Amber Fort
This fort is a fine instance of what the gallant Rajputs were like – militant, adventurous, and self-indulgent. The best hilltop forts in India, its firm exteriors emerge out of the rugged hills with mighty gates, temples, ornate halls, palaces, gardens. Interestingly, there is a ramp to the hilltop that is more used by decorated elephants to carry visitors up there, making the ride so memorable. The splendid fort is a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, built in 16th century that is a reminder of exotic craftsmanship and imaginations of its noble rulers.
Hawa Mahal
This multi-layered palace is certainly the best-known monument with its magical and fancy architecture. Despite its gigantic size, this beehive like structure looks light and airy, good enough to get blown by the slightest wind. Standing out of a bustling Bazaar, this reddish-pink palace, marked with white borders and motifs, will remind you of Jaipur’s colourful history. With sandstone windows and arched roofs, the palace is a classic instance of the royal era that sketches this Pink City.
City Palace
A fine blend of Rajasthan and Mughal architecture, this massive complex occupies one seventh of the walled city. Divided into a chain of courtyards resting on lavish gardens, it shelters several grand structures.
The 'Mubarak Mahal' holds the textile section, which has magnificent brass door leading to the ‘Diwan-I-Khas’ that’s an open hall with a double rows of arched columns. Resting calmly there, are two largest silver vessels in the world that were used for carrying water from the holy Ganges to England. Across a paved square lie Afghan and Persian carpets, miniature paintings, astronomical manuscripts and the Ridhi Sidhi Pol with four doorways depicting the four seasons.
The graceful 'Chandra Mahal' is home to the present Maharaja of Jaipur blessed with traditional paintings, floral decorations, mirror walls and ceilings and, interestingly, two of its storeys form a museum.
'Sukh Nivas' holds the drawing and dining room furnished with Mughal miniatures, European silver, glass dining tables and peep holes decorated with gold leafs.
The 'Shobha Nivas' has mirrored walls with exquisite blue tiled and glittering gold leaf decor.
The 'Chhavi Nivas' possesses a polished floor of eggshell plaster with blue and white painted walls while the ‘Mukut Mahal’ offers a magnificent view of the rugged hills.
Opposite the 'Badal Mahal' lies the Govind Devji temple that faces a delightful system of fountains on a paved path.
Jantar Mantar
The largest marble observatory in the World, it is one of the five astronomical observatories built around 1727 and 1733 with an unusual collection of astronomical instruments. It still provides accurate information that can be compared with today's modern instruments. The setup and shape of this marvel depicts the speciality of Medieval Indian Astronomy. The prime attraction here is the sun dial that stands surrounded by 14 other instruments that measure time and predict eclipses and other astronomical events.
Albert Hall
Amidst lavish gardens surrounded by pools and fountains and rows of flowerbeds stands this exceptional hall, built in 1886 AD resembling Indo-Saracenic style. The majestic structure protects a vast collection of century-old paintings, exquisite jewelry, chiselled brasswares, pottery and natural stones, ivory goods, metal sculptures and crystal works. Among these objects that display Rajasthani styles, features an Egyptian mummy accompanied by the Doll Museum that exhibits dolls and toys of different countries representing their culture and tradition.
Jal Mahal
Most build castles in the air but this one was built on water, amidst the shimmering Man Sagar Lake. Embraced by the Nahargarh hills, this pleasure palace is renowned for its outstanding architecture and intelligent design. This five-story palace, with the first four floors submerged under water, is also visited by a large number of local and migratory birds. This explains why the palace was once used for regal duck shooting parties.
Sanganer
Entry to this city is through two massive gates, which will lead you to an appealing zone of medieval ruins, ancient temples and meaningful cultural roots. Legendary for its skilled artisans, its crafts industry produces the finest hand made papers and hand printed textiles in delicate designs and bright colours. It is also famed for small floral prints that were traditionally used by the royal court. A unique aspect of these prints is that the colorful patterns are always laid out on white backgrounds. And amid all this coloured fame are a gathering of gracefully carved Jain temples.
Tonk
This elegant place is popular for its magnificent mosques and mansions of the Mughal era. Radiantly standing out is the Golden Mansion with stunningly lavish golden polished interiors and walls beautified with glass works and flower paintings. Literature-lovers will be delighted at the huge library that has a great collection of Arabic and Persian manuscripts. The Jama Masjid, built in 1246 AD, is yet another charm with its gigantic towers that represents Mughal style. Shoppers can feast on a wide range of items that the leather industry crafts in this tiny decent town of rich cultural heritage.
Bagru
Famous not for forts or palaces but for block printing on textile, a tradition that has been kept alive for centuries. The craftsmen here are among those few who still use traditional vegetable dyes; blue is got from indigo, greens from indigo mixed with pomegranate rinds, red from madder root and yellow from turmeric. With simple floral patterns but colorfully bold, Bagru churns out some of the most gorgeous designs that has put this sleepy little town on the international fashion map.
Samode
Renowned for its stunning mansions and forts, it’s a perfect end for those who value heritage and local arts. What will capture your attention most is the striking Samode Palace with its rich decor. Around four hundred years old now, this old Palace now a Heritage Hotel, its interiors are matched with warm colored walls, delicate marble work, colorful patterns and traditional art objects. The highlight inside is the Durbar Hall that showcases mirror and enamel work. And not just that, the fort is yet another attraction atop a hill that reveals luxury, elegance and taste with a spectacular view of the town below. While day time can also be spent moving around the village on a camel to experience local traditions affectionate hospitality, evenings are best spent with folk dances and live music performances.
Abhaneri
Admired for its amazing step wells and the Harshat Mata temple, this city of brightness is now in ruins. The wells are a unique native invention for harvesting rain water. Amongst them, Chand Baori, the deepest one, is the most elegant with its gigantic size delicately carved. Touching this well is the Harshat Mata temple, which glows with the architectural and sculptural elegance of ancient India. Abhaneri has an amazing past and the ancient appeal of the place is what attracts many from all over the world.
Ramgarh Lake
It’s a vast manmade lake that lies touched by the ruins of an old fort and the Jamwa Mata temple. Built on a high bank enclosed by green hills, the scenic landscape can be enjoyed with boating, fishing, trekking or driving into the nearby forest. Your visit would be unfinished without touring into the carpet village and the marble mine or visiting the Ramgarh Lodge, which has a museum and a library. Now transformed into a heritage hotel, it has an collection of facilities like swimming pool, business center and recreational facilities, among others
Jaigarh Fort
This spectacular fort, located atop a thorn-scrub hill, leaves a firm impact on its spectator. Not as artistic as others, but it has many structures of medieval India ranging from palaces, granary, cannon foundry, several temples and a tall tower.
Nahargarh Fort
Built in 1868, it stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the pink city of Jaipur with breath taking views. Though partially in ruins now, the rooms in its nine apartments are linked by corridors and have some delicate paintings.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple
This architectural wonder was built by Birla Group of Industries, a well-known name in the corporate sector of India. Made in pure white marble, this majestic temple is renowned for its lavish sculptures absorbed from mythological themes.
Choki Dhani
A five star ethnic village resort, the whole of Rajasthan can be experienced here. The delightful experience is made complete with accommodation in ethnic huts, traditional food, and being part of the folk music and dance performances.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh
Built in 1728, this enchanting garden is packed with beautiful fountains, pools and some amazing pieces of sculpture. Interestingly, it is now a charming place fit for marriage parties and other functions amid the royal and splendid atmosphere.