Top 5 Heritage Palaces to Visit in Jaipur, India’s Pink City

Palaces to visit in Jaipur are on every traveller’s itinerary. Every visitor who travels to the pink city for the first time wishes to visit its grand forts and palaces. While many of these forts and palaces are open to the public, many others have been converted into five-star luxury hotels.

The forts and palaces of Jaipur are the most striking features of the city. A mix of Rajput, Mughal and European styles of architecture, these are masterpieces in their own right. A visit to these palaces and forts gives you a taste of the royal Rajasthan.

Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City, is the capital of the north Indian state of Rajasthan. It is one of the liveliest and most colourful cities in India. Well known for its vivid culture, forts, lakes and palaces, the pink city takes pleasure in showcasing a prosperous, affluent and eventful past in front of the world. In my current blog, I will be telling you about the top 5 forts and palaces to visit in Jaipur, on your very first trip.

The famour Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. The forts and palaces of Jaipur stand witness to the state’s eventful past. The brilliant artwork, grand architecture and glorious history of these epoch-making monuments is bound to leave an onlooker mesmerized.

Forts & Palaces to Visit in Jaipur: An Overview

There are a number of palaces in Jaipur. However, as a traveller, you can’t visit all of them. As I pointed out earlier, some of the historic forts and palaces have been converted into luxury hotels. You can visit these only if you have a reservation. Rambaug Palace is one such historic palace.

Here are the top 5 heritage forts & palaces to visit in Jaipur:

Jaipur is the epitome of royalty. If you get the chance, do stay a night in one of the palaces-turned-hotels. Although they’re quite expensive, it’s absolutely worth the experience. You’ll get treated like a king, and will not be able to get over your stay.

Amer Fort: The Grand Palace

This is one of the most important palaces to visit in Jaipur. Built-in red and white stone, Amer or Amber Fort stands tall on a naturally formed ridge (Cheel ka Teela) on the outskirts of Jaipur. It is an architectural marvel and is a blend of both Rajput and Mughal styles of ornamentation.

The fort was built by Raja Man Singh I who happened to be one of the Navratnas of Emperor Akbar.  There is a small lake (Maota lake) on the front side of Amer Fort that adds to its beauty. It also soothes the eye amidst the dry weather of Pink City.

For me personally, Sheesh Mahal was the highlight of the entire visit. The mirror work is beyond exquisite.

The fort can be explored fully and one can even hire a guide to unravel the place well. Audio Guides are also available, although they are not very good.

I would request you to refrain from taking an elephant ride up to the fort. There have been serious concerns over the treatment of these animals.

You can either walk up (about 15 mins) to the fort or get into one of the jeeps or cars that are easily available near the base of the fort.

Amer palace, along with Jaigarh Fort, is located above the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the Aravalli Hills. The Palace is located at a distance of about 10 kilometres from Jaipur city. It attracts tourists in large numbers, and that’s for a reason!

Jaigarh Fort – The Palace with Military History

If you google Jaigarh fort to Amer fort distance, you will be shown around 7 km. However, both these palaces are connected through a tunnel. You can easily walk up to the Jaigarh fort from Amer Fort.

It took us about half an hour to reach Jaigarh fort from Amer Fort.

Jaigarh Fort was used as an important military establishment. It was primarily built to protect the Amer Fort. It acted as a cannon foundry during the time of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

Another interesting feature our guide told us was about the water harvesting system. The palace has an elaborate system for monsoon water collection, filtration and utilization.

The fort provides a splendid view of the entire Jaipur City along with Amer Fort.

If you happen to be here around evening, make sure you watch the sunset from here. It is absolutely breathtaking. Not many people visit this place, and therefore, you have ample space and time to click some marvellous pictures.

Overlooking the Amer Fort and the Maota Lake, Jaigarh Fort is built about 400 m above the Amer Fort and is highly fortified with thick walls of red sandstone. It will appeal to you if you are interested in defence and architecture. Jaigarh fort features a cannon named “Jaivana”, which was manufactured in the fort premises. It was then the world’s largest cannon on wheels.

Jal Mahal: The Water Palace

Jal Mahal, the water palace, was also constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. It is situated in the heart of Man Sagar Lake in the Pink City. Jal Mahal is one of the most talked-about palaces to visit in Jaipur.

