Jaipur
Patrika Gate
Patrika Gate is one of the most instagramable places in Jaipur. Located very close to the airport at the entrance of Jawahar Circle Garden you can visit this on your way to catch the flight or once you have arrived in Jaipur. It is advisable to visit it in the early hours of the morning as it will be less crowded . There is no entry fee. It shows the vibrant colors and intricate paintings of Rajasthani culture.
Hawa Mahal
The “Palace of Winds” is an architectural marvel with it pink sandstone and intricate latticework . It has 953 windows designed to allow the inner court ladies to watch the streets unobserved. It is located on the bustling street of the Jaipur City palace with many shops around it. The best way to see the area will be walking as there is too much traffic. Also you can get a very good view from the cafes located opposite to Hawa Mahal (link given below). Visit this place at sundowner as well as the lights are switched on and it looks amazing .
Jal Mahal
This is almost a “sunk” palace in the middle of the Man Sagar lake that you get to see on the way to the great Amer Fort. This can be a short stopover. One is not allowed to go near the palace as in there are no ferry services or tours that take you there so enjoy the views from the lakeside. There is a market right there where you can shop. We managed to purchase some bangles.
Amer Fort
Amber Fort or Amer Fort is located 11 km away from the Jaipur city. It is famous for Sheesh Mahal , Sukh Mahal & Diwan-i-Aam. The yellow and pink sandstone fort is a ten minute uphill walk from the entrance. You can also get an elephant ride or golf cart up to the entrance gate. There is also a light and sound show in the evening which is worth watching. This is probably on the top of the list of places to see in Jaipur and its an all-day affair.
Albert Hall Museum
City Palace
City Palace is the Royal residence of the existing rulers of Jaipur and one of the main tourist attraction of Jaipur. It is a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture. It is made of red and pink sandstone with its antique artwork .The beautiful doors of the Pritam Niwas Chowk are the most instagramable . Though a bit pricy at ₹3000 you can take the private tour which will give you the glimpse of the famous blue rooms (Chandra Mahal) of Jaipur.
Jantar Mantar
As you come out of the City Palace right opposite is the Jantar Mantar, the observatory built by Sawai Man Singh, the founder of Jaipur city. The place is a testament of architectural brilliance. It hosts an array of instruments which indicate various information solely based on the position of the sun. Like the time of the day and the present Zodiac sign. It is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Where to Eat
Tapri – The Tea House
This one is around a half a km walk from the Patrika Gate. This is ideal for some breakfast, which is what we did after visiting the Patrika Gate early in the morning. As the name suggests, ideal place to have a morning tea.
The Stag
This is a cafe right opposite the Amer Fort. The perfect place to have a meal with the gorgeous fort in the backdrop. We had a meal here before going on our fort visit.
1135 AD – Amer Fort
This is a top class restaurant within the fort premises. A great place to have a meal and some drinks and park your tired limbs after a complete tour of the fort.
The Tattoo Cafe
This is right opposite the Hawa Mahal providing a great view of the same. The perfect place to be, if one wants some great pictures with Hawa Mahal in the background
Steam – Rambag Palace Hotel
This one is purely for its theme. Inside the Taj Rambag Palace Hotel, this is a railways themed restaurant. The restaurant uses the actual steam locomotive rake that used to run between Burdwan (Barddhaman now) and Katwa many years ago.
