The primary attraction of the old city of Jaipur is its City Palace, the nearby Jantar Mantar, and the much-photographed Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind). Located in an extensive land, the City Palace houses not only the Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khas and the Mubarak Mahal, but the royal family too! Walk through the Palace Museum here and take a look at the several timeless photographs of royalty.
*Entry fee (inclusive of entry to Jaigarh Fort):
Indians Rs. 35
Foreigners Rs. 180
Timings: 9.30 am to 4.45 pm.
A fine example of the genius of Sawai Jai Singh is the observatory called Jantar Mantar, which would probably give you the impression of a sci-fi set! Whether or not you understand how the instruments work, the sculptural shapes of the 18 stone and marble objects and the monumental size of many are definitely worth the trip.
Built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, Hawa Mahal is a five-story fascia of 953 latticed-stone screened windows, behind which the ladies of the palace could view the city without being observed. You can walk along the corridors that line the windows, which are mostly one room thick, but the building's principal attraction is the facade, which can be viewed from street level. Boasting of the coolest breezes in town, visit it to watch the Museum within, which houses some of the oldest artifacts in town.
Also located within the city complex is the Govindji Temple, the most famous in the city and dedicated to Lord Krishna. The Krishna image within was brought here from Brindavan in the late 17th century and devotees are only allowed a brief glimpse of it seven times a day.
*Timings: Daily 5 am to 11 am; 6 pm to 8 pm
If the populous nature of Jaipur gets to be too much, take a trip to Amber (pronounced Amer) Fort, which can be covered in a few hours. Do remember, however, that even here the crush of people can be exhausting, particularly over weekends so try to get here as soon as it opens. You may opt for an elephant ride, a jeep ride or simply walk. Walk up the steps to the palace and watch the imposing views of the surrounding mountains and palace areas. Enter the palace through the vibrant and colourful Ganesh Pol, check out the Sheesh Mahal and time permitting, don't miss the zenana (changing room).
*Entry fee: Indians Rs 10, foreigners Rs. 50
Timings: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.
A few kilometers south of Amber Fort are the Jaigarh and Nahargarh forts, whose high walls snake high above Amber. Providing a panoramic view across the city, it has within it a number of buildings, gardens, and reservoirs as well as the world's largest cannon on wheels and the only surviving medieval cannon foundry.
*Jaigarh entry fee: Indians Rs 15, foreigners Rs 20.
Timings: 9 am to 4.30 pm.
*Nahargarh entry fee Rs 10. Timings: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Located between Jaipur and Amber is the Jal Mahal, which, as the name goes, is a palace on the Man Sagar Lake. To the south of the lake, there are some mountains and gardens, all beautiful examples of the Rajput architectural style.
Towards the eastern side of the city is the Sisodia Rani Gardens, comprising terraced gardens with painted porches, the largest being Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, built by Jai Singh II for his Sisodia queen. Behind the gardens a flight of stairs leads to a temple dedicated to Hanuman, the monkey god - hundreds of monkeys descend here at 4pm when the priests feed them. A little farther along the Agra road is Galta, a gorge filled with sacred kunds (natural pools or reservoirs), all fed by pure spring water that falls from a rock resembling a carved cow's mouth, and surrounded by temples.
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