Wander in India: Jaipur
To this day, Jaipur remains my favourite city in North India, perhaps because wandering its streets offers an authentic glimpse into a culture less diluted than that of the bustling metropolis of Delhi or the tourist-driven Agra.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★★
Outside Amer Fort, a man in traditional attire captivates passersby with his music.
JAIPUR, India — If there’s one place that truly inspired me on my first trip to India, it was Jaipur.
It was in Jaipur that I received my first kavala thread from a Hindu priest — a simple string I still wear on my wrist to offer me protection. It was here that I first tasted pann, a delightful treat of betel leaf filled with chopped betel nuts and an assortment of flavourful ingredients. It was here that I saw an elephant, its skin adorned with colourful designs, plodding past me. And it was here that I bought my first piece of minakari kundan jewellery, crafted by a local family of jewellers with royal patronage dating back to the 16th century.
Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and a popular stop for both Indian and international tourists, especially those following the Golden Triangle itinerary. The city’s famous pink hue dates back to 1876 when Maharaja Ram Singh (reigned 1835-1880), in anticipation of Queen Victoria’s visit, painted much of the city in warm pink tones — a gesture symbolising hospitality. But rather than the typical pink, Jaipur’s hue is closer to a soft salmon pink.
Having spent a few weeks in North India, Jaipur remains my favourite city in the region, perhaps because wandering its streets offers an authentic glimpse into a culture less diluted than that of the bustling metropolis of Delhi or the tourist-driven Agra. With that in mind, let me walk you through my top spots in the Pink City, starting from the heart of its historic centre and venturing out to its surroundings areas.
The Diwan-I-Khas, or Hall of Public Audiences, in the City Palace is a pillared hall that reflects Mughal design influences.
The City Palace: Rajput’s Royal Splendour
The Rajput families, celebrated for their valour and regal heritage, have profoundly shaped the cultural and architectural landscape of Rajasthan. Their influence is particularly evident in the City Palace of Jaipur, where a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles is infused into every courtyard, archway, pavilion, and building. Its delicate jharokha windows, intricately carved facades, and opulently decorated rooms reflect a time when art and royalty embrace one another.
Jaipur’s City Place is a labyrinth of wonder for explorers, brimming with treasures for you to discover. Inside, the museum boasts a rich collection, including the Textile Gallery in the Mubarak Mahal, which features a stunning array of royal costumes and Kashmiri pashmina.
My visit coincided with a large crowd at the palace, likely due to its central location. I was particularly fascinated by a pair of monumental silver urns displayed in the Diwan-I-Khas. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest silver objects in the world, these 5-foot-high vessels were used to hold water retrieved from the Ganga River for Maharaja Sadho Singh II (reigned 1880-1922) to bathe in.
Unlike most visitors drawn to the architectural marvel of the palace, the highlight of my visit proved to be the 36 Karkhanas — a haven for arts and crafts enthusiasts that offers authentic Rajasthani art and handicrafts at reasonable prices. I learned that the concept of 36 Karkhanas, or “industries,” originated during the Sultanate period (1206–1526), when the state supported artisans of various crafts and trades. Sawai Jai Singh (reigned 1699-1727) and his successors continued this tradition. Inside the craft hall, you’ll find intricate miniature paintings, traditional clothing, handcrafted Rajasthani jewellery, colourful textiles, and a wide selection of decorative arts. It was here where I purchased my minakari kundan necklace.
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical marvel nestled in the heart of Jaipur.
Jantar Mantar: A Love for Skies and Beyond
Right beside Jaipur’s City Palace, Jantar Mantar stands as a testament to the fusion of scientific curiosity and architectural ingenuity.
As India’s most significant observatory, Jantar Mantar was envisioned by Sawai Jai Singh II, the 29th Kachwaha Rajput ruler of the Kingdom of Amber, who also founded Jaipur and made it his capital. His remarkable foresight extended beyond politics into the realm of astronomy, leading to the creation of this extraordinary observatory.