The purpose of building this beautiful palace was solely recreational. Later on, during the 18th century, Maharaja Jai Singh II got the palace and the lake refurbished.

Though the palace is now deserted, it is practically well preserved. The first four floors of the monument are underwater. Visitors can see only the top floor that remains outside.

The palace along with the calm and serene lake makes for a wonderful leisure spot in the evenings. It looks particularly mesmerizing during the monsoons when the red sandstone work appears clean and sparkling new.

Visitors are not allowed to enter the Palace, and you have to enjoy the view from the promenade.

You can visit the lake on your way to or from Amer Fort.

You can enjoy the cool breeze and click pictures in front of the palace. Professional photographers are also available nearby, who will click your pictures and provide you with hard copies before you leave the place.

Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to enter the Jal Mahal. However, the lakeside promenade near the Jal Mahal is an interesting place to hang out. Spend some time photographing the wonder, indulge in some street shopping, or just be.

City Palace: An Historical Marvel

City Palace is located in the centre of the pink city, just next to Hawa Mahal. A splendid architectural blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles, it covers nearly 15 per cent of Jaipur’s area.

The palace was originally built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh between 1729 and 1732, but many features were added to the monument by the subsequent kings.

All successive rulers went on to make their contributions to the existing edifice. Some filled the palace with scientific and artistic assets, while others paid attention to public works.

Hawa Mahal Palace and Jantar Mantar are situated within a walking distance of the City Palace.

The palace has a museum open to visitors. During summer vacations, students and the general public can enrol themselves in various courses such as music, dance, and art offered by volunteers.

There is a market within the palace where one can find the most beautiful bed sheets, quilts, kurtis and souvenirs. However, the prices offered here are a little higher than the other markets in the city.

You can also witness the spectacular Sculpture Lumiere show in the evening. This light and sound show narrates the regal history of Jaipur. The cost of the show is 250 INR for Indian Nationals and 500 INR for foreigners.

The City Palace is as old as the city of Jaipur. The palace complex has several structures, courtyards, galleries, and restaurants. You need different tickets to access different parts. Also, when here, do visit Chandra Mahal. It lies in the City Palace complex. It has seven floors, of which the first two floors comprise the Sukh Niwas. I must say, it’s absolutely breathtaking!

Nahargarh Fort – The Palace with the Best Views

This is a must-include in your list of best forts and palaces to visit in Jaipur. The fort is located at a distance of about 6 km from the centre of Jaipur city.

In ancient times, Nahargarh Fort along with Jaigarh Fort and Amer Fort formed a strong defence ring around the city of Jaipur. There are a wax museum and Sheesh Mahal inside the fort premises.

The fort provides the most stunning views of Jaipur city. Sunsets, in particular, are mesmerising.

There are a number of eating outlets and restaurants here in case you want to grab a bite.

You will love this place if you are a passionate photographer. The views from here are unmatched.

Nahargarh Fort overlooks the city of Jaipur and offers excellent views. Sunrises and sunsets are the best time to visit. There is also a restaurant and a food court at the top of the fort. Is there anything better than good food with good views?

Palaces to Visit in Jaipur: A General Overview of the Pink City

Now that we have been through the best forts and palaces to visit in Jaipur, here are a few other things that you must know before visiting the pink city:

This is a picture of the delicious kachori chaat as can be found on the streets of Jaipur. A popular snack in Rajasthan, the potato-filled kachoris are served with curd, chutneys, and masalas, thus making for the perfect mix of flavours! Do try it once.

FAQs on Palaces to Visit in Jaipur

Travellers visiting Jaipur for the first time may have a few questions. I have tried to answer a few of these below. However, if you have any other questions, feel free to drop them in the comment section. I will try to answer them as soon as possible.

Pink City Jaipur is the most royal and colourful evidence of India’s cultural heritage, and a visit to all the gorgeous pieces of intricate architecture is bound to fill your heart with joy. There are so many palaces to visit in Jaipur, that I had to leave out some in my itinerary. I’m certainly going to be back to explore the remaining sites of royalty soon.

Happy Wayfaring