Visiting Jaipur ‘The Pink City’ in India: Forts, Markets and Food!

When I first stepped off the train in Jaipur I felt a jolt a adrenaline rush through my veins.  I had taken the train from Delhi with much anticipation.  As I gathered my backpack and jumped on rickshaw, little did I know at the time what kind of adventures would be in store for me as I first broke ground exploring the province of Rajasthan.

I had for years been anticipating a chance to tour around Rajasthan and I was finally manifesting my dream into reality.  Jaipur also known as the ‘The Pink City’ certainly didn’t disappoint and it even exceeded my initial high expectations.  Being the largest city & capital of Rajasthan it has a lot to offer those who are lucky enough to visit.  Because of its impressive Forts, monuments and floating Palace it’s often been referred to as the Paris of India.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Jaipur is that it was India’s first planned city when it was formed by Sawai Jai Singh.   Jaipur, known by many as the Pink City, has distinctly coloured buildings that were designed to resemble the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities.  When the Prince of Wales visited back in 1876 a fresh coating was plastered over the buildings to mark the occasion.

For those backpacking in India, Jaipur is a destination I recommend highly.  It’s a fascinating city, but even more importantly, it serves as ideal launching pad to explore the rest of Rajasthan.  The following photo essay offer a small sample from my journey back in 2010:

Visiting Jaipur: The Pink City In Rajasthan, India

A monkey leaps along the outside of this fort wall.  I was sure glad I brought my telephoto lens along with me.

Some Indian men perform an animated song to the delight of those watching.

A snake charmer performs a mesmerizing song just outside of the Fort.

This imposing tree stood tall in this Fort that I visited during my stay in the Pink City.

This is a shot of the Floating Palace (aka Jal Mahal or Water Palace) – Jaipur, India

A man sits outside on the ledge with has basket of crispy flat-bread – Jaipur, India

An Indian man with a distinct face and headdress posers at the Fort – Jaipur, India.

An India lady strolls down the street in her colourful and distinct red sari.

An overhead perspective shot at night of Jaipur as it shines brightly.

An Indian man demonstrates how he makes elephant dye imprints – Jaipur, India.

A group of Indian boys are delighted to see me and pose for a group shot.

A candid discussion between these two Indian men on the streets of Jaipur, India.

Some various forms of pottery and trinkets on display at the market.

Two Indian boys pose with their goat on the bustling streets of Jaipur, India.

Three wise men sit down to share a conversation.

A man hauls and enormous load of tires on the back of his rickshaw.

Top Attractions In Jaipur, Rajasthan

1. Amber Fort

Amber Fort, also known as Amer Fort, is a stunning example of Rajasthani architecture. Built with pale yellow and pink sandstone, the fort is divided into four sections, each with its own courtyard. Visitors are mesmerized by the Sheesh Mahal, a hall adorned with intricate mirror work, and the Maota Lake below the fort.

• Why It’s Unique: Beyond its beauty, Amber Fort offers elephant rides to the entrance and captivating sound and light shows that recount its royal history.

2. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)

The Hawa Mahal stands out with its remarkable honeycomb structure, featuring 953 small windows (called jharokhas) adorned with intricate latticework. Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, it allowed royal women to observe the street below without being seen.

• Why It’s Unique: The breeze (hawa) flowing through the lattice windows gives the palace its name. Its pink sandstone facade creates a picturesque backdrop for any traveler in the bustling old city of Jaipur.

3. City Palace

Located in the heart of Jaipur, City Palace is a sprawling complex that includes museums, courtyards, and royal residences. The Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal are the two main palaces, with Chandra Mahal still serving as the royal family’s residence.

• Why It’s Unique: Visitors can tour the royal chambers and view collections of Rajasthani costumes, weaponry, and artifacts, showcasing the city’s regal heritage.

4. Jantar Mantar

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734. It features 19 large-scale astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial.

• Why It’s Unique: Jantar Mantar demonstrates ancient India’s advanced understanding of celestial movements. The instruments still function accurately, making it a marvel of ancient scientific achievement.

5. Jal Mahal (Water Palace)

Jal Mahal is a beautiful palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Constructed from red sandstone, it appears to float on water. While the interior isn’t open to the public, boat rides offer visitors a closer look at this architectural wonder.

• Why It’s Unique: The four submerged levels of the palace make it appear as though it’s floating. Its reflection in the calm lake waters, especially during sunset, makes for a spectacular sight.

6. Nahargarh Fort

Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Nahargarh Fort offers panoramic views of Jaipur. Once a retreat for the royal family, the fort’s secluded location and serene atmosphere make it a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle.

• Why It’s Unique: Nahargarh’s charm lies in its quiet beauty, with its walls glowing during sunset. The fort’s architecture is simpler than Amber and Jaigarh but exudes elegance and history.

7. Jaigarh Fort

Located atop the same hill range as Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort is known for housing the Jaivana Cannon, the world’s largest wheeled cannon. Built primarily as a military fort, it offers a glimpse into Jaipur’s defense strategies.

• Why It’s Unique: The fort’s underground water storage system and secret passages that connect it to Amber Fort add an air of mystery. The fort’s rugged beauty and military significance make it a fascinating stop.

8. Albert Hall Museum

Albert Hall Museum, the oldest museum in Rajasthan, houses an impressive collection of artifacts, from ancient sculptures and paintings to carpets and Egyptian mummies. The museum’s Indo-Saracenic architecture is as striking as the collection inside.

