Heritage :

Temples:

Govind Devji Temple : The most popular spire less temple of Jaipur dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located in the central pavilion of the Jai Niwas Garden to the north of Chandra Mahal. The image of the patron deity-Govind Devji, originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh II as his family deity.

Galta ji : An ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills. Temples, pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and reservoirs) along with lush landscape make it a delightful spot. The small temple of the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak is visible from all parts of the city.

Jain Temple : The exquisite jain temple on the Agra road has some of the most beautiful 19th century paintings in Jaipur style on its walls.

Moti Doongari and Birla Temple : Moti Doongari is a privately owned hilltop fort built like a Scottish castle. The Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the marvelous Lakshmi Narayan Temple built in marbles a few years back, are also noteworthy.

Forts :

Amber : Former capital of the Kachhwaha rulers of the old state of Dhundhar for seven centuries.A beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries still stand in magnificent state. The palace complex emerges dramatically from the placid waters of the Maotha Lake and is approachable only through a steep path.
A spectacular pillared hall - Diwan-e-Aam and a double storied painted gateway. Ganesh Pole dominate the from courtyard, An elegant tiny garden in Charbagh style beyond the corridors, has Sukh Niwas to its right and Jas Mandir to its left. The latter combines the Mughal and Rajput architecture seen in its beautiful interior with intricately carved Jali screens, delicate mirror and stucco work and painted and carved dadoes. The well proportioned Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Maotha Lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provides a spectacular view of the palaces above.

Nahargarh : Nahargarh cresting a hill about 600 ft. Above the city, the fort was built in 1734. The walls of the fort run along the ridge and within are architectural beauties like Hawa Mandir and Madhvendra Bhawan.

Jaigarh : One of the few military structures of medieval India, retaining its ancient splendor in palaces, gardens, reservoirs, a granary, an armory, a well planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban, one of the largest in the country having twenty feet long barrel and wheels nine feet in diameter, are preserved here. For a single shot from the cannon 100 Kg gun powder has to be pumped in. The extensive parkotas (walls), watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh dominate the western skyline.

Palaces :

Hawa Mahal : The 'Palace of Winds', built in 1799, by Maharaja Pratap Singh, is the most recognisable monument of Jaipur. The five storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with overhanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies to catch the cool breeze on a hot day, and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the street below.

City Palace : In the heart of the old city is former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and colored stones. Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers serve as guides.
The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chased handles, some of them inlaid with enamel and embellished with jewels and encased in magnificent scabbards.
The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh - II to study astronomy in detail.

Jal Mahal : The Island Palace, Jal Mahal built by Sawai Jai Singh-I, is a fascinating spot at the centre of the Man Sagar Lake.

Gardens :

Sisodia Rani Garden : It has tiered multilevel gardens with fountains, water channel and painted pavilions and suites of living rooms.

Ram Niwas Bagh : A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarium , a museum and popular sport ground. It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II in the 1868 A.D. as a famine relief project. The Albert Hall-fine example of Indo Sarcenic style of architecture designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, was opened later with an exquisite collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative wares, natural history specimen, and Egyptian mummy and the celebrated Persian carpet.

 

Ram Bagh : This luxurious palace was a garden gifted to one of the queens, before being converted into a royal guest house, the onluy palace in the world to have its own POLO FIELD.

Museums & Monuments :

Jantar Mantar (Observatory) : Built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the huge masonry instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dials still provide accurate time, which are subject to daily corrections.

Ishwar Lat : 'Swarga Suli' or 'heaven piercing minaret' is highest tower dominating the skyline of the western side of the Tripolia Bazaar. It was built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in 1749 A.D. to commemorate a grand victory. It offers one of the most breathtaking views of the city.

 

Gaitor : Near Nahargarh stand the memorials to the royal family of Jaipur, the place has some gracefully carved cenotaphs in white marble.

B.M. Birla Planetarium : The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual education and entertainment with its modern computerized projection system. For school groups concessions are available. Closed on last Wednesday of every month.