The Ultimate Jaipur Itinerary

Hawa Mahal, translating to the "Palace of Winds," earned its name from a captivating feature that goes beyond its regal facade. Constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this architectural gem was designed with 953 intricately carved windows, allowing the cool breeze to flow through the structure.

The purpose was both practical and aesthetic, as these windows were crafted to enable the royal ladies to observe street festivities and daily life without being seen!

It is very unusual for a building to be not known for its front, but its back.... oh yes what you see from the street is essentially the rear of the building.

To witness its golden glow, sunrise is the ideal time, although the palace itself opens from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The interior is very simple, there are no stairs inside the Hawa Mahal. This is quite fascinating because the palace is 15 mt high.

PHOTO TIP: If you want to see the Palace of the Winds from a higher perspective, I recommend having a chai at Tatoo Café and Lounge. It has two terraces where you can take beautiful photos! 

Jantal Mantar will be at your right, as soon as you exit the City Palace. It's not just an observatory, it's among the biggest globally, earning a spot on UNESCO's list. As you wander through, it feels like strolling in a metaphysical painting by De Chirico.You'll discover 19 ancient instruments that once helped people decode the secrets of the stars.

The monument was completed in 1734 and helped royal astonomers to predict zodiac months, indicate sun signs, observe the night sky for lunar calendars and horoscopes, and function as a clock for telling time based on the solar calendar.

Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur is famous for its many stories, especially the spooky ones about ghosts. It was built in 1734 by King Sawai Jai Singh II to keep his capital safe from attacks. Legend has it that a ghost, Nahar Singh Bhomia, was causing trouble during its construction, so they named the fort after him to calm things down

TOP VIEW POINTS You can get awesome views from the Madhvendra Bhawan terrace, or Padao Restaurant, or catch a beautiful sunset at Sunset Point

Mohan Mahal, a restaurant in the Leela Palace, draws inspiration from Sheesh Mahal at Amer Fort. Crafted over three years by the same artisans, it features 350 thousand pieces of cut glass, creating a captivating ambiance...dining by candle light only! I'm not a big fan of Indian cuisine because I don't enjoy spices, but the setting was fantastic. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the 4 course menu as much as the location! The menu is 50$ for non-vegeterian option VAT included.

Panna Meena ka Kund is a cool spot in Jaipur and it's just a quick 10-minute drive from Amer Fort, but most tourists miss it.

If you love taking pictures, you should definitely check out this place in Jaipur.

Constructed with a distinctive zigzag pattern of stairs leading down to a water basin, the stepwell served as a communal gathering place for locals to fetch water. The intricate design not only added beauty to the structure but also facilitated ease of access to the water at different levels.

Historically, stepwells were crucial in arid regions like Rajasthan for water conservation and storage. They were not only utilitarian but also played a social role, providing a cool retreat during hot seasons and serving as a space for community interaction.

Local guards are there to make sure everyone follows the rules. Just a heads up, though, you can't go down the stairs anymore. They changed this rule recently to keep the place safe

Jal Mahal, the Water Palace, is a mesmerizing architectural gem in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur. This five-story structure showcases a perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal styles and was built as a pleasure palace for the royal family.

Now four out of the five stories of Jal Mahal remain submerged underwater, therefore the entry inside the Water Palace is restricted. Jal Mahal can be appreciated from the banks of the lake: there are walkways and viewpoints that provide stunning views of the palace against the backdrop of the lake.

The fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Amer Fort below. With its strategic location Jaigarh Fort played a crucial role in defending the region during historical conflicts. We strolled around but there's not much to see, just enjoy the views and see the world's largest cannon on wheels. 

On the way back to Jaipur city centre, we stopped at Galta Ji Temple, nestled on the picturesque Aravalli Hills.

The temple complex is surrounded by striking natural landscapes, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. As the nickname suggests, the temple is home to a large population of monkeys. These animal are considered sacred, and visitors can observe them playfully interacting in and around the temple.

Unfortunately, the temple itself wasn't well-maintained, with litter and garbage scattered around, and the smell of numerous cows and monkeys. Nevertheless, the atmosphere is uniquely captivating, and I personally enjoyed the abandoned vibe and the scenic setting of the temple on the rock. Despite not being as well-known among tourists, this is an hidden gem and I highly recommend a visit.

The complex is renowned for its seven sacred "kunds" or water tanks, fed by natural springs. Pilgrims believe that bathing in these kunds during the annual festival of Makar Sankranti absolves them of their sins. 

Begin your temple complex exploration by visiting the various shrines, including the Galta Ji Temple, Sun Temple, and Monkey Temple. Take a leisurely break to embrace the tranquil atmosphere. Find a shaded spot to relax and appreciate the scenic views of the surrounding hills.

The higher you climb, the more peaceful the atmosphere  becomes. 

Caution with Monkeys: While the monkeys are a charming aspect of the temple, it's essential to be cautious and not feed them. Respectful Attire: As with many Hindu temples, it's advisable to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees.

When I spotted Caffé Palladio Jaipur on Conde Nast Traveller, I was like, "Whoa, we gotta check this out!" 

Elegantly arranged outdoors, adorned with glowing candles, and boasting an exquisite interior featuring a blue color theme, with its tented ceilings and custom-printed floral banquettes, it transports you to the splendor of the Mogul era.