Jaipur

Perched atop a hill and overlooking the Maota Lake, the red sandstone fort is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcases a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture.

An iconic landmark of the city, the honeycomb-shaped palace features beautiful jharokhas and windows. This five-storey building has been built without a foundation and is known for its exceptional ventilation, which is also the reason behind its name, Hawa Mahal, which literally translates to ‘Palace of the Winds’. The palace was mainly constructed to enable the ladies of the royal family to see the busy streets from the palace jharokhas.

Perched atop a ridge in the Aravalli Hills, Nahargarh Fort serves as a striking northern backdrop to the Jaipur city. Nahargarh, which means the abode of tigers, provided a formidable defence against the enemies in the olden days. Today, the palace remains a popular spot for local picnics and a major tourist attraction. The palace features 12 identical boudoirs for the queens and a suite for the king, all connected by corridors and adorned with intricate murals. The fort looks splendid especially when illuminated at night and offers dazzling view of the city lights below.

A stunning blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the palace is a magnificent landmark of the city. It continues to be the home of the last ruling royal family who stay in a private section of the palace. The Palace is a famous tourist attraction and features well-manicured lawns, magnificent halls and rich interiors. The City Palace Complex also houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum showcasing a rich collection of royal costumes, delicate shawls, silk saris, and other dresses. Additionally, the Maharani's Palace in the complex, displays fascinating Rajput weaponry, some even dating back to the 15th century.

Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur, Birla Mandir, or Laxmi Narayan Temple, is a breathtaking architectural wonder. Crafted from pure white marble, this tranquil temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Just a short distance away, the Moti Dungri Temple, sits atop a small hill, offering lovely views of the city and is known for its unique three-domed architecture.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar is one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world, drawing historians, astronomers, architects, mathematicians and experts from around the world. It is especially known for its stone sundial, which is the world’s largest. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, features a collection of 19 astronomical instruments that enable astronomical observations with the naked eye. This astronomical observatory is maintained as a monument today and one can take guided tours here.

Meaning ‘Water Palace’, this captivating marvel overlooking the Nahargarh Hills is located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, and was constructed as a hunting lodge for the king.