Top 7 Historical Places in Jaipur

Jaipur has had an impressive history. The monuments of Jaipur stand testimony to hardships, valor, and respect for one’s honor and several stories so out-of-world they give goosebumps. The stories of black magic wiping off entire villages in rivalry and then ruins to stand testimony to that. The sights are spookier than the stories in some cases. Well, then there are also better-known forts and palaces that ooze the element of luxury. In all, Jaipur is a roller coaster ride worth taking. Hop on people! Here are 7 historical places in Jaipur.
 

1. Hawa Mahal – The crowned palace

Hawa Mahal is definitely one of the top historical places in Jaipur. Conveniently standing since 1799, on the busy Badi Chaupar area in Pink City of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is a massive building with 953 windows to get face-to-face with the outside world. These were the eyes of then Queens and her associates to check on the world on the other side. The honeycomb-shaped and beautifully carved windows were carefully made to allow the breeze to enter and keep the palace cool through the summers. It relates to the city palace through a passageway. Hawa Mahal looks alluring in glistening sunlight of dawn. It is the best time to photograph the beauty amidst the calm and no crowd.
 
  Timings: Open all 7 days from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

  Entrance Fee: Rs. 50 per person for Indians, Rs. 200 per person for Foreign Tourists

 

2. City Palace – The luxurious royal address

The palace bound within the beautiful walls has seen centuries of enlargements and adaptations to stand at what it is today – a piece of luxury and calm together. The complex has beautiful gardens, temples, courtyards, special structures, and buildings built in a careful blend of Rajasthani, European, and Mughal architecture. The seven-storied fortress has intricate carvings, embellished ceilings, mirrored walls, murals, and floral designs picking the best from each architectural pattern.
 
As one of the top historical places in Jaipur to visit, the major part of the palace is open for public viewership. Chandra Mahal is the part retained by the royal family and is a strictly private area. Amidst lush greenery is the Govind Dev Ji Temple. The temple is most admired after the Vrindavan temple. The mangal aarti in the morning to wake up the lord attracts around 5,000 people daily. The puppet show inside the place is based on theme Rajasthan and talks of its history, myths, and legends.
 
  Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

  Entry fee: Indians 130 Rs. Foreigners 500 Rs.

 

3. Jantar Mantar – The wonder observatory of India

Jantar Mantar is a standing proof of the profoundness of scientific knowledge of ancient Indians. One of the groups of five astronomical observatories in India, this is the largest and a working wonder, surely one of the best historical places in Jaipur. Built in the year 1727, it has not stopped wondering the viewers to date. It is visited by historians, mathematicians, astronomers, physicians, photographers, students, and almost all cadres.
 
  Timings: 9:30 am and 4:30 pm

  Entry fee: Indians: Rs. 50 per person, Foreign tourists: Rs. 200 per person. Additional Rs. 50 for Cameras

4. Amer Fort – The Royal residence

The royal residence at one time, the fort has seen changing times for centuries. Situated within the lush green lap of Aravalli mountains, Amber fort contains many historical attractions like Sheesh Mahal, Jal Mandir, Diwan-e'-aam, and Dewan-e’-Khas that reflect the imperial life. Its stunning beauty coupled with the surrounding beauty compels its visitors to return.
 
  Timings: 9 AM - 4:30 PM

  Entrance Fee: In INR

•    25 per person – Indians

•    550 per person - Foreign Tourists

•    200 per person - Light Show in English

•    100 per person - Light Show in English

•    1100 per couple - Elephant Ride

 

5. Jal Mahal – A Palace in the Middle of a Lake

Man Sagar Lake is a beautiful lake in Jaipur city, another top historical place in Jaipur you cannot miss. Sitting right in the middle of the charming lake is Jal Mahal. Envisioned by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amer in the 18th century, the lake and the palace were enlarged and renovated to fit in the frame. Amidst the panoramic views, the water mahal looks as if serenely meditating on calm waters away from the bustling life outside.
 
The palace looks like it is floating on the water. It was once a lodge for the Maharaja that he used to take rest during his duck-hunting expeditions. The low-rise palace is made up of light sandstone that presents a great contrast to the waters. What makes it extra special is the romantic couples’ ride on the rustic wooden boats while the sun lazily sets into oblivion. Bird watching is another activity that people love inn engaging here.
 
In the evening, the place converts into the tastefully lit palace, reflecting colorful lights on the waters, turning it into living magic. The palace now houses a lux heritage hotel and restaurant. Rajasthani food served is authentic and simply mouth-watering. The palace has secret floors to it. 5 stories in total, out of which only the terrace garden and top floor are visible and accessible. The rest of the stories lie submerged beneath the waters.
 
  Timings: 11 AM-10:30 PM

  Entry fee: INR 50 Indians, INR 200 foreigners

 

6. Galta Ji (Monkey Temple) – The wonders of yesteryears

Galta Ji is one of the top historical places in Jaipur, a large complex of Hindu temples with Hindu deities Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Hanuman’s temple residing in majestic Aravalli Hills, grasslands, and temperate deciduous forests. The temple complex was constructed by Dewan Rao Kripararam, who was an attendant of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. There are seven ‘kunds’ or natural springs that are blessed to never go dry. As the legend goes an enlightened sage ‘Rishi Galav” performed reparation for long 100 years. His endurance earned him blessings for the abundance of water in the kunds. Galta Kund is considered the largest and the most sacred, from which the temple got its name. People come here to bathe their sins away.
 
The temple has a large monkey population, who are very famous and a special documentary was created by National Geography on them. The temple thus is also named Monkey Temple.
 
  Timings: All days, 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  Entry Fee: free, INR 50 for camera

7. Jaigarh Fort –World’s Largest Cannon on Wheels

This fort has seen public apathy like no one else. Usually, visitors come here, see the worlds’ largest cannon and go back. The fort has much more than that, and don’t miss them in the top historical place in Jaipur. The Amer fort and Maotha Lake are within sight from the Jaigarh Fort that is situated on a cape interestingly named Cheel Ka Teela within the Aravalli range. This is yet another thoughtful project of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, and was named after him. It was intended to protect Amer Fort and its palaces during war times or calamities.

The fort management has nicely preserved everything and gardens are very well maintained. The drive to Jaigarh fort is a beautiful one full of beautiful mountains and other natural and man-made spots. Views of Amber fort from the other side of the fort and that of the city, are stunning. Most importantly, it is host to Jaivana – the world’s largest cannon. Sadly it has been inscribed on by people, still it hasn’t lost its charm. The dark-room structures which are the bhool bhulaiyya or the live maze puzzle are mind benders and fun. Photographers can go on for hours in click-click mode.  

  Timings: 9 AM-4 PM

  Entry fee: INR 15 Indians, INR 100 foreigners

And here’s a bonus tip:

Bhangarh Fort

This place is about the spooky tales from yesteryears involving black magicians, clans, rivalries, and haunted places. The fort lies in the Alwar District of Rajasthan and is one of the most haunted places in Northern India. The fort was built by Man Singh, one of the Navratans from Akbar’s court, in the 17th century. It was built for his grandson Madho Singh I. This historically significant site has Havelis, Royal Palaces, Temples, and other special structures. The Fort turns into an evening street shopping location. The fort is located 86 kilometers (53 miles) from Jaipur.
 
  Timings: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
  Entry fee: Indians 25 INR, Foreigners 200 INR