Jaipur, the pink city of Rajasthan, India

Jaipur, la ville rose du Rajasthan, en Inde.

If you are planning a visit to Jaipur, you cannot miss visiting the palaces that bear witness to the rich history and culture of this royal city. Let me give you more historical information about these fascinating palaces.

Jaipur is famous for its majestic forts and palaces, bustling bazaars and traditional handicrafts. Here is a list of top tourist spots to visit during your trip to Jaipur.

La Cité Palatiale

Located in the center of Jaipur, the Palace City was the residence of the Maharajas of Jaipur until 1949. The Palace City is a complex of buildings and courtyards, including gardens and temples. The complex is divided into several sections, each with its own architecture and style.

Visitors can visit the different sections of the Palace City, including the Palace of Chandra Mahal, which houses a museum, the Palace of Mubarak Mahal, which houses a collection of royal weapons and costumes, and the Palace of Diwan-i- Am, which was once the Maharaja's public audience hall.

The City Palace

The palace that I recommend you to visit is the City Palace, located in the heart of the old city of Jaipur. This palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century and is an outstanding example of Rajput architecture. The palace is a mix of Rajasthani and Mughal influences, with courtyards, gardens, pavilions and palaces decorated with magnificent murals and mirrors. It is home to many museums and art galleries that display artifacts and paintings from Jaipur's history. While visiting, be sure to see the Mubaraka Mahal, which houses the largest collection of royal costumes in India.

Hawaii Mahal

I advise you to visit is the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds. This magnificent palace was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and is famous for its pink sandstone facade with many latticework windows. These were designed to allow the women of the royal court to observe city life without being seen. The palace is an outstanding example of Rajput architecture, with its beautifully decorated columns, arches and balconies. You can climb to the top of the palace to enjoy stunning views of the city.

Located in the center of Jaipur, the Palace City was the residence of the Maharajas of Jaipur until 1949. The Palace City is a complex of buildings and courtyards, including gardens and temples. The complex is divided into several sections, each with its own architecture and style.

Visitors can visit the different sections of the Palace City, including the Palace of Chandra Mahal, which houses a museum, the Palace of Mubarak Mahal, which houses a collection of royal weapons and costumes, and the Palace of Diwan-i-Am, which was once the Maharaja's public audience hall.

The City Palace

The palace that I recommend you to visit is the City Palace, located in the heart of the old city of Jaipur. This palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century and is an outstanding example of Rajput architecture. The palace is a mix of Rajasthani and Mughal influences, with courtyards, gardens, pavilions and palaces decorated with magnificent murals and mirrors. It is home to many museums and art galleries that display artifacts and paintings from Jaipur's history. While visiting, be sure to see the Mubaraka Mahal, which houses the largest collection of royal costumes in India.

Hawa Mahal

I advise you to visit is the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds. This magnificent palace was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and is famous for its pink sandstone facade with many latticework windows. These were designed to allow the women of the royal court to observe city life without being seen. The palace is an outstanding example of Rajput architecture, with its beautifully decorated columns, arches and balconies. You can climb to the top of the palace to enjoy stunning views of the city.

The story behind the Panna Meena stairs is shrouded in mystery and legends. Some say they were built by a lady named Panna Meena, who wanted to create an easier path for her children to get to school. Other legends suggest that the stairs were built to make it easier for women to access the water from the nearby lake, unseen by men.

Whatever the real story behind the stairs of Panna Meena ?

These stairs offer a unique experience and a different perspective on the architecture and history of Jaipur. The stairs are often uncrowded, making it a favorite spot for photographers and adventurers. But be careful when climbing them though, as they can be quite steep and slippery in wet weather. The guide I met had also explained to me that the locals use it as a swimming pool when it's hot and there's water in it.

The Jantar Mantar

The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory located in Jaipur. Built in 1734, the observatory is one of five observatories built by Maharaja Jai ​​Singh II. The Jantar Mantar is known for its large astronomical instruments, such as the sundial and the astrolabe.

Visitors can walk around the observatory and discover the different instruments.

Galta Temple

Also known as the "Monkey Temple", is a Hindu temple located about 10 kilometers east of Jaipur. It is built in a green valley and surrounded by hills. It is famous for the hundreds of monkeys that live there in freedom. Monkeys are considered sacred and an integral part of the temple. Visitors can observe the monkeys playing, feeding and bathing in the pools of sacred water.

Surya Mandir Temple, also known as "Galta Monkey Temple", is located next to Galta Temple. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Surya, the sun god. It is also surrounded by monkeys and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the city of Jaipur.

Both of these temples are popular destinations for tourists due to their unique architecture and spiritual atmosphere, as well as the presence of these many monkeys in the area. However, it is important to note that visitors should be careful and respectful of the monkeys, as they can be aggressive if they feel threatened or provoked.