Jaipur is not just the capital of Rajasthan. It is the heart of Rajasthan. Connected via well-maintained national and state highways, Jaipur boasts of an airport that connects it within India and nine other international destinations. Being closer to the national capital, the city has been quick to adapt trends from all across the country.
Given its accessibility, it was only natural that our Rajasthan trip had to start from Jaipur. We were on a road trip for 7 days in Rajasthan and the capital city became our nodal point.
The day we reached Jaipur, we had around half a day with us to explore the city. We had to be smart about our choices and also call it day on time for the safari at Ranthambore the next day. Jaipur was going to be a point we knew we would be back to visit during the coming days.
Jaipur Hotel booking online through Cleartrip.com is easy and a great way to manage time. You can spend half a day in the city by visiting the famous Amer Fort. Not because this fort is a major tourist attraction, but that a visit to this fort will take you back in time. To times when forts were built over centuries by generations.
Also known as the Amber fort, Amer Fort is located on a hill which is part of the Aravalli range. It was used as a living palace for the royal family and boasts of many architectural marvels. The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) within the fort has convex mirrors placed all around. In the olden days if one candle was lit, the entire place would twinkle with the reflections of that little flame. A simple scientific logic that the guide also demonstrated to us.
Did I mention always go with an expert to explore and learn about a place? We hired a guide at Amer and it was good to know so many interesting facts about the fort.
The other architectural marvel within the Amer Fort is called the Sukh Niwas (Pleasure Residence). In those days, the engineers and planners constructed a palace that would remain cold in the desert region. Constructed on a high platform with good cross ventilation, small outlets of water streams in the hallways that would naturally cool the air down and windows on hexagonal walls that gave a sense of calm to this section of the palace.
We spent over three hours at the fort and watched the Sun go down.
A group of students were on an educational tour, some artists were playing a traditional instrument and many like us were absorbing the charm of Amer fort. It was a typical day for some but not for us.
The good thing about Jaipur is that you can choose to spend as many days as you would like. While we could not visit the Jantar Mantar, the City Palace and just passed by Hawa Mahal – all these places are worth anyone’s time. Jaipur is tourist friendly and the food is flavorful. I have also heard of an exciting night life that the city offers.
Driving around, we also noticed the well-laid broad roads and the focus to keep it clean. People are helpful and you would not feel an outsider.
On our way back from Amer, we visited the Jal Mahal and the Birla Mandir. Albert Hall Museum that we visited before heading to Amer Fort had set the tone for our evening and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end our day in Jaipur.
Read about our day at Ranthambore and let me know what you want to know about?
happiness and food 
Wow! This post brought back memories when I visited the Amer fort years ago, when I was in college. Such beauty, the old world charm and the atmosphere of the place…makes you wish you had a time machine that could help you travel back in time to that fabulous era!
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Yes. I also wonder how would things be back then and may be living in such a fort. 😉
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Rajasthan is so breathtakingly beautiful and I do love visiting forts. It’s like getting a taste of how the kings and queens lived back then. The architecture was such a marvel. It’s amazing how they managed to keep the palaces cool and well-it without any of the modern-day conveniences. Oh and I agree wholeheartedly that one must always go with a guide. I love the stories they tell even though they may not all be true.
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Yes, with you there Tulika! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
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Wonderful post, Parul. This one brought back memories of our visit in late 2015/early 2016! Jaipur is very tourist-friendly I totally agree and I guess it is and will always remain one of my most favourite cities of all times. The memories of my 3 years’ stay in Jaipur might also have something substantial to contribute to that feel-good factor I think. 🙂
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I did not know you lived in Jaipur. I’m sure you feel connected to the city. Thank you Esha!
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Jaipur is one of my favourite cities to visit. I love the forts and palaces, the markets and monuments, and the people! Loved the photographs and the memories that this post brought back!
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Thank you Shinjini! 🙂
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I have such fond memories of Jaipur. Have visited twice and was impressed each time. Along with the regal monuments, the food is another big highlight.
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Could not agree more. Food is amazing in Rajasthan. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Rachna!
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Glad you made the most out of your short trip to Jaipur, Parul.
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Thank you Arvind and next time, you will guide me 🙂
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Certainly. will be happy to do so 🙂
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Loved reading this post as it refreshed my memories of Jaipur the pink city. loved the photos.
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Thank you Nima! Every time I read a post about a place I have visited, I also feel very good.
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Have not been to Jaipur and it is on my priority list of must-see places, Parul. The photos are stunning. I love watching travel channels on TV and Rajasthan is so very gorgeous. The architecture is mind-blowing. I am sure seeing all these places must be even better than they look in the photos. What did you buy there? 🙂
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I agree. Very grand and beautiful. I couldn’t cover all. So I would love to go back. You will be surprised but I did not buy anything. Ha ha! I know it’s silly!
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I only got to visit Jaipur once during a quick event a few years ago. Never got to explore the place
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I know you are busy but when ever you get a chance, you just go. November- December is a great time.
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I too feel that one should go with experts to these places as they can tell stories that we may never know otherwise. Glad there’s a focus on cleanliness… It’s very much required in a lot of tourist destinations. Loved your travelogue 😊
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Thank you Raji! Yes, cleanliness is a must and India is sure slowly getting better. I only hope they manage the waste well too.
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This post brings nostagia to me of my Jaipur visit in Aug 2012. It was our first trip after D was born and this was the time he was beginning to walk a few steps with wobbly legs. I love going back to the photos from that trip. Amer fort is a real beauty. We missed Birla Mandir but we don’t mind missing temples and we couldn’t go inside Chokhi Dhani because there was no parking space available given the extreme rush of a long weekend and so we had to drive back to the hotel.
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Birla Mandir was beautiful and sure so big and white. May be next time. I have been to Chokhi Dani in Nagpur but not in Rajasthan. I think VT and I should explore more with food. 🙂
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When I visited, we weren’t allowed into Hawa Mahal. I want to go back to go in there. 🙂
I’d love to see Ranthambore here. Will come back. 🙂
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How I wish I could have seen Hawa Mahal well. But next time for sure. Thank you D. The Ranthambore post is ready and will go live in a day or lesser 🙂
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Such beautiful photographs! I’ve been to this city so many times, but it hasn’t lost its charm for me.
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Thank you Damyanti. I would say you are lucky that you have been there many times. 🙂
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I love Jaipur for its charm and warmth! One of the best cities I have ever visited in India.
Amer Fort was gorgeous! I love the way you describe your experiences, it takes me back there 🙂
Looking forward to your next one in this series.
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Thank you Soumya! I couldn’t explore Jaipur more but I would love to go back again. I loved your pictures too.
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