Though I’ve always been intrigued by the cosmos, I wouldn’t call myself an astronomy enthusiast. Yet, my visit to Jantar Mantar sparked an unexpected fascination with the science of the stars. Exploring the various instruments in the observatory felt like navigating an amusement park of celestial wonders, each offering a unique view of the universe.
I marveled at how these man-made structures could capture distant celestial bodies, and was amazed to discover that the sundials still tell time with remarkable accuracy today.
Curious to learn more about this astronomical playground? Check out my article, Under Jaipur Skies: Jantar Mantar.
Hawa Mahal’s architectural design showcases a symmetry and geometric precision reminiscent of the patterns found only in nature.
Hawa Mahal: Palace of the Winds
Strolling through downtown Jaipur, it’s impossible to miss the magnificent Hawa Mahal. Its architectural design took me by surprise — lace-like white lines trace rounded arches, squared frames, pointed cupolas, and honeycombed lattice windows, creating a striking visual effect that’s unlike anything else in the city.
The bold, graphic lines on the facade enhance both depth and volume while, simultaneously, giving the building a flat, almost two-dimensional quality. Curiously, this intricate facade is actually the back of the palace.
Built on the edge of Jaipur’s City Palace, Hawa Mahal was commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as a place for royal ladies to observe the city below without being seen. The five-story palace boasts nearly a thousand small windows, or jharokhas. This repetition, though man-made, evokes a symmetry and geometric precision often found in nature. The unique shape of this architecture is also said to resemble the crown of Lord Krishna.
As I marveled at its mesmerising design, I couldn’t help but imagine myself as a Rajput royal lady, peering through one of its windows, quietly watching the world unfold below. I wondered what the view must have been like in those days.
For the best view of Hawa Mahal, I recommend heading to The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge, where you can grab a rooftop table, savour Rajasthani cuisine, and enjoy the breathtaking sight up close.
A stunning view of the Shri Galta Peeth Temple within the Galtaji complex in Jaipur.
Galtaji: A Pilgrimage for the Soul
About a half-hour drive from Jaipur's city centre lies Galtaji, an ancient pilgrimage site that might just lead you to what you’ve been seeking your whole life — if you’re a seeker.
Tucked between two hills, Galtaji exudes a peaceful, otherworldly aura. This sacred site, one of the most significant in Hinduism, is believed to have named after Rishi Galav, a sage who performed penance here for an astonishing 60,000 years. According to legend, the gods, pleased with his devotion, blessed the area with an eternal source of holy water. The sacred water flows naturally from the hilltop, cascading into the kunds — or water thanks — where pilgrims cleanse themselves in a ritual of reverence.
The image of the Lower Galta Kund draws countless visitors from across India and beyond, myself included. But Galtaji holds far more than just this captivating sight. Having learned the story behind this place, it’s no wonder what began as a tourist visit for me quickly turned into a spiritual journey.
To learn more about my pilgrimage to Galtaji, check out my article Wander in India: Galtaji.
A view of Amer Fort across the Maotha Lake evokes a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
A stunning view of Amer Fort in Jaipur.
Amer Fort
Perched on the rugged hills overlooking Jaipur, Amer Fort — sometimes called Amber Fort — offers another glimpse into the city’s royal past.
Constructed in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh I (reigned 1589-1614), Amer Fort was the primary residence of the Kachwaha Rajputs before Jaipur became the capital. More than just a military stronghold, Amer Fort symbolised the grandeur and strategic brilliance of the Kachwaha dynasty. From the dazzling mirrored halls of the Sheesh Mahal to the tranquil beauty of the Sukh Niwas, every corner of this fortified palace whispers a tale distinct from that of the City Palace.
As you walk through Amer Fort’s grand gates, you’re welcomed into a world of regal splendour — courtyards once alive with the footsteps of the soldiers, intricate frescoes vibrant with colours, and serene gardens that evoke a time of courtly leisure. Its architecture marries Rajput and Mughal styles, creating not only a stunning visual symphony but also adding depth to Jaipur’s historical past.
In India, elephants share the road with cars.