Amber Palace, such as Sukh Mahal, Jas Mandir, and many more. This entire palace will take at least three to four hours to explore in detail.
Amber Palace is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Indian history and architecture. It's a true gem of Indian heritage and culture and should be on every traveler's itinerary when visiting Jaipur. With its stunning architecture, rich history, and beautiful setting, it is an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
2. Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is a striking five-story architectural masterpiece that should not be missed at any cost when you're in Jaipur. Often referred to as the "Palace of Winds," this Mahal was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh.
The Hawa Mahal is known for its unique honeycomb-like design. The palace features a façade of 953 small windows, also known as jharokhas, decorated with intricate latticework. These windows were built to allow the royal women of the palace to observe street festivals and daily life in the city without being seen themselves. The palace also features a central courtyard, where you can catch a glimpse of the intricate carvings and frescoes that adorn the walls.
Hawa Mahal is a true architectural wonder that showcases the incredible creativity and skill of Rajput architects. It is one of the tallest buildings in the globe without a foundation; that's why the Mahal is tilted at an 87-degree angle. The most iconic symbol of Jaipur, the Hawa Mahal, is located in the heart of Jaipur's Old City, making it easy to access. You should allow at least an hour to explore the palace and take in its many features.
Other than exploring the Hawa Mahal, you can do plenty of other things near the Mahal. You can take a stroll through the nearby bazaars, where you can shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts and textiles, or visit the nearby Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory.
Its intricate design and rich history make it a fascinating destination for any traveler interested in Indian culture and heritage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to see it in person and take in the beauty of the palace of winds.
3. Jaigarh Fort
The Jaigarh Fort, located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, is a stunning example of Rajput military architecture and a must-see destination for any traveler visiting the region. Built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the fort sits atop a hill overlooking the city and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
One of the most striking features of the Jaigarh Fort is the massive fortification walls that surround it. These walls are up to 3 km long and 20 meters high and are considered one of the most well-preserved fortifications in Rajasthan. The fort also features a series of palaces, temples, and gardens, including the Lalit Mandir and the Jai Ban, which are adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes.
The Jaigarh Fort is also home to the world's largest cannon on wheels, the "Jaivana Cannon," which is an impressive sight to behold. You can also climb to the top of the fort and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the city of Jaipur.
You should allow at least half a day to explore the fort and its many wonders. There is also a light and sound show in the evening, providing an interesting and informative insight into the fort's history and the Rajputs.
In addition to exploring the fort, there are plenty of other things to do in the area. You can take a guided tour of the fort, shop for souvenirs at the local bazaars, or take a cooking class to learn about traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
The Jaigarh Fort is a true gem of Indian heritage and culture and should be on every traveler's itinerary when visiting Jaipur. With its stunning architecture, rich history, and beautiful setting, it is an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. The fort offers a glimpse into the Rajput's military might and the impressive construction techniques of the time. It's a great place to explore and learn about the history and culture of Rajasthan.
4. Jal Mahal
Placed right in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, the Jal Mahal, or floating palace, is one of the top places to visit in Jaipur city. Built by Maharaja Madho Singh in the 1750s, the royal Jal Mahal, or the Water Palace, wasn't supposed to be used as a palace. It was intended to be used as a hunting lodge for Maharaja Madho Singh and his entourage during their hunting trips.
When you visit the Jal Mahal, you'll be struck by its stunning architecture, which is a perfect example of the Rajputana style. The palace is built with red sandstone and features twenty-one carved pillars and four octagon-shaped chhatris, making it a true visual masterpiece.
The palace is five stories tall, but only one story appears above the water, while the other four stay submerged under the lake. And if you're lucky and visit the palace in the evening, you might even get to see the palace in a different appearance as it lights up.
Jal Mahal, or Water Palace, is also a great place for bird lovers, as it is home to various migratory birds. Here you can visit birds like flamingos, pintails, kestrels, gray herons, moorhen, pochards, and many more. However, in recent times due to pollution, they have declined in numbers.
Visiting the Jal Mahal is a must-do when in Jaipur. Not only is it a historical and architectural marvel, but it's also a great place to relax, capture some photos, and take in the city's beauty.
5. Panna Meena ka Kund
Panna Meena Ka Kund, an architectural marvel located in Jaipur, the pink city of Rajasthan, is a must-see destination for any traveler. This 16th-century stepwell is a true testament to Jaipur's rich history and culture and is a great place to explore and learn about the city's past.
The stepwell is a unique architectural structure and is considered one of the region's most beautiful and well-preserved step wells. The stepwell is a multi-story structure, with each level featuring wonderful zigzag designs, which are a true testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the builders of that era.
Panna Meena Ka Kund is known not only for its architectural significance but also for its historical significance. The stepwell was built during the rule of the Rajput king Raja Sawai Jai Singh II. The stepwell was built as a functional structure to provide water to the local population during the hot summer months.
You can take a leisurely stroll around the stepwell and enjoy the architecture. Panna Meena Ka Kund is also a great place for photography enthusiasts, as the stepwell offers a great opportunity to capture some beautiful shots. This place is also an ideal spot for history buffs, as it will give you a glimpse into Jaipur's rich history and culture.
Panna Meena Ka Kund is a must-see destination for its architectural significance and intricate carvings. You can take a leisurely stroll around the stepwell, take some beautiful shots or learn about Jaipur's rich history and culture. So, don't miss this chance to explore this hidden gem of Jaipur when you're planning your trip to this beautiful city.
After a day full of visiting all the amazing tourist sights, what's better than ending it with some city shopping? When it comes to shopping, Jaipur is a paradise! From fabrics, jewelry, sandals, Rajasthani costumes, bags, and so much more.
If you're looking for a good place to purchase souvenirs, you should check out Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, and Kishanpole Bazaar. These are some of the most famous and high-quality shopping places in Jaipur. Here, you'll find various products to choose from and can take back a piece of Jaipur with you.