• Why It’s Unique: The museum’s exterior is beautifully lit at night, making it a must-see after sundown. Inside, you can explore relics from Rajasthan’s past and marvel at the 19th-century design.

9. Galtaji Temple (Monkey Temple)

Located in a tranquil valley, Galtaji is a temple complex known for its natural springs and sacred water tanks, where pilgrims bathe. The temple is also home to hundreds of playful monkeys, making it a unique spiritual site.

• Why It’s Unique: The combination of its religious significance and the playful monkeys makes it an unusual but memorable visit. Its location in the Aravalli Hills adds to its peaceful ambiance.

10. Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple)

Birla Mandir, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi, is a striking modern temple made of white marble. The temple’s intricate carvings of Hindu deities and historical figures are stunning.

• Why It’s Unique: Unlike the ancient forts and palaces of Jaipur, Birla Mandir is relatively new, yet its architecture and serene setting make it one of the city’s highlights, especially during evening prayers.

What To Eat In Jaipur

1. Dal Baati Churma

This iconic dish is a staple of Rajasthani cuisine. It consists of dal (lentils) served with baati (hard, round bread), and churma, a sweet crumbled bread dessert. The combination of savory lentils, buttery baati, and sweet churma makes for a delightful contrast of flavors.

• Why It’s Unique: The mix of textures and flavors in this dish showcases the true essence of Rajasthani food. It’s both satisfying and nourishing, making it a must-try.

2. Laal Maas

For meat lovers, Laal Maas is a fiery Rajasthani mutton curry cooked with red chili paste, garlic, and other spices. The bold, spicy flavors of this dish are tempered with a smoky richness, making it a favorite for those who enjoy strong, robust tastes.

• Why It’s Unique: This dish has a deep historical connection to Rajasthan’s hunting culture. The use of local Mathania chilies gives it its distinct fiery taste.

3. Gatte Ki Sabzi

A popular vegetarian dish, Gatte Ki Sabzi features gram flour dumplings cooked in a spicy yogurt-based gravy. The unique preparation of gatte (dumplings) makes this dish both flavorful and satisfying.

• Why It’s Unique: The gram flour-based gatte are full of flavor and texture, making this curry a distinct Rajasthani delight.

4. Pyaaz Kachori

Jaipur’s street food is incomplete without mentioning Pyaaz Kachori, a deep-fried pastry stuffed with spiced onions and served with tangy chutneys. Crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside, this is a beloved snack for both locals and tourists.

• Why It’s Unique: Available in nearly every market in Jaipur, it’s the perfect on-the-go snack to fuel your sightseeing adventures.

5. Ghewar

A quintessential Rajasthani dessert, Ghewar is a disc-shaped sweet made from flour, soaked in sugar syrup, and often topped with cream or nuts. It’s typically enjoyed during festivals like Teej and Raksha Bandhan but can be found year-round.

• Why It’s Unique: This intricate dessert requires skilled preparation, and its crispy, honeycomb texture makes it a standout treat in Jaipur.

6. Ker Sangri

Ker Sangri is a traditional dish made from dried berries (ker) and beans (sangri), cooked with an assortment of spices. Known for its tangy, slightly bitter flavor, this dish is often served with bajra roti (millet flatbread).

• Why It’s Unique: This dish is a testament to Rajasthan’s arid landscape, where these desert-grown ingredients were staples for survival.

7. Mirchi Bada

Another street food favorite, Mirchi Bada consists of large green chilies stuffed with spicy potato filling, coated in gram flour batter, and deep-fried. It’s crunchy, spicy, and extremely addictive.

• Why It’s Unique: The use of large green chilies as the main ingredient makes this snack stand out, especially for spice lovers.

8. Mawa Kachori

This sweet variation of the kachori is stuffed with a mixture of mawa (sweetened condensed milk solids) and dried fruits. It’s deep-fried and then soaked in sugar syrup for a delightful, indulgent treat.

• Why It’s Unique: The combination of crispy pastry and sweet, creamy filling makes this dessert a special part of Rajasthani cuisine.

9. Bajre Ki Roti and Lashun Ki Chutney

Bajre Ki Roti is a flatbread made from millet flour, often served with a spicy garlic chutney known as Lashun Ki Chutney. This combination is simple yet packed with flavor, reflecting the heartiness of Rajasthani food.

• Why It’s Unique: This traditional meal is packed with rustic flavors and highlights the use of local grains in the region’s cuisine.

10. Chokhi Dhani Experience

For a true taste of Rajasthan, visiting Chokhi Dhani, a traditional Rajasthani village resort, is a must. Here, you can enjoy an authentic Rajasthani thali, featuring a variety of local dishes like dal baati, ker sangri, and gatte ki sabzi, all served on a platter.

• Why It’s Unique: The immersive experience includes cultural performances, folk music, and camel rides, making it much more than just a meal—it’s a cultural journey through Rajasthan’s heritage.

Final Thoughts

The Pink City effortlessly combines grandeur and cultural richness. From the majestic Amber Fort to the tranquil Jal Mahal, each site trumpets Rajasthan’s royal past. Whether you’re exploring the forts, gazing at the stars in Jantar Mantar, or feeding monkeys at Galtaji, Jaipur is truly a unique destination.